Latest news with #RussellWestbrook
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
2025 NBA Finals: How Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as title contender
Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals 2025 on June 19. The game will begin at 8:30 pm Eastern Time at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Oklahoma leads the series 3-2, having won back-to-back games. The team will be hoping to maintain their winning momentum today as well. Oklahoma's performance in the NBA this season owes a lot to their dynamic and well-rounded team, Pro Football Network reported. Under general manager Sam Presti, the franchise has worked to bring together a solid team, focusing on flexibility, draft picks and player development. Now, the side is just one victory away from securing its second NBA title. Oklahoma traded veterans like Paul George and Russell Westbrook to create a younger, more aggressive team. George spent two seasons in Oklahoma, but his partnership with Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook did not yield results as expected. Trading George to the LA Clippers in 2019 gave the franchise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's current MVP and a terrific two-way player. Trading George to the Clippers allowed Oklahoma City the choice of two pick swaps and five first-round picks. This brought Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams to the team in 2022 and 2024, respectively. Under coach Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City is now the league's youngest team, with an average player age of 24.148 years. Also read: NBA Finals Game 6: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers date, time, where to watch for free, live-streaming and more The Canadian basketball player has turned out to be a huge asset for Oklahoma City. He has averaged 32.7 points per game this season, with 5.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals, as per the NBA. He became the NBA MVP this year, beating Nikola Jokić for the honor. This was the seventh consecutive season that an international player won the MVP award. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has also found support in Holmgren and Williams. The trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren has been the main reason behind Oklahoma City's resurgence. The upcoming game will be a chance for these players to secure another win for their team. The fixture will be held on June 19 at 8:30 pm ET. They used a strategy of trades and draft picks to create a more dynamic roster of players. The game will be aired on ABC. Fans can also stream the game on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and Sling Blue.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
EuroLeague Team Denies Interest in Russell Westbrook
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The NBA offseason is shaping up to be one that many will remember for years to come. The 2019 offseason was one for the books, as it involved a significant amount of player movement that has somewhat shaped the league as it is today. More NBA news: Russell Westbrook Could Receive Unprecedented Offer From EuroLeague Team: Report The 2025 offseason could have a similar impact, shaping the league's landscape for the next half-decade or so. Many superstars will be at the forefront of the summer, including former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season with the Denver Nuggets and will be an unrestricted free agent in a few weeks. His market is unclear, but one thing that is clear: EuroLeague powerhouse Hapoel Tel Aviv is not interested in the nine-time All-Star. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets stands on the court before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena on April 2, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Photo byInitial reports suggest that Hapoel Tel Aviv was set to offer Westbrook a historic contract, but the team announced that there was never any interest in signing Westbrook. "To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him." Hapoel Tel Aviv says they have zero interest in Russell Westbrook 'To be serious – it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.' (h/t @TalkBasket ) — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025 The Israeli club is coming off a EuroCup title, and initial reports suggested that they would be interested in acquiring Westbrook. Westbrook has a $3.4 million player option for next season, and after a strong showing this past year. The 36-year-old quietly put together a productive season with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from beyond the arc across 75 games. While he's no longer the explosive MVP force he once was in Oklahoma City, Westbrook still finds ways to impact the team's winning efforts. His effort, energy, and ability to shift momentum in spurts were evident during his time in Denver, and it wouldn't be surprising if another team offers him a meaningful role. The former UCLA standout just wrapped up his 17th NBA season and has now appeared in 1,237 career games. The nine-time All-NBA guard could gain a ton of traction amongst NBA teams as free agency approaches. More NBA news: Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Addresses Trade Speculation Amid NBA Finals Dell Curry Drops Major Update on Steph Curry's NBA Future Kevin Durant Was Reportedly Interested in Joining Celtics at Deadline Lakers' LeBron James Provides Crucial Update on Knee Injury Caitlin Clark Talks Shooting Contest With LeBron James and Steph Curry For more Russell Westbrook and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Israeli Team GM Reacts to Russell Westbrook Signing Rumors
