Zion Williamson Is Your Next-Gen Cover Athlete for NBA 2K21

by Marcus Van Diver | Jul 1, 2020 | Featured, NBA

Well, if what we confirmed to be true back in the PlayStation 5 reveal when NBA 2K20 dropped its trailer, onlookers kinda predicted the future cover athlete for the current-gen and/or next-gen version of 2K Sports’ coveted professional basketball simulator.

Turns out, they were about 50 percent correct with their premonition, since Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard was announced Tuesday morning that he would be the cover athlete for the standard edition. Where they hit the nail on the head was getting the PS5 and Xbox Series X-generation cover athlete right in saying that the New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie sensation Zion Williamson.

The next-generation version of this year’s professional basketball rendition, set for pre-order on July 2nd, released its official cover, and it looks something like this:

forbes.com

That’s right. Williamson will be the first-ever rookie in 2K Sports’ history to be given the reigns of posing as the cover athlete for an NBA 2K game. Brought forth by the official NBA 2K Twitter account, a 44-second cinematic trailer that didn’t quite show any gameplay but in fact, reshowed and reiterated the graphical update that the game will be able to display with consoles that have twice the power as their current-gen predecessors.

There is scheduled to be a final cover athlete reveal for the “Legend Edition” on Friday and in somewhat of a posthumous fashion, there is a growing consensus in the 2K community as to who the final cover athlete might be…

Check out the official reveal trailer here.

The Next Generation ⚡ #NBA2K21 pic.twitter.com/jyxozDracL
— NBA 2K21 (@NBA2K) July 1, 2020

Jul 1, 2020 No Comments

NBA Schedule Re-Release: Top 10 Games To Look Out For

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by Marcus Van Diver | Jun 27, 2020 | Featured, NBA

The three-month pause on the NBA season looks to be nearing its end, as the season’s suspension will officially be up on July 30 with the return of the premier basketball league officially releasing their 22-team schedule last night in a televised special on ESPN.

The relieving information brought on to sports fans across the stratosphere came at a time of necessity, perhaps, given the unpredictable reality of the teetering improbability of a season resuming where COVID-19 infection rates are low-to-nonexistent. Still, NBA supporters must’ve been glad to hear the news about their favorite teams’ schedules for the compromised season and with that, we can’t wait to break down some of the more anticipated matchups for the remainder of the year leading up to the postseason which should tip-off sometime late August.

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10. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz- There’s nothing like the first. In what will be the official resumption of NBA competition since March 11, 2020 (AKA the infamous date that the NBA was suspended) basketball will be back, live and direct to the people on TNT at 6:30 p.m. ET. The NBA just couldn’t wait to get the phenom, Zion Williamson, back on primetime television as the Pellies have somewhat of a red carpet-like path to the postseason. Aside from the Clippers, they’ll have the Grizzlies, Kings, and Wizards as their main competition coming up.

In comparison to the other three teams duking it out for the eighth and final seed in the West, New Orleans has arguably the easiest schedule of eight remaining games, and the Utah Jazz have one of the harder schedules with games against the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Mavericks within their plans to earn a higher seed for the postseason.

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9. Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers – This is going to be the final regular-season matchup between these two Western powerhouses, but it may be a little more subsidized as we may have wanted in accordance with the news surrounding star Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic and his contraction of the Coronavirus.

Though it’s likely, It is yet to be seen if he’ll take part in the NBA’s bubble games but if he participates, we’re surely in for a barnburner and potential playoff preview. On the other hand, the Clippers are in prime position to uphold their second seed in the West with a fairly easy schedule. On August 12th at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, when the shorter season reaches its conclusion, this game could be a measuring stick for both teams now that both teams’ intensities must elevate in order to get ready for the playoffs.

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8. Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks – This could very well be a preview of our Eastern Conference Finals this year. This is the first game for both Boston and Milwaukee on their path to the playoffs as well, and it’s happening on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams have gotten wins off of each other earlier this season and line up with each other quite well for what should be another compelling duel between two of the East’s most prominent teams.

While the Bucks have one of the more difficult slew of games in Orlando (tack on games against Miami, Houston, and Toronto) they’ve set unprecedented marks this year and are still holding on to the highest average scoring margin of any team in the NBA (+11.3) and don’t look to be taking it easy on anyone. Boston, on the other hand, has a real shot of landing the No. 2 seed in the East with games against Brooklyn, Portland, and Orlando as the most challenging games on the list.

