T-Mac Inducted to Orlando Magic Hall of Fame

The Orlando Magic selected Tracy McGrady into the franchise’s Hall of Fame for his amazing run with the team.

On March 20th, he joined Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, and a few others as one of the greatest players in Magic history.

Don’t forget. T-Mac was also inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame last summer. However, this accomplishment with Orlando meant a lot to him as well.

“On a personal level,” as McGrady spoke to Tim Reynolds from The Associated Press, “growing up in Auburndale, Florida, my mom used to drive over here every summer when I was playing basketball in Orlando…and I used to tell my mom, I would tell my friends that I was going to be wearing this uniform one day.”

When he finally set foot on the Magic floor, McGrady never failed to put on a show for his fans. He played dynamically on both ends of the court, accepted every challenge he faced, and competed with heart.

Although T-Mac couldn’t carry his team far enough during playoffs, he still made an impact as a prolific scorer. He averaged 28.1 points, 5.2 assists, 7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1 block, and 44.6% field goals per game. McGrady became the NBA’s Most Improved Player, a four-time All-Star, a two-time scoring champ, and an MVP candidate throughout those years.

Players won’t forget how unstoppable T-Mac was in his prime. Even the great Kobe Bryant acknowledged him as his toughest match-up.

“He had all the skills and athleticism, but he was 6’9”,” Bryant stated during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel. “And he was really tough to figure out.”

There is no doubt that McGrady deserved to be in the Hall of Fame. Congrats T-Mac!

To check out more of his highlights with the Magic, click here.

(Note: This post is also featured on Verge Campus UNLV)

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Welcome to the 100th Triple-Double Club, Brodie!

This week in the NBA is a story of a new milestone. Oklahoma City Thunder’s own Russell Westbrook made headlines by becoming the newest member of the 100^th Triple-Double Club.

On March 13^th against the Atlanta Hawks, Westbrook became the fourth player to reach the 100^th Triple-Double mark in his career. Along with a 119-107 victory, Westbrook tallied 32 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds in the game. This accomplishment places the reigning MVP amongst three of the greatest players who ever done it: Oscar Robertson (181), Magic Johnson (138), and Jason Kidd (107).

According to an NBA Staff Writer, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar describes his feelings on this achievement. “I never take it for granted. The group of guys that’s ahead are Hall of Famers. I’m just happy to be a part of the crew with those guys.”

As of today, Westbrook cashed in his 101^st triple-double after another win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. He is six records shy from Jason Kidd’s. It won’t be a surprise for Westbrook to break it since he has a long career ahead of him. Not only this accomplishment has put him as one of the best players in the league, but also a valuable teammate.

Westbrook’s triple-double run is carrying the Thunder to sit in the 4^th spot of the Western Conference. Playing alongside other superstars like Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, Westbrook is still fighting for his first NBA championship.

Photo by Marcel Mutoni via SLAM Media Inc.

Make Room for Donovan Mitchell

This rookie class keeps getting better. Fans are witnessing talent that is worth to watch, and one rookie is making a mark in the NBA. His name is Donovan Mitchel from the Utah Jazz.

Selected as the 13^th overall pick in the 2017 Draft, no one expected the rookie from the University of Louisville to have an impressive breakthrough. With their former superstar, Gordon Hayward, moving on to the Boston Celtics, the Jazz needed to find another player who can fill in his shoes. The team wanted someone who brings energy and lifts his teammates up. Rudy Gobert is one of those players, but who can back him up? Mitchell has the potential to fulfill that role.

Mitchell has been climbing his way up to be an elite player. Rookies like Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum, and Kyle Kuzma are showcasing their skills, and fans can’t get enough of them. However, this rookie deserves everyone’s attention too. According to Basketball Reference, the 6-foot-3-inch shooting guard averages 17.3 points, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 41% field goals made, and 84.2% free throws made per game. In his class, he is second behind Ben Simmons as a scoring leader. The statistics show that Mitchell thrives for success. He handles the pressure of the game well. Mitchell is built to blow by his opponent as he handles the ball during fastbreak opportunities and isolation situations. This can raise concern to the opposing team because it will be difficult to guard him. He sets a pace that players have to figure out.

