Ranking every new team debut from Donovan Mitchell to Ben Simmons

The offseason musical chairs meant plenty of new faces in new places. We ranked the 10 biggest opening week debuts from first to worst.

How KD and Nash plan on helping Ben Simmons bounce back

Can the Aussie rediscover his All-Star form? It won't happen overnight.

Manu Ginobili's Hall of Fame impact in six words or less

In honor of arguably the greatest sixth man of all time being inducted into the Hall of Fame, members of our TSN staff share how they'll remember Manu Ginobili's career.

How good was Manu Ginobili?

With the Spurs legend entering the Hall of Fame, we look beyond the box score to examine how Ginobili compares with others from his generation.

Biggest keys to Warriors vs. Mavs

In anticipation of the Western Conference Finals, members of our NBA staff have identified one matchup to watch and made their picks for the series and the newly-introduced Conference Finals MVP award.

None

LeBron James once again leads the way in jersey sales. James now extends his impressive streak to four straight seasons.

None

Barring injury, LeBron James will eventually pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA's all-time leading scorer. But looking beyond career point totals, how does The King stack up with Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain and Kevin Durant?

None

Jimmy Butler left Miami's game against the Pistons with a sprained right ankle. It's the fourth ankle injury of the season for Butler who has missed 23 games overall due to injury.

None

Karl-Anthony Towns dropped a career-high 60 points vs. the Spurs, setting a franchise record and becoming the 31st player in NBA history to score 60 in a single game.

None

We looked at the 15 closest MVP races in modern NBA history to find out whether head-to-head records matter when it comes to picking MVPs.

None

With just 15 games left in the regular season, we asked four of our writers to identify the four biggest problems plaguing the Warriors along with four possible fixes.

None

Is LeBron James closer to Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan? Is Giannis Antetokounmpo more like Wilt Chamberlain or Shaquille O'Neal? We compared every 2022 NBA All-Star to one member of the 75th anniversary team.

Trade deadline roundtable: biggest unanswered questions

15 trades, 56 players and 24 draft picks. Making sense of the NBA trade deadline.

None

None

Two members of our TSN staff took the place of All-Star captains LeBron James and Kevin Durant to draft the 2022 NBA All-Star teams.

SN's picks for All-Star reserves

Picking the reserves for the All-Star Game surely never sparks much of a debate... right?

Is it too soon to sound the alarm for these teams?

Three members of our NBA Global staff break out the panic meter to weigh in on teams that entered the season with high expectations but are off to slow starts.

NBA unveils all 30 City Edition jerseys

To honor the NBA's 75th anniversary season, all 30 of the new City Edition uniforms pays homage to key moments of each team's history.

Giannis' 50-point masterpiece secures 2021 NBA title

In the potential title-clincher, the Greek Freak came up huge by scoring 50 and leading the franchise a 105-98 Game 6 win. Thus, leading them to just their second title in franchise history and first in 50 years.

Every 50-point game in a season opener

Kyrie Irving poured in 50 points in his Nets debut last year, becoming just the fifth player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a season opener.

Most individual points in a Finals loss

Only one player in NBA Finals history has scored more points in a loss than Stephen Curry did in Game 3 of the 2019 NBA Finals as he finished with 47.

All-Defensive Team predictions

Could the Bucks snag four of the 10 total spots? Will Kyle Lowry snag that elusive All-D honour? And with four players for two spots at centre, who gets left out between Rudy Gobert, Joel Embiid, Brook Lopez and Marc Gasol?

Casting doubt on LeBron and the Lakers

LeBron James in the clutch. A lack of playoff experience for Anthony Davis. The supporting cast. Plenty of obstacles stand in the way of the Lakers hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy when the season resumes, but how much of it will ultimately matter in the end?

Is the clock ticking on Kawhi's new sidekick?

The Finals MVP left the Raptors for the Clippers in part to team up with Paul George. The problem? When the Clippers have turned to PG-13 with the clock ticking down, the results have been R-rated.

Postseason pressure for Donovan Mitchell?

The third-year guard made his first All-Star team in 2020 but arrives in Orlando with mounting pressure to lead a Jazz team saddled with hazy expectations and teetering on the edge of an uncertain future.

What's at stake for the stars?

What would a 10th trip to the Finals mean for LeBron? Could Giannis lose the 2021 MVP with an early exit in 2020? Will Kawhi reassert himself as the game's best player? And what does Stephen Curry have to gain despite not playing?

How Rondo injury impacts NBA title chase

The odds on favourite to win the NBA title received yet another blow to the backcourt over the weekend as Rajon Rondo will miss six to eight weeks after fracturing his thumb. How does Rondo's injury impact the top team in the West and how far will the ripple effects extend across the league? Here are six major questions facing the Lakers as they move forward without yet another point guard.

Vince, LeBron and the NBA game changers

The 10-year anniversary of 'The Decision' and the retirement of a YouTube pioneer makes for an opportune time to revisit the NBA's biggest game changers. LeBron James, Vince Carter, Stephen Curry and Wilt Chamberlain are among the select few who transcended the game and forever changed the course of history.

The 25 best dunkers in NBA history

Who are the best dunkers in NBA history? Did MJ, Vinsanity, Nique or Dr. J take the top spot? How do you compare the vicious power dunkers with the acrobatic aerial wizards? And to be clear... this is no exhibition. So apologies to the Slam Dunk artists, if you weren't throwing down spectacularly in games, this isn't the list for you.

Power Rankings: All 22 starting backcourts

Do the Rockets or Trail Blazers have the NBA's best backcourt? Where do the Lakers rank after losing their starting point guard? And how much does experience matter down in the Disney World bubble?

