STILL BALLIN'Carmelo Anthony says he REALLY appreciates the loud ovation he got from Knicks fans Wednesday during his return to Madison Square Garden ... saying, "Real know the real!"
The Portland Trail Blazers star hadn't played at MSG since Dec. 2017 -- after the Knicks traded him to the OKC Thunder.
Of course, OKC eventually waived Melo. He had a short stint with the Rockets and then spent months unemployed before eventually signing with Portland in Nov. 2019.
Now, 35-year-old Melo is back to balling out ... averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds in the 20 games he's played so far. NOT BAD AT ALL!
Clearly, the fans in NYC -- where Melo spent almost 7 seasons -- still respect the guy and got a super loud ovation during the intros of the Portland vs. NY game on Wednesday.
Carmelo Anthony gets a big welcome from the MSG crowd 👏 pic.twitter.com/8Y2opt2LNl
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 2, 2020 @sny_knicks"Real recognize real," Melo told us about his reception ... "I appreciate the love, always."
We also asked Melo if he thinks his jersey should be retired by the Knicks -- and he had an interesting response to that.
"I don't know man. You're talking something that ain't on my mind right now."
There's a solid argument for Melo's jersey to hang in the rafters at MSG -- he was an All-Star every year he played in NYC while averaging 24.7 points per game.
He also won the NBA scoring title in 2013 and set the Knicks single-game scoring record with 62 points in a game in 2014.
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NBA's Lou Williams I Named My Son 'Syx' After My 'Sixth Man' Awards!
1/3/2020 6:41 AM PT
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HE'LL BE BALLIN' SOONLou Williams' son is now the owner of the best name EVER ... the L.A. Clippers star says he's callin' his newborn baby "Syx" -- and it's all 'cause of his famous NBA awards!!
"I always said if I had a son I was going to give him a unique name," Williams said.
Lou is a 3-time winner of the Association's Sixth Man of the Year honors ... and he confirmed in a postgame interview Thursday night his boy's name is a nod to those trophies.
"Nothing was coming to me, so I just said, 'You know what, I'm going to name him Syx, spell it a little different' and we just had some fun with it."
Seems the new kid is already a great luck charm for Williams ... after the point guard missed the Clippers' game Tuesday for the birth of Syx, he came back to pile up 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in L.A.'s win over the Pistons on Thursday.
As for when Lou will start training Syx to follow in Dad's footsteps ... Williams says it won't be long.
"A couple weeks," he said.
Watch out, NBA 2038!!!
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7'6" Tacko Fall Comically Crushing NBA All-Star Vote ... Only Played 3 Games!!!
1/2/2020 2:29 PM PT
GettyNBA fans LOVE Tacko Fall ... 'cause despite the 7'6" center only logging 3 games this season -- THEY WANNA SEE HIM IN THE ALL-STAR GAME!!!
The Association announced its top vote-getters so far for the annual classic ... and Fall currently sits at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference frontcourt standings with 110,269 votes.
It's an impressive number, considering Timberwolves superstar Karl Anthony-Towns has just 173,129 votes over on the Western Conference side.
Luka and Giannis have the early lead in All-Star voting ... pic.twitter.com/dPUxgZ7aQO
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 2, 2020 @TheSteinLineOf course, it's hilarious because Fall has only played MINUTES this season -- he hasn't spent too much time on the Celtics' active roster because of mediocre play and a concussion he suffered for being too tall (seriously, that story is wild).
But, all the love is a testament to how much people really dig Fall -- who's been an Internet sensation for his giant size ever since he killed it in college at UCF.
Fall ain't the only quirky name on the NBA's fan vote list ... Lakers bench player Alex Caruso also notched nearly 100,000 votes, mostly because he's a hilarious internet meme too!!
As for if the NBA will actually let the guys play in the game despite not really doing much in this season ... don't count on it -- the fan vote only makes up 50 percent of the total voting players need to make the game.
But, hey, if it's what the people want ... make it happen, Adam Silver!!
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David Stern Dead at 77
1/1/2020 1:20 PM PT
Gallery Remembering David Stern Launch Gallery GettyDavid Stern -- Hall of Fame ex-NBA Commissioner -- has died 3 weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
The NBA says Stern passed away Wednesday afternoon with his wife, Dianne, and their family at his bedside.
As we reported ... Stern was in serious condition after undergoing emergency brain surgery to address the sudden hemorrhage he suffered at a Manhattan restaurant on December 12. Sadly, he was unable to make a recovery.
David took over as commissioner of the NBA in 1984 and ushered incredible growth in the league over his 30-year tenure. Of course, he was in charge during the heyday of Bird, Magic and Michael ... and helped the NBA become the global juggernaut it is today.
