For months, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>have been tied with a move for former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks</a> big man, Christian Wood. But as it usually happens at this point in the NBA offseason, there has been no traction on a deal.



Wood hasn’t gauged a lot of league-wide interest, which is kind of odd, considering he’s proven that he can be an offensive contributor, either starting or coming off the bench.



However, his lack of defensive prowess is a big red flag, which is why Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report believes<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> LeBron James’</a> team shouldn’t make a run at him anymore.



<h2>Christian Wood’s Defense Should Scare Lakers Away</h2>



“There is no question about his offensive skills. His defense, though, is suspect and therein lies the problem,” wrote Beaston. “Any big man is going to be counted on to contribute defensively and in Dallas, he struggled mightily.”



“He struggled to stretch the floor and oftentimes looked lost,” he added. “Some of that can be attributed to the coaching of Jason Kidd and his failure to put him in a position to succeed but beyond that, Wood did not look like the player he was over the two seasons prior, when he played his best ball with Houston.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/insider-explains-why-anthony-davis-didnt-deserve-that-extension-20230815-BUS-46516.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230815_BUS_46516_Anthony-Davis-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis got way overpaid, according to Stephen A. Smith.
" title="Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn&apos;t deserve that extension" publication_id="BUS#20230815#BUS#46516"></div>


Then again, Rob Pelinka has already added a defensive-minded big man like Jaxson Hayes, so maybe Wood will be worth the risk, assuming he’s willing to sign for a not-so-lucrative deal.

The reason why Lakers shouldn't sign Christian Wood

The reason why Lakers shouldn't sign Christian Wood - Bolavip US

thumbnail

For years, people have talked about who’s the greatest player in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> history. And while most people will agree that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jordan</a> should lead the voting, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.



That includes ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith, who has addressed this subject multiple times. Per him, Jordan is the undisputed GOAT, but LeBron is a close second.



That’s why superagent Rich Paul claimed he was disrespecting the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers </a>star, to which Smith didn’t mince his words when firing back at the Klutch Sports CEO.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Puts Rich Paul On Blast</h2>



“I got him as the second-best player in the history of basketball,” Smith said. “I got him, ahead of Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar). I got him behind no one but (Michael) Jordan and I said to Mr. Chirper himself, Rich Paul – my boy – and I said, you act like that’s an insult. This dude [said] ‘It is an insult.’ I said ‘Get the f*** out of my face.&apos;”



“Exactly what I said to him,” Smith added. “I don’t want to talk to you no more. When you gonna treat me like I’m disrespecting a man by calling him, in the history of the game that started in 1947, you gonna tell me that I’m disrespecting a man by having him No. 2 all-time, you’ve lost your damn mind. I’m not talking to you.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/michael-jordan-or-lebron-james-dwyane-wade-picked-his-goat-20230814-BUS-46177.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46177_LeBron-MJ.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade addressed the never-ending debate about who’s the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
" title="Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Dwyane Wade picked his GOAT" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46177"></div>


Simply put, you’re not going to intimidate Stephen A. Smith. He’s gonna tell it as it is, and having James as a close second, considering how many legends have played this game, is far from disrespectful.

Stephen A. Smith rips LeBron James' agent over alleged disrespect

Stephen A. Smith rips LeBron James' agent over alleged disrespect - Bolavip US

Small market teams often have a tough time when compared to some of their <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> counterparts. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-orleans-pelicans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Orleans Pelicans </a>are no exception to that trend, as they’re always at risk of losing their best players, just like what happened with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis.</a>



There have been countless rumors about Zion Williamson not being comfortable in the Big Easy, and some believe he could be the next big name to leave the team.



However, that won’t be the case with Brandon Ingram. In a recent interview with The Athletic, the former Los Angeles Lakers forward had nothing but love for the team and the community.



<h2>Brandon Ingram Wants To Stay In New Orleans</h2>



“For me, I love New Orleans. It’s perfect for me and the way I want to operate. Less distractions,” Ingram said. “I can go play basketball whenever I want to. I’ve got direct access to the facility. I’ve got people close to me who can come to the gym and help me at any time. I feel connected with New Orleans and the people around me.”



