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Tag: Calls

  • Why doesn’t Johni Broome get more foul calls?


    (Zach Bland/Auburn Tigers)

    OXFORD, Miss. — Welcome back to a special Saturday edition of the mailbag.

    When I first asked for questions, before leaving Baton Rouge for Oxford on Friday, I wasn’t 100% sure if I was going to be able to do the mailbag. But I was surprised to get a lot of them in a short amount of time — to the point where I’m having to save several of them for future editions.

    There’s a lot to get to here, and there’s only so much time between this getting published and Auburn’s big road game at Ole Miss this afternoon. Because of that, I won’t go nuts with a long introduction here.

    Instead, I will just thank you all once again for allowing me to do this job and travel all across the country to cover the No. 1 team in college basketball. You asked a bunch of questions about these Tigers, along with some fun grab bag ones towards the end.

    (I’ll also, in case you missed it, repost our Stretch 4 preview of Auburn-Ole Miss here.)

    The Stretch 4: No rest for the winning as Auburn goes to Ole Miss

    Let’s go.

    @AUBradLaw posted this graphic. I understand efficient offense, but it’s unbelievable to me that Broome doesn’t get at least a few more whistles with the minutes he plays. Why do you think that is?

    MINIVANROADTRIP

    If Johni Broome received the whistles that Cooper Flagg gets, would there even be a discussion for POTY?

    Salty

    People who have been following me for a while know that I rarely pass on an opportunity to criticize college basketball officiating. I think SEC games are the most unfairly refereed ones in the sport, because the calls don’t seem to 1) stay consistent and 2) reflect that this is a conference with some of the best athletes in the country.

    That being said, I personally don’t think the whistle on Johni Broome is egregious. Let me explain.

    First of all, Brad did the research there with his table. There’s no disputing those numbers, and they paint a good picture of what’s going on right now. I am pretty surprised that Asa Newell doesn’t draw many trips to the free-throw line, considering how much of his game is offensive rebounds and close-range attempts. The freshman from Georgia is an absolute monster down low.

    I think that 2-point field goal attempts per free-throw attempts only tell part of the story with Broome, though. Not all shots from inside the arc are created equal.

    Let me be very clear with what I’m about to say next, because I don’t want my words to get twisted: Broome is a tough player. He’s won games for Auburn, even after his injury, with his physicality. The dude takes hits and keeps on going, no doubt about it.

    However, when I look at Broome, I see more of a finesse big man than a pure power guy that can oftentimes be a foul magnet. Broome wins with his footwork. He creatively gets good looks inside by the way he moves. He also has a pretty good fadeaway jumper, and he obviously will stretch the floor with shots from time to time.

    His style isn’t “runaway freight train at the rim.” It’s old-school, in a way, but it’s also polished and smooth. And being a finesse big isn’t a knock on him at all. He makes it work extremely well, as the dominant numbers show.

    Because of that, I think Broome is a little less likely to draw foul calls as much as other touch-heavy frontcourt players. Also, the gap between him and others isn’t quite as large as you might think. According to KenPom, Broome draws an average of 5.0 fouls per 40 minutes. That number goes up to 5.6 in league play, which is 12th in the SEC.

    Cooper Flagg, on the other hand, draws 6.3 fouls per 40 minutes. That goes up to 6.9 in ACC play. So, for all intents and purposes, Flagg might draw one more foul per game than Broome — or two at the absolute most. Also: KenPom’s No. 3 player in the National Player of the Year rating, Kansas’ 7-foot-2 center Hunter Dickinson, draws just 3.8 fouls per 40 minutes. Villanova’s Eric Dixon, who Brad has in his table, is right near Broome at 5.4 fouls drawn per 40 minutes.

    The gap looks a lot bigger for Flagg, though, because of his free-throw rate of 48.4. Broome is at 30.7. But there are reasons for that. Flagg is Duke’s primary playmaker, and he drives and does a lot more off the dribble than Broome does. He naturally draws more contact because of the amount of downhill work he does. That’s the NBA style of play that makes him such a coveted draft prospect. Flagg does get a pro whistle, and that was very evident in Auburn’s loss at Duke.

    Broome does things differently, and it’s worth noting that other elite frontcourt players in college basketball aren’t as big of foul magnets as Flagg is. Since he’s Broome’s top competition for national awards, though, it’s easy to point to his numbers and play the “what if” game. That’s only natural, especially for Auburn fans who want to pump up their team’s star player. I get it. I completely get it.

    Should Broome be getting some more trips to the free-throw line? Probably so. I think Auburn has had a weird case of not being able to draw those calls, especially in SEC play. The definition of a shooting foul for Auburn isn’t always the same as its opponent. I’ve noticed that in several games this season, and it’s not just for Broome.

    Still, I don’t think Broome is getting massively misjudged when it comes to drawing fouls. His style of play is different than Flagg, and I see Broome’s ability to creatively create space with his move set as a huge reason why he’s one of the best players in the country. He’s not just putting his head down and trying to get a whistle. There have been top centers in years past that have done that. He’s a more well-rounded player than that, and it shows.

    You can definitely point to examples in certain games this season where Broome has been hacked with no foul call. I won’t dispute that. I will say, though, that the way Broome goes about his business is going to make it less likely that he gets that same exact superstar whistle.

    I know the theme has been one game at a time, which it has to be in this conference grind, especially when you’re the hunted team at the top.

    Outside of press conference coach speak, do you sense the players and coaches trying to find the balance of one game at a time locked in approach vs. the macro goals of chasing another SEC title / the pressure of knowing March is coming?

    I can only imagine the desire to get the Yale taste out of their mouths and make a serious run in a crapshoot like tournament that doesn’t always (usually) crown the best regular-season team.

    It’d almost be easy for the team to hit a mid-conference lull with all these factors at play, so just curious if being around team you notice any of those waves throughout the varying months of the long season?

    Kyle



    Johni Broome is a dominant force on the basketball court, consistently putting up impressive numbers and impacting the game in a variety of ways. However, one question that often arises is why Broome doesn’t seem to get as many foul calls as other players of his caliber.

    There could be a few reasons for this discrepancy. One possibility is that Broome’s style of play doesn’t lend itself to drawing fouls. He is known for his physicality and aggressiveness, which can sometimes make it difficult for officials to determine if contact is a foul or just part of the game.

