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DEC 24 WEMBY MEETS BEDARD San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama and Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard don't have much in common other than the fact that they are top picks in their overall sport.
With the Spurs in the Windy City to play the Chicago Bulls, the two athletes met for the first time.
"It was pretty cool," Bedard said via NBC Sports Chicago. "Obviously a great face playing in the NBA. He's going to be, or he already is, really special. Getting to talk to him a bit and hear his perspective, coming over from Europe and [being in] similar situations — him even more just with how big the NBA is. It was good to get to talk to him."
DEC 18 WEMBANYAMA BEATS DWIGHT HOWARD'S RECORD for most double-doubles in a row by a teen. Wembanyama, 19, notched his eighth straight double-double, beating Howard's record which has stood since 2004-2005.
Howard finished his NBA career as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, the two-time blocks champ, and five-time rebound champ, and made eight All-Star games.
DEC 13 WEMBANYAMA RETAKES ROOKIE LADDER LEAD per NBA.com, Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to land Rookie of the Year honors. In the last release of the ladder, Chet Holmgren was the highest-ranked rookie.
Wembanyama was praised for posting five double-doubles in a row despite being cold from the three-point line. Holmgren got demoted due to his decreased offensive production.
Brandon Miller, Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Keyonte George round out the top five.
DEC 10 WEMBY PRAISED BY SILVER Victor Wembanyama has been making quite an impression after just one month in the NBA.
At the In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, commissioner Adam Silver had great things to say about the San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
"Victor Wembanyama has been a terrific addition to the league," Silver told reporters. "He's a wonderful young man. I know that the Spurs are very encouraged by his play on the floor. Obviously it's not represented in wins yet."
Wembanyama and the Spurs are back in action Monday when they visit the Houston Rockets. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.
DEC 4 WEMBANYAMA NOMINATED FOR ROOKIE OF THE MONTH Victor Wembanyama is being recognized by the league for the start of the season.
Wembanyama was a nominee for the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award. Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren ultimately was the winner of the award.
Wembanyama has averaged 19.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.7 blocks so far this season.
DEC 1 WEMBANYAMA TAKES LEAD in blocked shots. As of yesterday's game against Atlanta, Wembanyama is third in the league in total blocks, with 49. Brook Lopez and Anthony Davis both have 51, but Wembanyama has played in one less game, boosting his per-game number to 2.7, leading the league
If he continues his pace, he will be the first rookie to lead the league in blocks since Manute Bol in 1985-86.
NOV 8 NBA ROOKIE LADDER On Wednesday the NBA released their first rookie rankings of the season. To no shock, Victor Wembanyama took the first-place spot ahead of Chet Holmgren.
"Victor Wembanyama looks to be the biggest lock for Kia Rookie of the Year since at least Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns," wrote Steve Aschburner for NBA.com.
The Spurs and Wembanyama look to showcase their talents on a national stage as they take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on ESPN. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
NOV 3 SILVER ON WEMBY NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared on "Good Morning America" on Friday to discuss the new In-Season Tournament and the start of the season, and San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama came into the conversation.
"He's a spectacular athlete, he's a spectacular young man ... He has that opportunity to be one of the truly great players," Silver said.
NOV 1 WEMBY VS. CHURRO San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama was elated after a big win against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night in which the team trailed by 20 at one point to come back and win by overtaking the lead with less than two seconds to go.
“The goal is to be good in all four quarters," Wembanyama said postgame. Like I say, it is better to be bad in the first and finish strong than the opposite.”
Wembanyama also got his first interview with the "Inside the NBA" crew on TNT, where the rookie was asked by Charles Barkley in a final remark about if he's tried a churro.
Here was his response ...
I imagine it won't be long until Wemby finds out what a churro is.
OCT 31 WEMBY HALLOWEEN DUNK San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama struggled to get things going in the first half of Tuesday's meeting with the Phoenix Suns, but he ended the second quarter with a bang.
After Suns star Kevin Durant got a dunk past the oncoming hand of Wembanyama in the closing seconds, the rookie responded on the ensuing possession by blowing past Durant and throwing down a vicious dunk.
Take a look:
Wembanyama finished the half with six points and five rebounds as the Spurs trailed 63-45 at the break.
OCT 26 WEMBY'S RECORD-SETTING DEBUT The San Antonio Spurs opened their season Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks and set some records in the process, all thanks to No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.
It's safe to say Wemby is already making an impression and taking the league by storm.
