Hoop Ties

LeBron James is staying in LA, congrats on the extension and we look forward to seeing him play with Bronny! With LeBron signing this extension what does this do for LA…are they going to be a contender? What can we expect from Russell Westbrook, do we see the ball in his hands or tucked away in the corner? Anthony Davis is an immediate first-ballot Hall of Famer right now, has he hit his prime yet?

Will LeBron retire a Laker?

Shoutout to Tim Duncan who will present Manu Ginobili at the Hall of Fame ceremony. When looking at free agency and who’s still on the market, you have to look past talent and understand teams look for fit. Where will Collin Sexton play this coming season? If Anthony Davis “plays” he can be the best big in basketball! Kawhi Leonard will be back in a big way this season, the Clippers have the depth to go all the way.

Kyle Kuzma just dropped Wilt Chamberlain numbers in a pro-am and Gelo snapped in the Drew League, all of this shows how good you have to be in the NBA. Redemption season is on the way for Anthony Davis, time for him to remind the world why he is great, we’re tired of seeing him injured. James Harden has lots to prove, just a few years removed from a top-3 talent in the league, which James Harden will we get this upcoming season? Will Dame lead the Trailblazers back to the playoffs and what can we expect from Zion Williamson?  Don’t sleep on the Denver Nuggets! MVP season coming for AD!

Paolo Banchero and Dejounte Murray got into it at a summer pro-am. We love to see the competitiveness but keep it on the court. Seattle has always had a strong hoop culture, ranking our favorite hoopers from the likes of, Jamal Crawford, Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson and Zach LaVine. Nets owner Joe Tsai has a decision to make, Steve Nash/Sean Marks or Kevin Durant. This entire situation with the Nets is bad, and it re-sparks the conversation, was Steve Nash really the right man for the job?

All-Star is in Utah this year...This is the year where Anthony Edwards breaks out and separates himself, is ANT the best player on the Timberwolves? Tyler Herro is on the right team to win ball games and make his case for becoming a first-time All-Star. Are we accounting for injury replacements? Does SGA have a chance even if he averages 26+ PPG? New York Knick, Jalen Brunson is in a new situation and has a real chance at becoming an All-Star. Are some players capable of more when they’re the #1 option on a bad team? Is Jerami Grant a better option than Anfernee Simons? 

We are in August…we talking about pro-am basketball and sleeper teams this upcoming season. Atlanta, we have high expectations for you this season, top-4 seed or disappointment. The New Orleans Pelicans secured Zion and now its time to deliver on the hardwood. Can we even compare the Memphis Grizzlies to the Utah Jazz or are the Grizzlies in a different class when it comes to regular season success compared to the post season.

Will De’Aaron Fox be a Sacramento King at the close of next season?

Is Draymond Green worthy of a 4-year max extension? Should he be rewarded for winning 4 titles with the Warriors, or should his success be credited to Steph Curry? Is he a First-Ballot HOF-er? Plus, is Dame Lillard taking the easy way out by not asking for a trade?   Ahmad Smith on Instagram Theus McBee on Instagram

Do the Celtics need Kevin Durant…they were just in the NBA Finals and only two games away from winning. Is Jaylen Brown a top-3 SG in the NBA? The Celtics are in win-now mode but if you make a trade for KD you’re going to give up so much more than Jaylen Brown. Plus Giannis and the Bucks ain’t going anywhere either. Is Jayson Tatum on the same level as LeBron James?

Ahmad Smith on Instagram

Theus McBee on Instagram

Welcome St. Louis native Larry Hughes! Larry had the unique opportunity to play with both Michael Jordan and LeBron James, he shares the greatness that both of them possess. Making the NBA is incredible but staying in the NBA is special, Larry talks about longevity and why sustained success is the true “greatness” factor. Jayson Tatum is destined for greatness, will the Celtics continue to build around Jayson and Jaylen in their quest for an NBA Championship. Plus, top-5 underrated players in the league.

Ahmad Smith on Instagram

Theus McBee on Instagram

Nikola Jokic may mess around and win an MVP for the third straight year… but that doesn’t mean he’s the best player in the world. Theus and Ahmad weigh in if they’d pick Jokic over Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and other stars in the association. Ahmad debates if people overvalue the regular season compared to a player that can lead teams to higher heights in the playoffs. Who would be your number one option on the Knicks? Theus is rocking with RJ. Will the Hawks finish in the top half of the Eastern Conference next year?

Ahmad Smith on Instagram

Theus McBee on Instagram