Israeli Team GM Reacts to Russell Westbrook Signing Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Nine-time All-Star NBA point guard Russell Westbrook is reportedly entering free agency this summer. Marc Stein of The Stein Line/Substack reported that the 6-foot-4 UCLA product will decline his $3.5 million player option after one season with the Denver Nuggets and explore the open market. Advertisement Long past his All-NBA prime, the 2017 league MVP remains surprisingly athletic, even at age 36, although his defense, late-game decision making, and proclivity to stop the ball could give interested teams pause. Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) moves the ball up court against the A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Still, clubs desperate for a veteran point guard presence (I'm talking to you, Sacramento Kings) might not be able to help themselves and opt to take a flier on the future first ballot Hall of Famer. A rumor emerged that Westbrook might look to take his game abroad, after 17 seasons in the NBA. Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv has been floated as an interested party, at a bloated price point. In a new interview with Vuk-Milos Petrovic of Basketball Sphere, Hapoel Tel Aviv general manager George Hinas has vehemently shut down the trade buzz, bemoaning it as "100 percent fake news." Advertisement 'There were numbers mentioned — $50 million per year — which is crazy,' Hinas told Petrovic. 'I get that Hapoel Tel Aviv draws attention because we're spending money. I counted 37 players who were linked with us. It's good we'll have three rosters, because when you have 37 players, it makes things easier (laughs). To be serious — it's not true. There was no interest, and no one approached him.' In 75 regular season bouts for Denver, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points on .449/.323/.661 shooting splits, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds a night. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA prospect Jase Richardson reveals how he 'froze' FaceTime-ing his favorite player of all time
Jase Richardson (Image via NBA) Born in Berkley, California, Jase Richardson played for the Michigan State Spartans during his college years. To fulfill his never-ending passion for basketball, he enrolled himself at Michigan State University to take part in the Spartans' summer just like his father, Jason Richardson, who had been a member of the same team and played 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Jase Richardson is now one of the top NBA Draft prospects, and we will see what lies in his future on the upcoming Draft Day. Recently, he revealed his favorite player from whom he draws his utmost inspiration, and no, it's not his father. Jase Richardson reveals how Russell Westbrook became his favorite NBA player On being asked in a recent interview about his favorite player from the NBA, Jase Richardson said, 'My dad was at dinner one time, he Facetimed me, and it was RUSS, and I was like, kind of, frozen up for a little. I thought he's like, camera freeze? I was like, nah I was just like, I was in shock. I think that's everything.' Russell Westbrook, who plays for the Denver Nuggets, has been Jase Richardson's ultimate inspiration as he likely respects his fearless approach to the game. He has been studying Russell Westbrook's games, trying to incorporate every move into his style. And with his gearing up to join the NBA next season, fans can see if he measures up to his idol or not. Jase Richardson's journey to become an NBA Draft prospect As a freshman, Jase Richardson scored 14 points, five rebounds, five assists, and 2 steals per game. Nicknamed 'J4' or 'J Richie', Jase Richardson made his college basketball debut against Monmount and scored 10 points with two rebounds and four assists in an 81-57 win, achieving a remarkable score, where he averaged 12.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game over 25.3 minutes. Jase Richardson also revealed that he meditates before the game. 'I feel like it just brought me like a little peace, like a little calmness to my game. But I play with an intensity. When I get out there on the court, yell all the time. So I kind of just feel like it's just a calm before the storm ,' he stated. Spartan fans are no doubt looking forward to seeing where this prospect lands in his career. Also read: Michigan State Spartans Cinch An Outright Big Ten Regular Season Title After Final Match Against The Iowa Hawkeyes.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-Celtics Player Reacts to Major Russell Westbrook News
Ex-Celtics Player Reacts to Major Russell Westbrook News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook just completed his 17th season and first with the Denver Nuggets. Now 36 years old, Westbrook is no longer the player he was during his prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but is still coming off a strong season. Advertisement In 75 games (36 starts) this season, Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists on 44.9% from the field. While he played through a fractured hand in the postseason, Westbrook was integral in Denver's seven-game first round victory over the LA Clippers in which he averaged 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals. Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4)© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Owning a $3.5 million option for the 2025-26 NBA season, Westbrook has reportedly declined that option and will enter free agency (via ESPN). This does not mean Westbrook will leave the Nuggets, but it does give him the opportunity to test free agency. Following Westbrook's major contract move, NBA legend Stephen Marbury shared his thoughts with a one-word message. Advertisement "Good," he commented on ESPN's Instagram post. NBA legend Stephen Marbury makes an Instagram / Instagram After a five-year run with the New York Knicks, Marbury spent the final season of his 13-year NBA career with the Boston Celtics. In that season (2008-09), he appeared in 23 games (four starts) and averaged 3.8 points. While this one-word message from Marbury did not come with much context, it seems he feels Westbrook is worth more than the $3.5 million he turned down. A now expired Instagram story from Marbury suggested this, as he stated Westbrook is worth more money than he was set to make in Denver. Related: Nuggets Predicted to Land Celtics Star After Russell Westbrook News Related: Russell Westbrook, Celtics Report Surfaces After Major Career Decision This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
