4 days ago
Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard is expected to be out for a few weeks after suffering a knee injury.
The 35-year-old is a phenomenal basketball player, but injuries have regularly affected him over the course of his career.
That has led to some criticism recently, but Charles Barkley has noticed a trend with Leonard that actually deserves some praise.
Leonard was recently branded as the 'worst superstar in the history of sports' by Stephen A. Smith after news emerged about his injury.
The ESPN host accused him of getting paid without working because of the number of games he has missed throughout his career.
#injury #Career #recently #kawhi
The 35-year-old is a phenomenal basketball player, but injuries have regularly affected him over the course of his career.
That has led to some criticism recently, but Charles Barkley has noticed a trend with Leonard that actually deserves some praise.
Leonard was recently branded as the 'worst superstar in the history of sports' by Stephen A. Smith after news emerged about his injury.
The ESPN host accused him of getting paid without working because of the number of games he has missed throughout his career.
#injury #Career #recently #kawhi
15 days ago
When Kawhi Leonard became a Toronto Raptor for the first time in the summer of 2018, he looked shellshocked. "There's just more questions you have to ask me in order for me to tell you about myself," he said, introducing himself to an organization and city he reportedly had no interest in joining.
Leonard had fallen out with his former team, the San Antonio Spurs – one of the most respected franchises in professional sports – due to differences in opinion about an injury that had limited him to just nine games in the 2017-18 season. The Los Angeles native had hoped to end up in southern California, but instead the Raptors risked it all by swapping franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan for one year of an injured, malcontent Leonard. It worked: Leonard led the Raptors to their maiden championship on the back of a historic playoff run, averaging 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 **** ists and 1.7 steals en route. Leonard won his second finals MVP to go alongside the one he had claimed with the Spurs when he helped them to the **** le in 2014.
Related: LeBron James is everything Philadelphia wants. And everything it can't stand | Bryan Armen Graham
"The narrative of not wanting to come to this city is gone," the team's president, Masai Ujiri, said at that 2018 press conference, speaking to insecure Raptors fans who had watched American players like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Chris Bosh leave Toronto since the franchise opened its doors in 1995. "We should move past that. Believe in this city. Believe in yourselves … We are proud of who we are."
But even a historic season wasn't enough to convince Leonard to stay north of the border. After a long and contentious free-agency period managed by his uncle, Dennis Robertson, Leonard spurned the reigning champions in favor of his hometown Los Angeles Clippers. "There wasn't as much anger in 2019 as there was with Vince Carter or some of the other guys who left," says Bruce Arthur, who has covered Leonard since 2018 for the Toronto Star. "I think he was given a little bit of special dispensation because he was going home, because he had delivered a **** le, and because I never felt like there was ever a connection outside of Kawhi the basketball player, with Toronto."
#SPURS #vince #carter #believe
Leonard had fallen out with his former team, the San Antonio Spurs – one of the most respected franchises in professional sports – due to differences in opinion about an injury that had limited him to just nine games in the 2017-18 season. The Los Angeles native had hoped to end up in southern California, but instead the Raptors risked it all by swapping franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan for one year of an injured, malcontent Leonard. It worked: Leonard led the Raptors to their maiden championship on the back of a historic playoff run, averaging 30.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 **** ists and 1.7 steals en route. Leonard won his second finals MVP to go alongside the one he had claimed with the Spurs when he helped them to the **** le in 2014.
Related: LeBron James is everything Philadelphia wants. And everything it can't stand | Bryan Armen Graham
"The narrative of not wanting to come to this city is gone," the team's president, Masai Ujiri, said at that 2018 press conference, speaking to insecure Raptors fans who had watched American players like Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Chris Bosh leave Toronto since the franchise opened its doors in 1995. "We should move past that. Believe in this city. Believe in yourselves … We are proud of who we are."
But even a historic season wasn't enough to convince Leonard to stay north of the border. After a long and contentious free-agency period managed by his uncle, Dennis Robertson, Leonard spurned the reigning champions in favor of his hometown Los Angeles Clippers. "There wasn't as much anger in 2019 as there was with Vince Carter or some of the other guys who left," says Bruce Arthur, who has covered Leonard since 2018 for the Toronto Star. "I think he was given a little bit of special dispensation because he was going home, because he had delivered a **** le, and because I never felt like there was ever a connection outside of Kawhi the basketball player, with Toronto."
#SPURS #vince #carter #believe
2 months ago
The trade sending Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is finally going forward, with the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers agreeing to complete the deal that was agreed to earlier this summer, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Monday.
The deal will be the same as what was agreed to 2 1/2 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, with the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey ******* , two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap, said the person who spoke to The ******* ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval.
It's a huge move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA ******* le with Leonard leading the way and is expecting to contend in the Eastern Conference. But the sides put the agreement on hold in early July pending any resolution of NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with regard to Leonard's compensation.
The NBA hit the Clippers earlier this month with massive penalties as a result of that probe, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks, among other sanctions.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was hit with a $700,000 penalty as a result of that investigation. But he was not suspended and his contract was not voided, and the Raptors evidently are now certain that his status will not be affected.
#clippers #raptors #picks #deal
The deal will be the same as what was agreed to 2 1/2 months ago: Leonard returns to the Raptors, with the Clippers getting Brandon Ingram, Gradey ******* , two first-round draft picks, two second-round picks and a pick swap, said the person who spoke to The ******* ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not received the required league approval.
It's a huge move for Toronto, which won the 2019 NBA ******* le with Leonard leading the way and is expecting to contend in the Eastern Conference. But the sides put the agreement on hold in early July pending any resolution of NBA's investigation into whether the Clippers circumvented salary cap rules with regard to Leonard's compensation.
The NBA hit the Clippers earlier this month with massive penalties as a result of that probe, suspending owner Steve Ballmer for one year, fining the team $30 million and forcing it to forfeit five first-round draft picks, among other sanctions.
Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP, was hit with a $700,000 penalty as a result of that investigation. But he was not suspended and his contract was not voided, and the Raptors evidently are now certain that his status will not be affected.
#clippers #raptors #picks #deal
2 months ago
Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, HoopsHype is releasing rankings at every position. While Fred VanVleet was rated rather low as a point guard, Rockets star Kevin Durant was recently ranked as one of the best in his position. In a list of the top 27 small forwards in the NBA, Durant placed fifth after averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 ***** ists, 0.8 steals and 0.9 blocks in 78 appearances last season.
