Latest news with #VernonMaxwell
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
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"Big old soft a– want to shoot all the goddamn 3s" - Vernon Maxwell says Myles Turner was a good riddance for the Pacers
"Big old soft a– want to shoot all the goddamn 3s" - Vernon Maxwell says Myles Turner was a good riddance for the Pacers originally appeared on Basketball Network. The Indiana Pacers lost their starting center, Myles Turner, when the 29-year-old signed a four-year $107 million deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. Turner was Indiana's 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and was the longest-tenured player on the Pacers' 2025 Eastern Conference championship team. However, after Indy allegedly low-balled him during contract negotiations, Myles departed quickly, leaving a huge hole to fill for team president Kevin Pritchard. However, according to former NBA player Vernon Maxwell, letting Turner walk away was good for the Pacers. "I like the damn trade with Myles Turner," said Mad Max on the "All the Smoke Unplugged" podcast. "Big old soft a– want to shoot all the goddamn 3's. I like that trade for Myles Turner. F–k that s–t. That big old soft motherfu—r want to shoot all the gooddamn 3's man. Get our a– on the block, man. Hopefully, he'll put his a– on the block over there." 48.6 percent of Turner's shots in 2024-25 were 3-pointers Turner has always been criticized for playing on the perimeter too much. Although he posted career highs with 2.2 3-pointers made at 39.6 percent this past season, Myles is a 6'11" center who averaged just 6.5 rebounds per game, including just 1.3 offensive rebounds, during the 2024-25 season. Although you can argue that every team has different dynamics and that we're in the 3-point era of basketball, the Pacers ranked next to last in the league in offensive rebounds at just 9.2 per game and dead last in second-chance points at just 11.2 per night. To his credit, Myles has been a very good rim protector, with a career average of 2.0 blocks per game. However, after leading the league with 3.4 blocks per game in 2021, his blocks have gone down while his 3-point shooting has gone up. Last season, 48.6 percent of Turner's shots taken were three-pointers. "You're bigger than everyone on the court, and you're keeping yourself on the perimeter the whole time. I don't mind the perimeter, but mix it in. I mean, you mix it in the block and take advantage of that, but that's crazy. You said it best, Max," added Matt 3-point shooting was big in the playoffs For all the criticism of his game, Turner is just playing the role asked of him on the team. Being a floor-spacing big man, he can draw the opposing team's big man away from the basket, making it easier for guys like Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Benedict Mathurin to penetrate. Myles' 3-point shooting also came in handy for the Pacers in the 2025 Playoffs, especially against the No.1. seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Turner shot 4-4 from downtown in a blowout Game 4 win, and then in the next game, he hit the dagger triple that sealed the series win for the Pacers. However, even if we say Mad Max is correct, it was not a trade as he mentioned. The Pacers lost Turner without getting anyone in return, which is probably what hurts than losing Myles, per se. To make up for Turner's departure, the Pacers traded for 7'1" Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies. Curiously, Huff takes more 3's than Turner, as he averaged 3.1 3-point attempts per game in just 11.7 minutes of playing time. So yeah, perhaps Turner living in the perimeter was part of the Pacers' game plan, not Myles' story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"He Don't Wanna Be There": Rockets Legend Says Bucks Need To "Cut The Cord" With Giannis Antetokounmpo
"He Don't Wanna Be There": Rockets Legend Says Bucks Need To "Cut The Cord" With Giannis Antetokounmpo originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Following the Bucks' decision to waive Damian Lillard and sign Myles Turner, the future does not look very bright in Milwaukee. They no longer have a top-tier guard with significant experience in the league like they did with Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday before him. Advertisement Therefore, a lot of experts and veterans of the league have suddenly lost faith in Doc Rivers' roster. Among them was the former NBA champion Vernon Maxwell, who appeared on the 'All The Smoke' podcast with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson and expressed his opinion on the Bucks' situation. Barnes and Jackson also agreed with Maxwell that the Bucks' future looks dim with Giannis Antetokounmpo at this moment. "Giannis don't want to be in that motherf***er," said Maxwell as Barnes criticized the Bucks' moves this summer. When Barnes asked him if it's time for the Bucks to rebuild and trade Antetokounmpo, he did not mince his words. 