When asked about the search for a replacement for Jason Kidd, new Dallas Mavericks team president Masai Ujiri made a comment that should scare Florida and Michigan basketball executives.

Before the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers squared off in a wild Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals inside Madison Square Garden, the Mavericks shocked the basketball world when reports surfaced that they had fired their head coach after five seasons.

While the 53-year-old has suffered consecutive losing seasons, he was blindsided by the Luka Doncic trade two years ago and has had to deal with major injuries to his top veterans over the past two seasons. Additionally, Kidd signed a new multi-year extension that will pay him $40 million over the next four years after leading Dallas to the NBA Finals two years ago.

However, according to a report from NBA insider Marc Stein, Ujiri wanted a “clean slate” after taking over the top executive position a few weeks ago.

Now, speculation has emerged about who new team president and general manager, Mike Schmitz, will be their next head coach. On Wednesday, Ujiri gave an interesting answer to that question when asked by a member of the Dallas media.

“It’s an open search … we have a very open mind,” Ujiri said. “We’re going to look everywhere. Try everything possible, and we’ll really see what’s best for this organization. First-time, veteran, college, European, everywhere. Whatever is best for this organization going forward.”

Could the Mavericks target Dusty Mays or Todd Golden?

The assumption may be that Ujiri would prefer an experienced NBA head coach or top assistant in the league. However, he’s apparently open to all options, and that could include Florida’s Todd Golden and Michigan’s Dusty May.

Is there a possibility of going to the NBA? No, but it should not be dismissed. Especially when both have national championships in their resumes. What else is left to prove?

Dallas will do well with Ujiri in charge. Which means stability. The Mavericks also boast the future face of the NBA in Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. If May and Golden had to leave cushy jobs in college, they would both be attractive to them.

Both are well paid in their current jobs. Will Dallas match that number? Perhaps. Firing Kidd with so much money remaining on his contract shows that Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont isn’t afraid to spend big to make the changes he wants at Ujiri. If they feel May or Golden are the right options, Dumont will likely spend big money again to land them.

While Mays or Golden are unlikely to leave for the Mavericks, Ujiri’s comments should give Michigan and Florida fans a little concern until the new college basketball preseason begins.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

It looks like the Kentucky Wildcats are on the verge of a major coup after an update on their search for the No. 1 high school recruit in the country.

After going 24-12 in his first season replacing coaching veteran John Calipari, Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is feeling the pressure. In 2025–26, the Wildcats finished with a 22–14 record and 10–8 mark in the SEC. In the NCAA Tournament, they barely surprised Santa Clara in the opening round, then lost badly to Iowa State in the round of 32.

Their results last season have led to speculation that Pope may not be able to maintain the very high standard of the powerhouse program. The coach now must perform well in the transfer portal and add to a roster that makes significant progress next season. However, the portal isn’t the only way to improve the roster for next season.

This past season showed how impactful a star freshman can be. Duke’s Cam Boozer, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Kansas’ Darrin Peterson, and BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa all had huge years in their collegiate debuts. Recruit Tyrann Stokes has the potential to do the same in 2026-27, and the Wildcats are ready to meet him soon.

Kentucky basketball meeting with Troyan Stokes again this week

In a new conversation with NBA.com’s Kristen Peake, Stokes revealed he plans to meet with officials from the Kentucky basketball program again this week. The coaching staff has changed little since his first visit to campus, and it seems likely the Wildcats will try to sell him based on the improvements he has made.

The Rainier Beach High School product is viewed by many basketball analysts as the No. 1 recruit in the country. Yet, despite being near the start of his collegiate career, he has not committed to any program. Kentucky, Kansas and Oregon, along with other schools, are believed to be trying hard to land him.

The 6-foot-7 forward is very athletic and looks like a natural power forward. However, he is an effective ball handler and can lead the attack. During his senior season, he averaged 35 points and 14 boards a game.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The NBA’s investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard has dominated the league’s headlines. Los Angeles reportedly attempted to circumvent the NBA salary cap by paying money to Leonard through a bankrupt company called Aspiration. As of now, the NBA has not finalized its investigation; However, a franchise-altering decision may be coming.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix joins Rachel Nichols on Open Floor to discuss the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. While the NBA continues to work on the scandal, the Clippers may receive a “basketball death sentence.”

