Latest news with #ChicagoBulls
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stephen A. Smith uses Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen example to praise Thunder's Jalen Williams
The post Stephen A. Smith uses Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen example to praise Thunder's Jalen Williams appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Oklahoma City Thunder have put the Indiana Pacers on the brink of elimination for the first time these playoffs, taking a 3-2 series lead with a 120-109 win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. Jalen Williams' performance drew an intriguing Michael Jordan–Scottie Pippen comparison from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. Advertisement Smith spoke on ESPN's 'First Take' Tuesday morning: 'I get the Scottie Pippen joint because when you look at Jalen Williams, the brother's a stud, legit 6'7'-6'8', one of the two players in the NBA this year that made an All-NBA and All-Defensive Team. The brother plays on both sides of the ball.' Smith continued: 'He's got a jumpshot, he's got a handle, he's got passing ability. He can finish at the free throw line, finish in the open court, he's athletic — the brother's got a bag, no doubt about it, and he can ball.' Williams finished Game 5 as the game's leading scorer with 40 points, six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. He shot 14-for-25 from the field and 9-for-12 from the free throw line, posting a game-high plus/minus of +14. According to ESPN, Williams joined LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only players since 1998 to record at least 18 points in the paint and three made three-pointers in an NBA Finals game. Additionally, Williams became only the fifth player in the last 40 seasons to score 25 or more points in three straight Finals games before turning 25 years old. The others to accomplish the feat are Shaquille O'Neal (1995), Dwyane Wade (2006), Kevin Durant (2012), and Kyrie Irving (2016). Jalen Williams takes lead role in Game 5 as SGA dominates alongside him in historic Finals showing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024–25 NBA Most Valuable Player, contributed 31 points on 9-for-21 shooting and 13-for-14 from the line, adding 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals with a +9 plus/minus. Together, Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander became the first pair of teammates since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to record at least 40 and 30 points, respectively, in an NBA Finals game. Advertisement Smith then drew a line between Williams and Pippen: 'I don't know about the Scottie Pippen comparisons because for me personally, Scottie Pippen's one of the all-time greats — primarily with his defense.' He added: 'One of the things I've never seen — even though his greatest offensive performance was when he scored 37, if I remember correctly, as a Houston Rocket in the first round — this was not when he was with the Chicago Bulls. One time with the Chicago Bulls, he might've dropped 35, but I've never seen a game where Michael Jordan was on the court and Scottie Pippen was the No. 1 option. That never happened.' Smith pointed to Game 5 as an example: Advertisement 'That happened last night with Jalen Williams. Jalen Williams was given the ball by [Mark] Daigneault — now it was supposed to be for the purposes of being a point forward, getting the ball out of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's hands, not getting the first line of defense out of Indiana coming at SGA. Let it come to Jalen Williams instead so you could preserve SGA so he can have fresh legs come the fourth quarter because we saw what happened to him in Game 3.' Stephen A. Smith says Thunder won't lose to Pacers if Williams stays consistent Kyle Terada-Imagn Images He emphasized Williams' confidence: 'But Jalen Williams is waving him off because he was feeling it. SGA knew it and said go ahead and do your thing. I never saw that with Pippen with Michael Jordan on the court. That's why I don't get that comparison, that's just me.' Advertisement Smith concluded: 'Having said that, Jalen Williams is special. Make no mistake about it. His only issue — and I told him this when I saw him — his only issue is consistency, that's it.' 'There's nothing else about his game that you see that's not there. He defends. Offensively, he's got a bag — a versatile bag — when he brings it at you.' 'The bottom line is this: it was consistency. But over the last three games, the brother is averaging 31 [points] on better than 50% shooting and SGA is averaging 30 on 46% shooting. They keep that up, Indiana is not winning this series.' 'So I'm looking at it from that standpoint, and I've been saying all along: if Jalen Williams gives you what he's capable of giving you, there's no reason why the Thunder will lose a championship — and they're showing us that now.' Advertisement The Thunder will look to clinch their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City when they face the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. Related: Kyrie Irving gives 'prototype' praise to Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Related: Thunder draw '90s Bulls comparison from Doc Rivers
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair" - Bulls assistant said MJ's return and Rodman's arrival extended Pippen's career
"Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair" - Bulls assistant said MJ's return and Rodman's arrival extended Pippen's career originally appeared on Basketball Network. From 1987 to 1996, Chicago Bulls icon Scottie Pippen played close to 100 games per season. Load management wasn't a thing then, which meant the small forward had to play 82 regular-season games plus an additional 15-20 more in the playoffs. Advertisement Pip's work rate radically increased in the 1993-94 NBA season, the year Michael Jordan was out playing baseball. Without MJ, Scottie had to carry the load on offense, defense, and team captain chores. The added workload caused him to miss 10 games. Pip could've missed more, but he chose to play through the pain in his ankles, knees, and wrists. "In a way," said Bulls assistant coach Tex Winter, "Scottie is a victim of the Bulls' success." Waiting for Mike According to Bulls assistant coach Jim Cleamons, Pippen's heavier-than-usual workload extended to the 1995-96 season — Jordan's full year back. Cleamons said the Bulls still had to wait for Michael to be in full basketball form. Advertisement During these uncertain times, Cleamons claimed Scottie powered the Bulls through the first 40 games by crashing the boards, running the break, and maintaining a high defensive intensity. The Arkansas native's body was about to break down, but fortunately, MJ was back in form. "When his body started to decline on him, and Michael (Jordan) then was back in basketball shape, he took up the torch and carried us through the last 25. But in the playoffs, Scottie eventually got his legs back underneath him," Cleamons said via the Los Angeles Times. "Scottie was a true (beneficiary) of Michael coming back and trading for Dennis (Rodman)," Cleamons added. "Can you imagine what Scottie's body would be like if they weren't here now? Scottie would probably be in a wheelchair. No doubt about it, they've probably lengthened his career." Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me" Hanging by a thread The 1997-98 season was the most challenging year for the Bulls and Pippen. General Manager Jerry Krause had threatened to break up the team, which fueled the team even more to complete the three-peat. Advertisement Scottie was desperate to help his squad, but a toe injury — the result of years of wear and tear — caused him to miss the first half of the season. Ahead of Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, a severe back injury almost prevented Pippen from rushing to the hardcourt. "I was just hurt; physically, I didn't want to go anymore," Pip said. "But I did want the title. And ultimately, I sucked it up, took a few meds, and we were able to win that series. But it was a pretty tough series for me to get through." The pain was apparent. After finishing the opening dunk, Pippen grimaced in pain, seemingly favoring his lower back. Still, the seven-time All-Star held on and finished with a decent stat line: eight points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals. In the biggest game of his career, Scottie recorded a team-high +16, proving that no matter how much pain he was in, Pip could be effective and help the team get that W. Advertisement Pippen could've retired after winning his sixth title. After all, not only was his body battered from all those years successfully chasing titles, but he had nothing else to prove. But his love for the sport was undying. Scottie continued to lace up his sneakers for a couple more years before calling it quits in 2004, donning the Bulls jersey. Related: "He's more impressive when you're playing with him than against him" - Dennis Rodman admits he was in awe of Scottie Pippen from day one This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
As Billy Donovan nears extension with Chicago Bulls, will their patience with coach and front office pan out?
The Chicago Bulls aren't making major changes anytime soon. The roster might see some mild overturn this summer as the Bulls add a rookie with the No. 12 draft pick next Wednesday and shop several players in potential trades. But team leadership is expected to stay the same from top to bottom as the Bulls prepare to rebuild — again — around young players such as Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. That continuity includes coach Billy Donovan, who is currently negotiating a contract extension, per a league source, with the expectation of keeping the newly elected Hall of Famer in Chicago on another long-term deal. An extension for Donovan, whom the Bulls hired in September 2020, would continue the third-longest current tenure among NBA coaches. He trails only the Miami Heat's Erik Spoelstra, who succeeded Pat Riley in April 2008, and the Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr, hired in May 2014. Even after another losing season, the front office's continued commitment to Donovan should come as no surprise. Earlier this month the Bulls declined the New York Knicks' request to interview Donovan — one of many declined invitations as the Knicks struggle to fill their dance card after firing Tom Thibodeau three days after their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals since 2000 ended. Executive vice president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas never has wavered in his faith that Donovan is the correct coach to helm the Bulls. For a team looking to build around young talent, Donovan does appear to be a natural fit. Buzelis, Giddey and Coby White have credited him for their substantial improvements. And Donovan's ability to develop a new style of offense in 2024-25 showed how he can mold his system to fit the available personnel. 'We have a very close relationship,' Karnišovas said during exit interviews in April. 'We work very closely together. I thought he's done an unbelievable job to transform this group and accomplish certain goals of changing the way we played last year. 'From the players' perspective, they buy into what Billy's trying to teach them and they respond to him. He's done an unbelievable job and I have full confidence moving forward with Billy.' But despite their vocal support, the Bulls haven't always been transparent about their dealings with Donovan. They quietly extended his contract in 2022 without an announcement. The deal wasn't reported until long after the ink had dried. This year's extension talks have been less furtive, but the roadmap for Donovan's future in Chicago remains unclear as he potentially approaches another multiyear deal. The Bulls' loyalty to Donovan is no surprise — and neither is the continued commitment to Karnišovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Both are also due for contract extensions this summer that likely would coincide with a new deal for Donovan. Extending the tenure of Karnišovas and Eversley might seem unearned after a third consecutive losing season and play-in tournament meltdown. But for the Reinsdorf family, this is par for the course. This is not an ownership group inclined toward quick action. Former executive vice president John Paxson and GM Gar Forman were afforded a decade together before their reign ended. Karnišovas and Eversley, who were hired in the spring of 2020, might not have quite as long of a leash, but the team's preference for stability hasn't changed even with the mediocre results under current management. Sometimes patience is pragmatic. The original blueprint under Karnišovas and Eversley was heavily derailed by significant injuries in the 2021-22 season. And the current stable of young players offers some hope for what the Bulls can build. But the only true reward for patience is meaningful success in the postseason — not play-in tournament games or buzzer-beater highlights. Until Karnišovas, Eversley and Donovan can deliver that type of success, the trio will remain under heavy scrutiny from Bulls fans — regardless of their stability on Madison Street.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Why NBA champion chose WA's South West as his escape
