Connect with us

Basketball

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Pace to Win This Year’s Scoring Title –

Published

6 months ago

on


Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder has come into his own as a true star this year. The quick point guard made his first All-Star Game appearance and is having his best scoring season of his career. SGA has seemingly found a home with the Thunder as they are rebuilding but possess a promising future as they are in prime position to secure a play-in spot with the end of the regular season looming. As if that is not enough, Gilgeous-Alexander is also on pace secure a highly respected accolade.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Having Historic Scoring Season

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Numbers This Season

At this rate, SGA is the favorite to win this year’s scoring title. Joel Embiid is the current leader in points per game at 33.2, but SGA still has a chance to surpass the Philadelphia big man. With the Thunder desperate to secure a play-in spot, they will be relying heavily on their All-Star point guard to carry them down this stretch.

SGA is currently averaging 31.4 points per game on an effective field goal percentage of 53.1 percent. If there is any player in the NBA capable of upping his scoring average by two points per game in a short amount of time, it is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His explosiveness and ability to finish at the rim is a nightmare for opposing defenses. After all, he is shooting 67.7 percent on attempts of three feet or less.

SGA and His Impact on the Oklahoma City Thunder

As alluded to already, the Thunder have made strides this year under the leadership of Shai Gilgeous- Alexander. That is not to say other players have not played important roles, but this team is heavily reliant on SGA’s productivity. As of right now, Oklahoma City is 36-36 at the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Dallas and Los Angeles are on their trail, but this young Thunder team has proven they can win must-win games this season.

Remember, the game where LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul- Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, it was the Thunder who still came away victorious. Oklahoma City also just recently defeated the Los Angeles Clippers. A game where SGA recorded 31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. The team’s number one option is SGA and when he is hot, it opens other opportunities for players such as Josh Giddey and Lugentz Dort. All in all, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a legitimate chance not just lead the Thunder to a playoff spot, but also win the scoring title as well.

NBA Betting Content You May Like



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Basketball

Clippers sign guard Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract

Published

10 hours ago

on

September 21, 2023

By


The Los Angeles Clippers are signing free agent guard Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to reports. Moon, 28, went undrafted out of Morehead State University in 2017.

On Aug. 10, 2017, Moon signed his first professional contract with ALM Évreux Basket of the LNB Pro B. After six months, Moon left the team due to disagreements with his coach and returned to the states.

In 2018, the 6-foot-2 guard joined the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League (TBL). Moon averaged 18 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game and was named North American Premier Basketball (NAPB) Rookie of the Year.

Moon then signed with London Lightning of the National Basketball League of Canada on Sept. 7, 2018. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in 40 games.

Furthermore, the Alabama native went on to play for the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Edmonton Stingers. In his first game on May 11, 2019, he scored 36 points in a 118-105 overtime win against the Niagara River Lions.

Moon averaged 19.3 points and 5.7 assists per game for Edmonton and was named league MVP. He led the team to the semifinals before losing to the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Following the season, Moon tried out for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League, but he was later waived.

On Nov. 15, 2019, the guard re-signed with the NBL’s London Lightning. Moon averaged 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game during the shortened 2019–20 season and was named to the First Team All-NBL Canada. On Jan. 4, 2020, he scored 39 points in a 113-97 victory over the KW Titans.

Los Angeles Clippers sign G League star Xavier Moon to an Exhibit 10 contract; the 6-foot-2 guard won two CEBL Final MVPs

Additionally, Xavier Moon signed with Wilki Morskie Szczecin of the Polish Basketball League on June 25, 2020. However, it was short-lived. The Morehead State product decided to re-join the Edmonton Stingers for the 2020 CEBL season.

In Edmonton’s 90-73 win against the Fraser Valley Bandits in the championship game, he scored 31 points and was named the Final MVP. After averaging 19.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0, boards, and 1.8 steals per game, Moon won his second MVP award as well.

In August 2020, Moon signed with Maccabi Hod HaSharon of the Israeli National League. In 31 appearances, he averaged 24.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Nevertheless, that was it with the ISL.

Following the season, the guard returned to the Edmonton Stingers of the CEBL for the 2020-2021 season. He won his third CEBL MVP award, his second CEBL championship, and his second CEBL Final MVP Award.

In October 2021, Moon signed with the Agua Caliente Clippers, the Los Angeles Clippers’ G League affiliate. Of course, Agua Caliente is now known as the Ontario Clippers. In 14 games of the 2021-22 G League season, he averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

On Dec. 26, 2021, Moon signed a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. The undrafted guard made his first NBA career appearance in the Clippers’ 124-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 27.

Los Angeles then signed Moon to a second 10-day contract. In 10 games off the bench in the 2021-22 NBA season, he averaged 5.8 points, 1.4 boards, 2.4 assists, and 13.7 minutes per game.

Moon could receive the Clippers’ final two-way spot, joining forwards Moussa Diabate and Jordan Miller

Moreover, in the Clippers’ 138-88 regular-season finale win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 10, 2022, the guard recorded career highs of 17 points and seven assists in 27 minutes as a reserve.

In March 2023, Xavier Moon signed a two-way contract with Los Angeles. Not to mention, he averaged 1.8 points, 1.3 assists, and 5.0 minutes per game in four appearances off the bench.

As a result, his NBA career might not be over just yet.

While with the G League’s Ontario Clippers last season, Moon made 20 starts in 29 games. The guard logged 22 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.6 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 32.8 minutes per contest. Also, he was named to the All-NBA G League Third Team.

Moon finished fourth in points (638), seventh in steals (30), 10th in blocks (35), second in field goal percentage (51.9%), second in field goals (250), and eight in offensive rating (114.8).

