The Golden State Warriors are officially slumping. Falling 129-114 in a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday nightGolden State has now lost six of its last eight games https://www.octfanstore.com/Tre_Mann_Jersey-33. With only a half-game lead over the Memphis Grizzliesthe Warriors will have to find their footing fast to maintain position in the Western Conference standings. They werent connected tonightWarriors head coach Steve Kerr said after the game regarding his team. Were really short-handed and we just have to keep going We just have to weather this storm.To say the Warriors were short-handed Tuesday night was an understatement. In addition to being without Draymond Green Klay ThomsonNemanja Bjelicaand Andre Iguodala the Warriors found themselves without rookie Moses Moodeywho suffered an eye contusion early in the first half Luguentz Dort Jersey.With only nine players to rotateGolden State was sheerly out-hustled and out-played by a Minnesota team on the back-half of a back-to-back. In additionthe Timberwolves outshot the Warriors 16-13 from beyond the three-point line while taking five less threes.Allowing a game-high 39 pointshoweverthe Warriors found extreme difficulty in guarding Timberwolves big-man Karl-Anthony Towns Oklahoma City Thunder T-Shirts. Shooting 14-for-22 from the floorTowns dominated the paintgetting to the free throw line 11 times.Hes a great playerKerr said. We made some mistakes in the first half and he took advantage of those mistakes.Overallthe Warriors voiced their concern from a defensive standpoint beyond guarding Towns. Over the course of the last month-and-a-half when starting forward Draymond Green has been outthe Warriors have stumbled on defense. From excessive fouling to allowing teams to have their way on the interior and at the three-point lineGolden State has not been the same defensive team they were in the first half of the season when they were ranked No. 1 in defensive efficiency.I think really it just consistency and focusWarriors point guard Stephen Curry said. ts nights like tonight where you just dont play a good brand of basketball defensively youre not going to win a lot of games that way https://www.octfanstore.com/Aleksej_Pokusevski_Jersey-23.The good news for the Warriorshoweveris that they will be receiving reinforcements soon. According to KerrThompson will join the team in Dallas Wednesday ahead of Thursdays matchup against the Mavericks.Although Thompsons status has not been revealedit is likely that he will play at some point during the remaining three games of Golden States road trip.For nowthe Warriors will cling onto a half-game lead over Memphiswho sits as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. In order to maintain the No. 2 seedhoweverthe Warriors will have to find synch down on both ends of the floor. I have no doubt that we will get re-connected because weve got great people on our team and we have a great cultureKerr said. Weve established something that has been a foundation. Steph sets an amazing tone and this is the exception rather than the rule.