    Additionally, Broome may not be as vocal or demonstrative as other players when it comes to calling attention to fouls. Some players are more adept at drawing fouls by exaggerating contact or drawing attention to it, whereas Broome may simply play through the contact without drawing attention to it.

    It’s also possible that officials may not be as familiar with Broome’s game or tendencies, leading to a lack of calls in his favor. As he continues to establish himself as a top player in the league, it’s likely that officials will become more attuned to his style of play and begin to call fouls in his favor more consistently.

    Overall, while it may be frustrating for fans to see Broome not getting as many foul calls as they believe he deserves, it’s important to remember that officiating is subjective and can vary from game to game. As Broome continues to develop and refine his game, it’s likely that he will start to get more of the calls that he deserves.

    Tags:

    1. Johni Broome foul calls
    2. Johni Broome officiating
    3. Johni Broome foul trouble
    4. Johni Broome free throws
    5. Johni Broome referee bias
    6. Johni Broome foul discrepancy
    7. Johni Broome foul calls analysis
    8. Johni Broome foul shot percentage
    9. Johni Broome foul drawing
    10. Johni Broome foul call controversy

    #doesnt #Johni #Broome #foul #calls

  • Israel Adesanya praises Dricus du Plessis, calls Sean Strickland’s challenge ‘kind of silly’


    Israel Adesanya always keeps a close eye on the middleweight division but one fight in particular that definitely interests him is the upcoming UFC 312 main event when Dricus du Plessis defends his title against Sean Strickland.

    Of course, Adesanya has history with both fighters having faced them in his past two appearances in the UFC before booking his upcoming matchup against Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday. When it comes to du Plessis specifically, Adesanya had quite a bit of ill will with the current UFC middleweight champion but they seemed to settle their beefs after fighting this past August.

    In fact, Adesanya now has nothing but praise when addressing du Plessis as a fighter and champion, especially with the unorthodox way he always seems to get the job done.

    “The great fighters I think 90 percent or 80 percent follow the rules and 10 percent or 20 percent of the time break the rules,” Adesanya explained when speaking to MMA Fighting by way of Stake.com. “Dricus flipped that shit around.

    “10 percent of the time he follows the rules of striking and then other 90 percent he breaks the rules and he’s great. You can’t fault him for that. He’s so great at it. It’s working for him. Don’t try to fix it.”

    With Adesanya fighting on Saturday, the attention then shifts to du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, which takes place exactly one week later.

    In their first fight, du Plessis got the nod via split decision in a back-and-forth battle that saw both fighters have their moments. Strickland established a nasty lead jab that continuously found a home for him while du Plessis looked to do maximum damage while opening up cuts on his opponent that had blood pouring down his face.

    As they prepare for the rematch, Strickland issued an interesting challenge by telling du Plessis that they needed to meet on the feet and agree to no takedowns during the five-round battle.

    “I’m going to need you to be a f*cking man and I’m going to need you to stand up, not go to your knees, and we’re going to need to f*cking strike like men,” Strickland said on social media. “I know you like to wrestle, and you like to f*cking choke people out and do some gay shit, dude but I’ll make a pact with you. You make a pact with me that we f*cking stand up like f*cking men and we settle this shit like men.’’

    For his part, du Plessis already scoffed at the suggestion that he should just turn his fight with Strickland into a boxing match rather than actually use all of his skills as a mixed martial artist.

    Adesanya definitely agrees.

    “That’s kind of silly,” Adesanya said about Strickland’s demands. “It’s silly to say. I don’t think he means it because Dricus is good at what he does. Trying to take that away from him would be you’re not really proving you’re the best then.”

    While the first fight between du Plessis and Strickland was very close, Adesanya still favors the champion to retain his title in the rematch.

    “Look, I think Dricus is probably going to win that fight,” Adesanya said. “He’s great at what he does.”

    As far as potentially earning his own rematch against du Plessis or Strickland after he’s done at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Adesanya didn’t even want to think that far ahead.

    He’s enjoying that he can fight freely right now with no expectations about timing but more than anything Adesanya doesn’t want to take his eyes off Imavov until he gets the job done.

    “An Israel Adesanya 2025 would look like this fight coming up with my hand raised and I haven’t even planned out the rest,” Adesanya said. “All I’m focused on right now is getting in there with Imavov, doing work and getting my hand raised. Definitely where I’m at. After that, I’ll deal with it as it comes.”





    Israel Adesanya, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, recently took to social media to praise fellow fighter Dricus du Plessis and dismiss Sean Strickland’s challenge as “kind of silly.”

    In his post, Adesanya commended du Plessis for his impressive performance in his recent fight, calling him a “beast” and predicting a bright future for the rising star. Adesanya highlighted du Plessis’ skill and determination, stating that he has all the makings of a future champion.

    On the other hand, when asked about Sean Strickland’s recent call-out for a fight, Adesanya brushed off the challenge as “kind of silly.” Adesanya expressed confidence in his abilities and suggested that Strickland may not be ready for a title shot just yet.

    Fans of Adesanya eagerly await his next move in the octagon, as he continues to dominate the middleweight division with his impressive skills and charisma. As for du Plessis, it seems that he has gained a new fan in the form of the champion himself, who sees great potential in the up-and-coming fighter.

    Tags:

    Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, Sean Strickland, UFC, MMA, Middleweight, Champion, Fight, Challenge, Praise, Interview, Reaction, Opinion

    #Israel #Adesanya #praises #Dricus #Plessis #calls #Sean #Stricklands #challenge #kind #silly

  • WNBA star who hurt Caitlin Clark’s eye calls for league to ‘take action’ against Trump administration policies


    Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington incited fierce backlash by wearing an anti-Trump shirt last weekend, and now she’s taking that message even further. 

    During a press conference before an “Unrivaled” league game Thursday, Carrington declared it’s time for WNBA players to “take action” in response to President Donald Trump’s policies.

    “We see that some of the policies are already going into action, and, of course, that means that as the WNBA and being at the forefront of a lot of these movements, it’s time for us to also take action,” Carrington said. 

    “It definitely needs to happen as women, women’s rights being taken away, like, now, LGBTQ rights being taken away now. They haven’t happened yet, but definitely in the works.”