Click here... it's not over yetLeBron James Happy 35th Birthday!!! ... Celebrates with Cake and Strippers
12/31/2019 6:59 AM PT
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BIRTHDAY BASHLeBron James celebrated his 35th year on earth in grand fashion.
LeBron's party was swanky -- black tie and gowns. It started at the famed Sunset Tower hotel on the Sunset Strip, and some of LeBron's teammates, including Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Jared Dudley, Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma. Al Harrington, Cuttino Mobley and 2 Chainz were also front and center, along with LeBron's wife, Savannah.
LeBron was smokin' a huge stogie and chowin' down on a 3-layer cake, along with his guests.
That wasn't the end of the evening. The group moved the party to Crazy Girls strip club in Hollywood. Savannah joined LeBron and crew for some late-night fun.
BackgridIt's interesting ... the inscription on the cake read "LBJ." So, these days ... who's more identifiable with the letters, LBJ ... LeBron or former Prez Lyndon Baines Johnson?
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Lamar Odom Pawned NBA Title Rings Hit Auction ... Could Fetch $100K!!!
12/30/2019 4:17 PM PT
Heritage AuctionsThe NBA Championship rings Lamar Odom famously pawned a few years ago are hitting the auction block ... and they can be all yours if ya got $100,000 layin' around!!!
TMZ Sports has learned the bling Odom received for winning titles with the L.A. Lakers in 2008-09 and 2009-10 are set to go up for sale ... and we're told they could fetch $50K A-PIECE!
The rings are REALLY cool ... each one boasts a TON of diamonds -- and the special engravings on each include realistic portraits of Odom's face.
Heritage AuctionsWe're told the ice is pretty heavy too ... the '09 ring weighs in at 75 grams, while the '10 ring comes in at 69 grams -- and both come with their original display boxes.
As for how the rings got to the Heritage Auctions block ... that story is pretty wild, because Odom reportedly pawned them off for just a few hundred bucks during the height of his issues with Khloe Kardashian several years ago -- and he never fought to get them back.
We're told bidding will begin late next month ... and close sometime in February.
Good luck!!!
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Swaggy P and Keonna Now that We're Engaged ... Let's Party!!!
12/29/2019 7:28 AM PT
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A FAMILY ENGAGEMENTNick “Swaggy P” Young took his new fiance out for a fancy dinner Saturday night ... it's the first time we've seen them since he popped the question on XMAS day.
Nick and Keonna Green hit up Craig's in WeHo and they were in high style as they left the restaurant ... a doggie bag was in the free agent's hand.
Nick made it clear ... the ring was super expensive, although he was mum on exactly how much it set him back. One sweet note ... his son helped him pick out the bling.
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RINGIN' IN CHRISTMASNick proposed on XMAS morning with some help from Nick Jr., who filmed the whole thing. Check out the video ... Nick grabs the huge ring box, walks over to Keonna and makes it clear ... the proposal was "way overdue."
The couple has 3 kids together ... Nick Jr., Navi and 6-month old Nyce.
Congrats!!!
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Metta World Peace LeBron's Lakers Are 'Bigger' Than Kobe's
12/27/2019 10:28 AM PT
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BIGGER AND BETTERMetta World Peace is enamored by the current Lakers squad -- telling TMZ Sports they're a "bigger" sensation than his 2010 Championship team ... at least right now.
"I think they're bigger than us to tell you the truth," Metta said ... "They're 24-6 at this point? They're bigger than what we were at this point in the season."
No shade ... but Metta's wrong.
The current Lakers are 24-7. During the 2009-10 run, Metta's Lakers were 24-6 at this point.
Let's do a squad vs. squad analysis.
2009-10 Lakers -- Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown, Andrew Bynum.
2019-20 Lakers -- LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Danny Green, Rajon Rondo.
So ... who ya got???
Of course, Metta's squad went on to beat the Boston Celtics in 7 games. Kobe was the series MVP.
For what it's worth, Metta thinks LeBron's Lakers will win it all this season -- "I think so. I know so!"
First, the Lakers gotta get by Portland on Saturday. Stay tuned ...
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NBA's Zach Randolph Calls Off Comeback Plans After 17 Seasons
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Zach Randolph Calls Off NBA Comeback Plans ... After 17 Seasons
12/26/2019 10:46 AM PT
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CALLIN' IT QUITSIt's a wrap for Z-Bo ... Zach Randolph tells TMZ Sports he's ending his NBA comeback plans once and for all.
It's not Earth-shattering news considering 38-year-old Randolph hasn't played in the league since the 2017-18 season, but he had been floating the idea of a return for months.
