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The Halftimerz, Chicago, IL (2025)

11/15/2025

Becky Hammon Sounds Off on WNBA Leadership and the Upcoming CBA Battle

Becky Hammon has never been one to hold her tongue and she isn’t starting now.

The Las Vegas Aces head coach, who’s already built a WNBA dynasty with back-to-back titles, didn’t mince words when discussing the league’s ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Appearing on CNBC Sports this week, Hammon shed light on the growing tension between players and league leadership — and the picture she painted wasn’t pretty.

“They’re probably going to look for a change in leadership,” Hammon said, referring to commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “That relationship might just be too fractured at this point.”

Hammon’s connection to the W runs deep. Before becoming a three-time championship coach, she spent 16 seasons as one of the league’s most beloved players with the New York Liberty and San Antonio Silver Stars. So when she speaks, the players listen. And this time, she’s echoing their frustration.

Hammon even backed Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who blasted Engelbert during her exit interview in September. “Players should be making more than coaches,” Hammon said. “They’re due for a huge salary bump — and it’s got to be sustainable.”

For Hammon, the issue isn’t just money. It’s communication. She pointed to Engelbert’s uneven handling of player relationships and her lack of consistent dialogue with the union. “When players speak, people need to sit up and listen,” Hammon said. “I think she’s listening now — but it might be too late.”

With just weeks left before the November 30 extension deadline, all eyes are on the negotiating table. A lockout would be devastating for a league that’s riding unprecedented momentum in ratings, attendance, and cultural impact.

“I hope they reach a deal,” Hammon said. “We’re on such a high wave right now. The last thing the W needs is a break in that momentum.”

What’s your take - is Hammon right about the WNBA needing new leadership, or can Cathy Engelbert repair the damage before time runs out?

11/15/2025

Breaking News: Willie Green Out as Pelicans Head Coach

New Orleans is making big moves. The Pelicans have officially parted ways with head coach Willie Green after a rollercoaster run that never quite met the expectations of this young, star-driven roster.

Green, who led the team for multiple seasons, helped guide the Pelicans through tough stretches, including an emotional 2022 playoff push and major injuries to key players like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. But despite flashes of brilliance, consistency was always the missing piece.

The front office reportedly wants a fresh voice to unlock the full potential of its core talent. With one of the NBA’s most electric rosters on paper, patience has apparently run out.

Now, the big question: Where do the Pelicans go from here?

Do they chase an experienced coach to stabilize the locker room or a rising assistant to restart the culture from the ground up?

Fans, this move will shape the next era of Pelicans basketball.

Who do you think should replace Willie Green as the next head coach?

11/13/2025

Stephen Curry and Under Armour’s decision to split marks one of the most dramatic business shifts in basketball’s modern era. Curry, the face of the Golden State Warriors and a transformative force in sports marketing, and Under Armour, a brand that rose alongside Curry’s superstardom, have ended their historic partnership after 13 years — sending shockwaves across both the sports and business worlds.

The End of an Iconic Era
The joint statement released Thursday confirmed that Curry and Under Armour would immediately separate the Curry Brand from Under Armour, effectively winding down their collaboration beginning with the last major Curry signature shoe launch in spring 2026. The relationship, forged in 2013 when Curry left Nike for Under Armour, redefined the sneaker business and helped Under Armour establish a dominant footprint in the basketball market.

This move was not expected. For over a decade, Curry’s signature shoes and apparel were a linchpin for Under Armour’s basketball segment, generating billions in sales and global recognition. Curry’s popularity expanded Under Armour’s reach well beyond its core athletes and runners, making its logo synonymous with NBA success and shoe culture.

Why the Split Happened
Industry sources suggest that shifting priorities and the evolving athletic market played a big role in the decision. Under Armour is in the midst of a $255 million business restructuring, exhibiting signs that it is choosing to focus on its core product offerings instead of riding the volatile waves of athlete-driven brands. Meanwhile, Curry Brand will spin off as an independent entity, giving Steph unprecedented creative and business control.

