Jalen Brunson’s newest challenge is with the tough Celtics backcourt.
The first standout defender was Ausar Thompson, recognized as one of the league’s best young talents. Now, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White have emerged as maybe the NBA’s premier defensive duo. Facing them won’t be a walk in the park for Jalen Brunson. The Knicks’ star guard, who was awarded NBA’s clutch player of the […]
Nets backcourt decimated with Ben Simmons, D’Angelo Russell out
In Monday's 113-99 loss to Indiana, the battered Nets were without eight players, including a backcourt without point guards D'Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons. Simmons was listed with left calf soreness and a lower back injury, but Nets coach Jordi Fernandez suggested it was more to do with his calf than his back. “For D'Angelo, […]
D’Angelo Russell’s return to Nets changes backcourt dynamic
TORONTO — D'Angelo Russell is back for an encore in Brooklyn. With Russell on the floor, the Nets' speed will be different. Different style. Maybe the starter is different. They will be completely different. D'Angelo Russell NBAE/Getty Images Brooklyn will be without the toughness and defense of Dorian Finney-Smith. But they lacked playmaking, pick-and-roll threat […]
St. John’s Simeon Wilcher motivated to excel in loaded backcourt
Simeon Wilcher might be understandably worried. If he wanted to know where he stood. If the additions of standout point guards Kadary Richmond and Davon Smith in the spring caused the rising sophomore to question his standing at St. John’s. His best friend and teammate, Brady Dunlap, knows how it would feel if that happened […]
How Rick Pitino envisions St. John’s revamped backcourt will work
Rick Pitino’s last national championship team featured three high-level guards who could play for themselves and others. He follows the additions of Louisville’s trio of Peyton Siva, Russ Smith and Luke Hancock, as well as elite lead guards Davon Smith (Utah) and rising sophomores Kadary Richmond (Seton Hall). He sees similarities with the three consecutive […]
Knicks officially sign Shake Milton to create backcourt logjam
The Knicks have officially added another guard to the mix. Shake Milton cleared waivers and was signed on Tuesday morning, joining Tom Thibodeau’s roster for the home game against the Hawks. Milton, who was released by the Pistons last week, is eligible for the playoffs. The 27-year-old has been a regular with the Sixers for […]