(…)



“I know my payday is coming around, so I don’t think too much of it. I’m just making sure I carry myself the right way. I’m sticking with what I know: If I stay in the gym, good things will come,” he added.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/pelicans-gm-makes-telling-statement-about-zion-williamsons-future-20230717-BUS-30511.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230717_BUS_30511_zion-williamson-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Just like every offseason for the past couple of years, Zion Williamson&apos;s name has been thrown around in multiple trade rumors.
" title="Pelicans GM makes telling statement about Zion Williamson&apos;s future" publication_id="BUS#20230717#BUS#30511"></div>


Of course, we’ve seen and heard this way too many times in the past, so there’s always a chance that he will change his mind if the Pelicans don’t straighten the ship soon.

Brandon Ingram gets real on his future with the Pelicans

Brandon Ingram gets real on his future with the Pelicans - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-clippers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Los Angeles Clippers </a>have one of the deepest rosters in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, at least on paper. But paper doesn’t win championships, and neither does an injured <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kawhi-leonard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kawhi Leonard.</a>



With that in mind, they could look to move him or Paul George, as they could both fetch an interesting return, even despite all their concerns about their injuries.



That’s why Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/atlanta%C2%A0hawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlanta Hawks</a> make a perfect destination for George, and they could look to pair him with Trae Young at some point next season.



<h2>Hawks Could Trade For Paul George</h2>



(Via Bleacher Report)



“Atlanta Hawks receive: Paul George



Los Angeles Clippers receive: De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanović, Kobe Bufkin and 2024 first-round pick (lottery protected, via SAC)



Targeting George makes a ton of sense. They need a lockdown defender on the perimeter, another high-level scoring threat and someone who can thrive both on and off the ball. When healthy, he fits that description about as well as anyone, serving as basically the ideal outcome for what the Hawks hoped they were getting in Hunter, the No. 4 pick in 2019.



Plus, George could realistically become available at some point between now and February—if he isn’t already. 



(…)



As for L.A., if it doesn’t plan on paying George, then this return offers value both today (to help Leonard) and tomorrow (when Leonard is potentially gone).



Hunter is a three-and-D forward who seemingly adds to his offensive arsenal every season. Bogdanović is a slippery scorer with an outside shot and a penchant for passing. Bufkin, this summer’s No. 15 pick, is a combo guard who can pull up, pass and finish at the basket. Throw in a lottery-protected first, and the Clippers are coming away with a good amount of assets.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/paul-george-reveals-how-its-like-to-play-for-the-clippers-in-a-lakers-town-20230811-BUS-44646.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230811_BUS_44646_Paul-George.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As much as the Los Angeles Clippers keep trying to make a name for themselves, L.A. is all about the Lakers.
" title="Paul George reveals how it&apos;s like to play for the Clippers in a Lakers town" publication_id="BUS#20230811#BUS#44646"></div>


Of course, none of this means it will actually happen, although it obviously makes plenty of sense for everybody involved, assuming George is willing to sign an extension with the Hawks.

NBA Rumors: Hawks could get Paul George in wild trade

NBA Rumors: Hawks could get Paul George in wild trade - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-lakers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Lakers</a> needed to lock up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/anthony-davis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Davis</a> for the future<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">. LeBron James </a>won’t play forever, and he’s inching closer to retirement as the seasons go by.



Davis has been a pivotal part of the team’s success. Nonetheless, as good as he’s been when they’ve fared well, he’s also been quite unimpressive when things don’t go their way.



That’s why Stephen A. Smith doesn’t seem to agree with the contract extension he just got, citing that you need to be consistent in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> to get that kind of money.



<h2>Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Anthony Davis’ Extension</h2>



“I love AD; love him as a person and a player,” Smith started. “$62 million, though? His talent is worth it, but his consistency isn’t. He’ll show up one day and not show up the next day. He’ll drop 40 in Game 1, 11 in Game 2. I’d much rather have you average 28 night-in night-out rather than each and every night; it’s a damn rollercoaster.”