We continue our look at the greatest players for each position that have played for the Miami Heat https://www.mhteamstore.com/Kyle_Lowry_Jersey-32. The center position is filled with some great players, and it a little bit of choice where you want to put them.We love for you to read through and tell us what you think.Related The Top 5 Miami Heat Point Guards of All-Time Related The Top 5 Miami Heat Shooting Guards of All-Time Related The Top 5 Miami Heat Small Forwards of All-Time Related The Top 5 Miami Heat Power Forwards of All-Time These rankings are based on both longevity and impact. A player is not ineligible if they played for a short amount of time, but their impact must be high.Let take a look at the best centers to play for the Miami Heat.#5 Rony SeikalyFor six seasons in Miami, Seikaly was the starting center in Miami as the franchise began Mario Chalmers Jersey. He was a good center, averaging 15.4 PPG and 10.4 RPG. He also won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1989-90. Seikaly never did anything to wow you, but he was a consistent presence on a young team and for that, he make the list. #4 Hassan WhitesideThere a lot of mixed feelings about Whiteside time in Miami. It started out with such intrigue and promise as a D-League call-up who started getting triple doubles with blocks. Whiteside was a double-double machine in his 5 seasons with the Heat. He led the league in rebounding with 14.1 in 2016-17. And he led the league in blocks with 3.7 in 2015-16. Whiteside signed a massive 4-year, $98 million deal in 2016 and he had his best season in that first year averaging 17 PPG and 14 RPG. But after than, his minutes started to decline, as well as his numbers…and some suggested his effort. He was disgruntled and the Heat traded him away.Regardless, he was a powering presence that played 5 seasons in Miami.#3 Bam AdebayoAt 22 years-old, Edrice Adebayo became only the third center for Miami to become an All-Star https://www.mhteamstore.com/Duncan_Robinson_Jersey-17. Adebayo has only been in Miami for three seasons, and this is his first time as a full-time starter, but he hasn disappointed. He is well rounded, averaging 5 APG, which is by far the best for any center in Heat history. His sky is the limit. Yes, Seikaly and Whiteside probably have room to grumble being behind him, but the fact that he so quickly became an All-Star and is on his way to a stellar career, I went ahead and penciled him in above him. In October of 2018, Alonzo Mourning predicted that Adebayo would be the best player in the organization…#2 Shaquille OealShaq is probably the greatest center to ever play the game, so dominant. But we are judging his time in Miami. And when he arrived at age 32, he was good, but not unstoppable. Shaq had a near MVP season in 2004-05, claiming second to Steve Nash. And then you know he led the Heat, alongside Dwyane Wade to the 2006 title.In Miami, Shaq averaged 19.6 PPG and 9.1 RPG. His first two years in Miami, he led the NBA in FG%. He was the Diesel, but only spent 3 and a half seasons here as things went south immediately after the title. Still, he the second best center to lace them up here. #1 Alonzo MourningThere is a reason he is still around and involved as a part of the Miami Heat organization today.No one had truly embodied the Heat culture the way Zo did with his heart and tenacity and he was the perfect conduit for coach Pat Riley. Always in top physical condition, his kidney disorder may have set the franchise back but his eventual return to help them win their first title was a fitting coda to a true Heat legend. Surya FernandezAlonzo Mourning is one of the best players to ever play for Miami. And his longevity and skill lead him to the top for this category https://www.mhteamstore.com/Glen_Rice_Jersey-8. It interesting because for much of his career, Zo was overshadowed by Shaq…maybe all of his career. He averaged 21 and 10 as a rookie, but Shaq was the story.Mourning spent 11 different seasons with the Heat, including the 2006 title team. Mourning was a 5-time All-Star with the Heat . He won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in back to back years in 1999 and 2000. He was second in MVP voting in 1999. He led the league in blocks twice. He got All-NBA and all kinds of things.He was the center of the 90 teams that made a real push and he came back after his kidney disease and played for the Heat again after a stint in New Jersey Alonzo Mourning Jersey. Mourning is the best and will always be a legend in Miami. COMMENT BELOWLet me know what you think of the list! What would you change? Brian Grant was someone I considered but he didn make the list.

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has often allowed teammates to control games during the first three quarters.In the fourth quarter, however, Butler tends to want the ball. It made sense why a recent poll of NBA general managers listed Butler as the No. 11 clutch player in the league https://www.nykprostore.com/Kemba_Walker_Jersey-33. The poll was conducted by HoopsHype.coms Michael Scotto.The poll listed a Top 10 but Butler was atop the Also Receiving Votes section, ahead of the likes of Klay Thompson, Joel Embiid, Ja Morant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.Jimmy is a killer, one NBA executive said to HoopsHype. He ultra-confident. It doesnt matter if he missed 15 shots in a row. He thinks he going to make the next one. He wants the ball in his hands and has no fear when the game is on the line.The full list can be read HERE https://www.nykprostore.com/Bernard_King_Jersey-9.Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, has proven his ability clutch play throughout the season. In 2020, he had one of the most clutch postseasons in NBA history while leading the Heat to the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.The Heat return to action Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

