
<p>When people, even those who aren’t very familiar with basketball, think of the NBA, images of dunks often come to mind. Some of the first names that spring to mind when discussing basketball are big guys like <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/joel-embiid-and-two-other-biggest-2023-nba-all-star-starter-snubs-20230127-SPD-3351.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaquille O’Neal</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-victor-wembanyama-20230129-SPD-3358.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wilt Chamberlain</a></strong>.</p>



<p>NBA scouts have been drooling over tall talents like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, their height and wingspan.</p>



<p>Though taller players have always had an edge on the court, shorter players have never been discouraged from trying to make it to the NBA. Here, you will learn the names of the three players in NBA history who were the smallest to ever suit up for the league.</p>



<h2>3. Mel Hirsch (height: 5’6″)</h2>



<p>It’s one thing to get into the league when you’re just 5 feet 6 inches tall; it’s another to keep your footing once you’re there. Mel Hirsch, a guard, was able to make the Boston Celtics squad for the 1946-47 season.</p>



<p>Hirsch’s performance wasn’t very noteworthy, even by the standards of the time. He played in just 13 games, but his stats were respectable: 1.5 points and 0.8 assists per game on 20.0% shooting from the field and 50.0% from the foul line.</p>



<h2>2. Earl Boykin (height 5’5″)</h2>



<p>Earl Boykins, in contrast to Hirsch, spent a total of 13 seasons in the NBA, playing at a high level the whole time. Considering that the typical NBA player retires after only 4.5 years, it’s very astounding.</p>



<p>On average, Boykins scored 8.9 points per game for his career across his stops with the New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets), Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets.</p>



<h2>1. Muggsy Bogues (height 5’3″)</h2>



<p>At long last, we reach Muggsy Bogues, the stuff of legend. For 14 years, Bogues was a reliable starter despite his little stature. His extraordinary athleticism allowed him to succeed, and he finished his career with 39 blocks.</p>



<p>Bogues, who was stealthy, quick, and highly cerebral, played for the Washington Bullets, the Charlotte Hornets (now the New Orleans Pelicans), the Golden State Warriors, and the Toronto Raptors. With the 1986 FIBA World Championship, he led the tournament in scoring and assist averages at 7.7 and 7.6, respectively.</p>


The top 3 smallest players throughout NBA's history - thesportsdrops NEWS

The top 3 smallest players throughout NBA's history

destacadas


<p>When it comes to the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/three-nba-teams-with-the-most-potential-for-february-sales-20230121-SPD-3338.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA Draft</a></strong>, there is no such thing as a ‘can’t-miss’ kind of player. Victor Wembanyama, a French superstar, would come the closest if there were. As a result, he has caught the attention of dozens of scouts.</p>



<p>This year, Wembanyama looks just stunning on the pitch. He’s got the shot-blocking chops of Dikembe Mutombo, the ball-handling skills of Chris Paul, and the long-range shooting prowess of Buddy Hield.</p>



<p>The 19-year-old is widely expected to be selected as the first overall choice in this year’s NBA Draft, and thus, many clubs will jostle for position to choose him. Take a look at the three possible teams that have the best shot of doing just that.</p>



<h2>3. Charlotte Hornets</h2>



<p>This year’s <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/kyle-kuzma-to-leave-wizards-and-other-potential-upcoming-trades-involving-shooters-20221219-SPD-3270.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Hornets</a></strong> team has been a complete and utter failure. With LaMelo Ball’s health issues and the uncertainty surrounding Miles Bridges’ future, the team has been in dire need of another scorer.</p>



<p>If Ball’s health continues to deteriorate, the Hornets would be smart to put an end to his season. It’s attractive to think that they’ll have Wemby and Ball for the next decade, so they may as well sink the rest of the season.</p>



<h2>2. Detroit Pistons</h2>



<p>The youthful core that the Detroit Pistons have assembled is already among the most remarkable and promising in the NBA. Their prospects of making the playoffs were all but dashed when they lost Cade Cunningham for the year.</p>



<p>So, even if they lose, they may still come out on top. While waiting for Cunningham’s recovery, they may allow their young stars like Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, and Sadiq Bey to learn from their errors and develop into better players, increasing their chances of earning the first overall selection.</p>



<h2>1. Houston Rockets</h2>



<p>The Houston Rockets have some of the league’s youngest players. Unfortunately, coach Stephen Silas hasn’t done a good job of nurturing their abilities. They aren’t going down, but they are terrible.</p>



<p>However, Wembanyama has the potential to be the game-changer for this team, much as the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon did for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. There has never been a more dynamic and adaptable jumbo frontcourt than the one that would be formed by pairing Jabari Smith Jr. with Alperen Sengun.</p>


Top 3 most likely destinations for Victor Wembanyama - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 most likely destinations for Victor Wembanyama


<p>After the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/three-nba-teams-with-the-most-potential-for-february-sales-20230121-SPD-3338.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA’s 2023 All-Star</a></strong> starters were named on Thursday, a few reserves with justifiable complaints were expected. The starting have been announced, with the fan vote accounting for 50%, the media vote for 25%, and the player vote for the remaining 5%. It was revealed that Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been named an NBA All-Star for the 19th time, matching Abdul-Jabbar for the most All-Star appearances in NBA history. </p>



<p>James, who received the most votes in the league as a whole, will lead one team in the next All-Star Game on February 19 in Salt Lake City. The other team’s captain will be Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, who received the most votes in the Eastern Conference. The NBA has employed a captain system for the All-Star Game for the last six years, and James has participated in every one of them. </p>



<p>In addition to 2019 and 2020, Antetokounmpo now has the honor of serving as captain for a third time. Unlike previous years, when captains choose a week or two in advance of All-Star weekend, this year’s game will include an unannounced twist: the two players will choose their teams in the days leading up to the game. These are the three biggest 2023 NBA All-Star starter snubs, as per&nbsp;<em>CBS Sports.</em></p>



<h2>3. Domantas Sabonis</h2>



<p>Sabonis’s performance with the Kings has been outstanding. His absence results in a ten-point drop in scoring for every hundred possessions for the second-ranked Kings offense, according to CTG.</p>



<p>To add insult to injury, Sabonis has played 45 games to Zion’s 33 and Williamson is expected to miss at least two more weeks. When comparing their loss totals, the Kings are now three games ahead of the Pels.</p>



<h2>2. Anthony Davis</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-worst-performing-nba-teams-in-2022-23-20230122-SPD-3342.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Davis</a></strong> has a true shooting percentage of 65.9 and is averaging 27.2 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. The first three statistics are much superior than Zion Williamson’s bests, especially in terms of rebounds and blocks. In terms of TS, the numbers are quite similar.</p>



<p>Even without any other excellent defenders, the Lakers’ defensive rating would be the best in the NBA if Davis were playing. He is the Lakers’ defense, while Zion has improved defensively, but he is more of a byproduct of a successful New Orleans defense than a star in his own right. Davis was, for a while this season, the league’s top performer.</p>



<h2>1. Joel Embiid</h2>



<p>In this situation, Embiid was more deserving of a starting spot than Anteokounmpo was, therefore his exclusion was unjust. Embiid was voted third among frontcourt players by the media and players, behind Tatum and Durant, but he came in at a fourth place in the fan poll, which was won by Giannis. The key distinction lay there.</p>



<p>The notion that the fans are the game’s lifeblood and should have a say in the All-Star Game selection process has some merit, but in this case, the league made a mistake. Embiid outscores Antetokounmpo despite shooting at a far lower percentage from the field.</p>


Joel Embiid and two other biggest 2023 NBA All-Star starter snubs - thesportsdrops NEWS

Joel Embiid and two other biggest 2023 NBA All-Star starter snubs


<p>Every NBA team spends the whole season building a championship-caliber roster. It’s not uncommon for a club to open the season as heavy favorites to win their division and go far into the playoffs after assembling a squad full of talented individuals.</p>



<p>Less than three months remain in the regular <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022-23 NBA season</a></strong>, and thus far it has been wonderful. Some teams have underperformed both surprisingly and predictably, and it’s up to them to figure out whether they can make a comeback.</p>



