At the buzzer, Sabrina looks like she’s dribbling out the clock, then everyone yells at her to shoot (it’s a FIBA tournament, point differential matters), so she launches it from near half court, swish, and then puts a finger to her lips to silence a very boisterous and rocking Belgium side crowd.
I definitely feel without much evidence that his regression lately was due to carrying too much weight. Here’s hoping a svelte loon has a bounce back season.
Very much aligned with this... I think it was an offseason plan to fill the "someone who's not going to get overpowered by Jokic" need that backfired on him...
Maybe Looney felt he was plateauing in 2022/2023 and wasn't able to work much more on his strengths (someone that could screen well, rebound well especially on offense, and switch passably on strong guards or mobile centers and in between). Given where he was healthwise after earlier in his career (and everyone's desire to reduce Draymond's minutes at the 5), it probably made sense to try to add some muscle to shore up his weakness against stronger centers.
BEL got it to within 6 in Q4, but good tough US defense leads to 3 straight fast breaks with Stewart in the middle of it, and it’s a 14 point lead now. Sabrina had an open 3 on the last one, but wisely fed the cutting Stewart instead.
I’m curious to see more combos involving Steph, LeBron, and KD. The one with Booker and AD looked great offensively (though as I recall it coincided with a rough stretch defensively for Steph). I’d like to see Steve zeroing in on the best version of that. Ant, Jrue, Booker, or Derek White at the 2; Bam or AD at the 5…
It may not be the best format for Steph—the short stints, the cramped floor, teammates who don’t quite know where or how to find him. There was that one play yesterday where he did get the ball on a relocation (which he missed), but it only happened because KD was somewhat frantically calling it out and dragging another man (can’t quite remember whom) out of the corner. We might just be in for a bunch of Game 5 Steph, where he’s mostly a high-powered decoy and never quite finds a rhythm, but I’m holding out hope for a lineup that really clicks.
I think he's just gotta play better, I don't think the format is limiting him as much as his own subpar play is. We saw him look much better during the exhibitions.
Also tough for a volume shooter who is used to being able to miss four threes in a row and just keep shooting. Can't really justify that on this team. He's still creating wide open shots for teammates, setting great screens, four assists and only one turnover and the best ballhandler on the team by far. Hope the shooting comes around sooner than later.
Yeah, I recall the play you’re speaking of and it stood out.
I’m sure if they had the time together to better prepare, his teammates would have a better idea of how to best use him…to a point. It might be a lot harder to convince a bunch of All-NBAers to set screen after screen for Steph, and always be looking for Steph, than it is Draymond, TJD, Looney or Podz.
I really love Emma Meesseman. She was one of my favorite players in the W, but the new CBA has kept her overseas the last couple years. Such a unique and well-rounded player.
"The New York Knicks have agreed to a deal with Chuma Okeke, league sources told @hoopshype. Okeke averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes in four seasons with the Orlando Magic. At 25 years old, the former 16th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has potential untapped upside."
Stackhouse was in Las Vegas during the early portion of summer league. He met veterans such as Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney. He attended workouts for Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody. He made it clear he believes part of the reason he was hired was to help develop all the wings on the roster.
“That’s the position I played,” Stackhouse said. “I’ve sat in that seat. I’ve been there. I understand what they’re going through, from a young guy looking for a contract to a guy whose game is transitioning as you get older. I’m an 18-year veteran. Hopefully, I can come in and help motivate and inspire and help these guys take the next step and take advantage of these years with Steph and Draymond (Green), maximizing the back end of their careers.”
A sport where 3-pointers are the equivalent of 4-pointers and you don’t have to run up and down a full court seems like the ideal for a couple of old sharp shooters and their facilitator.
I was surprised by discussion of Hayward as a possible free agent target of interest, just didn't seem a productive NBA player anymore. Hope he has a happy and productive life after his playing career.
The most memorable moment that involved Hayward was his 3rd daughter reveal video where his wife asked if he was happy and he responded with a resigned "Daddy is always happy."
New thread up…
Some interesting context on 3x3 basketball: https://clutchpoints.com/steph-curry-lebron-james-kevin-durant-3x3-olympics-basketball
Lille, France where the game was, is ten minutes from the Belgium border.
Good article by MTII on South Sudan:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5673546/2024/08/01/south-sudan-basketball-olympics-luol-deng/
Huge respect for Luol Deng!
At the buzzer, Sabrina looks like she’s dribbling out the clock, then everyone yells at her to shoot (it’s a FIBA tournament, point differential matters), so she launches it from near half court, swish, and then puts a finger to her lips to silence a very boisterous and rocking Belgium side crowd.
How Steph of her 😁
Highlight video here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1ehrf8k/sabrina_ionescu_playing_it_out_for_point/
Saw some pictures of Loon training at UCLA and he looks a lot leaner
https://www.instagram.com/uclambb
on their IG story
“Best shape of his life!”
I definitely feel without much evidence that his regression lately was due to carrying too much weight. Here’s hoping a svelte loon has a bounce back season.
Very much aligned with this... I think it was an offseason plan to fill the "someone who's not going to get overpowered by Jokic" need that backfired on him...