Regarding his new contract, training camp deals are one-year, minimum-salary contracts. An Exhibit 10 contract can be converted into a two-way deal before the regular season begins. Forwards Moussa Diabate and Jordan Miller occupy two of the Los Angeles Clippers’ three two-way slots.

Each NBA team can now sign a maximum of three two-way players, per the new CBA. As a matter of fact, Moon could receive the third spot. Exhibit 10 contracts are non-guaranteed, allowing teams to waive the signee without taking a cap hit.

If Xavier Moon is waived by the Los Angeles Clippers, he will be eligible to receive a bonus worth between $5,000 to $75,000 by joining the Ontario Clippers and spending at least 60 days with the G League team.

Because of his work ethic, he should have no problem making a roster spot.

NBA Betting Content You May Like





Source link

Continue Reading

Basketball

Cavaliers President Koby Altman Perform Sobriety Test

Published

14 hours ago

on

September 21, 2023

By


Watch Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman perform a field sobriety test in front of Ohio State Highway Patrol officers prior to his arrest for an operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) charge on Friday night for impaired driving.

The incident occurred at 8:53 p.m., when Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers saw a white 2022 Lexus committing a traffic violation on Route 2 near East 55th Street in Cleveland. Watch Altman attempt the walk and turn test below. The second video was taken from the officer’s body cam.

Before initiating a traffic stop, officers said the driver, who was identified as 41-year-old Altman, showed indications of impairment. Altman was placed under arrest for OVI and soon after offered a breath test, which he refused. The NBA executive is being charged with committing a marked lanes violation and OVI, per the official police report.

The Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) consists of three separate standardized tests:

  • Horizontal gaze nystagmus test (HGN test)
  • Walk and turn test (WAT test)
  • One leg stand test (OLS test)

Watch Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman perform field sobriety test before arrest, blames Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper for his lack of balance

“Troopers initiated a traffic stop and during their interaction with the driver indicators of impairment were observed,” the Ohio State Patrol said in a statement. “The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for OVI and soon after offered a breath test, which he refused.”

The Cavaliers commented on Altman’s arrest: “We are aware of an incident involving Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman. We are currently gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”

If convicted, the Cavs president will likely face punishment from the league office. The NBA suspended San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte’ Graham for the first two games of the 2023-24 regular season after his driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction.

In the third video below, watch Altman blame the officer for his lack of balance.

In Ohio, a driver can be convicted of a “per se” alcohol OVI for operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher (or urine alcohol concentration of .11% or more).

An OVI can be a felony if the offender had three or more prior convictions and caused injuries or deaths.

Last season marked the first time the Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs without LeBron James on the roster since 1998. Altman joined the Cavaliers’ front office in 2012.

The UMass alumnus was the director of pro personnel when LeBron James and the Cavs won their first NBA championship in 2016. Altman became assistant general manager ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The Brooklyn native was then promoted to general manager in July 2017. He became Cleveland’s 11th G.M. in its franchise history.

In January 2022, Altman signed a new long-term contract with the Cavaliers, as he was promoted to president of basketball operations.

To watch other NBA-related miscellaneous videos, go to the main page.

NBA Betting Content You May Like





Source link

Continue Reading

Basketball

Ben Simmons believes the Nets will perform better without superstars

Published

15 hours ago

on

September 21, 2023

By


Ben Simmons is well aware he’s in debt with both Brooklyn and their fans, after struggling to find his best form in the last couple of years. The Australian star has been either injured or simply ineffective wearing the Nets jersey, and considering his inflated salary, he’s convinced he will improve this upcoming campaign.

During a recent interview, the foward truly believes that the entire team is now pulling together towards the same direction, especially after failed superstar duo Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were traded out.

“I’d say [the hardest part was] not be able to do your job to the fullest. I never have excuses, I never tried to say anything about different things going on. But I was dealing with an injury at the time, so I did what I could in the moment,” he said. “And I owe it to everybody, the fans and everybody, to get back to where I need to be. That’s what I did this summer to get back.”

Back when the 27-year-old was traded to Brooklyn in 2022 as part of the trade that brought James Harden to Philadelphia, he didn’t play a single second that competition due to back problems and mental health. After he underwent surgery, he bounced back last season but only played in 42 matches.

Now, he admits he had the entire offseason to prepare and is ready to play his best basketball yet. So, no excuses this time!

“[I feel] amazing. I think this is the first summer where I’ve really had to just get healthy and get back on track to where I need to be,” Simmons shared. “I’m super excited to be on Brooklyn, obviously. And then we’ve got a great, great team, a great coach in Jacque Vaughn. So I’m excited. I think this year is gonna be a completely different year to the past couple.”

Simmons assures that his coach Jacque Vaughn will play him more in point guard position this upcoming season

Now the Australian athlete guarantees he’s spoken to his head coach Jacque Vaughn about where he’ll be playing this following campaign.

“That’s what I know. As much as people would try to put me [at power forward]. Everyone’s a GM in their head: I’m a point guard,” Simmons revealed. “So I think with the team we have I think it’s constructed well for us to have a good run.

“Get ready for a great year. I think it’s going to be exciting. We’re going to have a lot of fun and get back to Brooklyn basketball.”

When asked about what has him the most excited about the 2023/24 season, he said that creating a new culture next to players like Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges will be key, as they all share the same team mentality.

“I think just playing with guys who are just easy to play with, that just have one goal and that’s to win. I don’t think guys have too many individual goals,” he said. “I think the team is going to come first and I think the culture that Jacque Vaughn, [general manager] Sean Marks are building now has been incredible.”





Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending