Latest news with #DefensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers to sign Christian Koloko, Chris Manon to two-way contracts
After getting former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to agree to sign a two-year contract, the Los Angeles Lakers made a couple more minor roster moves on Monday. During NBA summer league play, they got a look at some of their young players. Guard Bronny James, after a slow start, put forth some promising play on both ends of the court, and forward Darius Bazley played some high-energy basketball until he suffered a leg injury in the team's penultimate game. On Monday, the Lakers decided to sign center Christian Koloko and wing Chris Manon to two-way contracts. Koloko was with them during summer league play, while Manon suited up for the Golden State Warriors. Koloko was a second-round draft pick in 2022 after three seasons at the University of Arizona. He missed all of the 2022-23 season due to a blood clot issue, and in 37 games with the Lakers this past season, he averaged 2.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.4 blocks in 9.2 minutes a game. While in the G League, he put up 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per contest. He had originally signed with L.A. on a two-way contract last summer. Manon, who went undrafted in last month's NBA draft, averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 steals in 18.1 minutes a game during the Las Vegas summer league. He isn't a 3-point shooting threat, but at 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he hustles and plays hard on the defensive end and has a strong motor. On Sunday, the Lakers waived guard Jordan Goodwin, whom they had called up from the G League at midseason. Perhaps Manon will essentially be Goodwin's replacement as far as a high-motor wing they will look to develop.
USA Today
13 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Browns CB Denzel Ward earns acclaim from NFL personnel
As long-time Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward prepares to start his eighth NFL season, he still finds himself viewed as one of the NFL's very best. On Thursday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrapped up his annual positional top ten lists, compiled from polling the opinions of the league's coaches, executives, and scouts, and the final installment ranking the NFL's cornerbacks featured a pleasant surprise with Ward landing at No. 3. The high ranking is a strong endorsement for Ward, as he ranked only behind reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who was given a record-setting extension in March. Even as the Browns' defense took a step back last season from the phenomenal highs the unit displayed in 2023, Ward maintained his usual high level of play and earned the fourth Pro Bowl selection of his career. Here is what one NFL defensive coach had to say about Ward: "Really good feet, smooth, comfortable with the ball in the air… he's been good for a long time. Has God-given talent that you can't really match." 2025 marks the sixth straight year that Ward has ranked within the top ten of Fowler's survey, a testament to how consistent the former fourth-overall pick has been for the Browns defense.
New York Post
15 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Bengals owner expresses optimism in Trey Hendrickson contract saga: ‘We will get it done'
The Trey Hendrickson contract saga with the Bengals could finally be close to the finish line. Bengals owner Mike Brown spoke to the media Monday about the ongoing contract drama between the team and its All-Pro edge rusher on the eve of mandatory training camp. 'We will get it done at some point, I think,' Brown told reporters. 'I think we are in a good spot. I hope this thing comes together soon.' 4 Trey Hendrickson has disputed with the Bengals for his contract throughout the entire offseason. AP Hendrickson is currently under a one-year, $15.8 million contract — much to his displeasure. The 30-year-old led the NFL last season with 17.5 sacks, was named First Team All-Pro and was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, only behind Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Hendrickson has had at least 13.5 sacks in four of his last five seasons and has made the Pro Bowl for four straight seasons. The All-Pro edge rusher has been outspoken about his desire for a new contract, and Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt's record-breaking three-year, $123 million extension last week certainly added fuel to Hendrickson's fire. 4 Trey Hendrickson has totaled 35 sacks across the last two seasons. AP Hendrickson has criticized the Bengals' lack of communication, expressed unwillingness to play under his current deal and skipped voluntary workouts. His decision to miss mandatory minicamp in June resulted in fines totaling more than $100,000. But as badly as Hendrickson wants his new contract, Brown would like to retain the superstar. 'We are not going to trade Trey. We are working on getting it done,' he said. 4 Hendrickson takes down former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Bill Kostroun/New York Post Clearly, one side will have to budge. 'We've been through a few — and he pushes hard, he gets emotional,' Brown said of the negotiations with Hendrickson. 'We never have an easy time of it. And if there's one thing that is consistent, it always gets done. I think this one will too.' While Cincinnati has awarded long-term deals to quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the contract disputes with defenders appear to be becoming a theme. 4 Hendrickson spoke to reporters in May about his contract dispute. AP Bengals draft pick and fellow defensive end Shemar Stewart is the only first-rounder still unsigned since the 2025 NFL Draft in April. 'He needs to be here. I would encourage him to be here,' Bengals executive Duke Tobin said. 'He's listening to the advice he's paying for (from his agents). I don't understand the advice … We're treating him fairly.'