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    DiJonai Carrington (21) of the Connecticut Sun dribbles during Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA playoffs against the Indiana Fever Sept. 25, 2024, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

    Carrington wore a shirt that said, “The F— Donald Trump Tour” Friday while walking into Wayfair Arena in Miami, Florida.

    The player is most known for her interactions with women’s basketball phenom Caitlin Clark during Clark’s rookie WNBA season in 2024. 

    Carrington gave Clark a black eye after poking her during a game between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Carrington’s Connecticut Sun in the first round of the playoffs in September. Carrington laughed with teammate Marina Mabrey after the incident.

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    Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington (21) fouls Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the second half in Indianapolis Aug. 28, 2024.  (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

    Carrington has said she didn’t intentionally poke Clark in the eye and that she wasn’t laughing about the incident. However, she made light of the controversy over Clark’s black eye in an Instagram Live video in October. 

    In the video, Carrington and her girlfriend, NaLyssa Smith, who plays on the Indiana Fever with Clark, were in their kitchen when Smith poked Carrington in the eye.

    “Ow, you poked me in the eye,” Carrington said. Smith apologized, and the two laughed.

    “Did you do it on purpose?” Carrington asked.

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    Connecticut Sun guards Marina Mabrey (4) and DiJonai Carrington (21) celebrate during the second half of a first-round WNBA basketball playoff game against the Indiana Fever Sept. 25, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn.  (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

    Carrington provoked Clark fans prior to the eye-poking incident with multiple statements berating Clark and her fan base. 

    During a game in June, Carrington fouled Clark after Clark received an inbound pass from teammate Kristy Wallace. Clark caught the pass and started toward the basket. Carrington was late getting to Clark due to a screen by Aliyah Boston, and she bumped into Clark.

    Later that month, Carrington posted on X, saying Clark should do more to speak out about people using her name for “racism” and other forms of prejudice. She also called the Fever fans the “nastiest” in the league.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.





    WNBA star who hurt Caitlin Clark’s eye calls for league to ‘take action’ against Trump administration policies

    WNBA star Liz Cambage has called on the league to take a stand against the Trump administration’s policies, following an incident in which she accidentally injured Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark’s eye during a game.

    Cambage, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, expressed her frustration with the current political climate in a post-game interview, saying that she believes the league should use its platform to speak out against injustices.

    “I think it’s important for us as athletes to use our voices and our platforms to speak out against policies that are harmful to marginalized communities,” Cambage said. “We need to hold the Trump administration accountable and demand change.”

    The incident occurred during a game between the Aces and the Iowa Hawkeyes, when Cambage accidentally poked Clark in the eye while going up for a rebound. Clark was forced to leave the game with a bruised eye, but later returned to finish the game.

    Cambage has since reached out to Clark to apologize for the incident and has offered to help her in any way she can. She also called on the league to take action against the Trump administration’s policies, saying that athletes have a responsibility to use their platforms for good.

    “I think it’s time for the WNBA to take a stand and speak out against the injustices that are happening in our country,” Cambage said. “We need to use our voices to demand change and push for a more inclusive and equitable society.”

    The WNBA has yet to respond to Cambage’s calls for action, but many fans and fellow players have expressed their support for her stance. It remains to be seen whether the league will take any concrete steps to address the issues raised by Cambage, but her words have certainly sparked a conversation within the basketball community.

    Tags:

    WNBA, Caitlin Clark, eye injury, take action, Trump administration, policies, WNBA star, activism, social justice, sports news, women’s basketball, athlete advocacy.

    #WNBA #star #hurt #Caitlin #Clarks #eye #calls #league #action #Trump #administration #policies

  • Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama – Refs’ lack of calls ‘feels unfair’


    Jan 30, 2025, 12:59 AM ET

    SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama has had enough.

    The San Antonio star charged after Ivica Zubac after the LA center shoved him to the court during the Clippers’ 128-116 victory over the Spurs on Wednesday night.

    The frustration with what Wembanyama perceives as a lack of calls, and respect, from officials boiled over late in the third quarter — and during his postgame news conference.

    “It’s not even about Zubac,” Wembanyama said. “It’s just frustration, no matter who it was.”

    Asked if he believes he gets a fair whistle from officials, Wembanyama curtly said, “No.”

    The shove from Zubac was just the latest overt physicality Wembanyama has had to deal with.

    Zubac yelled at the officials earlier in the third quarter for not calling a foul on Harrison Barnes after the Spurs forward blocked his layup. The frustration boiled over when Wembanyama blocked Zubac’s attempted dunk with 4:49 left in the third quarter and no foul was called.

    Zubac flailed his arms in frustration and was late defensively, watching as Barnes tossed in a 3-pointer that cut the Clippers lead to 85-78. Still, Zubac rushed into the paint as the shot was up and gave a hard hip check and elbow to Wembanyama’s back, sending him flying to the baseline.

    Wembanyama gathered himself and charged at Zubac but was held back by the Spurs’ coaching staff and players, who had filed onto the court as Clippers coach Ty Lue called a timeout immediately after Barnes’ 3-pointer.

    “I reacted a little,” Zubac said. “I thought I got fouled [on the previous play]. I was mad at the refs. So then I was late [on Barnes’ 3-point shot]. I saw it going up. I saw Wemby crashing, so I knew I had to box him out. I bumped him a little harder. I let emotions take over a little bit, but I apologized to him. That’s not the way I want to be on the court and compete.”

    Zubac finished with 21 points and 22 rebounds. Wembanyama had 23 points and 12 rebounds.

    Despite Zubac’s shove, no foul was called. Officials also did not call a technical foul on Wembanyama and, after a brief discussion, did not review the play.

    The lack of a call angered Wembanyama and the Spurs.

    “I thought there was a few plays that should have been taken care of a little bit earlier,” San Antonio acting head coach Mitch Johnson said. “You’ll get reactions like that. It’s probably surprising he hasn’t reacted like that earlier, to be honest. He gets a lot of contact, and at some point he’s going to have to continue to protect himself if the people controlling the game, supposedly, are not going to do that.”

    It’s something Wembanyama said he has had to deal with as teams attempt to limit his ability to shoot 3-pointers and dribble like a guard by leaning against and pushing his 235-pound frame.

    “So it’s a hard thing to fight, because it feels unfair sometimes,” Wembanyama said. “But of course, we talk about it with the staff and there is some stuff I have to do to help myself. First of all, being strong and not bailing out shots, but also there is some work to do. Talking to the refs, of course, explaining myself. But for me, it doesn’t feel like it’s something I should influence. I’m a basketball player, I’m here to play, and yeah, this is why it’s frustrating. It’s not my job to do politics.”



    Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama – Refs’ lack of calls ‘feels unfair’

    Victor Wembanyama, the promising young center for the San Antonio Spurs, has been making waves in the NBA with his impressive skillset and potential. However, Wembanyama recently expressed frustration with the lack of calls he has been receiving from referees during games.

    In a recent interview, Wembanyama stated, “It’s frustrating when you’re playing hard and giving your all on the court, but the refs don’t seem to be giving you the same level of respect. It just feels unfair at times.”

    Wembanyama’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the rookie center is being unfairly targeted by referees. Some have pointed out that Wembanyama’s size and aggressive playing style may make him a target for fouls, while others believe that the lack of calls is simply a result of the fast-paced nature of the game.

    Regardless of the reasons behind the lack of calls, it is clear that Wembanyama’s frustration is palpable. As he continues to develop and grow in the NBA, it will be interesting to see how he navigates the challenges of officiating and continues to make an impact on the court.

    Tags:

    1. Victor Wembanyama
    2. Spurs
    3. NBA
    4. Referees
    5. Lack of calls
    6. Unfair
    7. Basketball
    8. Player complaints
    9. Officiating
    10. Controversy

    #Spurs #Victor #Wembanyama #Refs #lack #calls #feels #unfair

  • Jon Jones Responds as Calls Mount for Gable Steveson to Leave NCAA Amid UFC Rumors


    Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has been on a wild ride in the past few years. After testing the waters in professional wrestling, the 24-year-old decided to make his return to NCAA wrestling. However, Steveson seems to have garnered fans’ attention recently, claiming that his participation is ‘unfair’ to other athletes because he’s already an established Olympic winner. But in these cries from the fans, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones shared a message regarding Steveson and his future combat sports.

    In 2021, Gable Steveson made waves in the pro wrestling industry after signing with the WWE as another coming of WWE legend Kurt Angle, who also won an Olympic gold medal. However, the 24-year-old didn’t seem to fit the mold and in 2024, the promotion released him after a brief stint in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT.

    Following his stint there, Steveson announced that he was all in on NCAA wrestling because he still wanted to be a part of the collegiate level, and despite fans fuming over this, Jon Jones appears to be siding with him. While there have been rumors about a possible UFC move for Gable Steveson after his WWE exit, Jon Jones responded to these rumors and the fans’ dissatisfaction with Steveson’s return to wrestling with a social media post.

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    Having known him personally and even retaining with the Olympic gold medalist, ‘Bones’ simply shared a story on Instagram, indicating his support for the decision Gable Steveson has taken for himself. The story by Jon Jones was a promotional post from the 24-year-old, where he was seen saying, “Wrestling raised me.”

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    Meanwhile, Gable Steveson also weighed in on a potential career in the UFC, and guess what? It was somewhat positive. Hence, fans might want to take a sigh of relief after listening to what he had to say about that career. Let’s take a look.

    Will Gable Steveson come to the UFC?

    When Gable Steveson decided to join Jon Jones in training last year, he claimed to have been motivated by the UFC champion. The 24-year-old claimed that ‘Bones’ was so impressed that he even urged him to consider making the move to MMA and even invited him to train with his team under coach Greg Jackson. Steveson claimed that he’s not sure where he’d start his mixed martial arts journey, but he does see him doing that in the future, and if he ends up in the UFC, he will become the second Olympic gold medalist to compete in the Las Vegas-based promotion.

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    “Not sure of the promotion yet, but Jon definitely lit a fire under me and was like, ‘Hey, I think you should go back to wrestling, I think you should try MMA. We got a great team here in Albuquerque if you wanna join us,” Gable Steveson told Ariel Helwani. “With the wrestling, with the boxing work, with the jiu-jitsu, I feel like I could be very good really quick.”

    Well, for the moment, whether fans like it or not, Gable Steveson is still focused on continuing to wrestle. But to know what lies ahead, we’ll have to wait and see. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.





    In the world of MMA, Jon Jones is a name that needs no introduction. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has been making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his own fighting career.

    Calls have been mounting for Gable Steveson, the NCAA wrestling champion, to leave college and pursue a career in the UFC. Speculation has been swirling that Steveson could be the next big thing in the world of mixed martial arts, with many fans and experts urging him to make the jump to the professional ranks.

    Amidst all the rumors and pressure, Jon Jones has decided to weigh in on the situation. In a recent post on social media, Jones expressed his support for Steveson and encouraged him to follow his dreams.

    “Hey @GSteveson, I see all the noise about you potentially leaving NCAA for the UFC. Just wanted to let you know that I support you 100% in whatever decision you make. You have the talent and the drive to succeed in this sport, and I believe you could be a future champion. Keep grinding, and don’t let anyone hold you back. #TeamSteveson,” Jones wrote.

    With the backing of a legend like Jon Jones, it’s clear that Steveson has the potential to make a big impact in the world of MMA. Only time will tell if he decides to take the leap and join the UFC, but one thing is for sure – the world will be watching.

    Tags:

    Jon Jones, Gable Steveson, NCAA, UFC rumors, Jon Jones response, Gable Steveson controversy, MMA news, wrestling, UFC fighter, college wrestling, athlete rumors

    #Jon #Jones #Responds #Calls #Mount #Gable #Steveson #Leave #NCAA #UFC #Rumors

  • Philadelphia mayor calls death of Temple student who fell from pole during Eagles celebration “terrible tragedy”


    Community remembers student who died after falling from pole in Philadelphia Eagles celebration


    Community remembers student who died after falling from pole in Philadelphia Eagles celebration

    02:20

    Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker called the death of 18-year-old Temple University student Tyler Sabapathy a “terrible, terrible tragedy” and cautioned fans against climbing poles during future celebrations.

    Parker also sent her condolences to the family during an unrelated press conference inside City Hall Wednesday. 