“You had Charles Barkley calling him street clothes,” continued Smith. “I never called him that; I call him Six Flags because it’s a rollercoaster ride. He’s up and down. I’ve got mad respect for his game. I know he’s one of the elite players in this game today, but the consistency is not there.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/the-lakers-didnt-extend-anthony-davis-because-of-his-play-20230814-BUS-45968.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_45968_Anthony-Davis-2.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As good as Anthony Davis is as a player, that wasn&apos;t the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers signed him to a big contract extension.
" title="The Lakers didn&apos;t extend Anthony Davis because of his play" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#45968"></div>


At the end of the day, Davis has more than enough talent and resources to prove the critics wrong. But he’ll have to work very hard to pay back that confidence the team put in him.

Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn't deserve that extension

Insider explains why Anthony Davis didn't deserve that extension - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a> has bailed on every single team he’s played for, and no one in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> seems even remotely willing to pay him what he wants. Simply put, he’s stuck with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers.</a>



Of course, he could decide to hold out, but that could only benefit the team, as they’d simply withhold his pay. Also, trying to force his way out could only lower his value, thus making it even more difficult to move him.



That’s why John Hollinger of The Athletic believes we’re far from the end of this saga, stating that the Sixers could play the long game and wait until the trade deadline before moving on from the former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/houston-rockets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets </a>star.



<h2>Sixers Might Trade Harden At The Trade Deadline</h2>



(Via John Hollinger – The Athletic)



“Now, the leverage is gone. Instead, Harden opting in leaves the Sixers highly incentivized to play the long game; the trade deadline is the only upcoming leverage point, and it’s still six months away. By then, a lot of water could go under the bridge and other teams’ situations could change, leading Philly to a more plausible end game than the dead ends currently available. The Sixers already saw this play out before with Simmons.



(…)



As with Simmons, Harden’s best ploy in the meantime is not to hold out — which would result in the team being able to withhold pay — but instead to show up and be such a distracting, wearying pain that the team will do almost anything to be rid of him. Copying Durant’s “Insult the GM” tactic is a start, but this will require a sustained effort.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/james-harden-destroys-sixers-gm-daryl-morey-20230814-BUS-46054.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46054_James-Harden-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Even though they used to be friends, it&apos;s now more than clear that James Harden wants nothing to do with Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey.
" title="James Harden destroys Sixers GM Daryl Morey" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46054"></div>


Morey is as hardnosed as Harden is, so things will likely get worse before they get any better. Also, it might be a very long while before we see him wearing different threads.

Sixers could still trade James Harden, but there's a major catch

Sixers could still trade James Harden, but there's a major catch - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-gregg-popovich-suggests-which-city-deserves-an-expansion-team-20230814-BUS-46052.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46052_Gregg-Popovich-during-the-2023-HOF-Ceremony.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Gregg Popovich is one of the most respected voices in the NBA. He has earned the right to be heard, and he has used his platform to advocate for many important causes, including bringing an expansion team to other cities.
" title="NBA: Gregg Popovich suggests which city deserves an expansion team" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46052"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-pau-gasol-names-top-11-players-of-all-time-lebron-included-20230814-BUS-46175.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46175_Pau-Gasol-in-2023.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Pau Gasol is one of those players who will always be remembered as a legend in the NBA. He left an indelible mark on the league, and that gives him the right to make his own top 11 list whenever he wants. Here are all 11 names, including LeBron James.
" title="NBA: Pau Gasol names Top 11 players of all-time, LeBron included" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46175"></div>


The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets">Brooklyn Nets</a> are set to enter the 2023-2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA </a>season with a relatively strong roster, despite the fact that they don’t have the big names of a couple of years ago. One of their guards has become eligible for a $128 million extension.



So far, the Brooklyn Nets have only one player with a contract over $100 million: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ben-simmons">Ben Simmons</a>, who is signed for a total of $177 million. Cameron Johnson comes close to that amount with a $90 million contract.



Last season was abysmal for the Nets. They reached the playoffs but were swept by the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a> 0-4. The goal for the 2023-2024 season is to return to the playoffs and go much further.



<h2>Who is the Brooklyn Nets guard who is eligible for a $128m extension?</h2>



According to an article published in the New York Post by Brian Lewis, the Brooklyn Nets guard who became eligible on Monday, August 14 for a $128 million extension is Spencer Dinwiddie.



Dinwiddie has a 3-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets. His contract expires in 2024, so the Nets have enough time before the start of the 2023-2024 season to offer him an extension over $100 million.