In fact, back in June, Randolph seemed interested in a comeback, telling us he was "back to training" and was hoping to sign a deal with a team for the 2019-20 season.
But, that didn't happen ... and when we saw Randolph at Staples Center for the big Lakers vs. Clippers Christmas Day matchup, he was pretty matter of fact about his future.
Randolph had a pretty stellar career -- he was a 1st-round pick in 2001, a 2-time NBA All-Star ... and became a Memphis Grizzlies legend during his run there.
As for cash, he reportedly made nearly $200 MILLION on contract money during his career ... so yeah, NOT BAD AT ALL!!
So, what's next for Randolph? He's growing his music label ... but really, when you have $200 mil, you can do whatever you want!!
Oh, we also spoke with Randolph about NBA rookie sensation Ja Morant -- and shocker, Randolph thinks he's got all sorts of potential!
JA MORANT ALMOST SUBMITTED A LATE ENTRY FOR DUNK OF THE DECADE 😳 pic.twitter.com/rtTw6kt0Rp
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Nick Young Gets Engaged!!! With An Assist from Lil Swaggy P!!!
12/25/2019 11:59 AM PT
Nick Young saved his girlfriend's best gift for last ... asking her to marry him with a MASSIVE engagement ring!!!
The charming moment went down on Christmas morning with help from his son, Nick Jr. who filmed the whole thing. You can see Nick grab the huge ring box from a different room and walk over to his baby mama Keonna Green and said the proposal is "way overdue."
Play video content RINGIN' IN CHRISTMASIt's a pretty swaggy moment ... the entire fam -- wearing matching PJs -- saw Nick tell Keonna he wants to spend the rest of his life with her and, of course, she said yes. Nick let out a huuuuge cheer after he slipped the ring on her. He then turned to his son and said, "We did it, son!!" Nick Jr. was stoked about it too.
We're told Nick worked with Jason of Beverly Hills to come up with the perfect ring for his Keonna ... and he was really stoked with the results.
"Nick was very hands on and took his time to design the ring and plan the proposal. You can tell he really enjoyed the process and I can definitely see the connection between him and Keonna. He proposed to his soulmate," Jason Arasheben, CEO Jason of Beverly Hills tells us.
Nick and Keonna started dating in high school. They have 3 kids together ... Nick Jr., daughter Navi and daughter Nyce, who was born in July.
Congrats!!!
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Trae Young Buys First Home In Oklahoma W/ Pool ... For $1.5 Million!!!
12/25/2019 12:50 AM PT
Gallery The Massive Mansion Launch Gallery TMZsports.comNBA star Trae Young is beastin' for the Atlanta Hawks right now ... and he's rewarding himself by buying a $1.5 million crib in his home state of Oklahoma!!
TMZ Sports has learned ... Trae bought himself a new 8,100-square-foot pad in Norman Oklahoma where he grew up --- his first LEGIT house ... and it's loaded!!!
The pad comes with 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, a massive kitchen, a pool with a cool slide, a pool house ... and you can put up to 7 cars in his giant garage!
It doesn't stop there ... the baller is also adding 14 TVs and a dope audio system --- and because of that, he's spending TONS of money on security. Not bad for a 21-year-old huh?
And, Trae -- who's averaging 28 PPG and 8 assists right now --- is serious about uppin' his game that he's having his trainers and nutritionist live with him at his new home during the offseason.
2019 is definitely Trae's year!
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Kenyon Martin I Want To Coach The New York Knicks ... With Metta World Peace!!!
12/25/2019 12:20 AM PT
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SIGN ME UPThe newest New York Knicks coach is ... Kenyon Martin????
Don't rule it out ... 'cause the ex-NBA superstar is officially throwing his hat into the ring for the open job -- telling TMZ Sports he wants to be NY's next head man!!
And, get this ... the dude says he wants Metta World Peace to be an assistant on his staff!!
We got the 41-year-old out at LAX ... and when we asked him who should replace David Fizdale at Madison Square Garden next, he told us straight-up, "Me!"
When our photog informed him Metta has also been gunning for the job ... he said that's cool, saying, "Me and Metta, head coach and assistant coach!"
So, could it happen? Almost certainly not ... the rumored favorite for the opening is Mark Jackson -- but others like Stan and Jeff Van Gundy have also reportedly been linked to the job.
But, K-Mart does have one thing going for him ... he tells us he thinks James Dolan ain't an evil monster that some make him out to be -- and it sure sounds like he could get along well with the guy!!
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NBA's Tacko Fall 7'5" Giant Conducts Boston Orchesta ... Crushes 'Sleigh Ride'
12/24/2019 10:39 AM PT
Tacko Fall is VERSATILE!!!
