Sports
Novak became the first player since Rod Laver…
Novak became the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to have conquered the first three Majors. Seeking the calendar Grand Slam in New York in September.
Djokovic has won 34 out of 37 matches this year, winning all three Majors to join Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 crowns. Heading to Wimbledon as the top favorite after that brilliant Roland Garros run, Djokovic secured the sixth All England Club trophy in the past ten editions.
Playing well above his rivals, Novak toppled Denis Shapovalov and Matteo Berrettini to emerge at the top and extend his dominance at the most prominent events in the last couple of years. “Yeah, the news is not great.
I received that news yesterday or two days ago, and that was really disappointing to hear. I also hear that there are going to be a lot of restrictions within the Olympic Village. Possibly you would not be able to see other athletes perform live.
I can’t even have my stringer, which is an essential part of my team.
‘m limited with the number of people I can take with me to Tokyo.
I’ll have to think about it. As I said, my plan was always to go to Olympic Games, but right now, I’m a little bit divided. It’s kind of 50/50 because of what I heard in the last couple of days,” Novak Djokovic said.
Trade Secrets: Why now is the time to trade for Ja Morant
Ja Morant is a former Rookie of the Year, a Most Improved Player and a two-time All-Star. When at his best, he’s proven to be one of the top players in the NBA, a potential MVP candidate and a rising star who can carry not only the Memphis Grizzlies but also fantasy teams.
And right now, as he serves his 25-game suspension due to multiple gun-related incidents, he’s a bit of an afterthought.
He is eligible to return as soon as the road game against New Orleans on Dec. 19, which is less than four weeks out, and that’s worth paying close attention to in your fantasy league.
Why, you might ask?
Because there may never be a better time to add him to your roster than now.
Fantasy managers with Morant could be eager to deal
The face of the franchise since he was drafted No. 2 overall in 2019 — one pick after Zion Williamson — Morant has averaged 22.4 points per game in his career, the highest of any player in Grizzlies history.
Even with fantasy managers knowing Morant’s tremendous on-court abilities, the star point guard still fell in virtually all fantasy drafts this season. He wasn’t drafted until after pick No. 60 in most leagues and fell even further, past pick 70 or 80, in plenty of other leagues.
It’s easy to understand the hesitation from many fantasy managers.
Taking a player like Morant, knowing he’d miss essentially a third of the fantasy basketball calendar, was one thing. As a suspended player, though, Morant also couldn’t be stashed in an IR slot, so drafting him meant essentially giving up a bench spot until late December — a non-starter for many fantasy managers.
Fast-forward to today and many of those who did draft Morant find themselves low in their league standings, trying to figure out a way to turn around their fortunes.
They’ve been patient, and in many cases, they’ve yet to be rewarded. That’s a nice way of saying that the season is rapidly getting away.
Now ask yourself what those fantasy managers might do when they see that trade offer for Morant hit their inbox? Even though they’ve already waited out half of his suspension, certainly the temptation will be there to move on before they’re too far back in the standings.
Yes, there is risk
It’s important to remember that even if you want Morant on your team, there’s no guarantee it works out. In fact, there are several pretty major risks.
First of all, he may be rusty and need some time to acclimate; after all, he hasn’t played in a game since April 28, 2023. Fantasy managers must be comfortable with fluctuating statistical production, at least in the first few weeks he returns to the court, and possibly longer.
Secondly, Morant’s overall availability is a legitimate concern when you consider his injury history. So far, he hasn’t played 70 regular season games in any of his first four NBA seasons.
Lastly, Memphis’ record could also adversely affect Morant’s fantasy value in the second half of the season if the team is not in playoff contention. Since the league expanded its playoffs to 16 teams back in 1984, 65 teams have started the season with an 0-5 record, like the Grizzlies, and only 10 of them reached the playoffs. If the Grizzlies fall deep out of playoff contention, there’s a chance he could miss games or be shut down as the team turns its attention to next season.
Waiting will only raise Morant’s trade value
If you’re willing to take on the risk that comes with trading for Morant, doing so sooner rather than later is the way to go.
The reason is simple.
