Latest news with #MiamiHeat


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Lakers Rumor: Dalton Knecht's Trade Value Reportedly Tanks After Disappointing Summer League Showing With Los Angeles
Miami Heat's smart trade strategy puts Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht in spotlight (Image Source: Getty Images) The NBA Summer League can either showcase a young player's potential or expose their flaws—and for Dalton Knecht , it was the latter. Once seen as a promising asset with first-round trade value, Knecht's underwhelming performance in Las Vegas has caused his stock to nosedive. Now, the Los Angeles Lakers are left with a player whose market appeal has faded fast. Dalton Knecht's Journey From Draft Steal to Trade Bait When the Lakers selected Dalton Knecht with the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, it was widely regarded as a savvy move. He entered the league after a breakout season at Tennessee, with great size, shooting range, and a scorer's mindset. Some even believed he could be a central piece in future trades for established talent. But those high expectations quickly clashed with on-court reality. Summer League Struggles for Knecht Rather than cementing his value, Knecht's Summer League stint raised serious doubts. - Inefficient Scoring: He averaged just 10.3 points over three games, shooting only 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc. - One Standout Game, Then Silence: A lone 25-point performance was overshadowed by poor shot selection and recurring defensive issues. - Minimal Impact Beyond Scoring: When his shot wasn't falling, Dalton Knecht struggled to contribute in other areas—failing to make a mark as a playmaker, rebounder, or defender. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo For a player drafted to be a shooting threat, this lack of versatility and efficiency was deeply concerning. How Knecht's Trade Value is in Free Fall League insiders have confirmed what many already feared: Knecht is no longer viewed as a first-round-level trade asset. Teams around the league now see him as a limited contributor with a niche role at best—hardly the type of player that moves the needle in major trade discussions. Why His Value Dropped - Age: At 24, Knecht is older than most developing prospects, which limits his perceived growth potential. - Defensive Weaknesses: He has shown difficulty keeping up with quicker wings and grasping complex defensive schemes. - Undefined Role: Without reliable shooting or playmaking, scouts wonder if he's destined to be a bench piece rather than a starter. - Disappointing Summer League: Rather than silencing critics, his performance reinforced existing concerns. Los Angeles Lakers' Missed Opportunities The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly tried to include Knecht in several trade packages—once as part of a deal for center Mark Williams, and later in proposals meant to clear cap space or acquire veteran help. Initially viewed as a sweetener, Knecht's name has now lost most of its leverage. Rival teams have shown little interest, with some unwilling to even offer a second-round pick in return. Fans Begin to Accept Reality Lakers fans, once excited about Dalton Knecht's shooting potential, are now coming to terms with a different picture. Many agree he's not ready to contribute meaningfully, and hopes of him being a trade centerpiece have all but vanished. Online discussions around his trade value often result in disbelief and mockery. Can Dalton Knecht Turn Things Around? There's still a sliver of hope. Dalton Knecht has reportedly committed to a rigorous workout schedule and is working closely with head coach JJ Redick to improve his defense and decision-making. The Los Angeles Lakers aren't ready to completely write him off, recognizing that player development isn't always linear. Also read: Golden State Warriors Reportedly Almost Landed $251,019,650 Phoenix Suns Superstar Amid Buyout Rumors But after a rough showing in Vegas, he'll need a dramatic turnaround next season to restore his value. For now, Dalton Knecht is no longer viewed as a first-round asset—and that's a tough blow for both him and the franchise that believed in him. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


USA Today
8 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Boston Celtics guard Terry Rozier still under federal scrutiny for illegal gambling
Former Boston Celtics and current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier remains under federal investigation for illegal gambling, per recent reporting from Yahoo Sports senior reporter Chris Haynes. Per Haynes, "Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has not been cleared of any wrongdoing and remains under federal investigation on a potential gambling probe." The Celtics guard alum was the subject of 30 unusual bets positing Rozier would put up less in several counting stats, all coming from a single bettor per reporting from ESPN's Dave Purdum. The Louisville standout then exited the game in question early with a supposed foot injury, causing all of those bets to win. The activity was out of the ordinary, and enough so to attract the attention of authorities. When the issue came to light to the NBA in 2023 soon after the bets were placed, the league investigated and found no internal rules had been broken. "Rozier is part of the same federal gambling investigation that led to former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter being banned from the NBA," notes Purdum. He also related that Rozier does not have any known ties to the people making bets in the Porter case, despite the fact that several of the same betting accounts that bet on Porter also bet on Rozier props. Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Spotify: iTunes: YouTube:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James learned from his "not six, not seven" press conference when he returned to Cleveland: "It won't be easy"
LeBron James learned from his "not six, not seven" press conference when he returned to Cleveland: "It won't be easy" originally appeared on Basketball Network. When LeBron James decided to embark on his second chapter with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he was cautious about keeping his emotions in check. Returning as a two-time champion, he understood the expectations, having made the Finals in all his years on the Miami Heat. James had learned his lesson from the introductory press conference that the Heat held in 2010. At the time, he had boldly claimed to win more than six or seven championships in Miami. That's how he invited unnecessary scrutiny, which only worsened after the 2011 Finals loss to the Mavericks. James was more mature and seasoned when he came back to the Cavaliers. Having been on both sides of the fence during his Miami tenure, he experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. As a result, he relied on a peaceful approach during his first press conference back in Cleveland. "So I wept from crying tears of joy and tears of frustration. Two up, two down, so I know. I know it all. I know what it takes. I'm a guy whose expectations are still high because I believe in this team and what we can ultimately get to. But I also understand it won't be easy and we can't try to play November and get to June or May right now. We have to go November to December and the rest of the calendar year to even have a chance," said James, who admitted to being more patient than before. A new Big Three with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love Deciding to go back home to deliver on his promise of delivering a championship, James ensured the Cavs had all the pieces needed to win. Blessed with a talent like Kyrie Irving, the front office almost went on a limb to trade for Kevin Love, sending Andrew Wiggins the other way. Nonetheless, the Cavs had a new formidable Big Three, with expectations around them skyrocketing. Both Irving and Love were rising stars with high potential, making them a perfect fit next to James. No doubt, there were doubts about them meshing together as a unit, which was cleared very soon into the season. Clinching the second seed in the East during the 2014-15 season, the Cavs made it to the Finals. They were among the favorites all year and now they had a historic chance of winning a title. Unfortunately for them, injuries ended up playing spoilsport with Love and Irving sitting out during the series against the Golden State Warriors. Bron couldn't do it all by himself and Cleveland lost in six on The Promise Time was ticking for James in the next season, who was yet to deliver the chip for Cleveland. Finishing as the first seed in the East during the 2015-16 season, the Cavaliers faced a 73-9 Warriors team in a Finals rematch from last year. Struggling initially, the Cavs ended up giving away a 3-1 lead to the Warriors. Not losing hope, they swung one of the greatest comebacks of all time, ending up winning the title. A surprise turn of events that erased the 52-year-old championship drought of Cleveland. Both Irving and Love were pivotal throughout, but James led the way as usual. This is still the only time a team was able to turn around a 3-1 deficit in the story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.


USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Sixers star Jimmy Butler ranked 83rd-best player in NBA history
The Jimmy Butler experience in Philadelphia was a fleeting one for the 76ers and their fans. The Sixes acquired Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the 2018-19 season and he provided some terrific moments before leaving for the Miami Heat in free agency. Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 55 games for the Sixers before leaving for Miami and guiding the Heat to three trips to the Eastern Conference finals and two NBA finals appearances. He is now with the Golden State Warriors after things turned sour in Miami. Bleacher Report ranked the top 100 players in the history of the NBA and Butler came in ranked No. 83 on the list: Though the endings of the Jimmy Butler experience can be grating—just ask the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat—the beginnings and middle are mostly awesome. At the height of his powers, he is a two-way force who serves as a singular bridge between fringe title contention and borderline irrelevance. This was most evident during his time in Miami, where his ability to flip a postseason switch went mostly unrivaled. He dragged rosters that had no business making deep playoff pushes to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals in four years. The best version of Butler is anomalous in its completeness. He has long left much to be desired as a jump-shooter, but he can play the part of your top scorer, foul-drawer, passer and defender. Butler's time with the Sixers was short, but the future Hall of Famer did a lot of good things in Philadelphia and should be remembered fondly by fans. Things just didn't work out between the two sides and that happens at times.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jayson Tatum shares an adorable curtain raiser to his foundation's upcoming golf tournament
Jayson Tatum shares an adorable curtain raiser to his foundation's upcoming golf tournament (Image Credit: Getty Images) Boston Celtics' star, Jayson Tatum, may not be active on the hardwood due to injury and ongoing recovery, but he has lots to do away from the court. His foundation, Jayson Tatum Foundation, will be hosting a golf tournament on July 28. It will be the fifth year of the event. He teased fans about the same by sharing an adorable video from the practice session of Miami Heat star Alec Burks' daughter. The video was originally posted by Alec Burks' wife, Elyse Burks, on her Instagram story. Jayson reposted it on his IG story. The video's caption made it a perfect curtain raiser for the upcoming event. Jayson Tatum shares a teaser for his foundation's upcoming golf tournament using an adorable video clip Jayson Tatum reposted Miami Heat star Alec Burks' wife, Elyse Burks' IG story, to remind fans about the Jayson Tatum Foundation's upcoming golf tournament. She shared a clip from her daughter, Ashtyn's practice video, where she is seen acing a swing drive shot. Nothing could be more apt than this video to raise a curtain to the upcoming event, as the caption in the clip reads: 'I think she's ready for @thejaysontatumfoundation golf tournament 🏌🏽♂️@jaytatum0' The Boston Celtics' star is currently recovering from the right Achilles tendon surgery. In another picture on his IG story, he shared a picture of his legs, giving a quiet update on his recovery. Here are the pictures: Jayson Tatum shares reminder for Jayson Tatum Foundation golf tournament (Image Source: Jayson/Instagram) Like Ashtyn, everyone who intends to attend or play in the Jayson Tatum Foundation's golf tournament can gear up for the event, as the curtain raiser from the Celtics' star is a fitting reminder for all. Jayson Tatum announced a golf tournament event in March A golf tournament and silent auction are on the activity list of the Celtics' star, Jayson Tatum's foundation. Tatum announced the same on his Instagram on March 2. He captioned the post to provide all details: 'Save the date! The 5th Annual The Jayson Tatum Foundation Charity Golf Tournament & Silent Auction will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Mark your calendar and get ready for a great day of golf at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, MO.' As per the post, the golf tournament is coupled with a silent auction event. Jayson Tatum's recovery is in full swing. Amidst the recovery, he is using the free time for meaningful causes and continues making a difference in the world around him. Also Read: Jayson Tatum cracks Top 100 NBA players of all time, ranked No. 93 by Bleacher Report Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!