The Duke duo of Jayson Tatum and Cooper Flagg were ranked first and second, respectively, before the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers (Jaylen Brown) came in at No. 3. No. 4 is a much more controversial choice, as Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was given the nod over Durant despite playing in just 33 contests last year. Kawhi Leonard (Raptors), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Brandon Ingram (Clippers) and Brandon Miller (Hornets) rounded out the top-10.
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@B...
https://www.instagram.com/...
#season #ranked
The Duke duo of Jayson Tatum and Cooper Flagg were ranked first and second, respectively, before the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers (Jaylen Brown) came in at No. 3. No. 4 is a much more controversial choice, as Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder was given the nod over Durant despite playing in just 33 contests last year. Kawhi Leonard (Raptors), Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic), Brandon Ingram (Clippers) and Brandon Miller (Hornets) rounded out the top-10.
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@B...
https://www.instagram.com/...
#season #ranked
2 months ago
The NBA sources are confident the criminal probe will focus primarily on the Clippers, the financial angle of the discretions and not encroach on any basketball side of the equation. And if the justice department looks at deals involving the Clippers, now-bankrupt Aspiration, the technology company Daktronics — which said it was co-operating with the investigators — and other companies, it has nothing to do with the Raptors or the long-awaited transaction.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The NBA sources are confident the criminal probe will …
#sources
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The NBA sources are confident the criminal probe will …
#sources
2 months ago
As the American justice department investigates the Los Angeles Clippers and its salary cap contravention deals involving Kawhi Leonard and several outside companies, there is no immediate concern it will scuttle an expected trade with the Raptors. According to NBA sources granted anonymity to discuss a continuing investigation, the latest wrinkle shouldn't preclude Leonard from becoming a Raptor before training camp begins in about two weeks.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Continuing investigation, the latest wrinkle shouldn't …
#shouldn 't #american #clippers #kawhi
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Continuing investigation, the latest wrinkle shouldn't …
#shouldn 't #american #clippers #kawhi
2 months ago
It started with yelling about toilets. Steve Ballmer was so serious about turning the Los Angeles Clippers into a serious franchise for the first time in their existence that he wanted to make sure no fan ever waited in a long line to use the bathroom when the team opened its new arena. Ballmer's drive to win eventually led the Clippers to courting Kawhi Leonard in free agency, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to a 2019 NBA championship. Leonard wanted to live in Los Angeles, yes, but he also wanted Paul George as his running mate, so the Clippers shipped out a boatload of draft picks and future two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get him.
Leonard's people also made it known that their client wanted the type of big endorsement deals his off-putting, robotic personality couldn't land legitimately. Leonard's now infamous Uncle Dennis Robertson never tried to be subtle about his desire to secure similar off-court bags to the ones Kawhi's contemporaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were landing on their own accord, and leaks of his demands circulated as soon as Leonard hit free agency.
The Clippers became so entangled in pleasing Leonard that it led to blatant salary cap circumvention, first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA found enough evidence supporting Torre's claims that it hammered the Clippers with the most severe penalty in league history, stripping five future first-round draft picks, suspending executives including Ballmer, and more. That figured to be the end of the story, with the Clippers spending the next decade trying to climb out of the abyss. Torre continued to hint that there was another shoe to drop, and now that it's here, the Clippers might be in much bigger trouble than anyone first believed.
The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers, according to the New York Times, and it's already issued one subpoena. While the scope of the investigation is unclear for now, the fact that the feds are watching the Clippers for under-the-table dealings potentially makes this a much bigger deal than simply breaking NBA rules.
How does breaking NBA rules amount to a federal crime by the Clippers? While there's a lot left to come out, the main idea is that the Clippers committed some level of fraud. Daktronics was a publicly traded company, the only one of the four tied up in the Leonard scandal to fit that description, while Aspiration, Lockton Insurance, and Boingo Wireless were not. Publicly traded companies have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders to disclose big investments, and it sure feels like that never happened when dealing with Leonard.
#ballmer
Leonard's people also made it known that their client wanted the type of big endorsement deals his off-putting, robotic personality couldn't land legitimately. Leonard's now infamous Uncle Dennis Robertson never tried to be subtle about his desire to secure similar off-court bags to the ones Kawhi's contemporaries like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant were landing on their own accord, and leaks of his demands circulated as soon as Leonard hit free agency.
The Clippers became so entangled in pleasing Leonard that it led to blatant salary cap circumvention, first reported by investigative journalist Pablo Torre. The NBA found enough evidence supporting Torre's claims that it hammered the Clippers with the most severe penalty in league history, stripping five future first-round draft picks, suspending executives including Ballmer, and more. That figured to be the end of the story, with the Clippers spending the next decade trying to climb out of the abyss. Torre continued to hint that there was another shoe to drop, and now that it's here, the Clippers might be in much bigger trouble than anyone first believed.
The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into the Clippers, according to the New York Times, and it's already issued one subpoena. While the scope of the investigation is unclear for now, the fact that the feds are watching the Clippers for under-the-table dealings potentially makes this a much bigger deal than simply breaking NBA rules.
How does breaking NBA rules amount to a federal crime by the Clippers? While there's a lot left to come out, the main idea is that the Clippers committed some level of fraud. Daktronics was a publicly traded company, the only one of the four tied up in the Leonard scandal to fit that description, while Aspiration, Lockton Insurance, and Boingo Wireless were not. Publicly traded companies have a fiduciary duty to their shareholders to disclose big investments, and it sure feels like that never happened when dealing with Leonard.
#ballmer
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Clippers are still reeling in the aftermath of a cap circumvention scandal. For their part in helping Kawhi Leonard secure millions in off-the-court, "no-show" endorsement deals, the franchise had to give up five first-round picks and $30 million, culminating in one of the most severe penalties in NBA history.
Through it all, Kawhi escaped the scandal relatively unscathed. Besides a $700K fine, he didn't face any major consequences, and even his trade to the Toronto Raptors remains completely untouched. And yet, even now, the Clippers have yet to finalize the trade, leading some executives to suspect they are considering some sort of revenge against Leonard for how he's turned his back on the team.
"The Raptors, I'm told, are eager to consummate the trade after initially placing it on hold July 9 (to guard against a Leonard suspension or the outright voiding of his contract) and still firmly believe that the deal will happen as agreed upon and intended. Ditto for Leonard and his camp," wrote NBA insider Marc Stein. "Yet the delay has naturally led some league observers to wonder aloud whether the Clippers are holding off — or considering something even more drastic — to spite Leonard for so readily accepting the league's punishment rather than invoking his right to pursue an appeal. Any formal appeal within the NBA's auspices in such matters, remember, must be initiated by the player in question rather than the team according to league by-laws."
The Clippers have given up everything for Kawhi, and they set themselves back 10 years just to make him happy. From his very arrival, Kawhi was making outlandish requests and even forced the Clippers to give up five first-round picks (along with future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) in a deal for Paul George. By the end, the total cost of Leonard's services amounts to 10 first-round picks (not counting SGA), and it was all for a team that never made the Finals.
So when the Clippers were caught holding the bag in the cap circumvention scandal, they naturally expected some level of cooperation from Leonard, someone they moved heaven and earth to appease. Instead, he settled with the NBA right away, avoiding more severe penalties while stripping the Clippers of any power to fight back.
#clippers #leonard #first
Through it all, Kawhi escaped the scandal relatively unscathed. Besides a $700K fine, he didn't face any major consequences, and even his trade to the Toronto Raptors remains completely untouched. And yet, even now, the Clippers have yet to finalize the trade, leading some executives to suspect they are considering some sort of revenge against Leonard for how he's turned his back on the team.
"The Raptors, I'm told, are eager to consummate the trade after initially placing it on hold July 9 (to guard against a Leonard suspension or the outright voiding of his contract) and still firmly believe that the deal will happen as agreed upon and intended. Ditto for Leonard and his camp," wrote NBA insider Marc Stein. "Yet the delay has naturally led some league observers to wonder aloud whether the Clippers are holding off — or considering something even more drastic — to spite Leonard for so readily accepting the league's punishment rather than invoking his right to pursue an appeal. Any formal appeal within the NBA's auspices in such matters, remember, must be initiated by the player in question rather than the team according to league by-laws."
The Clippers have given up everything for Kawhi, and they set themselves back 10 years just to make him happy. From his very arrival, Kawhi was making outlandish requests and even forced the Clippers to give up five first-round picks (along with future MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) in a deal for Paul George. By the end, the total cost of Leonard's services amounts to 10 first-round picks (not counting SGA), and it was all for a team that never made the Finals.
So when the Clippers were caught holding the bag in the cap circumvention scandal, they naturally expected some level of cooperation from Leonard, someone they moved heaven and earth to appease. Instead, he settled with the NBA right away, avoiding more severe penalties while stripping the Clippers of any power to fight back.
#clippers #leonard #first
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2 months ago
A stunning new rumor claims the Los Angeles Clippers might scrap the planned trade sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for a very petty reason.
When Pablo Torre broke the news last year about Clippers management creating shell companies to pay Leonard extra money and win his free agent sweepstakes in 2019, many wondered how severe the punishment for salary cap circumvention would be. Well, the long-awaited hammer dropped last week.
After the NBA found undeniable evidence of illegal violations by the Clippers, the franchise was fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for a year. Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended without pay for a year, and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for 6 months. The team was also stripped of five future first-round picks in upcoming seasons.
It is the stiffest penalty in NBA history. However, the one individual involved who got a slap on the wrist was Leonard. After speculation that he could be suspended or have his contract voided, the seven-time All-Star received a $700,000 fine. He also released a statement taking partial ownership of the fiasco.
With the punishment for cap circumvention finalized, the Clippers are expected to complete a previously agreed-upon trade sending the 35-year-old to the Raptors. Or maybe not. It is a bit odd that the two teams haven't completed a deal over a week after the penalty was handed down. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some around the league believe there is a surprising reason the trade is still in limbo.
#clippers #year #trade
When Pablo Torre broke the news last year about Clippers management creating shell companies to pay Leonard extra money and win his free agent sweepstakes in 2019, many wondered how severe the punishment for salary cap circumvention would be. Well, the long-awaited hammer dropped last week.
After the NBA found undeniable evidence of illegal violations by the Clippers, the franchise was fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer was suspended from all league and team activities for a year. Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended without pay for a year, and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended without pay for 6 months. The team was also stripped of five future first-round picks in upcoming seasons.
It is the stiffest penalty in NBA history. However, the one individual involved who got a slap on the wrist was Leonard. After speculation that he could be suspended or have his contract voided, the seven-time All-Star received a $700,000 fine. He also released a statement taking partial ownership of the fiasco.
With the punishment for cap circumvention finalized, the Clippers are expected to complete a previously agreed-upon trade sending the 35-year-old to the Raptors. Or maybe not. It is a bit odd that the two teams haven't completed a deal over a week after the penalty was handed down. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, some around the league believe there is a surprising reason the trade is still in limbo.
#clippers #year #trade
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2 months ago
The Sacramento Kings' interest in Jalen Duren isn't going away, even if the Pistons have basically shut the door on a sign-and-trade for now. On the latest episode of ESPN's The Hoop Collective, Anthony Slater said GM Scott Perry has Duren's name "with highlighter pen" as a possible target, while also noting that Sacramento could create max cap ***** e next summer if Duren takes his $9.6 million qualifying offer and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027. The Kings already met with Duren earlier in free agency, so this isn't just random trade-machine talk.
The problem is Detroit. The Kings would like to sign-and-trade for Duren with Domantas Sabonis going the other way, per Tim MacMahon, but "that's not happening," because the Pistons have made it clear they aren't interested in moving their 22-year-old All-NBA center. Detroit reportedly wants Duren closer to $35.0 million per season, while his camp is looking for more than $40.0 million, and the Pistons still "absolutely, positively, 100%" intend to keep him despite that gap in "nasty" negotiations.
So if the Kings really want Duren now instead of waiting another year, Sabonis alone clearly isn't getting it done. They would need to make the return much bigger, probably bring in more teams to solve the salary issues, and give Detroit enough immediate talent and draft capital to at least reconsider its current position. This four-team framework with the Bucks and Raptors does exactly that, while landing Sacramento the young center they clearly want to build around.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jakob Poeltl, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, 2027 second-round pick via Pistons, 2029 first-round pick via Raptors
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jalen Duren
#sacramento #pistons
The problem is Detroit. The Kings would like to sign-and-trade for Duren with Domantas Sabonis going the other way, per Tim MacMahon, but "that's not happening," because the Pistons have made it clear they aren't interested in moving their 22-year-old All-NBA center. Detroit reportedly wants Duren closer to $35.0 million per season, while his camp is looking for more than $40.0 million, and the Pistons still "absolutely, positively, 100%" intend to keep him despite that gap in "nasty" negotiations.