Out of all the superstars in the league, Houston Rocket’s James Harden took notice of Mitchell’s game. He stated to Kyle Goon from The Salt Lake Tribune, “Even guys like Mitchell from the Jazz…He got game.” Harden’s encouragement indicates that Mitchell has established himself into the pros.

His performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 1^st has to be his best game so far. Click here to watch his highlights. Mitchell gave Utah fans a reason to rejoice when he set a career high 41 points during the matchup. He surpasses Jazz legend, Darrell Griffith, to be the first rookie in franchise history to tally a 40-plus-point game in his rookie season. ESPN’s Tim McMahon tweeted, “Active players who had 40-plus-point games as a rookie: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Eric Gordon, Steph Curry, Blake Griffin and Donovan Mitchell.” Mitchell’s performance puts him in good company with many stars in the league.

If he keeps it up, then Mitchell has something to look forward to in the future. He is making a statement that he belongs in the NBA. He has “NBA Superstar” written all over him.

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The Next Dynamic Duo: Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid

Fans have seen it all: Magic and Kareem, Jordan and Pippen, Stockton and Malone, Shaq and Kobe. These duos stepped on the court to dominant. In this generation, a new pair of stars are taking the league by storm. They are Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid from the Philadelphia 76ers.

Embiid’s and Simmons’s arrival sparked attention. Fans dubbed Simmons as the next LeBron James and Embiid as a reincarnation of Hakeem Olajuwon. Expectations stood high on these players since the Sixers hit rock bottom in the past few years. However, they haven’t let their team down.

So far in this season, the 76ers are in a rhythm. Simmons and Embiid are carrying their team to a 13-11 record, placing Philadelphia as one of the top franchises in the Eastern Conference. When they compete, both players play their hearts out. Inside Hoops ranks Simmons as the leading rookie with 18.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 2.32 steals, and 35.8 minutes per game. The 6-foot-10-inch point guard’s stat line is close to averaging a triple double. That shows how Simmons is an all-around player. He not only focuses on scoring, but also works on other aspects of his game. For his stature, he is a constant threat on the floor. Simmons makes every possession count with precise vision and ball handling. He takes advantage on fastbreak opportunities, resulting easy baskets. Simmons is a solid playmaker who executes every game.

Embiid contributes for the team as well. His numbers mark him as the Sixer’s top scorer with 23 points and leading rebounder with 11.3 rebounds per game. The 7-foot center is 5th in the league in blocks per game too. When he is on the court, it’s as if he has a bag of tricks for his opponent. He can post up, pass, run the ball, shoot, and defend. The way he performs brings energy to his teammates and fans during the game. Embiid isn’t called The Process for nothing. He finds ways to put Philadelphia back on their feet.

As a duo, one of their solid performances this season has to be their match against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 15. Click here to watch their highlights. After the game, fans couldn’t believe how these two athletes work well together. Basketball analysts compare them as a modern version of Magic and Kareem or Penny and Shaq. It could be a stretch, but Simmons and Embiid are catching everyone’s eyes no matter what. Fans should anticipate on what Simmons and Embiid can bring to the floor. An arsenal of their skills will raise concern for opponents. They are next in line to be the best duo in the NBA.

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Why Not Kyle Kuzma?

Basketball fans have their eyes on a talented rookie class that include Ben Simmons, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, DeAaron Fox, and Dennis Smith, Jr. There is a player, however, who can steal their spotlight. His name is Kyle Kuzma from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kuzma entered the league through obscurity. No one knew what he was capable of. During the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers landed the 2^nd overall pick. The team selected Lonzo Ball, a point guard from UCLA with an unorthodox shooting form, precise passes and court vision. Fans compare the rookie to future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. Los Angeles assured that Ball will lead the franchise to a dynasty. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant retired in 2016, and fans believed Ball will fill in his shoes. Kuzma ended up as the 27^th pick, but the attention on Ball overshadowed him.

Ball isn’t living up to the hype though. Fourteen games into the season, Josh Planos from The Washington Post stated, “Ball is shooting 31.3 percent from the field, 25 percent from behind the three-point circle and 50 percent from the free throw line, putting him on track for the worst shooting season by a rookie in the three-point era.” Although it is early, Ball has been inconsistent with his performance. He is the youngest player in NBA history to tally a triple-double in a game, yet the result doesn’t cut it with Coach Luke Walton. The Lakers expect to win, and Ball hasn’t stepped up. He still needs to prove that he belongs in the pros.