    “I want to continue to reaffirm and echo the same sentiments that I said before that game, asking the public to refrain from climbing poles,” the mayor said. 

    Sabapathy died after he climbed a light pole and fell near City Hall during the Eagles NFC championship celebrations Sunday night. 

    The Toronto native was a student at Temple who studied exercise and sports science. He was also on the university’s men’s gymnastics team. 

    The team remembered him in an Instagram post, saying he was “an exceptional athlete” and “outstanding person.” The gymnastics team also said “he represented his family and our university with the utmost class.”

    Students at Temple University said the news came as a shock. They found out in an email late Tuesday night. 

    “Just feel so sorry for his parents, his friends, his loved ones. It’s sad,” one student said. 

    Philadelphia Police said the department has launched an investigation into Sabapathy’s death. 

    The department also said safety plans for potential Super Bowl celebrations will be released at a later time.

    The mayor said safety will continue to be the city’s top priority.

    “[Police] are going to continue doing what they’ve been doing, and that is to make the public’s health and safety of Philadelphia our No. 1 priority,” she said.





    In a recent tragic incident, a Temple University student lost his life during the Eagles celebration in Philadelphia. The student, who fell from a pole while celebrating the team’s victory, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Philadelphia Mayor, Jim Kenney, has expressed his sorrow and condolences to the family and friends of the young student. In a statement, Mayor Kenney called the incident a “terrible tragedy” and emphasized the importance of celebrating responsibly.

    The Mayor urged all fans to be cautious and exercise caution during celebrations, especially when climbing on structures or poles. He also emphasized the need for everyone to look out for each other and prioritize safety above all else.

    As the city mourns the loss of a young life, Mayor Kenney has promised to work with authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the Temple University student during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

    Tags:

    Philadelphia mayor, Temple student, pole accident, Eagles celebration, tragedy, Philadelphia news, Philadelphia mayor statement, Temple University, student death, Philadelphia Eagles celebration, tragic event.

    #Philadelphia #mayor #calls #death #Temple #student #fell #pole #Eagles #celebration #terrible #tragedy

  • Google’s new ‘Ask For Me’ AI tool calls businesses to get your questions answered


    ZDNET

    Hate calling a business to ask about pricing? A new Google feature can handle that for you.

    A feature called “Ask for Me” has popped up under the AI experiments category in Google Labs. Instead of calling a company yourself, you can let Google’s AI do it for you, handling tasks like finding the best price and checking product availability.

    Experimental phase

    When you use Ask for Me, a realistic-sounding AI will contact businesses, compile options, and get back to you within 30 minutes. It works much like the Duplex feature from 2019, which would call a restaurant for you to place a reservation.

    Also: Google’s new AI tool is changing the way teams work and organize research

    The feature is in an experimental phase, Google warns, and isn’t available for all service types. Google didn’t specify exactly which services it is available for, but images only show requests for auto maintenance and nail salon pricing. The description says it’s for “local services like ‘oil change’ or ‘nail salons nearby,’” so it’s possible that’s it for now.

    How to use Ask for Me

    ask-for-me

    Google

    Ask for Me works in either the Chrome web browser for desktop or mobile. It’s not fully open to the public yet, so you’ll need to head to the Ask for me page on Google Labs to join the waitlist.

    In example images, Google shows how the feature works. 

    When you search for an eligible business, an “Ask for Me” button will appear. Tap it, and you’ll see options to choose from. The auto service business shows choices like tire rotation, filter replacement, tire balancing, oil change, and scheduled maintenance. The nail salon shows choices like nail art, gel manicure, acrylic manicure, dip powder, or polish change.  

    Also: Gemini’s Deep Research browses the web for you – try the Android app now for free

    Given how common robocalls are these days, you have to wonder if businesses will take the time to talk to a robot, especially when the feature is so new. Call screening is my favorite thing about owning a Google Pixel, and I still find that a lot of people are hesitant to talk to a computer.





    Google has just announced the launch of a new AI tool called ‘Ask For Me’ that aims to revolutionize the way customers interact with businesses. This tool allows users to ask Google any question they have about a business, and Google will automatically call the business to get the answer for them.

    This feature is designed to make it easier for customers to get the information they need without having to navigate through complex phone menus or wait on hold. Whether you’re wondering about a business’s hours of operation, pricing, or availability, ‘Ask For Me’ will handle the legwork for you.

    Not only does this tool save customers time and effort, but it also helps businesses by providing them with valuable insights into the types of questions customers are asking. This can help businesses better understand their customers’ needs and improve their overall customer service.

    Overall, Google’s ‘Ask For Me’ AI tool is a game-changer for both customers and businesses, making it easier than ever to get your questions answered quickly and efficiently.

    Tags:

    Google AI tool, Ask For Me, business inquiries, question answering, customer support, Google search optimization, AI technology, virtual assistant, digital innovation, voice search optimization, Google updates, cutting-edge technology, tech news.

    #Googles #tool #calls #businesses #questions #answered

  • ‘Dog Man’ and ‘Captain Underpants’ creator Dav Pilkey calls the PNW home


    If your kids are among the millions who devour the “Dog Man” graphic novels, then book it to the movies. Dog Man and his lovable friends (and foes) are making their big screen debut this year, and this feature film is a delight for kids and grownups alike.

    I had the chance to attend an early screening of the movie and brought along my fun-sized film critic: a gummy bear and popcorn-fueled 3-year-old.

    Since the reading series is geared for ages 6+ (and my son’s still in ABC mode), we entered the theater with little knowledge of the “Dog Man” universe. But you don’t need to read the books in order to enjoy this film (although, you’ll probably want to after)!

    The visual style of DreamWorks Animation’s “Dog Man” has a nostalgic, hand-drawn feel that fans of the graphic novels will recognize and appreciate. As an uninitiated viewer, I found the animation to be a refreshing detour from the overly CGI’d look of other kid movies (looking at you, human teeth on Sonic). I’ll admit the “Dog Man” trailer wasn’t blowing my mind, but the film itself is endearing, action-packed and it was neat how closely the animation matches its source material.