“I don’t know what’s in that thing, but certainly a lot of people in NBA front offices around the league are speculating that something is going to happen,” Mannix said. “It’s some kind of punishment. Whether it’s a slap on the wrist or, you know, a basketball death penalty, I don’t know. But there’s a lot of curiosity right now about how close the NBA is getting to revealing all this.”

This would be a terrible outcome for Los Angeles, as it would cripple the organization for years to come. However, what is the NBA’s version of basketball death penalty likely to include?

Los Angeles Clippers’ potential penalties for Kawhi Leonard scandal

There is precedent for teams messing with the NBA salary cap. In 2000, the NBA voided Joe Smith’s contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after circumventing the salary cap. Minnesota was also stripped of five first-round picks, fined $3.5 million, and officials Kevin McHale and Glenn Taylor were suspended.

The Clippers could face similar punishment; However, more drastic action may be taken. There are rumors that Leonard’s contract could also be voided, which would affect the Clippers’ immediate future as a playoff contender. This would bring the superstar forward into NBA free agency.

As of now, the Clippers have several first-round picks that could be traded away, so there won’t be a problem if the NBA decides to go that route. Meanwhile, the potential fine could exceed $3.5 million, as the value has increased over the past 26 years. Either way, Los Angeles could face devastating consequences from the NBA’s investigation.

It’s unclear when the NBA will release its findings, but the Clippers hope it won’t result in the NBA’s version of a “basketball death sentence.”

READ MORE: NBA could void Kawhi Leonard’s contract amid Los Angeles Clippers investigation

Austin Konensky is a sports writer at SportsNut, covering the NHL, MLB, NFL, NBA and college football. His work…More about Austin Konensky

The Brooklyn Nets-Portland Trail Blazers matchup at Barclays Center on Monday was a forgettable late-season game for many. However, for the Israeli basketball community, it was a night they will never forget. Trail Blazers All-Star Danny Avdija faced off against Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, marking the first time that three Israelis shared the court during an NBA game.

Avadiya got a strong reaction The 17,030 fans in attendance said they “felt like they were back in Tel Aviv” after the 114–95 Portland victory. The 25-year-old player said that there was a lot of tuning at home.

Avdija said, “I know there were a lot of people at home watching the game tonight. It’s amazing.” “It’s a big deal to me especially [since Ben and I] Grew up next to each other. Like 20 minutes away from each other. It’s amazing to watch him score and thrive in the league. Danny too… I was definitely surprised to see Barclays Center packed. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much support he gave me and my teammates. I’m very happy to have this crowd behind me. I’m glad they saw us play tonight.”

Denny Avdija on the support he got from the Brooklyn crowd last night:

“I was definitely surprised to see a packed Barclays Center. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much they supported me. I’m so happy to have this crowd behind me.” pic.twitter.com/tPyLgMwM71

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 17 March 2026

Denny! Denny! Denny! 🥹🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nOykrVQv2V

-Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) 16 March 2026

Avdija has had a breakout season, leading the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference play-ins. The All-Star forward has averaged 24.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 53 appearances.

Deni Avdija shares court with Nets rookies Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf in Brooklyn

Meanwhile, Saraf and Wolf are attempting to carve out roles with the rebuilding Nets after being selected No. 26 and No. 27 in June’s draft. Saraf said his relationship with Avdija began last year when his Ratiopharm Ulm team faced the Trail Blazers during the NBA preseason.

“Since then, we have been in touch all the time… it was great [facing Deni tonight]. “I was waiting for this game for a long time,” Saraf told reporters. “He is a great person, a very good friend of mine. especially with danny wolf [playing]Very. Three Israelis on the court at the same time. This was something very special… [Deni’s] had a huge impact [on basketball in Israel]. Everyone in Israel followed him throughout the year. Everyone was supporting. Israelis know how big a deal it was to have the first Israeli All-Star. it was very big. So, we are all very happy for him.”

Saraf struggled in his rookie season bouncing between the NBA and G League. However, the 6-foot-6 guard has played his best basketball recently, averaging 11.8 points and 4.8 assists on 53.1 percent shooting in his last four appearances. He scored a season-high 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting while dishing out four assists on Monday.