<p>Nowadays, even modest slipups aren’t really so insignificant. While there is still much time this season and any team may make a turnaround, these three teams will be taking a long, hard look at themselves to see if they can fix their flaws this year.</p>



<h2>3. Golden State Warriors</h2>



<p>It’s understandable that the reigning champions, who have an aging core, would take it easy during the regular season. However, the team’s 6-18 road record, 17th-ranked offense, and negative point differential beggar belief. Sure, the Warriors weren’t doing so hot before Curry’s recent absence or Andrew Wiggins’.</p>



<p>The Warriors’ starting lineup has been dominating all season long, and the team’s recent showings against the Celtics, provide cause for confidence that they can still compete with top-tier contenders. No one knows whether the bench can carry any significant load, and the defense is no longer a reliable safety net. The Warriors have very little room to make mistakes now, yet they continue to do it nevertheless.</p>



<h2>2. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>While the Hawks’ current five-game winning streak is encouraging, this season has still fallen well short of the lofty expectations that accompanied the deal for Dejounte Murray. The defense has become better, but the offense is in danger of being ranked among the worst in the league because of its reliance on a small number of players.</p>



<p>Nobody is moving, neither the ball nor the player. Trae Young and Murray engage in a futile charade of who will take the lead, with Young’s 3-point percentage being over 35 percent due solely to a recent hot run. For a club that just traded Kevin Huerter and desperately needs shooting, it just won’t cut it. Atlanta is fourth in the NBA in 3-point percentage, behind only Denver, Chicago, and Los Angeles.</p>



<h2>1. Minnesota Timberwolves</h2>



<p>The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timberwolves</a></strong> had been predicted to win 50 games and finish in the playoff’s top four. They risked a lot to acquire Rudy Gobert, but they must have thought they could contend for a conference championship in the West Conference to make such a move. There was no intention of this lasting very long.</p>



<p>After coming so close to winning a playoff series last year, this group will have a difficult time making the playoffs this year. Although it was the defense that was expected to improve significantly, they have actually regressed since last year.</p>


Top 3 worst performing NBA teams in 2022-23 - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 worst performing NBA teams in 2022-23


<p>Most likely, the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/bojan-bogdanovic-and-other-potential-players-warriors-could-look-to-acquire-20221225-SPD-3282.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Houston Rockets</a></strong> are attempting to trade Eric Gordon to other teams in exchange for draft selections. In all likelihood, Orlando will answer calls for Terrence Ross and Gary Harris. Both Charlotte and Detroit should be willing to listen to offers from older players.</p>



<p>These players were vital, yet they are hardly spoken of outside of February. One may always expect a few deadlines to be extended at the conclusion of any given period.</p>



<p>Even though this is one of the most packed playoff races in league history, there are five clubs who stand out as not just the most likely sellers at the deadline but the pivots of the entire market. The rest of the league is waiting for these teams to make a decision, and if a deal changes the outcome of the championship in February, one of these teams is likely to be involved.</p>



<h2>3. Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>This group will never amount to anything. This era of Bulls basketball, ironically, started two days ago when the Orlando Magic reached the same decision and traded Vucevic to the Bulls. It’s possible that this agreement is currently preventing Chicago from progressing. </p>



<p>With just 21 victories, they won’t be able to choose in the first four picks. If not, the Magic will make the selection. From that vantage point, it may be best for the Bulls to simply wait it out and figure out a retool in the winter. Since Vucevic’s contract is up and DeRozan is in his mid-30s, a transfer sooner rather than later is preferable.</p>



<h2>2. Washington Wizards</h2>



<p>If for no other reason than that, no player who was really content with his present club would say as much on the record about his approaching free agency as Kuzma has, he will likely be dealt before the deadline. He’s the mythical big wing who can shoot, and who won’t hurt you on either end of the court, therefore he should be a perfect match for almost any playoff team. The truth isn’t as cut and dry.</p>



<p>Of course, Kuzma is more of a test than anything else. He plays a position where teams are willing to overlook shortcomings in otherwise good players like himself. In the summer, a team will likely offer a package of lucrative assets in exchange for Kuzma, betting that they will sign him to a large multiyear deal and, in doing so, perhaps setting the market for comparable wings.</p>