Are Celtics a bigger East threat than Raptors?

The defending champs may have the second-best record in the East, but that doesn't mean they're the biggest threat to take out Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Bucks, Lakers or Clippers?

Are the Bucks, Lakers or Clippers in the top spot? Will either the Rockets or 76ers finally reach their full potential? Which team is most primed for an unexpected push as a championship sleeper?

Giannis > Last 25 MVP winners

The reigning MVP elevates his play against good teams like no player in modern history. Why the number '51.6' debunks the narrative that he's not ready to win big.

Biggest playoff streaks on the line

If the NBA ultimately does return to finish the season, how it chooses to do so could impact the status of several historic postseason streaks.

None

The greatest champion. The greatest record setter. The walking triple-double. The 1960s featured some of the largest legendary figures in the history of the game. Beyond the biggest names, who else ruled the decade?

You can't tell the story of the 1970s without...

Kareem. Doctor J. Iceman. The Logo. Pistol Pete. The 1970s ushered in a new brand of basketball that marked a significant shift still felt today. These are the the defining moments from the NBA's quintessential fork-in-the-road decade.

None

Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the easy picks, but who else made the cut? Plus, two players from one team, but not the Lakers or Celtics?

You can't tell the story of the 2000s without...

Did Kobe, Duncan or Shaq take the crown for best player? How did Vinsanity set the stage for the next 20 years? What did MVPs for Nash and Nowitzki mean for the NBA's growing popularity? And how do the 2001 Lakers stack up with the 2008 Celtics?

The four tiers of title contenders

If the NBA does return, it will do so under unprecedented conditions. Introducing unknown variables increases the odds for chaos, and there's no better equalizer than chaos.

Nobody defends stars like Ben Simmons

No player in the NBA guards All-Stars more than Simmons. Here's how one number and two nostalgic trips down memory lane show why the 6'10" Aussie has more star-stopping potential than any player in today's NBA.

How many MVPs should Jordan have won?

On this date in 1998, Michael Jordan won his fifth and final MVP award. Should he have won more of them? Or did he actually win too many? Here's a closer look at the seasons he did and didn't take home the hardware.

What is Reggie Miller's legacy?

"I'm going to retire Michael Jordan." Imagine having the confidence to even think that. Imagine having the confidence to truly believe that. Now imagine having the confidence to say it out loud. Reggie Miller stands as one of his generations iconic figures, a legendary trash-talking, sweet-shooting Hall-of-Famer who pushed His Airness to the absolute edge. But what if there's also some myth behind the mythology?

Tougher road in playoffs: MJ or LeBron?

One is 6-0 in the Finals. One is 3-6 in the Finals. One faced a far easier road to get there. One faced a far more daunting task once there. A closer look into the playoff opponents of MJ and LeBron reveals there is far more to the GOAT conversation than 6-0 or 3-6.

Ranking every Michael Jordan playoff opponent

What is the hardest team the Bulls ever faced in the NBA Finals? Which is the best of the Bad Boy Pistons teams they faced? Which of the two three-peats featured tougher opponents? Presenting a complete breakdown of all 37 of Jordan's playoff opponents.

Airball Jordan? How the Magic topped MJ in 1995

A turnover with the chance to win Game 1? An airball with the season on the line? There are dents in the sculpture of Michael Jordan's perception of perfection. Here's a closer look into what happened the last time MJ came up short in the playoffs.

What if the Bulls traded Pippen?

A dynasty in Seattle? Jordan, Ewing and Phil with the Knicks? Pippen vs. Jordan in the NBA Finals? The 1994 near-blockbuster trade that would have sent Pippen to the SuperSonics would have created a landscape-shifting tidal wave felt for years. What if Bulls actually traded Pippen? Here's a look at the completely fictional year-by-year alternate history in which a second Bulls 3-peat never happens.

Best players that didn't make Dream Team

Isiah Thomas isn't the only star who missed out on making the Dream Team.

Kobe voted best scorer since MJ

We picked 16 of the best one-on-one scorers since Michael Jordan, seeded them 1-16 and placed them in a bracket. Each day fans on NBA.com voted for each matchup and we have a winner... Kobe Bryant! In our championship round, Bryant knocked off the No. 1 seeded Kevin Durant. Here's how the whole tournament unfolded!

One-on-one scorers: KD or LeBron? Kobe or Harden?

KD or LeBron? Kobe or Harden? Up until his retirement with the Bulls in 1998, Michael Jordan was unquestionably the best one-on-one scorer in the NBA. But what about since then? We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king. We're down to the final four!

VOTE NOW: Picking the best one-on-one scorer since MJ

Up until his retirement with the Bulls in 1998, Michael Jordan was unquestionably the best one-on-one scorer in the NBA. But what about since then? We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king. We're down to the final eight!

VOTE NOW: Best one-on-one scorer since MJ

Kobe Bryant? Kevin Durant? Allen Iverson? LeBron James? Kyrie Irving? Carmelo Anthony? Someone else? When it comes to pure one-on-one scoring chops, there's an abundance of players who could make a claim to be the best one-on-one scorer in recent memory. We picked out the top scorers in the post-MJ era and seeded them 1-16. Each day, your votes will determine who moves on to the next round with the simple goal of crowning the one-on-one king.

Fast facts on Craig Ehlo

Ehlo is most famous for guarding Michael Jordan on his game-winning buzzer-beater in the 1989 playoffs. Here are some other fast facts on the former Cavaliers shooting guard.

Vote on the craziest Dennis Rodman hairdo

From Detroit to San Antonio to Chicago to Los Angeles to Dallas, Dennis Rodman had an unmatched sense for flair and style. Here's a look into some of his most memorable on-court looks.