“[Ben’s] “Maybe this newbie is going through things like I did,” Avdija said. It’s probably fatigue, and it’s probably not knowing how to take care of the body, but it looks like he’s doing a good job. It seems like he is very tough and hard nosed. He knows how to play basketball. I’m always here for him, but I think he’s doing really good.

Wolf, who grew up in Illinois, became a naturalized Israeli citizen and played for the national team at the 2023 FIBA ​​U20 European Championship. After a breakout season at Michigan, he showed encouraging flashes as a rookie with Brooklyn.

Wolf averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 54 appearances. The 21-year-old said he could “100 percent” imagine himself playing alongside Avdija and Saraf on the Israeli national team “if the opportunity arises.”

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who rose through the NBA ranks after coming to the United States from Spain, talked about the importance of Monday’s game.

“Yeah, it’s special,” Fernandez said. “When the U.S. and other countries outside of Europe can be represented here with three players, it means the world, and it’s a special day that everyone has to enjoy. And I think they already are… I don’t know Danny, but I’m sure he’s excited to play. I know Ben and Danny are. And it’s cool. This is one of the two times we’ll see it, and hopefully for many years to see how these guys move forward.” “Obviously Denny’s having a career year and getting better and better over the years. And it’s so interesting to see them play against each other.”

Former NBA star Dwight Howard officially announced his retirement through a post on social media. Howard posted a video montage of his life from a small child to now on Instagram and announced that it was finally time for him to hang up.

“Woke up today on the 12th of this month and thought it was time to move on from Superman!” Howard wrote on social media. “I’m not a super person… I cry! I struggle! I feel just like everyone else. Through lies, media and hate I still show love and smile through the storm.

“But now I’m retiring from all basketball to help my family and give back to communities around the world. I know some of you may think I thought I already ‘retired’, but I didn’t…the game retired me! I still have so much left to give!”

Dwight Howard said in his social media post that he wished he had a retirement tour like some of his teammates or played into his 40s, but his new mission is to support the next generation of players. He also said that in honor of his number, number 12, he is declaring the 12th of every month as ‘D12 Day’ where he will visit cities around the world and perform random acts of kindness.

Howard also revealed that he has a documentary in the works and plans to release it this year. The film is believed to show his journey from grade school to the NBA.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, Howard had not appeared in the league since the 2021–22 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last September.

During his 18 years in the NBA, he played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Philadelphia 76ers. His career averages are 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 blocked shots.

Bam Adebayo did the unthinkable on Tuesday night when he scored 83 points in the Miami Heat’s 150-129 win over the Washington Wizards. Despite scoring the second-most points ever in a single NBA game, Washington head coach Brian Keefe didn’t seem too impressed with Adebayo’s performance at the end of the contest.

The 49-year-old head coach credited Adebayo for playing well in the first half of the game. However, during the post-game press conference, Keefe explained that as the game progressed, it began to feel like a fake basketball game, especially in the fourth quarter.

“I give [Adebayo] Credit to the first half, Keefe said. “He hit the ball brilliantly, he scored really well with the ball… [The Heat] Obviously kept him in the game. You know, there were a lot of wrong calls. 16 free throws in the fourth quarter…

“He still got some free throws from 40 feet to the rim. I can’t explain some of those calls… The turnovers and the offensive rebounds, the possession game was definitely important. We only lost the game by seven in the second half, but the fourth quarter turned into a real basketball game.”

“The fourth quarter turned into a real basketball game.”

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe dropped 83 points on his team’s Bam Adebayo 😳

(via @WashWizards)pic.twitter.com/XfrN11UuWM

– ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) 11 March 2026

The Wizards coach also pointed to Turnov and offensive rebounding as major reasons for Washington losing the game. Washington turned the ball over 23 times compared to the Heat’s 16, while on the offensive end the team was outscored four times for 15. Ultimately, Keefe claimed that it was a mistake for him and his team to allow Adebayo to take control of the game.

