Basketball | Sneaker Shop Talk

BIG3 deactivates Lamar Odom, Baron Davis, Bonzi Wells and Jermaine O’Neal for rest of the season; Glenn Davis facing fine

July 10, 2019July 10, 2019 Brandon King

The BIG3 dropped the hammer on some notable players Wednesday and sent a message they are not league to be taken anything less than serious. The league announced via a press release that several players would be deactivated for the remainder of the season. Big Baby was ejected from Power’s matchup against Trilogy for going back and forth with the officials. Once he got the boot, rather than making his way off the court , Davis went into stands, where he was saluted by fans. He then removed his jersey…

NBA allegedly approves challenge flags for the 2019-20

July 9, 2019July 9, 2019 Brandon King

In a NBA season and offseason was not short on WTF moments, the league’ has given us another one, but not in a good way. The NBA thought it would be a good idea to institute the challenge flag rule from the NFL. Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the NBA’s board of governors approved the change Tuesday and it will go into effect in the 2019-20 season. Per the AP’s Tim Reynolds, each coach will get one challenge per game and and can contest “a personal foul…

Grizzlies not ‘Planning to Keep’ Swight Howard post trade

July 8, 2019July 8, 2019 Brandon King

What should not come as a major shock, Dwight Howard does not fit into the Memphis Grizzlies’ long term plans. So little does he fit with those plans that according to Omari Sankofa II of The Athletic, the team doesn’t not plan on keeping the recently acquired eight-time All-Star. Sankofa II adds the acquisition was “purely money-saving maneuver.” Howard, appeared in a mere nine games this past season for the Washington Wizards, and averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per in that limited time. As Howard now moves through is…

Oklahoma City trades Jerami Grant to Denver

July 8, 2019July 8, 2019 Brandon King

After shocking the NBA world by trading Paul George Sunday morning, the Thunder apparently are done wheeling and dealing. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Oklahoma City Thunder are sending forward Jerami Grant to the the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a 2020 first round pick. The deal seems to address the issues of rebuilding for the future and financial relief as it will save the franchise $39 million in salary and luxury tax. Prior to making this trade, the Thunder was staring at a nearly $33 million tax bill.…

Memphis Grizzlies waive Avery Bradley

July 5, 2019July 5, 2019 Brandon King

According to David Aldridge of The Athletic, the Memphis Grizzlies are waving guard Avery Bradley. There will likely be a robust market for Bradley’s services as Marc Stein of the New York Times said there will be “immediate interest” for the 28-year old. He is still an above average defender and at least a respectable threat from three-point range. Last year in 63 starts for both the Clippers and Grizzlies ( 49 for L.A. and 14 for Memphis) Bradley posted averages of 16.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2…

BIG3 Week 2 Recap

July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 Brandon King

From cbssports.com: The BIG3 continued its season schedule with the second weekend of action. The action got underway on Saturday afternoon when the Triplets defeated Trilogy 51-41 in the first leg of the BIG3 schedule. Joe Johnson paced the Triplets with a stellar performance of 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists. In addition, James White scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds in a losing effort for Trilogy. The Enemies were able to come away with their first victory of the season as they defeated the Ball Hogs 50-45.…

June 30 NBA Free Agency Bonanza Recap

June 30, 2019June 30, 2019 Brandon King

From nba.com: With free agency set to officially open at 6:01 p.m., teams and players are already beginning to arrange meetings and more. Keep up on all the latest news, talks and more as the offseason takes flight: * Reports: Butler trade to Heat hits snag* Report: Murray agrees to max extension with Nuggets * Report: Portis to accept Knicks offer sheet* Report: Russell to Warriors, Iguodala to Grizzlies* Report: Robin Lopez to join brother Brook in Milwaukee* Reports: Thompson, Warriors agree to five-year deal* Report: Muscala set to join Thunder* Report: Hezonja headed to Portland* Reports: Rockets to keep Green,…

June 24, 2019 BIG3 Recap

June 24, 2019June 24, 2019 Brandon King

Sunday’s BIG3 action featured three games. Triplets 50, Aliens 40 The opening contest saw the debut of 7-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson as captain of the of the Triplets and what a debut he had, scoring 27 points and pulling in 16 rebounds in leading them to a 50-40 victory over Aliens. Killer 3’s 54, Tri State 52 OT Donte Green’s late bucket lifted the Killer 3’s over Tri State in overtime. Tri State, despite having a lead late in regulation, could not put the game away and left the…

LaMelo Ball to play in NBL20

June 18, 2019June 18, 2019 Brandon King

From nbl.com.au : Global teenage sensation LaMelo Ball has become the latest highly rated NBA prospect to join the Hungry Jack’s NBL, signing for the Illawarra Hawks as part of the NBL Next Stars program. A five star recruit, LaMelo Ball is the younger brother of New Orleans Pelicans star Lonzo Ball and is currently ranked number 21 in the 2019 ESPN 1000 and considered a first round selection in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 17 year-old will join top five NBA Draft prospect RJ Hampton as part of the…

KD’s Achilles injuries proves why Kawhi Leonard was right last season

June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 Brandon King

When Kevin Durant went down in Game 5 in a 6’11” heap it did not look good. While I have no rooting interest in these NBA Finals, I just want to see a good series that everyone plays well, makes it through healthy and is marred from controversy. It appears that I will not get all I asked for out of this series. Down 3-1, it was really no surprise that Kevin Durant played in Game 5, however seeing him go down brings up a lot of questions, the most…