There is a ton of anticipation surrounding the U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. They have a decorated roster with talent ranging from Basketball Hall of Famers like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, to potential faces of the league such as Anthony Edwards. As a whole, this year’s roster consists of four MVP winners and seven champions. In contrast, the previous two teams had Kevin Durant as the only MVP winner and just two more NBA champions combined than this year’s team.  

The makeup of Team USA from a skills perspective is highly balanced with players who can succeed in different ways. Offensively, they have guys who could score without needing the ball, along with other players who are willing to guard the opposing team’s best player. 

“We have the ability to play different styles,” Hall of Famer and USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill said recently in an interview with Andscape. “We have flexibility. We can go big, we can go small. We have shooting and we have experience.” 

One guy who checks all of those boxes is, of course, LeBron James. After winning his second gold medal in 2012, James has built a Hall of Fame career in the last 12 years alone. He may not be athletic like he was, but he returns as a more polished player with a valid case to be proclaimed the greatest of all time. 

Joining James are Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who are seen as the next two best players of their generation after James. Durant is accustomed to Olympic play having won the last three gold medals, while Curry is probably the best point USA has had since Chris Paul in the 2012 Olympics. 

Defensively, they have two elite rim protectors in Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis. Both of them share a combined eight all defensive selections. Even Team USA’s best role players are Jayson Tatum, who is fresh off a championship, and Devin Booker who is one of the league’s top scorers. 

As a whole, there are a lot of players who specialize in all different areas which makes it easier for everyone to seamlessly compliment one another. It will require some players to sacrifice some of their skills. Davis and Jrue Holiday might be in the game only for their defense, while Booker might be better suited for a role off the bench. If they’re willing to make these sacrifices, Team USA’s path to gold will be the equivalent of a walk in Luxembourg Gardens. 

That doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges however. While Team USA boosts the best squad on paper, Olympic basketball is more of a contrast from the NBA game. While an NBA court is 94 by 50 ft, Federal International Basketball Association (FIBA) courts are about 91 by 49 ft. There are also different rules such as players being allowed to touch the ball after it hits the rim, and jump balls getting determined based on who was last awarded possession. 

Not only are team USA’s opponents more equipped with these regulations, but they also have more experience playing together. Most of these players spend their offseason playing with their countries and are used to playing with each other. Team USA might feature some players who played for the same team during the regular season, but not everyone has played together before. 

"They have to get acclimated for FIBA and to this style, and that’s what the preparation is all about is trying to get them to understand what wins and loses a FIBA game,” Head Coach Steve Kerr said recently. 

The teams as a whole have also improved going into these Olympics. Plenty of talented players like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will be representing their countries.

France, who narrowly lost out on gold to USA in 2021, will receive a massive upgrade with the newest NBA phenom and Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama making his Olympic debut.

Canada has also emerged as a threat with a talented backcourt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jamal Murray among other solid NBA players.

Germany is bringing back the same team that beat USA Basketball in the World Cup, and nearly won the rematch in the exhibition games. 

Even with the competition, there are  plenty of reasons that team USA will win gold for the fifth straight Olympics. Not only is this one of their most talented rosters, but most of the players they will be counting on have already played in the Olympics at least once. With the competition improving, having experienced players such as James will be a huge factor. In their last two exhibition games against South Sudan and Germany, James’ last minute heroics were the difference. 

There is also a desire among the players and coaches to keep USA Basketball on top. Even if the players might not admit it, there’s no other reason why James would be returning to the Olympics while also recruiting guys like Curry and Davis. They are eager to show they can help the USA maintain their superiority in basketball at a time where other countries are looking to prove themselves. 

“We have competitors,” Hill said. “Part of why they want to do this is they want that challenge and they want to show that we could be the best.”

Last Sunday saw the New York Knicks' season end in convincing fashion to the Indiana Pacers. The combination of injuries and hot-shooting by the Pacers resulted in a 130-109 defeat for the team's biggest game of the season. But for the Knicks to even be in that position is nothing short of spectacular. In their third playoff appearance in four years, this year's team was arguably the best of the bunch and there are many reasons to support that statement. 

