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BOS-DAL
A First Look at the Matchup Between the Celtics and Mavericks
Zach Kram, The Ringer
Can Boston slow down the Luka Doncic–Kyrie Irving duo? Who has the advantage in crunch time? (Tackling) the crucial questions that will determine who ends the 2023-24 NBA season as champs
In NBA Finals, Celtics and Mavs face different challenges from what they just conquered
John Hollinger, The Athletic
5 questions on a Celtics-Mavericks matchup that will be worth the wait
Dan Devine, Yahoo Sports
What to expect in Celtics-Mavericks series
Steve Aschburner, NBA.com
Biggest NBA Finals questions for the Celtics and Mavericks
Wes Goldberg, FanSided
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are a fearsome duo — and will be the Celtics’ toughest test yet
Gary Washburn, Boston Globe
Jrue Holiday Is Showing Exactly Why The Celtics Traded For Him
Jackson Frank, Basketball Insiders
DAL-MIN
Mavericks storm back to NBA Finals as fifth seed, no surprise to anyone on the journey
Brad Townsend, Morning News
5 thoughts: Mavericks demolish Timberwolves in Game 5
Mike Curtis, Morning News
Historic Timberwolves season comes to an end with Game 5 loss
Chris Hine, Star Tribune
The Mavericks’ 1-2 scoring punch of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving was too much to overcome, even for the league’s top defense
Dončić stands on precipice of greatness that always seemed inevitable
Tim Cato, The Athletic
Dallas Duo Dazzles, Punches NBA Finals Ticket
Jack Borman, Canis Hoopus
5 takeaways as Luka, Dallas punch Finals ticket
Shaun Powell, NBA.com
Facing insurmountable odds, the Timberwolves finally crumbled vs. Dallas
Jerry Zgoda, Star Tribune
Have A Good Summer: Minnesota Timberwolves
Jared Dubin, Last Night In Basketball
LAL: Lakers’ offseason centers on one question: Trade for star or upgrade supporting cast?
Jovan Buha, The Athletic
LAL: Who will draft Bronny James? The Lakers should just say no
Bill Plaschke, LA Times
Bronny wasn’t too impressive as a Trojan, averaging five points, three rebounds and two assists in 19 minutes per game after suffering a cardiac arrest episode the previous summer. However, he was one of the best players in the recent NBA draft combine and later shone for every team during a pro day at the Lakers practice facility.
Some experts are saying he could go in the first round. Others say he’s no greater than a second-round pick. Some still believe he’s not worthy of being drafted at all.
But most everyone agrees that the most predictable landing spot would be the Lakers.
Which predictably would be a disaster.
MEM: Grizzlies’ Offseason Preview
Rory Maher, Hoops Rumors
NYK: Five significant questions that will hover over the Knicks’ summer
Jonathan Macri, Knicks Film School
NYK: Breaking down Jalen Brunson’s star card, Julius Randle’s future and more
Fred Katz/Seth Partnow, The Athletic
PHI: One year later: What we learned from Nick Nurse’s first season as Sixers head coach
Gina Mizell, The Inquirer
The Sixers last year made a Memorial Day splash when news emerged that they had agreed to hire Nick Nurse as their head coach. Since then, Nurse has learned that leading this team is a continuously eventful endeavor. His first 12 months included the James Harden saga and the eventual blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. And a season-altering knee surgery for Joel Embiid, which derailed his hopes to repeat as the NBA’s MVP and shifted the Sixers from contender to play-in team. And a hard-fought first-round series against the New York Knicks but ultimately an early postseason exit. “The season was kind of like that series – it was really difficult,” Nurse said minutes after the Sixers’ season-ending Game 6 loss. “I thought we had a lot of injury issues and stuff like that all season long, but I thought we fought.” How did Nurse navigate – and contribute to – his first season with the Sixers?: five takeaways
UTA: Walker Kessler’s 2nd season: ‘Close to being overheated and a little turbulence’
Mark Inabinett, AL.com
Ranking the Top 30 Potentially Available Free Agents
Eric Pincus, Bleacher Report
Big Red is gone: ‘No one did it like he did it’
Kerry Eggers
During his three years at UCLA, the Bruins won their first 73 games — the bulk of their Division I-record 88 consecutive victories — and two national championships. His final record at UCLA: 86-4.
In the NBA, Walton led the Trail Blazers to their only NBA championship in 1977, earning Finals Most Valuable Player honors and, the next season was named MVP for the NBA’s regular season. In 1986, he was honored as Sixth Man of the Year in helping the Boston Celtics to an NBA crown. Walton was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1993 and into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
In latter years, Walton was gregarious and outgoing, but also private when it came to health matters. Perhaps only immediate family knew he was failing. Bill’s death came as a shock even to those close to him.
The inimitable Bill Walton: An accomplished champion, a passionate Celtic, a great friend to have
Bob Ryan, Boston Globe
5 potential first-round draft prospects who decided to withdraw and return to school
Christopher Kline, FanSided
Who’s In and Who’s Out of the NBA Draft?
Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board
174 U.S. college basketball players declared as early entrants for the 2024 NBA Draft, the fewest since the pandemic. The influence of NIL (name, image, and likeness) had its fingerprints all over the recent withdrawals, with several prospects reportedly opting to return to school due to the potential to earn income comparable to late first-round NBA draft picks.
…it’s apparent that fringe first-round picks and NBA Combine participants gained significant bargaining power, enhancing their ability to negotiate higher NIL earnings by choosing to return to school.
There’s More Than Meets the Eye With Enrique Freeman
Tyler Metcalf, No Ceilings
We consistently see players exceed expectations and carve out a role by doing the little things in a big way. Enrique Freeman could be that guy in the 2024 NBA Draft
Sarem Jafari Scouting Report
Rafael Barlowe, Big Board Global Scouting
Draft Scouting Report – Keshad Johnson
Bryce Simon, Basketball Bulletin
The latest Draft news, analysis, prospects performances, and reporting
Nic Thomas, Inside Scoop
Today’s BI is dedicated to the memories of Hub Reed and Drew Gordon
Former NBA player Drew Gordon, 33, dies in car accident
Michael Dixon, The Comeback
Hub Reed, OCU legend and former NBA player, dies at 89
The Oklahoman
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