Is Rodman the best rebounder in NBA history?

Rodman led the NBA in rebounding for seven straight seasons in the 1990s despite standing just 6'7" in an era filled with dominant seven footers. Is he the best rebounder in NBA history?

None

Michael Jordan ruled the 90s, but where does Scottie Pippen rank among the best players of the decade? There's also a near consensus No. 2... and it's NOT the player who won multiple MVPs!

Which players today compare to Last Dance Bulls?

The entire Chicago Bulls team from 1997-98 has disappeared. You've been given a time machine with room for 12 other passengers. Your mission? Select players from today's NBA who most closely resemble the ones from that team and transport them back in time. Done correctly and nobody will even be able to tell the difference.

SIDEKICK SEMIS: Kobe vs Kareem. Scottie vs Magic.

What is the best season by any sidekick? We picked 16 of the best throughout all of NBA history and seeded them 1-16. There can only be one winner which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders one day at a time. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown a champion as determined by you, the fans!

VOTE BEST SIDEKICKS: Pippen or Penny? Dr. J or Kareem?

What is the best season by any sidekick? We picked 16 of the best throughout all of NBA history and seeded them 1-16. There can only be one winner which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders one day at a time. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown a champion as determined by you, the fans!

VOTE NOW: Best seasons by sidekicks

What is the best season by any sidekick? We picked 16 of the best throughout all of NBA history and seeded them 1-16. There can only be one winner which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders one day at a time. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown a champion as determined by you, the fans!

KG on playoffs: "I don't want to hear any excuses."

"Everyone’s going to be healthy. Everyone’s going to be rested. I don’t want to hear any excuses." Doc Rivers recalls a recent conversation with new Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett on the potential for a memorable postseason

Who wins 2-on-2: MJ/Pippen or Shaq/Kobe?

Jordan and Pippen. Kobe and Shaq. Our all-time 2-on-2 tourney has reached the championship round and there can be only one winner. Vote now!

VOTE NOW: Jordan vs LeBron? Kobe vs Magic?

Jordan and Pippen vs LeBron and D-Wade. Kobe and Shaq vs Magic and Kareem. The semifinals of our all-time 2-on-2 tourney features nothing but the absolute best of the best. But there can be only one winner which is why we need your help! Vote below and we'll be one step closer to crowning an all-time 2-on-2 tournament champion as determined by you, the fans!

Shaq, Penny and a 'what if' alternate reality

Have you ever played the "what if" game with Shaq and Penny? Have you ever gone year-by-year to see exactly how things could have been different? Welcome to the world where the greatest short-lived duo in NBA history instead stuck together, stayed healthy and prospered side-by-side in the most magical place on Earth.

VOTE NOW: The all-time 2-on-2 tourney continues

Durant vs Jordan. Duncan vs LeBron. Magic vs Bird. Russell vs Shaq. The quarterfinals of our all-time 2-on-2 tourney features some heavy-hitting battles which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown a mythical 2-on-2 tournament champion as determined by you, the fans!

VOTE NOW: Best duos ever in 2-on-2 tourney

Which all-time duo would win a 2-on-2 tournament? We picked 16 of the best duos in NBA history and seeded them 1-16. There can only be one winner which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders one day at a time. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown a mythical 2-on-2 tournament champion as determined by you, the fans!

Kawhi wins fan vote for greatest shot ever bracket

We picked 16 of the greatest shots in NBA postseason history, seeded them 1-16 and placed them in a bracket. Each day fans on NBA.com voted for each matchup and we have a winner... Kawhi Leonard! His Game 7 buzzer-beater last year against the Philadelphia 76ers outlasted a field which included iconic shots by Michael Jordan, Ray Allen, Magic Johnson and more.

VOTE NOW: Kawhi Leonard or Ray Allen for greatest shot ever

We picked the 16 greatest shots in NBA postseason history, seeded them 1-16 and placed them in a bracket. Each day fans on NBA.com have voted for each matchup and we're down to the final two! Who will take the crown on the last day of voting?

VOTE NOW: Greatest shots... Kawhi or MJ? Ray or Kyrie?

We picked the 16 greatest shots in NBA postseason history and seeded them 1-16. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown the greatest shot in NBA postseason history as determined by you, the fans! We're onto the semifinals with only four shots still in contention!

Four flattering stats: Carmelo Anthony

Wednesday's #NBATogetherLive Classic Game is Carmelo Anthony's career-high 62-point outburst against the Charlotte Bobcats back in January 2014. Forgot just how dangerous Melo was as a scorer? Here are three stats to put in perspective his prolific ability.

VOTE NOW: Kawhi vs Jordan in greatest shots bracket

We picked the 16 greatest shots in NBA postseason history and seeded them 1-16. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown the greatest shot in NBA postseason history as determined by you, the fans! We're onto Day 2 of voting after the 1st Round narrowed the field from 16 down to 8.

VOTE NOW! The greatest shots in playoff history

We picked the 16 greatest shots in NBA postseason history and seeded them 1-16. There can only be one winner which is why we need your help in sorting through the contenders one day at a time. Vote below on each matchup and by the end of the week, we'll crown the greatest shot in NBA postseason history as determined by you, the fans!

Who is the NBA's most clutch player?

LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard? Damian Lillard or Stephen Curry? The debate over who are the league's most clutch players is one that will seemingly never be settled. That's not going to stop us from trying.

Nurse for Coach of the Year?

Who is the front-runner for Coach of the Year to this point of the NBA season? Two members of our NBA.com Staff believe it's Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors, but one disagrees.

What if Michael Jordan never faxed "I'm back."