For starters, the Knicks had their first 50 win season in 11 years and their second overall in the last 24 seasons. They had a talented roster that featured two all stars in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, along with a resilient group of guys who stepped up despite injuries to multiple key contributors, including their entire front court. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has installed this mentality within the team since taking over, and he became the fifth coach in Knicks history to make the playoffs three times. 

Even when the team won six of their last seven games to clinch the number two seed, people believed they should tank for a more favorable matchup in the playoffs rather than face the Philadelphia 76ers who were riding their own hot streak. However, New York was rewarded for their approach as they defeated Philadelphia in six thrilling games, and were up 3-2 against the Pacers before running out of steam. Even with the result, the Knicks established themselves as contenders going forward. 

At the centerpiece of their team, is point guard Jalen Brunson. Last season, Brunson made an immediate impact leading the Knicks to the second round, but that now seems like a footnote compared to this season. Brunson enjoyed another career year in points and assists, along with his first all-star and All-NBA selections. Through his toughness and creativity, Brunson has become one of New York's most beloved athletes. He might not possess much physical gifts, but Brunson knows how to set up himself and his teammates to succeed. In the playoffs, Brunson continued his brilliance setting a franchise record for points in a playoff game with 47, along with being the fourth player in NBA history to have five or more playoff games with at least 40 points and five assists. 
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However, Brunson isn't the sole reason for the Knicks' success. Although Julius Randle's season abruptly ended with a shoulder injury, he continued to grow his skills since winning Most Improved Player in 2021. After a slow start, Randle began to resemble the All-NBA player he was in two of the previous three seasons, averaging 24 points and nine rebounds. Randle was particularly at his best inside the three point arc where he tied his career best for two-point field goals with 6.9 makes. He was playing some of his best basketball in the last two months before his injury, and should bounce back strong next season. 
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The Knicks additionally fielded a strong group of role players who excelled in different areas. In December, they traded fan-favorites RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby who proved to be a perfect fit with his defense and ability to score off the ball. In every game he suited up, the Knicks went 26-5. 
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Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstien also became beloved role players with their hustle and willingness to make impact plays that didn't always appear in the box score. Their durability was essential during the second half of the season along with the playoffs. Hartenstien made 37 more starts than any other season combined while Hart played four playoff games without resting. 
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Donte DiVincenzo enjoyed a career year in his first season wearing orange and blue. He averaged personal bests in scoring and three point percentage. In addition, he had a knack for big shots which occurred in the closing seconds of playoff wins against Philadelphia and Indiana. 
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Mitchell Robinson was still a reliable rim protector when healthy. He was initially diagnosed with a season ending ankle injury in December, but came back before the playoffs and was giving the team solid minutes before Joel Embiid grabbed his ankles while air-born. Yet Robinson came back during the series and was part of a team effort that contained Embiid in the fourth quarter of game six. 

Miles McBride went from being seldom used to the team's primary ball-handler off the bench. After trading for Anunoby, the Knicks gave McBride a three year, $13 million contract extension which now looks like a bargain. McBride grew more comfortable running the offense while remaining a tenacious defender. 

While the Knicks roster lacked the stability that other playoff teams enjoyed, the on-court chemistry every one of their players shared was undeniable. One can point to how Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, who played together at Villanova, possessed their own skills that benefited the team. Or the fact that Anunoby immediately made a difference despite admitting to not fully knowing the plays early on. Unselfish sequences like Hartenstein keeping possessions alive, and the team's hard-nosed defense were common throughout the year. 

But none of that is possible without Thibodeau installing his philosophy of hard work, toughness, and resilience toward each player. Every player bought in to Thibodeau's culture and it was evident at various points of the season whether it was during the team's red-hot January, or against Philadelphia where all but one game wasn't decided until the final minute. Even during the most adverse times, such as a rough February, their mental toughness never faded. There were multiple players such as Brunson and Robinson playing through injuries, while Anunoby tried playing through a hamstring injury in game 7 before ultimately having to sit out. That type of competitive mindset is what enabled the Knicks to make it so far. 

