James Johnson, Steven Adams, Boban Voted NBA Stars Players Would Least Want to Fight
Apr 22, 2024
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 27: James Johnson #16 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 27, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers forward James Johnson hasn't been on the court much this season, but his fellow NBA players apparently don't want to see him off of it.
The Athletic asked 125 NBA players the contemporary they would least like to fight, and Johnson was the overwhelming winner, receiving 53.6 percent of the vote. Steven Adams came in second place at 16.8 percent, while Isaiah Stewart came in third at 6.4 percent.
"Is he still in the league? He's a triple black belt. I'm not f--king with James," one player said. "There's other guys (where) I might actually lose the fight, but I'm not f--kng with James. He might kick me in my head."
Johnson is an accomplished martial artist, earning a black belt in karate. He's also claimed a 20-0 record as a kickboxer, though no previous fights have been corroborated.
The 37-year-old has bounced around to 10 NBA teams since being picked in the first round of the 2009 NBA draft. One former teammate said Johnson's intimidating reputation doesn't match his actual personality.
"J.J. is actually the coolest dude ever," the player said. "He's super cool. I just know his reputation. I know if you mess with him, it can get like that. But he's one of my favorite teammates that I've had."
Adams' dabbling in MMA, along with his massive size, also had his fellow players backing down.
Caitlin Clark Calls Being Drafted by Fever 'A Dream Come True,' Praises Roster
Apr 17, 2024
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 15: Caitlin Clark talks to the media during the 2024 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2024 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Catalina Fragoso/NBAE via Getty Images)
After being drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever this week, Caitlin Clark expressed her excitement to start her professional career.
"I'm super happy to be here," Clark told reporters Wednesday. "Thank you to the Fever, the Pacers. This is a dream come true."
Clark also praised the organization, saying she couldn't "think of a better place for myself to start my career. A place that loves basketball, supports women's basketball, and an organization that really does things the right way, has championship pedigree."
"I was hoping the Fever got the first pick and obviously I'm a Midwest girl..
Haliburton was among the many who celebrated Clark's impending arrival to the Fever after the pick was made Monday night. While it was a foregone conclusion that she'd be the No. 1 overall pick following her legendary career at Iowa, it was still an exciting moment when it became official.
Clark is Indiana's second straight No. 1 pick, as the team chose former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston last year. Boston went on to become an All-Star in her first season as well as the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.
Clark praised Boston and the roster at large when speaking to reporters at her introductory press conference:
"There's just so much talent on this roster," Clark said. "Obviously Aliyah has been one of my teammates before with USA Basketball and I know first-hand how great she is. Erica Wheeler is somebody that's been having my back and we're not even teammates yet. A vet, somebody that's been in the league for a really long time. As a point guard you need someone to lean on, that's going to have your back, to ask questions."
It's clear that the future is bright in Indiana. In addition to Clark coming into the fold, Haliburton helped lead the Pacers to their first playoff appearance since 2020 after leading the league in assists this season. Indiana will face the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round.
Lakers, LeBron James Disappoint NBA Fans as Pacers Snap 5-Game Winning Streak
Mar 30, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 24, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers dropped a crucial matchup against the Indiana Pacers 109-90 Friday night.
As the Lakers continue to fight for playoff seeding, a loss did them no favors after winning five straight games.
Anthony Davis put together a solid game with 24 points and 15 rebounds, and LeBron James added 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, but the two stars' efforts weren't enough as all five Pacers' starters were in double figures on the night.
Los Angeles' poor shooting didn't help either as the team shot 16.7 percent from deep.
After the game, fans lamented Los Angeles losing its win streak as the season's end nears.
LAL's 5-game winning streak will end here tonight at the hands of Indiana, with 3 more road games to come on this trip, at Brooklyn, Toronto and Washington.
Just when I thought it was safe to trust the Lakers ... they just played what had to be the worst offensive game of the season. 5-29 from 3! They all pretty much stunk. Lucky to score 90 ... after just scoring 150 at home vs Indiana. Just scary ugly.