A Shaq and Penny dynasty in Orlando? Tim Duncan with the Bulls? KD still in Seattle? It's almost impossible to imagine what would have happened had Michael Jordan not returned to the Bulls in March 1995. Almost.

VOTE: Best dunks of Blake Griffin's career

In honour of Blake Griffin's 31st birthday, we're taking a look back at four of his iconic high-flying aerial displays. We need your help in determining which one takes the cake!

LeBron's four-step plan for winning MVP

LeBron James goes up against Giannis Antetokounmpo on Friday and while there's a growing sense that the Greek Freak has wrapped up a second consecutive MVP award, LeBron can still make a late push. Here's how.

Kawhi and Clippers have flipped switch

The reigning Finals MVP is having the best season of his career and the Clippers are a perfect 5-0 with their new starting lineup. Ahead of two big games against the Rockets and Lakers, all signs point to a Clippers team that's finally flipped the switch.

Huge day on NBA League Pass

LeBron. Zion. Kawhi. Those are just some of the biggest names in action today on NBA League Pass. Here's a closer look at some of the biggest storylines in what should prove to be an eventful day across the NBA!

The Bucks are unstoppable... or are they?

They might win 70 games. They might finish with the best scoring margin in NBA history. They have a 25-year-old reigning MVP who is likely going to win it again. So why aren't the Bucks prohibitive favourites to win it all?

Power Rankings out of the All-Star break

With the All-Star Weekend in the rearview, the business end of the season is here and several teams have some big questions to answer before the playoffs. From the Raptors' injury woes, to the Rockets' lineup experiment, this week's power rankings breaks it down for each team.

Kobe's arrival as an All-Star legend

In front of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant once delivered a show-stopping performance for the ages that foreshadowed his rise as a legend forever synonymous with All-Star weekend.

Is this the most iconic LeBron photo ever?

The sensational photo from Friday brought back memories of the iconic photo of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Both are masterpieces but which photo reigns supreme?

All-Star Mock Draft

Two of our writers drafted for Team LeBron and Team Giannis and we have to say ... one can only hope the actual All-Star teams are this crazy.

Why the Knicks want Ujiri

Three hints: Carmelo Anthony. Jamal Murray. Andrea Bargnani. The Knicks' interest in Ujiri is about far more than building a winner in Toronto.

Zion vs Ja: Get ready for Round 1

The top two picks in the draft. The rim rattling rookies. The dynamic, electric, explosive, show-stopping, "HE JUST DID WHAT?!?!" pageantry. Zion Williamson and Ja Morant are set to play for the very first time on Saturday in what could so far be described as the League Pass Game of the Year. It's a potentially seminal moment for what could be a generational duo.

Kobe's best game against every team

81 against the Raptors. 40 in the second half against the Clippers. 62 in three quarters vs the Mavericks. This week's Power Rankings pays homage to Kobe Bryant with a closer look into his best game against every team.

"He got 60 on me and I didn't give him anything free all night"

"He got 60 on me and I didn't give him anything free all night." Gordon Hayward recalls playing against Kobe Bryant in his final game and opens up about his relationship with the Lakers' legend.

Jordan on Kobe: "like a little brother to me."

Following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, Charlotte Hornets owner and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan released the following statement.

Will Giannis Eurostep from MVP to MIP?

Five years after Giannis Antetokounmpo offered up a fleeting display of MVP potential, the reigning MVP returns to Europe in the midst of yet another massive leap. Could he actually be the NBA's Most Improved Player?

A tale of two Zions and five burning questions

After an underwhelming three quarters left many tempering outsized expectations, all it took was three minutes and eight seconds for Zion Williamson to unleash bedlam and for the moment seemingly validate the impossible hype.

Interact with every dime dropped by Ben Simmons

What would it look like if you dropped every single dime from Ben Simmons into a bucket? Who has scored the most off of his passes? Does he have more in the first or fourth quarter? What about 2s vs 3s? We mapped out every single assist from the towering point guard so far this season.

How much should winning matter in All-Star debate?

Trae Young and Devin Booker are putting up crazy offensive numbers for teams with losing records. Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul aren't as prolific, but are leading teams squarely in the playoff picture. How much should winning ultimately matter when picking the All-Star team?

LeBron is by far the best player in the world

LeBron James has the Lakers off to one of their best starts in franchise history and he's doing it on both ends. One recently released stat reveals how the recently turned 35-year-old is still at the top of his game.

Why Melo is the perfect bandaid for Portland

For years, the Blazers have been searching for a way to succeed whenever their superstar needs to rest. As it turns out, letting Melo be Melo might just be the answer Portland's been looking for.

The 20 questions that will define the 2020s

How long will LeBron James keep playing? Who will take over in the post-LeBron era? Will Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid forever co-exist? What will be the next major on-the-court trend? Here's a look into the biggest questions that will define the next decade.

Let's talk about Tacko

What does Tacko Fall have in common with James Harden, Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan?

Alex Caruso, Tacko Fall among fan vote surprises

Caruso has come off the bench in all 32 games he's played for the Lakers while Fall has played a grand total of 11 minutes in three games for the Celtics.

Who should be a 2020 All-Star: Simmons or Harris?

Both Simmons and Harris are having strong seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, but if you had to pick just one to make the 2020 All-Star team, who would it be?

Report: Luka Doncic will make return

The 20-year-old sophomore sensation has missed each of the last four games with a sprained ankle

NBA presents under the Christmas tree

The unofficial hoops holiday is here with a quintuple-header NBA extravaganza! A battle between Eastern Conference contenders tips off wall-to-wall action that also features a showdown between Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo and a highly anticipated rematch from opening night between the Lakers and Clippers. Need a primer? We've got you covered!