This offseason will be more about keeping the roster intact than trying to find a star player. Perhaps no evidence better supports this case than their NBA-best 14-2 record in January. That was the healthiest version of the Knicks' current roster, and they were in the midst of a nine game winning streak at the time of Randle's injury. Despite playing the last two games of the month without him, New York's 246 point differential during the month was higher  than any other NBA team in a single month this season. 

The Knicks will certainly try to resign Anunoby and Hartenstien who are both free agents this summer. Anunoby is expected to return while Hartenstien will be coveted by other teams though he has voiced a desire to stay. Brunson is also eligible for an extension and is reportedly willing to take less money if it means signing this summer. With those moves and some much-needed rest for everyone, a big year could be on the horizon. 

After an entertaining 82 games, along with the play-in tournament, the NBA playoff standings are finally established. Teams were constantly moving up and down until the final day of the regular season, and the result is a well-balanced playoff field in both conferences. There are favorites to win the NBA Finals such as the top-seeded Boston Celtics, while other teams such as the up-and-coming Thunder are aiming to establish themselves. With postseason play beginning on Saturday, here are my playoff predictions. 

Eastern Conference:                                                                                                               Western Conference:                                                                                                                   
#1 Celtics 4                                                                                                                                                  #1 Thunder 4
#8 Heat 1                                                                                                                                                      #8 Pelicans 1
                    

                          #1 Celtics 4                                                                                       #1 Thunder 4 
                          #4 Magic 0                                                                                      #4 Mavericks 3 

#4 Cavaliers 3                                                                                                                                            #4 Clippers 3
#5 Magic 4                                                                                                                                              #5 Mavericks 4
                                         #1 Celtics 4                  #1 Celtics 4                 #1 Nuggets 4        
                                         #2 Knicks 1                #2 Nuggets 3              #2 Thunder 2        

#3 Bucks 4                                                                                                                                      #3 Timberwolves 2
#6 Pacers 3                                                                                                                                                       #6 Suns 4
                           #2 Knicks 4                                                                              #2 Nuggets 4   
                           #3 Bucks 1                                                                                #6 Suns 2    
#2 Knicks 4                                                                                                                                                 #2 Nuggets 4
#7 76ers 2                                                                                                                                                       #7 Lakers 1 

​

The debate as to which young player will lead the next generation of talent has certainly picked up steam this season. All stars like Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić are only getting better with their teams off to strong starts. Last year's number one pick Paolo Banchero is building off his Rookie of the Year campaign in a big way, as the Orlando Magic are off to their best start in years. There might even be a new big man rivalry in the making with Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. 

However, we should also acknowledge some of this year's memorable moments provided by the some of the players who are guaranteed Hall of Famers. From individual accolades to thrilling playoff matchups, 2023 as a whole gave fans the chance to appreciate such excellence. 

When it comes to individual achievements, there are a few players who deserve a mention such as Damien Lillard scoring 71 points, Kevin Durant moving up to number 10 on the all time scoring list, and Joel Embiid becoming the second player from Africa after Hakeem Olajuwon to win MVP. But the one accomplishment that comes to everyone's mind from this year, is LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers eclipsing the all-time scoring record set by legendary center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

For years, that record was viewed by sports fans as unbreakable, which only makes it fitting that James was the one to achieve this feat. Not only has James been unfazed by the immense amount of hype placed on him going back to the night he was drafted, but he has exceeded those expectations. As it is, James already possesses an incredible legacy full of championships and other records. When it comes to some of the records James has set, this might be his greatest feat. 

Abdul-Jabbar, who also had high expectations before his debut, was quick to applaud the significance of James passing him. 

"Whenever a sports record is broken — including mine — it’s a time for celebration," Abdul-Jabbar said. "It means someone has pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible to a whole new level."

James has been the face of the league for about over a decade, but if there's any other player who's legacy also holds a great deal of significance, it would be Stephen Curry. He has changed the point guard position with his excellent ball-handling and deadly three point shooting. More importantly, he turned the Golden State Warriors from a mediocre team to a dynasty. 

At one point, Curry and James' rivalry dominated the NBA landscape. Both players faced off in the Finals for four straight seasons from 2014-2018 with James winning in 2016, while Curry won the other three matchups. Once James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Lakers, it opened the door for more contests between the two players since both players would now be in the same division. While they did face off two years ago in the play-in tournament, last year's semifinals was the first time both players faced off in an actual playoff series in five years. 

To say the least, both players put on a masterclass. Their abilities were on full display from the big shots to the intelligent plays in critical situations. James averaged 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Curry's 26 points a game outscored every other Warrior by 10 or more. The Lakers took the series in six games thanks to a game one on the road that gave them home court advantage which they wouldn't relinquish.

However, there were a lot of people who were hoping for an encore once the series ended. Everyone knows that because both players are on the older side, this might have been their last series. Yet they still managed to bring out the best in one another regarding their performance.

Curry did not hesitate to acknowledge the significance of facing off against James even after losing the series.

"There's so much respect and appreciation for the battles, the experiences, and the back and fourths because it's basketball at the highest level," Curry said. 

If fans want to see a rematch in the future, that says something about the impact James and Curry have had on the league.

Even though the Lakers lost to the Nuggets in the following round, James' playoff run proved that as long as he can still play, his title window is still open regardless of age. He hasn't shown much signs of slowing down this year, averaging 25/7/7 with the Lakers in the thick of a competitive Western Conference. Many players usually slow down as they get old, but I think James' brilliance at his age should separate him from others. His sustained excellence is a big reason why there is still not a distinguished player to carry the torch for the next generation of stars. 

Finally, there was Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, cementing his legacy as one of the best centers of all time. Having won back to back MVP awards, along with transforming the Denver Nuggets into a contender, the last thing Jokić needed was a championship. Throughout last year, it was evident Jokić and the Nuggets were on a mission, clinching the number one seed in the Western Conference. They only got stronger in the playoffs where they lost only four games total, and defeated the Miami Heat in the Finals. 

By winning the championship, Jokić established himself as undoubtably the best center of his generation. His IQ, and playmaking ability particularly separates him from other great centers who might have been more known for only using their strength to dominate opponents. Jokić might play like a center on one possession, and then resemble a point guard on the next one.  

His skills have caught the attention of other legends such as Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon - a player who Jokić's skills draw some comparisons towards. 

"He's playing the game, and you think he's not serious, but he's so effective," Olajuwon said. "His shot, his fakes, they are very difficult to time. You don't know when he's faking and when it's real." 

For some Hall of Famers, winning the Finals is the last thing they need to accomplish in their career. Jokić already had a legitimate case, but now that he's is the latest player to have achieved everything an NBA player could possibly dream of. At 28 years old, Jokić will likely continue to ascend among the best centers to ever play the game. 

Last year saw the landscape of power in the NBA turn west toward the Rocky Mountains, where the Denver Nuggets and their world class big man Nikola Jokic won their first NBA championship over the Miami Heat. But there are other teams such as the Lakers and Heat who also exceeded expectations and are poised to build from last year’s success. Teams who went out in disappointing fashion like the Bucks and Celtics are reloaded and ready to make another title run. But despite the presence of these other teams, the Nuggets kept most of their championship core intact and are primed to repeat even if Jokic is more interested in his horses than basketball.

With that being said, here are my biggest takes going into this NBA season.

1. The Los Angeles Lakers Will Win Their 18th Championship
Even with future Hall of Famers LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers' season looked like a lost cause as they stumbled into the trade deadline with a mediocre 25-30 record. But with a series of midseason acquisitions the Lakers went 17-9 after the deadline despite missing James for a large portion, and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Although they got swept, the Lakers have established a new foundation that should carry over into next year. 

At the center of this team is LeBron James. At 38, James continues to play at an All-NBA level, averaging 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while shooting 50% from the field. In the playoffs, James sometimes looked like he was drinking from the Fountain of Youth, throwing down reverse dunks and chasing down opponents.
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Alongside James is Anthony Davis who might be the second option, but is fully capable of thriving as the number one option. This was seen multiple times last year such as his scorching hot start, and later keeping the team in the playoff hunt for much of March without LeBron.  

In addition to James and Davis, Austin Reaves showed lots of improvement in his second season, where he started to blossom into a playmaker during the playoffs. D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura are also two players who can step up if James and Davis are having an off night. All of these players will be sticking around as the Lakers managed to retain them in free agency with reasonable contracts with the most being Reaves' 56 million. 