Brian Lewis writes in the article that Spencer is unlikely to get that big extension that he was fighting for a couple of seasons ago, when he had to settle for a $54 million contract.

NBA: Brooklyn Nets guard becomes eligible for a $128m extension

NBA: Gregg Popovich suggests which city deserves an expansion team

NBA: Pau Gasol names Top 11 players of all-time, LeBron included

NBA: Brooklyn Nets guard becomes eligible for a $128m extension - Bolavip US

If there was any doubt <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden">James Harden</a> wanted out of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers">Philadelphia 76ers</a>, the player himself made sure to let everyone know he’s determined to leave. Recently, The Beard took a huge shot at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/daryl-morey">Daryl Morey</a>.



“Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”



This seems to put the final nail to his Sixers’ stint’s coffin, as it’s hard to believe they can find a way out of this other than parting ways. But how did Morey take Harden’s comments? Apparently, they didn’t affect the GM.



<h2>Daryl Morey ‘unmoved’ by Harden’s comments</h2>



“Source: Daryl Morey is unmoved by James’ comments,” Jason Dumas of Bleacher Report tweeted. “He is holding firm in his stance that he will not trade him unless it makes the Sixers a better team. Meanwhile, I’m told James’ agent advised him against making that statement.”



Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported that the Sixers knew Harden could react like this after telling his camp they couldn’t find a satisfying offer to let him go:



“A league source said Morey wasn’t surprised at Harden’s commentary and his attempt to make things personal given his agent’s reaction this weekend to being informed the Sixers weren’t able to find a suitable deal. The Sixers, however, are unmoved by Harden’s statement and still expect him to report to training camp.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-spurs-could-pair-victor-wembanyama-with-an-all-star-20230806-BUS-42099.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230806_BUS_42099_Victor-Wembanyama-of-the-Spurs-during-his-Summer-League-debut.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The San Antonio Spurs have high expectations on Victor Wembanyama, and they could make an attempt to land a veteran star to help the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
" title="NBA Rumors: Spurs could pair Victor Wembanyama with an All-Star" publication_id="BUS#20230806#BUS#42099"></div>


It looks like there’s no turning back between Harden and the Sixers. However, since he opted into his player option this offseason, the team has the final say in any trade conversations.

NBA Rumors: How Daryl Morey feels about James Harden's comments

NBA Rumors: How Daryl Morey feels about James Harden's comments - Bolavip US

Trading for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> in 2019 was the best decision the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> made in a long time. The 6x <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> All-Star made the team competitive again, helping it reach two NBA Finals in four years.



His competitive nature and leadership skills made Butler a fan favorite in South Florida, where he hopes to win a highly desired championship. He came close in 2020 and 2023, but it’s still a pending task.



However, things could have been very different for both. Danny Ainge revealed in an interview with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles in the Players’ Tribune podcast Knuckleheads that he tried to get Butler for the Boston Celtics.



<h2>Former Celtics GM Danny Ainge reveals he tried to get Butler</h2>



“Some of the best trades I ever made were the ones I wasn’t able to make,” Ainge said, as quoted by ClutchPoints. “I was trying to get Jimmy Butler from Chicago when I was in Boston, but they wanted a lot. So we didn’t do it. And it ended up being Jaylen [Brown] and Jayson [Tatum]. Both of those draft picks.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/video-jimmy-butler-reveals-his-future-plans-with-the-miami-heat-20230718-BUS-30880.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230718_BUS_30880_Jimmy-Butler-during-the-2023-Finals.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Jimmy Butler knows that the Miami Heat is the perfect place for his career to continue to be big and powerful. He believes that the future is bright for him with the franchise. Check out what he said.
" title="NBA: Jimmy Butler reveals his future plans with the Miami Heat" publication_id="BUS#20230718#BUS#30880"></div>


It’s safe to say that both Heat fans and Butler are glad that this didn’t come to fruition, as they are perfectly happy together. The Celtics, however, found a way to grow with Brown and Tatum. Now they only need to go the distance and win a championship to silence the doubts.

NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler could have been traded to another team in the East

NBA: Jimmy Butler could have been traded to another team in the East - Bolavip US

Dwyane Wade was one of the best players in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> history. He may not be put in the same tier as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/michael-jordan">Michael Jordan</a> or <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a>, but his contribution to the game of basketball is unquestionable.



