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How many podcast episodes would it take to tell the story of Ricky Davis? The answer is not enough.
MVP On The Move?
Could Miami get involved?
Last week, Joel Embiid made the internet’s head spin when he commented about winning a championship in either Philadelphia or somewhere else. The reigning MVP and 76ers centerpiece is examining his situation and whether the current Sixers can reach another level. How do you enter true title contention when your own running mate (James Harden) is trying to leave the Sixers?
Here are Embiid’s comments to UNINTERRUPTED CEO Maverick Carter that has everybody abuzz:
“I just want to win a championship — um, you know, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else. I just want to have a chance to accomplish that.”
The beautiful duality of this quote is it simultaneously means everything and nothing. It’s just vague, enticing and cryptic enough for today’s sports world to process it as a clear shot at Philly’s management and ownership: “Get me some help or else.”
Buddy Check my middle name https://t.co/m9CtdaK4Kg
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 17, 2023
From @TheAthletic: Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid’s viral comments took the media landscape by storm on Monday, but he has not shared that he is trying to leave Philadelphia anytime soon, sources say. He just wants to win. https://t.co/gkUG4ueJNw
— The New York Times (@nytimes) July 18, 2023
It could also just accurately assess their situation. Embiid mentioned needing more than one, two or three guys. Winning is about having good people around you, which seems like an accurate portrayal of a championship team. But that doesn’t undo wondering about Embiid’s patience as Philly maintains a second-round ceiling.
Enter Jimmy Butler. The Heat have pursued Damian Lillard as he tries strong-arming his way to Miami. So far, the Blazers aren’t biting on what they deem an inferior offer for Lillard. What if the Heat focus on someone bigger and better? Could Miami use the friendship between Butler and Embiid — and their open online love fest — for a bigger swing?
Sure, Tyler Herro isn’t enticing enough for the Blazers to exchange for Dame. That’s understandable. And Daryl Morey is already processing Philly getting subpar value for Harden. However, a trade for Embiid (as awful as that might sound) is eased by Miami offering Bam Adebayo, a versatile four-time All-Star and two-time All-Defense selection.
An Adebayo-centered trade package to reunite Butler and Embiid could be an easier pill to swallow. It would end any pursuit of Lillard due to lack of assets, but such a pursuit could also not yield Lillard at all.
Ultimately, Embiid probably isn’t going anywhere. The Sixers don’t even want to trade Harden. But that won’t stop the internet from swooning over the next big transaction idea.
READ: Sam Amick breaks down what Embiid’s comments mean.
Let’s tag in Shams for some league news.
The Latest From Shams
With Summer League over and the bulk of the free-agency business done around the NBA, all eyes continue to be on the situations of Harden and Lillard to see when their trade requests may be fulfilled this summer. Here’s the latest I can report on both fronts:
On Harden:
- He opted in, and the decision to work on a trade stemmed from what Harden believed to be no real intention from the Sixers of making a true long-term offer.
- Everyone around the Sixers knows Harden was incredibly unnerved about how the team handled his potential free agency, especially after he took a $15 million pay cut.
- Harden absolutely wants a trade to the Clippers, and rival teams view it as the only real path for a Harden deal. It will all come down to the two teams eventually engaging and working on a deal.
- We’ve seen Harden come into a training camp disgruntled. This time, the Morey/Harden relationship is nowhere close to being on solid grounds to salvage things.
On Lillard:
- Fulfilling his trade demand continues to be a stagnant process. It’s really up to the Blazers and Heat to engage in negotiations at this point.
- Portland has told Miami: “Make your best offer.”
- I’m told the sides have spoken but not about anything significant and that there is no real traction on any deal yet.
Back to you, Zach.
WNBA Stretch Run
Sabreena Merchant examines the second half
Just days ago, Sabrina Ionescu lit up the WNBA All-Star Weekend’s 3-point contest and Jewell Loyd made 10 3s en route to a WNBA All-Star Game record 31 points. It was a fantastic celebration of the WNBA and its current standing. It also marks a great time to check in with Sabreena Merchant for the season’s second half as we assess if anybody can beat the Las Vegas Aces.
Question: Let’s talk Brittney Griner’s return to action after everything she endured. How has her on-court play been, compared to before? Why can’t the Mercury win games with her presence this season?