When the Philadelphia 76ers engaged in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets, they created a significant hole on the depth chart. By landing James Harden and Paul Millsap, the Sixers had to give up Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond.Simmons wasnt a big loss considering he missed every game this season and didnt plan to play for the Sixers again https://www.mtprostore.com/Malik_Beasley_Jersey-22. While Curry was a stellar sharpshooter for Philadelphia, hell be replaced by one of the best guards in the game in Philadelphias starting lineup.Meanwhile, Andre Drummond, who played backup to Joel Embiid all season long, became quite a considerable loss for the Sixers in the trade with Brooklyn.While the Sixers were right to make that trade, it still caused a question mark on the bench, which couldnt be ignored.Philadelphia received some more depth at the big man position by landing Millsap, but its unclear what the former All-Star still has left in the tank. And while the Sixers have two young talents with upside in Charles Bassey and Paul Reed, its difficult to imagine they can contribute to a winning basketball team right now.Had it not been for a blowout against the Timberwolves, its unclear if Cauley-Stein wouldve gotten any burn for the 76ers. However, the veteran big man appeared on the court in the fourth quarter of last Fridays game for four minutes.When the Sixers returned to the floor a couple of days later, Cauley-Stein rode the pine and didnt register a single minute on the court. Nearly a week into his ten-day deal Jaden McDaniels Jersey, Cauley-Stein hasnt received many opportunities to showcase what he can bring to the table for Philadelphia.But Sixers coach Doc Rivers mentioned on Tuesday thats about to change.We didnt do enough in practice to see anything, honestly, but we do anticipate using him quickly, Rivers said, according to Ky Carlin of USA Todays Sixers Wire. We just gotta see what he can do for us. We need a rim protector, and he can do that. He can supply that.The Sixers return to the court on Wednesday night to face the New York Knicks once again Jacob Evans Jersey. Although Cauley-Stein didnt play in New York this past weekend, perhaps hell get an opportunity to do something when the Sixers host the Knicks in South Philly.Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated.

Analysis How Darvin Ham helped the Milwaukee Bucks land DeMarcus Cousins The Milwaukee Bucks will be bringing in big man DeMarcus Cousins to fill their 15th and final roster spot.It was certainly a surprise to most when it was announced on Sunday that the team planned to sign the veteran to a non-guaranteed deal, but it seems like this is something that the defending champions quietly had in the works for quite some time Jevon Carter Jersey. The Undefeated Marc J. Spears recently sat down with ESPN Malika Andrews to discuss how Milwaukee signing of Cousins came to be, and how assistant coach Darvin Ham seemingly played a key role in the process.How Darvin Ham helped the Milwaukee Bucks land DeMarcus CousinsAs Spears discussed with Andrews https://www.mbprostore.com/Ray_Allen_Jersey-8, there were several teams eyeing Cousins recently, including the Denver Nuggets and another unnamed Western Conference team. However, despite interest from other contenders, it was the Bucks that secured Cousins signature. Spears highlighted how Ham helped him make that an easier decision after flying out to Cousins and getting to work.What the Bucks did was they flew in Darvin Ham, their assistant coach, couple of their executives, Milt Newton, Ryan Hoover, and worked him out. Darvin Ham wasnt easy on him. He pushed him. Apparently, Boogie shot well and responded well to the toughness in the workout. and after that, they went to dinner for four hours https://www.mbprostore.com/Marvin_Williams_Jersey-22, talked about Bucks culture, what they needed from him, can he fit in. [Mike] Budenholzer also got on the phone with Boogie, they talked it out, kumbaya. Now he signing with the Bucks.This effort from Ham is not surprising, considering he is a former player himself. He knows what it is like to play in this game at a high level, and he wanted to put Cousins to the test. That stature as a tough-minded coach has helped Ham command respect from players in the game today, which is something that ESPNKevin Arnovitz previously highlighted in a separate report when talking about how Ham would fit when it came to previous head coaching vacancies.Darvin Hamwould command the instant respect of current players with his voice and manner as a hard-nosed NBA vet. He also brings a strong development background as a longtime assistant to Budenholzer, who offers an annual clinic in the art of team building and management.Due to their sheer toughness and hard-nosed mindsets, Ham and Cousins seem like they would get along rather well. It certainly showed in that workout according to Spears, as Ham challenged the four-time All-Star and he reportedly responded well. The Bucks could always use toughness in a locker room that is filled with names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis, and many more. Cousins should have little to no problem fitting in with this Milwaukee team https://www.mbprostore.com/Brook_Lopez_Jersey-16, and it will certainly not be hard for him to adjust to this Bucks culture and help them in their pursuit of another title.