For Under Armour, the business risks were mounting. Despite Curry’s success, recent years saw stagnation in the brand’s basketball division, while competitors like Nike and Adidas maintained cultural dominance. Analysts have warned that Under Armour’s basketball business may be overly reliant on Curry’s star power, making the split both a necessity and a gamble.

Curry's Next Move and Industry Impact
As Curry enters “sneaker free agency,” speculation is swirling about what comes next. Curry Brand will reportedly operate independently, freeing Steph to seek new collaborations, joint ventures, or even partnerships outside of traditional athletic apparel. Major brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Anta are rumored to be interested — along with newer lifestyle and tech brands seeking an authentic cultural icon to drive their business.

The impact on Under Armour will be dramatic. Losing Curry means losing the brand’s most visible and productive ambassador, one analysts estimate has created up to $14 billion in market value for the company over the last decade. The company will have to rely on other sports and lifestyle segments or find new talent to fill the massive void.

Dramatic Shift For Fans and Sneaker Culture
For fans, this breakup is more than just business. Curry’s signature shoes have become a staple among young athletes and sneakerheads, with each release accompanied by excitement and strong sales. The announcement reverts Curry back to free agent status in the endorsement world, meaning the next shoe deal will likely be one of the most-watched and lucrative in sports history.

Steph Curry’s departure from Under Armour closes a transformative chapter in sneaker history, but opens the door to new innovations and possibilities. Where he lands next will not only define his legacy off the court but could reshape the entire athlete-endorsement landscapeape.

11/13/2025

At this point, there are no superlatives left to describe Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets superstar is doing things on a basketball court that feel more like video game glitches than real-life performances. Wednesday night was just the latest entry in his growing highlight reel of absurdity — a 130–116 dismantling of the Los Angeles Clippers that showcased why Jokic is operating in his own dimension.

Fifty-five points. Twelve rebounds. Six assists. One steal. One block. And an impossible 18-for-23 from the field. That’s not just dominance — that’s perfection disguised as effortlessness.
It’s not like the Clippers didn’t have the personnel to make life difficult for him. Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez are built for paint protection, but Jokic treated them like traffic cones. Whether it was a fadeaway off one leg, a no-look dime to a cutter, or a push shot off the wrong foot, everything he did looked casual until you looked up at the box score and realized you were watching history.

According to Jake Coyne of Stats Perform, Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record a 50-point game, a 30/15/15 night, and a 25-point game without a single free-throw attempt, all within eight days. Yes, you read that right: eight days.
And just when you think that can’t be topped, OptaSTATS notes that Jokic is also the first player ever to score 90 points across two games while shooting over 80 percent from the floor.

It’s almost unfair at this point.

Meanwhile, Denver keeps winning, now 9–2 on the season despite battling early injury setbacks. Cam Johnson continues to search for rhythm, and Jamal Murray had an off-night shooting just 5-of-16. To make matters worse, both Johnson and Christian Braun left the game with injuries.

Yet, none of it mattered. Jokic erased all the noise.

This version of Jokic isn’t just MVP level, it’s era-defining. Every game feels like another historical marker, another chapter in a book that no other player is even qualified to write.

The Nuggets get two full days of rest before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Denver’s depth will be tested, but with Jokic playing like this, it might not even matter who’s suiting up next to him.

Because right now, Nikola Jokic isn’t just playing basketball, he’s redefining it.

11/12/2025

Crowd goes crazy for a fan that catches puck then chugs a beer. Such a dope moment!

11/12/2025

Chicago Lands 2026 WNBA All-Star Game—Again. Here’s Why.

When the WNBA announced in October that Chicago will host the 2026 All-Star Game, the basketball world did a collective double-take. After all, the city just welcomed the league’s brightest stars in 2022. Why go back so soon?

Now, thanks to a report from Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, we finally have answers and they reveal both opportunity and challenge for the league and the Chicago Sky.

It turns out that Chicago was the only WNBA franchise to submit a bid to host the 2026 showcase. That revelation caught some by surprise, especially given the WNBA’s history of encouraging or even persuading franchises to step up for the event.

That’s exactly what happened last July when Indianapolis hosted the 2024 All-Star Game.

