Kevin Durant Should Consider Following LeBron James’ Luka Doncic Example, Suggests Kevin Garnett

Even though Kevin Durant is 36 right now, his skill and impact on the game is undeniable. There are a lot of people in the media who believe KD can still win a championship, but the same people also agree he’d have to take on a different role to do so. Durant has always been the best player on every roster bar perhaps his Warriors stint, even then he shared the spotlight with Stephen Curry. Kevin Garnett, who is among those who believe Durant still has one more left to win, also said the current Suns star needs to change his stance.

Luka Doncic’s arrival in LA has seen LeBron James pass the proverbial torch as the team’s main guy, and Garnett believes Durant will need to do the same. He’s certainly got the facilities around him. Both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are All-Star caliber players and can lead the team if asked to.

“And bro if I’m being honest, he got another 3-4. If he get with somebody right, bro he can get one of these 3-4, bro,” Garnett suggested. “On some real sh*t, KD looks really good! I’m talking about where he can actually go and help somebody!” the Celtics legend said. He clearly feels Durant doesn’t necessarily need to stay in Phoenix.

KG then brought up James’ situation with Doncic, and said, “He needs to be kinda like Bron is evolving into this. Bron still is the maestro don’t get it f****d up this Bron’s sh*t! The transition is here, but KD man!” In a way, Garnett is right. It is clear, even from the limited time James and Doncic have been together, that this will ease the pressure off LeBron and turn Luka into the main guy.

Of course, saying KD needs to be a second star is one thing, and finding a team that’s built to allow that is another. Some names were thrown around, with OKC and the Rockets being mentioned. And it’s a serious possibility that KD will not be in Phoenix next year.

Brian Windhorst thinks the Suns will trade Kevin Durant in the offseason

Taking to NBA on ESPN after KD hit 30k career points, Windy believes the Suns’ current situation can be solved by trading him. Their poor roster construction, massive wage bill, and overall underperformance all point to them looking to offload Durant in the summer.

Windy said, “They’re really locked into how they can change this roster… so again, you do not need high-level analysis to figure out that you’re going to need to move Durant. And again he’s got 1 year left on his contract so if you’re going to do something you’re going to have to do it now.”

The Suns’ desperation is also well-known around the league, and Windy claims this summer could end up being a very busy one as far as Kevin Durant is concerned.

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“I Chickened Out”: Stephen Curry Painfully Recalls the Time When He Missed Out on 7 Free Tom Ford Jackets

Sports and fashion have become synonymous. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be one of the biggest NBA fashion influencers, but Warriors star Stephen Curry is also a key figure in the fashion world. His reputation for style coupled with his basketball prowess has brought him many opportunities with fashion brands, but he recalls a painful memory when  he missed out on the chance to snag seven free Tom Ford jackets.

Stephen partnered with Vanity Fair for a photo shoot with his wife Ayesha. On Valentine’s Day, he uploaded a video to his personal YouTube channel showcasing behind the scenes and giving fans more insight into his fashion preferences.

The 11-time All-Star was discussing his personal style when someone asked about the color of his clothes. He initially just called it blue but then specified it was indigo. Shortly after, Curry reminisced about the blazer he wore for the 2024 NBA Cup commercial, which was white with black accents on the lapel. Curry couldn’t keep the blazer, but like the ad’s heist theme, he wanted to run away with it.

The recollection of that blazer reminded him of when he could’ve potentially walked away from the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon with seven free Tom Ford jackets. He said,

“Tom Ford told me I could keep any jacket I wore on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. I messed up. I was going to wear all eight jackets on set at the same time… But I chickened out and only wore one of them.”

Curry confesses he was tempted to keep them, but he got cold feet. In hindsight, it worked out because he still has an excellent relationship with Tom Ford. In fact, he ended up wearing a navy blue Tom Ford suit for the Vanity Fair shoot with Ayesha.

