Latest news with #DetroitPistons'
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Never have a shortage of guys': Scottie Pippen's ex-wife Larsa Pippen breaks silence on fling with Malik Beasley as fans call her out
Scottie Pippen and Larsa Pippen divorced in 2021.(Image via Sergi Alexander/Getty) Scottie Pippen, one of the most popular and talented players in the NBA, had a pretty tumultuous marriage with his ex wife, Larsa Pippen. The NBA legend had filed for divorce initially in 2016 but withdrew it only to legally separate in 2021. A year prior to their divorce, Larsa Pippen was spotted holding hands with newly married Detroit Pistons' Malik Beasley and it is safe to say that many were not impressed by this. Now, Larsa Pippen has finally spoken about it but it has not gone down too well with fans. Scottie Pippen's ex wife, Larsa Pippen, reveals why she chose to have a fling with Malik Beasley in 2020, sparking major outrage among fans Scottie Pippen's ex wife, Larsa Pippen, recently appeared on "The Jason Lee Show' where she spoke about why she got involved with Malik Beasley. The Real Housewives of Miami 's star, Larsa Pippen, confessed that COVID-19 had an influence on her personal life. Larsa Pippen said, 'I had Covid brain. I just had Covid. I was stuck in my house; I hadn't gone anywhere. He was there. He was like, on me ... like, 'let me come see you' ... and I thought ok, come see me.' The Real Housewives of Miami's star continued, 'Guys like me, I'm fun, good energy, I don't need s*** from anybody, I think that's appealing to a lot of guys … I never have a shortage of guys…' But that is not all; not only was Detroit Pistons' Malik Beasley newly married to Montana Yao back then, but also Beasley and Scottie and Larsa Pippen's son, Scotty Jr., were teammates in 2023 in the Los Angeles Lakers. Larsa Pippen reflected on that and said, 'They had a conversation when they were on the same team, and it was fine..." To make matters worse, Malik Beasley is just four years older than Larsa Pippen's son, Scotty Jr. Larsa Pippen's candid confession about her controversial fling with Malik Beasley has raised some eyebrows. A fan took to X and wrote, 'Gil was right she tarnishing that Pippen name and needs to go back to her maiden name', while another fan wrote, 'Accountability, are you there?' At the moment, Detroit Pistons' Malik Beasley's wife, Montana Yao, recently filed for divorce. Scottie Pippen is yet to react to the whole controversy surrounding his ex wife. Also Read: 'NBA soft as hell': Jayson Tatum trolled after hospital post goes viral following injury and surgery
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Pistons free agency: Naz Reid, Bobby Portis and 6 more players Detroit could target
The Detroit Pistons' season ended two weeks ago, and the landscape of the NBA's Eastern Conference is already shaping up to look different from when the Pistons were still playing. Rumors about the future of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo are swirling, while Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum ruptured his right Achilles and faces a lengthy recovery process. Advertisement Trajan Langdon, the Pistons' president of basketball operations, addressed reporters last week and was firm in his position to 'stay patient' and seek continuity within Detroit's roster. Langdon wouldn't divulge his priorities regarding free agency. Still, he was transparent about one thing: Hypothetically, if Detroit decides to take any big swings for an All-Star-level player, it would be via trade as opposed to free agency. Assuming the Pistons renounce the rights to Dennis Schröder, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed and Lindy Waters III's contracts, barring a trade, the franchise would have roughly $25 million in salary-cap space available, along with exceptions and minimums, to retool its roster. Beasley, who expressed his desire to return to the Pistons after their Game 6 loss to the New York Knicks, likely played himself into a more expensive salary than Schröder next season. Detroit's best chance to retain Beasley would be to use its nontaxpayer midlevel exception, projected to be about $14.1 million for the 2025-26 season. Beasley trailed only Anthony Edwards in made 3s during the regular season and was second in Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Payton Pritchard. Beasley also played a career-best 82 games, the only Detroit player this season to do so, and was the franchise's second-leading scorer, excluding Jaden Ivey, who was limited to 30 games because of a broken leg. As for Schröder, the Pistons have his early Bird rights, so the path to re-signing him is simpler than Beasley's. Detroit can offer Schröder a contract worth 175 percent of his previous salary. Schröder made $13,025,250 this season, which means the Pistons can offer him a starting salary of about $22.8 million next year. But it's highly unlikely it would take nearly that much to re-sign the veteran, as his highest-paid season came during his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, when