Kuzma, on the other hand, is off to a great start. As the season progresses, the 6-foot 9-inch player from the University of Utah, according to Planos, “is getting to the free throw line more consistently…and scoring efficiently, too. Kuzma ranks second this season among rookies in true-shooting percentage (58.4) – and among rookies in the three-point era who took at least 11 shots per contest.” He trails Ben Simmons and Dennis Smith, Jr. on the points-per-game category in his draft class. His statistics show that he is willing to be the best player possible throughout his career. He has a chance to become this season’s Rookie of the Year as well. When he is on the floor, the rookie contributes to the team. Kuzma’s scoring ability pushes the Lakers to compete against tough opponents. The franchise looks for heart and determination in a player, and Kuzma completes the whole package. He won’t back down from any challenge. Charles Barkley acknowledged that Kuzma is the best rookie in his team, and fans are aware of it.

The future is bright for the rookie. He has potential to become an NBA superstar. If Kuzma continues to execute, then Lonzo Ball will most likely be a myth to basketball fans. Kyle Kuzma is the real deal.

Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

MVP Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The 2017-2018 NBA season is off to a great start. Even though it is early to select the league’s Most Valuable Player, fans should be on the watch for Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks.

During the offseason, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant sparked Twitter feeds when he challenged athletes to accomplish various tasks. Bryant called out the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Isaiah Thomas, to be in the All-NBA First Team, and Toronto Raptor’s DeMar DeRozan to rekindle a lost friendship from his youth. Antetokounmpo was eager to know his challenge from the Black Mamba. Bryant tweeted the 22-year-old from Greece to become the next MVP. Antetokounmpo accepted the request. With the start of the season, the Bucks’ star is thriving for that MVP award.

According to NBA Advanced Stats, Antetokounmpo averages 31.7 points, 4.7 assists, 10.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 58.2% field goals per game so far. He leads the league in scoring as well. The numbers that the 6 foot 11-inch forward is putting is unbelievable. Since his rookie year, Antetokounmpo’s statistics improved. He began his career with 6.8 points per game in the 2013-2014 season to 22.9 points per game in the 2016-2017 season. The way he has performed shows consistency and determination.

Fans don’t call him the Greek Freak for nothing. He has been showcasing his game on highlight reels. With his lengthy and athletic physique, Antetokounmpo attributes tremendous point guard skills, which include court vision and ball control. He strides the floor and finishes the rim with authority. Opponents can’t find a way to stop him. LeBron James and Magic Johnson, two of the NBA’s most dynamic athletes in league history, are the closest comparisons to Antetokounmpo’s game. That is something for fans to be impressed with.

In an article by Lee Jenkins from Sports Illustrated, Antetokounmpo doesn’t settle for less. “On the worst nights, when the fadeaways are short and the pocket passes are late, he [Giannis Antetokounmpo] skips the showers…he reenacts the game he just played, every shot he clanked and every read he missed. Sometimes he leaves by 1 a.m. Other times, he stays until three.” Antetokounmpo is a firm believer of the saying, “hard work beats talent while talent fails to work hard.” He has the desire to be a winner. He wants to become one of the greatest players ever, and his work ethic exemplifies what it takes to reach that level.

The journey won’t be easy for the young star, but his future is bright. If he keeps this up, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be an NBA legend. He has the potential to dominate the league. Fans should take heed of his game.

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Underappreciated: John Stockton

Let’s go back to the old school. Millennials, take note of one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, John Stockton.

Former Utah Jazz star and Hall of Famer, John Stockton took the NBA by storm during the mid-80’s and 90’s. Various players who faced him had their perspective about the legend. In an interview with Bleacher Report, former Seattle Supersonics player Gary Payton praised the Utah guard that “he was the toughest player he ever guarded.” Basketball fans grew skeptical with Payton’s opinion because they thought Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all-time, would fulfill that role. Payton added, “We knew what he [Stockton] was going to do. We would get caught up with the picks and get mad at him…He would shoot eight times and make nine. Shoot eight free throws and make seven. He’d have fifteen assists and four steals. A complete game. That’s just the way he was and I idolized him.” This generation of point guards should be impressed by the accolades Stockton received from a legend like Payton. They should remind themselves how dominant Stockton was.