Stephen Curry is a dream client for any wardrobe designer

Nearly every professional athlete who is big into fashion has a designer or stylist by their side. Wardrobe designers appreciate Stephen Curry’s willingness to experiment and say it’s a pleasant experience to work with him. Costumer Oliva Perdoch witnessed this first hand during his cameo on the Peacock comedy Mr. Throwback. She said,

“He’s so cool. He was so willing to try on anything, even though if was like, ‘I would never wear this or I haven’t worn this or would normally wear this.'”

Steph experimented with many different brands for his appearance on the show. Trying things that were out of his comfort zone opened his eyes to styles which he now enjoys. He is one of the most versatile players on the court and the trait follows him into the world of fashion.

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“That’s a Total Joke”: Max Verstappen’s Former Boss Rubbishes Red Bull Star and Other’s Hectic F1 Schedule Concern

F1 drivers are among the most vocal athletes, unafraid to speak out against issues they find unjust. One widely debated topic is the sport’s increasingly hectic schedule, with the number of races rising to 24 last year.

Max Verstappen is one of the many drivers who have raised his concerns. “From my side, I’ve said it before, this is not sustainable,” he told reporters last year in Bahrain. “I love racing a lot and I do it a lot also outside of Formula One“.

Fernando Alonso agreed, noting that when he started, there were only 16 races. However, the calendar has expanded, especially since Liberty Media took over the sport in 2017.

Franz Tost, who was Verstappen’s boss at Toro Rosso, however, dismisses these concerns, finding the complaints from drivers and others in the sport unnecessary.

“We had the race on the weekend, and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we tested,” Tost said while appearing as a guest for Sport Marke Medien in Munich last year. “At the beginning, we even had two cars. And it was always the same technicians and engineers. I never heard a complaint from them back then“.

24 races for ’25! #F1 pic.twitter.com/U6WIkSMLOI

— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2025

The 69-year-old argued that 24 races are the right number and dismissed concerns about mechanics being overworked. “People always say that the mechanics are overworked—that’s a total joke,” Tost said. “They are not overworked at all.” 

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first controversial statement made by the former Red Bull honcho.

When Tost wanted drivers’ salaries to be capped at $10m

Back in 2020, Tost not only suggested that drivers’ salaries be included in the budget cap but also proposed capping them at $10 million. His reasoning was straightforward: “The drivers anyway earn too much money, they should get much less.”

In 2025, eight drivers earn $10 million or more annually, with stars like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton making over $60 million. Given that drivers risk their lives every weekend for the sport and its fans, it’s no surprise they wouldn’t support such a proposal.

Back in 2020, Hamilton appeared baffled upon hearing about the proposal to cap drivers’ salaries at $10 million. “Who said that?” he asked when a reporter brought it up.

Upon learning it was Franz Tost, Hamilton simply responded, “Who’s that?”

Whether he was genuinely unaware of Tost or just dismissive, it was clear he wasn’t impressed by his opinion.

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Steph Curry Proudly Showed Wife Ayesha His History With SLAM on Valentine’s Day

Few honors signify an athlete’s ascension to stardom like snagging a signature shoe deal. On that same tier is making the cover of SLAM magazine. Many say if you’re on there more than once, you’re a bonafide superstar. Warriors star Steph Curry, who’s been the publication’s front face almost too often to count, easily proves that theory. He took his wife Ayesha on a walk down SLAM memory lane on Valentine’s Day.

Curry was one of the biggest stars of college basketball following his Elite Eight run in 2008. However, his rise to NBA stardom wasn’t immediate, as nagging ankle injuries derailed his progression. That changed after the 2012-13 season when Curry finally emerged as a budding star and received his first SLAM cover. In the nearly 12 years since, he’s graced the cover 16 times.

SLAM held an event for All-Star Weekend to showcase the magazine’s history. To honor being in the city in which the Warriors are based, they displayed a special exhibit for Curry that featured every SLAM cover the four-time champion has ever been on. He took Ayesha’s hand as he guided her through a blast from the past for their subtle Valentine’s date.