The best game of Simmons's career?

The Aussie is among the most brilliant passers in the NBA and that playmaking was on full display Tuesday as he picked apart the Detroit Pistons. Here are five key stats from what may have been the best game of his career.

Are Bucks a threat to longest win streak ever?

The Milwaukee Bucks have won 18 straight and are over halfway to the NBA record set by the 1971-72 Lakers. How long can they keep it going and are they a threat to break the all-time record?

LeBron is by far the best player in the world

LeBron James has the Lakers off to their best start in franchise history through 25 games and he's doing it on both ends. One recently released stat reveals that the soon-to-be 35-year-old is still head and shoulders above everyone else.

All of the game-winners for D-Rose

Inspired by his game-winning shot against the Pelicans, here's a look back at every one of Derrick Rose's game-winners. From Chicago to Minnesota to Detroit, the former MVP has made some memorable clutch shots.

All-Star Moment: AD goes for 50

"An old-school performance... one for the ages." Anthony Davis couldn't be stopped on Monday, thoroughly dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves en route to his fourth career 50-point game.

Is this player the next Kevin Durant?

It's a simple concept ... we provide the stats for two players and you pick which player is better. The catch? You don't know both identities until AFTER you've voted.

Power Rankings: Will Giannis, Bucks win 70?

Will the Bucks or Lakers ignite the debate about 70 wins? How does the return of Kyle Lowry impact the Raptors? Does Houston have a Russell Westbrook problem? This week's Power Rankings tees up the biggest December storylines.

How Carmelo Anthony looked in Portland debut

The final stats don't tell the whole story on a night where the 10-time All-Star showed his assertiveness from the opening tip. Here's a quarter-by-quarter look at Carmelo Anthony's debut with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Power Rankings: A new No. 1 AGAIN!

Following their resounding win over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Toronto Raptors are the biggest risers in this week's Power Rankings. How far did they climb?

Short-handed Raptors shock Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers entered on a seven-game win streak and the Toronto Raptors entered without Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. So naturally, the Raptors shocked the Lakers on their home floor and claimed a signature win.

Lowry, Fox set to battle on NBA League Pass

Kyle Lowry is off to the best start of his career and has scored at least 20 points in five of six games this season. Can he stay hot in Toronto's final home game before leaving on a season-high five-game road trip?

5 reasons why the Lakers are off to a perfect start

The target is off the back, LeBron is still The King, AD's cozying up to the five, Dwight Howard's still smiling and the biggest pre-season concern has been non-existent. It's hard to picture a more perfect start to the 2019-20 season for the Lakers.

Updated odds to win 2020 MVP

Siakam is rising, Curry is falling and Giannis remains ahead of the pack. Check out the latest MVP odds along with some of the key storylines emerging after the first week of the regular season!

Opening Day overreactions

Kyrie Irving will break an untouchable scoring record, Andre Drummond will win the MVP and P.J. Washington will emerge as a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer. Is it reckless to completely overreact to one game? Of course! But it sure is fun so we did it anyways.

Takeaways: Siakam and VanVleet deliver in season opener

No Kawhi Leonard, no problem. The Toronto Raptors overcame a slow start to rally back for a thrilling overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet combined for 68 points, the second-most ever by a Raptors duo in a season opener.

Medical analysis on injury to Zion Williamson

"In most cases losing a portion of the meniscus can leave the knee at risk for degenerative changes and arthritis over time." Dr. Michael S. George, a sports orthopedic surgeon with the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, weighs in on types of meniscus injuries, typical recovery times and risk factors moving forward for the Pelicans' rookie phenom.

Ripple effects of injury to Zion Williamson

New Orleans isn't the only team whose playoff fortunes are altered with news that the No. 1 overall pick is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Here's how Zion's injury impacts the playoff race as well as Brandon Ingram's next contract and odds for Rookie of the Year.

The East's sleeping giant?

The Bulls feature a pair of potential first-time All-Stars, trustworthy veterans, a skilled rim-protecting defensive anchor and a rookie coming off a historic preseason. Are the Chicago Bulls poised to make a significant leap up the Eastern Conference standings?

Biggest reason to watch all 30 teams

Dynamic duos, hidden talents, forgotten stars, potential breakthroughs and mysterious chemistry experiments... the 2019-20 season is going to be a madhouse. Don't know where to begin? We've got you covered.

Do reinforcements make Jazz a title threat?

Donovan Mitchell is among the game's brightest young stars while Rudy Gobert is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Following the offseason additions of Mike Conley and Bojan Bogdanovic, the Utah Jazz enter the season as legitimate championship contenders for the first time in two decades.

Are the Warriors still title contenders?

Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston are gone. Klay Thompson is out indefinitely. For the first time in half a decade, the Warriors enter an NBA season playing an unfamiliar role: underdogs. Can Stephen Curry and Draymond Green keep the Warriors in the mix for a sixth straight trip to the NBA Finals?

The time is now for Siakam. Is he ready?

Is the 25-year-old ready to take over in Toronto? Is he a star in the making or a really nice role player? With Kawhi Leonard off to Los Angeles, Siakam becomes the most important building block moving forward for the Toronto Raptors. Is he ready to take over the spotlight?

The best NBA Jam partners for Zion

A veteran two-way star in the backcourt? Check. A cerebral passer to set up thunderous dunks? Check. A deadeye shooter to punish double teams? Check. A smooth scorer to help relieve the pressure? Check. A skilled and underrated rim protector? Check. The New Orleans Pelicans have surrounded Zion Williamson with the pieces that should help him flourish in Year 1.