With the loss, the Lakers drop to 41-33 on the season, but still hold their position as the ninth seed in the West, 1.5 games ahead of the 10th-seed Golden State Warriors.
Luckily for Los Angeles, it has a somewhat manageable stretch ahead against the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards. Taking care of those games will be pivotal for the Lakers to hold their place in the Western Conference standings.
Pacers' Bennedict Mathurin to Have Season-Ending Surgery on Shoulder Injury
Mar 9, 2024
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 5: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 5, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin is set to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, the team announced Saturday.
According to the Pacers, Mathurin is expected to make a full recovery before the start of the 2024-25 season. It's a tough blow for a Pacers team that is battling for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, as the 21-year-old has excelled off the bench.
Mathurin suffered the injury during Indiana's 137-120 victory against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
The former Arizona standout has typically remained healthy throughout his brief NBA career, appearing in 78 contests during his rookie campaign before suiting up in 59 of a possible 63 games this season before he was shut down.
The procedure is scheduled for "next week" and will be performed by surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has worked with several notable athletes, such as Aaron Rodgers and Shohei Ohtani, the team said.
After finishing No. 4 in Rookie of the Year voting, Mathurin was following it up with an efficient sophomore season before the injury. He'll finish the year with averages of 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 44.6/37.4/82.1 shooting splits.
He thrived as a backup for the Pacers, as his scoring average of 13.9 points per game off the bench ranks No. 9 among all reserves that have appeared in at least 20 contests (via NBA.com).
Rookie shooting guard Ben Sheppard will likely take over Mathurin's role in head coach Rick Carlisle's rotation, as he played 19 minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night. Sheppard has averaged 4.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game off the bench this season, shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from behind the arc.
Shaquille O'Neal: NBA 'Should Belong to' Tyrese Haliburton After Curry, Durant Retire
Feb 22, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 18: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Eastern Conference talks to the media after the NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Some believe the next heir to the NBA throne is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Others see Nikola Jokic continuing to dominate. Some even believe Victor Wembanyama will be ready to put the crown on his head when the current stalwart veterans finally retire.
Shaquille O'Neal thinks otherwise. The Hall of Fame center said Tyrese Haliburton is his choice for the next big NBA superstar.
"He's not up there yet, but he's coming," O'Neal told James Boyd of The Athletic. "I wouldn't put him up there with Steph (Curry) and (Kevin Durant), but he's on the right path. (In) four or five years, when those guys are gone, the league should belong to him."
Haliburton made his second consecutive All-Star appearance and first start last weekend in Indianapolis. He finished with 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists and likely would have won MVP honors if he took as many shots as winner Damian Lillard.
It was a star-making weekend for the Pacers star, who is averaging a career-high 21.8 points and an NBA-high 11.7 assists per game this season.
Still, O'Neal anointing Haliburton as the next face of the league is a little bit of a surprise. He's not regularly mentioned in casual conversations with the likes of Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Jokic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
That said, fans are starting to take notice. Haliburton was the leading vote-getter among all Eastern Conference backcourt players and even outpaced Curry in the total voting.
Pacers' Myles Turner Expected to Be Named in NBA Trade Rumors, Praises Paul George
Feb 18, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 17: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers participates in the 2024 Kia Skills Challenge during the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner said he was surprised by the lack of rumors he would be traded prior to the Feb. 8 deadline.
Turner has been a frequent subject of trade rumors in the past. During the 2023 offseason, reports indicated that the Pacers would move him if they got the chance to select Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 draft.
"Honestly, I still got PTSD from [past trade rumors], so I really didn't even feel super secure at that," Turner told HoopsHype's Sam Yip. "I was kinda expecting at least a rumor or something here and there, but I'm just very fortunate to be in the same position."
"I think it was just more of that we had a more clear-cut idea of the direction we were going with so it made it easier for me."
Turner has discussed the impact trade talks have had on him in the past. Prior to the 2023-24 season, the center said on the "Run Your Race" podcast (h/t the Indianapolis Star) that he had taken the frequent trade rumors "as a slight" before they eventually "toughened up my skin."