“We’re excited to do it,” Sky CEO Adam Fox told Front Office Sports. “It’s the goal to make Chicago the best place we’ve ever had a WNBA All-Star game. That’s the kind of healthy competition in this game that everyone is interested in.”

Fox’s comments signal confidence and a desire to prove Chicago can get it right this time.

Learning From 2022’s Missteps
The 2022 WNBA All-Star Game, held at Wintrust Arena, wasn’t exactly a slam dunk.

While the on-court action delivered, the overall fan experience left much to be desired.

Access to events like the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest was severely limited, outdoor concerts were canceled due to safety concerns, and fans criticized the lack of marketing around the event—especially disappointing considering the Sky had just captured their first-ever championship in 2021. In short, Chicago didn’t maximize its moment.

Now, the Sky and the WNBA are looking to rewrite that narrative.

A New Stage, A Bigger Vision
This time around, the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game will be played at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls. The move represents a major step up in both scale and visibility.

For comparison, the Phoenix Mercury who hosted the 2024 All-Star Game—benefited from deep organizational resources shared with the Phoenix Suns. Mercury President Vince Kozar credits that partnership for making the event a massive success.

“A ton of props to Chicago for what they’re undertaking,” Kozar said. “If we didn’t have the resources of our entire organization and Player 15 Group, we would not have been able to put on the All-Star game the size and scope of which we did. To do that as an independent team, that’s a massive undertaking, manpower wise.”

Unlike Phoenix, the Sky operate independently, meaning the 2026 event will test the limits of their infrastructure and creativity.

Why It Matters
For the WNBA, bringing the All-Star Game back to Chicago isn’t just about convenience, it’s about momentum.

With the Sky’s dedicated fan base, a large urban market, and one of the league’s most loyal communities, Chicago offers both logistical strength and symbolic weight as the league continues its growth surge.

If the Sky can deliver a memorable, fan-first All-Star weekend, it could set a new standard for independently run franchises across the league.

And if there’s one thing Chicago knows how to do—it’s put on a show when the lights are brightest.

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game tips off at the United Center, marking the city’s second time hosting in four years.
This time, all eyes will be on how Chicago bounces back.

11/11/2025

The Bill Comes Due: Mavericks Fire GM Nico Harrison Nine Months After Disastrous Doncic Trade

The writing has been on the wall painted in the searing neon glow of fan outrage for months. On Tuesday morning, the Dallas Mavericks finally took the plunge, firing General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Nico Harrison, a move that serves as the final, official admission of error following the catastrophic trade of superstar Luka Dončić.

Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont confirmed the dismissal in a public letter to the franchise's battered fan base, stating, "When the results don't meet expectations, it's my responsibility to act. I've made the decision to part ways with General Manager Nico Harrison."

The dismissal comes with the Mavericks limping to a 3-8 start this season, sitting second-to-last in the Western Conference. But the true fuse was lit nine months ago, at the 2025 trade deadline, when Harrison orchestrated the controversial deal that sent the franchise cornerstone, Dončić, to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Unforgivable Sin
Harrison, a former Nike executive who was once lauded for his role in building a team that reached the 2024 NBA Finals, now leaves Dallas having committed what many fans and analysts consider an unforgivable sin: trading an MVP-caliber, five-time

All-NBA player in his prime.
The Dončić trade—which netted the Mavericks Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future pick—was panned instantly. Harrison defended the move, citing alleged concerns over Dončić's conditioning and commitment. Those comments only intensified the fan backlash, leading to months of sustained vitriol.

❌ The On-Court Disaster: The deal has not delivered. Davis has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since his arrival, currently sidelined with a calf strain. Star guard Kyrie Irving is also out, recovering from an ACL tear.

❌ Dončić Flourishes: Meanwhile, Dončić is thriving in Los Angeles, leading the 8-3 Lakers and reminding Dallas fans daily of what they lost.

❌ The Fan Uproar: "Fire Nico!" chants became a predictable, mournful soundtrack at American Airlines Center. The franchise underestimated the deep, emotional bond fans had forged with Dončić, who many saw as the natural successor to Dirk Nowitzki.