Spotlight on Bradley Beal entering 2019-20

The Wizards enter the season at somewhat of a crossroads. Will they continue to build around Bradley Beal with hope that the promising young frontcourt of Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant reach their full potential? Or will they ultimately decide to move their All-Star with an eye towards building for the future?

Do the Cavaliers have the next great backcourt?

Although Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson remain, there's no denying that Cleveland is now focusing its efforts on the development of promising young guards Darius Garland and Collin Sexton who could someday develop into the best backcourt duo in the entire league. How will they look in Year 2 of the post-LeBron era?

The 30 best players in the NBA

Where does LeBron James rank among the best players in the league? Did Stephen Curry fall outside of the top 5? What about all of the new stars on new teams? Our Global NBA.com weighed in to select the top 30 NBA players.

NBA Jam Week: ranking all 30 top NBA duos

Is there a world in which LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the two best players in the league? What if Kristaps Porzingis is fully healed and suits up next to an even better version of Luka Doncic? Would it be that crazy if Klay Thompson returned and the Splash Brothers once again rolled as an unstoppable tag-team?

Winners and losers: France upsets USA

Rudy Gobert is a superstar, USA basketball should look in the mirror and two far different outcomes for the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. Here's a look at some of the winners and losers from the most stunning result at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Ranking all 30 starting backcourts

Is the Rocket-fueled backcourt of James Harden and Russell Westbrook undeniably the best in the NBA? Is Utah's buzz-worthy backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley overrated? How good will the duo of Stephen Curry and D'Angelo Russell be while Golden State awaits the return of Klay Thompson? Will Ben Simmons thrive next to his new backcourt partner?

Can Devin Booker become a winner in Phoenix?

In four seasons since entering the NBA, Devin Booker and the Suns haven't had a winning record beyond the 14th game of the season. Although Booker took a step forward last season while averaging career highs in points and assists, the franchise took a step back and won fewer than 20 games for the first time since the 1960s.

Kobe and the 'What If?' game

If you played out Kobe Bryant’s career 1,000 times, you’d be hard pressed to come up with a more impressive version than the one we actually saw. But what if things had gone down differently?

Games that will define this season

Of the 1,230 games on the regular season schedule, these are the ones that matter the most beyond simply who wins and who loses. These are the games that transcend the scoreboard to offer up a view on where we've already been, where we are now and where we're going next.

Why everyone is wrong about Chris Paul

He's missed 20 games each of the last three years. He's a 6'0" point guard that just turned 34. He's owed $124 million dollars over the next three seasons. And he was just traded away by a contender in search of a younger, more explosive upgrade. The conventional wisdom suggests that Chris Paul's days as a landscape shifting All-Star are over. But what if conventional wisdom is wrong?

Can Simmons deliver after receiving max contract?

Ben Simmons is an All-Star and a foundational piece on what could be the favourite in the Eastern Conference. He's racked up more triple-doubles through two seasons than any player in NBA history not named Oscar Robertson. But beyond the surface layer comparisons to Big O and Magic Johnson, can Simmons deliver now that he's a max player?

Is it already time to worry about RJ Barrett?

The No. 3 overall pick has struggled through two games in Las Vegas Summer League. But while his play has left much to be desired, history suggests not to read too much into Summer League performance.

2019-20 features most title contenders in over a decade

Entering last season the Toronto Raptors were +1,850 to win the NBA title. Following the free agency frenzy, a whopping eight teams have better odds than that to win next year's championship. Going off of preseason odds, the 2019-20 season looks to be the most competitive in over a decade.

Instant reaction to biggest free agent signings

How do players fit with their new teams? Which players are set up for success? What do the first signings mean for the rest of free agency?

Projecting winners at NBA Awards

The third annual NBA Awards show is upon us! Will Giannis Antetokounmpo beat out James Harden for MVP? Will Trae Young's late-season push be enough to overcome Luka Doncic for Rookie of the Year? Will Pascal Siakam or D'Angelo Russell take home the league's Most Improved Player?

Major takeaways from a busy draft night

After the first three picks went according to plan, madness broke out starting with the fourth overall pick that began with a draft-day blockbuster between the New Orleans Pelicans and Atlanta Hawks. Here's a look into the biggest storylines surrounding an action-packed first round.

Horford declines player option; to become free agent

The veteran centre had a player option for $30.1M next season.

LaMelo Ball to play in Australia

LaMelo Ball announced that he is signing a 'Next Stars' contract with the NBL and will play next season for the Illawarra Hawks.

Initial reactions to Raptors winning the NBA title

What does a second Finals MVP mean for Kawhi Leonard? How does this change the perception of Kyle Lowry? Is this the end of the Warriors' dynasty?

Raptors are most resilient champ in NBA history

They trailed against the Magic. They trailed against the 76ers. They trailed against the Bucks. After falling behind in three different series before even reaching the NBA Finals, the Raptors path towards winning the championship is unlike any other in NBA history.

This is Kawhi's legend-making moment

Magic Johnson at Boston. Michael Jordan at Utah. Kawhi Leonard at Golden State? Some of the biggest moments by the biggest legends on the biggest stage came on the road. Will Kawhi take advantage of his chance to make history in Game 6?

How Warriors forced a Game 6 at Oracle

The Raptors led by six points with under three minutes remaining, but then shot 1-6 down the stretch as the Golden State Warriors fought back to force a Game 6.

How Klay Thompson's return impacts Raptors

The biggest storyline entering Game 4 is the return of Klay Thompson. Will he defend Kawhi Leonard? Will he be the second scorer Golden State sorely missed in Game 3? How effective will be he on that injured hamstring?

