Spurs: Keldon Johnson's New Groove
Keldon Johnson's transition to a sixth man role wasn't exactly love at first sight. But now? It's a match made in basketball heaven for both him and the Spurs.
Johnson is thriving, making a compelling case for postseason accolades. He's putting up 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, shooting with precision and efficiency.
But the stats only tell part of the story. Johnson has found his niche on a deep, winning squad.
“When you want to win, you have to check your ego at the door, especially with the team we have,” Johnson shared. “We all want success for each other. I had to put my ego aside and say, ‘This is what’s best for the team.’”
Once a full-time starter, Johnson now anchors the Spurs' second unit on a 50-win team. It’s a new role but with the same game-changing impact.
Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles Nearing Return
Raptors rookie forward Collin Murray-Boyles is on the verge of a comeback. After missing eight games with a sprained left thumb, he practiced Tuesday, as reported by TSN's Josh Lewenberg.
The Raptors are monitoring his progress closely to determine his availability for Wednesday's game in Chicago. Even if he’s not ready by then, a return during the current road trip seems likely.
Before the injury, Murray-Boyles was solidifying his place in the lineup. He started 18 of his last 19 games, averaging 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and nearly three assists, shooting over 60% from the field.
Not eye-popping numbers, but his productivity has been sorely missed. Toronto is eager to have him back in action.
Expansion: The NBA's Growing Horizon
Expansion talks are heating up, and this time, the financial allure might be impossible to resist.
Adding two teams would mean splitting revenue 32 ways instead of 30, a long-standing concern for current owners. However, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that expansion fees could soar beyond $7 billion per team, offering a hefty one-time payout for existing owners.
There's also a global twist. Joe Vardon of The Athletic highlights a proposed NBA Europe league, which could open new revenue avenues and mitigate long-term financial concerns. Interest is already bubbling, with ownership groups connected to clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United eyeing potential teams.
In essence, the financial landscape is shifting, and when the numbers align, expansion is usually not far behind.