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"Stop the bulls*it man" - Kevin Durant's brother says Draymond Green is better than Dennis Rodman
"Stop the bulls*it man" - Kevin Durant's brother says Draymond Green is better than Dennis Rodman (Image Source: Getty Images) A heated NBA debate has gone viral after a bold comment from Kevin Durant's brother, Tony Durant. The question causing all the buzz is whether Dennis Rodman is truly better than Draymond Green. The conversation blew up online, after fans began comparing the two. Things took a wild turn when Tony jumped in with strong words that surprised many. Now, fans and analysts everywhere are weighing in on the intense claim. A heated take from Kevin Durant's brother lights up the internet On July 19, a strong opinion from Tony Durant, brother of NBA star Kevin Durant, sparked a heated online debate. It happened during a public conversation about NBA legends on X. Fans were talking about whether former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman is better than former Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green. (Image Source: Instagram) That's when Tony Durant made a bold statement, saying, 'Rodman isn't better than no f***ing Draymond Green, stop the bulls*** man.' The quote quickly went viral. Tony Durant steps in after Dennis Rodman vs Draymond Green talk online The comment was posted by Tony Durant on X on Friday, July 19, after a viral video reignited comparisons between Dennis Rodman and Draymond Green. The clip featured Draymond Green himself defending his legacy. In the video, Green says he believes he's one of the best defenders in the NBA and deserves more respect. The video was shared by ClutchPoints and widely discussed. Soon after, the internet got divided. Some NBA fans stood by Rodman, calling him a 'rebound king' who played key roles in the 1990s Chicago Bulls championships. Others supported Draymond Green, saying he played a major part in all four of the Golden State Warriors' NBA titles since 2015. Tony Durant stepped into the discussion and didn't hold back. In his tweet, he said, 'Dennis Rodman not better than no f***ing Draymond Green.' This bold claim caused a wave of reactions. Many fans, analysts, and former players chimed in. While some agreed, others strongly disagreed. A few mentioned how Rodman had two Defensive Player of the Year awards and led the league in rebounds for seven straight seasons. Green has always been outspoken about his value to the Warriors. On his The Draymond Green Show, he has often shared how much he studies the game and understands its flow. Also Read: NBA appeals to Supreme Court for clarity on Video Privacy Protection Act Dennis Rodman hasn't said anything about the tweet so far. Draymond Green, who still plays for the Golden State Warriors, hasn't reacted either. Right now, fans all over the internet are still going back and forth, trying to decide who's better - Rodman or Draymond. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What the experts are saying about Marcus Smart coming to the Lakers
When free agency started across the NBA a few weeks ago, things didn't look good for the Los Angeles Lakers. They promptly lost key 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets, and while they signed forward Jake LaRavia, he isn't seen as a complete replacement for Finney-Smith, especially on the defensive end. But later on, the Lakers started to do better. They signed Deandre Ayton, a very skilled center who should also address their rebounding problems, while retaining Jaxson Hayes, who will now be their backup 5. On Saturday, they got former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to agree to join them on a two-year, $11 million contract after he agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards. Suddenly, it looks like the Lakers have assembled a very strong roster, even if it isn't a championship-caliber one. Smart has been riddled by injuries over the last two years, but many feel he will be an excellent addition to a Lakers team that has badly needed high-level perimeter defense and toughness. Experts are saying that L.A. is getting a game-changer in Smart. David Yapkowitz of ClutchPoints gave the acquisition a B-plus grade and pointed out how the guard's defense will help. "While Smart might not be the tallest guard out there, he's made up for it with his tenacity on the defensive end," Yapkowitz wrote. "He's able to guard multiple positions due to his strength and defensive instincts. And he's the only guard who's won the Defensive Player of the Year Award since Gary Payton in 1996. "Smart can excel in different ways defensively including his ability to switch and to be the primary point of attack defender. For that reason, it's possible that Smart could be an option to start alongside Austin Reaves in the backcourt." Yapkowitz added that had it not been for Smart's health issues recently, he would've given this acquisition an A grade. Kevin Pelton of ESPN gave the move a B grade, but he seems a little less bullish on Smart. "The big question is what Smart the Lakers are getting," Pelton wrote. "He struggled during the first half of last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, shooting just 36% before the Grizzlies moved him to Washington at the deadline for expiring contracts. "Smart played just 39 games during two seasons in Memphis after dealing with multiple injuries and failing to make the same impact at either end as he did with the Celtics. "... I would have preferred De'Anthony Melton in a 3-and-D role for the Lakers' backcourt. If Melton is headed elsewhere -- he's been linked to rejoining the Golden State Warriors after ACL surgery ended his brief Warriors stint last season -- then bringing in Smart at a bargain deal is a reasonable plan B for Los Angeles." Vishwesha Kumar of Fadeaway World also gave the Smart acquisition a B grade and wrote about how the 31-year-old can become an X-factor for Los Angeles. "While not an offensive threat, Smart's defensive intensity, switchability, and toughness offer traits the Lakers lacked on the perimeter," Kumar wrote. "He also brings a winning mentality and championship experience, having played a major role in Boston's Finals run a few years ago. Perhaps most importantly, Luka Doncic reportedly recruited Smart to the Lakers, understanding the value of having someone who can take on tough guard assignments and allow him to focus more on offense. "Smart may not be a starter, but in a playoff series, he could be the kind of piece who swings momentum with hustle plays and clutch stops. ... Smart adds grit, defense, and leadership." The biggest key will be whether Smart avoids a significant injury this coming season after playing in just 54 games the past two seasons. If he does stay relatively healthy, he could become a major glue guy for the Purple and Gold, as he is also a solid secondary ball-handler and facilitator.