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7. Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks – Dallas is balancing on a tightrope when it comes to getting higher in the Western standings and any infraction against the seventh-seeded Mavs could be severe. They’re in a tight battle with the Thunder for a higher seed in the West, and Orlando could be a huge opportunity to improve their marks just in time for the postseason. Tipping off at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN on July 31, this now neutral Battle of Texas features several playmakers in James Harden and Russell Westbrook going against MVP candidate Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis in a contest that should be a good one.

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6. Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors – And next, we have yet another potential playoff preview that we’ll likely see at some point during the Eastern Conference Playoffs, tipping off at 1:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV. Toronto’s laid plans of keeping the 2nd seed heading into August’s postseason could go awry, considering that they could lose their seeding with one of the more tedious schedules in all of the NBA. The Raps have to play the Lakers, Celtics, Bucks, Grizzlies, and 76ers and in the midst of that turbulence, lie the Miami Heat who could be a threat to reach the conference finals in their own right. But a lot of fans wouldn’t mind seeing Jimmy Butler exact revenge on the team that ousted him in the postseason last year.

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5. Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks – One of the more suspenseful and rivalry-filled games that we’ll be treated to in Orlando, the two “good buddies” in Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden take their grievances to the court on August 2nd at 8:30 P.M. ET on ABC for what could very well be a Finals preview. Houston’s schedule isn’t all that challenging which can only mean good things for a sixth-ranked Rockets squad desperate for some wins. And when you look at the Western teams that are higher on the conference Totem Pole, teams like the Lakers, Nuggets, and Thunder may have a hard time keeping their status in the West.

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4. Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers – As mentioned in the last section about these Rockets’ rather easy schedule…this probably isn’t one of those games. Still, the duel between Houston’s league-leading backcourt in scoring – of course, that’s Russell Westbrook and James Harden – and LA’s most intimidating frontcourt and Pick-and-Roll connection – LeBron James and Anthony Davis – is still going to be a dandy to watch. It’ll be live on TNT at 9:00 p.m. ET. Had the virus delay never commenced, this was actually scheduled to be the next game on the schedule for both the Rockets and Lakers but as fate would have it, we’re getting this battle of Western Goliaths later in the summer.

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3. Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors – Taking place on August 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT, these teams could very well be neck-and-neck racing for the second seed and again, as mentioned in earlier sections, it’s polar opposites when comparing the strength of schedule between these Eastern factions. What won’t be up for debate is how intriguing this matchup is going to be. Boston is 2-1 this year against Toronto and by the looks of it, they have some sort of an advantage over the defending champions in more ways than one.

With this time off, however, Toronto will walk into Orlando as one of the lone squads that are completely healthy, and that’s quite a game-changing variable considering how much success Raptors coach Nick Nurse has had over the course of this year with his lineup combinations while missing substantial pieces like All-Star Pascal Siakam, Norman Powell, Kyle Lowry, and Fred VanVleet.

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2. Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans – This is probably the final duel between the two presumptive Rookie of the Year candidates, and it could shape up to be a significant matchup, considering the playoff placement of the two teams that are battling for the final postseason spot in the West. Two must-see physical anomalies in Ja Morant and Zion Williamson could be playing for the continuation of their seasons, and their final duel for the 2019-20 season will take place on August 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers – So, if all predictions are true and all media experts’ initial postseason theories are correct at the end of the day, the Battle of L.A. will be a thing by the time the Western Conference Finals go down. The duel of the Staples Center inhabitants will now, more than ever, play in a neutral arena (as if they were going to play in anything different, right?) and the best part of this rivalry’s renewal? It’ll be the first game out of the gate for the Clippers and Lakers’ trip to Orlando, as the two teams square off on July 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT!

Jun 27, 2020 No Comments

The Nike Air Zoom BB Next is the Future of Hoops

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by admin | Jun 27, 2020 | Featured, NBA, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Nike’s dedication to performance is held strong by their continued evolution. Thanks to their continually improving technology, the folks in Oregon once again press forward with their advancements in innovation. The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT is the future of the Nike Air.

Image via Nike

“We now have athletes that are ‘positionless’ and generate the values of all positions on court. Within the NBA alone these positionless athletes face a grueling journey, starting with the offseason training, then preseason, and into the 82-game season, playoffs, Finals. Fatigue is the enemy and endurance is the goal,” says Ross Klein, Senior Creative Director for Nike Basketball footwear.