According to Basketball Reference, Stockton averaged 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, 51.5 % on the field goal range, and stole the ball 2.2 times per game throughout his career. Those statistics may not be convincing enough since he didn’t score a lot, but Stockton’s performance shows consistency and efficiency on the court. A true point guard shouldn’t worry about scoring the most points; a true point guard should help his teammates become better players. That’s what Stockton did when he contributed at least 10 assists per game. He leads the NBA’s all-time assist record with 15, 806 in his career. His teammate, Karl Malone, is second on the all-time scoring list with 36, 928 points, which Stockton complemented through his playmaking skills. Stockton not only executed on the offensive end, but also the defensive end of the court. He set the all-time steals record with 3, 265. Unfortunately, millennials miss the mark on his accomplishments.

If you compare Stockton with today’s players, he stands out. He wasn’t athletic like Russell Westbrook, a flashy ball-handler like Kyrie Irving, or a streaky shooter like Stephen Curry. Fans hardly recognized him because he looked like an average guy. Stockton didn’t promote the best signature shoes and become a trend setter. He embraced the short-shorts while the rest of the NBA during his time wore baggy shorts. Stockton didn’t care about the spotlight though. He focused on his role with the team and the fundamentals of the sport. He competed every game with intensity and durability. He wanted to get the job done.

To catch a glimpse of Stockton’s career, click here. A point guard like him is rare in the league. If you want to take your skills to the highest level, then consider learning from him.

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Believe The Hype: The 2018 NBA All-Star Game

The All-Star Game is back, and fans should be thrilled about it. Give credit to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and the front office. On October 3rd, they agreed to eliminate the East vs. West format of the 2018 All-Star Game in Los Angeles. The event will feature top vote-getters from each conference as team captains. These captains will draft 24 of the league’s most popular players. Each All-Star team will be divided into 12 players. According to Ryne Nelson from Slam, the selection process will consist “10 starters – two guards and three frontcourt players per team – will continue to be chosen by a combination of fans, players, and basketball media. NBA head coaches will still select the remaining two players at any position.” With this idea, the change of the format will bring a fresh energy into the All-Star Game.

In recent years, the event lost its competitive nature. Fans wasted their time and money because players didn’t take the game seriously. Based on the statistics from Basketball Reference, each team almost scored 200 points. Defense is an important element of the sport, and the score indicates the lack of it. The All-Star Game showcases playground basketball. It is meant to be a clash among the greatest players in the league. The crowd wants to be entertained by the game’s tenacity and hustle. The new format will motivate players to play harder.

This season’s format will also balance each team. The East can never get over the hump since the West has been the most dominant conference within the last few years. Fans are not surprised by it because every All-Star Game results in a Western Conference victory. When Paul George and Carmelo Anthony took their talents to the west coast, the league realized the conference will continue to grow. It was one of the reasons why the NBA abandoned the East vs. West tradition.

Without the conference structure, the All-Star Game might open new partnerships. An alliance with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant may spark attention. Since the 2015 NBA Finals, James and the Cleveland Cavaliers formed a rivalry against Curry, Durant, and the Golden State Warriors. This season’s All-Star Game could ease tension between these players if they become teammates. There is also a possibility for a revival of the Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook feud. Last season, Durant moved on from the Oklahoma City Thunder to join the Warriors and win a championship. That left Westbrook bitter. Fans hope to witness this match-up if the two stars will be selected to a different team.

This All-Star Game will be worth watching. Fans anticipate to see a prime-time event of a lifetime. Will Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook face off? Will Kyrie Irving and LeBron James reunite? These questions leave the basketball world wondering. The NBA has finally given what the fans deserve. Believe the hype!

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Who’s Got Next: Dennis Smith, Jr.

The 2017 NBA Rookie class is stacked with young prospects. Fans are anticipating on what Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson and DeAaron Fox will bring to the table. However, there is a player who the basketball world overlooks, and his name is Dennis Smith, Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks.

According to the NBA’s 2017-2018 General Manager survey, Smith stood out as the “Biggest Steal of the Draft.” The poll determines which player the league fails to recognize, and 37% of the NBA’s general managers selected the rookie. Smith was drafted as the ninth player amongst his fellow rookies. He was predicted to be in the top 5, but teams kept passing him by. This gives Smith a chip on the shoulder. For fans who don’t know much about the rookie, here are some facts.