The Lakers also signed players who can thrive with James in different ways. Jaxon Hayes is a solid pick & roll threat, Tareun Prince can take on the role of a catch and shoot player, and Christian Wood is another big man who can space the floor. 

For the Lakers to reach the promised land, it's essential that Davis stays healthy during the year. James is going to miss a decent amount of time given his age, but with Davis being just 30 years old, he should be counted upon to play a large portion of games. Davis clearly has plenty left in the tank and the Lakers need him to build off his resurgent 2023 campaign in order to reach the ultimate goal. 

2. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be a Top Four Team in the West
Although many believed last season would be a rebuilding year for the Thunder, they surprised many experts and came within one game of clinching the eighth seed. They boost a young, homegrown roster that will be on everyone’s radar this season. 

Leading the way is point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who absolutely looks like the real deal. He was always a rising star, but this year saw him make the full transition to stardom. Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a career high 31 points along with five assists on 51 percent shooting from the field. He also made notable strides on the defensive end, finishing in the top five for steals and deflections. This breakout season resulted in Gilgeous-Alexander earning first team All-NBA at the end of the year. 

Yet even after his breakout year, Gilgeous-Alexander didn't hesitate to praise his teammates. "None of that stuff matters without the team," he said following the season. 

Fortunately for Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have slowly constructed an effective supporting cast to complement his abilities. Lu Dort is arguably the team's best defender as he'll take on the opponent's top scoring option on a nightly basis. Josh Giddey gives the Thunder another good playmaker at guard, and small forward Jalen Williams finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. The team will also get a significant boost with their 2022 pick Chet Holmgren returning from a foot injury that kept him out all of last year.  

3. Jayson Tatum Wins MVP
Since becoming the face of the franchise for the Boston Celtics in 2019, Jayson Tatum has quickly ascended to one of the NBA's premier players. The last two years have seen Tatum make the leap into the prime of his career, making All-NBA in back to back seasons while leading the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals. 

Offensively, Tatum has averaged 27 points in the last three years but he is so much more than a scorer. Defenses also have to respect his ability to facilitate just as much as his scoring. 

"He's an unbelievable playmaker," said his teammate Peyton Prichard after Tatum's Finals debut. "We know he can score at the highest of levels, but when you can score and pass like he did, it's a game changer."

In addition, Tatum is a solid defender who takes advantage of his length when guarding some of the game's other premier players. The Celtics have boosted a top five defense in the last two years and Tatum's improvement on that end is a major reason why. 

This offseason saw the Celtics reload their roster with the acquisitions of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis - two players who also will command attention from opposing defenses along with Tatum's fellow all star Jaylen Brown. Although these moves did come at the cost of cutting ties with some of the players that made the Finals, this might be the best roster in Tatum's years as the lead option. Tatum will have even more opportunities to excel at a high level, and if the Celtics play up to expectations or even exceed them, Tatum will be a huge reason why. 

4. Joel Embiid's Tenure In Philadelphia Will End
If there's any reason why the Philadelphia 76ers have regularly appeared in the playoffs throughout the last six years, it’s because of Joel Embiid. This year saw him continue to establish himself as the best thing to come out of the Trust the Process phase, with Embiid winning his first MVP award. 

Embiid is practically unstoppable in the post thanks to a bevy of savvy moves he's mastered over the years. To complement his inside game, Embiid has developed a respectable outside game where he can either drive or shoot with ease. 
https://x.com/espn/status/1619463885773312001?s=20 
​He's also a strong defender which is evident from his three second team All-Defense selections. Whether it's in the paint or on fast breaks, it always seems like he's lurking somewhere as seen in game five of the semifinals against Boston.
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However, the 76ers have failed to build a sustainable team around him. Most of the all stars he's played with have weaknesses that become untenable, such as Ben Simmons' unwillingness to shoot, or James Harden's frustrations with management. They've also made poor personnel choices, such as trading Mikal Bridges after drafting him, and re-signing Tobais Harris instead of Jimmy Butler. The best player besides Embiid as of now is an unhappy James Harden who has no intention of repairing his relationship with the front office. 

