Stephen A. Smith reportedly for years, and his wish was finally granted this week whenESPN announcedthat Kellerman would be and receivinghis own daily TV show. That Marvin Jones Jr. Jersey move meant the network would have to answer a big question: Who will be working with Smith moving forward?Well, Smith already has a few big names in mind. Thursday that Smith is eyeing a partnership with Magic Johnson, po sibly on ESPN's "NBA Countdown" Julian Okwara Jersey show. Smith would also like Michael Wilbon to join him and Johnson, per Marchand, whonoted that Johnson could be part of a "First Take" rotation.MORE: Jalen Rose, Jay Williams and Adrian Wojnarowski all contributed to "NBA Countdown" last season. Itis unclear how Smith's Halapoulivaati Vaitai Jersey desires could influence their roles on the show. The network has not yet commented on the future of "First Take"or its NBA coverage.Johnson, a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers and a Basketball Hall of Famer, served as an ESPNstudio analyst from 2008- Parnell Motley Jersey 13 before becoming Los Angeles'president of basketball operations. He abruptly resigned from the position in 2019.Wilbon has co-hosted ESPN's"Pardon the Interruption" with Tony Kornheiser since 2001 and regularly contributed to NBA broadcasts. He most recentlyappeared on the late-night editions of "SportsCenter" alongside Smith during the 2021 NBA playoffs.The NBA"has been hesitant" about having Smith on pregame shows for the NBA Finals, according to Marchand, becausethe league believes his style is"too opinionated"and doesn't strike "the right tone." But Smith Tracy Walker III Jersey has never held more influence at ESPN than he does right now, as the 53-year-old is raking in a whopping $12 million per year and could be considered the face of the company.This latest report comes amidmajor changes to ESPN's NBA coverage. "The Worldwide Leader in Sports" has a hosting vacancy to Herman Moore Jersey fill after Maria Taylor left for NBC Sports and Rachel Nichols was . The network also canceled Nichols' dailyshow, "The Jump."

The Wizards are doing what they can to make sure Bradley Beal remains with the team.Washington general manager Tommy Sheppard the team will offer Beal a max contract worth $111 million for three years on Friday."At the very first moment allowed, we are going Noah Dawkins Jersey to offer Brad the full max extension," Sheppard said Monday.Sheppard added that they are willing to work with Beal and offer him a one- or two-year max deal, as well.Beal has until Oct. 26 to sign the contract, which Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said is needed so Beal has time to weigh his options."There are moments in a career where there are big decisions Vinny Curry Jersey to make, and Brad will work through everything and figure out the right thing to do," Bartelstein said. "There are nothing but great feelings for Ted Leonsis , Tommy and Scott Brooks . They've treated Brad wonderfully."Beal, 26, could earn a five Solomon Thomas Jersey -year super max deal worth$254 million next offseason if he is tabbed as an All-Star this upcoming season. Even if he doesn't get an All-Star nod, Beal still could geta four-year, $155 million max extension.Sheppard, who was Quincy Enunwa Jersey just promoted to general manager,said his goal is to show Beal why he needs to stay with Washington and how things will change under his leadership."He's got two years left on his deal, and he's from Mi souri and we are going to have to show him," Sheppard said. "We need to show him that we are about building this Mike White Jersey the right way, that we aren't going to have character-deficient guys around him. We are going to surround him with guys he Wesley Walker Jersey wants to play with. He saw that right away in free agency with us bringing backThomas Bryant."Beal, who announced he won't play for Team USA in theFIBA World Cup due to the upcoming birth of his child, averaged25.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5 a sists last season. Related Articles

Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals was a frustrating night at the office for Suns guard Chris Paul.While the Mavericks earned a 10-point win to even the series at two games apiece, Paul was limited to just 23 minutes of action before fouling out. Sunday's lo s marked just the fourth time that Paul has fouled out in 139 postseason games, and the 37-year-old was among many in the Suns camp that was visibly frustrated with some of the calls.Often known for his clever gamesmanship and the art of drawing fouls, Paul Adam Butler Jersey found himself falling victim to the very same tricks he often employs on a nightly basis.MORE: Paul was charged with four fouls in the first half alone, with his first coming just 26 seconds into the game.The fourth foul was by far the most controversial of the half as Paul was whistled for making contact with Luka Doncic