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• NBA Notes: Roster holes, Cavs, Knicks, Mamadi Diakite, Dalano Banton

Training camp is around the corner, and Kevin Pelton of ESPN just dropped his list of the biggest needs for all 30 NBA teams heading into 2025-26. The defending champion Thunder? They don’t need a player, Pelton writes. They need a new arena. Everyone else, though, has gaps to fill. As for contenders, Pelton sees […] The post NBA Notes: Roster holes, Cavs, Knicks, Mamadi Diakite, Dalano Bant...2025
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• And-Ones: Roster Holes, G League Trades
With the start of training camp mere weeks away, Kevin Pelton of ESPN has taken a look at the biggest roster needs for all 30 NBA teams for the 2025/26 season. Beyond the reigning champion Thunder, who will be bringing back their full playoff lineup and whose perceived biggest need is a fresh arena, Pelton […]...2025
• Let's break down every NBA team's biggest roster hole: What must each team fix?
ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton breaks down the most important issues facing each NBA team before the start of the season....2025
• And-Ones: Top Newcomers, Realignment, McGrady, St. Bonnie’s
With most of the NBA’s offseason action now in the books, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton of ESPN identify the 14 NBA “newcomers” whose changes of scenery will have the greatest impact in 2025/26. There are no surprises at the top of the list, which features new Rockets forward Kevin Durant at No. 1, Magic […]...2025
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• NBA Rookie of the Year tiers: Who can challenge Cooper Flagg for the 2025-26 award?
NBA analyst Kevin Pelton groups 11 players most likely to threaten the Mavericks' No. 1 pick for the auspicious award....2025
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• And-Ones: All-In Teams, 2027 Draft, Extensions, Thanasis
Several NBA teams have leveraged a lot of their future assets to go “all-in” on winning now, write Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton of ESPN. Bontemps and Pelton note that the Nuggets, Bucks and Timberwolves are looking to make the most of what they see as their current title windows. Denver has ditched most of its […]...2025
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• Lakers Earn Mediocre Grade For $11 Million Marcus Smart Signing in 2025 NBA Free Agency
ESPN's Kevin Pelton gave the Lakers a B grade for signing Marcus Smart to a two-year deal despite his injury concerns and financial constraints....2025
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• NBA Notes: Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Timberwolves, Jazz

Rockets Fred VanVleet‘s return from two ankle injuries has come at an ideal time for the Rockets, who went 10-9 without him, though they faced relatively weaker opponents, as noted by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton. While the Rockets are unlikely to challenge for the second seed in the Western Conference, they are in a strong position […] The post NBA Notes: Rockets, Fred VanVleet, Timberwo...2025
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• Trade Rumors: Mitchell, Grant, Hawks, Clarkson
There’s no indication that the Cavaliers are considering trading Donovan Mitchell, and the star guard shut down that topic of conversation following injuries to teammates Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. However, in an Insider-only story for ESPN.com, Kevin Pelton argues that it’s something the team should think about, given that Cleveland doesn’t appear to be […]...2023
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• Despite down year, coach Terry Stotts' job should be safe in Portland
Despite a disappointing season so far in Portland, there’s no reason to believe coach Terry Stotts‘ job will be in danger this spring, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Sam Amick of The Athletic. Coming off the Trail Blazers‘ appearance in the Western Conference Finals a year ago, the team extended Stotts’ contract through the 2021-22 season. This season, the Trail Blazers (26-33) ar...2020
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• LeBron James' injury could lead to a 'nightmare scenario' for NBA playoffs
In an NBA Insiders piece for ESPN, writers Kevin Arnovitz, Chris Herring, Brian Windhorst, Andre Snellings and Kevin Pelton discuss the Lakers’ playoff chances with superstar LeBron James missing extended time with the groin injury he suffered on Christmas Day against the Warriors. As one may expect, the consensus among the writers is that the Lakers will still probably make the playoffs, assuming...2019
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• Is Kawhi's quad injury scaring off the Clippers and Lakers?
The first major story of the NBA offseason broke on Friday, when multiple reports indicated that Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio. While the Spurs will take a patient, measured approach to the situation and won’t rush Leonard out the door, there was certainly no shortage of trade rumors surrounding the star forward over the weekend.We’ve got a few more Kawhi-related items to round up this m...2018
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• Central Notes: Bullock, Griffin, Van Gundy, Cavs
Pistons‘ starting swingman Reggie Bullock suffered minor injuries after being involved in a two-car motor vehicle accident this morning on his way to practice, reports Rod Beard of The Detroit News. He wasn’t seriously injured but was taken to the hospital for treatment.Bullock, who was on his way to the Pistons’ practice facility in Auburn Hills, was also apparently the victim of a hit-and-run, a...2018
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• Pelton mail: Which non-Hall of Famer had the best peak?
Kevin Pelton answers questions on injuries to star players, pull-up transition 3s, Tyus Jones and more....2018
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• Pelton mail: How can Cavs make playoffs with such a bad defense?
Kevin Pelton answers questions on the quality of free throw shooting, games lost due to injury, and more....2018
• Answering the big questions after DeMarcus Cousins' injury
When Cousins went down Friday night, did he take the Pelicans' season with him? Kevin Pelton looks at the future for the team and for Cousins, who is an impending free agent....2018
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• NBA teams cooling on Luka Doncic as top draft pick?
While he has long been considered a strong candidate to be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Luka Doncic no longer appears to be a lock to even be a top-three selection, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. While it’s hard to know what to believe at this time of year, Givony explains to Kevin Pelton that the Kings, Hawks and Grizzlies didn’t send anyone to watch the EuroLeague Final Four in per...2018
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• NBA Meme Mania: 2016 Training Camp Edition
2016