 

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A post shared by SLAM (@slam)

One of the most iconic Curry covers is issue 203, which features the Warriors star with Kevin Durant following his 2016-2017 season signing. Another infamous cover was a 2022 issue celebrating Curry’s fourth title. Issue 239’s cover shows Curry with his first Finals MVP in his arms and the Larry O’Brien trophy to his right while doing his patented “night-night” celebration.

Ayesha and Steph’s adorable relationship

Steph and Ayesha are among the top NBA power couples. The two first met as teenagers at church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their relationship didn’t become serious until 2008 when they bumped into each other in Los Angeles. They married in 2011 and have four children. It is to grow complacent in a marriage, so Steph and Ayesha prioritize their alone time with each other.

In December of 2024, Ayesha took to Instagram to highlight a special moment the two shared. Steph took her to NASA Ames Research Center, where she had the opportunity to fly. She called their outing the “Best day date ever.”

 

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

2024 was a great year for the Currys despite the lack of NBA team success. Steph’s heroics in the Paris Olympics led Team USA to a gold medal, and he became an American hero. Following the historic victory, he took time to enjoy life the best way he could, with Ayesha. He shared a post on X, showcasing a lovely outing with his special lady.

Enjoying life!!! pic.twitter.com/7BNRA4ne5U

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) September 1, 2024

The power couple always finds a way to have fun. This past Halloween, they found time to party, dressed up as a pair of pirates. Ayesha posted the pics to Instagram saying, “Date night with my golden state waRRRRRior.”

 

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A post shared by Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry)

If 2024 taught the public one thing, it is to watch for more Curry pleasantries in 2025.

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Empowered by Lucrative Returns From Coca-Cola Deal, Baron Davis Advises NBA Rookies to Invest $25,000 Right Away

By any measure, Baron Davis had a very good NBA career. He played for 13 years in the league, made two All-Star teams, and averaged over 16 points and 7 assists per game. He also made nearly $150 million from his playing contracts alone. As successful as he was on the hardwood though, he’s been even better at investing.

It’s well-known that professional athletes often end up bankrupt shortly after their careers are over. Many athletes spend too extravagantly in an effort to fit an image they’ve been trained to believe they should conform to, and too few make an effort to actually grow their money in any meaningful way. Davis once told CNBC that he tries to help young athletes avoid these pitfalls by giving them some advice: Begin investing from the moment they sign their first contract.

Davis wishes someone had given him this advice at the outset of his professional career, which is why he’s trying to pass his knowledge to today’s generation of athletes.

“Knowing what I know now, I definitely wish I would have taken the onus to invest more and be more of an angel entrepreneurial investor.”

He knows of what he speaks, as he reportedly made out extremely well from his decision to buy a stake in vitaminwater early in his career. That investment paid off handsomely when Coca-Cola acquired the company a few years later for over $4 billion. He’s also founded and invested in more than a dozen other companies, including the WNBA, Thrive Market, UWish, and Hims.

All athletes should be listening to Baron Davis

Being a professional athlete is like being part of an exclusive fraternity. There’s a responsibility to look out for one another that most athletes take seriously. Davis is doing his part to help those that came after him, but he isn’t the only athlete who has given good financial advice to the younger generation.

Future NFL Hall-of-Famer Rob Gronkowski likes to play on his persona as a dumb jock, but his advice to athletes to sock away their salaries and live on their endorsement money is incredibly intelligent. Charles Barkley has warned athletes against following in the footsteps of his younger days, calling himself an idiot for spending all of his money on ostentatious items like fast cars and fancy clothes.

Even though many of today’s NBA players earn salaries that dwarf what Davis was able to pull in during his career, the pitfalls remain the same. That makes his advice timeless and applicable across all sports.