'Yeah, it's rebuilding (time). They've got to cut the cord with Giannis. Let this mothe****er go cause he doesn't want to be there. You know what I mean? But yeah, they're in a rebuilding situation. That sh** is all f***ed up over there in Milwaukee now." "And especially when your main man doesn't want to play with you anymore, and he's done giving you everything he could give you. I mean that man could have left, and he stayed there, you know. They say he don't like to move around a lot so---But it's a good situation for him man, I just think they in rebuilding situation, man, the goddamn Milwaukee Bucks. That sh*** trash over there, I don't know, I wouldn't even want to go there and play.' Advertisement At the end of Bucks' 2024-25 season, there were rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo is open to considering a move away from the Bucks. If they want to retain him, they will have to give him a championship-contending team. The Bucks no longer have a reliable second option for scoring after they waived Lillard. Jackson went on to criticize the Bucks and claimed that things started going downhill for them when they traded Khris Middleton away. Yes, Turner is a defensively sound big who can stretch the floor for the Bucks, a more skilled Brook Lopez, one could say, but his production is nowhere close to covering for what they lost with Lillard. He averaged 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks last season, which only replaces what Lopez did for the team. Damian Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds last season. Kyle Kuzma, who joined the team in February after the Middleton trade, averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in the time he has been with the Bucks. Even if they increase his offensive usage, his production is nowhere close to what Lillard brought to the team. Advertisement They extended their point guard, Kevin Porter Jr, on a two-year, $10 million deal. But even he is not a highly rated potential replacement for Lillard on their roster. The Bucks will need to carefully think about their moves in the remaining offseason if they want to compete for a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Related: Giannis Antetokounmpo Accused Of Engineering Damian Lillard's Bucks Exit This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vernon Maxwell passionately explained why his Rockets would've beat the Bulls in 1994, even if MJ didn't retire: "When he took off 45 and put back on 23, Shaq went and beat him"
Vernon Maxwell passionately explained why his Rockets would've beat the Bulls in 1994, even if MJ didn't retire: "When he took off 45 and put back on 23, Shaq went and beat him" originally appeared on Basketball Network. The NBA world throughout history was filled with what-if scenarios, and the biggest include Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls and the Houston Rockets. While most of those scenarios have been overblown and overhyped for discussion purposes, especially in today's era of social media and relentless fight for views and clicks, there are some rare occasions where one decision altered the course of NBA history. Advertisement We're talking about Jordan's first retirement. "The Black Cat" decided to temporarily hang it up in 1993 after he won his third consecutive championship with the Bulls. The decision was shocking at the time, but later, it became known that MJ was mentally on edge after the murder of his father, and he needed to get away from the game and the spotlight. The Rockets benefited from his hiatus Two years later, he returned and fairly quickly regained his dominance over the Association as he led the Bulls to another 3-peat from 1996 to 1998. So, what if Mike never retired? Would the Bulls win eight or nine in a row? Advertisement A lot of folks feel that way, but not Vernon Maxwell, who was a part of the Rockets team and won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. He reminded MJ fans what actually happened when Jordan returned in March of 1995. "We knew in 1994 we were going to win a championship. We started the year 23-1, or some s**t like that. We knew it was going to be a special year. It was a special team; we had a big African in the middle," Maxwell started his explanation before Matt Barnes asked him if they would've gotten those titles if Jordan had never retired. "I don't want to hear that bullsh*t. Y'all gotta understand when he took off 45 and put back on 23, Shaq went and beat him. And they were saying, 'He wasn't in basketball shape yet.' Man, fu** that sh*t, he was in basketball shape," Vernon passionately explained. Advertisement Related: "To put it