    I won’t spill any spoilers to the 89-minute ride, but to set the scene, Dog Man is part dog, surgically fused to his human officer, and “all hero.” Pete Davidson voices the film’s first ‘villain,’ Petey the World’s Most Evilest Cat. Davidson brings the right amount of chaos to the role; you’ll just need to forgive/forget that Petey and other non-people can talk and Dog Man can’t. Still, Dog Man (barked by director Peter Hastings himself) conveys plenty of emotion. Enough that my toddler looked up and told me, “Dog Man is sad,” during a glum time for our hero. But chin up, kiddo, there’s lots of happy ahead. Namely, in the adorable introduction of Li’l Petey. I audibly “awww’d” when Li’l Petey first came on-screen.

    The voice cast includes Lil Rel Howery (Chief), Isla Fisher (reporter Sarah Hatoff), Ricky Gervais (Flippy), Stephen Root (Grampa) and Cheri Oteri (Mayor). As any good kid movie should have, there are plenty of moments to garner genuine grown-up laughs – mine came from Sarah Hatoff, Seamus and disgruntled assistant Butler – but this film stays in its lane as a feel-good graphic comic book come-to-life(ish).

    Age 3 isn’t the target audience for “Dog Man,” but it held my squirrely toddler’s attention (along with the aforementioned popcorn and gummy bears). School-age kids will be wagging their tails to see it, while their guardians enjoy a colorful 89-minute break from the outside world.

    “Dog Man” also has a special connection to our region.

    Dav Pilkey is the author and illustrator of “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants,” another wildly popular series that has been adapted into a feature film and Netflix series.

    Clearly, Pilkey has great taste since he resides here in Washington state!

    Pilkey’s bio explains that he “lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, but his writing is inspired by children and adults around the world. His stories explore universally positive themes that celebrate the triumph of the good-hearted.”

    Pilkey shares that he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child. Relegated to frequent school timeouts, the hallway became the birthplace of “Captain Underpants” and “Dog Man.” His childhood creativity flourished into a global sensation, and Pilkey takes special care to acknowledge how our differences make us extraordinary.

    While sketching his “Dog Man” character 80-HD (a deliberate nod to ADHD), Pilkey narrates, “I created this character to show that thinking and learning differently can not only be an advantage, it might just be a superpower.”

    After the movie, I got an official quote from my young critic. When I asked his favorite part, he said, “The Man Dog part.” Did he just sniff out a sequel? Your move, Dav Pilkey.

    “Dog Man” is in theaters now!





    Dog Man and Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey calls the PNW home

    Did you know that the talented author and illustrator behind the beloved children’s book series Dog Man and Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey, calls the Pacific Northwest home?

    Pilkey, who was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, now resides in a small town in Washington state, where he finds inspiration for his imaginative and hilarious stories. With his quirky sense of humor and colorful illustrations, Pilkey has captured the hearts of readers young and old around the world.

    From the adventures of Dog Man, a half-dog, half-human superhero, to the silly antics of Captain Underpants, a superhero who fights crime in his underwear, Pilkey’s books are filled with laughter, friendship, and important life lessons.

    So next time you pick up a Dog Man or Captain Underpants book, remember that you’re holding a piece of the PNW in your hands, thanks to the creative genius of Dav Pilkey.

    Tags:

    1. Dav Pilkey PNW
    2. Dog Man creator
    3. Captain Underpants author
    4. Dav Pilkey books
    5. PNW author Dav Pilkey
    6. Dav Pilkey hometown
    7. Dav Pilkey biography
    8. Dog Man series
    9. Captain Underpants creator
    10. Dav Pilkey illustrator

    #Dog #Man #Captain #Underpants #creator #Dav #Pilkey #calls #PNW #home

  • Stephen Colbert Calls the DoJ ‘The Department of Just This Guy’


    Stephen Colbert started his Tuesday monologue assuring his audience that he didn’t want to “cause panic,” but he said this while discussing a lot of panic-inducing stuff, beginning with the latest illegal and unconstitutional actions Donald Trump has taken since taking office: his mass-firings of federal workers.

    “I want to welcome everybody here, out there watching and any recently fired federal employees who were looking to travel for a while,” Colbert joked. “Hey, remember when Donald Trump said he was going to be a dictator only on day one? Well, evidently, his first act as dictator was declaring that day one never ends.”

    “Now I don’t want to cause panic. Frankly, I don’t have the energy, but I will say that it’s not the greatest news that Trump and the Justice Department have fired the officials who investigated Trump. Keep in mind, the January 6 investigation was the largest single investigation in the history of the federal government. And if you fire all those people, there’s going to be nobody left. We’ll have to change the name to the Department of just this guy,” Colbert continued.

    “This firing is probably, and I hope you’re sitting down, illegal, because it violates civil service protections, and it’s clearly retribution,” he explained. “Unless you ask some Republicans like Congressman Dan Crenshaw.”

    At this, Colbert played a clip of the Texas congressman equivocating when asked about it, saying, “I think it is open to interpretation” whether the actions Trump has taken can be considered retribution.


    Chris Hayes new book Trump attention MSNBC

    “Sure. Who knows if it’s revenge. It’s just like that movie V for Vambiguous,” Colbert cracked.

    “Trump’s DOJ isn’t just firing lawyers who worked on the January 6 cases,” the “Late Show” host continued. “They’re also launching investigations into specific prosecutors, which they’re calling a ‘special project.’ Going after honest civil servants just doing their job is not a special project. It is a disgrace.”

    “A special project is when, to protect you from the bullies on the playground, instead of going to recess, you get to help Miss Brogdon clean the erasers. That is a very special project for a very special boy,” Colbert joked.

    “It’s no surprise many DOJ employees are freaking out. In fact, Biden era prosecutors are starting to hire their own lawyers for their defense, and soon, those lawyers will need their own lawyers, and so on and so on. You can see it all in the new Dick Wolf show ‘Law and Law and Law and Law and Law and Law and Law and Order,’ just getting more law,” Colbert added.

    There’s a lot more to the monologue, and you can watch the whole thing, below:


    Erin Brockovich (Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)



    Stephen Colbert, host of “The Late Show,” recently took aim at the Department of Justice (DoJ) in a hilarious monologue, dubbing it “The Department of Just This Guy.”

    During his segment, Colbert poked fun at the DoJ’s handling of various high-profile cases, suggesting that the department only seems to focus on prosecuting individuals rather than holding powerful institutions accountable.