 

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Trayce Jackson-Davis Brain Surgery: 2025 Rising Star Went Through Two Major Surgeries Under the Age of 6

The Golden State Warriors have one of the most underrated young cores in the NBA, featuring rising stars Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody. Big man Trayce Jackson-Davis is another young player emerging through the Warriors’ ranks. Trayce has overcome adversity to get to where he is, including undergoing two major surgeries under the age of six.

Jackson-Davis wasn’t a troublesome child, but he was a curious kid. When he was 4, Trayce found a resistance band under his parents’ bed. His first instinct, like any child, was to play with it.

Although he didn’t know the band’s true purpose, it looked like it would make for a fun experience. Little Trayce tied a toy dinosaur to one end of the band and attached the rubber cord around the handle of a door. As he stretched it toward the bedpost, the metal handle snapped off and went flying into his forehead, resulting in an experience that was anything but fun.

Blood gushed from a massive gash on Trayce’s forehead, and his family rushed him to emergency care. Multiple scans revealed an open skull fracture. Doctors informed his mother that the metal hit her son’s head with the velocity of a gunshot. Doctors immediately performed a seven-hour surgery. Jackson-Davis made a full recovery but encountered more trauma two years later.

At the age of 6, Trayce happened to be playing with his best friend, who accidentally hit him in the face with a golf club. The impact of the hit destroyed Jackson-Davis’ cheekbone and broke an orbital bone. Doctors had to implant a titanium screw, which remains in place to this day.

Trayce’s family and health professionals worried whether Jackson-Davis would ever live a normal life, much less become an NBA player. His sister, Arielle, stated her brother is, “A walking miracle.” The series of childhood events led Trayce to come out stronger than ever.

Jackson-Davis attended Mater Dei High School and returned to his hometown of Indianapolis to play college ball at Indiana University. His life hit a high once he heard his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. Everything he had endured up to that point was worth it for that moment. However, it wasn’t the end of his journey by any means.

Jackson-Davis continues to earn everything in his career

Coming out of Indiana, Jackson-Davis wasn’t the most sought-after prospect. Despite his father being one-time All-Star Dale Davis, Trayce wasn’t a shoo-in. Plenty of mock drafts didn’t even include his name. However, the Warriors selected Jackson-Davis as the 57th pick in 2023. That spot originally belonged to the Wizards, but was added as a piece of the Jordan Poole-Chris Paul trade.

There weren’t many expectations, since Golden State famously doesn’t utilize big men. But Jackson-Davis made a strong impression on head coach Steve Kerr every time he stepped on the court. In the fourth game of his rookie season, Jackson-Davis earned 19 minutes. In his increased playing time, he finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

Following that performance, Trayce made serious noise on the Warriors’ radar. It wasn’t until mid-December of 2023, that he became a full-time member of the team’s rotation. That trust and faith from the coaching staff has carried over into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Jackson-Davis has played in 49 of the Warriors’ 55 games, starting in 37. Jackson-Davis is expected to help spearhead the team’s youth movement once Stephen Curry retires. In 18.5 minutes per game, he is averaging 7.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 57% shooting from the field. His consistent efforts on a night-in-night-out basis have earned him a spot in the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.

Jackson-Davis has overcome tremendous obstacles and adversity not just to become an NBA player but to become an impactful participant on a team competing for a playoff spot. Jackson-Davis is only 24 years old and has his entire career ahead of him. The rising star has shown at every stage of his life that he continues to beat the odds.

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“I’d Have Been a Billionaire”: Shannon Sharpe Once Regretted Listening to His Financial Consultant Who Advised Against Investing in Google

Shannon Sharpe is easily one of the highest-paid NFL podcasters/broadcasters in the business. His ability to read and diagnose team and player drama sets him apart from other sports analysts. However, if he had trusted his instincts in investing the way he does in sports commentary, he might not have needed to work as much after his playing career. Sharpe himself believes that he “wouldn’t be working” today if he had made smarter investment decisions.