<h2>1. San Antonio Spurs</h2>



<p>Those who can play the position of center or power forward in the playoffs are quite uncommon. Karl-Anthony Towns, in a single game last spring, was able to force Steven Adams off the court due to the extreme need for flexibility. A smaller player at the center who planned to flip screens and make up for offensive losses could get away with it until just lately. </p>



<p>Nikola Jokic has given one conference new planning challenges, while the other has Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo to contend with. In order to defeat the incorrect center, all it takes is one mismatch.</p>


Three NBA teams with the most potential for February sales - thesportsdrops NEWS

Three NBA teams with the most potential for February sales


<p>The defending NBA champion <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-three-under-25-players-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221204-SPD-3231.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Golden State Warriors</a></strong> have stumbled to start the new season. Their bench was severely beaten up, and Steve Kerr has had trouble finding a rotation that works for them now.</p>



<p>Furthermore, it’s likely that they lack the necessary personnel to win back-to-back titles. Therefore, despite their deep affection for their prospects, they may have to abandon some of them.</p>



<p>Keeping this in mind and the Warriors’ salary cap constraints in mind, these are the three most likely trade possibilities that might help Stephen Curry and the Warriors right the ship.</p>



<h2>3. Jakob Poeltl</h2>



<p>The San Antonio Spurs are currently uninterested in a championship. Their only goal is to get the number one overall selection in the 2018 NBA Choose so that they may draft Victor Wembanyama, hence they are likely to deal away most of their older players.</p>



<p>The Dubs have benefited much from Kevon Looney’s play, but James Wiseman is too much of a liability. They’d benefit from having a big guy like Jakob Poeltl on the bench who can help anchor the defense and isn’t a major problem in the paint.</p>



<h2>2. Bojan Bogdanovic</h2>



<p>The acquisition of <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bojan Bogdanovic</a></strong> was a huge win for the Detroit Pistons. Their young players have benefited greatly from his presence as a seasoned veteran, and he is now playing the greatest basketball of his career. He is, however, not compatible with their timeframe.</p>



<p>As much as they care about him, they should seek compensation for him. He fits well into Steve Kerr’s style since he is a smart player, a good distributor, an effective shooter, and a dependable team defender.</p>



<h2>1. Gary Trent Jr.</h2>



<p>It’s no secret that Gary Trent Jr. will be highly sought after in the trade market, and rumors have surfaced that the Toronto Raptors are exploring a complete squad overhaul.</p>



<p>Trent Jr. is a tenacious backcourt defender and one of the league’s best three-point shooters. As with Gary Payton II, he has the 3-and-D abilities that the Dubs have yearned for all season and has the potential to be a key spark for them.</p>


Bojan Bogdanovic and other potential players Warriors could look to acquire - thesportsdrops NEWS

Bojan Bogdanovic and other potential players Warriors could look to acquire


<p>Growing up, young athletes often find success in more than one sport. While some want to make it to the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>, others have their sights set on the MLB. Some people compete in track meets because they want to emulate the greatness of <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-rookies-for-2022-23-nfl-season-20221207-SPD-3236.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a></strong> players.</p>



<p>There are instances when athletes disregard their likely position or compensation and seek a career in the sport they love the most. Some people are simply motivated by financial gain or the chance to excel in a particular activity.</p>



<p>Regardless, it’s easy to wonder whether those athletes wouldn’t have been just as successful, if not better if they had taken a different career route. Therefore, we will inform you about three NBA greats who, in retrospect, perhaps would have been as successful in the NFL.</p>



<h2>3. John Havlicek</h2>



<p>John Havlicek, a superstar for the Boston Celtics, was an All-Star in baseball, football, and basketball during his formative years. It’s true that he was picked up in both the NFL and NBA drafts.</p>



<p>The good news for basketball fans is that the renowned guard/forward opted to take his skills to the floor, where he won eight NBA titles, appeared in thirteen All-Star Games and was named Finals MVP once.</p>



<h2>2. Allen Iverson</h2>



<p>All-Star guard Allen Iverson once said that football was his true passion, surpassing even his beloved sport of basketball. He even said he was better at football than basketball, which, when you see the clips, doesn’t seem that far-fetched.</p>



