On Tuesday it was Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns.
On Saturday, it was Luka Doncic and Devin Booker’s turn to step up, marking just the fifth time in league history that two players have scored 60 points or more on the same day.
As was the case for Embiid and Towns, it was contrasting fortunes for Doncic and Booker’s teams with the Mavs making the most of their superstar’s historic night but the same wasn’t true for the Suns.
Doncic had 73 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as Dallas outlasted Atlanta 148-143 while Booker scored 62 points in Phoenix’s 133-131 loss to Indiana.
Doncic joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and David Thompson in the record books as just the fourth player to reach 73 points while he was the 10th to hit 70 points.
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While all eyes were understandably on Doncic it was also a big game for Australian Josh Green, who scored a season-high 21 points while Dante Exum had a few handy shots off the bench.
Doncic set a new franchise record for points in a single half, racking up 41 to pass Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki, who in 2009 had put up 34 points in the second half of a game.
It was also the third-most points by any NBA player in a half in the play-by-play era (since 1996-97), only sitting behind Karl-Anthony Towns (44 in 2024) and Kobe Bryant (42 in 03).
It was a highly efficient 41 points from Doncic too, who made 16 of 21 field goal attempts including five 3-pointers, to go with five rebounds and four assists.
While it had been the Doncic show in the opening half it wasn’t actually enough to give Dallas the lead, instead heading into the locker room level at 66-all with Atlanta.
Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has been the subject of trade speculation, was leading the way for the Hawks with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Trae Young, meanwhile, had 11 points and six assists while Jalen Johnson, who is also believed to be untouchable ahead of the trade deadline, had 11 points.
Devin Harris, who spent nine of his 15 NBA seasons in Dallas, was surprised at the ease in which Doncic scored against the Atlanta defence given running mate Kyrie Irving was sidelined.
Luka Doncic was unstoppable. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“He followed up an All-Star nod with an All-Star type performance in that first half,” Harris said on Bally Sports Southwest.
“An efficient 16 from 21, only missing three 3s — just really taking it upon himself to really carry this team offensively in the first half. [The team] got off to a slow start, he did not and just started knocking down shots left and right.
“I’m sort of curious from the Hawks perspective with no Kai I expected more double teams and trying to take the ball out of his hands a little bit. He’s too gifted to allow him to play one-on-one and allow him to get in-rhythm shots and when you play him one-on-one he can dominate you in big stretches and we saw that in the first half.”
The expectation was that the Hawks would rectify that by double-teaming Doncic more in the third quarter to force other players to produce but instead the Slovenian superstar picked up where he left off, draining an early 3-pointer.
Doncic was getting some help, most notably from Green, who continues to flash much-improved confidence shooting corner 3s while also driving towards the rim with aggression, which has opened up his game as a whole.
Josh Green finishes through contact. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The highlight came midway through the first quarter breezed past Saddiq Bey, showing no hesitation as he attacked the rim and finished with an emphatic reverse jam.
“Josh Green has been that supporting cast you were looking for,” former Mavericks player Derek Harper said in commentary.
Green had an early 3-pointer to open the third quarter and added another bucket soon after before then dishing it out for Tim Hardaway Jr. to drain one from deep, which saw Dallas start to push away and open up a 83-76 lead.
Green had a pass picked off by Young and went back to the bench soon after but was reintroduced to the game minutes later and had an immediate impact on both sides of the floor.
First Green fought for a contested defensive rebound, tipping the ball forward and then showed tremendous court vision to find Jalen Hardy for the transition dunk.
That put the Mavs ahead 89-81 and while a Bogdanovic bucket saw the Hawks hit back right away it was only a matter of seconds before Doncic drained another 3-pointer to add to his personal tally.
“He’s making it look easy,” Harper said.
Doncic was fired up. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Dallas called a timeout at that point, leading 92-83 and that quickly became an 11-point buffer after a Green layup as the Australian built on one of his best games of the season.
Injuries and inconsistent minutes have at times limited Green’s confidence but the 23-year-old has been thriving lately, improving his 3-point shooting and general involvement across the board.
Speaking of injuries, Exum (heel) recently returned and scored the last five points of the third quarter for Dallas as Atlanta started to close the gap with Doncic going to the bench.
The Exum burst put the Mavs ahead 108-102 heading into the final quarter as Doncic returned to the action on 57 points.
Doncic was quick to get back to work as he scored Dallas’ first eight points of the period, including an extraordinary 3-pointer that at this rate looked ordinary for the Mavs superstar.
“They are seeing something that they will never forget, that we will never forget… let Luka Doncic cook,” Mark Followill said in commentary.
Even when Doncic wasn’t scoring he was attracting all kinds of attention from the Hawks, defence, passing to Green who then found a wide-open Hardaway Jr. for a 3-pointer.
Luka Doncic could do no wrong. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Doncic then aggressively finished through contact for an and-3 to bring up 70 points, letting out a roar as he seemingly had the Mavericks destined for victory.
His teammates though couldn’t finish the job, with a few missed buckets opening the door for the Hawks who rallied to get it to 137-133 with 90 seconds left on the clock.
A selfless Doncic later passed up a possible 3-pointer to add to his historic performance, instead finding Exum with a better look and the Australian made no mistake.
As had been the case late in the fourth, Atlanta refused to go away but the Mavs kept making buckets down the stretch too.
First a dialled-in Doncic once again aggressively drove towards the rim for the and-1 before Green capped off an impressive night with a 3-pointer to push the Dallas lead out to 146-138.
“Green has stepped up in a big way,” Harper said.
A late 3-pointer saw the Hawks get within three points with a few seconds on the clock but Hardaway Jr. made both free throws after he was fouled to leave the final score at 148-143.
BOOKER’S BIG NIGHT SOURED BY SUNS LOSS
Doncic’s masterclass slightly overshadowed another standout performance from Suns guard Booker, who erupted for 62 points in Phoenix’s 133-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Booker, who has scores of 46 and 52 in his last five games, had a career-high 29 points in the opening quarter alone after shooting 10-for-14 from the field, including four 3-pointers.
It tied the most points in any quarter in the NBA this season after Joel Embiid put up 29 against the Wizards in the third quarter last November while it also marked the league’s highest-scoring first quarter since Kevin Love scored 34 against Portland in 2016.
Booker cooled down a bit in the second with eight points and an assist after getting a five-minute rest but the Suns superstar was quick to pile on more points in the third.
Devin Booker had a big night. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Booker had 15 points in the period while also dishing out a few assists as the Suns took a 114-105 lead into the fourth, with the 27-year-old sitting to open the quarter as Kevin Durant entered the game.
Indiana was able to cut the deficit to six points before Booker was brought back into the game and made a driving layup to add to his tally, scoring six of Phoenix’s next nine points.
But after scoring 40 points in the first two quarters of the game, the Suns managed just 17 points in the fourth as the Pacers stormed home to snatch the win despite Booker’s heroics.
New addition Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 31 points, seven rebounds and two steals while Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard each had 22 points.
The Pacers also got plenty of production off the bench, with Obi Toppin scoring 23 points to go with 11 rebounds while Jalen Smith had 13 points and 10 boards.
Steven Gerrard signed a new deal with Al-Ettifaq to remain as coach until 2027 on Thursday, just moments after former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson left the Saudi club after a six-month nightmare.
The 43-year-old Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq last July on a two-year deal but his team are a lowly eighth in the Pro League table, 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal – despite signing a host of big names as part of the Saudi Arabian transfer spending spree in the off-season.
It included landing four high-profile stars in Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembélé and Demarai Gray.
But Al-Ettifaq have not won in eight league matches (nine in all comps) and Gerrard was reportedly close to being sacked, with the SPL on hiatus due to the ongoing AFC Asian Cup.
For a manager previously touted as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool following an impressive stint at Rangers in Scotland, being sacked by Al-Ettifaq may well have been the last nail in the coffin of Gerrard’s managerial career after struggling at Aston Villa.
But after Henderson quit the club only six months in to a reported £700,000 per week ($A1.35m per week) deal in the kingdom, the club handed Gerrard a shock contract extension.
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The move raised plenty of eyebrows, with some viewing the deal as an attempt to shore up Saudi Arabia’s football reputation after losing one of its biggest names following a disappointing six months.
“This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment,” said former England captain Gerrard in a statement.
“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job, but a lot has been achieved.”
Steven Gerrard has struggled since his appointment at Al-Ettifaq.Source: AFP
He added: “I also understand my position, it’s a results business. I never take that for granted. I understand where we are in the league, but I am very confident we will improve.”
Earlier Thursday, 33-year-old Henderson – also a former Liverpool captain – left Al-Ettifaq after only six months at the club to join faltering Dutch giants Ajax.
Saad Allazeez, Vice Chairman and interim CEO of the SPL said the deal suited everyone to resolve the situation.
“Sometimes despite best efforts people don’t always adjust or settle,” said Allazeez.
“Everyone tried and no one is to blame,” he added.
Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, sparked accusations of hypocrisy given the England international’s outspoken support for the LGBT+ community.
Pride in Football, a network of LGBT+ fan groups, said at the time: “When you see someone who has been an ally so publicly transfer to a club in a country where LGBT+ people are attacked and imprisoned, it is disappointing.”
“Good luck in Saudi Arabia Jordan, but you have lost the respect of so many people who valued you and trusted you.”
Chelsea could break the bank yet again in pursuit of a superstar striker while Jordan Henderson’s wish to leave Saudi Arabia could be realised.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing up one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League while a maligned Manchester United star doesn’t want to leave the club just yet.
Catch up on all of the biggest transfer whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
Just when you thought Chelsea couldn’t spend any more money, think again.