Sharpe said in a recent sit-down interview with Mark Cuban that he was interested in investing in Google when the company went public in 2004, a year after he hung up the cleats. The former tight end recalled that shares opened at $115, and he had enough money to invest $300K. However, a financial advisor close to him advised against it, claiming the shares were overpriced. According to the consultant, $85 would have been a better entry point.

Flash forward to today, and Google is worth over $2 trillion. If Sharpe had trusted his instincts, he’d still be earning money today, as Google has become one of the biggest staple companies in the world. Not only that, but Sharpe thinks he’d be a billionaire from that investment (not true), making the $14 million he earned over his 14-year NFL career look like chump change.

It’s something Cuban let the former tight end jokingly know he messed up on.

“I’d have been a billionaire,” Sharpe told Cuban.

“You f*cked up,” Cuban joked.

“I did, I f*cked up bad!” Sharpe agreed. “I had the money to do it, but I let somebody talk me out of it.”

Setting aside the disappointment, Sharpe would have actually made a little over $7.4 million from his investment if he had bought Google shares for $115 in 2004 and sold them at their high of $2,960 in 2021. But no one sells at the absolute peak unless they’re a mathematical genius. Even still, he would have made enough money to call it a very good investment.

It’s not the first time Sharpe has admitted to regretting not investing money, either. On his latest episode of Nightcap, he told his co-host, Chad Johnson, that if he had invested in Bitcoin when it came out there’d be no podcast of the two.

“I’m looking back now, I could have taken $800,000 and bought me some bitcoin,” Sharpe said. “If I bought 800,000 worth of Bitcoin in 2015, Ocho, I ain’t even gonna lie to you, I wouldn’t be working. There would have been no Unc & Ocho.”

To be fair, lots of people wish they had invested in cryptocurrency back then. However, Bitcoin is a skeptical investment that relies on other people using it to gain value. It’s essentially a “popularity” stock with not much real-world utility. The value of the stock is only tangential to the number of people online buying it, making it a risky investment at the time and still to this day.

However, the lack of investment was another miss in Sharpe’s portfolio. At its lowest value today, he could’ve cashed out at one point with $27 million, but now he’s left wondering what could have been if he had taken advantage of the opportunity.

It seems as though Sharpe doesn’t need any financial advice. The two companies he’s wanted to invest in historically have turned out to be wildly successful. What he needs is someone egging him on to risk the money and make the investment. Like sports, Sharpe seems to have his finger on the pulse when it comes to reading and diagnosing future company success—he just needs to start putting his money where his mouth is.

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Former NBA Champion Wants Kevin Durant to Leave Phoenix and Win Championships After Being Shopped Around for Trades

Kevin Durant hasn’t been able to truly contend for a championship since his departure from the Golden State Warriors, but he appeared to be satisfied with his new home in Phoenix. Though the Suns have underwhelmed this season, KD seemingly wanted to see his tenure through, at least until his name surfaced on the trade block.

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson recently discussed how Durant was blindsided by trade talks on All the Smoke. Barnes underlined how newer owners don’t always understand the landscape of the NBA or how they should operate. The former forward stated that KD has shown enough throughout his legendary career to warrant a heads-up when his team plans to move him.

Jackson echoed Barnes’ sentiment, emphasizing Durant never had to go to Phoenix in the first place and pointing out how KD and Devin Booker are the only consistent aspects of the Suns right now. Jackson knows KD doesn’t appreciate when someone tries to pull a fast one on him and hopes Durant parts ways with the franchise this summer.

“I hope in the back of [Durant’s] mind, this summer, that he get the f*** on and go somewhere else and get him a couple more championships,” Jackson said. KD is already 36 years old, but the 14-time All-Star is still capable of helping lead a team to contention.

Matt Barnes highlighted how Durant will never let a situation like this affect his on-court play, but the former MVP is known to hold grudges. Phoenix’s decision to shop KD could come back to bite them if the franchise isn’t able to mend the relationship before the season comes to a close.