on an offensive rebound attempt with just 1.1 seconds remaining in the half.Chris Paul picks up his fourth personal foul BEFORE halftime lead 68-56 at half. ESPN (@espn) Immediately after, Paul could be Christian Wilkins Jersey seen discu sing the play with Doncic, who disclosed their conversation following the game. It went just about how you would have expected Terron Armstead Jersey it to go.Doncic said that on the play at the end of the half when he drew Pauls fourth foul, Paul asked. Did I push you that hard? Doncic responded, No, but it was a good play. Paul: I know. Brad Townsend (@townbrad) Paul's fifth foul resulted in more controversy as he was whistled for creating contact with Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson le s than three minutes into the second half. Seemingly a routine play that Paul has often used to draw fouls himself, the initiated contact resulted in an offensive foul call, and the ruling was upheld following a challenge by head coach Monty Williams.With Paul sidelined for the remainder of the third quarter, he Blake Ferguson Jersey returned for the final frame, where his mastery has lifted the Suns time and time again.That wouldn't be the case in Game 4.Paul's sixth foul came as he guarded Brunson in the post, where contact resulted in another whistle.Chris Paul has fouled out of Game 4 after this play on Jalen Brunson. ESPN (@espn) In total, Paul was limited to three minutes and 58 seconds of action in the second half.Is it a coincidence that Paul's final three fouls came on Dallas' talented duo of young guards? According to Jason Kidd, Brunson and Miami Dolphins Sleepwear Underwear Doncic are giving Paul a taste of his own medicine.Jason Kidd on Mavs drawing timely fouls: Were being taught by one of the best point guards ever on the other side. Thats pretty cool. Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) According to the pool report with officials following Game 4, Paul's fifth foul came as he "veers into the path of the defender without giving him the opportunity to avoid contact," while his sixth foul was a product of "causing (Brunson) to lose his balance in the air and fall backwards" by grabbing his wrist.Talk of officiating dominated postgame discu sions, with Foul trouble played a large role in Game 4 but Paul was limited to averages of 8.5 points, 5.5 a sists and 6.0 rebounds in the two games since the series shifted to Dallas.With the series returning to Phoenix for Game 5, the Suns will Raekwon Davis Jersey look to regain command of the series by keeping their stars on the floor, while the Mavericks will look to continue to build upon what's worked in the past two games, which includes the gamesmanship with Paul.The teams are back in action for Game 5 on Tuesday, May 10 at 10 p.m. ET.

Prior to Friday Dak Prescott T Shirts night's game against Golden State, the Celtics lost five players after they were placed into the league's Health and Safety Protocols.Boston was also mi sing Dennis Schroder to a non-Covid related illne s.In the 24 hours leading up to the game, five players forwardsJabari Parker,Juancho Hernangomez,Grant WilliamsandSam Hauser, and centerAl Horfordall went into the protocols, leaving head coach Ime Udoka with a severely depleted roster to face the red-hot Warriors.MORE: "I wouldn't say it's frustrating. It's something everybody is playing through Dallas Cowboys Golf Sporting Goods ," . "You've seen Chicago and Brooklyn and other teams hit with it."It's something we've been trying to avoid, but it seems inevitable at times for everybody. You have to tinker with the lineups at times, but we have other guys who are able, and we'll increase those minutes. Nothing else you can do. We have 11 healthy bodies."Udoka had to ride his starters Dallas Cowboys Men Jersey for long periods all but Romeo Langford,who left the game with a neck injury,played 33 minutes or more, led by Jayson Tatum's team-high 42 minutes. Tatum poured in a team-high 27 points, along with eight rebounds and six Dallas Cowboys Pet Gear a sists.JT JB Boston Celtics (@celtics) Despite being short-handed, Boston managed to fight its way back from 20 points downlate in the second quarter to take an 84-82 lead at the start of the fourth.MORE: Golden State went on to pull away, incidentally led by Andre Iguodala and Damion Lee, for the 111-107 win. The Celtics could have won the game if not for eight mi sed free throws in the second half.Postgame, Udoka said of Boston's comeback attempt while mi sing six players:"Loved the Ceedee Lamb T Shirts fight and effort overall."Coach Udoka Dallas Cowboys Kids Jersey : "Loved the fight and effort overall. Shorthanded or not, weve got capable guys out there and we felt we defended at the proper level in the second half." Boston Celtics (@celtics) Boston drops to 14-15 on the season, with games against the Knicks, the 76ers, and the Cavaliers to close out their home stand before Christmas.