Around 500 of the best basketball players in the world get a chance to play in the NBA. The best of those 500 make it to a starting lineup. The best of them are selected for the All-Star game. And only the best of those All-Stars have their own signature shoe line https://www.lacprostore.com/Reggie_Jackson_Jersey-26. Two of them happen to be Clippers: Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.Coincidentally or not, both George and Leonard showed glimpses of the newest editions of their signature shoes this month. The sixth model of Nike PG line debuted on Feb. 9, hitting retail stores with a boom. The PG 6, one of Nike more affordable basketball sneakers, is another low-profile shoe built to sustain George quick lateral movements. Its React foam sole offers pillow-like support whenever George lands after an acrobatic lay-up or an exhilarating dunk. While we won see the seven-time All-Star won be lacing these up until his return, expect his fellow Clippers to rock their teammate shoe namely, Reggie Jackson and Brandon Boston Jr., both of whom have been seen in PG throughout the year. Sooner or later, Clipper-themed PG 6 will most definitely be released to his teammates and maybe even the general public. Keep risingIntroducing the #PG6 Paul George February 6, 2022George superstar teammate Joakim Noah Jersey, Leonard, also had something special of his own. While they won release until March https://www.lacprostore.com/Norman_Powell_Jersey-24, Leonard and New Balance also released the design of their second entry into his signature shoe line, the Kawhi II. Kawhi Leonard has yet to play a game this season, but his new signature shoe is dropping in MarchSneaker News February 21, 2022While steeper price than the PG 6, the Kawhi II offers a more supportive and bulky shoe much needed to complement Leonard hard-fighting mantra and splendid skillset on the hardwood. These probably won be debuted until the return of the 2-time Finals MVP as the Clippers do not have another New Balance athlete on their roster albeit other players around the league may be seen in Leonard signature shoes. With the much-anticipated NBA playoffs just around the corner, new on-court sneakers of the league best are making their way onto the courts https://www.lacprostore.com/Luke_Kennard_Jersey-21. And we can only hope that the superstars, too, will soon make their way back to the hardwood, where they shine the brightest.

The Houston Rockets have four first-round picks on their roster from the 2021 NBA draft two promising second-year players https://www.hrprostore.com/Nene_Hilario_Jersey-14, Jaeean Tate and KJ Martin and two first-round selections in the 2022 draft .As a result, it isn easy with the current roster construction to find playing time for other young players to develop. Thus, if the Rockets acquire first-round picks at the NBA Feb. 10 trade deadline for veterans such as Eric Gordon or Christian Wood, they are reportedly more interested in having those selections fall in future years.Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle explains:They have two second-year players, Jaeean Tate and K https://www.hrprostore.com/Jalen_Green_Jersey-30.J. Martin, in the rotation and chose four then-teenagers in last year draft, collecting more young players than they have had minutes to play.With two picks in the next draft, if the Rockets are going to deal for more, they would value picks that would come in later seasons. Last season deals indicate the priority would be getting picks with as little protection as possible, rather than with more immediate returns.For the same reasoning, it also makes sense that Houston is focused on long-term upside over short-term certainty. With so many young players already in place, adding yet another prospect of a similar ceiling without a clear avenue to play them wouldn seem to have much purpose.Granted, Houston would almost certainly accept another premium draft pick in 2022, if it were offered that in a trade. But for veterans Gordon, Wood and John Wall, it hard to envision a rival team with a top pick this offseason being willing to offer it.

The 2021 NBA draft will take place Thursday https://www.dpprostore.com/Micah_Potter_Jersey-51, July 29 with the Detroit Pistons holding the No. 1 pick. The Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic round out the top five selections.We take a look at some of the prospects available in this draft, gauge their strengths, weaknesses, NBA comparisons and best landing spot within the player projected draft range. Here a breakdown for USC big man Evan Mobley.StrengthsMobley does a lot of great things on both ends of the floor. He a strong finisher in the post and developed a good midrange game in college. His defensive instincts are also great and he erases shots routinely. If his development takes off, Mobley can anchor a franchise on both ends of the floor.WeaknessesHis three-point shot is not there yet, but can eventually get there with time. Mobley also needs to add moves to his post game as he gets acclimated to the NBA; he never had to do so in college against smaller defenders.Player ComparisonMobley compares well to Joel Embiid, although he may be more fluid than the 76ers star. The USC product has the two-way ability and potential shooting range to match Embiid production in the NBA https://www.dpprostore.com/Isaiah_Stewart_Jersey-33.Best Landing SpotMobley is going to go high in the draft and is even a sleeper for the No. 1 pick if the Pistons opt against Cade Cunningham. Detroit already has a lot of bigs so Mobley doesn really make much sense there. The Rockets and Cavaliers are both in play and Cleveland current roster fits Mobley best. Hel have two guards to feed off and a floor spacer in Kevin Love, assuming Love gets consistent minutes.