So, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the latest NBA updates this week, and I must say, there’s a ton to unpack. Just last night, LeBron James hit another milestone in his illustrious career by surpassing 38,000 career points. Like, seriously, 38,000! Can you even believe that? The guy is 38 years old and still playing with the vigor of someone 10 years younger. It’s crazy to think that he averages more than 25 points per game this season. This basically makes him one of the oldest players to ever maintain such prolific scoring; talk about ageless wonder.
Speaking of ageless wonders, did you catch the news about Chris Paul reaching 11,000 career assists? That’s a huge deal. Only two other players in NBA history have more assists: John Stockton and Jason Kidd. I mean, Paul’s court vision and ability to find the open man are just unmatched. Even at 37, he’s dishing out over nine assists per game this season. Phoenix Suns fans must be thrilled to have a true floor general running the show.
Now, if you were thinking the youth in the league are being outshined by these veterans, think again. Ja Morant dropped a triple-double on Tuesday, becoming the youngest player in Grizzlies’ history to achieve that. The kid is just 23 and already putting up career numbers—putting up almost 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Morant’s explosiveness and ability to change speeds on the court are like nothing we’ve seen since Derrick Rose’s MVP days. Did I mention he’s leading in the paint scoring for guards? Absolutely insane.
On the flip side, there’s been some drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving. The latest news reports Kyrie asking for a trade just days before the trade deadline. Irving, who has been averaging 27 points and 5 assists this season, has been the subject of various controversies. It’s not surprising that he’s back in the headlines. Some think he could be the missing piece for a team chasing the title. Others argue he’s too much of a gamble given his past issues. It’s a high-risk, high-reward situation for any interested teams.
Let’s not forget about Steph Curry; the Golden State Warriors’ sharpshooter just dropped another game with over 30 points. That makes it the 25th time this season. Curry is 34 years old and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. We’re talking about a guy who has revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. He’s averaging over 42% from beyond the arc, and he’s leading the Warriors in scoring. His gravity to pull defenders changes the entire dynamic for the Warriors. It’s no wonder they’re still contenders for the title.
We also saw some changes in coaching staff this week. The Lakers dismissed their head coach, Frank Vogel. Yes, the guy who led them to a championship in 2020 got the boot. The team has been struggling, ranking 10th in the Western Conference standings with a 26-30 record. Management decided it was time for a new voice. Rumor has it, they might go for a younger, more dynamic coach to harness the potential of their current roster. It’s a bold move, but when you’re dealing with a team that includes LeBron and Anthony Davis, bold moves are often necessary.
Lastly, how can I forget the huge contract extension news? Nikola Jokic signed a supermax contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. This deal is worth $270 million over five years. Jokic, the reigning MVP, has been incredible this season, averaging a near triple-double with 25.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game. Denver is definitely banking on him to lead them deep into the playoffs and potentially bring them a championship.
It’s been a whirlwind week in the NBA, and honestly, I can’t wait to see how these storylines develop as we inch closer to the playoffs. For more on this week’s headlines and other buzzworthy NBA stories, check out the latest updates nba news and updates.