Eventually one has to wonder how much longer Embiid can put up with the team’s shortcomings. Last summer, Embiid said that he wants a shot at a title even if it might mean potentially leaving Philadelphia. While he later backpedaled on these comments, no one would be surprised to see him want out if the 76ers fail yet again to make a deep playoff run.

​If Embiid does request a trade, one realistic option would be the New York Knicks, who won their first playoff series in a decade and are building a strong foundation. Embiid also has ties to team president Leon Rose, as he used to be Embiid's agent. The Heat would also be a possibility since Embiid won't have contemplated the what-ifs of keeping Butler.​

The last weekend of August was a banner weekend for track and field sprinter Noah Lyles. He took home gold at the 2023 World Athletics Championship for the 200 m which he won for the third time, as well as the 100 m for the first time. However, he arguably generated as much attention, if not more, for his comments to the press about NBA champions. He ripped players for calling themselves the 'World Champions' after winning the Finals since they're not playing for their country. Lyles' comments unsurprisingly sparked anger from NBA players such as Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, and Aaron Gordon, who all expressed frustration. 

It's understandable to see why such a statement would draw controversy, but I believe it's worth analyzing the whole thing from both sides. 

Despite being a big basketball fan, Lyles is somewhat right to a slight degree. NBA teams are not playing for the United States, but rather their team, their city, and their fanbase. When they compete, they're doing so against teams that are also from the United States with the Toronto Raptors being the one exception. Yet even the Raptors aren't representing Canada during the season. When teams win the Finals, they're doing it for the franchise: not their country. 

Now with all that being said, Lyles' statements are still pretty ignorant for the most part. The NBA Finals itself is one of the biggest events in all of professional sports. It’s the ultimate goal that all NBA players dream of while playing for the biggest professional league in all of basketball. The teams who always make it have to suit up for 82 games in a regular season for a span of six months. During the playoffs, most championship teams end up playing an average of 22 games to hoist the Larry O'Brian trophy. If you're doing the math, that amounts to 104 total games during the regular season and playoffs. Championship teams like the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers, 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, and 2017 Golden State Warriors who lost only one playoff game, don't come around that often. 

Winning the Finals is additionally one of the most challenging titles in sports because anything can happen in a seven game series. For both teams, momentum is so important to preserve. In a best of seven series, there are plenty of things that could change a series. A road team could steal a home court advantage and never relinquish it. Injuries might happen. Maybe a superstar breaks another team's spirit with an unbelievable performance in an elimination game. 

Speakers of NBA players, the ones who do participate are some of the best athletes in the world. The Finals is the greatest stage for them to showcase their talents to an audience that has been more global in recent years. Players' legacies in particular, revolve around championships a lot more compared to other athletes. When you look at the game's greats such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan, most of those guys have multiple championships on their resume. 

So while it might be a tiny exaggeration for NBA players to call themselves 'World Champions', it makes sense for teams to think of themselves in that way. After all, NFL and MLB teams use this type of language when they win it all and the Finals shouldn't be an exception. For many basketball players, winning the NBA Finals is the pinnacle of all basketball. Hall of Fame coach Rudy Tomjanovich said it best: “Don’t ever underestimate the heart of a champion.”

When we watch today's All-NBA players, it's common to make comparisons to previous legends they might resemble. It rarely occurs that someone comes along, and is so good that you can't find someone to compare him to. Current players that come to mind are LeBron James and Stephen Curry. But after winning his first NBA Finals, Nikola Jokić is approaching that territory if he's not there already. 

Now that doesn't mean he's better than the two players mentioned. He's not even a top five center of all time - at least for now. But with a championship ring to go alongside his MVP awards from the previous two seasons, Jokić already has a resume that could catapult him into the Hall of Fame right now if he chose to retire today. That's because his play style has barely been seen by any other great big men that came before him. His skill sets might look like other centers, whether it's the footwork of Hakeem Olajuwon, or the ability to back opponents down like Shaquille O'Neal, but that doesn't mean he has the exact same playstyle. What makes Jokić special is his IQ

For many centers, they were simply too imposing for opponents, which is why they were able to make a significant impact. For example, many players who played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar probably knew he would shoot a skyhook over them, yet they still couldn't stop it. For Jokić, on the other hand, he has a unique intelligence that's never been seen before by a center. He reads the defense extremely well for a big man, and always knows how to react. There could be one possession where Jokić converts an easy jump hook, and then on the next possession, he'll make a difficult skip pass to an open teammate look easy. 

