NBA
Ja Morant makes Another Record in NBA History
Ja Morant makes Another Record in NBA History
These are perennial All-Stars on the short list for All-NBA teams every year, and genuine stars around whom a very competitive team could be formed. But they’re not quite at the very top of the mountain.
PLAYER | TEAM | 2022 TIER | 2021 TIER | 2020 TIER | EPM WINS | EPM | 1-YEAR RAPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOS | 2A | 2C | 2C | 16.3 | 5.84 | 4.29 | |
MIA | 2A | 2B | 2B | 9.8 | 4.51 | 1.57 | |
LAL | 2B | 2A | 2A | 6 | 3.38 | -0.08 | |
MEM | 2B | 3B | 3B | 8.3 | 3.48 | 0.82 | |
PHI | 2B | 1B | 1A | 11.2 | 3.78 | 1.52 | |
ATL | 2B | 3A | 3B | 14.2 | 4.88 | 1.05 | |
PHX | 2C | 2C | 2C | 11.4 | 4.84 | 2.4 | |
POR | 2C | 2B | 2B | 3.8 | 2.33 | 0.51 | |
PHX | 2C | 3A | 3A | 11.9 | 4.47 | 2.34 | |
LAC | 2C | 2B | 2C | 5.4 | 4.4 | 1.24 | |
MIN | 2C | 2B | 2C | 11.7 | 5.12 | 2.64 |
Jayson Tatum
Jimmy Butler
Anthony Davis
Ja Morant
James Harden
Trae Young
Chris Paul
Damian Lillard
Devin Booker
Paul George
Rudy GobertJa Morant makes Another Record in NBA History
Tier 2C: 15-19
Chris Paul and Devin Booker might be victims of a week-long Suns bad stretch at the worst possible moment. I had both at least a sub-tier higher midseason, but Dallas holding Phoenix to 104.1 points per 100 possessions over the final five games of their second-round series has me a little spooked about the Suns’ two main offensive cogs. In particular, the combination of Paul’s age and seeming tendency to wear down over playoff runs raises concerns about the degree to which his regular season dominance can be sustained against the sort of rangy, athletic defenders that top teams can throw at him. (For the record: Paul was a legitimate MVP candidate in my eyes before his February thumb injury).
Tier 2B: 11-14
Anthony Davis: Two seasons on from the Lakers’ championship, it looks more and more like the bubble version of Davis was an aberration. During the 2020 playoffs, Davis posted an eFG% of 50 on shots outside of 10 feet, including 38.3 percent from three. In the last two regular seasons, those numbers have fallen to 37.5 and 23.4 percent, respectively. His free throw percentage dropping to 72.5 percent after he made more than 80 percent in his first eight seasons suggests a decline in overall shooting touch. Without a reliable jump shot, it’s extremely difficult to carry high-20s usage with great efficiency. Davis’ ability to score inside — 79 percent in the restricted area over the last two seasons — balances this to a degree. But the players who rank higher on the Tiers list are more efficient, significantly better playmakers or both.
It should also be noted Davis has appeared in only 76 games since the title win, exacerbating a career-long struggle to stay on the court. Davis’ defensive ability means he remains an All-NBA-level talent, but the notion that he can be a tentpole superstar to take over for LeBron James doesn’t have a lot of evidence in support.
Trae Young: Just as Gobert guarantees a good defense, Young all but ensures his team an efficient offense. His defensive foibles make further ascension a bit of a challenge, and the increased relevance of physicality in playoff settings is always a concern for tiny guards. For example, the extra two or three inches of height and 25-30 pounds Steph Curry has on Young is a significant difference. But Young could move to the top of Tier 2 with a few minor offensive improvements, especially to his off-ball contributions. He has made 41 percent of his catch and shoot 3s over the last three seasons, but only attempted 1.4 per game.
READ MORE: Stephen Curry Was Shocked After Warriors Teammate Publicly Humiliated Him Before His Stardom
Ja Morant: The “how can he be this high when the Grizzlies were just as good without him?” question is staring me in the face. My response to that is manifold.