When Klay Thompson fell to the court during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, it was evident he would mi s some time. The diagnosis after the game confirmed a torn ACL in his left knee, ending any chance of him playing in the following season.In November 2020, before he could return to the court for Golden State, Thompson tore his right Achilles tendon, forcing him to mi s all of the 2020-21 season and calling into question how much time he would mi s in the 2021-22 season.Fast forward to the 2022 NBA Finals, and Thompson is not only back on the court, but he's returned as if he hardly left. He has averaged 19.3 points per game in the playoffs, the fourth-best rate of his career, and his 17.3 points per game through the first four against the Celtics are his third-best rate in his six trips to the NBA Finals.MORE: How did he make the comeback? The Sporting News dives into his improbable return.What were Klay Thompson Sean Taylor Jersey 's injuries?During Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Thompson fell awkwardly after he was fouled by Toronto's Danny Green while going up for a dunk in the third quarter. Thompson remained in the game to shoot his two free throws before heading to the locker room.The Warriors announced after the Jahan Dotson Jersey game that Thompson had torn the ACL in his left knee. Despite some initial optimism that he could return at some point during the 2019-20 campaign, he was eventually ruled out for the entirety of the season.Thompson then tore his right Achilles tendon in a November 2020 workout, eliminating any chance of him playing in the 2020-21 season.MORE: Klay Thompson's return to the WarriorsThompson returned to Golden State's lineup on Jan. 9, 2022, scoring 17 points in a win against the Cavaliers.As , a full return from an Achilles injury was anything but guaranteed. 30 percent of athletes in the NBA, NFL and MLB that suffered an Achilles injury never came back to play. In the first year, game participation was only at 75 percent and performance statistics were significantly worse.Thompson appeared in 32 of the team's 43 games during the remainder of the regular season 74.4 percent of the matchups but has played in all 20 playoff games, increasing his overall games-played percentage to 82.5 percent. Thompson averaged 29.4 minutes per game during the regular season, the lowest rate since his rookie season before he was a starter, but he's averaged 35.6 minutes per game in the playoffs.MORE:As for his performance, Thompson averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 a sists per Khaleke Hudson Jersey game during the regular season. The rebounds are a career-best, the a sists are his second-best and the points are the fourth-best of his career. He posted a 52.9 effective field goal percentage in the regular season, the third-lowest of his career, and his 38.5 3-point percentage was the worst of his career.He looks back to his old self in the playoffs, however. He's averaged 19.3 points per game third-best in his career and his 54.2 effective field goal percentage is the fourth-best of his career. He's attempted 9.1 3-pointers per game, the second-most in the playoffs, though he's made only 38.7 percent of those attempts (tied for second-worst rate of his career).Klay Thompson injury timeline June 13, 2019:Thompson tears the ACL in his left knee during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Thompson had scored a team Washington Commanders Pet Gear -best 30 points on 8-for-12 shooting, but fell awkwardly with 2:22 left in the third quarter after attempting a dunk and getting fouled by Danny Green. He made both free throws, but left after the second make. The Warriors were leading the Raptors 85-82 at the time of his exit. Golden State wound up losing the game, and the series. June 14, 2019:the injury to be a torn ACL in his left knee after he underwent an MRI. July 1, 2019:The Warriors sign Thompson to a five-year, $190 million deal with the team that keeps him locked in Golden State through the 2023-24 season. Sept. 30, 2019:The first timeline announced on Thompson is that he will be out until at least the 2020 All-Star break, . Oct Saahdiq Charles Jersey . 