OCT 25 WEMBY'S FIRST POINTS Welcome to the NBA, Victor Wembanyama!
The San Antonio Spurs' No. 1 overall pick began his scoring account in the first quarter of his NBA debut against the Dallas Mavericks.
Here's a look at the play ...
The Spurs lead 43-36 in the first quarter. Wembanyama had six points in the frame.
OCT 22 MAVS PRACTICE FOR VIC The Dallas Mavericks will be the first team to get a crack at Victor Wembanyama in a regular season game, and they are using a unique approach to prepare for him.
Mavs player development coach God Shammgod is using long paddles to mimic Wembanyama's wingspan, and the Dallas players couldn't seem to get a shot off in the clip shown above.
The Mavs and Spurs face off Wednesday at Frost Bank Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
OCT 20 WEMBY WOWS VS WARRIORS San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama has been making highlight plays in the preseason, but it was his impressive sequence in Friday's 122-117 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center that might take the cake.
In less than a two-minute span during the first quarter, Wembanyama hit a mid-range jumper off the dribble, converted an and-one after being fouled by Klay Thompson, blocked Thompson's 3-point attempt on the ensuing possession, got a dunk in transition, blocked Andrew Wiggins' jumper and then nailed a catch-and-shoot triple.
In less than two minutes of game time, Wembanyama posted 10 points and two blocks.
Take a look:
Wembanyama will make his official NBA debut on Wednesday at home against the Dallas Mavericks. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at Frost Bank Center.
OCT 16 3 SPURS RESTING VS. ROCKETS After two games of preseason action, all three of Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones will not be suiting up Monday evening against the Houston Rockets.
Presumably just for “resting” reasons, the trio’s absence will be filled by the Spurs’ other playmakers and will feature Keldon Johnson’s season debut, as the forward is returning from “general soreness.”
Everyone else will be available for San Antonio.
More must-reads:
- Another positive update emerges on Lions player who was hospitalized
- Mets' slide continues with arguably their worst loss of the season
- The 'NFL Defensive Players of the Year ' quiz
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Dolphins prove how 'soft' they are amid reported cheap shots by Bears
The Miami Dolphins need to make an attitude adjustment after their joint practice with the Chicago Bears at Halas Hall on Friday. Per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald, the Bears' defense came out aggressive at the practice and took multiple cheap shots at Dolphins offensive players like wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back De'Von Achane and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Kelly claimed the Bears' defense tackled Tagovailoa multiple times on Friday, which goes against how most joint practices are conducted, where quarterbacks are protected. Kelly thinks the Dolphins coaching staff didn't stick up for their offensive players because they were afraid they'd help perpetuate their stigma of being soft. "What you gonna do ... You gonna cry about it and say, 'Hey, you're hitting me too hard.' Like, what do you do?" Kelly said on an episode of "Dolphins in Depth" on Saturday. "But it was dirty. It was, without a doubt. Tua was hit multiple times, put on the ground multiple times practice ... What are you going to do when you know your team's reputation, you know the world, the league perceives you as soft, and here you go." Kelly didn't like how the offense responded to the Bears' bullying of the offense, accusing Miami of folding before practice ended. "Now what I didn't like is, as you know if you're a Dolphin(s) fan, they get punched in the mouth, they fold," Kelly said. "They got punched in the mouth, and you watch them fold during the 11 on 11 periods in practice." The Dolphins needed to respond with likewise energy against the Chicago defense. Miami's coaching staff should be concerned the offense didn't want to fight back after watching Tagovailoa suffer multiple hits at a joint practice. By not complaining about the cheap shots and instead deciding to fold, the Dolphins chose to continue adding to the list of evidence that head coach Mike McDaniel's teams are soft.