The breaking point appears to have arrived Monday night, during a home loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, where "Fire Nico!" chants reached an undeniable fever pitch. Reports indicate Dumont, the team's new governor, even admitted to a fan courtside that approving the Dončić trade was a "mistake."

What Comes Next?
The Mavericks will now embark on an immediate search for a permanent replacement. In the interim, assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi have been named co-interim General Managers, tasked with steering a sinking ship that still possesses some intriguing talent, including No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg.

Harrison’s tenure was a bizarre, short-lived roller coaster. He was the architect of a Finals team, making shrewd moves for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, but he ultimately allowed one massive, devastating miscalculation to negate all the good. The decision to trade Dončić, a player Harrison himself reportedly lacked faith in, became the anchor that dragged the entire franchise down.

The Dallas Mavericks have now paid the price for their biggest error. The firing of Nico Harrison closes the door on a dark chapter, but the immense challenge of returning to championship contention with no Dončić has only just begun.

Who do you think the Mavericks should target as their next permanent General Manager?

11/10/2025

Legendary Lenny Wilkens, Three-Time Hall of Famer and 'Godfather of Seattle Basketball,' Dies at 88

The basketball world lost one of its towering figures on Sunday as Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens passed away peacefully at the age of 88, his family announced. Wilkens, a three-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, leaves behind a monumental legacy as a graceful nine-time All-Star player, an NBA champion coach, and one of the game's most respected ambassadors.

Wilkens' passing marks the end of an era defined by his calm authority, enduring class, and rare distinction of being enshrined in the Hall of Fame as both a player (1989) and a coach (1998). He was inducted a third time in 2010 as an assistant coach for the iconic 1992 U.S. Olympic "Dream Team."

"Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA — as a Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame coach, and one of the game's most respected ambassadors." — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver

The Ultimate Floor General
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Wilkens was drafted 6th overall in 1960 by the St. Louis Hawks. Standing just 6-foot-1, he carved out a 15-year playing career defined by cerebral playmaking, court vision, and quiet consistency.
✅ 9x NBA All-Star (1963–1965, 1967–1971, 1973)
✅ 1971 All-Star Game MVP
✅ Named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players (1996) and 75th Anniversary Team (2021).

He finished his playing career with 17,772 points and 7,211 assists, becoming one of the most prolific point guards of his generation.

Coaching Legacy: A Pioneer on the Sideline
Wilkens' transition from player to coach was trailblazing. In 1969, he became a rare player-coach with the Seattle Super Sonics, a role he later reprised with the Portland Trail Blazers. He stepped into coaching full-time and amassed a total of 1,332 career victories, a record at the time of his retirement that now ranks third all-time, trailing only Gregg Popovich and Don Nelson. His 2,487 regular-season games coached still stand as an NBA record.

His crowning achievement came in Seattle in 1979, where he guided the Super Sonics to the franchise's only NBA

Championship. The title cemented his legendary status in the Pacific Northwest, earning him the moniker "Godfather of Seattle Basketball."
• 1979 NBA Champion (Seattle Super Sonics Head Coach)
• 1994 NBA Coach of the Year (Atlanta Hawks)
• Coached the 1996 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal men's team.
• Named one of the NBA's Top 15 Coaches of All Time (2021)

The Heart of Seattle
Wilkens' impact stretched well beyond the hardwood. A deeply committed humanitarian, he was a pillar of the Seattle community, tirelessly working through the Lenny Wilkens Foundation to support children's health and development programs. A statue honoring his contributions was unveiled just last year, a testament to his enduring bond with the city.

The NBA is in mourning, but the lessons of dignity, intelligence, and leadership that Lenny Wilkens taught both in the locker room and the community will continue to guide the sport for generations to come.

What legendary moment from Lenny Wilkens' career stands out most to you?

11/07/2025

Pacers' Backcourt is an ER Waiting Room: Mac McClung Out, Veteran Monte Morris In!

Less than ten games into the season, and the Indiana Pacers' injury report is starting to look like a full 15-man roster.

The hits keep coming for the Blue and Gold, especially in the backcourt, where the casualty list is mounting faster than a fast break. Today, Indiana made its fourth roster move in a desperate attempt to plug the holes, waiving recently signed guard Mac McClung to bring in veteran floor general Monte Morris.