<p>The legendary Philadelphia 76ers player could also play quarterback, kick returner, and defense. Iverson had 21 interceptions throughout his high school career, including a record-tying 5 in a single game because of his exceptional quickness. In addition, he guided his teams to victories at the state level.</p>



<h2>1. LeBron James</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a></strong> wasn’t only inflicting devastation on football before he became the most anticipated basketball prospect of all time. Two times he was named to the All-State team, and he also established several records while playing wide receiver and quarterback.</p>



<p>James, who had a similar build to Calvin Johnson, would have had a terrific NFL career. As a football player, he attracted attention from many schools, including Miami, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Ohio State.</p>


LeBron James and other NBA greats who could have had successful NFL careers - thesportsdrops NEWS

LeBron James and other NBA greats who could have had successful NFL careers


<p>Players who renewed their contracts during the summer are now free agents, marking the unofficial start of the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA trade season</a></strong>. There aren’t many potential game-changers in the current pool.</p>



<p>James Harden is one of them, but he can reject any deal. However, there will be 21 more players available in a month’s time. And among them are far more intriguing figures like Bradley Beal, Deandre Ayton, and Zach LaVine.</p>



<p>No matter where you stand on the issue, nobody can dispute the critical importance of having at least a handful of reliable shooters in order to compete in modern basketball. Accordingly, elite shooters are anticipated to fetch a premium price during this year’s NBA trade deadline. These are the three best shooters who could switch teams in the NBA soon.</p>



<h2>3. Gary Trent Jr.</h2>



<p>The Toronto Raptors have underperformed this year, and general manager Masai Ujiri has to provide direction on the future of many players, including guard Gary Trent Jr. He has the option to leave at the conclusion of the season, and it seems that’s what he intends to do.</p>



<p>The Raptors may decide to completely overhaul their roster in order to create a team around Rookie of the Year winner Scottie Barnes. Trent Jr. is a formidable offensive threat and a game-changing defensive presence. He’s just 24, so whoever buys him will get a great deal.</p>



<h2>2. Bogdan Bogdanovic</h2>



<p>Bojan Bogdanovic is not the youngest player in the league, but he may be the most dependable. The young players on the Detroit Pistons team really look up to him as a mentor and appreciate his strong leadership.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, Bogdanovic does not fit into their plans at all, and they might make better use of any draft selection. The former Utah Jazz combo forward is an all-around player who is capable of scoring at will, distributing the ball to teammates, and even stepping up on defense.</p>



<h2>1. Kyle Kuzma</h2>



<p>During his time with the Washington Wizards, <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/return-to-hawks-and-two-other-possible-landing-spots-for-kyle-kuzma-20221216-SPD-3263.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a></strong> has developed into a solid contributor. He was clearly unable to realize his full potential while sharing a court alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.</p>



<p>But now that he has shown what he’s capable of, there will be no lack of clubs interested in dealing with Kuzma as a 3-and-D stretch four. If he and Kristaps Porzingis don’t start performing better soon, the Wizards might attempt to trade them.</p>


Kyle Kuzma to leave Wizards and other potential upcoming trades involving shooters - thesportsdrops NEWS

Kyle Kuzma to leave Wizards and other potential upcoming trades involving shooters


<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/james-harden-goran-dragic-and-all-nba-players-available-for-trade-after-december-15-20221211-SPD-3247.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Kuzma</a></strong> told <em>The Atheltic </em>this week that he does not intend to sign an extension with the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington Wizards</a></strong> and would instead reject his player option for the 2023-24 season in order to become a free agent this summer.</p>



<p>While the Wizards have shown flashes of becoming a playoff contender this season, they haven’t done so in the previous two weeks, leading to speculation regarding Kyle Kuzma’s future with the organization. The 27-year-old Kuzma has become an integral part of the Wizards’ roster, so his intentions shouldn’t come as a shock.</p>



<p> Washington, which has $208 million committed to Beal over the next four seasons and who also has Kristaps Porzingis under contract for next season through a player option, may move Kuzma at the February 9 trade deadline for valued assets rather than letting him depart in free agency with no return. Now that he may be available in a trade, let’s examine the top three landing spots for him.</p>



