Latest news with #Nets
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Scout Says Teams Only Want Kevin Durant To Sell Jerseys And That He Is No Longer An Alpha Superstar
NBA Scout Says Teams Only Want Kevin Durant To Sell Jerseys And That He Is No Longer An Alpha Superstar originally appeared on Fadeaway World. As Kevin Durant trade rumors heat up across the league, one NBA scout has cast doubt on his current value after a miserable season in Phoenix. In a wild statement that went viral this week, the anonymous expert said Durant was no longer capable of leading a team to a championship and that he's not worth a premium trade package at this stage of his career. Advertisement 'Most teams that want him are teams that just want to sell some jerseys…At this stage of the game, though, he's 36, 37 years old, I don't see a real benefit in giving up much for him," said the scout, via Amico Hoops. "He's not leading anyone to the promised land anymore…A team could take him as a rental to move merchandise for a year, and that's not a terrible idea. Just don't mortgage the future. Anyone from that 35-and-over crowd isn't worth it these days. Kevin Durant is part of that crowd now.' On paper, Kevin Durant is still an elite NBA athlete, and he put up big numbers last season with averages of 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 42.7% shooting. As a 15x All-Star, 2x champion, 4x scoring leader, and 11x All-NBA player, his resume is impressive, and he's considered one of the defining players of the generation. So far, Durant has only been traded one other time in his career -- in 2023 to the Suns for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap to the Nets. It was a monster haul at the time, and the Suns are looking for a similar deal this summer when they trade him out. Unfortunately for Phoenix, Durant's stock isn't as high as it used to be, and some critics are doubtful that he's worth giving up any major package. Durant, 36, has been on a steady decline since the 2021-22 season when he averaged 29.9 points per game for the Nets. As his numbers decreased gradually, his teams increasingly struggled to keep up with the competition, and it resulted in a shocking lack of playoff success over the past six years. Now, after an abysmal season in Phoenix, Durant finds himself on the trade block yet again for the second time in two years, but his situation is entirely different than before. Advertisement After 16 years in the NBA, Durant is at the end of his career, and he might be better fitted for a sidekick role rather than one as the leading star of a team. But regardless of where he goes or what role he takes, Kevin's arrival is sure to make things exciting for the team he joins, and it will surely help power an elite offense. With three teams in the running for Durant (Spurs, Rockets, and Heat), it's impossible to be sure where he'll end up, but it's no secret that he prefers the Spurs. Alongside Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, Durant could spend the last stretch of his career with the support he needs to remain competitive in the title race. If he's able to help the Spurs (or another young team) to a major playoff run next season, it will do wonders for this legacy and disprove all the doubters who continue to question his worth. Related: Kevin Durant Wanted To Join The Celtics Or Knicks At February Trade Deadline This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Nets expressing 'particular' interest in BYU G Egor Demin
The Brooklyn Nets have five picks to use in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft that begins on Wednesday at Barclays Center, the home of the Nets. Brooklyn may not use all of their picks to take players in this class, but they are closing in on players they're interested in, including a player with some upside. "We've heard consistent buzz that he is drawing particular interest from Brooklyn," NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote (h/t Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor) in his article for The Stein Line while explaining why BYU guard Egor Demin seems to be underrated. Demin's college coach, former NBA assistant Kevin Young, had some praise for his former player as Demin looks to take his game to next level, potentially to the Nets. Advertisement "Many front offices appear intrigued by the talent that complements Demin's lengthy frame," Fischer continued while relaying what most front offices think of Demin. "It is no stretch to say that he is the highest-rated NBA Draft prospect with Real Madrid in his background since a certain Doncic." Demin, 19, is one of the more interesting prospects in the draft given the way that he could fit multiple positions because of his size and potential shooting ability. Demin, listed at 6-foot-8 and 200 pounds, is coming off a 2024-25 season in which the Russian averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 27.3% from three-point land. "Egor Demin will earn consideration from late-lottery teams that buy the playmaking and are willing to bet on his shooting development," Jonathan Wasserman wrote of Demin in his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report. Wasserman has being taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 17th overall pick in the draft, two picks before the Nets could potentially take him. At the moment, it seems that Demin's main appeal to teams is his ability to make plays for himself and others along with his ability to use his size to get to the rim against his defender. Demin's shooting is a work-in-progress, but if he is able to make significant improvements in that department, he could be the kind of steal that Brooklyn is hoping for. This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Report: Nets expressing 'particular' interest in BYU G Egor Demin
USA Today
3 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Nets expressing 'particular' interest in BYU G Egor Demin