So if the Kings really want Duren now instead of waiting another year, Sabonis alone clearly isn't getting it done. They would need to make the return much bigger, probably bring in more teams to solve the salary issues, and give Detroit enough immediate talent and draft capital to at least reconsider its current position. This four-team framework with the Bucks and Raptors does exactly that, while landing Sacramento the young center they clearly want to build around.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jakob Poeltl, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, 2027 second-round pick via Pistons, 2029 first-round pick via Raptors
Sacramento Kings Receive: Jalen Duren
#sacramento #pistons
2 months ago
Gabelli Investment Management Firm recently released its "Global Content & Connectivity Fund" second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund delivered a strong second quarter of 2026, with its Class I shares gaining 12.88%, more than double the 6.02% return of the MSCI AC World Communication Services Index, though trailing the broader MSCI AC World Index's 15.06% gain. The fund's performance reflected renewed investor interest in AI-related investments, easing tensions in the Middle East, and lower Brent crude prices, with Information Technology gaining 39.2% and Communication Services advancing 6.0% during the quarter. Over the past year, the fund gained 25.50%, compared with 13.06% for its communication-services benchmark and 24.16% for the MSCI AC World Index. Looking ahead, Gabelli remains constructive on the long-term opportunities created by AI adoption, expanding digital infrastructure, connectivity, and the continued growth of content and entertainment, while recognizing that higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and the sustainability of AI-related spending could create volatility. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Global Content & Connectivity Fund highlighted stocks like Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI). Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) is a Canadian communications and media company with major wireless, cable, sports, and regional media businesses. The one-month return of Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) was 8.38% while its shares traded between $31.38 and $41.14 over the last 52 weeks. On September 3, 2026, Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) stock closed at approximately $38.00 per share, with a market capitalization of about $20.27 billion.
Global Content & Connectivity Fund stated the following regarding Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) (3.2%) (RCI – $32.50 – NYSE) owns the largest wireless operator and the largest cable MSO in Canada as well as a media business with a focus on sports and regional TV and radio, including ownership of Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and a controlling interest in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). In July 2026, Rogers agreed to purchase the remaining 25% stake in MLSE (the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC) from Kilmer Sports for C$4.35 billion, which will increase RCI's interest in that entity to 100%. RCI continues focusing on unlocking value from its vast sports portfolio, with next steps likely including combining all sports and media **** ets into a single organization and selling a sizeable minority interest in that entity to institutional investors.
#NYSE
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Global Content & Connectivity Fund highlighted stocks like Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI). Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) is a Canadian communications and media company with major wireless, cable, sports, and regional media businesses. The one-month return of Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) was 8.38% while its shares traded between $31.38 and $41.14 over the last 52 weeks. On September 3, 2026, Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) stock closed at approximately $38.00 per share, with a market capitalization of about $20.27 billion.
Global Content & Connectivity Fund stated the following regarding Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) (3.2%) (RCI – $32.50 – NYSE) owns the largest wireless operator and the largest cable MSO in Canada as well as a media business with a focus on sports and regional TV and radio, including ownership of Toronto Blue Jays baseball club and a controlling interest in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). In July 2026, Rogers agreed to purchase the remaining 25% stake in MLSE (the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC) from Kilmer Sports for C$4.35 billion, which will increase RCI's interest in that entity to 100%. RCI continues focusing on unlocking value from its vast sports portfolio, with next steps likely including combining all sports and media **** ets into a single organization and selling a sizeable minority interest in that entity to institutional investors.
#NYSE
2 months ago
From well down the hall, Dennis Robertson saw me coming.
Whether he recognized me or not, I'll never be sure. But once I stopped and identified myself, he looked me up and down, then broke into a huge grin.
"So nowww the San Antonio Express-News wants to talk," Robertson said.
The truth was, the San Antonio Express-News always did. But if Kawhi Leonard's uncle and adviser was gloating in that Oracle Arena hallway in Oakland, California, seven years ago, it was because he'd earned his right to do so.
At that moment, his nephew was the best all-around basketball player in the world, a designation he'd just proven beyond any reasonable doubt. In Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Leonard scored 36 points to go with 12 rebounds and four steals, and his Toronto Raptors were heading back to Canada one victory away from their first championship.
#kawhi
Whether he recognized me or not, I'll never be sure. But once I stopped and identified myself, he looked me up and down, then broke into a huge grin.
"So nowww the San Antonio Express-News wants to talk," Robertson said.
The truth was, the San Antonio Express-News always did. But if Kawhi Leonard's uncle and adviser was gloating in that Oracle Arena hallway in Oakland, California, seven years ago, it was because he'd earned his right to do so.
At that moment, his nephew was the best all-around basketball player in the world, a designation he'd just proven beyond any reasonable doubt. In Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals, Leonard scored 36 points to go with 12 rebounds and four steals, and his Toronto Raptors were heading back to Canada one victory away from their first championship.
#kawhi
2 months ago
The Western Conference has undoubtedly dominated the 21st-century NBA. But after blockbuster trades and free agency moves, the Eastern Conference appears to be historically stacked.
Now, with newly emerged "super teams" like the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, the fully healthy Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, and true contention from the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and the Detroit Pistons, how can the Cleveland Cavaliers rise to the top?
Once again, Cleveland is coming into the season with a big four of stars. This time, though, Darius Garland is out, and James Harden is in for his first full season as a Cavalier.
Next to Harden are the three veteran Cavs' All-Stars: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The core left a lot to be desired in their Eastern Conference Finals run last season, and things have arguably gotten worse for their future.
#season
Now, with newly emerged "super teams" like the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, the fully healthy Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics, and true contention from the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and the Detroit Pistons, how can the Cleveland Cavaliers rise to the top?
Once again, Cleveland is coming into the season with a big four of stars. This time, though, Darius Garland is out, and James Harden is in for his first full season as a Cavalier.
Next to Harden are the three veteran Cavs' All-Stars: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
The core left a lot to be desired in their Eastern Conference Finals run last season, and things have arguably gotten worse for their future.
#season
2 months ago
APHoops: The Clippers spoke with the Raptors last night and both sides intend to follow through with the Leonard trade, per ShamsCharania . LA will receive: • Brandon Ingram • Gradey **** • 2027 first-round pick swap • 2031 unprotected first-round pick • 2033 unprotected first-round pick • 2030 second-round pick • 2033 second-round pick
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Clippers spoke with the Raptors last night and …
#round #clippers #spoke #unprotected
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The Clippers spoke with the Raptors last night and …
#round #clippers #spoke #unprotected
2 months ago
Raptors-Clippers' official Kawhi Leonard trade details revealed after NBA finishes investigation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Clippers have been under investigation for quite some time due to potential payments made to Kawhi Leonard. It has put the entire organization and its offseason under the spotlight as the NBA worked to determine exactly what was going on.