Sabreena: Griner has been just as good of a scorer as ever, if not better. She’s posting the highest 2-point field-goal percentage of her career and her second-most free-throw attempts per game. The true rust shows in her turnover rate, which is a Phoenix-wide issue. But the main problem is her Mercury teammates aren’t as good as two years ago. All-Star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith is on maternity leave, Diana Taurasi is on the other side of 40, and former head coach Sandy Brondello was replaced by a lesser option. Incoming general manager Nick U’Ren must make many decisions to overhaul this roster in 2024.
BG just havin’ fun with it in her first @ATT #WNBAAllStar game back 🤭 pic.twitter.com/dqJs8YyC4J
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 16, 2023
BG IS BACKKKK 🔨
Brittney Griner with the early slam on ABC! | @ATT #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/2IFGgLMGPh
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 16, 2023
Q: I know the WNBA has seen dynasties before, beginning with the Houston Comets, but are the Las Vegas Aces the best WNBA team we’ve ever seen?
Sabreena: The Comets deserve that crown until the Aces can repeat — maybe even three-peat. But it’s hard to discount Las Vegas’ talent. Candace Parker and A’ja Wilson could be two of the five greatest frontcourt players of all time. Chelsea Gray is pioneering the next generation of point guards. Oh, and Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young are No. 1 picks and multi-time All-Stars who keep improving.
The Aces started this season 19-2 and have the best point differential (plus-324) of any 21-game span in WNBA history, besting the 2000 Comets by 17 points. They have the in-season dominance down pat but need more hardware.
Q: Who has a legitimate shot to knock the Aces off?
Sabreena: I don’t think any team has a legitimate shot to dethrone the Aces. They are so deep, can play big or small depending on the matchup, and four players can score 20-plus points any given night. It’s tough envisioning an opponent who can defend Las Vegas well during a five-game series, which would assume one can even score enough on the Aces, who boast the league’s best defense.
Last year, the Washington Mystics gave Las Vegas the most difficulty by sweeping all three meetings. The Mystics threw three dynamite perimeter defenders at Gray, Plum and Young to avoid any mismatch-hunting. Unfortunately, one of those defenders was Alysha Clark, who is now a reserve for the Aces. Washington did replace Clark with three-time All-Defensive honoree Brittney Sykes, so perhaps the formula remains in play.
Make sure you’re following all of our WNBA coverage on The Athletic.
One time for Mamba 😂❤️@_ajawilson22 // #WNBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/7d6kgBoqHV
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) July 16, 2023
Cavs Win The Summer
Congrats, Summer League Champs!
As we all predicted, the Summer Cavs’ big three of Isaiah Mobley (yes, brother to Evan), Sam Merrill and Emoni Bates were just too much to deny, winning the Las Vegas Summer League championship. They went 6-0 en route to the title, knocking off the Summer Rockets in the title game, 99-79.
Mobley was with the franchise last season and saw most of his action in the G League. Merrill has bounced around in recent seasons but only really showing off his 3-point shooting in the G League. Bates was the 49th pick in this year’s draft and once viewed as one of his class’ best prospects. However, he struggled in college in his year at Memphis and couldn’t consistently make shots upon joining Eastern Michigan.
Bates could be the prospect worth examining here, as he was once so highly regarded. But he has short arms for his frame and never really progressed much beyond creating shots, which he must do at a higher level.
Regardless, the Summer Cavs finished another very successful Las Vegas endeavor by the NBA and its partners — technically speaking, even LeBron didn’t win a Summer League title, yanno.
READ: John Hollinger gives us his Summer League standouts.
Vibes are up!🤣@CaesarsSports | #Ad | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/rtUm2Po4eo
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) July 18, 2023
Bounce Passes
Check out the debut episode of “A King’s Reign,” a podcast series from The Athletic about LeBron James’ career.
The No Dunks crew discusses the NBA’s new In-Season Tournament.
Scoot Henderson has a plethora of point guards in Portland to teach him the NBA.
Bol Bol is on the Suns now, with Bradley Beal expected to play point guard.
LeBron James is changing his number to honor an all-time legend.
Mike Vorkunov’s Summer League notes on how the Nuggets will replace a key player.
John Schuhmann gives us the biggest potential free agents for 2024
(Top photo of Joel Embiid, Jimmy Butler: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images)