Check out the 7'5" Boston Celtics rookie -- a beloved fan-favorite -- taking over the famous Boston Pops Orchestra for their Xmas show ... AND KILLIN' IT!!
Tacko Fall leading the orchestra through “Sleigh Ride.” He even threw in a little spin. pic.twitter.com/2cXRKbpHbh
— Nicole Yang (@nicolecyang) December 24, 2019 @nicolecyangThe 24-year-old -- born in Senegal -- took the stage at Symphony Hall in a size 48 double extra-long tuxedo ... and temporarily filled in for conductor Keith Lockhart for a rendition of "Sleigh Ride."
HE EVEN BUSTED OUT A SPIN MOVE!!! GIVE THIS GUY A CONTRACT!
Fall absolutely smashed his orchestra debut -- and the crowd went wild for him.
After the show, Fall gave props to Shaquille O'Neal -- who conducted back in 2010 -- telling the Boston Globe he prepared by studying Shaq's performance.
Shout out to Tacko ... one of the nicest guys in pro sports.
Fall was a college sensation back at UCF but didn't get picked in the 2019 NBA Draft. The Celtics signed him to a deal and he did well in the NBA's summer league -- eventually making his NBA debut in October.
Bottom line, the people love Tacko!!
Oh, and Merry Christmas everyone!
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Magic Johnson On Zion Williamson ... 'The League Misses Him'
12/24/2019 10:18 AM PT
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ZION'S A STARHere's Magic Johnson saying what ALL basketball fans are thinking ... WE WANT ZION!!
Of course, Zion Williamson has missed his entire NBA rookie season thanks to a meniscus tear in his right knee. The New Orleans Pelicans star underwent surgery about 9 weeks ago, but he's far from game-ready.
Magic's good pal Stephen A. Smith recently suggested Zion sit out the rest of the season and focus on his recovery ... so when we saw Johnson leaving Avra in Bev Hills, we asked his thoughts on the situation.
"We don't know the extent of his injury," Magic said ... "Whatever is good for him. I'm sure [Zion's team] will make a good decision."
"We wanna see him on the court but if it's better for him to sit out, then maybe he do that. If he wants to come back, then come back!"
The bottom line for Magic ... "The league misses him. We love seeing his talent because we think he's really gonna be a star in our league."
Meanwhile, Magic says he's getting fired up for the battle of L.A. on Christmas Day -- Lakers vs. Clippers ... and it's no surprise who Magic likes in that matchup.
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Al Harrington NBA Will Follow MLB's Weed Lead ... Eventually
12/21/2019 12:10 AM PT
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DECEMBER 2019 SMOKE UPHere's a shocker ... Al Harrington is STOKED that weed is now legal in MLB, telling TMZ Sports it's about time baseball players can LEGALLY use pot to treat pain.
The former NBA player is a HUGE marijuana advocate -- he even has his own Viola cannabis company -- and has met with powerful figures (like ex-NBA commish David Stern) in the hopes of ending the weed ban in major pro sports.
So, when Major League Baseball finally removed weed from its list of banned substances, Harrington called it a "beautiful thing" that will make the sport safer.
"Athletes should have access to cannabis as an alternative way to medicate and for pain management across the board," Harrington says.
One of the motivating factors in MLB's decision is the death of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs -- who died from an overdose of painkillers -- fentanyl and oxycodone.
The logic is that if Skaggs could have used marijuana, he might not have used opioids.
Harrington notes the NFL could be the next major sports league to change their anti-pot policy ... with owners like Jerry Jones sensing weed could be approved when they renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement in 2021.
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Charles Oakley Anthony Davis Is No Franchise Player ... 'He Ain't That Guy'
12/20/2019 9:45 AM PT
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HARD PASSAnthony Davis is NOT the kind of player you build a team around -- he's a #2 and will always be a #2 -- so says Charles Oakley.
The NY Knicks legend was out at Parish In NYC on Thursday when we asked if the Knicks should make a run at The Brow when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Oak scoffed ... saying AD has no reason to L.A. because he's on a winning team with a true franchise player in LeBron James.
We asked if he thinks Davis will want to build his OWN team in another city after his time with the Lakers is up ... and that's when Oakley gave it to us straight.
"He ain't that type of player," Oakley said ... "He was in New Orleans and didn't do it. I don't know him personally but he ain't that guy."
"Whenever you go play with somebody else you ain't that guy, I don't care what you say."
Oakley noted there are only 3 or 4 guys in the league who are true franchise players -- in the sense you can build around them -- including LeBron, Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard.
Gotta hand it to Oakley ... the guy doesn't sugarcoat anything!
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