The Clippers planned to trade Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors at the end of June, but the deal was put on hold. On Wednesday, the NBA handed down its punishments.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
With the saga finally somewhat behind them, the focus now shifts back to the trade between the two sides. ESPN's Shams Charania believes the deal will be finalized within the next few days.
#investigation #back #deal
The Los Angeles Clippers have been under investigation for quite some time due to potential payments made to Kawhi Leonard. It has put the entire organization and its offseason under the spotlight as the NBA worked to determine exactly what was going on.
The Clippers planned to trade Leonard back to the Toronto Raptors at the end of June, but the deal was put on hold. On Wednesday, the NBA handed down its punishments.
"The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers -- including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer -- for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard," ESPN wrote.
With the saga finally somewhat behind them, the focus now shifts back to the trade between the two sides. ESPN's Shams Charania believes the deal will be finalized within the next few days.
#investigation #back #deal
2 months ago
Yesterday was a really bad day for the Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA found the franchise guilty of salary-cap circumvention in the Kawhi Leonard case, stripped them of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033, fined the team $30.0 million, suspended Steve Ballmer for one year, and suspended Lawrence Frank for six months. Leonard was also fined $700,000, incredibly escaping barely harmed in all of this.
The one piece of good news, if we can even call it that, is that the league didn't block Leonard's move back to the Raptors. That trade had been on hold while the investigation was happening, and with the case now finished, the deal can move forward. Toronto had agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round pick swap for Leonard.
Those five lost first-round picks hurt the most. The Clippers were finally getting close to controlling their own future again starting in 2029, but now they won't make a first-round selection with one of those picks until 2034, although they should get the Raptors' 2031 and 2033 picks. Still, for a team entering a rebuild, that is brutal. Tanking doesn't help much when there is basically no first-round pick waiting for you at the end of the season, since the 2027 pick swap from Toronto is the worst one among the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Thunder, and the 2028 pick goes entirely to OKC.
So if the Clippers can't rely on landing a future franchise player through the Draft, and they also can't use any of their upcoming first-round picks as trade ****** ets since they belong to other teams, they will have to get creative. There are still other ways to find young talent, from taking chances on former high picks to using cap ****** e, trades, the G League, and overlooked free agents.
With almost a decade of Draft problems ahead of them, here are five different ways the Clippers can try to survive this rebuild and find young players without waiting until 2034.
#raptors
The one piece of good news, if we can even call it that, is that the league didn't block Leonard's move back to the Raptors. That trade had been on hold while the investigation was happening, and with the case now finished, the deal can move forward. Toronto had agreed to send Brandon Ingram, Gradey ****** , two unprotected first-round picks, two second-round picks, and a 2027 first-round pick swap for Leonard.
Those five lost first-round picks hurt the most. The Clippers were finally getting close to controlling their own future again starting in 2029, but now they won't make a first-round selection with one of those picks until 2034, although they should get the Raptors' 2031 and 2033 picks. Still, for a team entering a rebuild, that is brutal. Tanking doesn't help much when there is basically no first-round pick waiting for you at the end of the season, since the 2027 pick swap from Toronto is the worst one among the Raptors, the Clippers, and the Thunder, and the 2028 pick goes entirely to OKC.
So if the Clippers can't rely on landing a future franchise player through the Draft, and they also can't use any of their upcoming first-round picks as trade ****** ets since they belong to other teams, they will have to get creative. There are still other ways to find young talent, from taking chances on former high picks to using cap ****** e, trades, the G League, and overlooked free agents.
With almost a decade of Draft problems ahead of them, here are five different ways the Clippers can try to survive this rebuild and find young players without waiting until 2034.
#raptors
2 months ago
Amid all the noise surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers after the NBA's ruling, Shams Charania has revealed the status of his move to the Toronto Raptors.
The Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have been under NBA investigation for salary cap circumvention for nearly a year. The league announced its ruling on Wednesday and it's bad.
The franchise is facing severe punishments including forfeiture of first-round picks and bans for top executives. Leonard himself has gotten off relatively easy with a $700K fine.
Even before all this came out, Kawhi and the Clips had already agreed to move on, and a trade was agreed with the Toronto Raptors. Following the NBA's verdict, there is an update on that situation.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
#clippers #toronto #ruling #agreed
The Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have been under NBA investigation for salary cap circumvention for nearly a year. The league announced its ruling on Wednesday and it's bad.
The franchise is facing severe punishments including forfeiture of first-round picks and bans for top executives. Leonard himself has gotten off relatively easy with a $700K fine.
Even before all this came out, Kawhi and the Clips had already agreed to move on, and a trade was agreed with the Toronto Raptors. Following the NBA's verdict, there is an update on that situation.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
#clippers #toronto #ruling #agreed
2 months ago
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is expected to leave and join his former team, the Toronto Raptors, once a previously agreed trade goes through.
Leonard was hit with a $700,000 fine for his role in the Clippers' cap-circumvention deal, while the LA franchise got a massive penalty, including a loss of picks and suspensions for the Clippers' higher-ups.
Now that the NBA has ruled on Leonard and the Clippers, both parties can move forward with the trade the Clippers and Raptors agreed to.
Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a missed basket in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In his statement, Leonard accepted responsibility for people representing him making these illegal advances in the NBA.
#raptors #agreed
Leonard was hit with a $700,000 fine for his role in the Clippers' cap-circumvention deal, while the LA franchise got a massive penalty, including a loss of picks and suspensions for the Clippers' higher-ups.
Now that the NBA has ruled on Leonard and the Clippers, both parties can move forward with the trade the Clippers and Raptors agreed to.
Apr 8, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after a missed basket in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
In his statement, Leonard accepted responsibility for people representing him making these illegal advances in the NBA.
