NBA rumors: Franz Wagner on Germany winning FIBA World Cup: 'That was not something that you dreamed of because it was that crazy'

After winning the FIBA World Cup, what can you say about Germany’s basketball future? Franz Wagner: I think success like that with the national team sparks a lot of excitement back home, and more kids will start playing basketball at home. I think that’s one of the coolest things about being part of the national team. We’re inspiring the next generation, and hopefully, in 10-15 years, we’ll have a lot more German players, not just in the NBA but in the best leagues around the world. I don’t think people from the United States realize how big a thing that was for us to win the World Cup. When I grew up, that was not an option. That was not something that you dreamed of because it was that crazy. So, honestly, I still haven’t really realized exactly what we did.
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May 18, 2025 | 4:43 am EDT Update

Draymond Green on Jonathan Kuminga: 'He will get paid here, or he will get paid somewhere else'

Draymond Green on Jonathan Kuminga: His valley was more on front street for everybody. Yes. But we all have our peaks and our valleys. And the reality is, what he said is correct. I love the way he handled it. One thing’s for certain — I said this in my exit interview — whether it’s here or somewhere else, he’s going to get paid, and he’s going to have a very bright future. So I don’t think he has anything to worry about. Everybody knows what he’s capable of. He will get paid here, or he will get paid somewhere else. That’s it. And that’s all. I think the future for him is as bright as it’s ever been.”

Chris Haynes: This upcoming meeting, expected to take place next week in Milwaukee, will be the first time both sides formally sit down post-season. Let me also add: there was no exit interview for Giannis. From what I was told, the Bucks said, “Hey, emotions are running high immediately after the loss, so let’s pivot and have this conversation later.” As a result, there’s been no communication between the two sides from that point until this morning. This meeting, scheduled for the middle of next week, will be Giannis’s chance to express what he wants and desires—but also, and most importantly, to listen. He’ll want to hear what plans the organization has. What are they planning to do with Bobby Portis? What about Brook Lopez? And what’s the plan regarding Damian Lillard’s injury and potential replacement? Is there anything actionable in that area?

Chris Haynes: Another thing I want to address: when you’re talking about Giannis, you’re also talking about other teams that are monitoring the situation. That’s definitely true. I’m not prepared to name any specific teams, but we know which ones would make sense. As of now, there isn’t anything substantial worth reporting in terms of other teams. A lot is going to depend on that meeting next week.

LeBron James wins first Shaqtin' A Fool MVP

LeBron James is no stranger to MVP honors, but this time he’s walking away with a much more lighthearted version. The Los Angeles Lakers star was voted as the 2024-25 Shaqtin’ A Fool MVP, as revealed by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal on Saturday. According to O’Neal, fans decided that LeBron delivered the most hilarious moments of the season, earning him the Shaqtin A Fool award.
May 17, 2025 | 11:11 pm EDT Update
May 17, 2025 | 10:07 pm EDT Update

Richard Jefferson on conspiracy theories: The NBA likes the fact that people are like, 'Oh, this is rigged'

In a recent episode of his “Road Trippin’” podcast, Jefferson argued that the NBA actually likes the conspiracy theories, as they add to the league’s reputation for drama. “The two percent does happen. It happens a lot,” Jefferson said. “Everyone wants to say it’s rigged, but the NBA likes that illusion of this. It’s part of the allure. The NBA is the most dramatic sport. It’s the second-biggest sport in the world, but it’s the most dramatic. “The drama that goes into basketball players on and off the court, all the drama, the pettiness, the dads on the court talking s–t to Hall-of-Famers, the NBA is always full of some s–t. That’s just part of the drama. The NBA likes the fact that people are like, ‘Oh, this is rigged.’”