<h2>3. Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>John Collins is still available for a trade, and it’s becoming obvious that this squad needs some new blood. In terms of overall improvement, swapping Collins for Kuzma would not be a huge step forward, but he would be a better fit for the team.</p>



<p>Kuzma is superior at perimeter defense and can also contribute offensively by making three-point shots. Furthermore, the Atlanta Hawks have a wealth of promising young players they may employ to sweeten the deal.</p>



<h2>2. Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>The Washington Wizards have apparently been contacted by the Brooklyn Nets about making Kuzma available. As he satisfies both their idealized personality and their on-court requirements, this is not a shock.</p>



<p>T.J. Warren hasn’t done much to impress, so they could use another big man to aid them on the boards, come up with their own scoring opportunities, and relieve Kevin Durant of some of the load. It’s not like he’s a lockdown stopper, but he’d be an improvement on defense anyway.</p>



<h2>1. Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>Without a doubt, the Los Angeles Lakers are still smarting from the Russell Westbrook deal. He has never tried to hide the fact that he is deeply in love with Los Angeles.</p>



<p>The influence of stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kuzma said, stunted his growth. But he also understands that his chances of winning a championship are better while wearing purple and gold.</p>


Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma - thesportsdrops NEWS

Return to Hawks and two other possible landing spots for Kyle Kuzma


<p>The 15th of December is a pivotal day in the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA season</a></strong>. On that day, teams may begin trading for players who have signed new contracts throughout the offseason. Until then, all transactions involving those players are prohibited. This day is marked on the calendars of every general manager in the league since it marks the unofficial beginning of the trading season, which continues until the trade deadline on Thursday, February 9. </p>



<p>There’s a good reason why not many deals have happened thus far this season. The timing was important because it would allow the front offices to begin collecting more moving pieces. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-three-under-25-players-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221204-SPD-3231.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lakers</a></strong> might make a splash at the trade deadline this year to strengthen their squad around LeBron James and Anthony Davis in preparation for a postseason run. </p>



<p>It has been claimed that the New York Knicks are prepared to trade away Derrick Rose, Immanuel Quickley, Evan Fournier, and Cam Reddish because of the team’s poor start. As the event approaches, more teams may emerge as contenders. Listed here is every player in the league that may be moved as of December 15, broken down by teams. * These players would have a say in whether or not a deal is made.</p>



<h2>Atlanta Hawks</h2>



<p>• Aaron Holiday<br>• Frank Kaminsky</p>



<h2>Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>• Danilo Gallinari<br>• Sam Hauser<br>• Luke Kornet<br>• Justin Jackson<br>• Noah Vonleh</p>



<h2>Brooklyn Nets</h2>



<p>• Kessler Edwards *<br>• Patty Mills<br>• Markieff Morris<br>• Edmond Sumner<br>• T.J. Warren<br>• Yuta Watanabe</p>



<h2>Chicago Bulls</h2>



<p>• Goran Dragic<br>• Andre Drummond<br>• Derrick Jones Jr. *</p>



<h2>Cleveland Cavaliers</h2>



<p>• Robin Lopez<br>• Raul Neto<br>• Ricky Rubio</p>



<h2>Dallas Mavericks</h2>



<p>• JaVale McGee<br>• Theo Pinson *</p>



<h2>Denver Nuggets</h2>



<p>• Bruce Brown<br>• DeAndre Jordan<br>• Davon Reed</p>



<h2>Detroit Pistons</h2>



<p>• Marvin Bagley III<br>• Kevin Knox<br>• Rodney McGruder *</p>



<h2>Golden State Warriors</h2>



<p>• Donte DiVincenzo<br>• JaMychal Green</p>



<h2>Indiana Pacers</h2>



<p>• James Johnson<br>• Jalen Smith</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Clippers</h2>



<p>• John Wall</p>



<h2>Los Angeles Lakers</h2>



<p>• Troy Brown<br>• Thomas Bryant<br>• Damian Jones<br>• Juan Toscano-Anderson<br>• Lonnie Walker</p>