Maybe Looney felt he was plateauing in 2022/2023 and wasn't able to work much more on his strengths (someone that could screen well, rebound well especially on offense, and switch passably on strong guards or mobile centers and in between). Given where he was healthwise after earlier in his career (and everyone's desire to reduce Draymond's minutes at the 5), it probably made sense to try to add some muscle to shore up his weakness against stronger centers.
BEL got it to within 6 in Q4, but good tough US defense leads to 3 straight fast breaks with Stewart in the middle of it, and it’s a 14 point lead now. Sabrina had an open 3 on the last one, but wisely fed the cutting Stewart instead.
US leading in overall medal count and now second for gold medal count.
Got gold in rowing, gymnastics, women's fencing, and swimming.
I’m curious to see more combos involving Steph, LeBron, and KD. The one with Booker and AD looked great offensively (though as I recall it coincided with a rough stretch defensively for Steph). I’d like to see Steve zeroing in on the best version of that. Ant, Jrue, Booker, or Derek White at the 2; Bam or AD at the 5…
It may not be the best format for Steph—the short stints, the cramped floor, teammates who don’t quite know where or how to find him. There was that one play yesterday where he did get the ball on a relocation (which he missed), but it only happened because KD was somewhat frantically calling it out and dragging another man (can’t quite remember whom) out of the corner. We might just be in for a bunch of Game 5 Steph, where he’s mostly a high-powered decoy and never quite finds a rhythm, but I’m holding out hope for a lineup that really clicks.
I think he's just gotta play better, I don't think the format is limiting him as much as his own subpar play is. We saw him look much better during the exhibitions.
Also tough for a volume shooter who is used to being able to miss four threes in a row and just keep shooting. Can't really justify that on this team. He's still creating wide open shots for teammates, setting great screens, four assists and only one turnover and the best ballhandler on the team by far. Hope the shooting comes around sooner than later.
Yeah, I recall the play you’re speaking of and it stood out.
I’m sure if they had the time together to better prepare, his teammates would have a better idea of how to best use him…to a point. It might be a lot harder to convince a bunch of All-NBAers to set screen after screen for Steph, and always be looking for Steph, than it is Draymond, TJD, Looney or Podz.
Belgium woman's basketball team - they are built like soccer players.
I really love Emma Meesseman. She was one of my favorite players in the W, but the new CBA has kept her overseas the last couple years. Such a unique and well-rounded player.
Why are we so awful at 3v3 basketball
"The New York Knicks have agreed to a deal with Chuma Okeke, league sources told @hoopshype. Okeke averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes in four seasons with the Orlando Magic. At 25 years old, the former 16th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft has potential untapped upside."
https://x.com/mikeascotto/status/1819055217687552152
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5658907/2024/07/26/jerry-stackhouse-warriors-coaching-staff/?source=emp_shared_article&redirected=1
Stackhouse was in Las Vegas during the early portion of summer league. He met veterans such as Jonathan Kuminga and Kevon Looney. He attended workouts for Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody. He made it clear he believes part of the reason he was hired was to help develop all the wings on the roster.
“That’s the position I played,” Stackhouse said. “I’ve sat in that seat. I’ve been there. I understand what they’re going through, from a young guy looking for a contract to a guy whose game is transitioning as you get older. I’m an 18-year veteran. Hopefully, I can come in and help motivate and inspire and help these guys take the next step and take advantage of these years with Steph and Draymond (Green), maximizing the back end of their careers.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hopefully he brings the Mike Brown energy we've been missing to jumpstart this defense
Man, JK, Looney, and Moody are now "veterans" at ages 22(almost), 28, and 22 respectively. My how time flies.
Starting the campaign now: Steph, Klay and Dray reunite to play 3x3 in 2028. Winning gold would be the ultimate swan song.
They will have to battle Lebron and whoever he signs up with….
Oh, never mind, Lebron will still be playing for the Lakers.
“Me and Bronny…3rd teammate unnecessary.”
AD.
Breaks my heart Steph didn't get a chance to play with Klay and Dray in the 2016 Olympics. Would have been special.
Sadly, 4 years form now I think that will just prove (again) that father time is undefeated.
A sport where 3-pointers are the equivalent of 4-pointers and you don’t have to run up and down a full court seems like the ideal for a couple of old sharp shooters and their facilitator.
Less breathers and no subs though. I'm not sure I can say it's any easier than 5x5.
I thought they did have subs
Nope, they had BLT's
Then either way, the Americans screwed up. Should’ve gone with a baguette and some brie given where they were.
Only one substitute allowed per team. 4 player rosters.
From your fingertips to father time's ears ...
Shams: Gordon Hayward is retiring.
He was quite a player in his prime, but that injury completely derailed his career…
I was surprised by discussion of Hayward as a possible free agent target of interest, just didn't seem a productive NBA player anymore. Hope he has a happy and productive life after his playing career.
The most memorable moment that involved Hayward was his 3rd daughter reveal video where his wife asked if he was happy and he responded with a resigned "Daddy is always happy."