The Blues’ attacking woes were on display for all to see after a shock 1-0 loss to Championship side Middlesbrough in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Chelsea’s struggles in attack has also plagued the team this season in the Premier League as they sit in 10th.
So it’s no surprise that Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to open the cheque book once more to bring in a new forward to the club, per the Daily Mail.
And the report claims Chelsea holds a “strong interest” in Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has a release clause of $AUD195 million but is away with Nigeria for the African Cup of Nations, meaning a deal might not be done until the summer.
Should Chelsea bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, it would represent a major upgrade on the unproven Armando Broja as well as Nicolas Jackson, who has struggled to impress since joining from Villarreal last summer.
Osimhen is attracting plenty of interest from Chelsea. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
SURPRISE EXIT ROUTE EMERGES FOR ENGLAND STAR STUCK IN SAUDI ARABIA
Jordan Henderson hasn’t verbalised it himself, but the rampant reports of his desire to leave Saudi Arabia says it all about his disillusionment with his current situation.
The former Liverpool skipper is just five months into his Saudi adventure with Al-Ettifaq, the club managed by his former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard.
However, Henderson is looking for a return to Europe either on a permanent or loan deal as he attempts to remain prominent in England boss Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of the 2024 Euros.
The England international could be inching closer to realising his new dream, with The Telegraph reporting Dutch giants Ajax have made contact with his representatives over a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
A team in the Bundesliga is also keeping a keen eye on Henderson’s situation, per the report.
However, Henderson’s mammoth weekly wage of $665k will likely prove a major stumbling block to any teams interested.
Henderson wants out of Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PL BIG BOYS EYE RED-HOT STRIKER
With eight goals in his last eight games, Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has rocketed towards the front of the golden boot race.
The season is just 20 games old and already Solanke has secured his best-ever goals return in the Premier League with 12 to his name, just two goals behind golden boot leaders Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
Unsurprisingly, Solanke’s red-hot form has caught the eye of some big teams, none more so than Newcastle United, per The Telegraph.
However, Newcastle’s inquiry was immediately knocked back by the Cherries as they have no intention of selling their prized asset in January.
Solanke is no stranger to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe given it was the latter who brought the striker to Bournemouth in the first place back in 2019.
Bournemouth’s reluctance to let Solanke go this month is understandable given the club has just one other fit striker, Welsh international Kieffer Moore, with Dango Outtara and Antoine Semenyo at the African Cup of Nations.
Solanke is in sensational form for Bournemouth. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
MALIGNED RED DEVIL WANTS TO STAY
Despite receiving offers from elsewhere and not being a guaranteed starter, Anthony Martial is reportedly keen to stick around at Manchester United for the remainder of his contract.
Sky Sports reported Martial, who will become a free agent on June 30, has little interest in leaving Old Trafford in the January window.
The report claims the French striker has knocked back the likes of Marseille, Fenerbache as well as cashed-up clubs in Saudi Arabia in order to prove his worth at United.
The Red Devils also have the option to trigger a one-year extension on Martial’s deal, but that appears to be an unlikely scenario.
Martial also might not have much say in an exit should a club decide to bid for him in January as United look to receive a transfer fee before losing him for free in the summer.
After scoring 17 league goals in the 2019/20 campaign, the 28-year-old has found the back of the net just 12 times across the next four seasons.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly seeking a Premier League return just six months after joining the mass exodus of players to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson, who played 12 seasons for Liverpool, is playing under former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
But things haven’t gone to plan, with Gerrard facing the sack after failing to win any of his last eight games over two months.
Henderson was heavily criticised for his move to Saudi Arabia given its conservative stance on the LGBT+ community who Henderson has publicly supported in the past.
Henderson reportedly earns £700,000 per week, but Saudi tax rules mean he won’t pay tax if he stays for at least two seasons.
But the 33-year-old has told teammates he is considering an exit after struggling to adapt to the playing conditions in his new country – and leaving early could see him slugged with a monster £7m tax bill.
The Saudi league is currently in a six-week break for the Asian Cup.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was asked about a potential move for the England international, replying: “We didn’t talk about names. At the moment, we are not talking about players.
“I saw Behdad [Eghbali], with Paul [Winstanley] and Laurence [Stewart]. I think we are going to have a chat tomorrow. We didn’t talk about names or players. For now, we are focusing on players like Andrey Santos.”
19-year-old midfielder Santos was recently recalled from an underwhelming loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says there is a ‘possibility’ his side will make no signings this month despite a raft of injuries.
Arteta has previously said he “needs players” in order to challenge for the title, with major off-season signing Jurrien Timber still out of fitness, Fabio Vieira and Thomas Partey also injured, and Takehiro Tomiyasu at the Asian Cup with Japan.
But Arteta told Sky Sports there was a chance of no signings this window, saying: “That’s a possibility.”
“Unfortunately, Jurrien has a very long-term injury. He’s doing really well but is still far from training with the team,” he added.
“It’s what we have, with Tomi having to leave. We’re open for the transfer market, but the emphasis is of making the most of the players we have.
“We’ll work with the club to understand if there are any possibilities, and whether we have any good options. But first of all, we will focus on the players we already have.”
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OTHER REPORTS
West Ham striker Danny Ings is reportedly a potential target for Wolves in this window, with Wolves set to loan Sasa Kaladjzic to Eintracht Frankfurt this month.
Ings has made 10 appearances in the Premier League this season but hasn’t managed a goal or assist.
And Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise – and are even interested in sending Aaron Wan Bissaka the other way in a player-plus-cash deal.
Manchester City won the Club World Cup for the first time to end 2023 with five trophies after a 4-0 win over Fluminense in Jeddah on Friday.
City’s victory extended European clubs’ domination of the competition since 2012 and was never in doubt once Julian Alvarez opened the scoring inside the first minute.
Nino’s first-half own goal realistically ended the Brazilians’ dreams of an upset, before Phil Foden and Alvarez rounded off the scoring in the final 20 minutes.
City’s poor Premier League form before flying out to Saudi Arabia had raised Fluminense hopes that Pep Guardiola’s men could be vulnerable.
But the growing chasm between Europe’s elite clubs and the rest of the world thanks to huge financial imbalances in the global game was instead exposed.
European clubs have won 22 consecutive games at the Club World Cup. City laboured for 45 minutes to break down Japan’s Urawa Reds in the semi-final before cruising to a 3-0 win.
This time, they needed less than 45 seconds.
“I had a feeling we close a chapter, we won already all the titles. There is nothing else to win. I have the feeling the job is done, (it) is over,” said coach Pep Guardiola.
However, Guardiola, whose contract runs till 2025, dismissed suggestions he could now walk away.
“Now it’s Christmas time, buy another book and start to write it again. The last eight years it’s over,” he added when questioned whether he has the hunger to continue winning silverware.
Julian Alvarez continued his incredible run of winning trophies.Source: AFP
Fluminense’s old guard saw them through a tricky semi-final against African champions Al Ahly. But it was one of their experienced heads that was at fault for the opening goal as former Real Madrid captain Marcelo gifted possession to Nathan Ake with a wayward pass.
The Dutch defender strode forward and curled a fine effort off the post from outside the box. The rebound fell for Alvarez to chest into an unguarded net.
At just 23, Alvarez added to his remarkable haul of silverware that includes the World Cup and Copa America with Argentina at international level, the Copa Libertadores during his time at River Plate, plus Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Super Cup medals during just over a year at City.
Things got heated at the final whistle.Source: AFP
Fluminense were then dealt the killer blow when captain Nino turned Foden’s cross into his own net after Rodri’s pass opened up the Brazilian defence.
Ederson was called into action to maintain City’s two-goal lead before the break as the Brazilian international made a stunning save from Jhon Arias’ header.
But his opposite number Fabio was the busier goalkeeper. The 37-year-old kept the score down and saved Fluminense’s blushes.
Fabio turned Jack Grealish’s fiercely struck effort behind before half-time and twice denied Foden early in the second half.
City were able to coast through the second period to end a glorious year on a high, but victory could come at a cost.
Rodri was forced off with an injury 20 minutes from time. City have lost all three Premier League games this season when the influential Spanish midfielder has been absent and they travel to in-form Everton on December 27.
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However, that did not take the shine off a marquee 12 months that marks the high-point in a trophy-laden 15 years since City’s fortunes were transformed by a takeover from Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
After clinching the treble of the club’s first ever Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season, City also lifted the UEFA Super Cup for the first time in August.
Guardiola also made history as the first coach to lift the Club World Cup on four occasions and with three different clubs after previously winning the competition twice at Barcelona and once in charge of Bayern Munich.
Alvarez was the creator for City’s third as Foden slid in to meet his driven cross.
And the man deputising for the injured Erling Haaland rounded off the scoring two minutes from time with his 10th goal of the season.
Ange Postecoglou could look to a familiar face to bolster Tottenham’s squad amid the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
With Ivan Perisic out for the season and Manor Solomon not expected to return until the new year due to knee surgery, Postecoglou is in desperate need of attacking reinforcements.
According to The Times, it appears the Tottenham boss is hoping to reunite with former Celtic winger Jota.
The report claims the Premier League heavyweights have “stepped up their interest” in signing Jota on loan January from Saudi club Al-Ittihad.
Jota finds himself in the peculiar situation of being unable to play for Al-Ittihad despite joining the club in the summer for $AUD47 million.
After snapping up the Portuguese international, Al-Ittihad also signed Fabinho, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Luiz Felipe.
Al-Ittihad ultimately fell foul of the Saudi Pro League rules which limits teams to eight foreign players and Jota soon found himself the odd man out.
It was Jota’s form under Postecoglou at Celtic that prompted Al-Ittihad to fork out the money to sign him as the Portuguese flyer scored 28 goals and assisted 26 in all competitions over two seasons in Glasgow.