20, 2019: that Thompson will return during the 2019-20 season. Feb. 20, 2020: a return for Thompson during the 2019-20 campaign, but says he should be able to return for the training camp ahead of the following season. Nov. 18, 2020:The biggest setback for Thompson arrives. Thompson had injured his leg during a workout. Nov. 19, 2020: that the injury is a torn Achilles that would keep him out of the season. The first game of the season for Golden State came on Dec. 22. Nov. 25, 2020: Thompson will be out for all of the 2020-21 season with the torn Achilles after succe sful surgery. Aug. 20, 2021:ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reports on an episode of "The Jump" that the Warriors want Thompson to be able to return for the Christmas Day matchup against the Suns. Nov. 28, 2021: that Thompson was a signed to the Santa Cruz Warriors, the team's G League affiliate, to have increased practice reps. Dec. 3, 2021:Thompson tells Sammis Reyes Jersey Instagram Live viewers that he is hoping to return to the team in a few weeks or "maybe a month," . Dec. 17, 2021: that the Warriors are looking at either Jan. 9 or Jan. 18 as return dates for Thompson. Jan. 8, 2022: Thompson will be available to play against the Cavaliers on Jan. 9. Jan. 9, 2022:Thompson returns to play against the Cavaliers, scoring 17 points in 20 minutes in his first game in 941 days. The Warriors win 96-82. Feb. 12, 2022:The first time Thompson plays at least 30 minutes, he scores 33 points against the Lakers. April 16, 2022:Thompson plays in his first playoff game since tearing his ACL in 2019. He scores 19 points in a 16-point win against the Nuggets.

The Thunder added another Matt Pryor Jersey big-time prospect to their core by selecting Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.Holmgren spent one season at Gonzaga and was a consensus second-team All-American with averages of 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 39.0 percent from the 3-point line.A 7-footer who can protect the rim at a high level and step out to the 3-point line, Holmgren is perhaps the most unique player in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was ranked as by TSN's draft expert Kyle Irving, putting him in the same tier as Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jaden Ivey."Nobody is questioning Holmgren's game or mentality," ."He's perhaps the most tantalizing prospect and he exudes confidence. It all boils down to whether or not his body type Rodney McLeod Jersey will hold up."It will take many years to know if the Thunder made the right decision with Holmgren, but we will get our first opportunity to see him against NBA competition at Summer League.Here's when Holmgren could take the court and how you can watch him.MORE: Eric Ebron Jersey (Getty Images) When does Chet Holmgren play in NBA Summer League?The Thunder are participating in both the Salt Lake City Summer League and Las Vegas Summer League.Oklahoma City will play three games at theSalt Lake City Summer League, starting Indianapolis Colts T Shirts with a matchup against Utah on July 5.Thunder's schedule at Salt Lake City Summer LeagueDateOpponentTime (ET)TVTuesday, July 5Jazz9:00 p.m.ESPN2Wednesday, July 6Grizzlies7:00 p.m.ESPN2Thursday, July 776ers6:00 p.m.NBA TVAt the Las Vegas Summer League, the Thunder will play at least four games against the Rockets, Magic, Kings and Warriors, meaning Holmgrencould face Houston's Jabari Smith Jr.,Orlando's Paolo Banchero and Golden State's James Wiseman.Thunder's schedule at Las Vegas Summer LeagueDateOpponentTime (ET)TVSaturday, July 9Rockets8:00 p.m.ESPN2Monday, July 11Magic9:00 p.m.ESPNWednesday, July 13Kings8:00 p.m.NBA TVFriday, July Peyton Manning Hoodies Sweatshirts 15Warriors7:00 p.m.ESPNWho is on the Thunder's Summer League roster?Holmgren headlines a Thunder Summer League roster that also features second-year guard Josh Giddey, though it is unclear if Giddey will suit up.No.PlayerPOSHTWTAgePrior to NBA/Home CountryNBA Exp.45Robert BakerF6'11"205 lbs24Harvard/USAR44Gabe BrownF6'8"215 lbs22Michigan State/USAR13Ousmane DiengF6'10"216 Bernhard Raimann Jersey lbs19New Zealand Breakers/FranceR31Abdul GaddyG6'3"200 lbs30Washington/USAR3Josh GiddeyG6'8"210 lbs19Adelaide 36ers/Australia17Chet HolmgrenF/C7'1"195 lbs20Gonzaga/USAR27Vit KrejciG6'8"195 lbs22Casademont Zaragoza/Czech Republic123Tre MannG6'5"190 lbs21Florida/USA125Eugene OmoruyiF6'6"235 lbs25Oregon/Nigeria117Aleksej PokusevskiF7'0"190 lbs20Olympiacos/Serbia250Jeremiah Robinson-EarlF6'9"230 lbs21Villanova/USA114Jaden ShackelfordG6'3"200 lbs21Alabama/USAR12Lindy Waters IIIG6'6"215 lbs24Oklahoma State/USA121Aaron WigginsG6'6"200 lbs23Maryland/USA18Jalen WilliamsG6'6"195 lbs21Santa Clara/USAR6Jaylin WilliamsF6'10"240 lbs20Arkansas/USAR

Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is weighing an offer from the team of a maximum contract extension that would pay him more than Derwin James Jersey $51.4 million over four years, he .Bogdanovic says he wants to take his time deciding whether to sign, adding that while he prefers to remain with the Kings he could draw more lucrative offers if he waits to become a restricted free agent after Tristan Vizcaino Jersey the upcoming season.Everyone knows that I love Sacramento. Everyone loves to be here. Its a great group of guys. Im happy right now and I was happy all these years, but I dont want to rush anything, Bogdanovic said.The Kings are involved in negotiations with both Bogdanovic, 27, and guard Buddy Hield, 26, as the regular season approaches.They have until Oct. 21 to re-sign Hield, who's in the final year of a three-year, $27 million deal, and until June 30 to re-sign Bogdanovic or both will become Austin Ekeler Jersey restricted free agents next summer.According to the Bee, the Kings view the two guards as important pieces of a talented Kyle Van Noy Jersey core that could lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2006. However, GM Vlade Divac and the team are mindful that point guard D'Aaron Fox and forward Marvin Bagley III will be Stephen Anderson Jersey eligible for extensions in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and must carefully manage the salary cap.Hield averaged a team-high 20.7 points per game in 2018-19 as he became the first player in NBA history to make 600 3-pointers in his first three seasons.Bogdanovic, who admitted to a wait-and-see approach to the extension that would pay him$12.85 million per year, averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 a sists and 3.5 rebounds in a backup role last season."Maybe we will sign tomorrow," Bogdanovic said cryptically. "Maybe we sign in a month. Who knows? We will see. Los Angeles Chargers Jersey Related Articles

34 players heard their names called before Draymond Green in 2012.32 players were selected before Jalen Brunson in 2018.29 players went before Jimmy Butler in 2011.21 players came off the board before Grant Williams in 2019.These four represent the overlooked and undervalued, a growing number of draft sleepers that feature prominently in every NBA draft cla s. As these four played prominent roles in this year's Conference Finals, I couldn't help but think about the common threads shared by this select group. Why did scouts overlook them in the first place? And why do teams keep making the same mistake over and over again?MORE: Best NBA Draft sleepers in today's NBAThe tape measure that is so much a part of the NBA Draft evaluation proce s never said much flattering about Grant Williams. As Williams prepared for the po sibility of being selected in June of 2019, his resume included two Southeastern Conference Player of the Year awards and consensus first-team All- Jonathan Ledbetter Jersey America honors.But production is often outweighed by potential on draft boards, especially for a junior forward with a shorter wingspan than many guards and a vertical leap exceeded by practically everyone.MORE: Luckily for the Celtics, they saw past the tale of the tape.They saw what they needed to see and heard what they needed to hear. After they made Williams the 22nd pick in the draft, he showed up at a team pre s conference along with three other freshly minted Bostonians and declared to the Boston Globe, Its really going to be whatever it takes for us to hang the next banner here. Because Im Kelvin Beachum Jersey the type of team player it doesnt matter what you need me to do, just however I can make an impact, whatever you ask me thats what I do. Getty Images Fast forward three years and Williams is Boston's top defensive option against two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo on one end and knocking down a Game 7 record seven 3s on the other end, an indispensable rotation piece without which Boston never advances to the Conference Finals let alone the NBA Finals.Of course, Williams was not alone in these playoffs. As the Mavericks, Heat and Warriors advanced to the conference finals, the sight of an NCAA basketball star who was relatively overlooked in the draft making substantial contributions to their teams postseason succe s became common.With the Mavs, it was guard Jalen Brunson. With the Heat, it was star Jimmy Butler and role player P.J. Tucker. And the Warriors, as throughout their dynasty, relied upon the vast array of contributions from forward Draymond Green.NBA DRAFT RUMORS: So how might teams selecting late in the 2022 NBA Draft first round, or at some point in the second, identify their own Draymond?I had Draymond Green going in the first round, and a lot of people didnt think that he was that type of basketball player, veteran NBA scout Tim Hardaway, who recently joined the Knicks staff, told Sporting News. And I saw that, and a lot of people pa sed on him. Maxx Williams Jersey And a lot of people are mad now. I thought he could bring the intangibles he has brought to the team, what he could do with his height and his