Image via Nike

To reduce fatigue during critical moments, the BB NXT introduces a unified system of full-length Nike REACT foam, plate, and Nike Air Zoom pods that work in sync to provide superior impact protection and energy return. The Nike Air Zoom BB includes many revelatory changes in its construction.

Image via Nike

A bit of exposed REACT foam under the heel serves to create a “soft and responsive” feel while a plate above the foam counteracts it with the appropriate rigidity. Under the ball of the foot are two Air Zoom that both absorb energy as well as provide responsiveness. The lightweight mesh used to form the upper is specifically crafted to offer support and durability to basketball players of any skill level or position. The plush tongue and padded collar top off the experience for added comfortability, the collar flares out adding a supportive notch for the Achilles tendon.

The Nike Air Zoom BB NXT releases in the Black/Green “Dangerous” colorway on July 25. The white “Rawthentic” colorway hits the streets and courts this September.

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Image via Nike

Jun 27, 2020 No Comments

Thank You, Vinsanity: Vince Carter Officially Announces His Retirement

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by Marcus Van Diver | Jun 25, 2020 | Featured, NBA

Keeping it real here: it’s going to take a lot of time getting used to googling Vince Carter’s name and seeing “former American professional Basketball player in his bio.

And yes, it was expected considering that he announced that the 2019-20 season would be his farewell tour, but it is still going to be hard to see one of the more impactful superstars of the past two decades hang up the sneakers.

In what will go down as one of the many special moments stolen by the worldwide Coronavirus shutdown of sports this season, we’ll never get to formally see Vince Carter offer his goodbyes to the thousand of patrons inside Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena or in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as an ode of respect to the fans of the Raptors and Nets, two of the franchises integral in carving out the legacy and storied career of the one we call “Half-Man, Half-Amazing”.

Instead, all fans and supporters of VC will get is a digital announcement, as the presumptive first-ballot HOFer took to Twitter Thursday morning to express his desire to step away from professional basketball, thus ending a 22-year career for the eight-time All-Star who played in eight jerseys in that span. Carter was on his “Winging it” Podcast on The Ringer when he declared his official retirement.

As @mrvincecarter15 officially hangs them up, hear it in his own words.
Subscribe to the #WingingItPod today. #ThankYouVince https://t.co/rZcsbBRXQ1
— #ThankYouVince (@ringernba) June 25, 2020

And deservedly so, he deserved a proper send-off – perhaps a cumulative career highlight montage, one final crowd address, a prolonged standing ovation – rather than the abrupt and sudden ending to his professional tenure on the eve of March 11, ubiquitously known as the date the season was suspended.

Looking back, he would’ve been a little more earnest of a more gratifying career conclusion; Though needing gratuitous persuasion from the onlookers within the Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena, Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce looked his way and placed him with the third-team in the game’s remaining 19.5 seconds, ultimately leading up to a dribble handoff and top-of-the-key three-ball to score his 25,728th point, 2,290th and final three-pointer.

The lasting impact of Vinsanity won’t soon be forgotten if that nugget of information ever needed an appropriate mention. He had never had the luxury of reaching the pantheon of championship gold once in his time in the league but had done oh so much in the span of 22 long years.

When we think VC, obvious pictures roll into our heads: the gravity-disrespecting throw-downs both in-game and in that memorable 2000 Dunk Contest he did as a pioneer of modern dunking. The All-NBA teams he qualified for. His highlight-filled collegiate career. His many appearances in USA Red, White, and Blue as a member of the national team during his winning of both the Gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2003 Gold medal in the FIBA Americas Championship.

Oh, and the fact that he single-handedly made the sport of basketball cool in the entire country of Canada during his time as a Raptor.

Or, the multitudinous teammates he’s had throughout his 22 years in the business, including the youngsters he’s dropped knowledge for who weren’t even born when he was having his most-prominent years in the league.

A career that has seen its understandable decline in athleticism, Carter was never the type to lament about his diminishing role on the five teams he was shipped to in his waning seasons. And as quick as the physical transition from an All-NBA caliber high-flyer to a throw-in piece as part of trade negotiations, his humility, maturity, and understanding of playing the role of confidant and teacher developed just as expeditiously.

