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Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Spurs Urged to Avoid Worst-Case Scenario With Victor Wembanyama
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The San Antonio Spurs are coming off a season in which they failed to meet expectations a bit. More NBA news: Knicks Staff Reportedly Losing Patience With Karl-Anthony Towns The Spurs were ravaged by injuries, including their superstar center, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama was spectacular all season long, that is, until after the All-Star break when he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. The deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed after the All-Star break and required surgery. While the injury was serious, the expectation is that the Frenchman will make a full recovery and be ready by the start of the 2025-26 season. While that's the good news, the bad news is that the Spurs have a lot to do in order to take the next step and become contenders, especially in the loaded Western Conference. The Spurs have a long way to go, but at least they have a superstar in their corner. As for the rest of their roster, they require significant retooling, including adding shooting around Wembanyama and star guard De'Aaron Fox. Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after a 131-121 victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and... Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates after a 131-121 victory against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on February 10, 2025 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. More Photo byIn a recent column by Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, he urged the Spurs to avoid this nightmare scenario with Wembanyama. "You don't want to be in a situation where Wemby has to be living from beyond the arc. You want to create an environment that opens up more paint touches for him while also leveraging his spacing. San Antonio currently tilts too much toward the former. It should be using the non-taxpayer mid-level ($14.1 million) and the trade market to change that," wrote Favale. Standing at 7-foot-4, Wembanyama brings undeniable size and presence, but his impact away from the ball has room to grow. According to BBall-Index, he ranked in just the 41st percentile in both off-ball gravity and catch-and-shoot three-point accuracy — marks that leave something to be desired. That's especially concerning if the Spurs end up losing Chris Paul and his reliable 37.7 percent shooting from deep to a larger role elsewhere. Surrounding Wembanyama with dependable shooters is essential if the Spurs hope to maximize his impact. Proper spacing not only opens up the floor but also creates cleaner opportunities for the "Alien" to operate near the basket — where he remains most dominant. While Wembanyama can score from all over, his efficiency skyrockets around the rim. He's already showcased his star-level talent; now, heading into his third season, the focus shifts to elevating his game to an even higher tier. More NBA news: Lakers Reportedly Set on Bronny James Being Part of Rotation For more San Antonio Spurs and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where does Jeremiah Fears land in USA TODAY Sports' latest NBA Mock Draft?
With less than a week for early entrants of the NBA Draft to remove their names, a clearer picture has begun to arise as how things will shake out next month. In fact, it's almost exactly a month away. The draft is scheduled to take place June 25 and 26 plenty of intrigue remains as to who will go where. Well, outside the top three, anyway. Advertisement Former Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears put his name into the mix more than a month ago. He has been a staple inside the top 15 on just about every draft since. On Friday, USA TODAY Sports provided its latest mock draft, and Fears' chances of going in the lottery look awfully good. According to the mock draft, Fears is projected to go to the Washington Wizards with the No. 6 overall pick. "Solid start to his freshman season; quick on the dribble; has strength going to the rim and can finish; operates well in the pick-and-roll as a scorer and passer; needs to improve his 3-point shot but potential is there," wrote authors Jeff Zillget, Lorenezo Reyes and James H. Williams. That's similar to where Fears landed in mock draft earlier in the week. There, Fears was projected to go No. 5 to the Utah Jazz. In USA TODAY's, that spot belongs to Texas guard Tre Johnson. Advertisement The top four picks are the same in both mocks. Duke's Cooper Flagg is a unanimous No. 1 pick everywhere, followed by Rutgers' Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, then Baylor's VJ Edgecomb. Fears played one season at Oklahoma before turning professional. As an 18-year-old freshman who classed up one year to get a jump on his collegiate career, Fears averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in helping the Sooners to their first NCAA Tournament since 2019. Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears projected to the Wizards in mock draft
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers might chase $76,487,996 Washington Wizards superstar to bolster squad around Luka Doncic and LeBron James
LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty Images) The Los Angeles Lakers ' defensive flaws were exposed in the playoffs—particularly their inability to slow down elite guards. While Luka Doncic anchored the paint, the perimeter defense often collapsed, leaving opponents with open lanes and easy shots. If the Lakers want to contend next season, they'll need a lockdown defender who can disrupt opposing backcourts. Enter Marcus Smart —the former Defensive Player of the Year, whose tenacity and leadership could be exactly what L.A. needs. But is he worth the risk? Smart's recent injury history and hefty contract raise questions about whether he's still the same game. A proposed trade would send Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and a second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Smart. Would this move fix the Lakers' biggest weakness, or would it be another costly gamble? Let's break it down. Why the Los Angeles Lakers Need Marcus Smart The Los Angeles Lakers ' lack of a reliable point-of-attack (POA) defender hurt them in critical moments. Opposing guards consistently broke down their defense, leading to easy baskets or open shots. Marcus Smart, known for his relentless defense and leadership, could be the solution. Fade Away World proposed a trade where the Lakers would send Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and the No. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 빠진 치아 있다면? 1개도 10개도 개당 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo 55 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft to Washington in exchange for Smart. As the original article states: 'Marcus Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, brings tenacity and leadership to any team he joins. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game with the Washington Wizards. His defensive intensity and experience could provide the Los Angeles Lakers with a much-needed perimeter stopper.' (H/t: Sporting News) Smart's Recent Performance and Injury Concerns Marcus Smart (Image via Getty) While Smart's defensive reputation is strong, his production has dipped since his peak with the Boston Celtics , where he earned three All-Defensive Team selections. Injuries have also been a concern: - Played only 54 games since leaving Boston in 2022-23. - Part of a salary dump trade from Memphis to Washington. - Currently on a four-year, $76.5 million deal. The Lakers must weigh whether his defensive impact outweighs the risk of his injury history. Trade Breakdown: What the Lakers Would Give Up The proposed deal involves: Lakers Send Wizards Send Jarred Vanderbilt Marcus Smart Gabe Vincent 2025 2nd-round pick (No. 55) Pros of the Trade - Elite Perimeter Defense: Smart can guard the best opposing guards, reducing pressure on LeBron James and Luka Doncic. - Playoff Experience: Smart's leadership and toughness would help in high-stakes games. - Salary Flexibility: Moving Vanderbilt and Vincent clears cap space for future moves. Cons of the Trade - Injury Risk: Smart's recent health issues raise concerns about his availability. - Offensive Limitations: His scoring has declined, which may not help the Lakers' offensive struggles. - Contract Length: His $76 million deal could limit future roster flexibility. Should the Los Angeles Lakers Pull the Trigger? If Marcus Smart stays healthy, he could be a perfect fit for the Lakers' defensive needs. However, given his recent injury history and declining offensive numbers, the front office must carefully evaluate whether he's worth the assets. As Jon Conahan noted in the original article , 'Factor that in with some of the injuries he's dealt with... it's tough to justify the Lakers giving up too much for him.' Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to acquire $61,980,000 superstar to support LeBron James and Luka Doncic after crippling playoff exit The Los Angeles Lakers need defensive upgrades, but they shouldn't overpay for a player who may not be available when it matters most. Would you make this trade if you were Rob Pelinka? Let us know your thoughts. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Washington Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Washington sports fan Walter Wiggins Jr., D.C.'s ‘Pump It Up Man,' dies at 72
D.C. sports fans may not have known the name Walter Wiggins Jr., but chances are they knew who he was. Wiggins, a D.C. native who died at 72 on May 10, was a fixture in the crowd at Washington Wizards and Commanders games, among other local professional and high school sporting events, where he danced and pumped his arms in support of his teams. To many, he was known simply as the 'Pump It Up Man.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LeBron James' reaction to stunning NBA draft lottery results
The 2025 NBA draft lottery on Monday was a total shocker. Coming in, the Utah Jazz had the highest odds of winning the lottery, followed by the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans. But none of those teams would receive even a top-three pick. Advertisement Instead, the Dallas Mavericks, who sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in early February, won the No. 1 pick and the right to take Duke University freshman phenom Cooper Flagg. The San Antonio Spurs, who already have Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, got the No. 2 pick, and the Philadelphia 76ers, who have former league MVP Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, will pick third. LeBron James couldn't contain his emotions on X. James, of course, was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers after growing up in nearby Akron, Ohio. Advertisement There have always been conspiracy theories surrounding the draft lottery, and Monday's results have already stoked that fire once again. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LeBron James' reaction to stunning NBA draft lottery results