Jota’s time at Al-Ittihad hasn’t quite gone to plan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Postecoglou isn’t just targeting players in the final third either, as The Times report claims centre back is the main “priority” in January.
Micky Van de Ven’s hamstring injury and Cristian Romero’s suspension has shone a light on the alarming lack of depth at the heart of defence for Tottenham.
Postecoglou was forced to play Emerson Royal and Ben Davies, right and left backs respectively, at centre back in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa as Eric Dier remained on the bench.
As to which defenders could join Tottenham in January, The Times named Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly as one option.
Kelly is out of contract in January so could be available on a cheaper deal in January, although the Cherries could choose to keep him at the club and then lose him for free.
Tottenham were in for Kelly during the summer but had their offers rebuffed by Bournemouth and have also previously been linked with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo as another option.
The NBA season has officially tipped off, with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers facing off in a battle of two Western Conference heavyweights.
After that game, two other new-look contenders — the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors — go head-to-head.
All four teams feature here as foxsports.com.au looks at some of the key storylines to follow in the 2023-24 season.
Things feel different in Los Angeles heading into this season. No longer burdened by the Russell Westbrook contract, this is a roster that actually feels nearly complete?
The core of last year’s squad is back, with the Lakers extending the contracts of Anthony Davis and Jarred Vaenderbilt while re-signing Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.
Then there are the new additions of Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood and Taurean Prince. And of course, LeBron James returns for another season of defying ‘Father Time’.
As always, the health of James and Davis will determine just how far the Lakers can go but at full-strength they now have the kind of depth, versatility and shooting that has been lacking in past seasons.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“The best roster construction around LeBron historically has been shooting, 3-and-D guys and I think he [Prince] sort of fits the bill there. Gabe Vincent of course coming in… they’ve addressed some of that shooting,” former NBA player J.J. Redick said last month on his podcast.
“The roster actually makes sense. You’ve got guard depth, you’ve got Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell. You’ve got big wings. This was a top defence in the West post-All-Star break.
“Big wings — LeBron, Taureen Prince, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and hopefully a healthy Anthony Davis anchoring this defence. I don’t want to be talked into the Lakers but I’ve been talked into the Lakers being really damn good.”
The Lakers were one of the biggest winners of the free agency period, in large part due to the fact they were able to retain Reaves on a four-year, $56 million deal.
It was a bargain for the much-improved guard, who is expected to take on even greater responsibility this season to ease the pressure and workload on James and Davis.
Reaves was lightning in a bottle for the Lakers during their Western Conference Finals series against Denver last season, averaging 21.3 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 56 per cent from deep.
The 25-year-old hardly looks like slowing down either, scoring 48 points and going 8-for-12 from downtown in three games during the preseason.
Austin Reaves could take another leap. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
DO THE NUGGETS HAVE THE DEPTH TO GO BACK-TO-BACK?
The starting five are all back for the defending champions, with arguably the best player in basketball leading the way. But will that be enough as Denver looks to go back-to-back?
One of the biggest problems for the Nuggets in recent seasons has been keeping the offence afloat when reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic sits.
However, Denver was largely able to turn one of its biggest weaknesses into a strength during the Finals with Aaron Gordon proving a valuable asset on both ends of the court while playing as the team’s back-up five.
Bruce Brown also regularly made shots and was a defensive stopper off the bench while rookie Christian Braun exceeded expectations, including a 15-point explosion in Game 4 on the road.
That sort of production may not always be realistic from Braun but the Nuggets will need every bit of the scrappy guard’s high-energy hustle plays on both ends this season.
The loss of Brown in free agency leaves Denver’s second unit with a significant hole and no clear contender to fill it.
Bruce Brown left in free agency. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
The Nuggets did sign veteran forward Justin Holiday and brought back Reggie Jackson, although the 33-year-old guard was inconsistent at best last season.
If anything, Denver will be hoping draft picks Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett and Hunter Tyson are seamless fits like Braun was.
They are also all older prospects and that is clearly a part of Denver’s plans, drafting rookies who are in a better position to produce right away. The Nuggets will need it too.
Meanwhile, there is also second-year forward Peyton Watson, who flashed his enormous potential on defence last year. His offensive game remains a work in progress though.
Zeke Nnaji is another name to keep an eye on, with the Nuggets betting on the 22-year-old to have a breakout year in his fourth season after extending him on a four-year, $32 million deal.
With Jeff Green also gone, the Nuggets are largely depending on a youth movement to keep the second unit going.
Christian Braun flashed his potential. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WHAT VERSION OF ZION WILL WE GET?
It seems pretty simple at this point. The Pelicans have a talented and deep enough squad to contend for a title if they can stay healthy — and that has proven a big if recently.
Of course, central to New Orleans’ hopes of improving on last season’s play-in tournament finish will be the form of superstar forward Zion Williamson.
With Williamson on the court last season the Pelicans looked every bit a genuine championship threat, kicking out to a 23-13 record before the second-time All-Star was sidelined.
It all went downhill from there for New Orleans but with Williamson healthy again, the Pelicans will have a good chance of finally making it past the play-in tournament.
Veteran guard CJ McCollum played through injury himself as he tried to keep the Pelicans afloat last season without Williamson while Brandon Ingram also missed time with a toe issue.
Add those two into the mix and there again won’t be as much pressure on Williamson to produce immediately, although the signs from the preseason are good.
Williamson had 10 points, four steals, two assists and a rebound in just the first quarter of a 104-92 win over the Orlando Magic.
Zion Williamson needs to stay healthy. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
There have rarely been any concerns about the 23-year-old’s ability on the court though.
Along with actually being available in the first place, Williamson has also dealt with off-court dramas while questions have been asked of his conditioning away from the court.
McCollum though said Williamsom has made some much-needed changes with a better understanding of what is expected of him heading into his fourth season in the league.
“I do feel like he has matured a lot. I feel like he has an understanding of what’s expected of him and exactly what he needs to do consistently in order to be available,” McCollum told The New York Post last week.
“I think he understands how good he can be when he’s doing the little things. Playing the game is the easiest thing for him. He’s a gamer, the lights are on, he likes to show off — and really just show how good he is at the sport.
“The hard part is the day-to-day stuff. I think he’s gotten a lot better at that, which will allow him to be a lot more successful — consistently — throughout an entire season.”
Wemby did ALL THIS in 90 seconds! | 00:44
IS THIS IT FOR THIS VERSION OF THE CLIPPERS?
Like the Pelicans, the Clippers have a talented enough roster to make some noise in the Western Conference.
Relying on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to stay healthy though has been a consistent source of frustration and now Los Angeles finds itself in an awkward position heading into the 2023-24 season.
The superstar duo are eligible for four-year max contracts this offseason, although it would have to be at the right price given the concerns over their durability.
Leonard and George each have $48 million player options for the 2024-25 season but can also become unrestricted free agents next summer.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, both players are eligible for extensions up to four years and $220 million.
“I think this is potentially the most interesting team in the league because they have two guys that are massive stars that are extension eligible now and we’ve heard nothing about it,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe said on ‘NBA Today’ last month.
“Nothing imminent. No talks really that has been reported. And to me, the Clippers have to look around the league and the Western Conference and think to themselves, ‘In year five of this, have we grown a little bit stale? Has the rest of the Conference, if not passed us by, at least pulled up to us and maybe dipped by us’.
“… It’s hard to trust that Kawhi and Paul George will be healthy at the same time for any prolonged period… the pressure is on the Clippers and it’s a whole lot of uncertainty.”
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Of course, only adding to the uncertainty is the team’s interest in trading for Sixers guard James Harden — a move that would further put the Clippers in win-now mode.
Add in the presence of former MVP Russell Westbrook and that is a lot of talent — but also a lot of strong personalities — for coach Ty Lue to juggle in his fourth season with the team.
Then there is also the fact the Clippers will be moving into a new arena next season, only further incentivising moves to keep the team competitive and in title contention.
It would be quite underwhelming otherwise for the Clippers to open the new Intuit Dome without their All-Star duo and instead be looking at the beginning of a long rebuild.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH JAMES HARDEN?
Well, a few things are clear. He wants out of Philadelphia. He wants in at Los Angeles.
As for when he could return to the court though, answering that question is far more challenging at this point because even the most clued-in NBA insiders seem unsure.
At the moment, Harden still remains away from the team’s practice due to personal reasons and ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Monday there is the possibility he doesn’t show up for “quite some time”.
That is hardly ideal for Philadelphia, who has games against fellow title contenders Milwaukee, Phoenix and Boston in the opening fortnight of the season.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, both the Sixers and the Clippers — Harden’s preferred trade destination — are no closer to agreeing on a potential deal.
“That stalemate continues,” Wojnarowski said on the most recent episode of his podcast.
“He is away on an excused leave. The organisation is allowing for it… it [the trade] hasn’t happened. It is nowhere close, it is nowhere in range.
“Those talks are nowhere between Philly and the Clippers. There is a wide gulf between those two organisations. I think the Clippers believe they have made by far the best offer for James Harden, the only real serious offer.”
James Harden is still away from the team. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)Source: AFP
Multiple reports have suggested L.A.’s reluctance to include Terance Mann and more draft capital in a potential package is proving a sticking point.
That is consistent with what Wojnarowski said on Tuesday and at this stage, no rival teams are offering anything more that would incentivise the Clippers to change their mind.
“Daryl Morey wants more… I think the way the Clippers look at it is the market dictates the value,” Wojnarowski said.
“Each side certainly does what is best for them and for the Clippers that is not including Terance Mann or a second first-round pick in a deal.
“It does not include taking on perhaps salary in a trade for Harden and for Philly, they’ve said they want to do a deal that allows them to get the assets to go out and get another high-level player to replace James Harden and that’s hard to do.”