Danny Green shoots up the Finals record book

Danny Green hit more 3-pointers in Game 3 than he did in the entire series against the Milwaukee Bucks. He's once again proving that he's at his very best on the very biggest stage.

2014 vs 2019: Déjà vu for Kawhi in Game 3?

Game 3 on the road in a series tied 1-1 against a star-studded yet vulnerable dynasty? We've seen this story before. Five years ago, Kawhi Leonard used this moment to springboard towards Finals immortality. Will history repeat itself?

What if Curry was called for travelling?

The NBA released the Last Two Minute Report for Game 2 and it was determined that Stephen Curry should have been called for travelling seconds before Andre Iguodala hit the game-clinching 3-pointer. What would have happened if the call was made?

Raptors waste golden opportunity

If the Raptors end up losing this series, they'll likely look back to Game 2 as the pivotal moment their dreams of winning the NBA title vanished into thin air.

Fast facts on the decisive Game 2 run

The Raptors were 24 minutes away from seizing command of the NBA Finals. The Warriors then uncorked the most dominant run in NBA Finals history. Here are five things to know about the run that decided Game 2.

How this man became the NBA's biggest superfan

"I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't womanize. I Raptorize. That's it." How the NBA's biggest superfan uses basketball to change perceptions and bring communities together.

Anunoby could play in Game 2

The small forward has not played since April 13 following an appendectomy.

Ranking every player in NBA Finals

Is Kawhi Leonard the best player in this series? How do injuries to Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins impact their standing? We ranked every player that figures to play a role in the 2019 NBA Finals from the end of the bench to the biggest and brightest of stars.

Comparing Kawhi and Jordan

Earlier this week, LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers declared that "Kawhi is the most like Jordan we've seen." The numbers suggest that he might be just as good as Jordan ... and potentially even better.

Raptors-Warriors series preview

Can Kawhi Leonard keep it up? Does Toronto's 2-0 record in the regular season series matter? Will Kevin Durant return for the Warriors? What are the historical implications for Golden State? Who are the X-factors to watch out for? Most importantly... who wins?

Kawhi: "I'm not afraid of the moment. I enjoy it."

As he's done the entire season, Kawhi Leonard stepped up when his team needed him the most in Game 5. He's single-handedly rewriting history for a franchise that's finally ready to seize the moment.

Lowry becomes all-time leading postseason scorer

In his sixth postseason run with the Raptors, Kyle Lowry is now the franchise's all-time leading scorer in the playoffs.

Takeaways from the biggest win in Raptors history

The Toronto Raptors are one win away from moving on to the first NBA Finals in franchise history. Entering Game 5 the Bucks were 33-0 at home this season when leading entering the fourth quarter. They're now 33-1.

Rapid Reaction to a wild 1st Half

After falling into a massive hole thanks to a sluggish start, the Toronto Raptors battled back in the second quarter to make it a one-possession game going into the half.

Game 5 starting lineups

The Raptors starters have been outscored so far in this series. But it's the Bucks that have made a change to the starting lineup for Game 5.

Inside Kawhi's D on Giannis

Kawhi Leonard is reminding everyone that he's the best defender in the world. Over the last two games, he's switched onto guarding the Greek Freak and in doing so, has changed the entire series. Here's what the numbers say about just how dominant he's been defensively.

5 Keys to Raptors-Bucks Game 4

How will Kawhi Leonard look after playing 52 minutes in Game 3? Can the Raptors successfully slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo? Here are the biggest keys to Tuesday's Game 4 as the Raptors look to even the series.

Is the Greek Freak unstoppable?

The Greek Freak is on the verge of doing something that only Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal have ever pulled off.

Jordan vs Kawhi: Which shot was better?

In all of NBA history, there have only been two series-clinching buzzer-beaters in a winner-take-all game. Which one was better?

Trail Blazers-Warriors series preview

Portland and Golden State meet in the postseason for the third time in four years. Can the Trail Blazers push for a different outcome against a potentially shorthanded Warriors team?

Cavaliers to hire John Beilein as new coach

Beilein spent the last 12 seasons as the head coach at the University of Michigan where he reached the national championship game twice.

What's next for the Celtics?

Will Kyrie Irving re-sign? Will Boston make a move for Anthony Davis? What does the future hold for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward? After a disappointing end to an underwhelming season, what's next for the Boston Celtics?

Every 3OT and 4OT game in NBA playoff history

The Portland Trail Blazers outlasted the Denver Nuggets in the first quadruple overtime game in the playoffs since 1953.

Keys to the Bucks' Game 3 win

The Greek Freak led all players from both teams in points, rebounds, assists and blocks to give the Bucks their second straight win in the series.

It's ugly when Kawhi comes off the floor

In the 27 minutes this series that Kawhi Leonard has rested, the Raptors have been outscored by 32 points while shooting just 24% from the floor. A game-by-game breakdown reveals a simple truth: for the Raptors to get back in this series, they'll need to find ways to score without their superstar on the floor.

Jokic's historic postseason debut

Playing in his first-ever postseason, Nikola Jokic is stuffing the box score better than some of history's biggest names. You might be surprised to find out just how favourably he stacks up with Hall of Famers.

Vince Carter: "I'm coming back."

The eight-time All-Star would become the first player in NBA history to play 22 seasons. He turns 43 next January.

What's next for the Spurs?

How can the Spurs set a record next season with their 23rd straight playoff appearance? With DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge both under contract, Dejounte Murray returning from injury and a stable of promising young guards, San Antonio's offseason could be one hinged on player development and internal improvement.

Nuggets-Blazers series preview

This should be a thrilling matchup between two evenly matched teams as all four meetings in the regular season were within five points in the final five minutes of the game.