he made $16 million. Considering Schröder fit in seamlessly with Detroit after being acquired in February, it makes sense that the Pistons would at least have conversations to gauge his interest in returning. Advertisement Both Schröder and Beasley averaged more points, rebounds and assists than Hardaway, but the 33-year-old guard started all 77 games he played this season. Barring the unexpected, Ivey will start at shooting guard next season, which makes Hardaway more expendable. He was a steady locker room presence but could figure to be the odd free agent out in this situation. Thanks to Hardaway's career 36.1 percent 3-point shooting on high volume, there should be a solid market for his skill set. Ron Holland II, after his first NBA offseason, should be eyeing the backup small forward role behind Ausar Thompson. Isaiah Stewart will regain his role as a defensive force on the second unit, able to slot in at the power forward or center. That being said, no Pistons player last season was listed at 7-feet tall, so Detroit's focus could be seeking out a center in free agency to allow Stewart to play his natural position. This list operates under the pretense that the Pistons may prioritize another frontcourt player with size, though a couple of backcourt players are noted. Here are eight players the Pistons could target in free agency this summer, ordered from best to worst fit. Of Pistons players to play at least 35 games this season, only Cade Cunningham and Beasley averaged more points than Reid, who played less than 30 minutes per game. Beasley and Marcus Sasser were the only two to have a higher 3-point percentage. The LSU product is fresh off career bests in points, rebounds and assists this season and can likely command more than his roughly $15 million contract he has the option to opt into. If Detroit uses its MLE and early Bird rights to re-sign Beasley and Schröder, the Pistons would have roughly $25 million in available cap to make an offer to Reid. Advertisement The big man fits Detroit's timeline in terms of the core's age, he's the prototypical 'stretch four,' and he's accustomed to coming off the bench. Tobias Harris has started in his last 586 games dating back to his first stint with the Pistons in 2017, so it's safe to assume he'll play out the final year of his contract as a starter. Reid would present Detroit with bench depth this upcoming season and a starting power forward with the ability to stretch the floor for Cunningham in the future. He's a three-level scorer who possesses a coveted skill set and would also be a nice scoring contrast to Jalen Duren's paint presence. Portis has been known to be a sparkplug off the bench and consistently energizes the crowd at Fiserv Forum, a quality that would make him endearing to the Detroit community. His numbers were not far off from Reid's, though Portis is four years older and managed his numbers in just under two fewer minutes than Reid. Portis also missed a large chunk of the season because of a suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy. Nonetheless, Portis is a proven stretch four as evidenced by his 38.3 percent 3-point percentage for his career. He'd be another veteran for a still young team and the only player on the roster already a champion. Portis' edge and toughness would be welcomed with open arms by the entire organization, plus he has extensive experience coming off the bench. Given the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks and Damian Lillard's recent Achilles injury, Portis could be inclined to opt out of his contract to test his market value. While Portis should have multiple suitors across the league, the Pistons should be able to make a competitive offer. Portis wouldn't be the long-term solution at power forward the way Reid would be. But there's no question about Portis providing the Pistons with a fringe starter. While the Memphis Grizzlies will ultimately have the final say on whether Aldama leaves in free agency, the Pistons are projected to have more cap space than the Grizzlies. Since Aldama is a restricted free agent, Memphis will be able to match any offer sheet that comes Aldama's way. And the Grizzlies have good reason to, considering Aldama averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage this season. He's the second-youngest player on this list, and he's essentially a 7-footer who shot almost 37 percent from beyond the arc. Advertisement Aldama is younger than Reid and Portis but has less NBA experience than both. He's rawer, but he could have more untapped potential as well. Aldama's youth and upside, coupled with what J.B. Bickerstaff could pull out of him, make Aldama worth serious consideration. He could come off the bench next season and, like Reid, be a long-term solution in the frontcourt alongside Duren. LeVert is still a formidable scorer and playmaker. Traded from Cleveland to Atlanta at the trade deadline, LeVert is an unrestricted free agent and in complete control of where he ends up next season. His primary purpose with this Detroit team would be to come off the bench to provide