Of course, the bigger story here is what Harden’s possible departure could mean for Philadelphia more broadly — and specifically the future of superstar big man Joel Embiid.
Embiid raised eyebrows in the summer when he said in an interview with Maverick Carter that he wants to win a ring “whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else”.
The Sixers clearly know that they can’t trade Harden without getting significant draft capital in return that they can immediately flip into a top-tier player to keep them in title contention.
It is all about convincing Embiid he can win that ring in Philadelphia. Milwaukee did just that with Giannis Antetokounmpo by making a move for Damian Lillard.
It remains unclear at this stage though who Philadelphia could make a move for, having already missed the boat on Jrue Holiday.
Joel Embiid’s future is an interesting storyline to watch. Adam Glanzman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Tuesday that the Knicks are monitoring the Harden situation closely and the associated impact it could have on Embiid’s future.
“Embiid says he likes the challenge. But he also admits it can be frustrating at times that the Sixers lack continuity,” Pompey wrote.
“That’s why there’s pressure on Sixers president of basketball operation Daryl Morey to make the right move. He and the Sixers staff can’t afford a poor trade or its potential domino effects, which could include Embiid asking out.
“… The Knicks are among the teams paying close attention, hoping the Sixers mess this up.”
The Sixers are exercising patience to make sure they don’t do just that. But will that patience eventually wear thin as the topic of Harden’s future is asked at every post-game press conference and media opportunity?
HOW WILL THE BIG TRADES WORK FOR MILWAUKEE/PHOENIX/GOLDEN STATE?
Three contenders. Three big trades.
Milwaukee, Phoenix and Golden State will all be going for glory this season and have taken significant swings in the summer to try to tip the championship race in their favour.
The Bucks, cognisant of the need to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, made it clear the front office is committed to contending for a title after trading for Damian Lillard.
Lillard and Antetokounmpo had both grown comfortable to being the franchise of their respective franchises in the past and that meant having their hands on the ball — a lot.
Now the pair will need to work out how to play together and while Milwaukee won’t have many problems scoring points, the Bucks did sacrifice one of the league’s best defenders to land Lillard.
The veteran guard said at media day that he is looking forward to the opportunity to prove himself on the defensive end as Milwaukee adapts to life without Jrue Holiday.
Giannis inks MONSTER Bucks extension | 01:44
“At the very least, on that end of the floor, I’m going to compete,” Lillard said.
“The people that I play against will tell you, I ain’t a pushover, you know what I’m saying?
“I’ve also had a lot of responsibility on the offensive end for my entire career. I think playing with the kind of players I’ll be playing with here, it will also give me an opportunity to show myself much better on the defensive end of the floor.”
Moving on to Phoenix, there has been plenty of roster turnover in the past few years as the Suns search for a first-ever championship.
In fact, Devin Booker is the only player left from the Suns squad that fell short in the 2021 Finals after Deandre Ayton was traded as part of Milwaukee’s move for Lillard.
Now the Suns will be banking on the superstar trio of Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal to end the franchise’s championship curse.
The concern when Phoenix made the trade for Beal in the first place was what it meant for its depth, although the Suns quickly went about dispelling those concerns with some shrewd free agency moves.
Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen and Yuta Watanabe are the more notable additions and are all much-needed shooting threats to help space out the offence.
Of course, Durant, Booker and Beal are all shot creators in their own right so the Suns shouldn’t have too many issues in that regard.
If there is one glaring question hanging over the team this season it is how Jusuf Nurkic fits in the frontcourt, although it was also clear the team needed to move on from Ayton regardless.
Bradley Beal in new colours. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
As for Golden State, the biggest challenge for the Warriors is finding a way to get the most out of their three star guards in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and new arrival Chris Paul.
There were suggestions in the summer Paul could be hesitant to come off the bench but the veteran guard seemed to put those to rest this preseason against the Kings.
Paul still played 30 minutes in the 116-115 win but was not part of the starting line-up, instead brought off the bench as he scored 13 points to go with nine assists and six rebounds.
Given his injury history and Golden State’s issues running the offence without Curry on the floor, staggering Paul’s minutes could be beneficial for both his game and that of the team.
Speaking to reporters earlier in the month Paul made it clear he would be happy to play a bench role if it was in the team’s best interests.
“I actually had an opportunity in ’08 to come off the bench for the Olympic team, you know what I mean?” Paul said at the time.
“And that went pretty well. I think anybody who knows me knows I’m all about winning. Whatever I can do to help our team win.”
Injuries, such as the one that sidelined Draymond Green to start the season, means Paul probably won’t be locked into either a bench or starting role.
Regardless of whether he starts or not though, it looks like the Warriors will lean on the veteran point guard to lead the second unit.
Chris Paul takes the court for a preseason game. (Photo by Loren Elliott / AFP)Source: AFP
“I am told no matter what Chris’ role is, whether he is in the starting line-up or coming off the bench, his main job with this team is going to be being that floor general – that conductor – for the second unit and that goes beyond tonight,” Kendra Andrews said on ESPN.
“Of course, there is that gaping spot in the starting line-up because Draymond Green is out with that left ankle sprain but even after he comes back, is Chris Paul going to be starting? Is he going to be a sixth man? Again, either way they want him to be the head of that second unit.”
And this may be Golden State’s best chance to win, with Thompson and Steve Kerr entering the final year of their respective deals.
This is also an aging core group of players in general and the decision to move on from Poole in favour of Paul made it clear the time is now for the Warriors to make a move for another title.
WHAT HAPPENS AT DALLAS IF IT DOESN’T COME TOGETHER THIS YEAR?
When it comes to the next superstar who could be on the move, obviously Embiid is the one to watch in the short-term given what is developing in Philadelphia.
But there is also plenty of pressure on the Mavericks to take a significant step this season — or at least show some level of improvement so as to convince Luka Doncic this is a team he can win a title with.
Back in April earlier this year a report from ESPN’s Tim MacMahon claimed the Mavericks feared Doncic could consider asking for a trade as early as the summer of 2024.
“He’d like to be here the whole time,” Dallas owner Cuban told reporters at the time.
“But we’ve got to earn that.”
That at least shows some level of self-awareness from the Mavericks front office that they can’t simply settle for making the play-in tournament or even an early playoffs exit.
Even that would be an improvement on last season, where the Mavs finished with a 38-44 record and missed the playoffs entirely.
Luka Doncic. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
That came a year after Dallas made a stunning run to the Western Conference that the franchise was unable to back up, only further putting the spotlight on Doncic’s future.
The Mavericks made a big swing for Kyrie Irving to try lighten the load on Doncic but all that did was expose the team’s shortcomings on defence.
Dallas went about addressing that this summer, signing Grant Williams and drafting a young big in Dereck Lively II — although it may be a bit much to expect him to produce in a starting role right away. Seth Curry, of course, will also add consistent outside shooting.
Maxi Kleber is also healthy while there is hope the freshly extended Josh Green can take another leap after flashing his potential as a much-needed 3-and-D option last season.
Of course, more important than anything else was the fact Irving re-signed on a three-year, $126 million contract this summer.
With Irving bought in, the Mavericks have the superstar duo to build around in the coming seasons — but that is reliant on Doncic being bought in too.
That is no guarantee if Dallas takes another step backwards or doesn’t take enough of a step forward this season.
FIVE MORE STORYLINES TO FOLLOW
1. The Knicks as the top team to watch in trade talks
2. Is this it for this version of the Hawks, led by Trae Young?
3. If the Timberwolves don’t start up hot, could big changes be on the cards?
4. After an injury-interrupted year, is this the year LaMelo takes another step?
5. Is this judgement season for the Chicago Bulls?
A four-time NBA champion and member of the basketball Hall of Fame, O’Neal was a dominant presence across his 19-year career on the court.
The 51-year-old has been even more successful after his playing retirement, however, trying his hands at a huge variety of ventures.
The man known universally as Shaq has been involved in pizza, burger and doughnut franchises, car washes, insurance companies and much more.
Shaquille O’Neal is returning to the company that helped launch his name. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Television viewers in Australia will know him for a hook-up with a betting company, leading to a glut of ads poking fun at his attempts to understand local culture.
Now, he is taking a trip back home of sorts, taking on the new role of President of Basketball with shoe and apparel company, Reebok.
Rounding out the executive team will be another perennial All Star from his playing days, Allen Iverson, who will be O’Neal’s vice president.
“Being at the company for such a long time, one of the things I’m most proud about is a lot of brands have relationships with their athletes and endorsers,” Reebok chief executive Todd Krinsky told Boardroom.
O’Neal is one of the most dominant players in NBA history.Source: AFP
“Usually, they’re giving them product in perpetuity and having them come to events and appearances.
“With this, we’re actually bringing two of our legacy athletes together and having them be in real management positions within our company.”
O’Neal launched his first line of shoes, the Shaq Attack range, with Reebok back in 1992.
Competing with the likes of Nike’s Air Jordan range, O’Neal had a successful run before leaving late that decade to launch his own range of affordable sneakers.
Iverson also had a signature shoe line with the company in the early 2000s.
Reebok was acquired by Adidas in 2005 and was then taken over by brand management giant Authentic Brand Group for $3.89 billion in 2022.
Reebok now plans to relaunch a full basketball range in early 2025.
“A big part of my role will be leveraging my network to build bridges, connect the brand with players and help those players develop through their partnership with Reebok,” O’Neal said.
“We just want to do things differently. That’s what we were best known for back then and what we want to stay true to now.”
O’Neal will help with business development, partnerships and player recruitment, while Iverson is being tasked with community initiatives and player recruitment.
The NBA’s Media Day has come and gone, with Jimmy Butler turning heads after debuting a bold, new look while Giannis Antetokounmpo answered questions about his future following the team’s blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard.