He could’ve bowed out gracefully and on the top back in 2012-2013 when he wasn’t exactly himself. But as his body slowly started to deteriorate, his mind found resolution and optimism. His unpredictable durability became a beacon of hope for players not quite comfortable with transitioning into lesser roles. During his second year with the Mavericks, who after signing Carter were still championship contenders even without him, still profited greatly from his contributions. He still averaged double-digits, completing his transformation to full-time reserve.

Carted did an interview with Sports Illustrated back in May of this year, and as Carter detailed his desire to retire last year, he said that he “had doubts”. And as fate would have it, he spotted a relaxed Kobe Bryant in the front row of the Nets home floor in the Barclays Center back in December. Two former rivals turned buddies embraced while Bryant’s daughter Gianna admired from afar and watched her dad and his former colleague conversate.

That conversation probably included old memories about their battles the two had in their careers, but moreover involved life after the game is over. Bryant confessed, in Carter’s words, that it was the happiest he had ever been. And then a month later, Vince Carter passed Dirk Nowitzki in scoring to earn spot No. 19 on the all-time scoring list, and the Flying Dutchman himself offered the same sentiment about retirement in a text, saying he was going to love it.

So, while it may be as anticlimatic of a conclusion to 22 seasons, in Carter’s eye, he may have already gotten his riding-off-into-the-sun moment: alongside the Knicks’ rookie guard R.J. Barrett at a free-throw hash, he logged his final minutes, played his final, 1,541st game, and drilled his final shot attempt for a total of five points in a win against the Knicks on a bizarre night that the entire NBA was forced into hiatus after players and fans in the stadium caught wind of the cancellation of that Jazz-Thunder game that caught the attention of national headlines.

When those same fans started chanting “We Want Vince”, imploring coach Pierce to put in the living legend that’s literally played in at least one game in four different decades, Carter said that it really started hitting him that it could all really be over. The legend may not have known at the moment that his goodbye was to be permanent this time, but as he’d say, “I ended on a pretty good note.”

And that he did. Thanks for everything, Vince.

Jun 25, 2020 No Comments

The Year Of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander In Oklahoma City ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

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by Travis Singleton | Jun 24, 2020 | Featured, NBA

As the NBA season aims to resume play in Orlando at Disney World. The OKC Thunder are in a prime position to make a serious playoff push this postseason. On the season before the coronavirus, OKC was 40-24 in the Western Conference. One reason for the OKC Thunder’s success this season was because of the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The second-year player came to OKC to get better and that’s exactly what he did this season for the Thunder. Shai has one of the smoothest games that you will see in the game and his layup package is extremely impressive.

It was obvious that the LA Clippers didn’t want to give Shai away last summer and the Thunder fans were able to see why. Numbers don’t lie and in the case of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, you can clearly see that over his two seasons. Last year on the Clippers, Shai averaged 10.8 ppg in 26 minutes per game. This season with the Thunder, Shai averaged 19 ppg in 36 minutes per game. It was clear that with opportunity and more playing time the sky’s the limit for Gilgeous-Alexander. He came to OKC on a mission to prove to everyone that he’s an elite guard in the NBA and did just that. Another part of the OKC situation that has helped Shai continue to grow within his game is the fact he has Chris Paul as a mentor. When you have one of the best point guards in NBA history showing you the ropes and constantly believing in your game you have unlimited confidence.

The OKC Thunder have been able to exceed all expectations from all of the NBA media and sports outlets. A lot of outlets wrote the Thunder off as soon as Russell Westbrook & Paul George left but they’ve surprised everyone and will enter the playoffs as a dark horse. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a 9 point jump in his point performance during his two-year span in the NBA. During the 2019-2020 campaign, Shai was able to get his career-high 32 points in back to back games against the Suns & Clippers. Shai was showing a lot of promise and glimpses of greatness and promise as the season continued to go on. The way that the Thunder team was built it benefits their three point guards, especially with the ball movement. Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schröder made it hard on any opposing team because you didn’t know who’s night it was to shine.