a scoring punch. If the Pistons bring back Beasley and Schröder, LeVert becomes a less desirable option, as Detroit still needs to prioritize the development of Holland. But depending on how negotiations go this summer between the Pistons and Schröder and Beasley, LeVert could be a dependable option. Watford may be the least-known name on the list, but he could also be the most intriguing. The Brooklyn Nets gave Watford a relatively short leash this season at roughly 21 minutes per game, but his numbers indicate he made the most of each of them. An expanded role in Detroit could give way to even more growth. The 24-year-old has started just 30 of his 217 games thus far during his four-year NBA career, so he'd be more suited to be a rotational player than a fringe starter like the players mentioned above. Watford, however, has increased his 3-point makes in each of his four seasons and appears to be becoming more comfortable offensively with increased opportunity. While Watford wouldn't be an initial needle-mover, he could forge his own, meaningful role with the second unit over time. First and foremost, Thomas is so low because he seems to be an offseason priority for the Nets. His scoring average has increased in each of his four seasons, and he has been Brooklyn's leading scorer the past two. Thomas would do the best job of any player on this list of alleviating scoring pressure off Cunningham, but it seems unlikely Brooklyn would let him slip away. Advertisement Considering Thomas' scoring numbers, although the Nets were a lottery team, he could command the most money of any player on this list as well. Thomas should have several suitors, even if the Pistons don't make an offer. Grimes has played for Detroit, though his tenure lasted six games. He went on a scoring tear after being dealt from the Dallas Mavericks to the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 21.9 points on 37.3 percent from the field over 28 games. It seems obvious that, with the unpredictability the Sixers have dealt with health-wise, Philadelphia will prioritize retaining Grimes. Like Thomas, Grimes is low on this list because of his importance to the franchise he ended the season with. Grimes would give the Pistons a scoring punch off the bench akin to Thomas, just with a bit more size. Adams rounds out the list because of his size, longevity and, most importantly, his play during the Houston Rockets' first-round series against the Golden State Warriors. Detroit wouldn't need much out of Adams, as he'd be the third big man in the rotation behind Duren and Stewart, but Adams is still a rebounding machine and a bigger body than any current Piston. He would likely be an inexpensive signing, but he'd add to the experience the veterans on Detroit's roster bring. Adams showed he still has more basketball left in him against the Warriors, so he's worth at least considering. (Top photo of Bobby Portis and Naz Reid: Brad Rempel / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I had a sinking feeling in my heart" - Bill Laimbeer felt Isiah Thomas deserved the Finals MVP over Joe Dumars in 1989
Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are regarded as the leaders of the Detroit Pistons' Bad Boys. The two guards powered the "Motor City" team to one of the best teams in the NBA from the mid-80s to the early 90s. Their collective intensity, coupled with their basketball talent, guided the likes of Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, and John Salley to unprecedented heights. But while the spotlight often shone on Dumars for his calm demeanor and Finals MVP trophy, Laimbeer had no doubt who really ran the show. For Laimbeer, the heart and soul of the Pistons wore No. 11. Will the real leader please stand up? But popular opinion doesn't always align with player opinion. In Laimbeer's eyes, Thomas was the true leader of the team. The Bad Boy philosophy mirrored "Zeke's" personality and style of play. This ferociousness inspired the Pistons to play with their hearts on their sleeve. So much so that when Dumars snagged the 1989 NBA Finals MVP, Laimbeer felt something was off. Advertisement "That he was voted MVP is insignificant," Laimbeer said in 1990, per the Los Angeles Times. "Because MVP is based on a five-game series. He is our MVP. If you ask anyone on our team or anyone who sees us, they'd all tell you." "This team is his personality. The determination and drive all revolve around him. The fact that Joe Dumars won the (NBA finals MVP in 1989) is great. We all felt happy for him, but I had a sinking feeling in my heart. It was sad for me because of all Isiah had done over the years. Now that he's won it, I feel so warm and happy for him," he added. Pistons' legendary point guard was labeled as a dirty player throughout his career, but the former Hoosier took it in stride and just played on. Thomas' brand of basketball was all about being physical, but not everyone subscribed to this. This made him a constant target of the media and other NBA players. This tarnished his reputation, but instead of folding, the Chicago native