But a host of Australia’s NBA players were also made available to the media, with Josh Giddey revealing what he is putting a “heavy emphasis” on in his third year in the league.
Ben Simmons, meanwhile, spoke confidently ahead of his return to the court for the Brooklyn Nets while a few Australians on the move touched on how they will fit into their new teams.
Here are some of the key topics every Australian in the NBA touched on at Media Day!
Giddey, who is entering his third season at the Oklahoma City Thunder, has already proven himself as a top-tier passer while his 3-point shooting still remains a work in progress.
But an underrated aspect of his game, and one the 20-year-old will need to lean into more to further enhance his ceiling on the offensive side of things, is his elite positional size.
Giddey already showed glimpses of that in the recent FIBA World Cup — and against Japan in particular, finishing with 26 points as he used size mismatches to his advantage and drove to the rim with aggression.
Of course, Giddey isn’t going to have that extreme of a size mismatch across the court in the NBA but he still certainly has an advantage as a guard with his 6-foot-9 frame.
Giddey only had 1.9 free throw attempts per game last season despite averaging 12.4 drives and it is something he is looking to increase ahead of his third year with OKC.
Josh Giddey is entering his third season in the NFL. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I wanted to make a heavy emphasis on putting pressure on the refs to blow the whistle and get me foul calls and getting to the free throw line,” Giddey said.
“My first two years that was something I struggled with, was getting to the line a lot. I think I settled for a lot of floaters and a lot of short shots in the mid-range area as opposed to getting all the way to the rim and forcing the ref to make a call.
“That’s something that this year I’m putting an emphasis on, not settling for floaters and mid-range shots and getting to the rim. Getting to the free throw line is something I need to get better at and something I spent a bit of time at the World Cup trying to improve on.”
Using size mismatches to his advantage:
More broadly though, Giddey said he at times fell into the trap of underestimating his size and has been working with Mike Wilks — OKC’s assistant coach — to address that.
“That was something me and Mike Wilks, one of our coaches, we spent a lot of time on it,” Giddey said.
“I think sometimes I underestimate my size and I’m letting teams off the hook taking these mid-range shots as opposed to using my size and strength to get all the way to the rim. That’s something I want to put a heavy emphasis on. I think it helps match-up wise, obviously as a bigger guard you can see things a little better than the average-sized guard and I’m able to make a few extra passes.
“But putting myself in positions where my height and my size can be an advantage to the team is something we’re getting good at and coach is putting me in those positions to exploit teams. It is something I put an emphasis on, trying to use my size to hurt teams.”
Josh Giddey is ready to up the physicality. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Improving as a shooter:
Of course, 3-point shooting still remains a swing skill for Giddey but he can take some confidence from his gradual growth in that regard last season.
No one is asking Giddey to be a lights-out shooter from deep. He just needs to be respectable enough to warrant the respect and attention of the defence.
That, in turn, will only open up more driving lanes for Giddey to increase his free-throw attempts or even kick it out to open teammates like he already does so well.
“Shooting the ball is obviously a big emphasis for me that I wanted to improve on in the off-season,” Giddey said.
“I’m 20 years old, there’s so many things in my game that need to get better and improve. Some of that will come with time, other stuff comes with putting the work in the off-season.”
For the record, Giddey went from a 26.3 per cent 3-point shooter in his rookie year to 32.5 per cent in his sophomore season and is definitely trending up in that regard.
BEN SIMMONS (Brooklyn Nets)
It has been quite noticeable this summer that not only does Ben Simmons look in the best shape of his career but he’s also seemingly more confident than ever too.
After a tumultuous few seasons, the 27-year-old told YES Network on media day that this is “the best” he has “felt in a long time” after struggling in his return from back surgery last year.
Now Simmons is looking to be a key part of a young Brooklyn squad that he believes can push the pace and be one of the fastest teams in the league.
On how he feels and the road to recovery:
“I feel great,” Simmons said.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a long time. I had a real opportunity this summer to focus on myself, take my time and rehab properly and get to a place where I’m comfortable and physically able to compete at the highest level.
“There were multiple times that you just didn’t see Ben Simmons out there and that’s because I physically couldn’t do it.
“But for myself, my job is to put myself out there and try to do what I can on the court. Looking at it now, I was put in a place where I probably wasn’t feeling the greatest.
“I probably needed more time to rehab, truthfully. But at the same time I want to compete and help my teammates win.”
Ben Simmons is ready to make a statement. Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Simmons even went on to admit there were times he “couldn’t sit down properly”, such was the pain he was dealing with after being diagnosed with nerve impingement in his back.
“Sitting down here, it’s comfortable,” he said.
“There were times where I couldn’t sit down properly, I couldn’t get into cars and be comfortable sitting down too long. I wasn’t able to get up and perform and do things I needed to do.
“So for me now, I’m looking at it and day-to-day things are easier. I think that also takes a toll on you mentally if you’re not able to compete and do the things naturally you can do. It’s frustrating. But I’m in a place now where everyday is a lot easier.”
Simmons added that he took ownership of his rehab this summer, with pilates in particular playing a key role in his recovery.
“It’s the best,” the three-time All-Star said.
“I do it everyday. It’s something I’ve built into my everyday life and it helps tremendously. This summer I really took my rehab into my own hands.”
Ben Simmons speaks to reporters. Mike Lawrie/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On having a team that can push the pace:
Whether Simmons can return to the same heights that saw him earn three All-Star selections remains to be seen.
What we already know though is that the 27-year-old is an elite facilitator, particularly in transition, and the make-up of Brooklyn’s current roster has Simmons excited in that regard.
The Australian is expecting the Nets to be “one of the fittest and most fast-paced” teams in the league.
“It’s exciting to have a group of guys that are willing to run, space the floor and get their shots,” Simmons said.
“I don’t think we have anyone on the team that’s worried about the individual shots or anything like that. I’m excited because I know I’m going to find my teammates pushing the ball. I know we have multiple guys who can push the ball.
“That’s something I’ve noticed coming into the league years ago. When you play with pace and everybody’s able to keep up with that pace, it’s hard to stop. Not everybody in the league wants to run… looking at this team, I think we can be one of the fittest teams and [most] fast-paced teams in the league.”
The Nets seemingly prioritised athleticism over shooting given some of their moves this offseason, trading away Joe Harris and Patty Mills.
Brooklyn did sign Cameron Johnson, who shot 45.5 per cent from 3-point land in games for Phoenix last season, to a four-year deal maxing out at $108 million with incentives.
Ben Simmons is back with a point to prove. Cole Burston/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On dealing with criticism and his relationship with coach Jacques Vaughn:
Simmons has faced his fair share of criticism over recent years, although the 27-year-old has quite a mature approach to it all — especially when you consider it would be easy to lash out given the personal nature of his mental health struggles recently.
“It’s difficult but at the same time it comes with it,” Simmons said.
“I know what’s expected of me, I know what I can do and what I’m capable of so I get it. If I was a fan I’d be frustrated too but also I know what’s going on, so physically when I wasn’t able to do it that’s what it was.
“That’s why I took the whole summer, put all the focus into myself and my body to get back to where I need to be.”
Simmons was famously thrown out of training by 76ers coach Doc Rivers during his time in Philadelphia and admitted his relationship with Brooklyn coach Jacques Vaughn has been “a little up and down”.
“It’s hard for a coach to really trust and believe in you when he’s not seeing it, right?” Simmons said.
“And I’m not able to physically do it. You can’t see it. As a coach, I’d do the same thing: I’m not going to play you when you’re not able to compete and do the things I know you can do, right?”
But then Vaughn was able to see Simmons’ progress this summer in person.
“So this summer, I’ve taken the time to get healthy, obviously. He came down to Miami a few times and saw me: That’s what it was,” Simmons said.
“He was able to see me get healthy, put the work in and put the time in and focus on myself and show him that I want to play at this level and be the point guard and do these things.
“So that comes with grace. When you put that work in, you’re going to get grace from the surrounding people, your teammates, your coaches, and staff.”
What have Simmons’ teammates been saying?
Nic Claxton: “He’s feeling a lot better, a lot more confident in himself. I know he’s ready to get out there. He has a lot of people to prove wrong. He wants to get back to his old self.”
Cam Thomas: “There’s not many players in the league that can do what he does. His size and athleticism, and his ability to distribute the ball, defend, rebound, score the ball. He’s a setup guy, and for myself, I can really benefit from playing with him. I think it can bear a lot of fruit.”
DYSON DANIELS (New Orleans Pelicans)
Coming into the NBA, Daniels had already established himself as arguably the most talented defender in his draft class.
It is why Pelicans coach Willie Green did not hesitate to give the Bendigo product minutes early in his career and he didn’t have much choice either as injuries piled up.
As the postseason approached though, the 20-year-old’s minutes dwindled with Daniels a non-factor in the team’s play-in tournament loss to Oklahoma City.
Heading into his sophomore season, Daniels told reporters while defence always will remain his priority he also knows he needs to increase his offensive output to get more minutes.
On finding his offensive identity:
Daniels averaged 3.8 points in 17.7 minutes per game last season but flashed his potential as the focal point of the Pelicans’ offence at the Summer League this year, averaging 14.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 7.2 rebounds.
The 20-year-old guard is unlikely to play the same role without injuries given New Orleans already have talented ballhandlers in Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.
It means becoming a more consistent shooting threat will be key to opening up Daniels’ game.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that can play with the ball and I think our team is very positionless,” Daniels said.
“We want to play fast, we want to get the ball out quick and push the pace. I feel like that’s something I can do with the ball. Obviously I’m not going to have the ball a lot this year because of some of the offensive firepower we have this year.
“So I’ve been learning to play in James Borrego’s offensive system — set screens, slip out of screens, uphill dribble handoffs, fakes and stuff like that. There’s a lot of different things I can do to impact the game and I’m looking forward to getting into training camp and playing with some new guys and playing in new positions.”