Despite those perennial rumors, Turner is in his ninth season of a Pacers career that began in 2015-16.
During his rookie campaign, Turner played alongside nine-time All-Star and current member of the Los Angeles Clippers Paul George. The two ended up playing 134 games together over two seasons before George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"PG was my favorite teammate, personally," Turner told Yip. "When I first got here to the league, he's someone who took me under his wing, and obviously he's one of the most dynamic players that's out there right now. And I've always enjoyed and appreciated his approach to the game, so he's definitely someone I rock with."
Turner, who finished top-ten in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2019 and 2021, is leading the Pacers with 1.8 blocks per game as he averages 17.2 points through 52 starts this season.
Pacers Wow NBA Fans With Dominant Win in 2024 Skills Competition
Feb 18, 2024
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 17: Bennedict Mathurin #00, Tyrese Haliburton #0 and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers react in the 2024 Kia Skills Challenge during the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner led Team Pacers to a win in the 2024 Kia Skills Challenge Saturday night at NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
The hometown team picked up the win over Team Top Picks (Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama and Paulo Banchero) and team All-Star (Tyrese Maxey, Trae Young and Scottie Barnes).
Team Pacers dominated the Team Relay, which Haliburton closed out in style with a between-the-legs, off-the-backboard, self-alley oop.
The second round, Team Passing, was a little closer, with Team Pacers having to win it in a tie-breaker round against Team All-Star. Team All-Star won the Team Shooting round easily, meaning the Skills Challenge went into a tie-breaker round.
In the tie-breaker, whichever team made a half-court shot first was the winner. Team All-Star went first and took more than a minute to finally drain one from deep, leaving plenty of room for Team Pacers to win it.
Team Pacers took about half the time Team All-Star did, with Haliburton hitting the winning shot.
CHAMPS 🏆
Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner are Skills Challenge champions. pic.twitter.com/6AkxZgjgGw
Tyrese Haliburton just nailed the winner from half-court and then hit the Reggie Miller choke sign toward team All-Stars. Hilarious! #Pacers take home the skills challenge title.
Even with the weather, this is a great basketball town. Pacers have had such a good weekend. there's a real energy around the team with Hali too. https://t.co/dhDI816tcC
So far, the Pacers have had a solid All-Star Weekend. On Friday, Mathurin won in MVP in the Rising Stars Game, just to follow it up with Saturday's performance in the Skills Challenge. Now, Haliburton is looking to win another event for Indiana as he competes in the Starry 3-Point Contest.
Clippers' Paul George Says He's Unsure If His Jersey Should Be Retired by Pacers
Feb 14, 2024
PHILADELPHIA,PA - APRIL 10 : Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on April 10, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George isn't sure whether his time with the Indiana Pacers merits a spot in the rafters of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
In an interview with Marc J. Spears, the nine-time All-Star cited the fact he was only in Indiana for seven seasons.
"I think for them it's a longevity that stands out in that arena," he said. "I just didn't play enough play long enough there.
"If they look back years and years down the line, just how special that group was while I was there… Hopefully, Tyrese [Haliburton] can get them there. But if they don't get to where we got to in 15, 20 years, then they might look at that as a special time. Tyrese will do great things there and hopefully they surround him with talent to get him to where he needs to get to. And then it won't even be a thought to get my jersey up there."
The Pacers have retired the jerseys of four players: George McGinnis, Reggie Miller, Mel Daniels and Roger Brown.
Miller is a clear outlier in terms of tenure, having spent his entire 18-year career in Indiana. McGinnis, Daniels and Brown all had eight seasons or fewer, either in the ABA and/or NBA. The trio did, however, win multiple ABA titles to boost their legendary status within the franchise's history.
That's something the Pacers couldn't achieve with George. They made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014 but couldn't get past the Miami Heat with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDYSFh3GEjk
Individual fanbases by and large get to decide how a star such as George is remembered.
As a multi-time All-Star and the focal point of those teams that pushed the Heat, maybe he warrants a jersey retirement.