The Flash played a pivotal role in all three championships in Miami Heat history, leading the team to its first ever success in his third year before winning two more rings next to The King.



Wade was recently introduced into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and his take on the GOAT debate went viral again. In 2021, the former guard revealed his position in this conversation.



<h2>Wade explained why MJ, not LeBron, is his GOAT</h2>



“I come from a Jordan era. I am biased and I’m going to be biased until the day I pass away. Michael Jordan will be my GOAT,” Wade said on the I Am Athlete podcast, via NBC Sports Chicago. “I’m not taking anything away from LeBron. LeBron is amazing. But Michael Jordan is my GOAT.



“He (LeBron) will be the GOAT for a lot of generations. I started playing the game because of Michael Jordan. He will be my GOAT until the day I pass away… For me, from Chicago, where I grew up, I made it out the hood because I seen a dude, No. 23, play the game of basketball at a level that I was like, ‘I just want to do some of that.&apos;”



A Chicago native, Wade made it clear that for obvious reasons MJ will always be at the top. But just like he grew up watching Jordan, he knows that LeBron will be the GOAT for millions who looked up to him this century.



“To me, it doesn’t take anything away from LeBron. LeBron will be the GOAT of this generation that watched him grow up, just like we watched Michael Jordan grow,“ Wade added. “Bron’s my guy. But Jordan’s my GOAT.



“… LeBron is one of my good friends. I have so much respect for what he’s doing now, what he’s done and what he will eventually do, because he’s not done yet. It will definitely be an argument that will need to be had. If LeBron James ends up the No. 1 scorer of all-time, top five in assists and top five in rebounds — and have four, five or six championships — you can not do nothing but have the conversation of who is the greatest of all time.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/lebron-james-or-michael-jordan-stephen-curry-weighs-in-on-goat-debate-20230731-BUS-38775.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230731_BUS_38775_Stephen-Curry-3.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="With many people still comparing LeBron James and Michael Jordan, Stephen Curry revealed what he really thinks of the GOAT conversation.
" title="LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Stephen Curry weighs in on GOAT debate" publication_id="BUS#20230731#BUS#38775"></div>


LeBron has already broken Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, which puts him in a stronger position in this debate. But like Wade said back in the day, everyone will have their own GOAT.

Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Dwyane Wade picked his GOAT

Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Dwyane Wade picked his GOAT - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-gregg-popovich-suggests-which-city-deserves-an-expansion-team-20230814-BUS-46052.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46052_Gregg-Popovich-during-the-2023-HOF-Ceremony.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Gregg Popovich is one of the most respected voices in the NBA. He has earned the right to be heard, and he has used his platform to advocate for many important causes, including bringing an expansion team to other cities.
" title="NBA: Gregg Popovich suggests which city deserves an expansion team" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46052"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-pat-riley-reveals-who-carried-the-miami-heat-not-lebron-james-20230814-BUS-45978.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_45978_lebronjames-16.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Pat Riley is the president of the Miami Heat. He is also a former player and coach who won multiple championship rings. He knows who the players are who have contributed the most to the franchise during this century.
" title="NBA: Pat Riley reveals who carried the Miami Heat, not LeBron James" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#45978"></div>


<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pau-gasol">Pau Gasol</a> entered the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA</a> in 2001 with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/memphis-grizzlies">Memphis Grizzlies</a>, but he is best remembered for his dominant years with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2008 to 2014, when he won two NBA championships.



Pau Gasol’s legacy is as strong as the players he named to his personal top 11, which includes LeBron James, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Stephen Curry</a>, Bill Russell, Larry Bird and other household names.



Pau Gasol scored over 20,000 points in the NBA, along with 11,305 rebounds and nearly 4,000 assists during his nearly 20-year career with 5 franchises.



<h2>What is the top 11 of all-time according to Pau Gasol?</h2>



In a recent article in the LA Times, Gasol named his personal top 11 NBA players of all time. The list includes a mix of players from the 20th and 21st centuries, with some active players still in the league.