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• What Can We Learn from NBA Preseason?
2014

Check it out Tom Haberstroh

2025
"Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton take an early look at Thunder-Pacers."

2024
"“Adding DeRozan to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis gives Sacramento multiple go-to scorers at the cost of fit between those players and their supporting cast,” wrote Kevin Pelton […] The post NBA Notes: Kings, DeMar DeRozan, Grizzlies, Zach Edey, Rockets appeared first on Hoops Wire."

2023
"com, Kevin Pelton argues that it’s something the team should think about, given that Cleveland doesn’t appear to be […]"

2022
"Nearly 250 players across 29 teams have entered the NBA's health-and-safety protocols in the last three weeks, according to Kevin Pelton of ESPN."

2021
"Veteran ESPN writer Kevin Pelton bared his choices for the All-Defensive Teams this season."

2020
"com, Kevin Pelton and Bobby Marks explore the Lakers’ trade possibilities, noting that packaging Kuzma with both Quinn Cook and DeMarcus Cousins would be enough for the team to bring back a player earning up to $13."

2019
"In an NBA Insiders piece for ESPN, writers Kevin Arnovitz, Chris Herring, Brian Windhorst, Andre Snellings and Kevin Pelton discuss the Lakers’ playoff chances with superstar LeBron James missing extended time with the groin injury he suffered on Christmas Day against the Warriors."

2018
"Kevin Pelton examines why Houston might be a problem."

2017
"Kevin Pelton shows how LeBron has appeared to defy the normal NBA aging process this season in his battle against Father Time."

2016
" From a tactical standpoint, the rules change figures to have some ramifications, as ESPN Insider's Kevin Pelton explained: And if the new rules disincentivize intentional fouling to a significant degree, head coaches could increase playing time late in the first, second and third quarters for big men who shoot poorly from the free-throw line."

2015
"com's Kevin Pelton highlighted the offensive impact that Nash had on his teams during his prime years: He retires having amassed the third-most assists (10,335) in NBA history."

2014
"com's Kevin Pelton (subscription required) wrote this past February, Davis possesses the blend of skills necessary to sit atop the NBA's superstar hierarchy: "Imagine that Davis develops into a top-five scorer, a game-changing defender and a dominant rebounder," Pelton wrote."

• Adam Silver Talks Expansion, TV Deals, Blazers Sale, More
Following several Las Vegas meetings of the NBA’s board of commissioners this week, league commissioner Adam Silver revealed in a presser that expansion is being explored, per Kevin Pelton of ESPN. Still, Silver offered plenty of caveats before committing to a timeline. “A lot of analysis still needs to be done and nothing’s been predetermined […]...2025
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• NBA free agent rankings: Pelton's new top 10, plus best fits
Which stars are available? Which teams need them? Kevin Pelton reveals his updated top 10, now including a former MVP....2025
• Which NBA teams' drafts get an A? What about a C-? We have grades for all 30
Who won the NBA draft? Which picks and trades stood out? Kevin Pelton grades every team's moves....2025
• NBA's Win-Now Incentives Fuel Unprecedented First-Round Pick Trading Boom

The Orlando Magic's trade sending multiple future first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane represents the latest example of teams mortgaging their future to maximize championship windows. This aggressive approach has become the defining trend of modern NBA team-building. The Magic join a growing list of franchises making all-in moves. The Minnesota Timberwolves traded multiple f...2025
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• Chennedy Carter and the 3 best WNBA free agents still available, ranked

Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images Most of the top available free agents have already signed — but there are a few standouts still available. The majority of the WNBA’s top free agents have been signed — with stars like Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally joining the Phoenix Mercury, Kelsey Plum heading to the Los Angeles Sparks, and Kelsey Mitchell and Nneka Ogwumike re-signing with...2025
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• The best WNBA free agent still available could save one team’s offseason