First, Tyus Jones is one of, if not the best, backup/spot-starting point guard in the league, so it’s not surprising that plugging him in on a team with Memphis’ depth of talent did not alter regular-season results much.
Second, Memphis’ opponents had some funky on-off 3-point shooting splits in the 19 games prior to Morant’s injury, making an unusually high percentage of open 3s while he was on the floor while missing similar shots when he wasn’t. Meanwhile, during his absence, the Grizz caught a run of poor accuracy from the opposition.
Third, look at what happened to Memphis’ offense against Golden State once Morant was forced to exit that series. Against second-round-plus playoff defenses, Morant’s ability to get into the paint and either score or force defensive rotations makes the Grizzlies go.
The biggest remaining knocks on Morant are his poor defense, where his vertical explosiveness doesn’t make up for size concerns, similar to Young’s. Finally, the nearly complete absence of a pull-up jumper from his game could ultimately make Morant somewhat schemable. His 3-pointing shooting improved to credible, but he very rarely attempted shots in the area between the arc and floater range, and he hit barely 24 percent of his long twos. But those are minor quibbles for any player who can manage above-average efficiency on usage into the mid-30s.
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Stephen A. Smith has established himself as the most influential sports media personalities in the history of American television. As an analyst and executive producer for ESPN’s ‘First Take,’ Smith has dominated his battle against Fox Sports as his show has been number one in ratings from 2016 to 2023.
Recently Smith had the NBA community in a frenzy after he came to the defense of Lakers’ superstar LeBron James after the future hall of famer received backlash for the potential nepotism that took place regarding his son, Bronny James, being drafted to the storied franchise.
“When we think about the NBA and what it has become in the $76 billion, 11-year deal they recently signed with various television networks and streaming operations, I got news for you: Is that possible if it were not for LeBron James?” Smith asked on an episode of his Youtube show.
“You have any idea what LeBron James has done for the game of basketball?… And for him to have his son on the team with him, I got no issues with it whatsoever… LeBron James has earned that.”
Smith sharing this sentiment with his viewers shows that he acknowledges the impact that James has had on the NBA over the last 22 seasons. It’s clear that the celebrity sports personality knows that Bronny is still a rookie and has things left to prove.
However, Smith feels there should be a level of patience that the basketball community should give him.
“He’s done a lot. He deserves this. Bronny is Bronny, but it ain’t about Bronny, it’s about Bron, as in Lebron… Stand back, fall back, chill the hell out, and let the man do his thing with his son, and let’s see what and how Bronny develops in the years to come.”
LeBron James has defied father time as he enters year 22 of his illustrious career and even now he continues to make history. This upcoming season will be the first time in professional basketball history that an active father and son duo will share the court together on the same team.
The backlash the James’ family has received for making history together stems from haters who have a disdain for LeBron, not his son, and it will be something that they will continue to overcome.
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LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
In the realm of NBA royalty, LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have carved a niche for themselves, with their enduring relationship often under the spotlight. A recent TikTok video, however, has ignited discussions about Savannah’s preferences when it comes to taking fan photos, particularly the apparent divide between male and female admirers.
The King’s Queen: Savannah’s Photo Strategy Unveiled
LeBron James, often hailed as the ‘King’ on the basketball court, is no stranger to the adoration of fans. Yet, it’s his Queen, Savannah James, who recently took center stage in a TikTok video capturing her interaction with fans. The footage suggests a notable trend – a willingness to pose for photos with female fans while seemingly avoiding snapshots with their male counterparts.
Social Media’s Take on Savannah’s Actions
The TikTok video spurred a wave of reactions across social media platforms, with users expressing diverse opinions on Savannah’s approach. The majority lauded her for maintaining a poised and respectful demeanor, commending her loyalty to LeBron James, her high school sweetheart. The top response on TikTok emphasized the need for respect in the face of potential misconceptions, garnering over 8,000 likes.
LeBron James’ wife Savannah divides opinion as her latest report exposed
Defending the Kingdom: Fan Reactions
Supportive comments flooded the video, praising Savannah for upholding a certain standard in public interactions. One fan noted, “That’s how you keep yall kingdom together salute,” underscoring the importance of unity in the face of external scrutiny. However, not all reactions were positive, with some fans expressing frustration, labeling James as “rude” or suggesting she was “overcompensating.” The authenticity of the video itself was also questioned, with speculation about the specific circumstances of the filmed encounters.