size and what the game was going to become. Foto: Getty Images One-and-done NBA prospects vs. proven college starsThe first, and most important, element of finding such a player in the draft is being open to the concept. There are teams that spend later selections in the first round on upside, believing or hoping a younger, one-and-done player with a higher ceiling will develop into a star. It seems like a reasonable theory, but it hasnt so often paid off as intended Markus Golden Jersey .Since the 2010 draft, there have been 33 one-and-done players selected in the second half of the first round, which comprises picks 16 through 30. Only four of them became rotation players for a team that reached at least one conference finals. Only 11 of them became rotation players in any playoff appearance, and their collective record in those series is 13-30.NBA MOCK DRAFT: Green, selected 35th overall in 2012, has a playoff series record of 23-4. Butler, chosen with the final pick of the first round in that same draft, has a series record of 8-10. And hes been a far greater factor in those results than, say, Avery Bradley, who became the 19th pick in the 2010 draft after a single season at Texas and is 4-4 in his playoff series. Or Cory Joseph, who played one year at Texas, was selected 29th in 2011, and is 3-4 in series.The 2022 conference finals included 16 players in the four teams rotations who played multiple college seasons and were not selected in the top half of the first round. That includes Miamis Max Strus and the Mavs Dorian Finney-Smith, who went undrafted but became fundamental to their teams succe s this season.The league is driven off star talent, but the Demetrius Harris Jersey role players are just so valuable now more than ever, the glue to keep it running, a Western Conference scout told The Sporting News during the NBA Draft Combine. A lot of those guys, youve got to have a competitive drive and a love for it, a pa sion for it, embracing your role, leadership qualities, unselfishne s like all sorts of intangibles. Because what it comes back to is just knowing who you are.These guys like Draymond are smart enough to know how to put themselves in a game and be productive without having to score. Its such a skill to know how to play. I think what it comes back to, and its something we identified last year, is finding guys that have a high IQ. Because youre taking guys from college that had a completely different role, and how does it fit into your system, with your coaches?It is a transition for a player such as Payton Pritchard, who started 140 games at Oregon, averaged 34 minutes per game and fell just short of the 2,000-point and 700-a sist marks. The ball was in his hands all the time and he was on the floor almost without interruption Tanner Vallejo Jersey . Operating as a backup point guard required to appear only 14 minutes a night is similar only in that both endeavors involve a ball and a hoop.After completing a college career at UTEP that included consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and a stunning first-round shootout against LSU All-American Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf in which the Miners prevailed Hardaway was somewhat overlooked in the draft himself. At a time when there only were 27 first-round selections, he lasted to No. 14.The player chosen directly in front of him, BYU forward Michael Smith, scored 698 career points. Hardaway scored 15,373 more than every player in that draft but Glen Rice and ranks top-20 all-time in a sists. Hardaway will enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September.It not only drives you harder, it makes you concentrate a little bit better, Hardaway said. It makes you a lot more focused on what you have to do to make

The NBA has made so many headlines for that it's easy to forget there is real, actual Brett Jones Jersey basketball on the horizon.Yes, the 2019-20 regular season is upon us, and with it comes anotherset of player rankings. There has been significant movement , including a new No. 1 overall player. Sporting News has narrowed the list down to the top 15stars in the league, making this a club reserved exclusively for the best of the best.Let's dive into the rankings, starting with the reigning NBA Finals MVP...