When you're seven feet tall like former Chicago Bulls star Luc Longley, poking at those hard-to-reach places around the house doesn't often require a ladder. The three-time NBA champion — now based in Perth — has joined a host of recognisable Aussie sports personalities to star in the latest Kia Tasman ad premiering tonight during State of Origin in Perth. Lacking the nimbleness of co-stars Ash Barty or former AFL gun Dane Swan, Longley is tasked with getting 'in the paint' as the famous figures give a run-down property some love. Even Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, who's no stranger to clay, offers to get his hands dirty. Dane Swan joins the party at Ash Barty's Kia Tasman-inspired home reno. Credit: Enthral Unfortunately, Longley suggests, raking in rebounds and providing assists to former teammate Michael Jordan came a little more naturally than getting hands-on at home ever has. Actually, it depends who you ask. 'It's funny, because my wife would say I'm really handy — my friends would say that I'm not,' he told The West Australian. 'I believe in horses for courses. If you want a job done right, you get a professional but I can turn my hand to anything, just probably do it badly, except, obviously for painting, because Ash (Barty) got the best.' Relocating to Perth in the last couple of years with wife and celebrity chef Anna Gare, Longley spent decades escaping the bright lights of the court and stresses of life in WA's tranquil South West region. Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park. Credit: Beau Jones @beahjones (Instagram) In 1991, the 56-year-old purchased a property 15 minutes outside of Denmark upon turning professional. 'It was the first thing I bought with my professional basketball money. And I always wanted to have a sanctuary,' he said. Claiming the town was 'much sleepier back then', the HoopsFest ambassador was attracted to the natural landscapes and close proximity to the ocean. He even hosted fellow Sydney Kings co-owner Andrew Bogut, a fellow NBA champion, at his property recently as the pair took a dip in the majestic waters. But Longley wouldn't divulge all of his favourite hideaways. 'Secret spots aren't for giving up, but Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Madfish Bay, that whole chain of coast along there is for exploring, for sure,' he said. Andrew Bogut has represented Australia at the Olympics. Credit: METHODE / METHODE Longley admitted the pair don't always see 'eye-to-eye', but respect what the other has achieved as two of the premier seven-foot exports to find success in the NBA. As to who would win a one-on-one if each were in their prime, Longley is as curious to find out as the next Aussie basketball fan. 'I'd love to get in that time machine. Have a go at it,' he teased. 'I mean, he was quicker than me, which he'll happily tell you, so I probably would have had trouble with him in the in the full court, but I'd handle him in the half court. No worries.'
West Australian
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Luc Longley: Former NBA champion stars alongside sports heroes Ash Barty and Raphael Nadal in new Kia ad
When you're seven feet tall like former Chicago Bulls star Luc Longley, poking at those hard-to-reach places around the house doesn't often require a ladder. The three-time NBA champion — now based in Perth — has joined a host of recognisable Aussie sports personalities to star in the latest Kia Tasman ad premiering tonight during State of Origin in Perth. Lacking the nimbleness of co-stars Ash Barty or former AFL gun Dane Swan, Longley is tasked with getting 'in the paint' as the famous figures give a run-down property some love. Even Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal, who's no stranger to clay, offers to get his hands dirty. Unfortunately, Longley suggests, raking in rebounds and providing assists to former teammate Michael Jordan came a little more naturally than getting hands-on at home ever has. Actually, it depends who you ask. 'It's funny, because my wife would say I'm really handy — my friends would say that I'm not,' he told The West Australian. 'I believe in horses for courses. If you want a job done right, you get a professional but I can turn my hand to anything, just probably do it badly, except, obviously for painting, because Ash (Barty) got the best.' Relocating to Perth in the last couple of years with wife and celebrity chef Anna Gare, Longley spent decades escaping the bright lights of the court and stresses of life in WA's tranquil South West region. In 1991, the 56-year-old purchased a property 15 minutes outside of Denmark upon turning professional. 'It was the first thing I bought with my professional basketball money. And I always wanted to have a sanctuary,' he said. Claiming the town was 'much sleepier back then', the HoopsFest ambassador was attracted to the natural landscapes and close proximity to the ocean. He even hosted fellow Sydney Kings co-owner Andrew Bogut, a fellow NBA champion, at his property recently as the pair took a dip in the majestic waters. But Longley wouldn't divulge all of his favourite hideaways. 'Secret spots aren't for giving up, but Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Madfish Bay, that whole chain of coast along there is for exploring, for sure,' he said. Longley admitted the pair don't always see 'eye-to-eye', but respect what the other has achieved as two of the premier seven-foot exports to find success in the NBA. As to who would win a one-on-one if each were in their prime, Longley would love to know as much as Aussie basketball fans might. 'I'd love to get in that time machine. Have a go at it,' he teased. 'I mean, he was quicker than me, which he'll happily tell you, so I probably would have had trouble with him in the in the full court, but I'd handle him in the half court. No worries.'