As Shams Charania of ESPN first broke, and other reports confirmed, the Pacers have officially pivoted from the highlight-reel jumper. McClung, the three-time Dunk Contest champion, is now a free agent after a very short stint on his non-guaranteed multi-year deal. Sometimes, the business of the NBA hits harder than any rim-rocking jam.

The "Too Big to Ignore" Injury List
Why the frantic roster shuffling? Take a look at the guard depth chart or what's left of it:
❌ Tyrese Haliburton: Out for the season (torn Achilles). That's your franchise cornerstone gone.
❌ Bennedict Mathurin: Out (foot).
❌ Andrew Nembhard: Out (shoulder).
❌ T.J. McConnell: Out (hamstring).

And let's not forget frontcourt players like Obi Toppin, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones also currently sidelined. It's a miracle they've even been able to field a full squad.

The Steady Hand Arrives
Enter Monte Morris. The Pacers had eyes on the 30-year-old, eight-year NBA veteran during training camp, but a calf strain put that on hold. Now healthy, Morris joins a team in dire need of a steadying presence at the point.

Morris is known for being a meticulous ball-handler, boasting an elite career assist-to-turnover ratio. While his recent run in Phoenix (5.2 PPG in limited minutes) wasn't flashy, his experience and reliable playmaking are exactly what a hobbled Pacers squad needs to manage a game and hopefully, avoid the need for a hardship exception.

BOTTOM LINE: The Pacers are in full-blown crisis mode. They traded the athletic flash of Mac McClung for the reliable floor generalship of Monte Morris, hoping the veteran can keep the offense running while the rest of the crew heals up.

What does this move mean for the Pacers' season outlook? Can Monte Morris keep the ship afloat?

11/06/2025

Russell Westbrook in Sacramento’s victory:

👑 23 points
👑 16 rebounds
👑 10 assists
👑 1 CLUTCH defensive play

First 20-15-10 game for Russ since May 16th, 2021!

11/06/2025

#4 Duke Opens Season with Statement Win Over Texas — Even Without Their “Best Stuff”

The Duke Blue Devils didn’t need perfection to get the job done Tuesday night. Behind a balanced attack and stifling defense, Jon Scheyer’s squad cruised to a 75–60 win over Texas to open the season and yet, their head coach walked away thinking his team has much more to give.

“I’m just really proud of our team,” Scheyer said via Duke’s play-by-play voice David Shumate. “It’s not an easy first game they’re a physical, older team but I just loved our defensive effort. Sometimes you have to win without having your best stuff, and I thought that’s what we did.”

That’s a scary thought for the rest of college basketball. Cameron Boozer, the highly touted freshman making his Duke debut, looked every bit the part posting a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double along with two assists, three steals, and a block. The moment wasn’t too big for him, and his impact was felt all over the floor.

But it was Isaiah Evans who led the way offensively, pouring in 23 points on 7-of-13 shooting and hitting 4-of-8 from deep. Duke shot 42.3% from the field and 39.1% from three, while holding Texas to just 32.2% and 29.4%, respectively.

Even without elite efficiency or perfect ex*****on, Duke’s defense and poise stood out. The Blue Devils recorded 13 assists, turned the ball over just 10 times, and found ways to pull away late.

📊 Stat Check:
🔹 Boozer: 15 PTS, 13 REB, 3 STL, 1 BLK
🔹 Evans: 23 PTS (4-8 3PT)
🔹 Duke FG%: 42.3 | 3PT%: 39.1
🔹 Texas FG%: 32.2 | 3PT%: 29.4

Even Scheyer admitted this wasn’t Duke at full power and that’s the part that should make ACC opponents nervous. The Blue Devils may have lost Cooper Flagg to the NBA, but they’re still deep, disciplined, and confident in their ceiling.

Next up: Duke returns to Cameron Indoor on Saturday at 1:30 PM ET to face Western Carolina — a chance to polish things up and continue building momentum early in the season.

What do you think, if this wasn’t their best stuff, how high is this team’s ceiling?

The Halftimerz

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