Pelicans coach Green told reporters that “creating an offensive identity” will be central to Daniels taking the next step, having already proven himself as an NBA-ready defender.
Dyson Daniels dribbles the ball. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Supplied
On changing his shooting technique:
Daniels went on to reveal that he has made changes to his shooting technique under the guidance of Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson.
While Daniels found other ways to score in the Summer League, he still struggled to shoot it from deep after going 2-for-20 from downtown in the tournament.
Having made just 31.4 per cent of his 3-pointers in his rookie season, Daniels said changing his hand placement on the ball has helped correct some of his shooting deficiencies.
“I think it’s huge,” Daniels said of improving his 3-point shooting.
“For me in Summer League I didn’t shoot the ball well at all. I’ve been working with Fred [Vinson] for the last month and a bit now. I’ve changed my shot again and completely changed my technique and I’m very happy with where I’m at now.
“I’ve changed my hand placement on the ball, so I’ve brought my guard hand back a little bit. I’ve got a quicker dip now. I’ve got a more out front reach rather than up. I’m just catching the ball relaxed.
“Last year I caught the ball with wide hands and I was gripping it too much so my fingers are relaxed and I’m able to get my follow through more, get a little bit more arc on the shot and softer touch around the rim. Last year the ball was hitting the rim too hard, this year it’s hitting it soft so it has a chance to go in if it does hit the rim.
“It was tough at the start because when you change something it’s not always going to work at the start but you’ve got to stick with it. The first week I was missing a lot of shots but the second and third week I’m starting to make more and more and be more consistent. I’ve definitely learnt a lot in this short month of changing my shot.”
Dyson Daniels blocks a shot by Nikola Vucevic. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On taking another leap as a defender:
From LeBron James to Luka Doncic and Russell Westbrook. Daniels had his fair share of tough defensive assignments for a rookie.
But that in itself spoke volumes of the confidence the Pelicans had in his impressive defensive instincts.
Even still, Daniels said he wants to further improve as a defender in his sophomore campaign and is looking to draw on the impact teammate Herb Jones had as one of the league’s best perimeter stoppers.
Jones had a team-high 103 steals last season despite missing 16 games and Daniels said he is hoping to have a “defensive impact this year rather than just being a defensive stopper”.
“Defence is what I pride myself on,” he said.
“That’s what got me on the floor last year and I want to make offensive strides this year but we have so much offensive firepower, it’s about making sure I play inside the system and for me on the defensive end I feel like last year I was able to stop people, I was able to guard people but this year I want to have a defensive impact.
“I want to be able to get in the lanes, get more steals, block more shots and be more like Herb. He’s always active, getting hands on balls and that’s what I want to do this year.”
Dyson Daniels handles the ball. (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
PATTY MILLS (Atlanta Hawks)
It was quite the eventful offseason for Mills, who was first traded to Houston before immediately being dealt to Oklahoma City and then finally settling at the Hawks.
All of that happened in the space of 10 days too.
Mills will fill a bench role for Atlanta as an experienced and stable point guard option to help run the offence while also offering disruptive defensive presence if playing at his best.
The veteran guard had limited opportunities for Brooklyn last season, averaging just 6.2 points per game to go with 1.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 36.6 per cent from deep.
It was the 35-year-old’s worst 3-point shooting season since his 2014-15 campaign with San Antonio, although the lack of consistent playing time certainly played a significant role in that.
On his role in the team and playing under Quin Snyder:
Now with some much-needed clarity on his future, Mills is looking forward to being part of a young core that has struggled to really establish itself as a legitimate playoff contender in recent years.
“I’m very excited to be here in Atlanta. I’m extremely excited to be part of an organisation and a team, from being here only a few days now, but to feel the energy and excitement from everyone,” Mills said.
“Each and everyone understanding their role from players to coaches to staff. There’s a real goal here, so to come in and find my way, be a leader for this team and complement the other leaders that are here is very important.
“It’s been incredible to watch someone who I’ve seen as a rookie, to see him grow in San Antonio and then to see him make a change and see him continue to be on that growth at an extraordinary level has been awesome for me as a vet to follow along.
“His [Snyder] basketball mind is exceptional. The strategies going against him for so many years, I’m definitely pleased to be on the other side with him now.”
Patty Mills is in new colours. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On playing with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray:
The Hawks are coming off three-straight playoffs appearances but have failed to progress past the first round in the past two seasons.
Whether Atlanta is able to finally take a step in the right direction towards a championship largely will depend on Trae Young, the undeniable face of the franchise.
The Hawks also re-signed Dejounte Murray to a four-year, $120 million contract extension this summer, with Mills describing the duo as “the head of the snake”.
“Coming into a locker room that is very talented, young and filled with that excitement is a great place to start,” Mills said.
“You put Trae, you put Dejounte… to be able to lead this thing down a path of success, my role and [that of] the other older guys’ [is] to be able to keep the group together. There’s going to be a lot of adversity as there always is every season but to be able to keep this group together and in a growth mindset is important.
“But Trae and Dejounte are obviously the head of the snake here and being able to empower them to be the players they are is very important.”
On the motto driving his fresh start:
Having spent a decade at San Antonio before his move to Brooklyn, it could be easy for Mills to question the path his career is heading in after what transpired this summer.
But the Boomers legend had a mature approach to the most eventful offseason of his career and it all centres around sticking solid with one motto in particular.
“It was probably a couple of years there where there were a lot of different things that were happening and changing, so I don’t think I was too surprised,” Mills said of his time at the Nets.
“But more just excited about an opportunity. A strong motto for me at the moment is: ‘Be where your feet are’. It’s about being present, making the most of the opportunities that are in the front of you and enjoy it.
“Being here in Atlanta is a great opportunity for me that I’m thoroughly excited about.”
Patty Mills was traded a few times this offseason. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
JACK WHITE (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Joining Giddey at Oklahoma City this year will be Jack White, who knows a thing or two about winning after becoming the seventh Australian NBA champion last season.
While White didn’t see much playing time, only averaging 3.9 minutes across 17 games for the Denver Nuggets, it was an invaluable experience for the 26-year-old nonetheless.
Now White will have a better chance for more minutes at an Oklahoma City team that is still figuring out its identity and could always use a high-effort player of his calibre off the bench.
White though was signed to a deal cheap with minimal guarantees, meaning he will need to impress at training camp or risk being cut before the season tips off.
Giddey’s praise for White:
Boomers and now Thunder teammate Giddey though is confident White will fit right in at the Thunder given the winning habits he has picked up in stints with Melbourne United, Duke and Denver.
“You guys will love him,” Giddey said at media day.
“He’s awesome. A guy that plays with a lot of energy, makes the right play, makes the game easy for his teammates, will do the things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.”
Jack White vies for a rebound. (Photo by Aaron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
What kind of player the Thunder will be getting in White:
That proved the case at times in the recent FIBA World Cup, with White a late inclusion in Australia’s squad after former United teammate Jock Landale was ruled out due to injury.
White stepped up to make an immediate impact on both ends in the team’s World Cup opener against Finland, proving particularly effective in defence on NBA star Lauri Markkanen.
“My best strength is being a sort of 3-and-D guy on the wing and forward position, being able to rebound the ball really well for my size and position,” White said.
“Just being able to stretch the floor, being able to be reliable as an individual and team defender, being a communicator and great culture guy. But really, just trying to do all the simple things and all the hard-working, one per centre things that you need to win.
“I couldn’t really care too much about my individual stats or anything like that as long as I feel like I’m contributing to winning, that’s the most important thing to me and I’m super excited to try showcase that here.”
On any similarities between Denver and OKC:
While Oklahoma City is still building and unlikely to be in a position to contend like Denver was last season, White does see some similarities between the two franchises.
Namely, the 26-year-old pointed towards the lack of egos in the locker room with the Nuggets of course being led in that regard by selfless Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic.
“I think the biggest thing that is consistent across different teams and different levels is having that sort of camaraderie and team culture to fall back on,” White said.
“I think last year at Denver we just had a great bunch of guys. We had great vets, great young guys, obviously super talented players. It’s a long season, obviously there’s going to be ups and downs throughout two games and if you have sort of that base and relationship with your teammates and just a great culture within the group, it’s great to be able to fall back on that when things aren’t going well and obviously when things are going well you’re able to ride that wave and keep it at a high level.
“My experience here so far meeting all the guys and meeting all the staff… I definitely get that similar vibe from what I felt at Denver. Although it’s a young group we have great leadership and guys that are all-in and all about winning. There are no egos coming into the gym. I’m just super excited to see how it all comes together.”
JOE INGLES (Orlando Magic)
Like White, Ingles has also made the move from a contending team in Milwaukee to one on the rise in Orlando.
With former first overall pick Paolo Banchero leading a young Magic core, Ingles will provide some much-needed veteran leadership and experience off the bench and in the locker room.
On why he signed with the Magic:
Ingles signed with the Magic on a two-year, $22 million deal in free agency but the decision to join Orlando had more to do with family than it did with how much he was pocketing.
“I think for me as you get older, I’m not purely picking where I play basketball,” Ingles said.
“Obviously that’s a part of it but having my wife and kids and my son especially who is on the spectrum and starting school now, one of the things my agent obviously knew straight away is I wasn’t going anywhere where there wasn’t a school for Jacob so that does limit it a fair bit.
“But there was a great opportunity obviously with school, obviously the living side of it speaks for itself and then having a bit of a relationship with coach, kind of getting to know him over the last few years through some mutual connections and playing against him and how they’ve been trending upwards and the way they play.