#raptors #agreed
2 months ago
Josh Chambers: Joe Mazzulla says his goal as Celtics coach is to be forgotten "If the people around you didn't do what they do… I wouldn't do anything. The thing I reflect on the most is… I think you have to be willing to be forgotten. I think that's kind of my main goal." "I want to be forgotten about. Because that means after you… It was better. I think that's what it means to be a Celtic. However long you play, coach, work for the Celtics…" "Your job is to keep it exactly where it's at or bring it better. You cannot bring it down. If you leave and it gets worse, that's your fault. If you leave and they win, and they forgot about you, you did your job." "I talk about that every day with the staff. Our job is to one day be forgotten about because you did your job. It became about something bigger than you." "It's a burden and a love for being with the Celtics… But it's a responsibility. I think we could take that into our daily life. Can I leave it so much better that they don't remember me because the next person came and was better?"
x.com
On draft night, when teams Cenac had worked out for such as the 76ers, Raptors, and Knicks passed on him, Cenac seemed discouraged to Sampson. But the coach told him the night had a favorable result. "I said, 'Chris, I'm glad those teams didn't take you,' " he said. "Then when Boston took him, I said, 'They believe in you, Chris. You went to the right team.' Brad Stevens is one of the best basketball people in the world, and I've been so impressed with [coach] Joe Mazzulla." — 8/22/2026 Boston Globe
In June, while the NBA Finals and the Liga Betclic Finals were taking place, Neemias Queta had the opportunity to show Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla around Lisbon, Benfica and Barreiro, where Queta grew up and played. What did Mazzulla tell him about what he saw in Portugal and Portuguese basketball? "I think he liked what he saw. He said there are people who can make it there if they really want to work hard. And I think he really loved Portugal. I think the thing he liked the most was the food. It was a good time. He came alone, but he said next year he's coming with his wife and kids. We'll welcome them with open arms," Queta revealed. As for his expectations for the Celtics next season, Queta expects them to "be competitive again." "People have already started saying again that the other teams are the good ones and that we don't have enough quality. But I think, with the group we have, the people we have in the locker room? And our coach?" — 8/19/2026 A Bola
A February 4th game between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets served as an inflection point in Harper's season; he started for the first time in his career, guarded Rockets star Kevin Durant, and showed himself — and the world — he belonged. It's a game that Joe Mazzulla has pointed to as well in that it showcased Harper's readiness and preparation. "The first time I really played meaningful minutes was when I started in Houston, and that kind of came
x.com
On draft night, when teams Cenac had worked out for such as the 76ers, Raptors, and Knicks passed on him, Cenac seemed discouraged to Sampson. But the coach told him the night had a favorable result. "I said, 'Chris, I'm glad those teams didn't take you,' " he said. "Then when Boston took him, I said, 'They believe in you, Chris. You went to the right team.' Brad Stevens is one of the best basketball people in the world, and I've been so impressed with [coach] Joe Mazzulla." — 8/22/2026 Boston Globe
In June, while the NBA Finals and the Liga Betclic Finals were taking place, Neemias Queta had the opportunity to show Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla around Lisbon, Benfica and Barreiro, where Queta grew up and played. What did Mazzulla tell him about what he saw in Portugal and Portuguese basketball? "I think he liked what he saw. He said there are people who can make it there if they really want to work hard. And I think he really loved Portugal. I think the thing he liked the most was the food. It was a good time. He came alone, but he said next year he's coming with his wife and kids. We'll welcome them with open arms," Queta revealed. As for his expectations for the Celtics next season, Queta expects them to "be competitive again." "People have already started saying again that the other teams are the good ones and that we don't have enough quality. But I think, with the group we have, the people we have in the locker room? And our coach?" — 8/19/2026 A Bola
A February 4th game between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets served as an inflection point in Harper's season; he started for the first time in his career, guarded Rockets star Kevin Durant, and showed himself — and the world — he belonged. It's a game that Joe Mazzulla has pointed to as well in that it showcased Harper's readiness and preparation. "The first time I really played meaningful minutes was when I started in Houston, and that kind of came
2 months ago
The Golden State Warriors filled out their 15-man roster earlier this week by signing two new free agents, former Utah Jazz forward Georges Niang and Brandon Williams, a former Dallas Mavericks point guard. Following their arrival to the Bay Area, both of them have selected their jersey numbers ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Beginning with Niang, he'll wear No. 32, a number he hasn't worn since his rookie season (2016-17) with the Indiana Pacers. Since then, Niang wore 31 for the Utah Jazz and No. 20 for three different franchises. The last Warriors player to wear No. 32 was Trayce Jackson-Davis, who wore the jersey for the past two and a half seasons before being traded to the Toronto Raptors.
Despite playing for just two teams in his career, Williams has worn four different numbers. In his first year with Golden State, Williams will switch numbers again, wearing the No. 12 for the first time in his career. The No. 12 was last worn for the Warriors in the 2024-25 season by Braxton Key, who played just three games for the franchise.
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@B...
#utah
Beginning with Niang, he'll wear No. 32, a number he hasn't worn since his rookie season (2016-17) with the Indiana Pacers. Since then, Niang wore 31 for the Utah Jazz and No. 20 for three different franchises. The last Warriors player to wear No. 32 was Trayce Jackson-Davis, who wore the jersey for the past two and a half seasons before being traded to the Toronto Raptors.
Despite playing for just two teams in his career, Williams has worn four different numbers. In his first year with Golden State, Williams will switch numbers again, wearing the No. 12 for the first time in his career. The No. 12 was last worn for the Warriors in the 2024-25 season by Braxton Key, who played just three games for the franchise.
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@B...
#utah
2 months ago
With Jonathan ****** inga, a player the Los Angeles Lakers had been pursuing all summer, off the board and heading to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers are almost out of options as far as two-way wings or forwards.
However, there is one intriguing two-way wing who is still available in free agency: Bruce Brown. Brown, an eight-year NBA veteran, remains unsigned after a strong year with the Denver Nuggets.
During a recent livestream for Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer said that Brown is a possibility for Los Angeles.
"I think he's in the mix for the Lakers, a team that has had some interest in him for several years now," Fischer said.
Last season, Brown averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 ****** ists in 24.4 minutes a game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He returned to the Nuggets after spending the previous two years with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans.
#angeles #year #years #kuminga
However, there is one intriguing two-way wing who is still available in free agency: Bruce Brown. Brown, an eight-year NBA veteran, remains unsigned after a strong year with the Denver Nuggets.
During a recent livestream for Bleacher Report, NBA insider Jake Fischer said that Brown is a possibility for Los Angeles.
"I think he's in the mix for the Lakers, a team that has had some interest in him for several years now," Fischer said.
Last season, Brown averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 ****** ists in 24.4 minutes a game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. He returned to the Nuggets after spending the previous two years with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans.
#angeles #year #years #kuminga
2 months ago
Kyle Lowry gets the Raptors honor only Vince Carter has received originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kyle Lowry helped deliver the greatest moment in Toronto Raptors history. Now, his place in the franchise's history will become permanent.
The Raptors announced Thursday that Lowry's No. 7 jersey will be retired following Toronto's Jan. 10 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena. Lowry will become only the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Vince Carter, whose No. 15 was raised to the rafters in November 2024.
The opponent adds another layer of significance to the celebration. Lowry is a Philadelphia native and spent the final two-plus seasons of his NBA career with the 76ers.
Lowry officially closed his 20-year career earlier this summer. The 40-year-old signed a ceremonial one-day contract with Toronto on July 7, allowing him to retire with the organization where he spent the most successful years of his career.
#vince #toronto
Kyle Lowry helped deliver the greatest moment in Toronto Raptors history. Now, his place in the franchise's history will become permanent.
The Raptors announced Thursday that Lowry's No. 7 jersey will be retired following Toronto's Jan. 10 game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Scotiabank Arena. Lowry will become only the second player in franchise history to receive the honor, joining Vince Carter, whose No. 15 was raised to the rafters in November 2024.
The opponent adds another layer of significance to the celebration. Lowry is a Philadelphia native and spent the final two-plus seasons of his NBA career with the 76ers.
Lowry officially closed his 20-year career earlier this summer. The 40-year-old signed a ceremonial one-day contract with Toronto on July 7, allowing him to retire with the organization where he spent the most successful years of his career.
#vince #toronto
2 months ago
When the Philadelphia 76ers pay a visit to Scotiabank Arena on Jan. 10 to take on the Toronto Raptors, it will mean much more than just a regular season game in January. The Raptors will honor an all-time franchise great while taking on the final team he played for.
The Raptors announced that on that night, they will retire Kyle Lowry's No. 7 uniform.
After 20 seasons in the league, including nine with the Raptors and the final two and a half with the Sixers, Lowry hung up his sneakers with career averages of 13.8 points, 6.0 ***** ists, and 4.2 rebounds. He was a 6-time All-Star and led Toronto to a championship, alongside current Sixers coach Nick Nurse, in 2019, and is considered the greatest Raptor of all time.
Lowry's greatest contributions to the Sixers were his mentorship to young players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. He was nearing the end of his brilliant career by then and wanted to pass down his knowledge to those youngsters to help them take steps forward in his career.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Raptors to retire Kyle Lowry's No. 7 jersey in a matchup with Sixers
#sixers #toronto #greatest
The Raptors announced that on that night, they will retire Kyle Lowry's No. 7 uniform.
After 20 seasons in the league, including nine with the Raptors and the final two and a half with the Sixers, Lowry hung up his sneakers with career averages of 13.8 points, 6.0 ***** ists, and 4.2 rebounds. He was a 6-time All-Star and led Toronto to a championship, alongside current Sixers coach Nick Nurse, in 2019, and is considered the greatest Raptor of all time.
Lowry's greatest contributions to the Sixers were his mentorship to young players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. He was nearing the end of his brilliant career by then and wanted to pass down his knowledge to those youngsters to help them take steps forward in his career.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Raptors to retire Kyle Lowry's No. 7 jersey in a matchup with Sixers
#sixers #toronto #greatest
2 months ago
Draymond Green believes Klay Thompson tearing his Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals stopped him from leaving the Warriors.
Thompson suffered a brutal Achilles tear in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, which played a big part in the Warriors losing their chance at a threepeat.
Given that Thompson was entering free agency that summer, there was concern that he might not stay with the Warriors. However, Green is now claiming that the injury ensured he'd stay with the team.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Speaking on his podcast, Draymond Green explained why he believes Klay Thompson was going to leave the Golden State Warriors in 2019 before his Achilles injury.
#thompson #draymond #injury
Thompson suffered a brutal Achilles tear in Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, which played a big part in the Warriors losing their chance at a threepeat.
Given that Thompson was entering free agency that summer, there was concern that he might not stay with the Warriors. However, Green is now claiming that the injury ensured he'd stay with the team.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Speaking on his podcast, Draymond Green explained why he believes Klay Thompson was going to leave the Golden State Warriors in 2019 before his Achilles injury.
#thompson #draymond #injury
2 months ago
Kevin O'Connor continues his 'Entertainment Rankings' with Andrew Sharp. How will the Trail Blazers make all their guards work together? Are the Utah Jazz a sleeper playoff team? The duo also looks at the Wizards with their addition of the No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa, how the Raptors will handle Kawhi's return and what to expect from Cooper Flagg in year two with the Mavericks.
Later, they break down the news of Klay Thompson signing with the Miami Heat.
(0:49) Entertainment Rankings: Trail Blazers
(08:18) Entertainment Rankings: Jazz
(15:44) Entertainment Rankings: Wizards
#blazers
Later, they break down the news of Klay Thompson signing with the Miami Heat.
(0:49) Entertainment Rankings: Trail Blazers
(08:18) Entertainment Rankings: Jazz
(15:44) Entertainment Rankings: Wizards
#blazers
2 months ago
There may be no bigger fan of Scottie Barnes than Darko Rajakovic. The Toronto Raptors head coach recently sat down for an interview in his native Serbia, during which he likened the franchise star to one of the all-time greats. "I think there is no coach and there is no success for a coach without players," the bench boss — about to enter his fourth season holding the clipboard in Toronto — began explaining in Serbian. "You look at all our greatest coaches, who are fantastic ... they all became great coaches by taking care of the players, and I think that's on every level ... there's no Phil Jackson without Michael Jordan. My Michael Jordan is Scottie Barnes."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darko Rajakovic: 'My Michael Jordan is Scottie Barnes'
#scottie #coach #darko
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Darko Rajakovic: 'My Michael Jordan is Scottie Barnes'
#scottie #coach #darko
2 months ago
DENVER (AP) — DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets worth the veteran minimum of $3.9 million, a person with knowledge of the deal said Friday.
It will be DeRozan's fifth team in his 18th season for a six-time All-Star looking for his first championship. The person spoke to The **** ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn't been announced.
The addition of DeRozan gives the Nuggets a veteran backcourt presence after sending young, versatile wing Peyton Watson to Cleveland as part of a four-team trade. The 23-year-old Watson started a career-high 40 games last season and averaged career bests in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9) and **** ists (2.1).
DeRozan, the ninth overall pick by Toronto in 2009, spent his first nine seasons with the Raptors, only to get traded to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard as his former team won the **** le in Leonard's only season in 2018-19.
The 37-year-old DeRozan spent three seasons with the Spurs and three with Chicago before joining Sacramento the past two seasons. He was part of sign-and-trade deals in the moves to the Bulls and Kings.
#year #team #watson
It will be DeRozan's fifth team in his 18th season for a six-time All-Star looking for his first championship. The person spoke to The **** ociated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn't been announced.
The addition of DeRozan gives the Nuggets a veteran backcourt presence after sending young, versatile wing Peyton Watson to Cleveland as part of a four-team trade. The 23-year-old Watson started a career-high 40 games last season and averaged career bests in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9) and **** ists (2.1).
DeRozan, the ninth overall pick by Toronto in 2009, spent his first nine seasons with the Raptors, only to get traded to San Antonio for Kawhi Leonard as his former team won the **** le in Leonard's only season in 2018-19.
The 37-year-old DeRozan spent three seasons with the Spurs and three with Chicago before joining Sacramento the past two seasons. He was part of sign-and-trade deals in the moves to the Bulls and Kings.
#year #team #watson
2 months ago
The 2025-26 NBA season proved to be quite disappointing for the Denver Nuggets in a tight Western Conference, and the franchise is aiming to battle back with the addition of DeMar DeRozan.
The six-time NBA All-Star reportedly is signing with the Nuggets before the 2026-27 campaign, per ESPN insider Shams Charania. DeRozan joins Nikola Jokic and Denver after spending last year with the Sacramento Kings.
Meanwhile, DeRozan now has an opportunity to join a talented roster looking to restore success in the West. This marks the NBA veteran's fifth stop in the league starting his career with the Toronto Raptors in 2009.
DeRozan, a former college basketball star at USC, is entering his 18th NBA season. However, he's still shown an elite ability to contribute and that's a major win for the Nuggets heading into next year.
MORE: Projecting the 2026 Miami Heat starting lineup after Klay Thompson signing
#denver #western #conference
The six-time NBA All-Star reportedly is signing with the Nuggets before the 2026-27 campaign, per ESPN insider Shams Charania. DeRozan joins Nikola Jokic and Denver after spending last year with the Sacramento Kings.
Meanwhile, DeRozan now has an opportunity to join a talented roster looking to restore success in the West. This marks the NBA veteran's fifth stop in the league starting his career with the Toronto Raptors in 2009.
DeRozan, a former college basketball star at USC, is entering his 18th NBA season. However, he's still shown an elite ability to contribute and that's a major win for the Nuggets heading into next year.
MORE: Projecting the 2026 Miami Heat starting lineup after Klay Thompson signing
#denver #western #conference
3 months ago
Today in Boston Celtics history, Jerryd Bayless was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1988. He played his NCAA basketball for the Arizona Wildcats for a single season before entering the 2008 NBA Draft, where the Indiana Pacers selected him with the 11th overall pick.
The Phoenix native never suited up for the Pacers, dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers soon after the draft was over. He also played for the (then) New Orleans Hornets (now, Pelicans), Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies before the latter ball club sent Bayless to Boston in a trade that netted the Celtics 3-and-D wing Courtney Lee. Bayless played just one season for the Celtics, suiting up for a total of 41 games and starting 14 of them.
He averaged 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 ***** ists while with the Celtics, leaving in free agency next summer to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is also the birthday of Sihugo Green, born in New York City in 1933. An alum of Duquesne, Green was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1956 NBA Draft, taken by the (then) Rochester Royals (now, Sacramento Kings). The New Yorker played for the Royals after their move to Cincinnati, the St. Louis Hawks before they relocated to Atlanta, and the defunct Chicago Packers, Zephyrs, and the also-defunct Baltimore Bullets before joining the Celtics via trade in 1965. The last stop of his career, Green averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a Celtic, retiring afterward.
Finally, it is also the birthday of Quinn Buckner, born today in 1954 in Phoenix, Illinois. Buckner played college ball with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won an NCAA championship, and was drafted seventh overall in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Bucks. He was dealt to the Celtics in 1982, and won a ***** le in his second of three seasons with Boston. The Indiana alum averaged 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 ***** ists, traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1983.
#played #draft
The Phoenix native never suited up for the Pacers, dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers soon after the draft was over. He also played for the (then) New Orleans Hornets (now, Pelicans), Toronto Raptors, and Memphis Grizzlies before the latter ball club sent Bayless to Boston in a trade that netted the Celtics 3-and-D wing Courtney Lee. Bayless played just one season for the Celtics, suiting up for a total of 41 games and starting 14 of them.
He averaged 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.1 ***** ists while with the Celtics, leaving in free agency next summer to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It is also the birthday of Sihugo Green, born in New York City in 1933. An alum of Duquesne, Green was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1956 NBA Draft, taken by the (then) Rochester Royals (now, Sacramento Kings). The New Yorker played for the Royals after their move to Cincinnati, the St. Louis Hawks before they relocated to Atlanta, and the defunct Chicago Packers, Zephyrs, and the also-defunct Baltimore Bullets before joining the Celtics via trade in 1965. The last stop of his career, Green averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds per game as a Celtic, retiring afterward.
Finally, it is also the birthday of Quinn Buckner, born today in 1954 in Phoenix, Illinois. Buckner played college ball with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he won an NCAA championship, and was drafted seventh overall in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Bucks. He was dealt to the Celtics in 1982, and won a ***** le in his second of three seasons with Boston. The Indiana alum averaged 4.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.8 ***** ists, traded to the Indiana Pacers in 1983.
#played #draft
3 months ago
OG Anunoby is focused on helping the Knicks repeat as champions in the 2026-27 season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As one of the most important players in the New York Knicks' championship run, OG Anunoby is a cemented legend in the Big Apple. His game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be one of the most legendary moments in franchise history.
He is a two-time champion, as he was part of the Toronto Raptors' **** le-winning team back in 2019. Anunoby seems ready to defend the **** le with his Knicks teammates. It will be quite challenging, but it seems everyone on the Knicks is locked in on that goal.
Playing for the Knicks is a tough job because of the pressure of being on one of the league's biggest teams. Anunoby had no problems living up to those expectations as a crucial player for the Knicks, and he did that for years playing for the Raptors.
This time around, Anunoby actually got to play a role in the championship run, as he was injured during the 2019 Playoffs when the Raptors won it. Anunoby proved that he is one of the league's premier wings, as he played elite defense and he was always there when the Knicks needed him on offense.
#sporting
As one of the most important players in the New York Knicks' championship run, OG Anunoby is a cemented legend in the Big Apple. His game-winning tip-in in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals will be one of the most legendary moments in franchise history.
He is a two-time champion, as he was part of the Toronto Raptors' **** le-winning team back in 2019. Anunoby seems ready to defend the **** le with his Knicks teammates. It will be quite challenging, but it seems everyone on the Knicks is locked in on that goal.
Playing for the Knicks is a tough job because of the pressure of being on one of the league's biggest teams. Anunoby had no problems living up to those expectations as a crucial player for the Knicks, and he did that for years playing for the Raptors.
This time around, Anunoby actually got to play a role in the championship run, as he was injured during the 2019 Playoffs when the Raptors won it. Anunoby proved that he is one of the league's premier wings, as he played elite defense and he was always there when the Knicks needed him on offense.
#sporting