Mets' slide continues with arguably their worst loss of the season
The New York Mets are trending in the wrong direction, and their slide continued on Sunday with what might have been their worst loss of the season. The Mets not only were on the losing end of a 7-6 walk-off loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, they blew a 5-0 lead in the process and extended their losing streak to seven consecutive games. Even worse, they have lost 11 out of their past 12 games during a time where the Philadelphia Phillies are starting to pull away in the National League East race. The biggest issue for the Mets for most of this slump has been an offense that has gone ice cold. But that wasn't necessarily the problem on Sunday as they pushed six runs across the plate. The problem on Sunday was a rough start for Sean Manaea (four earned runs in four innings) and a bullpen that was unable to hold on to a late lead. Trade-deadline addition Ryan Helsley allowed the tying run in the bottom of the eighth inning when he allowed an RBI single to Joey Ortiz. That set the stage for star closer Edwin Diaz to serve up a walk-off home run to Isaac Collins. The Mets are still holding a playoff spot in the National League, but it is getting more uncomfortable by the day. After Sunday's games they are in the third and final wild-card spot in the National League, and only have 1.5 games of cushion between them and the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets had sky-high expectations this season after making the playoffs a year ago and then adding Juan Soto in free agency. While Soto's bat has ended up being everything the Mets hoped it would be, the rest of the offense has struggled in the heat of the summer and now the pressure is only going to keep mounting if they do not get out of this slump soon. With nine of their next 12 games coming against the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals — two of the worst teams in the National League — there is at least an opportunity for them to maybe get back on track. They need to, because after that stretch they have a three-game home series against the Phillies that could go a long way toward determining the path of their season.
A Hidden Prospect Could Open Big Trade Doors for the Oilers
With a stacked blue line and limited roster spots, Edmonton could turn one of its top young, somewhat undiscovered, defensemen into a key bargaining chip when the trade deadline approaches. That prospect is Beau Akey, and he’s looking to make a name for himself this season. The Oilers have a luxury most teams can’t claim — a veteran-heavy, Cup-contending blue line. But that depth also potentially blocks the path for Akey, who is one of their most intriguing young defense prospects. Akey is coming off a strong bounce-back season in junior after double shoulder surgery. A full season of good health could do wonders for his reputation as someone who has a bright future. Last year with the OHL’s Barrie Colts, he posted 32 points in 52 games, added five assists in the playoffs, and wore a leadership role. Known for his elite skating and crisp passing, he’s now set to make the leap to pro hockey in Bakersfield (AHL). “I’m 100 percent now,” Akey said during camp. “I’m looking to make the step to professional hockey (this season), so I’m looking to show the Oilers that at training camp. I want to give my all to try and make the Oilers and try to prove to them I can make an NHL roster.” Oilers development staff already love his mobility and offensive instincts, but they want him to sharpen the defensive side of his game. In the meantime, he’s a premium asset waiting in the wings — a 20-year-old right-shot defenseman with top-four potential. The Oilers know he can be a future impact player for them. That means he can also be an impact player for someone else. Edmonton won’t be looking to move the youngster. That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he pops up on radars around the league. Oilers senior director of player development Kalle Larsson said, “A healthy Beau Akey is an elite skater, he can break the puck out well and he has offense.” He added, “I think in pro, he’ll be a two-way defenseman that will need to be more reliable defensively.” Akey Will Be a Trade Piece that Other Teams Look At For a team chasing a Stanley Cup, players like this are gold. They can grow into future cornerstones or become the centerpiece of a trade for immediate help. If Edmonton needs a deadline boost — be it a depth scorer, penalty-kill specialist, or injury insurance — Akey could headline a package that draws serious interest from rebuilding teams or clubs on a timeline where they’ll be contenders in two or three seasons. The Oilers will decide later whether to keep him for the long haul or flip him for a win-now piece. Either way, they’re holding a hidden card that could make all the difference come spring.
Red Wings Announce Major Change for Their 100th Season and Fans Are Fired Up
The Red Wings have announced that they are bringing back their iconic 'Hockeytown' logo to center ice at Little Caesars Arena for their 100th year in the NHL. A somewhat familiar look is coming back to center ice at Little Caesars Arena, which has been the home of the Detroit Red Wings since 2017. A special fan polling has resulted in the announcement that the iconic former 'Hockeytown' logo from Joe Louis Arena, their former home, is coming back as part of a new special logo for the team's 100th year. Asia Gholston, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, released the following statement. The center ice fan vote, launched in partnership with Meijer, was a great way to get fans involved in Red Wings Centennial right from the start. Through an incredible response to this vote, fans have made it clear they're fired up for what's to come in celebrating 100 years of Hockeytown, which is only possible due to their unwavering support for the Winged Wheel. The Red Wings featured the 'Hockeytown' logo at Joe Louis Arena in 1996, which remained until the building's closure in 2017. The Red Wings then used the same logo in their 1st year at Little Caesars Arena, but since then have just utilized a large team logo. The Red Wings celebrate their 100th year in the NHL The Red Wings were founded in 1926, but are in the midst of the longest drought of postseason hockey in their history. Considering that they've now been around for 100 years, that postseason absence is a surprising statistic. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has started to feel some heat for having not been able to get the team to the postseason in each of his first 6 years on the job.
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