<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>lamelo-ball – FRESHEST FM</title> <atom:link href="https://freshestfm.com/category/lamelo-ball/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://freshestfm.com</link> <description>The most Important station the net</description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:18:39 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://freshestfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-Freshest-FM-WHT-Logo-231x111-1-32x32.png</url> <title>lamelo-ball – FRESHEST FM</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>LaVar Ball Advises Bronny James to Play Professionally in Australia</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-advises-bronny-james-to-play-professionally-in-australia/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-advises-bronny-james-to-play-professionally-in-australia/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:18:33 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[advice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[australia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bronny-james]]></category> <category><![CDATA[college]]></category> <category><![CDATA[college-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lavar-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lebron-james]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[university]]></category> <category><![CDATA[videos]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-advises-bronny-james-to-play-professionally-in-australia/</guid> <description><![CDATA[Bronny James played his final high school basketball game with Sierra Canyon earlier this month, but he will not be eligible for the NBA draft for another year. James will need to decide if he wants to spend at least a year in college, or play professionally in the United States or overseas. LaVar Ball believes Bronny should go with the latter. […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/bronny_james" rel="noopener">Bronny James</a> played his final <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/high_school_basketball" rel="noopener">high school basketball game</a> with Sierra Canyon earlier this month, but he will not be eligible for the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/nba" rel="noopener">NBA</a> draft for another year. </p> <p>James will need to decide if he wants to spend at least a year in college, or play professionally in the United States or overseas. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lavar_ball" rel="noopener">LaVar Ball</a> believes Bronny should go with the latter.</p> <p>Ball tells Sporting News Australia that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lebron_james" rel="noopener">LeBron</a>’s oldest son would draw large crowds consisting of intrigued individuals and doubters alike. </p> <p>“People wanna see, he gonna fill the gym up,” Ball said, as transcribed by <a target="_blank" href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-bronny-james-advice-lavar-ball-nbl" rel="noopener">Clutch Points</a>. “Two things gonna happen. When you’re young, and you like that, and your dad is where he’s at…lot of people going to come to the gym and say, ‘He ain’t like that for real.’ The other half is going to want to support him. So the gym is going to fill up.”</p> <p>Ball also suggested that James could simply get paid while playing professionally, instead of trying to balance basketball and school. </p> <p>LeBron and Savannah James told<em> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.si.com/nba/2022/08/30/lebron-james-bronny-wants-to-go-college-route" rel="noopener">Sports Illustrated</a></em> last summer that their son’s preference is college. It’s unknown if his stance has changed. </p> <p>According to <a target="_blank" href="https://theathletic.com/3608468/2022/09/19/nba-cba-draft-age-limit-eligibility/" rel="noopener">the Athletic</a>, a player must be 19 years old during the calendar year that the draft is held in order to be eligible. When Ball’s youngest son <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lamelo_ball" rel="noopener">LaMelo</a> encountered the same situation, he chose to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26994195/lamelo-ball-commits-play-australian-nbl" rel="noopener">sign with the Illawarra Hawks</a> of the Australian National Basketball League.</p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p>LaMelo previously jeopardized his chances of playing in the NCAA because he had been using his likeness to promote a sneaker line, Big Baller Brand, and was represented by an agent, both of which are a violation. </p> <p>A sign of the changing times, Bronny currently has an NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sports/a/brad-callas/bronny-james-nil-partnership-beats-by-dre" rel="noopener">deal with Beats by Dre</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/bronny-james-signs-to-nike" rel="noopener">Nike</a>.</p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/lavar-ball-advises-bronny-james-play-professionally-australia-college">Source link </a></p> <p> <a rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-advises-bronny-james-to-play-professionally-in-australia/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>LaVar Ball on LaMelo Ever Joining the Los Angeles Lakers: ‘Hell No’</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-on-lamelo-ever-joining-the-los-angeles-lakers-hell-no/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-on-lamelo-ever-joining-the-los-angeles-lakers-hell-no/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:39:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[interviews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lakers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lavar-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-two]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-on-lamelo-ever-joining-the-los-angeles-lakers-hell-no/</guid> <description><![CDATA[When you reach the palatial estate of LaVar Ball, there is absolutely no denying whose home it is. The sprawling estate has ‘BBB’’ etched right beneath the roof’s gable, an homage to a family brand lineage that LaVar Ball has so meticulously crafted since the birth of his sons. Back in 2017, many people believed […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>When you reach the palatial estate of LaVar Ball, there is absolutely no denying whose home it is. The sprawling estate has ‘BBB’’ etched right beneath the roof’s gable, an homage to a family brand lineage that LaVar Ball has so meticulously crafted since the birth of his sons. Back in 2017, many people believed LaVar Ball to be, at worst, crazy, and, at best – an overbearing father. Fast forward five years later, and LaVar Ball must feel like a prophet. Fully executing the vision, he sat out for his three sons well before the Ball family name became mainstream.</p> <p>No matter how you may contextualize the careers of each Ball brother thus far, Lavar Ball had a vision for his sons and did everything in his willpower to assist. In early November, we spent an afternoon with him as a select group of exclusive members, courtesy of <a href="https://www.heir.app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HEIR</a>, paid a visit to the Ball residence. HEIR is a Web3 platform founded by Michael Jordan’s son, Jeffrey Jordan. LaVar was hospitable as ever, placing the group through the exact workout that Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo each went through in pursuit of their lifelong dream, and he even cooked (in his words) his “world famous chili.” </p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p>Everything you could imagine LaVar Ball to be – he was that and then some, and he’s still as candid as ever, like being completely honest about his feelings towards the Los Angeles Lakers and exploring the prospects of his youngest son LaMelo ever donning the purple and gold. </p> <p>“Common sense would tell you, hell no,” LaVar tells Complex. “You did something to my boy Lonzo, and you think I’m going to come back with the others? I gotta be stone-cold crazy.”</p> <p>We caught up with LaVar Ball in Chinos Hills to talk about LaMelo’s career so far, the ultimate desire he has for his sons and his partnership with HEIR. </p> <p><em>(This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.)</em></p> <p><strong>We’re at your home for a special occasion courtesy of HEIR, can you talk to me a bit about your partnership with them? </strong><br />