Every week that passes and Morant is closer to getting back on the court, fantasy managers will become more apt to hold on to him and see what his return does for their team.
If you’re looking to get a deal done here, offering two intriguing mid-tier players who are currently playing well in exchange for Morant — and another month of waiting things out — is the way to go and could be too much to pass up for Morant managers.
The key with all this, again, is to move fast.
Other factors to consider
Without their star, the Grizzlies are unrecognizable, and their 3-10 record puts them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Barring a drastic turnaround, things will be even worse by the time Morant steps on the court.
What’s clear is that there’s a massive difference between last season and this one, and not just due to the absence of Morant. Tyus Jones and Dillon Brooks leaving meant some of the Grizzlies’ young talent would have an opportunity to step up, and so far that hasn’t been the case. With Jones gone, Memphis’ backcourt lacks consistency and reliability, and Brooks’ loss has negatively affected the team’s defense.
While Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. remain on the Grizzlies’ roster, Marcus Smart was a solid offseason addition but is already sidelined with a foot sprain that is expected to keep him out another 2-4 weeks. The Grizzlies rank 27th in points scored per 100 possessions and have an effective field goal percentage of 50.7%, third lowest in the league.
All this highlights the integral role Morant has in this Grizzlies’ offense, which ranked 11th in points scored per 100 possessions last season. It’s clear they are lost without him, and the injuries to Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke don’t help, either.
Morant’s return can’t come soon enough for Memphis, and he should get off to a fast start. In training camp, he didn’t work with the starters since the Grizzlies needed to prepare them to start the season without him. However, he’s been practicing and traveling with the team during the regular season.
Final thoughts
Morant averaged 26.2 PPG, 8.1 APG, 5.9 RPG and 1.1 SPG in 32.0 MPG last season, playing 61 games, and right now he can be had for a discount in many fantasy leagues. We have him projected to average 26.3 PPG, 7.9 APG, 5.7 RPG and 1.1 SPG this season across 50 games.
He is the epitome of a risk-reward player, and though better suited for points leagues than category formats, he has the potential to provide second round value.
Is that a risk you should take? Really, it comes down to your risk tolerance and the situation your team is in.
Just know this — playing it safe won’t help you win a fantasy basketball championship, and if you want Morant now is the time to get him.
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Stephen Curry’s Brother Faces Controversy and Scandal for Drug. Seth Curry Hoax Unraveled: False Reports Lead to Misinformation Surge in NBA Circles
In a bizarre turn of events on Monday, the NBA was rocked by a wave of misinformation surrounding Seth Curry, falsely suggesting his dismissal from the Dallas Mavericks due to alleged off-court misconduct. The storm originated from a viral video circulating on social media, portraying someone resembling Curry engaging in questionable behavior. This article unravels the deceptive narrative, highlighting the impact of fake information and the subsequent clarification that set the record straight.
The Misleading Video
On Sunday evening, videos surfaced on social media depicting an individual resembling Seth Curry consuming ‘Lean’ and smoking marijuana. The misleading footage prompted swift reactions, with reports claiming that the Dallas Mavericks had severed ties with Curry. A tweet amplifying the misinformation gained traction, spreading the false narrative across NBA communities.
The Unraveling of Deceit
As Monday unfolded, skepticism arose among those closely following the saga. It became evident that the person in the video wasn’t Seth Curry, and the Dallas Mavericks were oblivious to any such incident. Contrary to the initial reports, Curry remains under contract with the Mavericks, having signed a two-year deal in 2022.
Twitter’s Role in Dispelling the Hoax
The advent of community notes on Twitter, introduced during Elon Musk’s tenure, played a pivotal role in debunking the falsehood. Users were quick to utilize this feature, flagging the misinformation and providing accurate context. A community note surfaced, clarifying that the video showcased a Seth Curry lookalike and was not an authentic representation of the NBA player’s actions.
Seth Curry’s Actual Status
Contrary to the misleading reports, Seth Curry has not been cut by the Dallas Mavericks. The misinformation stemmed from a parody social media account, further underscoring the importance of verifying sources before perpetuating unverified claims.