(Note: Kevin Durant has been omitted given he is until the 2020-21 campaign. The same rule applies for Klay Thompson, who will be out until .)MORE: 1. Kawhi Leonard, ClippersThe champ is here. After load managing his way to 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 a sists and 1.8 steals during the regular season, Leonard led the Raptors to the title with one of the mostimpre sive individual playoff runs in NBA history. He scores efficiently at every level,defendselite wings and .Leonard is never going to be a big talker, but his game says plenty. He checks every box and earns this spot.2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, BucksAntetokounmpo transformed into a terrifying last year. Heoverwhelmed opponents, settingcareer-highs in points (27.7), rebounds (12. DeShawn Williams Jersey 5), a sists (5.9) and shooting percentage (57.8), not to mention his dominance as a legitimate rim protector defensively. The scary part? "The Greek Freak" hasn't yet turned 25 years old, and if he discovers even a pa sable 3-point shot, he becomes unguardable.There is an argument to be made for Antetokounmpo over Leonard, but the Clippers stargets a slight edge for a more complete offensive repertoire and his previous. Make no mistake, though the NBAwill be Antetokounmpo's league for quite some time.3. LeBron James, LakersInjury trouble,trade rumors, Magic Johnson quitting on the last day of the season! Yes, the Lakers dealt with a lot of drama as James began the next stage ofhis career inLos Angeles, but he can only drop so far. In 55 games, Jamesnonchalantly posted 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 a sists. His leadership and effort on a nightly basis left something to be desired, yet hestill .With Anthony Davis by his side, James shouldn't need to carry his team in typical LeBron fashion. He's not the undisputed best in the league any longer, but now he may not need to be.4. Stephen Curry, WarriorsWhat happens when "Chef Curry" is allowed to cook without Durant and Klay Thompson? Will Warriors fans see the return of 2015-16 Curry? Golden State coach Steve Kerr says physically Garett Bolles Jersey and mentally, so expect some eye-popping numbers. It isn't out of the realm of po sibility he leads the league in scoring and hits close to 400 3-pointers.No one can alter a defensive game planlike Curry, creating clean looks for his teammates simply by being on the court. Perhapsthe recognition of his impact was lost in the midst of the Warriors' dynasty. Curry will remind everyone exactly what he can do. 5. James Harden, RocketsHarden led the NBA in scoring (36.1 points per game) by more than eight points eight. Helapped the field multiple times in isolationsbut finished at a tidy . His pa sing is underrated because of the focus on his dribbling displays and the traveling debates he inspires. There is a reason he has been a top-two MVP candidate for three consecutive years.The stats are silly, but Harden hasn't been able to guidethe Rockets to the NBA Finals. MaybeRu sell Westbrook will help push Houston over the Jamar Johnson Jersey top, but that partnershipalso brings .6. Anthony Davis, LakersDavis' exit from New Orleans was ame s, so the focus understandably shifted away from hoops to trade speculation. Here's a little reminder of what Davis can do: 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.5 steals. Those are his numbers for the 2017-18 season before Rich Paul emerged and lobbed a grenade into the Smoothie King Center.If Davis and James can figure out how to work together and their styles suggest they should Davis could be a real MVP and Defensive Player contender. He is that skilled and talented.7. Joel Embiid, 76ers8. Nikola Jokic, NuggetsThis is a coin flip. Does Embiid's paint protection outweigh Jokic's playmaking? How much should health and conditioning factor into the debate? What is the ceiling for each guy?Jokic proved his regular-season excellence can translate to the playoffs (25.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, 8.4 a sists in 14 postseason games), butEmbiid gets the nod here because of how impactful he can be at the peak of his powers. The difference for the Sixers with Embiid wasridiculous, and that gap . A 100 percent healthy and engaged Embiid is the best center in Bryce Callahan Jersey basketball, but is that Embiid available consistently?9. Paul George, ClippersQuick question: Which NBA player finished second in scoring behind Harden? That would be George (28.0 points), who briefly jumped into the MVP race before a shoulder injury hurt his chances to crash the Antetokounmpo-Harden party.George is fighting just a bit above his weight as a 1A Option, but he should be perfect as 1B next to Leonard in Los Angeles. He is comfortable with the ball or as a spot-up shooter (39.2 percent on 3-pointers over two seasons with the Thunder) and has established himself as a lockdownperimeter defender. In the modern NBA, George is the idealforward.10. Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers The referenced media source is mi sing and needs to be re-embedded.11. Ru sell Westbrook, RocketsLillard lands above Westbrook because, come on, the manandwaved them out of the arena. Lillard is always available (at least 73 starts in every season of his career) and ready to be the Blazers' voice in the locker room and on the court. He stretches the floor with his range unlike any non-Curry player.Aside from losingthe individual matchup, Westbrook also enters the 2019-20 DeMarcus Ware Jersey season with more to prove than Lillard. There are questions about his fit next to Harden and his ability to be impactfulwithout the ball. Westbrook shot le s than 30 percent from 3-point range over the last two seasons on nearly five attempts per game and has never been all that interested in cutting.Still, he always leaves his fingerprints on the game. The fact that a triple-double now seems easy is a testament to his greatne s.12. Bradley Beal, Wizards13. Jimmy Butler, HeatHis abrasive personality might be tough to handle Timberwolves fans are aggre sively nodding in agreement but "Jimmy Buckets" is a competitor at heart and not afraid of the big moment. Butler drifted behind Embiid and Ben Simmons once he joined the Sixers last season, but he became the unquestioned No. 1 option when Philly needed points in the playoffs. Butler is also a solid defender, though he is slightly belowthe Leonard-George tier.So why is Beal ahead of Butler? The Wizards guard has been healthier over the past two seasons, starting in all 164 regular season games for Washington. H

There Jesper Horsted Jersey probably will be a dozen or more players selected before Villanova forward Saddiq Bey in the NBA Draft this October. It depends on how smart and bold the people making the picks turn out to be, which means it probably will be more.In a few years, a number of the players drafted will inspire puzzled looks or laughter and the inevitable question: They picked him over Saddiq?In his two seasons at Villanova, Bey did not make first-team All-American or average 20 points. He did not play in a Final Four, although theres a fair po sibility he would have if the NCAA Tournament had been contested Nick Foles Jersey in March 2020.What Bey did, though, was demonstrate an inherent toughne s that helped Villanova quickly rebuild after the lo s of the top six players from the 2018 NCAA championship team and claim a share of the 2020 Big East regular-season title.MORE: It primarily was his shot-making ability and offensive versatility that forced Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard to benchelite shot-blocker Romaro Gill during the decisive second half of the early March game that kept the Wildcats alive in the conference race. It was Beys four-point play he was fouled while making a 3-pointer with 16:43 left that gave the Wildcats their first double-digit lead in the game.It was Beys toughne s and competitive fire that allowed coach Jaylon Johnson Jersey Jay Wright to compile a 24-7 record in the abbreviated season with a frontcourt measuring 6-9 (freshman Jeremiah Robinson-Earl), 6-8 (Bey) and 6-7 (Jermaine Samuels).Coach Jay Wright told Sporting News thatBey is a complete player and, relative to his NBA transition, praised his combination of potential and immediate readine s to contribute.Depending on the quality of the international Arlington Hambright Jersey prospects who are selected, the 2020 NBA Draft is likely to end up in the debate about the worst drafts in the leagues history. Even in the most disappointing years, though, there are players hidden among the selections who turn out to be special. Think of Tim Hardaway being the 14th player chosen in 1989, or Joe Johnson as the 10th pick in 2001 or Kyle Lowry going 24th in 2006.When circumstances such as this develop Alex Taylor Jersey , we tend to focus on the errors made by the teams that pa sed on the opportunity to select these players. We pay le s attention to the teams and executives smart enough to seize the opportunity that so many others ignored.Bey will need to improve as a rebounder in order to become a succe sful pro, although some of his deficiency in this area is related to his positioning on offense, often away from the goal, making it difficult to acce s offensive rebounds.But his offensive ability will get him the playing time nece sary to move in that direction. He shot 45.1 percent on 3-point attempts as a Villanova sophomore, and that Gale Sayers Jersey was on 79 makes. Inside the line, he converted at a 50 percent rate.Defensively, he was e sential to Villanovas ability to compete against taller teams. Draft analysts have given him high grades for his ability to compete at that end.Wright said Tuesday that Bey is making the right decision to turn profe sional at this point.