stuck to his guns. Related: "I got so much criticism because I was able to shoot" - Ewing on why he wishes he had come up in this era Tough love Laimbeer gravitated towards this philosophy simply because it was also how he operated. In one practice session, the center and point guard almost came to blows after Bill set a rough screen. Advertisement Isiah reportedly broke his hand after punching Laimbeer, but the two miraculously patched things up after a few days. Bill cleared the air, noting it was just a little tussle between two fierce competitors. "Oh, I would say, basically, competitiveness," Laimbeer said. "He's his own strong-willed personality; I'm my own strong-willed personality. Those things happen…Oh, we love each other. I mean, it's the bottom line that won't ever change." Perhaps the ultimate act of their camaraderie came in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals against the Chicago Bulls. After a heartbreaking 0-4 series loss to Michael Jordan and crew, Thomas, Laimbeer, and several other Pistons walked off the arena without shaking the Bulls' hands. They were criticized for their lack of sportsmanship. Even today, fans continue to castigate the Pistons bunch and paint them as the ultimate villains. Still, Laimbeer and Thomas continue to stand by their decision. Their philosophy, grounded on a blue-collar work ethic and an uncompromising attitude, lives on. That alone deserves respect. Related: "You can just go by winning record, right?" - Isiah Thomas reluctantly included Michael Jordan in his top-five toughest-ever opponents
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff finishes second in Coach of the Year voting
J.B. Bickerstaff finished second in NBA Coach of the Year voting, the league announced May 5. The Detroit Pistons' coach was a transformational leader in his first season with the organization, helping the team become the first in league history triple its win total in an 82-game season for a 44-38 finish and first-round exit to the New York Knicks. The franchise won two playoff games, snapping a 13-game postseason losing streak dating to 2008. Advertisement More: 4 questions for Pistons this offseason: Free agents to prioritize, the big swing They emerged as one of the top defensive teams in the league, embracing an identity that clicked with fans and delivered their best season in nearly two decades. 'The way we play is his brand of basketball, and his attitude,' Tim Hardaway Jr. said in March. 'He's done an amazing job of giving guys that confidence, giving guys that ability to go out there and compete on both ends of the floor, no matter if you make a mistake here or there or multiple mistakes in a row. "As long as you're competing and moving on to the next play, that's all he cares about." Advertisement Bickerstaff received 305 total points, including 31 first-place votes. Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson, who led them to an Eastern Conference-best 64 wins, won the award with 401 points and 59 first-place votes. Houston Rockets head coach Ike Udoka finished third with 133 total points and seven first-place votes. Follow the Pistons all year long with the best coverage at Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). Stay connected and stay informed. Become a Detroit Free Press subscriber. Advertisement Submit a letter to the editor at and we may publish it online or in print. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff finishes second in Coach of the Year voting
Sydney Morning Herald
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Australia's ‘Great Barrier Thief' makes history with major NBA award
Bendigo-raised basketballer Dyson Daniels has become the first Australian to win an open NBA award after claiming the most improved award on Thursday. Daniels, who was nicknamed the 'Great Barrier Thief' by US fans for his defensive prowess, earned 332 votes to beat the Los Angeles Clippers' Ivica Zubak on 186 and the Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham on 122. The award, named the George Mikan Trophy, has previously been won by the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tracy McGrady, Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love. Ben Simmons won the rookie of the year award in 2017-2018 and was the first Australian to be named an All-Star, but Daniels' honour is the first time an Australian has won an award open to everyone in the NBA. Daniels also came close to snatching the NBA defensive player of the year award when he finished second to Cleveland big man Eric Mobley. The 22-year-old led the NBA in steals this season while making dramatic improvements in scoring, rebounds and assists. 'You've got to separate yourself somehow and I've done that on the defensive end of the floor,' Daniels said. He arrived in Atlanta as part of the trade that sent high-scoring guard Dejounte Murray to New Orleans last year. Daniels has flourished at the Hawks as a scoring complement to Trae Young. Daniels led the NBA with 229 steals, the most since Seattle's Gary Payton had 231 in the 1995-96 season.