Photo credit should read Altan Gocher / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images Emma Meesseman is one of the most dominant women’s basketball players in the world — and someone who could instantly elevate the Connecticut Sun. Belgian forward Emma Meesseman didn’t play in the WNBA last season. But, the 6’4 star, who was the 2019 Finals MVP, could be returning to the league this Sp...2025
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• Dunc'd On: 2025 Mock Trade Deadline Part 1

The 3-hour extravaganza is back for a 10th season, featuring Kevin Pelton of ESPN, Danny Leroux, Dan Feldman, and Nate Duncan. The four cap nerds split up the league's teams and look to find homes for the biggest trade candidates around the league. In part 1 of the 2025 Mock Trade deadline, big names are potentially on the move including Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Zach LaVine Get 35% off...2025
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• Seattle Storm’s surprising free agency move could have major WNBA implications

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images The Storm have used their core designation on Gabby Williams. What does that mean? The Seattle Storm have cored Gabby Williams, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton reported on Tuesday. That means that the versatile wing will be offered a one-year contract at the WNBA’s highest possible salary ($249,244) — and that she’s unable to sign with another team as a free agent this...2025
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• And-Ones: Expansion, EuroLeague, G League Trades, Hawes
What would it look like if the NBA awarded expansion teams to a pair of new cities? In an entertaining story for ESPN.com, Bobby Marks broke down the rules governing expansion drafts, then submitted lists of protected players for each team to Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton, who conducted a mock expansion draft on behalf […]...2024
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• West Notes: Timberwolves, Pelicans, Brandon Ingram, Blazers
Timberwolves The Timberwolves made a run to the Western Conference finals, upending the 2023 champion Nuggets along the way. So there was no need to make any sort of splashy deals. So they earned a “B-minus” offseason grade from Kevin Pelton of ESPN. “Limited in draft capital after the Rudy Gobert trade, the Timberwolves added Rob Dillingham with the [&#...2024
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• ESPN Ranks A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark Among WNBA's Top-25 Before 2025 Season

ESPN has released its preseason ranking of the top 25 WNBA players for the 2025 season, with reigning MVP A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces claiming the top spot and Indiana's Caitlin Clark ranking fourth ahead of her sophomore campaign. The ranking, compiled by ESPN's basketball analysts Kendra Andrews, Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel, features three New York Liberty players in ...2025
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• Chennedy Carter and the 3 best WNBA free agents still available, ranked
2025

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• The best WNBA free agent still available could save one team’s offseason
2025

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• Seattle Storm’s surprising free agency move could have major WNBA implications
2025

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• Donovan Mitchell points out glaring snub in ESPN reporter’s All-Defensive Teams prediction
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell wasn’t having it. With him still sidelined due to a sprained ankle, it seems he has loads of extra free time to scroll through social media. And one post particularly piqued Mitchell’s interest. Veteran ESPN writer Kevin Pelton bared his choices for the All-Defensive Teams this season. At first glance, […] The post Donovan Mitchell points out glar...2021
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• NBA teams cooling on Luka Doncic as top draft pick?
2018

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• Central Notes: Bullock, Griffin, Van Gundy, Cavs
2018

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• Pelton mail: Greatest defensive players of modern era
Kevin Pelton answers questions on the top defenders, Rudy Gay, high-profile ejections and the best advanced statistics....2017
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• Is LeBron, Harden, Curry or Kyrie on the best MVP path?
The MVP race features several players taking various paths to the award. Kevin Pelton tracks the stats and trends to rate the top candidates....2017
• NBA Meme Mania: 2016 Training Camp Edition
2016

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• Dunc'd On: Mock Offseason 2024 Part 1

The 2024 Mock Offseason is here. Kevin Pelton of ESPN, Danny Leroux, and Dan Feldman control the 30 teams, and Nate Duncan is the player agent as they game out the offseason. In Part 1, each GM lays out the goals for their team. Then, Donovan Mitchell weighs whether to extend with Cleveland or evaluate potential trade suitors, Paul George decides whether to remain in LA or explore other cap space ...2024
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• So Far so Good, but Real Work Starts Now for Team USA
2016

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• Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Speech Highlights and Twitter Reaction
2016

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• Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016: Speech Highlights and Twitter Reaction
2016

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• 2016 NBA Free Agency: Everything You Need to Know from Day 6
2016

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• 2016 NBA Free Agency: Everything You Need to Know from Day 1
2016

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• After Epic NBA Finals, It's Time to Revisit the G.O.A.T. Arguments
2016

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• Warriors vs Trail Blazers: Game 4 Score, Twitter Reaction from 2016 NBA Playoffs
2016

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• Trail Blazers vs Warriors: Game 2 Score, Twitter Reaction from 2016 NBA Playoffs
2016