Heading into Orlando we’ve seen a lot of footage from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander working on his game in the free time away from the OKC Thunder. One this that was noticeable is that he’s toned up and he’s polished up a lot of his moves getting ready for that championship run. Shai was known for having the biggest wingspan in his draft class and as he continues to get better in the NBA he will have to use that length to continue to execute at a high level. Shai has a smooth game and he’s shown different levels that he can reach within his game on a nightly basis. The confidence that he’s shown in his game over the year has been impressive as his jumper has improved just as much as his finishing at the rim. The Thunder have the face and future of this team as a baby in NBA years and OKC fans will have to get used to seeing what Shai has to add to his game. Look for Shai to continue his greatness on the court just as much as he does off the court with his game-day drip. Below are the Top 10 sneakers that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander graced the court with this season for the OKC Thunder.

Honorable Mentions

Nike Kobe 5 Protro “Big Stage” & Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Suns”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OKC Thunder

10. Nike Kobe AD Mid PE

9. Nike Kobe 9 Peach Jam

8. Jordan CP3.XII “Red” PE

7. Nike Kobe 6 “Lightbulb”

6. Nike Kobe 1 Protro “81 Pt Game”

5. Nike Kobe 8 GC “Venice Beach”

4. Nike Kobe 8+ All-Star Area 72

3. Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Wizenard” PE

2. Nike Kobe 5 Prelude “Finals MVP”

1. Nike Hyperdunk Marty McFly 2015

We Can’t Forget Some Of The Drip Shai Displayed This Season

Photo Credit: CHRIS LANDSBERGER, Zach Beeker, Travis Singleton, LeagueFits

Jun 24, 2020 No Comments

Ranking Lebron’s 17 Signature Sneakers

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by Brendon Schunck | Jun 17, 2020 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

Hard to believe that LeBron James’ signature sneaker line is 17 years old. There are high school basketball players that weren’t even born when King James’ first signature shoe released back in 2003. LeBron is second only to Michael Jordan in the amount of signature models his personal line has eclipsed (34 and 17 respectively). It’s always a rare occurrence for a rookie in the NBA to have their own shoe, but Nike was all in on their 18-year-old, $90 million dollar man. LeBron’s first shoe was dubbed the “Air Zoom Generation” as opposed to the expected “Nike Lebron 1.” This was most likely in part due to LeBron being seen as a “once in a generation” talent. However, once the second LeBron model was released in 2004, Nike and James went with the traditional numbering and naming system, calling it the Nike Zoom Lebron II. Models 1-6 in LeBron James’ line were pretty well received and could always be seen on-court repeatedly. It wasn’t until the LeBron VII that the line really took off, thanks to designer Jason Petrie. Petrie blended new technology with traditional materials to flawlessly create possibly the greatest looking shoe in the Nike LeBron line. With leathers, suedes, patent leather, flywire technology, and a full-length Air Max bag, the LeBron VII had on-court performance, but also off-court appeal. This was perhaps the first time in the LeBron line’s history that you could style the signature model casually for the streets, but not miss a step lacing them up for the court.

Jason Petrie would keep this momentum up and go on to make sure-fire hits with the Lebrons VIII, IX, and X. The Nike LeBrons 7-10 dominated the hype waves of the early 2010’s, and rightfully so. Nike basketball shoes were hot, and Jason Petrie knew how to deliver. The partnership between LeBron and Jason worked so well, that Petrie has designed every model since the 7. Some models are obviously more liked than others, but it is a tall task to design shoes made for a player 6’9″ and 250 lbs. LeBron’s most recent model, the XVII’s, have received high praise overall and achieved a mass appeal both on-court and off. There’s no telling just how much longer Nike will have Jason Petrie designing LeBron’s signature shoes, but there always seems to be a buzz surrounding what the next iteration in the line will look like.

We at Sneaker Reporter didn’t want to just show LeBron James’ signature line 1-17, we wanted to challenge ourselves. We compiled a list ranking the best-looking LeBron silhouettes (ranked between all 17 models). This list has nothing to do with how the shoes perform on-court, strictly with how the shoes look aesthetically. I’m a Lebron collector myself and just let it be known that the Top 5 in this list can change on any given day, there’s really no right or wrong order. We only included the base models of the signature line, so no low tops, post season versions, or “Elite” versions. Additionally, and probably most importantly, each shoe on the list is the debut model and/or part of the initial first run of colorways. No samples, player exclusives, friends and family versions, etc. will be shown here (we’ll save those for another article). We wanted each colorway shown to match the current team Lebron was on and be attainable for a consumer to buy (for the most part). Scroll through to see which Lebron models got ranked towards the top, and which ones slid towards the bottom. A 17-year signature series run that is far from over.