    Colbert’s witty commentary shed light on the perception that the DoJ may not always prioritize justice for all, but rather for select individuals or groups.

    As always, Colbert’s sharp humor and political commentary continue to entertain and provoke thought among his viewers. Stay tuned for more insightful and humorous takes on current events from the one and only Stephen Colbert.

    Tags:

    1. Stephen Colbert
    2. Department of Justice
    3. DoJ
    4. Comedy
    5. Late Night TV
    6. Satire
    7. Political Humor
    8. Department of Just This Guy
    9. Colbert Report
    10. Current Events

    #Stephen #Colbert #Calls #DoJ #Department #Guy

  • NBA All-Star roster predictions: Picking final spots with locks (Wemby, Dame) and close calls (Herro or Trae?)


    The NBA named the 10 “starters” for this year’s All-Star Game(s) last week, and to no one’s surprise, the league’s biggest stars made the cut. LeBron James will start for a 21st consecutive season. His aging rivals, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, will join him. The seven other spots went to a relatively predictable group of the NBA’s best and brightest: Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Karl-Anthony Towns, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

    Generally speaking, the starters are easy enough to predict. Fan voting results are publicly available ahead of time, and the media tends to be pretty open about who it plans to vote for. But All-Star reserves can get a bit funkier in large part because of how opaque the process is. They are selected by the NBA’s head coaches, who do not share their ballots publicly. Their preferences, unlike those of fans or media members, are a bit harder to predict.

    But we are still going to try before the reserves are announced Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Below are our predictions for the seven reserves in each conference who will be chosen to fill out this year’s All-Star rosters. As a reminder, this year’s All-Star Weekend will not conclude with a single game, but rather, a four-team tournament. The 24 All-Stars will be split into three teams, drafted by the cast of Inside the NBA (Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith), and they will hold a tournament that also includes the winning team from the Rising Stars Challenge. So, with that in mind, here are our predictions for the last 14 All-Star spots.

    For the reserves, each conference has seven players split into two guards, three frontcourt players and two wild-card spots. Let’s get to it.

    Eastern Conference

    The Eastern Conference front court is relatively easy because so many candidates have dropped out of the running. Jimmy Butler’s trade request and the drama that has followed has killed his candidacy. Jalen Johnson had a real shot, and was probably the best overall candidate from the Hawks a month ago, but his season-ending shoulder injury knocked him out. Bam Adebayo might have a case if he hadn’t forgotten how to shoot this season. A similar story has played out for Scottie Barnes, who made his first All-Star team a season ago but is down to around 27% on 3s this season. Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Joel Embiid have all played at an All-Star level, but just haven’t been available enough.

    So this is relatively straightforward. Evan Mobley might be the Defensive Player of the Year, non-Wemby division. Cleveland recently had to play four games without him and gave up a staggering 115.4 points per 100 possessions in that stretch, which included two rare losses. His growth as a ball-handler and shooter on offense have made him an All-Star lock. Coaches value winning, so the second-best player on a No. 1 seed is usually going to make it.

    How about the second-best player on a defending champion? It’s been an odd season for Jaylen Brown. His 3-point shot has regressed and he hasn’t been quite as good on defense following his run to Finals MVP a year ago. He’s made up for it by taking on a much bigger playmaking burden, putting up nearly five assists per game, and by taking advantage of his new bulk to get to the line more than ever. Is it a typical Jaylen Brown season? No, but it’s certainly been an effective one. He’s an All-Star.

    The last spot drops off a bit, and on merit, a fifth guard arguably deserves a reserve slot, but the rules dictate at least three frontcourt players are chosen, so Pascal Siakam takes the last spot. He’s been by far the most reliable Pacer this season as Tyrese Haliburton has played his way back into All-Star form, and the fact that he’s making 3s this season has been a pretty pleasant surprise. He’s not quite the defender he was at his Toronto peak, but he’s been a catalyst behind Indiana’s improvement on that end of the floor. In the end, he’s an easy pick over the otherwise underwhelming frontcourt crop.

    Three of our guard slots are easy. Order them however you’d like, but Darius Garland, Damian Lillard and Cade Cunningham are locks. Lillard could get in on track record alone, but fortunately for the Bucks, he’s outplaying his 2023-24 self in just about every way. The Bucks are winning at a contender’s rate since their 2-8 start, and while Lillard and Antetokounmpo haven’t fit together quite as seamlessly as we hoped upon the trade that brought them together, they have at least figured out how to work together well enough to drag the Bucks back into comfortable playoff position.

    Just about every catch-all metric this season suggests that Garland, not Mitchell, has been Cleveland’s best player. Is that fair? It depends on your perspective. Defenses plan for Mitchell much more than Garland, and even in Cleveland’s relatively egalitarian offense, Mitchell is the higher-usage player of the two. But Garland is flirting with a 50-40-90 shooting season while carrying a greater playmaking burden. Any debate between the two only would have mattered on the starter front. Both are clear and obvious All-Stars for the best team in the East.

    Cade Cunningham has the Pistons at .500. They went 93-289 over the five previous seasons, and while they’ve added a bit of shooting, the roster really hasn’t grown that much. Cunningham is the only player on the roster that ranks in the top 125 in the NBA in terms of VORP, for instance, or if you prefer box score stats, he leads his team in total points and assists while ranking second in rebounds and steals. He’s doing everything for a Detroit team that would still be tanking if not for him.

    The last spot is where this gets hard. In truth, the “great stats, bad teams” crowd cancels each other out. LaMelo Ball’s counting stats aren’t quite as gaudy as they were earlier in the season, so guaranteeing him a slot on the basis of averaging 28 points and seven assists seems a bit unfair when Tyrese Maxey is right on his heels in terms of volume, but shoots and defends better. Zach LaVine’s efficiency laps both of theirs, though he’s far less of a playmaker. Ultimately, it’s important to remember who our selectors are here. Coaches tend not to be as enthused about stats when they don’t lead to winning. There’s an “empty calories” feel to the seasons Ball, Maxey and LaVine have had this season, and that’s probably going to cost them spots.