But the accolades and team success don't jump off the page within that context. George never finished higher than ninth in the MVP voting and never did better than the All-NBA third team. Steals and three-point makes are the only traditional categories in which he ranks in the top 10 among Pacers players.
At his peak, George could probably rival just about anybody who suited up for Indiana. The total body of work may not match up with those who have their jerseys retired.
NBA Rumors: Paul George Subject of 'Growing Whispers' About Possible Pacers Return
Feb 9, 2024
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 05: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers warms up before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 05, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George has yet to receive a contract extension, and it sounds like he's interested in a change of scenery.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, "there have been growing whispers" about George's "own intrigue by returning to" the Indiana Pacers.
George can become a free agent this offseason if he declines his $48.7 million player option for the 2024-25 season. However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on the Feb. 5 edition of The Hoop Collective (49:22 mark) that George and the Clippers were discussing a contract extension.
George spent the first seven seasons of his career in Indiana and became the face of the franchise during his tenure with the team. A return to the Pacers would pair him with star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam if he's re-signed in the offseason.
In addition to George's reported interest in returning to Indiana, another Eastern Conference team is reportedly eyeing him as well. TNT Sports' Chris Haynes reported in Bleacher Report that the Philadelphia 76ers will be interested in the 33-year-old if he shakes free from Los Angeles.
"If Paul George and the Clippers are unable to get an extension done, look for the 76ers to be very aggressive in trying to pursue him in the offseason...Paul George would definitely be a target of the Philadelphia 76ers if [he] is not able to get an extension done with the Clippers," Haynes stated. "Everybody expects Paul George and the Clippers to get something done—again, they want to go in that new arena with their full core intact, but if not, watch out for the 76ers, they're not done."
For now, George is focused on helping lead the Clippers, who are just one game out of first place in the Western Conference with a 34-16 record.
NBA Rumors: Buddy Hield Traded to 76ers; Pacers Get Marcus Morris, Korkmaz and Picks
Feb 8, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles as Nic Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during the second half at Barclays Center on April 10, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 134-126. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers have traded shooting guard Buddy Hield to the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of Thursday's deadline, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Pacers will receive Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz and three second-round picks in return. Wojnarowski reported Korkmaz will be waived.
This is the second time the 31-year-old has been traded in the last three years. The Pacers acquired him in February 2022 as part of a trade with the Sacramento Kings that involved six players. He's in the last year of his contract, and he's making $19.2 million in the 2023-24 season.
Last spring, Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard said the team was "not opposed to" signing him to an extension.
However, The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported on Sept. 20 that talks for a potential extension had stalled and both sides were working together to find a trade for the veteran. Hield said during media day on Oct. 2 that he was open to remaining with the Pacers, but that ultimately didn't happen.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Jan. 14 that the Pacers "have been building trade offers around a package" of Hield and a first-round pick.
Hield's production has dipped this season as he's been deployed in a hybrid bench role for the Pacers. In 52 games with 28 starts, he averaged 12 points per game, the second-lowest average of his career. His average of 25.7 minutes is also his lowest since 2017-18.
In 80 games with 73 starts in 2022-23, he averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 42.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Hield had spent the majority of his seven-year career in Sacramento, but the move to Indiana breathed new life into him. After averaging 14.4 points in 55 games with the Kings in the first half of the 2021-22 campaign, he averaged 18.2 points with the Pacers while adding career highs of 5.1 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 26 games.
Drafted sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, the Oklahoma product has developed into one of the most reliable three-point shooters in the NBA. He has a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.1.
The Sixers have a 30-20 record this season. They shipped away James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season for a substantial haul of players and draft picks.
Acquiring Hield is a strong move for Philadelphia, as he will bring his sharpshooting to an offense that averages 36.2 percent from beyond the arc this season. His presence will also help to fill the scoring void left by Joel Embiid's absence. The reigning MVP remains out indefinitely due to a meniscus injury.
Hield has yet to compete in the playoffs in his NBA career, so he will likely be extra motivated to help the Sixers contend for a postseason spot this year.