36 of Bam Adebayo’s 83 points came from the free-throw line, a new NBA record for most free throws made in a single contest. The 28-year-old center recorded 21 points from beyond the three-point line, while shooting 31.8% from deep. The remaining 26 points scored by Adebayo came within two-point range, the majority of which were within the key. He also recorded nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

Con Knueppel and Cooper Flagg have been two of the best rookies in their class, and have made great strides in their games since their days at Duke. But the bond the two of them have goes beyond basketball, with the Charlotte Hornets guard revealing a very interesting thing about his friendship with the Dallas Mavericks forward.

In an appearance on The Ryan Russillo Podcast, the Hornets rookie highlighted why basketball is rarely mentioned whenever he meets up with his former Duke teammates.

“When we talk it’s less about basketball and more about where you’re living? How often does your family come over? How are you? You know, those types of things. Which is nice and sustainable,” Knueppel shared.

In friendship, shop talk is part of catching up. But for Knueppel, he knows his friendship with Flagg isn’t just focused on their livelihood. They are lifelong friends who have been connected to each other since their college days, and the Hornets guard is very happy that he has such a friendship with Flagg.

Hornets’ Kon Knueppel and Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg compete for rookie supremacy

At this point, Knueppel looks to be the front-runner for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award. For starters, he has been consistent and healthy for the Hornets for most of the season. Furthermore, the Hornets are playing winning basketball; Although they’ve fallen below .500 once again, the fact that they’ve been in the playoff picture to begin with is a big win.

Meanwhile, Flagg has faced growing pains, and has missed a lot of playing time due to injuries. The Mavericks being a lottery team may also be at a disadvantage in terms of winning the Rookie of the Year award.

Whatever the case, this much is true: Knueppel and Flagg know there are things bigger than basketball, and their friendship is one of them.

PHOENIX – Inside the chaotic nature of the NBA season lies a Duke basketball family tone. Players in the program constantly refer to it as ‘brotherhood,’ and no one feels it quite like Phoenix Suns rookie Khaman Malooch.

Duke has a high level of success, consistency and a legitimate championship expectation every year, and one Maluach believes is more than attainable in the 2025-26 campaign.

“I don’t think there’s anyone here (on the Suns) that’s gone to a school that’s actually going to win the (NCAA men’s basketball) national championship,” Maluch joked to ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview before Sunday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.

“Whether it’s Kentucky, or Michigan, or Villanova, or Marquette.”

As soon as Maluch mentioned Marquette, fellow center Oso Ighodaro, who went to Marquette, looked at him and repeated, “What did you say?” Maluch kept his comments to himself, but he let out a light laugh shortly thereafter.

Khaman Malooch’s journey with Duke basketball

Let’s take a trip back one calendar year.

The No. 10 overall pick spent only one season with the Blue Devils. Maluch played in 39 games and averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game.

He was primarily the third or fourth option behind Cooper Flagg, Con Knueppel and sometimes Tyrese Proctor. They lost to the eventual runner-up, the Houston Cougars, in the Final Four in one of the premier basketball games of that year.

Although some thought he would stay with head coach John Scheyer for one more season, Maluch decided to join the NBA.

His rookie season did not go like other seasons, where the Suns’ center depth prevented him from finding solid playing time. Still, he worked diligently with G-League affiliate Valley Suns and made the most of his first NBA moment.

Ultimately patience won. He has not been named the starter, but has received consistent minutes for the first time in his NBA career. No matter when his name was called, Maluach relied on Scheyer’s lessons to maintain his optimism.

“He taught us a lot off the basketball court and on the basketball court (lessons),” Maluch told ClutchPoints. He really walked us through basketball and what we needed to do to get drafted. We followed him and the recipe worked.

“It’s just being a good person off the basketball court, too, and just respecting each other. It’s just simple things that they really put a lot of emphasis on.”

Khaman Maluach’s time with Duke aided his Sons’ success

Luckily for Maluach, he has a fellow Duke alumnus on the Suns in Grayson Allen. Granted, they played in two completely different eras: Allen with head coach Mike Krzyzewski and Maluach with Scheyer.

Allen’s tenure was highlighted by the 2015 national championship win. Maluach was not as lucky, but he got close to the top of the mountain.

The one common denominator between those two teams? The winning culture remains the same. For guys who have won national championships or been part of those programs, their habits translate immediately to the NBA.