Unraveling the Debate: A Closer Look
While debates raged on, some users pointed out that the manner in which male fans approached Savannah could have influenced her response. Suggestions surfaced that a different approach might have yielded varied results, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. Whether or not the video accurately portrayed Savannah’s overall photo preferences remains uncertain, but its impact on public discourse highlights a recurring theme in LeBron James’ career – the maintenance of a scandal-free personal life, with his relationship with Savannah playing a pivotal role.
READ: Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
LeBron James’ Legacy: A Career Steered Clear of Scandals
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has skillfully navigated the challenges of fame, avoiding personal scandals that often befall high-profile athletes. The enduring bond with Savannah James has undoubtedly contributed to this narrative, with their relationship serving as a beacon of stability amid the often tumultuous world of professional sports.
Beyond the Lens
In the ever-watchful eyes of fans and critics alike, the dynamics of celebrity relationships, even in seemingly mundane scenarios like fan photos, become subjects of scrutiny. Savannah James’ approach, as captured in the TikTok video, has sparked conversations about respect, loyalty, and the intricacies of navigating public life as an NBA power couple. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains clear – in the world of the King and his Queen, every snapshot tells a story, whether through the lens of a camera or the lens of public perception.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon. Setting the Mood for 2024: Ayesha Curry Shares a Heartwarming Photo of Son Canon
On the dawn of the New Year, Ayesha Curry, the wife of NBA sensation Steph Curry, took to social media to share a heartwarming snapshot of their youngest son, Canon, enjoying a day on the golf course. The photo radiates joy as the five-year-old sports enthusiast mirrors his father’s passion, flashing a contagious smile that undoubtedly sets a positive tone for the Curry family.
“Great first day of 2024! This is my mood,” Ayesha expressed alongside the delightful image.
The Warriors’ Uphill Battle in the 2023/24 Season
While Ayesha Curry celebrates family moments, her husband, Steph Curry, faces on-court challenges with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023/24 NBA season. Despite Curry’s remarkable individual performance, contributing significantly in points, rebounds, assists, and three-pointers, the Warriors find themselves grappling with a series of setbacks.
Ayesha Curry posts tender photo of her son Canon
As of now, the team holds a record of 15-17, securing the 11th position in the NBA Western Conference standings. The Warriors concluded the past year with a disheartening three-game losing streak, including a recent defeat against the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s frustrating, for sure,” expressed Curry, reflecting on the team’s struggles.
Chris Paul’s Arrival and the Quest for Consistency
In an effort to fortify the team, the Warriors acquired veteran point guard Chris Paul in the off-season. However, despite this addition, the team continues to face challenges. Curry underscores the urgency of establishing a consistent starting lineup, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in overcoming their current hurdles.
“32 games in and any team that is a seriously competitive contender, a good team can answer that question [on who is the team’s best starting five]. We have to get to that point, for sure, before it’s too late,” emphasized Curry.
READ: Twitch and Kick fight for LeBron James as NBA star reveals the…
Looking Ahead: The Need for Swift Lineup Decisions
In the quest for redemption, Stephen Curry advocates for swift and decisive measures in determining the team’s starting lineup. The seasoned player recognizes the importance of this aspect for a team aspiring to be a serious contender in the NBA. As the Warriors navigate through the challenges of the season, establishing a reliable starting five emerges as a key focus for the team’s leadership.
In Conclusion
As Ayesha Curry shares a glimpse into the warmth of family life on New Year’s Day, the Golden State Warriors find themselves at a critical juncture in the current NBA season. While Steph Curry continues to shine individually, the team’s struggle highlights the complex dynamics of professional basketball. With the spotlight on consistency in the starting lineup, the Warriors aim to turn the tide and regain their competitive edge in the league. The journey ahead remains uncertain, but the Warriors, led by Curry’s unwavering determination, are poised to face the challenges head-on, seeking victory and redemption in the games to come.
Discover more about the Golden State Warriors and Steph Curry’s journey here.
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