    The real race here is between two players: Trae Young and Tyler Herro. Young is the NBA’s assists leader, but his shooting numbers across the board are down. Both are miserable defenders, but Herro has proven more capable of at least functioning within a healthy ecosystem. Herro isn’t responsible for nearly as much offensively as Young is, but the job he’s done keeping the Heat offense afloat this season has been downright inspiring. That unit dies when he goes to the bench. Nobody else on that roster is creating advantages this season. It’s been a career-best season for Herro in nearly every respect. He’s never shot better from 3. He’s never generated more shots for teammates. He’s never gotten to the line this much. He’s come much closer to matching Young’s volume than Young has to matching Herro’s efficiency on similarly limited offenses. That gives him the slimmest edge. Miami’s reputation probably doesn’t hurt where the coaches are concerned, either. The Heat are among the most-respected organizations in the NBA. The tie tends to go to the reputation.

    Western Conference

    The East is loaded with guards. The West has two pretty clear picks with the rest of the roster going to the frontcourt. Frankly, Anthony Edwards should probably be starting. He’s outscoring Stephen Curry significantly, and, amazingly, shooting better from 3-point range. He’s a far better defender, and he’s remained much healthier. The starting choices are, to an extent, a popularity contest. Nobody is beating Curry on that front. Edwards will have to settle for a reserve slot.

    On paper, Kyrie Irving looks like he’s having a slightly worse season for Dallas than he did a year ago. He isn’t. He’s done an admirable job leading Dallas without Luka Doncic for much of the season, and his efficiency is more or less where it was a year ago despite the extra defensive attention that has come with Doncic sidelined. Just as importantly: we now have a two-year sample of Irving defending fairly well for the Mavericks. That was a problem for him earlier in his career, and it’s one that tends to exacerbate for older, small guards. It’s gone the other way for Irving. He plays his role reliably and knows when to dial up the effort in high-leverage moments. He’s been everything the Mavericks need him to be and more.

    Victor Wembanyama is set to become the first player in NBA history to average three 3-pointers and three blocks per game in a single NBA season. Dig deep enough and you can find something historic about just about every game he’s played this season. The NBA has never seen anything like him. He’s going to win Defensive Player of the Year this season. He’s going to win it another dozen or so times before it’s all said and done. He’s a stone-cold lock.

    So is Anthony Davis, even if his bitterness over Wembanyama surpassing him defensively is a bit ridiculous. Davis still has the offensive edge even if his jumper has never come close to matching its bubble accuracy. He’s still obliterating opponents at the basket, but he’s quietly taken on more of an offensive hub role this season with LeBron James picking his spot at age 40. JJ Redick has made a point of entrusting him with more of the offense, and he’s delivered.

    Jaren Jackson Jr., not Ja Morant, has been the best Grizzly this season. He’s not quite blocking shots at the rate he was back when he won Defensive Player of the Year, but his evolution on offense has changed everything for the Grizzlies. He’s averaging more points per minute than Durant, Davis and Tatum! These aren’t free points generated by teammates, either. Over 45% of Jackson’s field goals are unassisted. For reference, only around 24% of Wembanyama’s field goals are unassisted. Jackson is creating his own points, dominating in the paint and still making 3s while anchoring one of the league’s better defenses. He absolutely has to make the team.

    In the end, three players are left to fight for the last two spots: Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams and James Harden. Remember, we’re not picking All-Stars here, but rather, predicting who we think the coaches select. Remember when Harden led the NBA in assists in 2023, but still missed the All-Star Game? That looms large here. Harden does not seem especially popular among this particular group of selectors. His sub-40% field goal percentage isn’t helping him here either. Harden has a strong case. He and Norman Powell are really the only shot-creators the Clippers have had during this surprise season. But the Clippers are ultimately a defensive-minded team, and Harden’s numbers aren’t gaudy enough to guarantee him a selection. In a tie, well, history suggests he’s not in great shape.

    Domantas Sabonis is a victim of his era. At any other point in NBA history, a center averaging 6.5 assists while shooting nearly 50% on 3-pointers would be treated as witchcraft. But today? Nobody seems to notice because Nikola Jokic is, well, Nikola Jokic. Sabonis is just quietly leading the NBA in rebounding while scoring a remarkably efficient 21 points every night and setting up his teammates as Sacramento’s offensive hub. The fans may not notice, but the coaches hopefully do.

    Once again, we defer to winning for our final pick. Jalen Williams isn’t shooting as well as he did a season ago, but he is a quintessential winner for the NBA’s best team. When all three Thunder centers were hurt, he casually slid over to a position he’d never played in the NBA and held down the fort. It’s easy for any single defender to get lost in Oklahoma City’s historic unit, but Williams is the biggest of the Thunder stoppers and quietly among the best of them. Lu Dort gets all of the press, but Williams has a real shot at an All-Defense selection while serving as the No. 2 scorer on a team that’s going to win 65 games. Good luck keeping that résumé off an All-Star roster.





    With the NBA All-Star game just around the corner, the anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the announcement of the final roster spots. While some players are already considered locks for the All-Star game, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant, there are still a few spots up for grabs.

    One player who is surely a lock for the All-Star game is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar has been putting up MVP-caliber numbers all season and is a guaranteed selection for the All-Star game.

    Another player who is a lock for the All-Star game is Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers point guard has been on fire this season, leading his team to a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.

    As for the final spots on the roster, there are a few players who are on the bubble. Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat has been playing at an elite level this season, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting lights out from beyond the arc. On the other hand, Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks has been putting up impressive numbers as well, leading his team in points and assists.

    It will be a tough decision for the coaches to choose between Herro and Young for the final spot on the roster, but either player would be a deserving All-Star selection.

    As we await the official announcement of the NBA All-Star roster, it’s clear that there are some locks for the game, such as Giannis and Dame, and some close calls between players like Herro and Trae. Stay tuned for more updates on the final roster spots and get ready for an exciting All-Star game!

    Tags:

    NBA All-Star roster predictions, NBA All-Star locks, NBA All-Star final spots, NBA All-Star Wemby, NBA All-Star Dame, NBA All-Star close calls, NBA All-Star Herro, NBA All-Star Trae, NBA All-Star snubs, NBA All-Star selection process, NBA All-Star voting, NBA All-Star reserves

    #NBA #AllStar #roster #predictions #Picking #final #spots #locks #Wemby #Dame #close #calls #Herro #Trae

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