The Suns’ front office put their eggs in the Maluach basket after dealing third-string center Nick Richards at the trade deadline.

He got his first chance on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. It was a tough performance, posting only two points, four rebounds and four turnovers in 12 minutes. 24 hours later, a completely different story. He posted a career-high five blocks, which currently leads all rookies for most blocks in a game. He had four points and four rebounds with one assist. But it was confidence that came through.

On Sunday, he had four points, nine rebounds, two blocks and a +10 in the box score.

While Jordan Ott’s system can be difficult to learn, as well as the players’ tendencies, figuring out the mental game is quite a struggle. It was that element of play that Scheyer instilled into Maluch’s DNA.

“It was really similar to the NBA. Not game-wise, but preparation, mental preparation,” Maluch said of the instincts he picked up from ClutchPoints. Whether it’s food or habits, it’s really similar to the NBA. It really prepared me for this.”

Khaman Malouch knows Duke basketball is in good shape

Exactly a year ago, the Blue Devils won the ACC Tournament and made the Final Four. With the trio of Flagg, Knueppel and Maluach, the three-headed monster did everything they could.

In fact, Maluach was in rarefied air with Duke basketball during that tournament, making the run to Houston seem like a cake walk. Since all those players left, it was believed the program needed to take a step back.

Other awards include freshman Cameron Boozer, who has a legitimate case for AP Player of the Year. Guys like Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba have lifted the Blue Devils up all season.

As a result, they are in great position entering their respective conference tournaments. With a cumulative 29-4 record and arguably the best team, they have a case to win it all.

Anything can happen, but Duke looks like a favorite to win the ACC.

Although the Suns will be on a six-game road trip during the ACC Tournament and March Madness, Maluch will be eyeing any moment and is confident of bringing home a national championship.

“They really have what it takes to win everything,” Maluach told ClutchPoints. “They’re really high on my list, (they’re) my number one on my list, so I’m really ready for the whole month of March, and I’m rooting for Duke as always.”

While the headlines from the Houston Rockets’ 123-118 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday focused on Trae Young’s bizarre “zero-second” ejection, the real story for basketball purists happened after the final buzzer. Kevin Durant, despite a grueling 37 minutes, stayed on the field at Capital One Arena to mentor one of the league’s newest faces.

Durant was seen pulling Wizards rookie Keyshawn George aside for a lengthy conversation after the game. The 14-time All-Star appeared to be giving the 22-year-old pointers about his positioning and shot selection, demonstrating once again that he is truly a student of the game who never misses an opportunity to coach the next generation.

KD loves basketball. Even after playing 37 minutes, he is still giving the other team’s youngsters pointers that they can use for the rest of their careers. pic.twitter.com/HvUUvyak7m

– Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) 3 March 2026

On the court, Durant was his usual efficient self. “Slim Reaper” finished the night with 30 points and 7 rebounds. He led a Rockets attack that benefited a Wizards team that was clearly upset by the early-game scuffle between Jameer Watkins and Tari Eason. While Alpern Sengun dominated on the interior with 32 points and 13 rebounds, Durant provided a steady veteran hand that kept Houston in control in the second half.

For George, the mid-court readout was probably the highlight of a tough night for the Wizards. The rookie finished with 16 points and two assists in 22 minutes of action, struggling against Houston’s length at times. Getting a private masterclass from one of the greatest scorers in NBA history is a rare perk of the job, and it’s a testament to Durant’s enduring love for the game.

The Wizards will need George to apply that knowledge quickly. Washington continues to slide toward the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with the Rockets improving to 38–22. They’ll look to bounce back on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, hopefully with Trae Young actually on the floor this time.

Just days before the All-Star break earlier this month, Kevin Durant took aim at American-born basketball players for not attempting during the NBA All-Star Game.

“You have to ask the European and world teams if they’re going to compete,” Durant said. “If you look at Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic right now, let’s go back and see what they do in the All-Star Game. Is that competition? So, we haven’t questioned what they’re doing. But we’re going to question the old heads and the Americans.”

The comments sparked a strong conversation, which was an excuse for both American teams to beat Team World in the new All-Star Game format. Now, he’s continuing his campaign against rhetoric he considers unfair to American players and a subtext that isn’t often talked about in the ESPN report about their playing in the 2028 Olympics.