mildly, every night you had to go against a legend" - Dominique Wilkins makes a case he should be in the GOAT debate Jordan needed more time The Orlando Magic, with Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, beat MJ and the Bulls in six games in the second round of the 1995 playoffs. After that, many felt he would never win another championship. To use MJ's famous "Last Dance" quote, he took that personally. Not only did he get another 3-peat, but Jordan's Bulls set the regular season record in '96 with 72 wins. Also, most importantly, they faced the same Orlando team that knocked them out in the Eastern Conference finals. Advertisement Only this time, the Bulls swept them on the way to a title. That's the biggest sign that Mike wasn't all the way ready the year before, even though Maxwell felt otherwise. He returned in March after a two-year hiatus, trying to quickly get back to the swing of things, but that wasn't enough time. A year later, Jordan had a full offseason and a regular season to get back on the level he was before he retired. And he did exactly that, averaging of 30.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists during the '96 Playoff run. So, what if Jordan never retired and had to face Maxwell and the Rockets in the Finals? It's hard to say he would've lost because Jordan, every time he had a full offseason during his prime years, steamrolled the competition. Hakeem Olajuwon, Maxwell and company were a great team, but they didn't have a "Black Cat." And he's arguably the greatest player who ever lived. Advertisement Related: "Winning is important, not points" - Michael Jordan was willing to do whatever it took to fit into Bob Knight's 1984 Team USA This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"He fights me every day and right after he brings his son" - Kenny Smith explains how Vernon Maxwell's demeanor confused Michael Jordan
"He fights me every day and right after he brings his son" - Kenny Smith explains how Vernon Maxwell's demeanor confused Michael Jordan originally appeared on Basketball Network. Vernon Maxwell was a popular name during the 90s, making headlines both on and off the court. He was instrumental in the Houston Rockets winning back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995 and his encounters with Michael Jordan earned him significant limelight. Advertisement Maxwell made things pretty difficult for the opposition, especially on the defensive end. His fierce competitiveness and tenacity created an atmosphere of intimidation. An aspect that the Rockets benefited from, especially Kenny Smith, who had the ultimate protective cover. "I had the guy that everyone was fearful of and playing with me, Mad Max, Vernon Maxwell…I was his new surrogate brother, so anytime that anybody did anything to me, I would be behind him," said Smith about his former Rockets teammate. Maxwell was a pivotal reason why the Rockets enjoyed regular-season success against the Bulls. This was largely due to his competitive urge to go after Jordan every time they met. Oddly enough, he would often get his son to meet MJ postgame. "Every game he (Mad Max) tried to fight Michael and Michael, you know, the tough-minded that he is." started Kenny. "Until one day, after every fight, he would bring his son in, and afterwards, to get his (MJ's) autograph." Advertisement "So Michael said, 'Something's wrong with this guy, Kenny, he fights me every day, and then right after brings his son in, wearing all Air Jordan apparel. He's bringing him to autograph, like he's not right," narrated Smith, who played five seasons alongside Maxwell. Mad Max thrived during battles against MJ Maxwell had the matchups against Jordan marked on his calendar. Unlike many of his peers, he looked forward to facing the Bulls legend. Tasked to mark MJ, the two were involved in several altercations, with their respective teammates having to separate them. While Maxwell certainly respected Jordan's talent and skill set, he made him work on the offensive end. MJ, who had a reputation for messing with the psyche of his opponents, could not do so in the case of the Rockets guard. Advertisement Regarding their regular-season battles, Maxwell while in H-Town had a 5-1 record against the MJ-led Bulls. Interestingly, there has been a lot of conjecture regarding Houston going back-to-back in 1994 and 1995, had Jordan not retired in 1993. Something that never bothered Mad Max, who was confident nothing was stopping Hakeem Olajuwon and Co. Related: "I was with them" - Damon Stoudamire refutes John Salley's claim the 72-10 Bulls lost to the Raptors because of a hangover A mutual respect What fueled the friction between Maxwell and Jordan was exactly what made them so alike — an unshakable competitive fire. Neither man backed down. Advertisement While most players approached Jordan