“Just all of that combined in, it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”
Joe Ingles in new colours. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On the lessons learned that Ingles can bring to a young core:
Of course, Ingles brings more than just a veteran presence to Orlando, also offering a catch-and-shoot option for a Magic team that finished 27th in the league last year in 3-point attempts per game.
Ingles will also offer a playmaking option to help run the young second unit and ease the pressure on Cole Anthony, who developed into a strong sixth man for the Magic last season.
“Obviously knowing that it is a younger group, luckily or not I’ve been around a fair bit,” Ingles said.
“I’ve played a lot of basketball. I’ve played for good teams, I’ve played on some average teams. Bringing those experiences to these guys on the daily basis, kind of understanding what it takes to win.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win 50-plus games for a number of years. That’s hard to do in this league, taking the right steps on a daily basis to get that and obviously with coach it’s a great voice of leading that and I think for me to be able to echo that from a players’ point of view, instead of just from a coach or front office, is important for me to do.
“I think I’ve got a good balance of being able to be that leader but still obviously do what I need to do on the court.”
Joe Ingles in action for the Bucks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On how he felt returning from a long injury layoff:
Ingles spent nearly 10 months away from the court before returning for Milwaukee in December from a torn ACL.
The veteran had a shaky first few shooting games as he started to get back into his rhythm before really heating up in January, shooting 45.8 per cent from downtown.
As the regular season drew towards a close Ingles was providing even more spark off the bench, averaging 8.5 points and 3.5 assists while making 50.8 per cent of his 3-point attempts.
“I started to feel really good at the end of the Milwaukee season,” Ingles said.
“I guess it was a bit of a weird time for me because I was still kind of coming back from that, had a bit of time off, spent the summer in L.A. to get ready for the World Cup, felt really good going into that, had a couple of injuries in the first game.
“I had a couple of injuries in the first game of that, that probably slowed my upper body down a little bit but my knee feels great, fitness levels feel great… now it’s about getting the game reps in.
“Playing with a new group it’s really about learning about how they play individually and as a team. Coach has been great at watching some film on the side just trying to get the understanding of it but I guess that’s one of the hardest parts, coming to a new team — especially when 90 per cent of the team is the same.
“So it’s me really just trying to get on the same page as them.”
MATISSE THYBULLE (Portland Trail Blazers)
Thybulle may be 10 years younger than Ingles but he too will be a veteran of sorts for a younger Portland Trail Blazers squad to lean on.
Thybulle, who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a three-team deal this February, is now the third-oldest player on Portland’s roster after superstar guard Damian Lillard was dealt to Milwaukee.
On stepping into more of a leadership role:
With the offence now in the hands of rookie Scoot Henderson, Thybulle is set to offer a much-needed disruptive defensive presence in the starting small forward role.
Shaedon Sharpe and rookie Kris Murray are likely to be the strongest competition to Thybulle’s starting spot.
“Being more of a veteran player now, I think the biggest thing for me is being available and probably in my case being a bit more vocal,” Thybulle said.
“But I have four seasons under my belt now and for me it feels like a pretty solid foundation of knowing what I’m doing out there or at least pretending really, really well. For the young players, if I see something I can help them with [it is] just being willing and able to step in and then for me also just continuing to learn.
“This is my first team playing on such a young team. For me it’s a new experience and with that there’s a lot [that intrigues me]. I wouldn’t say there’s any thing. I’d say the potential for the speed we can play with is intriguing to most of us here.”
Matisse Thybulle is one of the more experienced players at Portland. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On the Dame trade and his own uncertain future:
It was an eventful offseason for the Trail Blazers, with Lillard eventually traded to the Bucks almost two months after making the request in the first place.
Thybulle admitted he felt “bad” for Lillard given how long it took for the move to be finalised, having also struggled with the uncertainty of his own playing future.
The versatile Boomer signed a three-year, $33 million offer sheet with the Mavericks but the Trail Blazers decided to match the offer, securing his services until at least the 2024-25 season.
“It’s a business, right? I ended up here because of the business of basketball, so I understand it a little bit differently than I might have before I got traded,” Thybulle said.
“Also just to speak on peace of mind, even for me signing the contract this summer. Until I had it signed it was actually quite stressful, just not knowing where you’re going to end up, not knowing what you’re going to make and for long.
“So, for him I feel bad it took so long, to be unsettled for that long not knowing where you’re going to land. I hope it works out. It leaves us with a really going and really fast group, a group that can build and for me being here that’s my main concern.”
Matisse Thybulle in action for the Blazers. Alika Jenner/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Speaking of being unsettled, Thybulle even went on to reveal that he had only just found a place to live after spending a few months “living out of duffle bags”.
“I found a place to live last week, so I’m really excited about that. I’ve been joking with friends, I’ve been living out of duffle bags since February so to now have a place I can put my stuff and things and start to settle in is very, very exciting,” he added.
On his role and development as a shooter:
Like second-year Pelicans guard Daniels, Thybulle’s elite defensive instincts have always kept him on the court, with Portland coach Chauncey Billups describing him as a “wizard”.
The challenge for Thybulle, as is the case for Daniels, has been offering a consistent shooting threat to space the floor.
The 26-year-old made strides in that area of his game since making the move to Portland last season, shooting 38.8 per cent from downtown compared to 32.5 per cent in four seasons at Philadelphia.
“I think my role is the same on any team in the NBA,” Thybulle said.
“I think what’s different here or the opportunity I’ve had here and what’s been different in the past is the involvement I’ve been able to have offensively.
“But at the end of the day, what keeps me in the NBA and what got me here is what I do defensively and the things you do better than everyone else is what gets you here and those things don’t change overnight or in a year.
“For me, it’s just been to continue to do that well and then just build on the things I want to improve. Shooting for me is a thing that was a problem of opportunity and then when I got here the opportunity showed itself and the numbers showed in my ability to do it.
“Now just having an offseason where I got to put more work under my belt and continue to improve on that, this season will be yet another chance to prove it some more.”
JOSH GREEN (Dallas Mavericks)
There is plenty on the line heading into Green’s fourth season in the NBA.
Having flashed his potential powering the Dallas offence without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the challenge for Green is to now find ways to contribute without the ball in his hands as much.
Green’s confidence seemed to wane at times throughout the year, with the 22-year-old having a few strong shooting games before going cold in others.
On a whole though it was an impressive third year for the Australian wing, who shot 40.2 per cent from downtown while averaging 9.1 points in 25.7 minutes — all career-high numbers.
On the key areas of improvement in his game:
The Mavericks have reportedly opened contract extension talks with Green, who spoke at media day about the biggest areas of improvement he targeted in the summer.
“A big focus of mine was making sure I was in the weight room a lot, continuing to try build a bigger upper body,” Green said.
“And then just staying consistent through my whole game just playing more one-on-one in tight situations, three seconds to get a shot off, being consistent with my 3.
“The main thing was making sure I was deliberate with everything I did. I knew I had the World Cup this offseason so as soon as we didn’t make the playoffs I kind of straight away went to work there for two-and-a-half months before being able to head to Australia for camp. It was a fun summer and I feel like I got a lot out of it.
Josh Green dunks. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I think a big focus is making sure I’m consistent with everything, with 3-point shooting and just making sure I’m able to get a lot of reps up.
“But I’d say my biggest thing I tried to improve is the 1-on-1 game and just making sure I’m comfortable with the ball, especially at the end of shot clocks and everything like that. If I get put into a situation where I need to score I worked on that.”
Green also conceded he has at times been the “quieter guy” in the team, adding he is looking to become a more “vocal leader” in his fourth year.
On a potential contract extension with Dallas:
Green was certainly leaving no doubt that he wants to stay put with the Mavericks, telling reporters he “wants to win” with the Mavericks.
“I’m going to work as if I’m going to be here for a long time,” he said.
“I want to win in Dallas, I want to be in Dallas, so whatever their decision is their decision. But at the end of the day, I’ve got the same goal every single day and that is to be the best teammate and best player I can be.”
What new Australian teammate Dante Exum said about him:
Green will team up with Boomers teammate and former fifth overall pick Dante Exum this season.
Exum said on Media Day that Green had an immediate impact on Australia’s World Cup campaign when he took to the court after being sidelined with a few niggling injuries and is looking forward to continuing to see his growth.
“It’s great. Just seeing his growth as a player when I was watching him on the Mavs and then in the Australian team what he’s able to bring for us and then even these couple of days he’s been in training camp and just how he conducts himself and the steps that he takes to be a professional and be the guy he is on court, it’s amazing to see,” Exum said.
“I know he battled a bit of an ankle injury coming in but as soon as he stepped on the floor it changed us dramatically. He was picking up full court, just a dog on the ball.”
JOCK LANDALE (Houston Rockets)
Green wasn’t the only Boomers player to suffer an injury setback in the lead-up to this year’s World Cup, with Landale a late scratching from the Australian team after turning his left ankle.
Landale was set to play a key role for the Boomers as the team’s clear leading big man but instead was forced to watch from home, although it gave him time to study up on new Houston teammate Alperen Şengün.
The 27-year-old was rewarded for a strong showing with the Suns in the playoffs last season, signing a four-year, $32 million contract with the Rockets in free agency.
Landale will operate as Houston’s first option to backup Şengün and will need to perform if he is to see the entirety of his contract, with just one year guaranteed.
On why he signed with Houston:
“Look it’s a business, part of it was financial and I won’t hide from that fact,” an honest Landale admitted.
“The other part is I’ve come to a situation where we’re on the precipice of turning this thing around and getting it back on track in terms of winning and that really excites me, being part of a program where they’re making all the right decisions to get back into playoff contention and I really wanted to be a part of that. Phoenix was an unbelievable experience.
“I would love to go back there and compete for a championship but I was also really excited by the opportunity to come to Houston and help this team over a few years get back towards the winning circle.”