Kevin Durant could leave the Phoenix Suns this summer

Durant’s future with the Suns was already in question before his name ever popped up in trade rumors. Phoenix has been a mediocre team in the Western Conference since the star forward signed with the franchise despite boasting a star-powered offense. The Suns currently sit at 26-28, firmly outside of the West’s playoff picture, but the franchise’s recent conduct could be the last straw for the two-time champion.

Brian Windhorst confidently claimed that Durant will likely find his way out of Phoenix this summer, saying on ESPN’s Get Up,

“Yeah, [Durant’s] probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, the rest of the league knows it,”

The veteran sportswriter isn’t at all shocked by the likelihood of KD’s departure considering the current standing of the Suns.

Now sitting under .500, the Suns have disappointed despite possessing one of the league’s most expensive rosters. Windhorst doesn’t believe it takes an expert to realize Phoenix will need to shake things up after their expensive experiment failed.

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“Top-10 Player, Top-3 Scorer of All-Time”: Stephen A. Smith Gives Kevin Durant His Flowers After 30,000-Point Landmark

On Tuesday night, Kevin Durant joined some elite company as the eighth player to reach the 30,000-point mark. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith couldn’t contain his praise for the Suns star. He boldly went on live television to state that Durant has cemented his place within the top 10 players in NBA history.

Smith debated Durant’s position on the all-time ranks on ESPN’s First Take. Although the outstanding scorer has only won two championships, Smith doesn’t believe it undermines his accomplishments as a player. He gave Durant the flowers he deserved, saying,

“This is a top-10 player of all time. This is a top-3 scorer in the history of basketball. He’s that elite.”

Smith’s assessment of Durant’s scoring ability isn’t a far stretch of the imagination. There has never been a season in the 15-time All-Star’s career when he hasn’t averaged 20 points per game. He has averaged over 25 points in every season aside from his rookie campaign. Smith also gave KD props for his continued scoring dominance following his Achilles injury.

In the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant tore his Achilles. He missed the entire 2019-20 season and the majority of the 2020-21 year as well. Despite that, he elevated his efficiency, shooting over 50% in each season since. He is in a league of his own when it comes to his level of play, however, even he isn’t safe from trade talks.

Durant may be on a different team this offseason

The 2025 NBA trade deadline was the craziest in league history. It could’ve been even crazier if Durant hadn’t shut down the nearly agreed-upon deal with the Warriors. KD was against a reunion with his former team. However, the Suns were willing to part ways with the NBA legend to improve their roster. The front office shopping Durant behind his back has done damage to their relationship, which many deem unfixable.

ESPN insider Brian Windhorst spoke on the rift the recent Durant trade talks caused. Following his sources and intel gathered, he is certain that Durant’s tenure in Phoenix is over. Windhorst said,

“Kevin Durant is probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, and the rest of the NBA knows it.”

“Kevin Durant is probably going to get traded this summer. He knows it, the Suns know it, and the rest of the NBA knows it.”

– @WindhorstESPN

(Via @GetUpESPN / h/t @Fullcourtpass ) pic.twitter.com/wspIdToXDj

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2025

There will certainly be plenty of contending teams calling the Suns to inquire about Durant. Although he is 36 years old, he still has a lot of skill left in the tank and could be the deciding factor for an aspiring championship-level team.

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Kyrie Irving’s “Balanced, Rational, and Calming Viewpoint” Amid Storm After Luka Doncic Trade Draws Appreciation From NBA Insider

The relationship between the Mavericks and their fans has fostered animosity. However, amid the chaos, one figure has provided all sides involved with calming reassurance. Mavs star guard Kyrie Irving has displayed his leadership and maturity in his handling of the Luka Doncic trade. He has completely flipped the script of any narratives suggesting Luka was a locker-room cancer. NBA insider Brian Windhorst couldn’t contain his praise toward Irving for maintaining peace in Dallas.

