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Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

Lakers' Austin Reaves, Nets’ Cam Thomas had coolest back-and-forth of ‘pure basketball’

There’s something unique and beautiful about an NBA player going toe-for-toe with another in back-and-forth action for multiple stretches. It almost becomes like the rest of the players aren’t even on the floor and the two are just going at it and trying to drain shots over each other endlessly.

Gregg Popovich had the most 'Pop' response ever about Victor Wembanyama’s preseason debut

Victor Wembanyama looked the part of a top pick, though you wouldn't necessarily know it from his coach's take on his debut.

Dak Prescott gave the most candid answer to 49ers blowing out Cowboys

Following the loss, Prescott spoke to reporters and used one word that shows the impact this defeat had on a talented Cowboys team: “humbling.”

Micah Parsons has unique response after Cowboys’ blowout loss to 49ers

Parsons, who’s only 24, spoke like one of the leaders of this team, and his approach to this loss is the reason why there’s no need to panic or throw in the towel on the Cowboys.

Steve Kerr heaps praise on Chris Paul following strong preseason debut with Warriors

While the Golden State Warriors still have plenty to sort out, and learn in general, about their new-look starting lineup, it seems Paul checked all the boxes in Kerr’s eyes following the 125-108 preseason opener.

Stephen Curry calls his shot with prediction for Warriors in 2023-24

Stephen Curry dropped his prediction for the Warriors this upcoming season, and did so in such a nonchalant fashion that it’s hard not to buy some stock in his claim. 

Paul George addresses idea of retiring with Clippers as extension looms

While Paul George’s 13-year NBA career has been spent with three different teams, and 11 of those years with the Pacers and Clippers, it appears he still feels right at home with the team he’s spent the past four seasons with.

Jusuf Nurkic had hilarious profane comment on playing with star Suns trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal

New Suns big man Jusuf Nurkic was a little starstruck practicing with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Malcolm Brogdon seemingly debunks idea he'll be traded by Blazers

Could the Portland Trail Blazers simply hang on to Malcolm Brogdon after acquiring him from the Boston Celtics? Brogdon believes so, anyway.

Bucks apparently never even spoke to Jrue Holiday to inform him of Blazers trade

The Milwaukee Bucks opted not to consult star Giannis Antetokounmpo about the team's decision to trade for Damian Lillard. Turns out they also left Jrue Holiday – who was traded to Portland in the deal – out in the cold completely.

Damian Lillard’s agent sends pointed message on Blazers’ trade negotiations with Heat

When the Damian Lillard trade saga had officially come to a close, the end result was certainly dramatic, and even more than that, it was nothing short of unexpected. 

LeBron James hilariously described his budding relationship with Rui Hachimura

It appears Lakers star LeBron James has taken one of the team’s young forwards under his wing this offseason. 

Watch: Brian Daboll fed up with Giants QB Daniel Jones after brutal turnovers

The New York Giants had a brutal night filled with missed opportunities in their 24-3 loss on "Monday Night Football" in Week 4. Not only did the loss move them to 1-3 on the season, but they had numerous opportunities to cut into Seattle’s lead and crucial turnovers shifted any hope of a comeback.

Draymond Green gets hilariously honest about new teammate Chris Paul

Draymond Green is never one to bite his tongue if he has an opinion — even if it’s in support of one of his new teammates.

Former Warriors forward details Jordan Poole’s ‘frustrations’ with former team

Jordan Poole is preparing for his first season with the Washington Wizards, following a trade which came just one year after signing a four-year, $128 million contract extension and one offseason after the most talked about incident surrounding a team in recent memory.

New ‘serious’ suitor emerges in Damian Lillard trade pursuit, according to insider

The Miami Heat have sat back and patiently waited to see how things pan out on the Damian Lillard front following their initial pursuit of the Portland Trail Blazers star. Until now, it seems.

Pacers running into ‘trouble’ with Buddy Hield trade, per insider

The Indiana Pacers are eyeing a change ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season, specifically for expiring contract and sharp-shooting guard Buddy Hield it seems.

Sixers reportedly reached out to Trail Blazers about Damian Lillard

As the waiting game on Damian Lillard’s future lingers, the buzz surrounding any and all trade chatter is only going to get louder with the 2023-24 NBA

Insider reveals latest trade intel on Sixers, James Harden

James Harden’s desire to be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers has been widely reported and discussed. But the ongoing saga between the guard and the Philadelphia 76ers, specifically president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, doesn’t appear to be shifting in the Beard's favor.

Insider predicts Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with Bucks

The great debate over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future is unlikely to cool off anytime soon, and will almost certainly rage on into the latter stages of

Christian Wood explains Darvin Ham's recruiting strategy

Whatever rumors lingered around as to why newly signed Los Angeles Lakers big man Christian Wood remained on the free agent market for so long, it appears his new head coach isn’t quite buying into all of them. 

Insider provides bleak outlook on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it extremely well-known that he’s all-in on a championship and needs to know his team is in the same frame of mind. 

Tyler Herro’s cryptic Instagram post adds fuel to Damian Lillard-Heat trade buzz

While Heat guard Tyler Herro didn’t go so far as to provide anything concrete, he did pour some gasoline on the Lillard-to-Miami buzz thanks to a cryptic Instagram story he posted on Thursday night.

Insider backs rumor of Blazers’ preferred timeline for Damian Lillard trade

It appears that there’s a chance, even if it’s a slim one, that the Portland Trail Blazers may wind up striking a Damian Lillard trade sooner rather than later.

Wild NFL stat shows emergence of surprising NFC teams vs. AFC struggles

Through two weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the results (at least on paper) have largely pointed to a successful start for the NFC while there have been a few more up-and-down results for the AFC thus far.