“That’s a lot of bull—with it. I can read between the lines on that. It’s a shot at black Americans. We’re controlling the game. They’re tired of us controlling the game.

He added, “’France is coming for you.’ Really? We beat up those boys.”

Durant is right, as the 2024 version of Team USA defeated the Victor Wembanyama-led French national team at the Olympics. Team USA has won a gold medal in every Summer Olympics since a shocking bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.

Durant also said he is not ruling out playing in the LA Olympics in the summer of 2028, indicating that the media has planted a narrative that he and Steph Curry will not throw their hat in the ring.

“You guys, the media, have anticipated this,” Durant recently told ESPN. “Where did that narrative, the last dance thing, come from? I didn’t say I wasn’t playing. LeBron said he wasn’t playing. You didn’t hear that from me or Steph.”

As Indiana Fever star Kaitlin Clark’s popularity rivals that of the NBA to some extent, sports analyst Nick Wright will make an interesting comparison regarding her accessibility to the mainstream compared to some stars from other basketball leagues. With Clarke returning from fever injury and aiming to dominate this upcoming season, Wright will be making a claim that many will debate.

Wright’s show “What’s Wright?” In he claimed that Clark is “the most famous basketball player under the age of 35.” While it would be obvious for the WNBA to pay attention to other stars like A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and several other stars, the notion remains true that Clark has brought a major spotlight to the league.

Looking at the NBA’s most popular stars, Wright would say it remains a duo of 41-year-old LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and 37-year-old Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets.

“The three most famous basketball players right now are LeBron James, 41, and then Steph, 37, 38, and KD. [Durant]Wright said.

“The most famous basketball player under the age of 35 is Kaitlynn Clark. The 3 most famous basketball players at the moment are LeBron James, 41, and then Steph, 37, 38 [Curry]& [Kevin Durant]”

-Nick Wright 🤔

(via @WhatsWrightShow)pic.twitter.com/alMkBm26Zy

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 18 February 2026

Nick Wright talks about the popularity of Fever’s Caitlin Clarke

While it’s fair to ponder the conversation and crossover with Clark and the NBA, as Wright is doing, there may also be fans who point to certain players under the age of 35 who contradict the analyst’s point.

Names that could be mentioned are Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic of the Lakers, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Wright mentions him saying that none of them “caught up to that level”, although the NBA is hoping Wembanyama can be there someday.

“Anthony Edwards, Luca [Doncic]Jokic, Giannis [Antetokounmpo]They haven’t reached that level, and that’s the main issue the league is facing that they don’t have a solution for right now, and they’re hoping [Wembanyama] Will resolve this,” Wright said.

At any rate, Clark’s popularity is sure to grow every year.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren reflected on his first All-Star Game during postgame media availability. Holmgren discussed the competitiveness of the NBA’s new USA vs. World format. Chet played for the USA Stars team, which defeated the USA Stripes 47–21 in the final.

Holmgren talked about his first All-Star Game during media availability after the game.

Holmgren said, “I thought it was good. I thought everybody out there was playing a good brand of basketball.” “It felt like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the field, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

Holmgren said, “It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you could get an All-Star ring until I got it.” “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s too bad, but I think I like our ring from last year a little more.”

The Thunder forward took a moment to appreciate the special career milestone of his first All-Star Game.

“I definitely tried to take a moment during pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today and think what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren said. “I felt like I was beautiful most of the time. Just taking it all in.”

Chet Holmgren on his All-Star leap with the Thunder

While fourth-year forward Jalen Williams made his All-Star case for the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, most would agree that it was a no-brainer. Ahead of his first All-Star appearance on Sunday, Holmgren discussed the work he’s done leading to arguably the best season of his career.

“I would call that all work that’s not in the game,” Holmgren said. “It’s the preparation before games, the morning shoots, the work over the summer; all the stuff that no one sees – the rehab from injuries. If you didn’t do it, no one would know about it. But at the end of the day, once you get on the court, it’s right there in the air.”

Holmgren is averaging career bests in points per game (17.4), field-goal percentage (56%), and rebounds (8.7).