Thanks to his spectacular vision, Jokić is already regarded as the best passing big man in NBA history. His play style has made passing contagious for Denver. This season, he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the all time leader in triple doubles by a center. His playmaking was on full display during the Finals, where Jokić averaged 30 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. In game three, he became the first player ever to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a Finals game. 

More importantly, he's changed the Nuggets' franchise since arriving in 2015 from Serbia. Going back to his rookie year, only six teams have won more games than the Nuggets. Each year, Denver has continued to build around him with successful draft picks like Jamal Murray, and key acquisitions such as Aaron Gordon. This year's team might've been Denver's most compete roster in years, but Jokić deserves credit for that because he brings out the best in others. 

As the first piece of Denver's championship puzzle, Jokić will undoubtably be a legend in Colorado. Hall of Famers such as O'Neal haven't been shy to complement the man who goes by Joker. "He's the true definition of letting the game come to you ... not only does he makes himself good, but he makes everybody else good." However, his legacy goes further than the Rocky Mountains. Jokić is already an international icon. Don't be surprised if kids playing center, are trying to be like Jokić. 

Last Monday officially marked the end of an illustrious career for Carmelo Anthony. The future hall of famer announced his retirement via social media after sitting out this season as a free agent. Although it would've been nice to see him compete for one last title, Anthony seemed content with his decision. While I've had the privilege of watching a few great athletes, Anthony stands alone, and here's why.

All of the playoff seasons the Knicks enjoyed from 2010-2013, can be attributed to the arrival of Carmelo Anthony. It's true Amare Stoudemire was propelling the Knicks in the right direction prior to Anthony, but injuries would ultimately keep him from reaching his full potential. However, Anthony made an immediate impact, leading the Knicks to the playoffs in his first three years. The 2013 season saw the Knicks have their best season in almost 20 years, and their first playoff series win in 13 years. Having been dreadful before, those were some of the best seasons Knick fans could remember for awhile. Even in the dark years, Anthony still proceeded to give fans something to cheer for despite being maligned by management.  

But if there's one thing anyone could agree with when debating Carmelo Anthony's legacy, it's that he was one of the few athletes who embraced playing for a tough sports market like New York. Many athletes might want to play for a New York City-based team, but they're not prepared for the pressure that comes with being in the Big Apple. Anthony knew what he was getting into, and he welcomed the challenge. During his time with the Knicks, Anthony explained "When you go to places like New York, you feel the excitement, the energy is different, the fans are different, and the game is different playing in New York."

A few years after his Knick career, Anthony reiterated his desire to play, saying "I wanted to take that challenge on. Whether I failed at it or not, I wanted to be able to say that I did it. I took it upon myself to say 'Get me there.' Not everyone has that same mentality." That earned him the respect of many New Yorkers including myself. 

On the court, it was hard not to appreciate Anthony's game. He might've not been the all around player his buddy LeBron James is, but when it came to scoring, Anthony was pure. He was also a strong rebounder, particularly on the offensive end, but his scoring will always be talked about, as it should be. In a league where three point shooting has rapidly increased, Anthony was definitely no stranger to using the three point line, but he used the whole floor offensively. With the strength to score inside, along with a deadly jump shot, Anthony's game was was as sweet as soft serve ice cream. In short, good things were bound to happen whenever he had the ball.

Even after getting traded, Anthony was such a likable player who was easy to follow. He grew as a person over the years, and it was evident through his efforts in becoming a leader of his community during the social unrest in America. Anthony's work earned him the 2020-2021 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. 

It will be weird watching the NBA with Anthony officially retired. Although he never won a championship, he conducted himself like a champion, and had many championship-worthy nights. There will never be a day where I wasn't happy to have him as my favorite athlete.