Jock Landale is now playing for the Rockets. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
On the ankle injury:
“I feel really good,” Landale said.
“It was a bit of an interesting process because obviously I was eager to play in the World Cup and then when it happened 12 hours before we were taken off to Tokyo that was pretty disheartening but we sat there in Melbourne for about a week, kind of got the bleeding in the ankle to stop and then jumped on the flight and managed to inflame it because that’s a damn long flight out to Houston.
“It went big as it ever was. From there it was just a process of getting that swelling out over a week-and-a-half and then we’ve been rehabbing since then. The rehab process has been phenomenal here and it’s in a place where I can play right now if I have to. We’re pretty pumped with the progress.”
On what he is going to bring to Houston:
“Just what I try to bring to every other team I suppose is just a level of toughness, playing hard every single possession,” Landale said.
“I’m going to make mistakes but there will be no lack of effort, run hard up and down the court, play defence, rebound on both ends of the court. Just try and apply as much pressure all-round every game.
“I’m going to help get these guys open as much as I can, just set screens and do the dirty work and I think that last year really cleared itself up for me moving forward is that that’s what my role is going to be.
“My role is going to be playing between the gaps and really doing the dirty work to help the more prominent scorers out, shoot good shots, not really force anything and play winning basketball the right way.”
Jock Landale missed the FIBA World Cup with an ankle injury. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Landale shot just 25.0 per cent from deep last season but is confident he can improve on that after seeing immediate results as he ramps up to return from injury.
“I didn’t have a great year shooting the ball last year,” Landale said.
“I think everyone knows that but that was something where towards in the end it was just the reality of the situation was, ‘Hey, we’ve got a lot of guys that can score the ball, we don’t need another one, so where can you fit in?’.
“I was totally content with just being able to help those guys get open and then get my shot creation, offensive rebounds and rim running and I love that stuff. That was a really enjoyable role for me and I’d be content doing it again. I think I can help the team a lot this year. I’ve been shooting the ball really well since coming back from my injury and in the few days I’ve played live there’s been a carryover effect there.”
On first impressions of the team:
This Houston squad is definitely a work in progress, a far cry from the juggernaut Landale left behind in Phoenix with superstar Bradley Beal the latest addition to the stacked roster.
The Rockets though are building quite the talented, young roster with rookies Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson joining Şengün, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.
Landale though had not been able to see much of his teammates in person when asked for his first impressions of the Rockets at Media Day.
“That’s the tough thing,” Landale said.
“I’ve been on the opposite schedule of the team thus far just doing my rehab when they’ve been up on court and then we flip flop so then I go up and I haven’t seen a whole lot just yet. “I got to witness a little bit down in the Bahamas when we went down there as a team and I think we have some extremely high-level young talent and a young core.
“We just need to understand how to play the game the right way and that’s where Ime [Udoka] and his coaching staff have been pushing the guys this offseason and just teaching them how to make the right reads, teaching them how to play with each other and play winning basketball. That’s where I think we’re going to take a big step this season.”
Jock Landale will be the back-up to Alperen Şengün. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
What he can teach/offer Şengün:
While Landale hadn’t seen much of his Rockets teammates in person, he did remember playing against Houston last season and one key deficiency stood out.
“I remember playing against Houston last year there wasn’t a whole lot of boxing out that was going on necessarily so just doing those little things that help teams win in the long run is an area I can help him with,” Landale said when asked what he could offer to Şengün, who he described as an “unbelievable” talent.
Landale did have plenty of spare time during the World Cup and said he “watched a lot” of Şengün, studying up on what he does well and where he may still need to improve.
“I watched Turkey play, not in the World Cup games, but they were playing against other national teams and you can tell there is a guy right there that cares about winning, who has it all offensively,” Landale said.
“I think where I can help him is just by pushing him. I’m someone who doesn’t take possessions off and plays hard every possession and I think I can help him in that regard.
“I took a big step defensively last year as an undersized, not the most athletic centre going around and I think I can help him out being good positionally defensively and then just pushing him.
“Making him chase me up and down the court, applying pressure on the offensive end and the glass.”
DANTE EXUM (Dallas Mavericks)
It has been a long road back to the NBA for Exum, who was taken fifth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2014.
“I felt like I had the skill to be here but being healthy has kind of been the problem,” Exum said on Media Day.
“But I think going over to Europe and spending the last two seasons there has helped me tremendously, learning their game and how they play it and the importance of valuing the ball and possession.”
Exum, who was traded to Cleveland late in 2019 before being waived by Houston two years later, signed with Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
Most recently he suited up for Partizan, leading the team with 11.2 points per game while also improving his 3-point shooting to make 47 per cent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
“I wouldn’t take it back in any sense but I’m glad I was kind of able to fight my way back here but I think it’s just staying on court, staying healthy and making sure everyday I’ve been working on my game and on areas in my game that haven’t been my strong suit and making them a strong suit now,” Exum added.
“… This opportunity means the world to me. Just the path I’ve gone down and experiences I’ve gone through being in the league, being a high draft pick and then going over to Europe, it’s tough. Not a lot of people come back.
“So for me I think I want to come back and stay, show teams that I can be useful, I can be a piece going forward.”
Dante Exum in action for the Mavericks. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
On deciding to join the Mavericks:
“There were a few teams that were interested but I think the Mavs provided a unique opportunity,” Exum said.
“Obviously them having Kyrie and Luka, it’s a lot of minutes taken up but I think where my strong suits are in pushing the ball and being a fast, over-sized point guard is going to help me so that’s kind of why I liked the Mavs too.”
On making leaps in his shooting:
“The biggest thing for me has just been the confidence,” said Exum.
“I’ve always said if I missed my first one I’m going to make the second one, if I miss my second one I’ll make the third one so that’s just kind of the mindset I’ve had with my shooting.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had form and just wasn’t confident. Obviously going over to Europe provided me with the opportunity to just be confident with it and shoot it.”
On what sort of role he could play for Dallas:
Mavericks fans already got a glimpse into the answer to that question during the World Cup, where Exum’s elite athleticism and length gave the Boomers a versatile, switchable option on defence.
Exum though also used those exact qualities to his advantage with the ball in hand too, helping push the pace in transition. Put simply, Exum said he wants to be an “energy guy”.
“I want to bring that energy when I come in,” Exum said.
“I like to push the ball, play fast. The coaches talked about that a bit this year, playing a bit faster and open-court transition, that’s where I’m going to try excel the most.
“My spot shot is the best it’s ever been, so whether it’s playing on ball and pushing the ball or having to play off it and be ready to shoot, that’s what I’m going to be able to do.”
Dante Exum is grateful for the opportunity. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Exum also later revealed that when he first went into the league Dennis Lindsey, who drafted him with the Jazz, told him he was a “horrible defender”.
“So, I took that to heart and that’s something I wanted to focus on,” Exum added.
“I want to be the guy that if you walk on the court and there’s a guy that’s dominant offensively, I want to be the guy [who says], ‘I will take him.’
“… That’s why when I was playing in that series against James Harden [in 2018] I think I was able to stop him. To have the confidence to move my feet, play a bit harder.
“I feel like the European game is a lot [more] physical and I’m going to gauge it as soon as I get on the court here and see how physical I can be. But I know a lot of the players are very smart in how they draw fouls so it’s something I’ve got to be very careful about.”
DUOP REATH
Reath signed a one-year deal with the Blazers after impressing in the absence of Landale at the World Cup, making the most of his opportunity as Australia’s starting big man.
Portland already got a look at Reath at the Summer League too, where he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks in 19.5 minutes.
According to Spotrac, Reath is one of six players on the Blazers roster that is on an Exhibit-10 contract.
It is a minimum, one-year deal that allows NBA teams to bring in players to provide competition at training camp so it remains to be seen whether Reath will figure on the roster once the season tips off.
Duop Reath gets his shot in the NBA. Steph Chambers/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
England midfielder Jordan Henderson has apologised for upsetting the LGBTQ community with his move to Saudi Arabia but said playing in the Gulf state is a “positive thing”.
The former Liverpool captain, a vocal supporter of gay rights, was fiercely criticised over his switch to the Saudi Pro League in July.
Henderson, in an interview with The Athletic, said he could understand the frustration and anger directed towards him.
“There can be a lot of criticism, a lot of negativity around me as a person, and that was difficult to take” he said.
“But I just feel as though, because I do care about different causes that I’ve been involved in, and different communities … I do care. And for people to criticise and say that I’d turned my back on them really, really hurt me.”
The Al-Ettifaq player added: “All I can say is that I apologise, I’m sorry that I’ve made them feel that way. But I haven’t changed as a person.”
Henderson said he would not rule out wearing rainbow laces to show support for LGBTQ people but added he would not “disrespect the religion and culture in Saudi Arabia”.
And he argued that his move to the Gulf state, where he has been reunited with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is manager of Al-Ettifaq, is “positive”.
“People know what my views and values were before I left and still do now,” he said. “And I think having someone with those views and values in Saudi Arabia is only a positive thing.” The 33-year-old, who was last week named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for upcoming internationals, denied that money was the incentive behind his move.
He said eye-watering salary figures quoted in the press of £700,000 ($879,000) a week were over-inflated.
“That was the hardest thing,” he said. “People will see this club come with loads of money and he’s just gone, ‘Yeah, I’m going’.
“When in reality that just wasn’t the case at all. People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation. Ever.”
Henderson in his new colours.Source: Getty Images
Henderson said he had not felt “wanted” by Liverpool, who have overhauled their midfield, and was attracted by a new challenge.
“Stevie never mentioned money,” he said.
“Everything I spoke to Stevie about was football and the project. And he actually said he didn’t want to get involved in any of the money stuff.
“It was all about what we could do together to achieve something special and build a club and build the league.”
