Greek basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP). Nicknamed the "Greek Freak", the 24-year-old Milwaukee Bucks player on Monday got 78 first-place votes, well ahead of the 23 received by fellow MVP finalist James Harden of the Houston Rockets. "Two, three years ago, I had the goal in my head, that goal [was] to be the best player in the league," a tearful Antetokounmpo said at the packed awards ceremony in Santa Monica, California. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to win and I'm going to win MVP. And every time I step on the floor, I think of my dad, and that motivates me to play harder and move forward when my body is sore," he said, referring to his late father whom he credits for his hard work ethic. Bucks General Manager John Horst said the recognition was the result of the player's hard work and dedication as well as his "grace on and off the court". Here are seven things to know about Antetokounmpo, the epitome … [Read more...] about Seven things to know about NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo
2019 nba all star game
NBA draft: Best player picked at every slot in league history
AJ Neuharth-Keusch USA TODAY Published 8:27 AM EDT Jun 20, 2019 Before the next batch of NBA newcomers makes the transition to the big leagues on Thursday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN), we're taking a step back and looking at the best player picked at every slot, from 1-30, in history. Apologies in advance to guys like Manu Ginobili (No. 57 overall pick in 1999), George Gervin (No. 40, 1974) and Mo Cheeks (No. 36, 1978) — you just missed the cut. Keep in mind: This list isn't scientific. Nor is it perfect. It's simply our take. 1. LeBron James, 2003 - Surprise: The No. 1 spot is littered with Hall of Famers, and many of them — Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal, to name a few — can make a case here. But we're going with James, the second-best player in pro hoops history. ADDITIONAL DRAFT CONTENT: Predicting the entire first round Ranking the five biggest busts at No. 1 A look at the top-five classes ever 2. Bill … [Read more...] about NBA draft: Best player picked at every slot in league history
Paris to host Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets in NBA regular-season game
Date created : 28/03/2019 - 14:14 Paris will host a regular season NBA game for the first time next year when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Charlotte Hornets, the league announced Thursday. French stars Tony Parker, a four-time NBA champion, and Nicolas Batum will lead the Hornets against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in the contest on January 24, 2020, at the AccorHotels Arena.It will mark the first appearance in France for the Bucks, who played a 2015 regular-season game in London, and the second game in Paris for the Hornets, who played in the French capital in a 1994 pre-season game against the Golden State Warriors.“The Charlotte Hornets are proud to have the opportunity to participate in the first NBA regular-season game in Paris,” Hornets owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan said.“Having played in the pre-season in France during my career, I witnessed first-hand the passion the French fans have for NBA basketball. We are excited to bring our team to … [Read more...] about Paris to host Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets in NBA regular-season game
March Madness: Ja Morant, Murray State guard, ready for star turn
Tom Schad USA TODAY Published 9:50 AM EDT Mar 21, 2019 HARTFORD, Conn. — The cameras swarmed Ja Morant in the Murray State locker room Wednesday, a physical representation of the attention he now draws. There were local TV anchors looking for quotes. ESPN awaiting a one-on-one interview. A line of teammates sitting at the row of lockers opposite Morant teased him as he passed, marveling at the spectacle but not exactly surprised. "It’s something I’m not used to," Morant said of the attention. "I come from being under the radar." Playing for Murray State, in the Ohio Valley Conference, has somewhat shielded Morant from the national spotlight. But that will change Thursday when the 12th-seeded Racers face Markus Howard and No. 5 Marquette in one of the most highly anticipated games — and arguably the marquee one-on-one matchup — of the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Morant already is projected to be a top-five pick in the NBA … [Read more...] about March Madness: Ja Morant, Murray State guard, ready for star turn
Robert Kraft: Love and loss marked eccentric life before spa scandal
Brent Schrotenboer USA TODAY Published 6:30 AM EDT Mar 15, 2019 In May 1975, a former dress manufacturer named Harry Kraft died in Boston and left his son Robert an “ethical will” — a Jewish custom that typically shares lessons of life upon death. Robert Kraft disclosed that message to USA TODAY Sports in 1997: “Remember the legacy I’m trying to leave you is a good name,” the father told the son. “It is a man’s most precious asset.” Forty-four years later, that asset is being publicly tested like never before despite a lifetime of philanthropy and goodwill. After making a fortune in the paper and packaging business, Robert Kraft donated hundreds of millions to various causes and has led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl wins since buying the team in 1994. In January, he even was awarded the so-called “Jewish Nobel” prize by the Genesis Prize Foundation for his commitment to Israel … [Read more...] about Robert Kraft: Love and loss marked eccentric life before spa scandal