Why Tyrese Haliburton’s superstar ascension actually began three years ago

by ESPN - June 6, 2025June 26, 20250

TO MOST NBA fans, casual or avid, Tyrese Haliburton's superstar leap has taken place over the past few weeks.There was the homage to Reggie Miller at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. The almost statistically perfect 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound, five-steal, zero-turnover game in Game 4 against the Knicks. And then, of course, the shot he hit with 0.3 seconds remaining in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-110, which silenced the loudest fan base in the league Thursday night at the Paycom Center.Afterward, Haliburton charmed in his postgame interviews, as only a certain caliber of superstars can, joking with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt that "we were late to the party, too" when the host

LeBron James joins other stars to form a voting rights group

by admin - June 10, 20200

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and other big-name athletes are certainly doing a lot more than talking in today’s divisive political landscape.Following the murder of George Floyd by a then-Minneapolis police officer back in May 25, sports stars have taken that next step in activism. Here’s the latest example.LeBron James-led voting rights group.On Wednesday, James joined the likes of fellow NBA star Trae Young, retired star Jalen Rose and the WNBA’s Skylar Diggins-Smith to form More Than a Vote. It’s a voting rights group aimed at helping African-Americans register to vote and remain active in the political scene.“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us — we feel like

Report: Some players could opt out of NBA restart in Orlando

by admin - June 10, 20200

As the NBA charges toward a potential resumption of the 2019-20 season in Orlando, some players may end up opting out of the action.‘Faction’ of NBA players not sure if restarting in Orlando is a good ideaESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared Wednesday evening that there is a “faction of players discussing as a group whether restarting season in the Orlando bubble is a good idea.” He noted that “several dozen” players participated in a conference call to discuss it.Additionally, Wojnarowski shared that there is expected to be a provision allowing players to sit the restarted season out without any threat of league discipline. The players would lose a portion of salary for the games they missed, if they opt

Luka Doncic’s trainer admits star player not in the best shape ahead of NBA season resuming

by admin - June 10, 20200

Dallas Mavericks star guard Luka Doncic returned overseas amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and once the 2019-20 NBA season was suspended back on March 11. A native of Lithuania, Doncic has been training in Europe with the season on hiatus.There’s some bad news for Mavericks fans on this front. According to Doncic’s trainer, Jure Drasklar, the sophomore wing is not in the best shape.“Most players struggled to stay in shape. Doncic is no exception,” the trainer said, via Euro Hoops. “We understand his role in Dallas. Luka is improving every day. He puts in a lot of effort. He has completely dedicated himself to be ready.”Resumption of the 2019-20 NBA seasonThe season is expected to return on

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for President? Family apparently shoots it down

by admin - June 10, 20200

It’s not a secret that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is highly involved in the political world. He’s taken on leaders on both sides of the aisle, most recently going up against embattled President Donald Trump.Mark Cuban for President?Cuban’s outspoken ways have led to rumors that he could make a bid for presidency in 2020, most likely as an independent. It’s something he has refused to shoot down in recent months after flirting with the same possibility back in 2016.Until now. Cuban notes that his family has shot down this possibility. The billionaire owner specifically talks about how hard a campaign would be on his wife, Tiffany Stewart, and his children.“I get a lot a requests

8 biggest X-factors for when 2019-20 NBA season returns

by admin - June 10, 20200

The usual stars will be out in Orlando doing their thing once the 2019-20 NBA season resumes late next month. We’ll hear a lot of talk about the likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard as they look to lead their teams to a title.Though, as we have seen in the league’s recent history, lesser-known individuals will have to make an impact if their teams are going to be successful.Can Khris Middleton respond after a disastrous performance in last season’s Eastern Conference Finals? What about a relatively unknown big man in South Beach and a better-known guard in New Orleans?These are among the eight biggest X-factors for when the 2019-20 NBA season returns at Walt

Drew Brees, Players Coalition urge Congress to pass Ending Qualified Immunity Act

by admin - June 10, 20200

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is partnering with more than 1,000 professional athletes and hundreds of front office personnel to urge Congress to eliminate qualified immunity for police officers in the United States.Drew Brees, Players Coalition ask Congress to pass Ending Qualified Immunity ActJust a week after drawing criticism from fellow pro athletes for his stance on the national anthem, Brees is now partnering with his peers to encourage reform in the United States.In a letter addressed to the U.S. Congress, over 1,000 athletes and coaches, along with hundreds of staff across major sports, called on their representatives to support the Ending Qualified Immunity Act.Today, on behalf of 1100+ athletes & coaches and 300+ front office personnel across the

LOOK: Michael Jordan’s ‘Catch 23’ hauls in 442-pound blue marlin during Big Rock Tournament

by admin - June 9, 20200

Michael Jordan is currently competing for the chance to win the Big Rock Tournament — and a $3.4 million purse — in North Carolina.So far, so good.Jordan’s boat is ‘Catch 23’ and has already hauled in a massive blue marlinOn Monday, Jordan’s boat, “Catch 23” was spotted docked at the Morehead City Yacht Basin.I can confirm Catch 23 is at the Morehead City Yacht Basin – across the dock from Boat Peggy pic.twitter.com/f54axEvdnY— Doug Abrams (@dabrams2021) June 8, 2020A bit later in the day, it was confirmed that Jordan was in fact competing in the Big Rock Tournament and that “Catch 23” was registered.On Tuesday, there was a big payoff. Check out the 442-pound blue marlin His

5 NBA Finals matchups we’d love to see

by admin - June 9, 20200

The 2019-20 NBA season is slated to return July 31 at Walt Disney World in Orlando. It will do so after a four-plus month hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the world.A total of 22 of the league’s 30 teams will return to action with each squad playing eight regular-season games before the playoffs. There’s an opportunity for a play-in tournament in both conferences.Though, the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks remain the favorites to meet in the NBA Finals. That has been the case since the season started what seems to be eons ago. These are among the two teams we’d love to see go up against one another in the championship round.It’s in

DeMarcus Cousins back with the Los Angeles Lakers?

by admin - June 9, 20200

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to join 21 other teams around the NBA in resuming the 2019-20 season at Walt Disney World in Orlando late next month. Boasting the best record in the Western Conference, LeBron James and Co. are considered one of the favorites to come away with the title.There’s now a chance Los Angeles will have a reinforcement in the form of former All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Cousins could re-sign with the team.DeMarcus Cousins’ injury historyA four-time All-Star dating back to his time with the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, Cousins suffered a torn Achilles with New Orleans back in 2017-18. He ultimately signed a one-year contract with the