The Brooklyn Nets have five picks to use in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft that begins on Wednesday at Barclays Center, the home of the Nets. Brooklyn may not use all of their picks to take players in this class, but they are closing in on players they're interested in, including a player with some upside. "We've heard consistent buzz that he is drawing particular interest from Brooklyn," NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote (h/t Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor) in his article for The Stein Line while explaining why BYU guard Egor Demin seems to be underrated. Demin's college coach, former NBA assistant Kevin Young, had some praise for his former player as Demin looks to take his game to next level, potentially to the Nets. "Many front offices appear intrigued by the talent that complements Demin's lengthy frame," Fischer continued while relaying what most front offices think of Demin. "It is no stretch to say that he is the highest-rated NBA Draft prospect with Real Madrid in his background since a certain Doncic." Demin, 19, is one of the more interesting prospects in the draft given the way that he could fit multiple positions because of his size and potential shooting ability. Demin, listed at 6-foot-8 and 200 pounds, is coming off a 2024-25 season in which the Russian averaged 10.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.2% from the field and 27.3% from three-point land. "Egor Demin will earn consideration from late-lottery teams that buy the playmaking and are willing to bet on his shooting development," Jonathan Wasserman wrote of Demin in his latest mock draft for Bleacher Report. Wasserman has being taken by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the 17th overall pick in the draft, two picks before the Nets could potentially take him. At the moment, it seems that Demin's main appeal to teams is his ability to make plays for himself and others along with his ability to use his size to get to the rim against his defender. Demin's shooting is a work-in-progress, but if he is able to make significant improvements in that department, he could be the kind of steal that Brooklyn is hoping for.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nets opening youth basketball training facility next to Barclays Center
The post Nets opening youth basketball training facility next to Barclays Center appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Brooklyn Nets are investing in youth basketball in their local community. This fall, BSE Global, parent company of the Nets and New York Liberty, will open a multi-court youth basketball training facility opposite Barclays Center on Flatbush Avenue. Advertisement 'I have personally witnessed the way the game of basketball enriches the lives of young people all over the world, and the opportunity to open a state-of-the-art Brooklyn Basketball training center, right across the street from Barclays Center, is an exciting one for our community,' said Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. 'This facility will provide an incredible place for the youth of our borough to come together to not only receive exceptional on-court instruction, but to also learn the important values and life lessons this great game teaches.' Brooklyn's new training Center will be operated by BSE Global's flagship youth basketball program, Brooklyn Basketball. Nets opening youth basketball facility across from Barclays Center The program is affiliated with the Nets and Liberty and was created 'to establish a community-first basketball experience dedicated to nurturing young basketball players and enthusiasts to unlock their full potential on and off the court.' Advertisement 'We are excited to further enhance the area surrounding Barclays Center with our Brooklyn Basketball Training Center available to all, right in the heart of Brooklyn, as we continue to help grow the sport across the borough,' said Marissa Shorenstein, Chief External Affairs Officer at BSE Global. 'This initiative is about more than just basketball—it's about creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can learn, grow and connect – and by continuing to invest in our community programming, we're building a stronger foundation for the future of the game and the neighborhoods we call home. Opening this facility reflects BSE Global's ongoing commitment to uplifting our community—not just through sports, but by fostering opportunity, empowerment, and a lasting sense of belonging for Brooklyn's next generation.' The 18,600 sq. ft. youth training facility will open at the former location of a Modell's Sporting Goods directly across from Barclays Center. It marks the latest investment into the community by Nets and Liberty owners Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai. BSE Global recently announced plans to open an $80 million practice facility for the Liberty in Brooklyn. Related: Rumored dark-horse Nets draft target receives green room invite Related: Kevin Durant trade offer Heat must make to Suns to seal deal
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rumored dark-horse Nets draft target receives green room invite
The post Rumored dark-horse Nets draft target receives green room invite appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Brooklyn Nets will have no shortage of directions they can take with the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Noa Essengue has been linked to the rebuilding squad amid a recent surge up draft boards. The French Phenom received a green room invite to attend the draft at Barclays Center, according to ESPN's Jonathan Givony. Advertisement Essengue is one of 19 prospects to receive an invite, alongside Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson, Khaman Maluach, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel, Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, Collin Murray-Boyles, Thomas Sorber, Liam McNeeley, Nolan Traore, and Will Riley. The 18-year-old has impressed with his performance this season for Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany's top professional league. He has averaged 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists on 54.5 percent shooting in 21.4 minutes per game over his last 13 appearances. Noa Essengue receives NBA Draft green room invite amid ties to Nets Essengue is the second-youngest player in this year's draft class, behind only Cooper Flagg. His impact at the professional level at such a young age has piqued the interest of NBA front offices. While he's a raw prospect who will need to improve as a ball-handler and outside shooter, his blend of size, fluid mobility and athleticism is highly enticing. Advertisement Essengue's recent pre-draft measurements will help his case as a potential top-10 pick. He came in at 6-foot-10 barefoot and 204 pounds with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, according to DraftExpress' Jon Chepkevich. The Frenchman's 9-foot-2 standing reach is just five inches shorter than Victor Wembanyama's. ClutchPoints and Bleacher Report project the Nets to select Essengue at No. 8 in their latest mock drafts. ESPN has him ranked No. 9 on its top 100 big board and projects the Toronto Raptors to select him with the No. 9 pick. Related: Nets opening youth basketball training facility next to Barclays Center Related: Kevin Durant trade offer Heat must make to Suns to seal deal