<br /> With HEIR, I like their motto, which is: ‘they’re one of us.’ My boy Lonzo deals with them, so if he’s dealing with something, so I’ll deal with it. </p> <p><strong>Taking things back to 2017, Lonzo coming out in the draft, a lot of people drug your name through the mud and said you were going about things the wrong way. Fast forward five years later, and it seems that everything you predicted came to fruition. </strong><br />
<br /> Well, you gotta figure what people drug my name through the mud – I don’t slide through no mud. I slipped through some water, but not no mud. All seriousness, I don’t pay that no mind. The fact is, the proof is in the pudding. </p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p><strong>Do you feel vindicated at all?</strong><br />
<br /> Nah. I don’t need no vindication from anybody. I’m like HEIR: family, [my family] the only people I have to adjust to.</p> <p><strong>Speaking of family, I always love how connected you are to your family. If you had to give a letter grade to Lamelo’s early career thus far, what would you give it?</strong><br />
<br /> Letter grade for Melo’s career? A “C”. </p> <p><strong>Why a “C”?</strong><br />
<br /> Because the only way to get an “A” would be to be with all his brothers. I’ve seen the best from [Melo]. This is nothing. I had the JBA, this boy averaged a triple-double. thirty-forty points, running loose. I’ve seen this show. [Charlotte] ain’t let him loose yet. How you going to let him loose if you believed there are some other guys in front of him first, and they gotta get hurt before Melo play?</p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p><strong>So when you hear the rumors and internet speculation of LaMelo ultimately finding his way west and playing at home for the Lakers when you consider how things ended with Lonzo, would you want LaMelo in a Lakers uniform? </strong><br />
<br /> Common sense would tell you, hell no. You did something to my boy Lonzo, and you think I’m going to come back with the others? I gotta be stone-cold crazy.</p> <p><strong>So you’re saying you wouldn’t want LaMelo to be a Laker?</strong><br />
<br /> No. I wanted Melo to be a Laker before that ship done sailed. You get rid of ‘Zo and you think I’m going to come back? I’m not that type of foolish guy. </p> <p><strong>So what would be the perfect situation for LaMelo down the line? </strong><br />
<br /> What you mean, what is the perfect situation? Ain’t no situation. It’s going to happen, all three of them are going to play on the same team; and when it happens, folks are going to go crazy. </p> <p><strong>Oh, so we’re still on that? All of your sons teaming up, you believe it’s still going to happen?</strong>Why couldn’t it still happen? At some point, all of their contracts are over, and they come up at the same time; you don’t think they’re going to make the decision to be together? </p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p><strong>So this isn’t a dream?</strong><br />
<br /> It’s going to happen. Ball boys are good for business.</p> <p><strong>So, what team would you want to see all three of them together? We know it’s not the Lakers… we can scratch that off the list.</strong><br />
<br /> It ain’t even about the team. It’s about the coaching. Who’s going to let all my boys do what they do?</p> <p><strong>Who’d be the perfect coach for your boys?</strong><br />
<br /> Shit, me. What you mean? I’ll turn my boys loose. My boys, together, could average 40 points a quarter with ease. You’d have to score 160 points to beat them. I’d be the first coach to start pressing – somebody going to get tired. Every time they press in the NBA, somebody turns the ball over. Could you imagine doing that the entire game?</p> <p>My boys had to get to the NBA to become losers, and they’re getting very good at it on the teams they’re on. They’re going to lose when they’re by themselves because they can’t make everybody play like them.”</p> <section class="suitcase-ad" /> <p><strong>Okay, so between Lonzo and LaMelo, who do you feel is by themselves more?</strong><br />
<br /> They’re all the same; they’re cut from the same cloth – [but] y’all keep leaving off Gelo. That’s the middle piece. You cut off the middle piece, it doesn’t work good. When some of these guys finally get it – and say, the key to this is got-dang, Gelo! Gelo helped Lonzo average a triple-double. JBA and overseas, Gelo was the one who helped Melo. They ain’t figured it out yet? Gelo is going to get his shot. </p> <p><strong>Do you ever feel that a lot of that resistance is retribution towards you and how you present yourself?</strong><br />
<br /> It might be; I don’t care. When you got your own brand, you don’t worry about that. </p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/lavar-ball-lamelo-lakers-interview">Source link </a></p> <p> <a rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/lavar-ball-on-lamelo-ever-joining-the-los-angeles-lakers-hell-no/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Nike, Adidas, Jordan Brand: Best Basketball Shoes to Buy 2022</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/nike-adidas-jordan-brand-best-basketball-shoes-to-buy-2022/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/nike-adidas-jordan-brand-best-basketball-shoes-to-buy-2022/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jul 2022 22:34:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[adidas]]></category> <category><![CDATA[basketball-shoes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[basketball-sneakers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-fashion]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-fashion-other]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[footwear]]></category> <category><![CDATA[giannis-antetokounmpo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lebron-james]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nike]]></category> <category><![CDATA[puma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reebok]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shoes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[sneakers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strat]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/nike-adidas-jordan-brand-best-basketball-shoes-to-buy-2022/</guid> <description><![CDATA[Summer is officially in full force, and it’s the season to kick it with friends and family at the barbeque, sip lemonade at the beach, and take part in the many festivities that come with the warmer weather. Of course, one of the go-to activities during these months is a pickup game on outdoor courts […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>Summer is officially in full force, and it’s the season to kick it with friends and family at the barbeque, sip lemonade at the beach, and take part in the many festivities that come with the warmer weather. Of course, one of the go-to activities during these months is a pickup game on outdoor courts or at indoor gyms (for that much-needed AC). Whenever the time comes to play ball, owning a good pair of basketball shoes is vital, unless you want to roll your ankle in slides. But what sneakers would fit the bill for you this summer? </p> <p>For starters, think about what you look for in sneakers. Technology? Cushioning? Support? Price point? Branding? Accessibility? If any of these terms speak to you while looking for a new pair, check out this list of the 10 best basketball sneakers to buy right now for guidance.</p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/buyers-guide/best-basketball-sneakers-to-buy-right-now/">Source link </a></p> <p> <a rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/nike-adidas-jordan-brand-best-basketball-shoes-to-buy-2022/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Puma MB.01 ‘Queen City’ LaMelo Ball Sneaker Release</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/puma-mb-01-queen-city-lamelo-ball-sneaker-release/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/puma-mb-01-queen-city-lamelo-ball-sneaker-release/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:25:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[puma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[puma-mb-01]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/puma-mb-01-queen-city-lamelo-ball-sneaker-release/</guid> <description><![CDATA[After releasing a Rick and Morty collaboration in February, Puma is keeping the LaMelo Ball sneakers coming this month with a new Charlotte Hornets-inspired colorway. This Puma MB.01 “Queen City” iteration was first worn by Ball during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game and will now be available to the public. Similar to February’s “Buzz City” makeup, this […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>After releasing a <a target="_blank" href="https://solecollector.com/news/rick-and-morty-puma-mb-01-lamelo-ball-release-date" rel="noopener"><em>Rick and Morty </em>collaboration </a>in February, <a target="_blank" href="https://solecollector.com/sd/00249/puma/" rel="noopener">Puma</a> is keeping the <a target="_blank" href="https://solecollector.com/tag/lamelo-ball" rel="noopener">LaMelo Ball</a> sneakers coming this month with a new Charlotte Hornets-inspired colorway.</p> <p>This Puma MB.01 “Queen City” iteration was first worn by Ball during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game and will now be available to the public. Similar to February’s <a target="_blank" href="https://solecollector.com/news/lamelo-ball-puma-mb1-release-date" rel="noopener">“Buzz City”</a> makeup, this pair uses Hornets colors in purple and teal. The MB.01 pairs Puma’s latest cushioning technology, Nitro Foam, in the midsole with a mesh-based upper.</p> <p>In addition to the sneaker release, Puma and Ball teamed up to refurbish basketball courts in Charlotte’s L.C. Coleman Neighborhood Park. The new court designs use the colors of the “Queen City” sneaker as well as the shoe’s wing design and “1 of 1” tagline.</p> <figure class="image"><a target="_blank" href="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/mn4igbzrp3cgtkoso0ct/puma-mb-01-courts" rel="noopener"></a>
<figcaption>Image via Puma</figcaption>
<br /> </figure> <p>This Puma MB.01 “Queen City” colorway drops on Friday, March 18 for a retail price of $125 from <a href="https://us.puma.com/us/en/home">puma.com</a> as well as Puma’s NYC flagship store, Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Eastbay.</p> <figure class="image"><a target="_blank" href="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_2803,w_4602,x_1203,y_867/kuzfgl0atmelplzwl7oc/puma-mb-01-queen-city-3" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" alt="Puma MB.01 'Queen City' (Pair)" src="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_2803,w_4602,x_1203,y_867/kuzfgl0atmelplzwl7oc/puma-mb-01-queen-city-3" /></a>
<figcaption>Image via Puma</figcaption>
<br /> </figure> <figure class="image"><a target="_blank" href="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_3790,w_6108,x_306,y_431/ofc3fdlynax8l9euf8ox/puma-mb-01-queen-city" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" alt="Puma MB.01 'Queen City' (Front)" src="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_3790,w_6108,x_306,y_431/ofc3fdlynax8l9euf8ox/puma-mb-01-queen-city" /></a>
<figcaption>Image via Puma</figcaption>
<br /> </figure> <figure class="image"><a target="_blank" href="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/ip2xdzfndrk0wpigscqp/puma-mb-01-queen-city-5" rel="noopener"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" alt="Puma MB.01 'Queen City' (Tongue)" width="6720" height="4480" src="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/ip2xdzfndrk0wpigscqp/puma-mb-01-queen-city-5" /></a>
<figcaption>Image via Puma</figcaption>
<br /> </figure> <figure class="image"><a target="_blank" href="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_4162,w_6716,x_0,y_106/vc09sqss7uvqzqz395cj/puma-mb-01-queen-city-6" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" alt="Puma MB.01 'Queen City' (Heel)" width="6716" height="4162" src="https://images.solecollector.com/images/fl_lossy,q_auto/c_crop,h_4162,w_6716,x_0,y_106/vc09sqss7uvqzqz395cj/puma-mb-01-queen-city-6" /></a>
<figcaption>Image via Puma</figcaption>
<br /> </figure> <p> </p> </p></div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/puma-mb-01-queen-city-release-date">Source link </a></p> <p> <a rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/puma-mb-01-queen-city-lamelo-ball-sneaker-release/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>24 Best NBA Players Under 24, Ranked: The Top Young Players</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/24-best-nba-players-under-24-ranked-the-top-young-players/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/24-best-nba-players-under-24-ranked-the-top-young-players/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:31:58 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[anthony-edwards]]></category> <category><![CDATA[collin-sexton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[deaaron-fox]]></category> <category><![CDATA[deandre-ayton]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[evan-mobley]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ja-morant]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jaren-jackson-jr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jayson-tatum]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[luka-doncic]]></category> <category><![CDATA[michael-porter-jr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pvp]]></category> <category><![CDATA[rj-barrett]]></category> <category><![CDATA[scottie-barnes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shai-gilgeous-alexander]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-two]]></category> <category><![CDATA[trae-young]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tyler-herro]]></category> <category><![CDATA[zion-williamson]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/24-best-nba-players-under-24-ranked-the-top-young-players/</guid> <description><![CDATA[The NBA’s in good hands. For the record, we’re not talking about the leadership of commissioner Adam Silver. Nor any of the fine people working behind the scenes that make the Association operate like a well-oiled machine. We’re talking about all the young stars balling at an insanely high level on a nightly basis who […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>The NBA’s in good hands. </p> <p>For the record, we’re not talking about the leadership of commissioner Adam Silver. Nor any of the fine people working behind the scenes that make the Association operate like a well-oiled machine. </p> <p>We’re talking about all the young stars balling at an insanely high level on a nightly basis who will eventually take over the mantle as faces of the league from LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, when those living legends—36, 33, and 33, respectively—decide to call it a career in the not-too-distant future.</p> <p>Not that we’re trying to push LeBron, Steph, and KD out the door. It’s just that, soon enough, the NBA will belong to the likes of Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball—to highlight but a few of the supremely talented players under the age of 24 currently in the league. Each is already one his way to authoring an impressive career, and a few could even end up being considered all-time greats when they’re done playing, hopefully a decade and a half from now. </p> <p>But if you were messing around with your pals and had to rank those five, who would you slot first? </p> <p>Would it be Doncic, the Slovenian wizard whose step-back 3-pointer is one of the most lethal moves in the NBA? Would it be Young, the diminutive point guard whose range is only rivaled by Curry? Or Tatum, the volume scorer for the Celtics who hits impossible shots all the time? Or would you give the nod to Morant, the bouncy Grizzlies floor general who wows us with his athleticism all the time? Or would you have the audacity to place Ball ahead of ’em all since he’s the youngest of the bunch, yet has proven to be a revelation for the Hornets?</p> <p>You kind of can’t go wrong choosing any of them. But because we love ourselves a good NBA hypothetical—if you don’t, are you really a basketball fan?—we took on the arduous task of ranking them, plus 19 others, to come up with our 24 best NBA players under 24. Instead of posting a played-out 25 under 25, or <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sports/best-nba-players-24-and-under/" rel="noopener">the best 24 <em>and</em> under</a> like we did last year, we swerved slightly this year and opted for the best 24 under 24. While nobody on this list is currently above the age of 23, everybody on it can hoop and should have a long and extremely lucrative career ahead of them. Quibble with how we ranked the guys all you want, but there’s no arguing with the names we have on here.</p> <p>Here are the 24 best NBA players under 24.</p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/24-best-nba-players-under-24/">Source link </a></p> <p> <a rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/24-best-nba-players-under-24-ranked-the-top-young-players/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>LaMelo Ball Reportedly Out for Season With Fractured Wrist</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-reportedly-out-for-season-with-fractured-wrist/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-reportedly-out-for-season-with-fractured-wrist/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2021 01:21:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[charlotte-hornets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-one]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-reportedly-out-for-season-with-fractured-wrist/</guid> <description><![CDATA[Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball will reportedly miss the rest of the season, after sustaining an injury to his right wrist on Sunday. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Rookie of the Year frontrunner is expected to be out for the remainder of the year, and is seeking a second opinion. This story is being updated. Source link قالب وردپرس]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/hornets" rel="noopener">Charlotte Hornets</a> guard <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lamelo-ball" rel="noopener">LaMelo Ball</a> will reportedly miss the rest of the season, after sustaining an injury to his right wrist on Sunday.</p> <p>ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Rookie of the Year frontrunner is expected to be out for the remainder of the year, and is seeking a second opinion.</p> <p><em>This story is being updated.</em></p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/></div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/lamelo-ball-reportedly-out-for-season-fractured-wrist">Source link </a></p> <p> <a style="display:none" rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-reportedly-out-for-season-with-fractured-wrist/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>How LaMelo Ball Can Help PUMA Disrupt the Basketball Shoe Space</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/how-lamelo-ball-can-help-puma-disrupt-the-basketball-shoe-space/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/how-lamelo-ball-can-help-puma-disrupt-the-basketball-shoe-space/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:44:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[272964]]></category> <category><![CDATA[article]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ball family]]></category> <category><![CDATA[basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[basketball-shoes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[big-baller-brand]]></category> <category><![CDATA[charlotte-hornets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[complex-ca]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sneakers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sneakers-puma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lavar-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[prm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[puma]]></category> <category><![CDATA[puma-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[shoes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-three]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/how-lamelo-ball-can-help-puma-disrupt-the-basketball-shoe-space/</guid> <description><![CDATA[LaMelo Ball is about to enter the NBA, in one of its most unusual seasons ever, as one of its most unusual rookies ever. For starters, he’s got a weird jump shot. It’s a two-handed thrust that looks almost like he’s tossing a chest pass at the basket (until it goes in). And then there’s […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p><a href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lamelo-ball" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">LaMelo Ball</a> is about to enter the NBA, in one of <a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/11/nba-players-association-votes-to-approve-72-game-season-starting-dec-22" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">its most unusual seasons ever</a>, as one of its most unusual rookies ever.</p> <p>For starters, he’s got a weird jump shot. It’s a two-handed thrust that looks almost like he’s tossing a chest pass at the basket (until it goes in). </p> <p>And then there’s the other stuff: his dad is LaVar Ball, he grew up starring in a reality TV show, he <a href="https://solecollector.com/news/2017/08/lamelo-ball-big-baller-brand-sneaker?utm_source=Complex&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=www.complex.com%20crosspromo%20newsfeed" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">had his own signature shoe</a> at the age of 16, and he’s taken a very strange route to the NBA. LaMelo was famously pulled out of high school by LaVar in his sophomore year and <a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2018/02/heres-what-lamelo-balls-life-has-been-like-in-lithuania" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">flown to Lithuania</a>, where he competed professionally against grown men. He returned stateside to play for the <a href="https://www.complex.com/tag/junior-basketball-association" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">Junior Basketball Association</a>, owned by his pops, before doing <a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2019/06/lamelo-ball-signs-deal-with-australian-national-basketball-league" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">a stint in Australia’s National Basketball League</a>. After landing with the Charlotte Hornets as the third overall pick in November’s NBA draft, the 19-year-old became the highest-selected U.S.-born draftee to bypass college ball.</p> <p>As player origin stories go, LaMelo’s is as atypical they come—and it’s exactly why PUMA wanted him to be the newest face of its basketball program. Hell, the messaging is literally written on the first shirt and hoodie the German brand released for the 6-foot-7 point guard: “Not from Here” and “01 of 01.” It’s been a couple years since PUMA returned to the hoops sneaker space after a 20-year absence. Well aware that Nike and Adidas have dominated the marketplace for decades, the brand’s understood that the only way to compete with the traditional shoe powers is by doing things differently.</p> <p>“PUMA’s been making waves since their comeback to basketball, not just on the court but for the culture,” LaMelo <a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2020/10/lamelo-ball-signs-puma-basketball-endoresment-deal" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">told Complex</a> after his signing with the brand this fall, becoming the first Ball brother to ink an endorsement deal outside of Big Baller Brand. “They’re doing big things and are the new wave of hoops.”</p> <p>It’s not lost on PUMA that Ball, who currently has more <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram followers</a> than the majority of NBA players, is as divisive as he is popular. In fact, that’s sort of the appeal, and may also be part of what’s attracted a new crop of players to the brand: it isn’t afraid to rock the boat.</p> <p>PUMA re-entered performance basketball <a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2018/06/puma-relaunches-basketball-division-announce-signings-jay-z-president-of-basketball-operations" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">with a bang</a> during the 2018 draft, shocking the sneaker world by signing five of the top 16 picks: David Ayton (No.1 overall), Marvin Bagley III (No. 2 overall), Kevin Knox (No. 9), Michael Porter Jr. (No. 14), and Zhaire Smith (No. 16). With Ball, the brand picked up the most recognizable, and unconventional, name in this year’s draft. </p> <p>“PUMA Basketball is still a relatively new space for us as far as our business goes,” says Curtis Begg, Senior Director of Marketing at PUMA Canada. “We’ve got a strong history of soccer in Europe, so for us to get into a North American team sport was critical. This is the kickoff to our third season in basketball, if you can believe it. And Lamelo has been a great addition; he’s young and energetic and definitely marches to his own beat.”</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <blockquote class="pull"><p> </p> <div class="pullquote"> <p>“Internally, we talk about the ‘game changer’—that’s a pretty targeted consumer we’re looking at.”</p> </div> <p> </p></blockquote> <p>The brand’s history in basketball runs deep, starting back in 1973, when New York Knicks star <a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2020/04/clyde-frazier-paved-the-way-for-michael-jordans-sneaker-empire-full-size-run" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">Walt “Clyde” Frazier</a> became the first player in NBA history to get his own signature shoe, the PUMA Clyde. In the ’80s, the brand courted players like Isaiah Thomas, Alex English, and Ralph Sampson. But things cooled off after PUMA’s infamously short-lived deal with the Toronto Raptors’ Vince Carter in 1998. The company would spend the next two decades on the sidelines of the category.</p> <p>So what made PUMA decide to dive back into the game? It doesn’t take a brainer to figure that out: of all the big major-league sports in North America—basketball, football, baseball, hockey—it’s the NBA that’s leading the charge in influencing fashion and pop culture. You won’t catch Sidney Crosby rocking a skirt suit to Paris Fashion Week—<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/67/3b/98/673b9839e6d008018f180891fed42cd6.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">leave that to the basketball players</a>. “The time was right for us to come back, and I think a lot of it has to do with the opportunity off the court just as much as it does on the court,” says Begg. “We’re interested in the tunnel walk and making sure there’s high visibility in moments like that, too. It’s about the culture of basketball.” But the tougher question is: How can the brand contend with the kick titans that have commanded the space for so long?</p> <blockquote class="pull"><p> </p> <div class="pullquote"> <p>“We’ve even gone as far as taking tweets and comments of fans hating PUMA Basketball, printing them out, putting them on a cake, and eating it on social media.”</p> </div> <p> </p></blockquote> <p>PUMA’s attack plan is to offer kids an alternative to the establishment. Targeting younger consumers in the 14-to-18-year-old range, according to Begg, the brand is positioning itself as a subversion of the sneaker status quo—a cooler, out-of-the-box option. Its first order of business was <a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2018/06/puma-relaunches-basketball-division-announce-signings-jay-z-president-of-basketball-operations" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">hiring the coolest guy out there</a>, Jay-Z, as its creative director for basketball. Besides furthering PUMA’s presence in hip-hop—this summer they gave J. Cole his own signature shoe, <a href="https://solecollector.com/news/2020/07/j-cole-puma-rs-dreamer-release-date" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the RS-Dreamer</a>, which was worn by Ball in his first photoshoot with the brand—Hov also pushed the idea to launch the Clyde Court “Disrupt,” its first hoops sneaker in decades, in attention-grabbing orange and yellow.</p> <p>“Disrupt” also happens to be a good way to describe PUMA’s current M.O. “Internally, we talk about the ‘game changer’—that’s a pretty targeted consumer we’re looking at,” says Begg. “And it’s not just a game changer, but also someone who’s inspired by the game changer. That comes back to LaMelo—we feel that he’s a game changer. The consumer we’re looking at is inspired by someone like that, who’s willing to shake things up, be a little bit different, and show confidence in everything he does.”</p> <p>We see that confidence on display in PUMA’s cavalier approach to marketing; it’s exercised a level of creative limberness that larger brands don’t always have. The first campaign videos for Ball show him performing a series of doctored, over-the-top highlights, from flinging a behind-the-back pass to himself to palming six basketballs with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGc5SyFDMwq/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">six arms extended Virtruvian style</a>. PUMA has also had no qualms about getting its hands dirty in the NBA Twitter cycle. The ads for the new PUMA Clyde All-Pro Kuzma Mid feature a number of negative tweets from <a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2019/10/8-things-to-know-about-kyle-kuzma-puma-deal/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kyle Kuzma</a>’s detractors, with the Los Angeles Laker concluding the spot by thanking them for the motivation. (Begg couldn’t confirm whether a signature shoe for Ball was in the works.)</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>It’s not the first time PUMA has addressed naysayers head-on. “We’ve even gone as far as taking tweets and comments of fans hating PUMA Basketball, printing them out, putting them on a cake, and eating it on social media,” says Begg. “Just to have fun with it.” A flex if we’ve ever heard of one.</p> <p>So, PUMA’s been shooting its provocative shots with the basketball market, and thus far, it’s been draining them. Over the last couple years, the brand has grown at a faster rate than its competitors, and its stock has delivered superior returns, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2020/01/23/how-puma-became-the-worlds-fastest-growing-sports-apparel-brand/?sh=715c10467f4f" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Forbes</a>. The response has been a good one.</p> <p>LaMelo will make his debut for the Hornets—who are owned, ironically, by Michael Jordan, the namesake of one of PUMA’s rival brands—on December 12, when they face the Raptors in a preseason game. The team has no clear leaders, meaning Ball will be given the keys to the franchise. He’ll have a chance to become the first player on PUMA’s current hoops roster to take the leap to stardom. Of course, some will be praying for his downfall, based alone on the fact that his dad cockily <a href="https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/1332746122050334720" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">guaranteed he will be named Rookie of the Year</a>. But PUMA likely won’t be too concerned with the hate. Chances are, they’ll write a cheeky tweet about it.</p> <p>“It’s about having fun, having a laugh, and not taking it too seriously, just because it’s tough out there,” says Begg. “Not everyone loves us and not everyone loves every shoe we put out. But that’s OK. We know that we’re not for everyone. We do our thing and we feel good about it.”</p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sneakers/2020/12/lamelo-ball-puma-basketball-shoe-space">Source link </a></p> <p> <a style="display:none" rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/how-lamelo-ball-can-help-puma-disrupt-the-basketball-shoe-space/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>LaMelo Ball on If His Dad Could Beat Michael Jordan</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-on-if-his-dad-could-beat-michael-jordan/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-on-if-his-dad-could-beat-michael-jordan/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2020 21:31:48 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[charlotte-hornets]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lavar-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[michael-jordan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-one]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-on-if-his-dad-could-beat-michael-jordan/</guid> <description><![CDATA[It’s time to say that LaVar Ball was right. With LaMelo Ball drafted at No. 3 overall, he fulfilled his prophecy as all of his sons are either in the NBA or playing for an NBA-affiliated team. Although all of the Ball sons have shown loyalty to their father, there’s one boisterous claim LaMelo can’t […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>It’s time to say that <a href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lavar-ball" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">LaVar Ball</a> was right. With <a href="https://www.complex.com/tag/lamelo-ball" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">LaMelo Ball</a> drafted at No. 3 overall, he fulfilled his prophecy as all of his sons are either in the NBA or playing for an NBA-affiliated team. Although all of the Ball sons have shown loyalty to their father, there’s one boisterous claim LaMelo can’t even pretend is true. </p> <p>During a press conference welcoming LaMelo to the Charlotte Hornets, Ball was asked about his father’s <a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2017/08/lavar-ball-responds-shaq-charles-barkley-lebron-james" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer">now-infamous claim</a> that he could beat the GOAT and Hornets owner, Michael Jordan, in a game of one-on-one.</p> <p>“I don’t think it’s gonna happen,” LaMelo answered honestly. “And then, I think we know how it would turn out, to be honest.”</p> <p>Although the new NBA player answered honestly, he didn’t turn Fredo and take sides against the family. He told the reporters that he’s a team player, but he also loves his father. As a result, he’s straddling the fence on this subject. </p> <p>“I mean it is my pops and my boss … so I’m on both sides now,” LaMelo <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2020/11/20/lamelo-ball-lavar-michael-jordan-1-on-1-charlotte-hornets-draft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">said per TMZ.</a> </p> <p>The Hornets made the best decision for their team when they took LaMelo with the third pick in the 2020 NBA draft. They’re also looking to make some noise in the Eastern Conference by pairing ‘Melo with former-Celtic Gordon Hayward, who just signed a four-year $120 million deal with the team. While the Hornets may think this was a great move, many people are convinced MJ overpaid for the aging, injury-prone forward. </p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <section class="suitcase-ad"/></div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/11/lamelo-ball-lavar-beat-michael-jordan">Source link </a></p> <p> <a style="display:none" rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/lamelo-ball-on-if-his-dad-could-beat-michael-jordan/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>2020 NBA Mock Draft: Warriors, Knicks, Cavaliers & More</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-mock-draft-warriors-knicks-cavaliers-more-5/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-mock-draft-warriors-knicks-cavaliers-more-5/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:51:47 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[james-wiseman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba-draft]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-two]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-mock-draft-warriors-knicks-cavaliers-more-5/</guid> <description><![CDATA[We’re almost back to real basketball. All the teams that have been invited to Orlando have arrived there to quarantine and start practicing for the first time in what feels like five years. We’ll see if this thing gets off the ground and actual games actually start at the end of this month. If nothing […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <div> <p>We’re almost back to real basketball. All the teams that have been invited to Orlando have arrived there to quarantine and start practicing for the first time in what feels like five years. We’ll see if this thing gets off the ground and actual games actually start at the end of this month. If nothing else, there’s hope. </p> <p>The NBA Draft hasn’t changed in the last couple of weeks in terms of news. The lottery is still slated for August 25, and the draft is set to be held on October 16. It’s fair to expect both those dates are subject to change if things don’t go according to plan in Orlando with the bubble. </p> <p>In our fifth version of the mock draft, the Cavs give up the first pick (really starting to doubt their lottery magic after they’re just 1-for-5 in grabbing the top pick) to Detroit, with Atlanta sliding in second, the Cavs falling to third, and Phoenix jumping up all the way to fourth. </p> <figure class="image"><figcaption>Image via Tankathon</figcaption></figure> <p> </p> </div> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/nba-mock-draft-predictions-warriors-cavaliers-knicks/">Source link </a></p> <p> <a style="display:none" rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-mock-draft-warriors-knicks-cavaliers-more-5/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>2020 NBA Draft: LaMelo Ball & More Compared to NBA Stars</title> <link>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-draft-lamelo-ball-more-compared-to-nba-stars/</link> <comments>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-draft-lamelo-ball-more-compared-to-nba-stars/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[SOURCE]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2020 10:48:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[college-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dfp-sports-basketball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lamelo-ball]]></category> <category><![CDATA[lists]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Music]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba]]></category> <category><![CDATA[nba-draft]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[strat]]></category> <category><![CDATA[tier-two]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-draft-lamelo-ball-more-compared-to-nba-stars/</guid> <description><![CDATA[With the NFL Draft now a wrap, it’s time to start thinking about the next fleet of stars who will enter the NBA. Though what will come of this regular season is still uncertain—LeBron James, for one, wants to see it through—the Association’s selection show is scheduled for June 25, but will likely be pushed […]]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><br /> </p> <div> <p>With the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/04/nfl-draft-2020-winners-and-losers" rel="noopener noreferrer">NFL Draft</a> now a wrap, it’s time to start thinking about the next fleet of stars who will enter the NBA. Though what will come of this regular season is still uncertain—LeBron James, for one, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2020/04/lebron-james-responds-to-reports-nba-execs-want-to-cancel-season" rel="noopener noreferrer">wants to see it through</a>—the Association’s selection show is scheduled for June 25, but will likely be pushed back. Last week, the league postponed both the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nba.com/article/2020/05/01/nba-postpones-nba-draft-lottery-draft-combine-2020" rel="noopener noreferrer">lottery and combine</a>.</p> <p>Some of the incoming prospects—like LaMelo Ball and James Wiseman—are names that have been on the radar for years. Others—like Devin Vassell and Tyrese Haliburton—are more recent bloomers who have rocketed up mock drafts after a strong college season. Each projected lottery pick, however, has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone if he ends up in the right setting.</p> <p>When this fleet of newcomers gets on the court, you might think, That looks familiar. You might see shades of current and former NBA players in their game. These youngsters have taken bits and pieces to create their own unique recipe—they’re the remix, baby. </p> <p>Here are 10 of the top 2020 NBA Draft prospects and analogues who have graced the NBA.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p> </p> <p>1⃣ LaMelo Ball – Warriors<br /> <br /> 4⃣ Anthony Edwards – Knicks<br /> <br /> 1⃣3⃣ Cole Anthony – Pelicans</p> <p>2020 NBA Mock Draft: <a href="https://t.co/1nzkoGfuA2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://t.co/1nzkoGfuA2</a> <a href="https://t.co/8mwZAYkPrF" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pic.twitter.com/8mwZAYkPrF</a></p> <p> <br /> — Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/ComplexSports/status/1257330676392767490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">May 4, 2020</a></p></blockquote> <h3>LaMelo Ball, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Penny Hardaway</strong></p> <p>We had to go into the vault for this one. You’ve surely heard all about Ball by this point of his life—on the off chance you’re unfamiliar, read <a target="_blank" href="https://www.complex.com/sports/lamelo-ball-everything-you-need-to-know" rel="noopener noreferrer">this primer</a>.</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>It’s tough to nail down a perfect comparison for Ball because he’s so skilled and so tall. He plays like Jason Williams, but White Chocolate was listed at 6’1” and Ball is 6’8”. </p> <p>LaVar’s youngest son has ideal size for a floor general, though he’s a wispy 180 pounds. He’ll need time and a good strength and conditioning program to grow into his frame. His skills shine on the offensive end, where he’s an absolute maestro passing the rock and can also shoot the lights out. He’s come a long way since he was chucking up shots en masse at Chino Hills (he once scored 92 points as a sophomore) and has developed so much as an all-around playmaker and shot-creator that he reminds us of the former Magic sensation and current Memphis coach.</p> <h3>Anthony Edwards, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Victor Oladipo</strong></p> <p>At 6’5” and 225 pounds, Edwards was dominant during his lone college campaign. The SEC Freshman of the Year at Georgia, he averaged 19.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.3 SPG. At one point this season, he dropped 36 against South Carolina, 32 against Florida, and 29 against the Texas A&M Aggies. The kid can hoop.</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>Tom Crean coached both Edwards and Oladipo, and the similarities between their games are striking. Edwards doesn’t quite have the defensive aptitude of Oladipo, but he’s more advanced on the offensive end at this point of his career, and he’s bigger. Edwards is a powerful athlete with insane ups (much like the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest runner-up) and prolific scoring ability. </p> <p>Edwards is a near-impossible matchup in iso situations. Though he wasn’t super consistent for a bad, 16-16 Georgia team, his promise is undeniable.</p> <h3>James Wiseman, F</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>DeAndre Jordan</strong></p> <p>Wiseman unfortunately didn’t get to play out his freshman season because of an impermissible benefits saga at Memphis, but we saw enough to know he’s potentially the real deal. During his three games with Penny’s Tigers, Wiseman put up 19.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 3.0 BPG.</p> <p>His stock has dropped somewhat in the past year, but he’s still widely viewed as a top-three selection. With tremendous leaping ability, defense, and rebounding, the 7’1” from Nashville takes us right back to Jordan. The gargantuan 19-year-old still needs to develop his post skills and leadership, but those issues have plagued Jordan throughout his career, too.</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>One important difference: Wiseman can hit free throws (70.4 percent this year, compared to Jordan’s career 47.4 percent mark). There won’t be any hack-a-Wiseman going on.</p> <h3>Isaac Okoro, F </h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Justise Winslow</strong></p> <p>A 6’6” small forward, Okoro was a five-star recruit, but he wasn’t included in the ‘cream of the crop’ discussion. He wasn’t one of those names every top program is salivating over. Nonetheless, he was the second-highest ranked commit in Auburn program history. Okoro showed why they felt they got a steal during his lone NCAA season. </p> <p>He averaged 12.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 2.0 APG, but most importantly flashed potential well beyond those numbers. Okoro is a dynamic athlete with strength and quickness, and he really knows how to use his body. He finishes well at the rim, could be a lockdown defender at the next level, and has a selfless spirit.</p> <p>His versatility, high basketball IQ, and defensive potential remind us of a certain former Duke wing who was drafted No. 10 overall in 2015.</p> <h3>Cole Anthony, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Kemba Walker</strong></p> <p>Anthony was one of the lone bright spots during a depressing year for Tar Heels fans who are probably happy the season ended when it did. The 19-year-old from Portland, who came from famed Oak Hill Academy, was the No. 2 overall recruit in his class and more than lived up to the hype, averaging 18.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 1.3 SPG for Roy Williams’ 14-19 squad. </p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>This guy is a scorer through and through. He’s only 6’2” and 185 pounds, but he can really shoot the rock and create open looks. He hit 35 percent of his threes in college. He’s also a strong athlete who’s fearless at the rim so don’t let his size fool you. Get this guy in the open floor and it’s game over. Also: watch your ankles, son.</p> <p>Just about every part of his game reminds us of Cardiac Kemba, who was having a strong first season with the Celtics before coronavirus got in the way.</p> <h3>Devin Vassell, F </h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Khris Middleton</strong></p> <p>Vassell picked FSU over Texas Tech, but he didn’t have many other major offers. He also wasn’t much of a factor in his freshman campaign, averaging only 4.5 PPG. Draft analysts weren’t going into this year saying, “Devin Vassell is a must-watch lottery candidate.”</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>But as a freshman, he showed glimpses of a beautiful 3-point stroke and started getting crunch time minutes down the stretch. In 2019-20, he ascended to the next level. He increased his averages across the board—12.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, and 1.0 BPG while shooting an impressive 42 percent from downtown.</p> <p>He’s a shooter, yes, but he can also do more than that. The 6’7” SG/SF from Georgia excels off the ball, grabs boards, and plays hard. He’s not a ball hog or prima donna—he simply makes winning plays, drains shots, and locks down on D. He does the thing that needs to be done and knows himself.</p> <p>Sound familiar? Pair Vassell with a star like Giannis and watch him flourish.</p> <h3>Killian Hayes, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Goran Dragic</strong></p> <p>Hayes is still only 18, yet he’s been on scouts’ radar for a long time. He was MVP of the FIBA 2017 U16 European Championship with France and also took his national team to a silver medal in 2018 at the U17 World Cup. He’s been playing in the Bundesliga in Germany and has played well beyond his age in one of the top Euro leagues. </p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>He excels at getting into the lane and has a lightning-quick first step as well as athleticism—expect Hayes to generate a few posters in his career. The kid has bounce.</p> <p>At 6’5”, he’s a tall point guard, and he says he’s <a target="_blank" href="https://theathletic.com/1604862/2020/02/13/french-prospect-killian-hayes-could-be-special-and-is-a-warriors-name-to-watch-in-the-2020-draft/" rel="noopener noreferrer">modeled his game after James Harden</a>. However, he’s somewhat limited in terms of shooting, and obviously that isn’t the case for The Beard. This young lefty reminds us more of a different NBA southpaw: Goran Dragic.</p> <h3>Tyrese Maxey, F</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Bradley Beal</strong></p> <p>We’re not saying Maxey is on Beal’s level yet by any means. Indeed, Maxey’s shot is still a work in progress; he hit only 29.2 percent of his threes at Kentucky. But Beal made massive strides as a shooter when he went from Florida to the pros, and expect the same for this SG from Texas. He’ll get there.</p> <p>Maxey is an all-around ball player. He’s a strong ball handler and defender. Though his frame isn’t very imposing (6’3”, 200), neither is Beal’s (6’5”, 205).</p> <p>The five-star recruit (No. 13 in his class) lit up Louisville in a big rivalry game in December with 27 points. Maxey’s first NBA home may need to be patient, but the Second Team All-SEC player has too much potential not to succeed.</p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <h3>RJ Hampton, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Jordan Clarkson</strong></p> <p>Hampton made waves when he decided to play for the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League instead of accepting offers from top college programs like Memphis, Kansas, and Texas Tech. The No. 5 player in his class played 15 games in Australia and averaged 8.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 2.4 APG. </p> <p>Like Maxey, he’s a bit of a project. He needs to add weight, to say the least (6’5”, 185), and get better on the defensive end—but he’s a smooth combo guard with strong court sense. </p> <p>His handles are some of the best in this class and he has beautiful shooting mechanics. If he ends up in the right system, he’ll eclipse the career of Clarkson, who has always seemed just one step away from really becoming a factor in the league.</p> <h3>Tyrese Haliburton, G</h3> <p><u>Best case scenario comparison</u>: <strong>Lonzo Ball</strong></p> <p>It feels fitting that our list begins and ends with Ball brothers, because how could an article about basketball come and go without an extensive Ball Family presence? Haliburton is a 6’5” point guard from Wisconsin who’s the definition of a late bloomer. He was only a three-star recruit out of his high school. </p> <section class="suitcase-ad"/> <p>At Iowa State, however, he was a factor from Day 1—and he really blossomed this season as a sophomore. After flashing promise as a freshman, he increased his averages to 15.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.9 RPG, and 2.5 SPG. Haliburton has tremendous court sense, can pass with the best of them, and is a better shooter than Lonzo, hitting 41.9 percent of his threes this season.</p> <p>His size and long arms are advantageous, too, though he’s somewhat limited athletically. Haliburton needs to add weight (a consistent theme among top prospects this year), but so did Lonzo. The Cyclone guard’s passing is ultimately what makes him such a tantalizing option. He’s not a playmaker on LaMelo’s level, but he has fringe All-Star potential.</p> </div> <p><br /> <br /><a href="https://www.complex.com/sports/2020-nba-draft-top-prospect-comparions/">Source link </a></p> <p> <a style="display:none" rel="follow" href="http://megatheme.ir/" title="قالب وردپرس">قالب وردپرس</a></p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://freshestfm.com/2020-nba-draft-lamelo-ball-more-compared-to-nba-stars/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>