<ol><li>Kareem Adbul-Jabbar</li><li>Bill Russell</li><li>Magic Johnson</li><li>Larry Bird</li><li>Michael Jordan</li><li>Kobe ​Nryant</li><li>Tim Duncan</li><li>Kevin Garnett</li><li>Dirk Nowitzki</li><li>Lebron James</li><li>Stephen Curry</li></ol>



Gasol played with two of the players on his list, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kobe-bryant">Kobe Bryant</a> and Tim Duncan. He won two championships with Bryant, and he played with Duncan for one season with the San Antonio Spurs.

NBA: Pat Riley reveals who carried the Miami Heat, not LeBron James

NBA: Pau Gasol names Top 11 players of all-time, LeBron included - Bolavip US

You know the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA </a>offseason has started when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/damian-lillard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damian Lillard</a> is tangled up in trade rumors and someone posts videos of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ben-simmons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ben Simmons</a> looking in great shape and knocking down shots in workouts.



The Simmons’ cycle is all about hyping him up before the start of the season and then watch him struggle mightily and get hurt again. Wash, rinse, and repeat in every single offseason.



Nonetheless, even though no one else seems to be buying his stock right now, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooklyn Nets</a> forward Cam Johnson recently praised Simmons and believes he’s in for a big season.



<h2>Cam Johnson Raves About Ben Simmons</h2>



“He sounds good,” Johnson said. “He’s in a good place. He says it’s progressing and he’s excited for the season. Looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table this year. I expect him to be, if not full form, pretty close to it.”



“He’s very important to us,” Johnson said. “There’s things that he does on the court that not many players in the NBA can do. And he adds something that is very valuable to myself, Spencer [Dinwiddie], Mikal [Bridges] and being able to set us up and get us shots and play in flow like that.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nets-have-a-plan-for-ben-simmons-amid-latest-major-update-20230727-BUS-36756.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230727_BUS_36756_ben-simmons.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Following a long journey back to the court, Ben Simmons might be ready to show his best version yet.
" title="Nets have a plan for Ben Simmons amid latest major update" publication_id="BUS#20230727#BUS#36756"></div>


The talent and physical traits are there, but at this point, we just have to see it to believe it. We can’t go through this every single year, and it’s about time he either breaks out, or he doesn’t.

Nets teammate makes bold admission about Ben Simmons

Nets teammate makes bold admission about Ben Simmons - Bolavip US

The<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-knicks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> New York Knicks</a> got a lot better last season, and a lot of that had to do with them stealing Jalen Brunson away from the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-mavericks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dallas Mavericks.</a> As we’ve seen in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> before, a minor move could have a major impact.



Brunson wasn’t only the best player the Knicks had on the floor last season. He was also the leader, and one of the reasons why they’re optimistic about their future.



Nonetheless, as good as he’s been, the rumors about them pursuing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/donovan-mitchell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donovan Mitchell </a>haven’t ceased in over a year. That’s why he had no choice but to share his thoughts on the matter.



<h2>Jalen Brunson Reacts To The Donovan Mitchell Rumors</h2>



“It’s impossible not to see things — rumors and all the stuff that comes up on Twitter and all that stuff every single day is always on TV,” Brunson told The Athletic.



“There’s always possibilities when you hear about that stuff. Donovan is a good friend of mine for a while,” he added. “We were in the same high school class, our relationship goes back a long way. I think right now, I’m more than happy with my guys, and I love my teammates.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-rumors-knicks-could-trade-for-a-rising-star-20230803-BUS-40652.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230803_BUS_40652_julius-randle.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="The New York Knicks are getting better, but they still need a piece or two to get over the hump.
" title="NBA Rumors: Knicks could trade for a rising star" publication_id="BUS#20230803#BUS#40652"></div>


Mitchell has proven that he can play with another lead guard, thriving alongside Darius Garland. But perhaps, constantly talking about another player being the savior of the franchise won’t sit well with their current star.

Jalen Brunson has some thoughts about Donovan Mitchell going to the Knicks

Jalen Brunson has some thoughts about Donovan Mitchell going to the Knicks - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/golden-state-warriors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a> made a risky bet to begin the offseason. Even if they weren’t that high on<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jordan-poole" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Jordan Poole</a> anymore, swapping him for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chris-paul" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Paul </a>raised more questions than answers.



Some people doubt he’ll be able to coexist with Stephen Curry, not because of the fit but because of the fact that he’ll likely have to come off the bench, which is unchartered territory for him.