Windhorst took to ESPN’s The Hoop Collective Podcast, to share his thoughts on the aftermath of the Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. Although he isn’t a fan of how the Mavericks are handling the situation, he is a fan of the way Irving is. He said,

“I’m very appreciative of the balanced, rational, and calming viewpoint of Kyrie Irving throughout this process. He seems to be repeatedly able to make a coalition attempt at forming and showing empathy with the fans and also support for Luka and support for his teammates.”

Windhorst even suggests the Mavericks should consult Kyrie on what to say to the fans.

“I actually think it might be a good idea if the Mavericks organization would reach out to Kyrie to let him guide them.”

Irving has never been shy to express his emotions and wear his heart on his sleeve. He is a human being before he is a basketball player, and he is making that known through how he is handling this entire situation.

Kyrie has shown sympathy to Luka, along with the fans, while supporting the Mavericks organization. He hasn’t picked one side but is showing his understanding of each perspective involved. His mature outlook on the situation is reflective of how he has processed the Luka trade, which he has seemingly taken in stride.

Kyrie grieved the Luka trade

It wasn’t easy for Kyrie finding out the Mavericks were trading away Luka. Irving and Doncic had grown to become close friends, brothers in fact. In his first media address following the trade, he shared his profound emotions regarding the deal. Irving said,

“Just really shocked, so still the grieving process right now. I miss my hermano. We had a lot of time together.”

Despite the pain Irving is going through, he has remained a complete professional through it all. He hasn’t negatively spoken about the organization at all and has welcomed the new Mavericks members with open arms.

Dallas will need Irving’s leadership more than ever as they move forward following the unfortunate news of Anthony Davis’ extended absence due to injury.

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3000 Miles Away From Home, Paolo Banchero Calls Parents Attending His NBA Games “A Blessing”

Paolo Banchero couldn’t have moved further from his hometown of Seattle, Washington, after the Orlando Magic called his name first in the 2022 NBA Draft. Now on the opposite side of the country from his family and friends, Banchero has grown more appreciative when his loved ones are able to attend his games.

Banchero shared how much it means to him as a pro for his parents to attend his games, underlining how far they have to travel in order to do so. The star forward said,

“Having my parents there is always a blessing. As I’ve gotten older and got into the NBA, I don’t take it for granted as much as I used to.” 

Once a mainstay in the stands throughout his high school career, Banchero’s parents obviously aren’t able to make every Magic game while living in Seattle. Banchero continued,

“But with me going to a city like Orlando, which is so far from home, they’re not able to come to every game and be there all the time. So, the times that they are able to make it, I always hold them a little closer to my heart…”

The rising All-Star shared how, when his parents are in attendance, he always goes the extra mile to put on a show. With averages of 22.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the playoff-hopeful Magic, Banchero is putting on a show more often than not.

Paolo Banchero credited his mother for his NBA success

While it’s important for any child to see their parents supporting them at their sporting events, Banchero’s mother involved herself every step of the way throughout her son’s basketball career. The 22-year-old has often credited his mother for helping his love for the sport blossom.

Banchero has said that his mother was the biggest influence in his passion for basketball. They often watched WNBA games together, and he continues to be a proud fan and supporter of women’s basketball.

Banchero’s former college coach, Mike Krzyzewski said,

“All he is and all he ever hopes to be is a result of his mother.”

His mother, Rhonda Smith-Banchero, was the University of Washington women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,948 points while playing from 1991 to 1995 before eventually being surpassed by Kelsey Plum. So, she certainly knew what she was talking about when coaching and influencing young Paolo.

Banchero’s mother isn’t able to attend every game like she used to, but it’s clear the influence she had on her son will impact him for years to come.

The post 3000 Miles Away From Home, Paolo Banchero Calls Parents Attending His NBA Games “A Blessing” appeared first on The SportsRush.

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