Dennis Smith, Jr. played at North Carolina State University. Before his college experience, he suffered an ACL injury that almost ruined his chances to play basketball again. Smith didn’t want that to happen, so he came back stronger than ever. During his freshmen and only year with the Wolfpack in the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists (first in the ACC Conference), 1.8 steals, and 45.5% in field goal range per game. Smith’s statistics led him to withdraw his college career and prepare himself for the NBA spotlight.

When the NBA Summer League began, Smith was determined that he belongs in the pros. He tallied 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals while shooting 47.2% per game. The Summer League isn’t the elite level yet; however, his performance show that he has potential to succeed in his career. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches and grabbing at least five rebounds a game is rare for most point guards in the league. I compared Smith’s Summer League stats with Lonzo Ball’s, Markelle Fultz’s, and DeAaron Fox’s numbers at his position. Smith ranked first in points, field goal percentage, and contributed similar number of steals per game amongst these players. As a matter of fact, Smith was chosen as an All-NBA Summer League First Team honoree. This accomplishment should give him a place as a top rookie. Don’t count him out yet.

After highlighting his abilities, Smith reminds me of Russell Westbrook. He and Westbrook are explosive athletes with uncanny hops and throwdowns at a blink of an eye. Both of them are all-around players whom opponents can’t keep up with. They are unique, and there’s no way anybody can back them down. Maybe Smith should learn a thing or two from Westbrook in order to be an elite point guard. Keep an eye on the kid. Dennis Smith, Jr. will take the NBA by storm. He’s got next!

Photo by Alex Kennedy — USA Today: Hoops Hype

The Lookout: Minnesota Timberwolves

Basketball season is here! It is time to buy season tickets for your favorite team, start your own fantasy league, play pick-up games at a local park with your friends, and talk basketball. The 2017-2018 NBA season will be worth watching. The majority of teams in the league are evolving into super teams. The goal is to beat the most superior teams of all: The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Out of all the teams striving to win a championship, the Minnesota Timberwolves have the potential to dominate the NBA in the next few years. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague, and Taj Gibson, the Timberwolves have firepower.

Acquiring Jimmy Butler is intriguing. As a three-time All-Star, an All-Defensive Team member and All-NBA Team honoree, Butler’s scoring and defensive skillsets will outrun opponents on both ends of the floor. His abilities will help rising stars, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, to push the ball further. Butler also played for Minnesota’s head coach Tom Thibodeau. Five years prior moving to Minnesota, Thibodeau led Butler and the Chicago Bulls as playoff contenders. Their reunion will boost chemistry and drive the young Wolves to their true capabilities.

Coming off the bench with his shifty offensive abilities and a 16-year longevity in the league, Jamal Crawford will play a big role for Minnesota. Crawford is one of the best sixth-man players in recent years. As a member of the Los Angeles Clippers from 2012-2017, he was a dynamic pick-and-roll leader and a scoring specialist. Crawford’s support will encourage Coach Thibodeau to rest his backcourt players depending on scoring margins, fatigue, and match-ups.

With the release of Ricky Rubio, Jeff Teague will be the next starting point guard for the Wolves. Tyus Jones could fill in the starting spot; however, he is still in his third season in the league and Minnesota requires a more experienced point guard. Teague will be a reliable asset since Rubio struggled with his jump shot during his stint with the Wolves. Teague runs the ball and spreads the floor with strong athleticism. His shooting results are more consistent than Rubio’s, and that’s what Minnesota needs.

Bringing in another former Chicago Bulls power forward to the team, Taj Gibson will be a threat against opponents. He will benefit Towns and Gorgui Dieng on the low post offensively and defensively. Gibson’s aggressive demeanor to the game will fit well into Coach Thibodeau’s tough-minded system. He will carry the Wolves from a moderate team into a gritty one.

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t been playoff contenders since Kevin Garnett left to join the Boston Celtics in 2007. Former players like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love fell short to fill up Garnett’s shoes. The team’s drought got worse since then. Be on the lookout though. These new faces for the team will be key to the Wolves’ success. Minnesota fans have a reason to be excited again this season.

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