With that in mind, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report put together a trade idea that would send Paul, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski and 2028 first-round pick (top-seven protected) to the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-raptors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Toronto Raptors</a> in return for Pascal Siakam.



<h2>Warriors Could Trade For Siakam</h2>



(Transcript via Bleacher Report)



“So, is this too much for Golden State to pay for a rental? You could maybe argue that, but the Warriors wouldn’t if they felt the trade moved them closer to another championship. They need more scoring punch, playmaking, length and defensive versatility, and Siakam checks every box. He’s a two-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection for a reason.



Put Siakam in the same frontcourt as Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson manning the guard spots, and that sure looks like a championship-caliber lineup.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/former-warriors-star-explains-why-chris-paul-will-thrive-in-the-bay-20230814-BUS-46023.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_46023_Chris-Paul-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="As questionable as the fit might be at first glance, Chris Paul could still find plenty of success with the Golden State Warriors.
" title="Former Warriors star explains why Chris Paul will thrive in the Bay" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#46023"></div>


Of course, this would only happen if the Paul experiment doesn’t get off to a solid start, and while getting Siakam could be costly, he’d give them another versatile defender and shotmaker to pursue another championship.

NBA Rumors: Warriors could get Pascal Siakam in wild trade

NBA Rumors: Warriors could get Pascal Siakam in wild trade - Bolavip US

<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-brooklyn-nets-guard-becomes-eligible-for-a-128m-extension-20230815-BUS-46393.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230815_BUS_46393_HC-Jacque-Vaughn-of-the-Nets.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="A Brooklyn Nets player is now eligible for a big fat extension that would secure him a big contract with the franchise, so far he hasn&apos;t signed anything. Check here who is the guy.
" title="NBA: Brooklyn Nets guard becomes eligible for a $128m extension" publication_id="BUS#20230815#BUS#46393"></div>

 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="SEO" link="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-dirk-nowitzki-reveals-which-team-he-used-to-hate-20230814-BUS-45987.html" image="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.bolavip.com%2Fwebp%2Fen%2Ffull%2FBUS_20230814_BUS_45987_Dirk-Nowitzki-during-the-2023-HOF-ceremony.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=200" excerpt="Dirk Nowitzki is one of the Dallas Mavericks&apos; living legends. Apart from being a charismatic player, he also had strong rivalries with other players and franchises. Check here which team he used to hate.
" title="NBA: Dirk Nowitzki reveals which team he used to hate" publication_id="BUS#20230814#BUS#45987"></div>


<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/gregg-popovich">Gregg Popovich</a> was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2023. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest coaches in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba">NBA </a>history, and his induction was a well-deserved honor.



During the 2023 HOF ceremony Popovich was not the only one to be inducted, others like legendary players like Pau Gasol, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dwayne-wade">Dwayne Wade</a>, Tony Parker, just to name a few were also part of the recent HOF induction class.



Regarding the expansion team, Gregg Popovich took advantage of his HOF speech to start a couple of things on the subject, but it is not the first time that a player or head coach has asked a city to have an expansion team.



<h2>What city did Gregg Popovich say deserves an expansion team?</h2>



Gregg Popovich during his 2023 HOF speech mentioned that Seattle deserves an expansion team, he named Gary Payton knowing that he played for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1990 to 2003. “I had a dream,” Popovich said. “I thought, ‘Is there a chance there’s a team in Seattle? Is there a history in Seattle that we’re missing? Where’s Gary Payton? Am I right? Come on, man! Seattle!&apos;”



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-wp-embed is-provider-streamable wp-block-embed-streamable"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" title="12a" src="https://streamable.com/o/rcipc2#?secret=X6Nz79JBgX" data-secret="X6Nz79JBgX" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="1280" height="720"></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



The last time the SuperSonics played in the NBA was during the 2007-2008 season, they moved to Oklahoma City in 2008, and there is still a strong desire for basketball in Seattle. Many fans believe that the city deserves to have an NBA team again.

NBA: Dirk Nowitzki reveals which team he used to hate

NBA: Gregg Popovich suggests which city deserves an expansion team - Bolavip US

Latest news from NBA. Find out about all the news related to NBA on bolavip.com/en

NBA - Page 24