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• Trail Blazers vs Clippers: Game 5 Score, Twitter Reaction from 2016 NBA Playoffs
2016

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• Steve Nash Retires: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
2015

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• NBA Announces Changes to Intentional Foul Rules
2016

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• Nate Robinson Reportedly Receives Tryout with Seattle Seahawks
2016

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• Sixers Are No Longer League's Laughingstock and Other Saturday NBA Takeaways
2015

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• These Rockets might really be the Warriors' biggest threat yet
What makes the Rockets better than Golden State's previous challengers? Kevin Pelton examines why Houston might be a problem....2018
• CJ McCollum Accidentally Listed Inactive, Unable to Play in Blazers vs. Clippers
2016

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• LeBron James-Anthony Davis Pressure Gap on Display and Monday NBA Takeaways
2014

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• Jordan Clarkson: 'I've Got a Chip on My Shoulder' Heading into Next Season
2015

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1. Cody Rhodes

2. LeBron James

3. Los Angeles Lakers

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496. Kevin Pelton

• Best Potential Center Trade Targets for Toronto Raptors
2015

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• Daily Fantasy Basketball 2015: Best NBA DFS DraftKings Lineup for Jan. 27
2015

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• And-Ones: Roster Holes, G League Trades
2025
• NBA's Win-Now Incentives Fuel Unprecedented First-Round Pick Trading Boom
2025

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• NBA Finals first look: 7 things to know ahead of Pacers-Thunder
What are the most important matchups? What history is at stake? Zach Kram and Kevin Pelton take an early look at Thunder-Pacers....2025
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• NBA Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Mavs, Anthony Davis, Clippers

Nuggets The Nuggets may not be at full strength, as evidenced by their mixed performance with their opening night starting lineup, noted Kevin Pelton of ESPN. The team is 11-9 this season when that group starts, but they improve to 30-12 in the other 42 games in which three-time MVP Nikola Jokic plays, but another starter […] The post NBA Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Mavs, Anthony Davi...2025
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• The best WNBA free agent still available could save one team’s offseason
2025

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• NBA Notes: Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Magic, Mavericks

Knicks It’s not surprising that the Knicks are still finding their way after two big offseason acquisitions, according to ESPN’s Kevin Pelton. By sacrificing depth in their trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks had the potential to take a step back during the regular season in the name of higher playoff upside,” Pelton wrote. “It’s...2025
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• Seattle Storm’s surprising free agency move could have major WNBA implications
2025

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• East Notes: Bucks, Roster Upgrades, Pacers, Heat

Bucks The Bucks deserve high marks for their offseason additions, according to ESPN reporter Kevin Pelton, who gave a “B-plus” to Milwaukee. “Signing Gary Trent Jr. for the minimum turned Milwaukee’s offseason around,” Pelton wrote. “Before adding Trent, the Bucks had no capable replacement for (Malik Beasley‘s) shooting in the starting five. Trent, a 39% ...2024
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• East Notes: Bulls, Zach LaVine, Hornets, Pistons

Bulls The Bulls deserve low marks for their offseason following the trade of DeMar DeRozan to the Kings, per Kevin Pelton of ESPN. For the record, a “D” grade is what’s warranted for Chicago. “The Bulls ended up with an expensive roster that doesn’t look capable of competing for a playoff spot after the loss […] The post East Notes: Bulls, Zach LaVine, Hornets, ...2024
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• RealGM Radio: Kevin Pelton On The Second Round (Apr 2024)

Host Danny Leroux talks with Kevin Pelton of ESPN (@kpelton.bsky.social) about the NBA playoffs. They break down each of the four second-round series in terms of the key matchups, swing factors and much more plus other NBA discussion. Subscribe to RealGM Radio on Apple Podcasts or via the RSS feed....2024
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• NBA Meme Mania: 2016 Training Camp Edition
2016

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• So Far so Good, but Real Work Starts Now for Team USA
2016

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• 2016 NBA Free Agency: Everything You Need to Know from Day 1
2016

See more articles Adrian Wojnarowski scandal
• Trail Blazers vs Warriors: Game 2 Score, Twitter Reaction from 2016 NBA Playoffs
2016

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• The Best 2016 NBA Draft Prospects Nobody Is Talking About
2016

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• Warriors vs. Spurs: Score, Highlights and Reaction from 2016 Regular Season
2016

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• Giannis Antetokounmpo Earning 'Greek Freak' Nickname and Thursday NBA Takeaways
2016

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• NBA Rookie Progress Meter: Devin Booker Joining Club of First-Year Elites
2016

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• New York Knicks Most Likely to Be Traded Before the Deadline
2016

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• Toronto Raptors Exorcising Last Year's Demons and Wednesday NBA Takeaways
2015

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