Warriors-Rockets series preview

Including the regular season and playoffs, the Rockets are 8-6 against the Warriors over the last two seasons. After coming close to knocking off the champs in last year's Conference Finals, the Rockets will get their shot at redemption. Can they pull it off this time?

Key questions for Wednesday's Game 5s

The Raptors, 76ers and Trail Blazers can close out series wins while the Nuggets or Spurs look to take a 3-2 series lead. In NBA history, the Game 5 winner of a series tied 2-2 has gone on to win the series 90 percent of the time.

Another hot start for Playoff Kawhi

No player in NBA history has more postseasons shooting 50% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc than Kawhi Leonard who is doing it yet again. Leonard's hot start is yet another indication that he's among the most consistent elite postseason scorers of all-time.

Tips for filling out the perfect bracket

Which teams are most vulnerable to upsets? How many sweeps should you pick? What about Game 7s? In order to help you fill out the perfect bracket, we went through and identified some of the key trends to look out for.

Bucks-Pistons series preview

Giannis Antetokounmpo was six years old the last time the Bucks made it out of the 1st Round. After cruising to an NBA-best 60 wins, does Milwaukee have what it takes to mount a serious challenge for the NBA title?

NBA Primetime Sundays: Wade's final playoff push

Dwyane Wade's final season is coming down to the wire as the Miami Heat are in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Can they beat the Toronto Raptors in what could be a preview of a 1st Round matchup?

The reinvention of DeMar DeRozan

With 4:09 left in the fourth quarter on December 27 against the Nuggets, DeRozan hit a 3-pointer to put the Spurs up 15. Since that shot went in, each of his last 302 made shots have come from inside the 3-point line. It's the latest evidence of an All-Star reinventing himself for the second straight season.

Giannis makes MVP statement

With less than one week left in the regular season, the Greek Freak made an emphatic statement with a dominant performance against Joel Embiid.

History of NBA G League awards

Chris Boucher became the first player in NBA G League history to win both MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. Who else has won each of the awards?

Kicks of the Day: Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade sported a special edition of the Li-Ning Wade All-City 7s against the Dallas Mavericks, custom made to honour his mother, Jolinda.

NBA Primetime Sundays: Giannis makes his MVP push

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most prolific dunker in decades while Trae Young is hitting shots deeper than even Stephen Curry did as a rookie. Those are just two of the reasons why Sunday's clash between the Bucks and Hawks is must-see NBA action!

NBA Primetime Sunday: Can the Clippers stay hot?

The Clippers have been one of the hottest teams in the entire league since the All-Star break. With the playoffs quickly approaching, do they pose a serious threat to any of the top teams in the Western Conference?

NBA Primetime Sunday: LeBron visits New York City

The NBA's biggest star takes the court in the NBA's biggest market. LeBron James has had some big-time performances in New York City. Will he have another one on Sunday?

Ranking the NBA's top 10 sophomores

There is no award for the NBA's best sophomore. And yet with so many great ones scattered throughout the league, we took the opportunity to rank the 10 best this season. Missing from our list? The top two picks from the 2017 NBA Draft.

LeBron out for game vs. Pistons

After playing 32 minutes in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, James will sit out the Lakers' game in Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back.

Are the Rockets better than last season?

The Rockets finished with a league-best 67 wins last year and nearly knocked out the Warriors in the Conference Finals. Through 25 games this season they were in 14th place in the West, but have since taken off. Is Houston better than it was a year ago?

NBA Primetime Sunday: Bulls take on Pistons

Catch one of the NBA's most clutch players and one of the NBA's most well-rounded superstars in primetime on Sunday as the Bulls take on the Pistons.

MVP Power Rankings: Has Giannis clinched it?

More times than not, the MVP comes a team that finishes with the NBA's best record. Throw in historic two-way excellence and Giannis Antetokounmpo may have began to slam the door shut on the MVP debate.

Analyzing Andrew Bogut's impact with the Warriors

After taking home NBL MVP honours with the Sydney Kings, Bogut is heading back to the Golden State Warriors to try and help bolster the team's pursuit of a third straight championship.

Can LeBron become the all-time leading scorer?

After Jordan, the next three names to pass are Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He's just over 6,000 points shy of Abdul-Jabbar who has reigned supreme as the all-time leading scorer since passing Wilt Chamberlain in the 1980s. Will LeBron stick around long enough to pass him?

Is it time for LeBron to pass the torch to Giannis?

The Greek Freak is traveling down the same path once blazed by LeBron James. With the King on the ropes in his 16th season and fighting to merely make the playoffs, is it time for Giannis Antetokounmpo to ascend the throne?

Paul George out for rematch with 76ers

According to media reports, the MVP candidate will miss the highly anticipated rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. In the first meeting, Paul George hit the game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds of what was one of the wildest finishes so far this season.

How each top-5 MVP candidate can win it

For the majority of the season, the MVP discussion has been a two-horse race between Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden. Thanks to the sterling play of Paul George, we now have a third serious contender.

NBA Power Rankings: Sixers on the rise

After the busiest trade deadline in modern NBA history, the top of the Eastern Conference is suddenly much stronger. With All-Star week upon us, we also took some time to celebrate the best All-Star seasons from each of the top 10 teams in this week's NBA Power Rankings.

Who will win the 3-point contest?

The 2019 MTN DEW 3-Point Contest could be the marquee event of All-Star Saturday Night with the Curry brothers, defending champion Devin Booker, NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki and Charlotte's Kemba Walker among the contestants. Taking a look at how the field has shot this season from various spots on the floor provides some insight into just what we can expect to see on All-Star weekend.