NEWSLETTER
A couple of seasons after we thought the Golden State Warriors’ dominance was over, they are four wins away from hoisting another Larry O’Brien trophy. We get it, you’re good.
Steve Kerr’s squad took down the Luka Doncic-led Mavericks in a swift five-game series. Each of their four victories came by nine or more points, and Stephen Curry led the way with an average of 23.9 points on a 43.9 percent clip behind the arc. I know that’s a squad that has gained its haters in recent years – which tends to happen with dynasties – but I’ve actually always been a fan.
The fact they can lose a piece as talented as Durant and fight their way back to the top is nearly impossible not to respect. And I think it just goes to show the greatness of Curry, who has now led his franchise to something the NBA hasn’t seen since the GOAT of all GOATs did it in the 90s.
Warriors are now the first franchise to reach the NBA Finals 6 times in an 8-season span since the Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen Bulls from 91-98. Unreal
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) May 27, 2022
• Curry also became the first player ever to take home the new Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP award. And, speaking of which, where the heck is the Jordan award!? I’m not necessarily saying the Eastern Conference Finals trophy – which is named after Larry Bird – should be in another name, but I do think it’s a bit odd we haven’t seen something titled in Jordan’s honor just yet. Although, he is the only one whose logo is featured on a set of jerseys for every team … so I guess that’s a pretty significant indication of the legacy he’s left behind.
https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1530029302128984085?s=20&t=aP06sEMiVHqsXXCUedleWQ
• The pre-draft process is heating up, and The Athletic put out a pretty fun piece asking some of the top prospects who they believe would be their best NBA comparison. G-League Ignite guard Dyson Daniels – whose stock continues to rise after a successful combine – listed both Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso as the two players who reflect his defensive capabilities. Of course, considering both pulled off a season with a defensive estimated plus-minus that ranked in the NBA’s 94th percentile or higher, per Dunks & Threes, I think we can all agree that’s a pretty bold statement. But, hey, the upside is certainly there with Daniels. He has a similarly elite positional size that can allow him to guard multiple positions (like Ball), and analysts rave about his endless hustle (like Caruso).
• Zach LaVine and Devin Booker also found themselves mentioned by Nebraska guard Bryce McGowens. The athletic wing out of the Big Ten specifically pinpointed their ability to score at all three levels as the basis for his (bold) comp. Meanwhile, we also saw Derrick Jones Jr. name-dropped by Memphis’ Josh Minott, who we actually learned is scheduled to meet with the Bulls soon.
• Indeed, Insider Adam Zagoria reported that Minott will have a workout with the Bulls sometime over the next two weeks. As an ultra-athletic player who has the size and verticality to slide into either forward position, Chicago’s interest in Minott doesn’t come as a major surprise. We know Arturas Karnisovas loves high-energy athleticism, and Minott would most definitely fall in line with the transition-centric offensive system it appears this organization wants to run. With that said, Minott is an extremely raw prospect who currently has his limitations on the offensive end. He only averaged 14.6 minutes in his 33 games for the Tigers this season, and there are still enough questions to make a mid-2nd-round selection arguably his best draft night outcome. With that in mind, perhaps the Bulls’ interest is more in whether or not they can snag him as an undrafted free agent once the night is over.
• Anyway, for some more words on who the Bulls have recently expressed interest in, check out our post from earlier this week:
ICYMI: Wrote a little bit on some draft prospects the Bulls reportedly interviewed at the combine.
Just some background on what each player brings to the table and why the Bulls might be interested ⬇️https://t.co/0ENxR3a2r9
— Elias Schuster (@Schuster_Elias) May 25, 2022
• The Cleveland Cavaliers sound like they’re on the hunt for a big-time move. According to Cavs beat reporter Chris Fedor on the HoopsHype Podcast, the Cavs are interested in a number of big names via the trade market this summer. Considering we just watched them be the other surprise team in the East alongside the Bulls, I got to say this worries me a tiny bit. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are already two terrifying talents to have to play four times a year, and adding any one of these others to the mix will only make the Cavs a harder out.
Here are the names that I’ve heard: I think both (Bojan and Bogdan) Bogdanovics would make sense. Gordon Hayward, whose salary lines up with Kevin Love… Tobias Harris, Harrison Barnes, Gary Trent Jr., Jerami Grant, Aaron Gordon. And this is one that I’m watching. I think it’s less likely than it was when the postseason started, but it’s one that I’ve heard kicked around inside the walls of Cleveland. It’s Andrew Wiggins of the Warriors.
• TALK YOUR SH*T, BULLS!
"Worst offseason signing" to All-NBA. pic.twitter.com/41AhF6t7eT
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) May 26, 2022
• A healthy Zion Williamson!?
Pelicans say Zion Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions.
Recent imaging showed continued improvement of the bone healing in his right fifth metatarsal.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) May 26, 2022
• I think MLB teams should be forced to start a position player once a week. Don’t @ me.
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons Made Some (LOL) History in His Pitching Debut – https://t.co/NLs7lPrWoc (via BN)
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 27, 2022
• Please, get this right.
Must Watch: A Behind the Scenes Look at the First Steps of the Bears Rebuilding Processhttps://t.co/9qi9ma7jYO pic.twitter.com/5sjL95fetW
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) May 26, 2022
