LiAngelo Ball Pulled Out of UCLA, Will Pursue Career Overseas With Brother LaMelo

The internet-famous Ball family, the family of NBA Rookie Lonzo Ball, is making news again. The middle son, LiAngelo, has been pulled out of UCLA by his father Lavar after the controversy over his shoplifting arrest in China. LaMelo the youngest son, was also pulled out of school by Lavar, when he was taken out of Chino Hills High School after Lavar had a dispute with their coach. Now, the two young free agents are looking to start their professional careers overseas. Although LaMelo is a very highly touted prospect, his brother LiAngelo is not considered an NBA prospect and his journey to eventually make it to the NBA will be much much tougher than his brothers’.

(ESPN)

Dwight Howard: Is Superman Back?

ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 11: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers fights for renbound position against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the 2009 NBA Finals at Amway Arena on June 11, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Credit: 2009 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Andrew bynum;Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard was once a dominant big man with the Magic who seemed destined for a Hall of Fame career, but then in 2012 he decided to sign with the Lakers, which was the beginning of a bump in his career. He had chemistry issues with the Lakers and left after one season, but it didn’t end there. His play declined, and he had stints with Houston and Atlanta before ending up in Charlotte this year. However, this season is looking very good for Howard so far. He is averaging 15.6 points per game to go with 12.7 rebounds per game, and looks a lot more energetic on the court.

(SB Nation)

Oklahoma City Struggling to Find Their Groove

The Oklahoma City Thunder had very high expectations coming into this year due to the additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, who were joining reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. Although they are currently on a three game win streak, they currently sit at 11-12 and have some work to do before they are a contender in the Western Conference. It has been tough for the three stars to mesh thus far, and Carmelo has said outright he refuses to come off the bench, so it will be up to Billy Donovan and co. to figure out how to get these stars to reach their full potential together.

(SB Nation)

 

 

 

Gordon Hayward Making Progress With Injury

Newly acquired Boston Celtics star, Gordon Hayward, is starting to make a good recovery on the horrendous injury he suffered during the first game of the NBA season. There is no timetable for his return, but just recently a photo was posted online of him without a boot, which is a huge step in the right direction. Hayward was an All-Star last season for the Utah Jazz, but was signed by Boston this offseason. His former Coach at Butler, Brad Stevens, is the Head Coach for Boston, which was a major factor in Gordon’s decision to leave Utah. When Hayward is healthy again it will be a major addition for the Celtics, who currently have the best record in the league at 22-4 without him.

(realgm.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Embiid Wins Sports Illustrated’s Rising Star of the Year Award

Joel Embiid, the rising NBA personality known for using social media to make jokes, interact with fans, and poke fun at players, has won Sports Illustrated’s Rising Star of the Year Award. In only his second official year in the league, he has quickly established himself as a dominant player, and a fan-favorite. Sports Illustrated offers more on the recipient of this award:

“SI recognizes the champions of tomorrow by spotlighting the best up-and-coming athletes of today—and no one has a brighter future than the second-year 76ers star. As the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s rebuilding plan, The Process has led the long-suffering franchise to a winning record so far this season and is already one of the league’s best players and most entertaining personalities.

The 23-year old from Cameroon has taken over the basketball world, posting 22.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game this season. Embiid was drafted No. 3 in the 2014 NBA Draft out of Kansas University, but his early career was mired by injuries. He missed his first two seasons with a broken bone in his foot, and he played just 31 games last season before he was shut down after tearing the meniscus in his left knee.” (Sports Illustrated)