with fear, Mad Max leaned into the challenge. He relished the chance to go at the best. And despite their battles, the respect was always there. This was evident when Maxwell gave his take on the GOAT case, asking kids to sit down and watch Jordan play the entire 48 minutes. "But Michael Jordan was just on another level. Young kids today? They didn't see Michael play," claimed Maxwell about his former arch-rival. On the flip side, MJ clearly felt that intensity, too. According to Calvin Murphy, Jordan once admitted that Maxwell was the only player who made him take naps — a subtle nod to the mental energy it took just to prepare for him. Advertisement They never met on the Finals stage, but the idea of Jordan vs. Mad Max with everything on the line? That would've been one for the ages. Related: Vernon Maxwell destroyed Kobe Bryant one-on-one after a night out clubbing: "You can't stop me, young boy" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"'F—k the education! Go get your f—ng money'" - Vernon Maxwell claims he was one of the first to advise Kobe Bryant to skip college
"'F—k the education! Go get your f—ng money'" - Vernon Maxwell claims he was one of the first to advise Kobe Bryant to skip college originally appeared on Basketball Network. No matter how brash or rough around the edges he may seem, former NBA champion Vernon Maxwell has always been praised for his authenticity and unfiltered honesty. From his six standout years with the Houston Rockets, where he secured a championship, to his current role as a media personality, Mad Max has always been unafraid to speak his mind and tell it like it is. Advertisement It was this type of unfiltered honesty that led Maxwell to offer some advice to a young Kobe Bryant back when they played against one another in pick-up games organized by Philadelphia 76ers head coach John Lucas II. According to the former NBA veteran, his message to the hoop prodigy was straightforward: don't waste time going to college; head straight to the NBA. High school sensation Maxwell played the 1995-96 season for Lucas and the Sixers. At that time, Bryant was also tearing up the high school basketball scene, starring for Lower Merion High School. In fact, Lucas got so impressed with the young man's play that he began inviting him over to Sixers' practices, where he even tested the mettle of draft prospects, which included Jerry Stackhouse. It was during these practices that Maxwell got to meet and experience what it was like to play Bryant. Advertisement "I was in Philly with John Lucas. John Lucas used to let him come over and practice with us. I seen him in high school," Vernon shared on Byron Scott's podcast. After witnessing what Bryant could do at his age, Maxwell approached him and provided some unsolicited advice: jump straight to the NBA. "S—t, I was one of the ones that told him, 'Man, hey, I don't know. You need to bring your a—s on to the NBA. Don't go to college, motherfuc—r,'" he recalled. Related: Allen Iverson admits iconic crossover on Michael Jordan has become overrated: "I think that one was legendary just because it was him" Kobe was that good Upon hearing Maxwell's advice, Scott burst into laughter and exclaimed, "Hey Max, you supposed to be leading the kid to get a higher education!" Advertisement However, Maxwell was adamant that Bryant already had the skills necessary to become an impact player in the NBA. "I was like, 'F—k the education,'" he said. "You motherfuc—r, go get your f—ng money. Come get your money, son, the way you did me in that f—ng gym.' And I was really trying to check this motherfuc—r, I was like, 'Good god, this motherfuc—r, he got it all." Maxwell, who stood 6'4" and had a rock-solid physique that he routinely used to annoy and deter some of the NBA's best players, was a tough challenge for Bryant to overcome. However, the latter proved to be up for the task, using his speed and agility to get past Maxwell's physicality. As the exchange unfolded, Mad Max watched in awe, struck by how much Kobe's moves and intensity reminded him of the legendary Michael Jordan. Advertisement "The motherfuc—r had a little Jordan in his a—s. I was like, 'Good God, this motherfuc—r do got a little Jordan in him.' But I was one of the ones who told him, man," Maxwell continued. "Was a special player, man. Great father. Just a great man, man. Great human being." Vernon eventually got to play Kobe in the NBA. And even though the wingman was still coming off the bench for a talented Los Angeles Lakers squad, he knew it was only a matter of time before Bryant would make his mark on the league. Related: Vernon Maxwell passionately explained why his Rockets would've beat the Bulls in 1994, even if MJ didn't retire: "When he took off 45 and put back on 23, Shaq went and beat him" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