<h2>Miami Heat</h2>



<p>• Udonis Haslem *<br>• Caleb Martin</p>



<h2>Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>• Jevon Carter *<br>• Serge Ibaka *<br>• Joe Ingles<br>• Wesley Matthews *</p>



<h2>Minnesota Timberwolves</h2>



<p>• Kyle Anderson<br>• Bryn Forbes<br>• Nathan Knight<br>• Austin Rivers</p>



<h2>New York Knicks</h2>



<p>• Jalen Brunson<br>• Isaiah Hartenstein<br>• Jericho Sims</p>



<h2>Oklahoma City Thunder</h2>



<p>• Mike Muscala *</p>



<h2>Orlando Magic</h2>



<p>• Bol Bol</p>



<h2>Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>• James Harden *<br>• Montrezl Harrell<br>• Danuel House<br>• P.J. Tucker</p>



<h2>Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>• Bismack Biyombo *<br>• Damion Lee<br>• Josh Okogie</p>



<h2>Portland Trail Blazers</h2>



<p>• Drew Eubanks *<br>• Gary Payton II</p>



<h2>Sacramento Kings</h2>



<p>• Matthew Dellavedova<br>• Chima Moneke<br>• Malik Monk<br>• KZ Okpala</p>



<h2>San Antonio Spurs</h2>



<p>• Gorgui Dieng</p>



<h2>Toronto Raptors</h2>



<p>• Justin Champagnie *<br>• Juancho Hernangomez<br>• Otto Porter Jr.</p>



<h2>Utah Jazz</h2>



<p>• Simone Fontecchio<br>• Collin Sexton</p>



<h2>Washington Wizards</h2>



<p>• Taj Gibson<br>• Anthony Gill<br>• Delon Wright</p>


James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15 - thesportsdrops NEWS

James Harden, Goran Dragic and all NBA players available for trade after December 15


<p>There comes a moment every year when this happens. The <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-centers-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221124-SPD-3193.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022-23 NBA season</a></strong> started on October 18. The Golden State Warriors are seeking to add to their dynasty by winning a fifth championship in eight seasons. The Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the drama-filled Brooklyn Nets are just a few of the clubs attempting to end their championship drought.</p>



<p>It’s for this reason that the game is played, even though some teams have more reasonable expectations than others. There are established powerhouses this season, but there are also promising young squads like the New Orleans Pelicans and the Cleveland Cavaliers.</p>



<p>We have ranked the league’s top clubs as of now based on their early season performance and their overall record from the previous year’s context. These are the three best teams in the NBA right now.</p>



<h2>3. Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a good start this season, despite all the controversy and commotion they endured this summer leading up to preseason. With the same nucleus of Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, and Chris Paul, this team was two victories away from the NBA Finals two years ago. There was a club last year that won 64 games before losing in the playoffs. </p>



<p>The playoffs will be a better indicator of how good they really are, but for now, expect Devin Booker and company to keep piling up victories. While the team’s chemistry off the court remains questionable, they have shown they can play well together on it and win basketball games.</p>



<h2>2. Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>It’s not unreasonable to think that the Milwaukee Bucks when at full strength, are one of the greatest teams in the NBA at the moment and maybe even the best in the East. Aside from PJ Tucker, the 2021 NBA Finals starting lineup still consists of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the championship team’s core players.</p>



<p>Although Giannis and Jrue Holiday have missed several games this season, the Bucks have had a strong start. While the impending return of Khris Middleton should give its opponents pause, the club may not be back to full strength until January.</p>



<h2>1. Boston Celtics</h2>



<p>Even though the Celtics were eliminated from NBA championship contention in six games by the Warriors last season, the team’s future seemed promising. With All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the wings, plus the additions of Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari in the summer, the Celtics seemed ready to take another step forward in the new NBA season.</p>



<p>There was some doubt that they could repeat their second-half dominance and Finals run from last year when Gallinari tore his ACL in Eurobasket play, starting center Robert Williams required another knee treatment, and head coach Ime Udoka was banned for the whole season. However, their performance so far this year has put such concerns to rest. There was no noticeable drop-off in play when Udoka was replaced by Joe Mazulla, and the Celtics have continued to perform well.</p>


NBA