READ: “When Sports Worlds Collide: The Uplifting Encounter Between LeBron James and Jalen Hurts You Didn’t See Coming”
The Power of Community Notes
The incident highlights the effectiveness of community notes in dispelling fake news. Users, collectively acting as fact-checkers, swiftly corrected the narrative, emphasizing the need for responsible sharing in the age of rampant misinformation.
Navigating the Web of Deception
As the Seth Curry saga showcases, misinformation can spread rapidly, causing unwarranted panic and tarnishing reputations. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. While false narratives may momentarily gain traction, the power of community notes and vigilant users can swiftly set the record straight, ensuring accuracy prevails in the face of deception. In an era where information travels at the speed of a click, discernment and responsible sharing become essential tools in navigating the web of deception.
Boxing
“When Sports Worlds Collide: The Uplifting Encounter Between LeBron James and Jalen Hurts You Didn’t See Coming”
“When Sports Worlds Collide: The Uplifting Encounter Between LeBron James and Jalen Hurts You Didn’t See Coming”. Jalen Hurts Meets Idol LeBron James, Sparks Mutual Admiration
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts experienced a dream come true on Monday as he witnessed his idol, NBA legend LeBron James, in action during the Lakers’ clash with the 76ers. Fresh off a stellar win against the Bills, Hurts, accompanied by his father, sat courtside for the game and even had the privilege of meeting the four-time NBA champion. In this article, we delve into the significance of this encounter, highlighting Hurts’ admiration for James and the mutual respect exchanged between the two sports icons.
Front Row Seat to Inspiration
Following his remarkable performance against the Bills, Jalen Hurts seized the opportunity to witness LeBron James, one of his favorite athletes, in person. Positioned in the front row with his father, Hurts soaked in the electrifying atmosphere as James showcased his skills on the basketball court. The experience served as a rare and memorable moment for the Eagles’ quarterback, emphasizing the intersection of admiration and inspiration between athletes across different sports.
A Meeting of Icons
The highlight of the evening wasn’t limited to watching James from the front row. Jalen Hurts had the unique privilege of meeting the NBA superstar in person. Eager to share the moment with his father, Hurts expressed the significance of having LeBron James shake his father’s hand. For Hurts, it was a gesture of appreciation towards a monumental figure who has captivated his father’s admiration over the years.
“When Sports Worlds Collide: The Uplifting Encounter Between LeBron James and Jalen Hurts You Didn’t See Coming”
Hurts’ Gratitude and Respect
In his Wednesday press conference, Jalen Hurts opened up about the impactful experience, emphasizing the genuine admiration and respect he holds for LeBron James. The quarterback’s decision to attend the game wasn’t just about witnessing a sporting event; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the influence James has had on his family, particularly his father. Hurts’ words echoed a sentiment of gratitude and admiration, underlining the profound impact athletes can have beyond the boundaries of their respective sports.
And it’s all love and respect right back to you Young 🤴🏾!!! 🙏🏾🫡🤎 @JalenHurts https://t.co/Yz6DwHOfWD
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 30, 2023
LeBron James Responds with Appreciation
LeBron James, acknowledging Jalen Hurts’ admiration and the quarterback’s desire for his father to meet the NBA legend, responded with a message of love and respect. The interaction, shared on social media, further solidified the mutual admiration between the two athletes. James’ response hinted at the possibility of a burgeoning friendship and shared camaraderie between the basketball legend and the rising star in football.
READ: Lakers win LeBron James’ 1st meeting with Kevin Durant in 5 years with…
Future Collaboration?
As the sports world buzzes with excitement over this cross-sport meeting of minds, fans are left wondering if LeBron James might reciprocate the support by attending an Eagles game to cheer on Jalen Hurts. The prospect of these two worlds colliding, with James showing up in the stands for an Eagles matchup, adds an intriguing layer to this budding connection between sports icons.
Conclusion: A Crossroads of Admiration
Jalen Hurts’ encounter with LeBron James transcends the boundaries of their respective sports, showcasing the profound impact sports figures can have on each other. As the admiration and respect between these two athletes continue to unfold, fans eagerly anticipate the possibility of LeBron James bringing his courtside energy to an Eagles game, solidifying a unique connection that goes beyond wins and losses on the field.
