NBA rumors: LeBron James loosely linked to PED scandal
ESPN's Mike Fish recently reported on the investigation surrounding the biggest doping scandal in history. A decade ago, the DEA launched "Operation Strikeout" which resulted in MLB suspensions for Alex Rodriguez, Nelson Cruz, and Ryan Braun. However, it wasn't known that this operation stretched far beyond the ballpark.
Fish reported that: "found in more than 1,400 pages of unredacted federal investigative documents obtained by ESPN -- are the names of other athletes and figures, from world champion boxers and wrestlers to fitness gurus, entertainers and even law enforcement officials."
Among these names are LeBron James' longtime friend and business manager, Ernest "Randy" Mims and David Alexander, a trainer also linked to James. However, federal authorities told ESPN they found nothing to suggest that Alexander or Mims provided PEDs to athletes.
Given Mims and Alexander's mutual connection to the athlete, the investigation looked at whether James was involved with PEDs. This did not go very far. Although David Alexander is believed to have worked with James in Cleveland and Los Angeles, documents reveal Alexander is actually James' wife's personal trainer. The DEA determined this had no connection with James. And, as far as Mims' testosterone purchases go, federal documents describe this as for personal use. Thus, it was concluded that LeBron was not involved.
Per the lead DEA investigator: "I can tell you that we looked into everything just because we knew this day would come ... She wasn't getting any supplements, anything like that. ... There was never any indication that LeBron James did anything wrong."
NBA rumors: Why the Hawks couldn't get Pascal Siakam
The Atlanta Hawks were supposedly one of the teams most interested in acquiring Raptors forward Pascal Siakam. Previously, the Hawks offered the Raptors a package including De'Andre Hunter, AJ Griffin, and draft pick compensation, but Toronto declined. One player the Raptors eyed was rookie guard Kobe Bufkin, but Atlanta was reportedly less than eager to negotiate.
According to Michael Sotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks didn't want to include Kobe Bufkin in any trade with Siakam. This put an end to any Pascal Siakam to Atlanta talk for the time being. The Hawks selected Bufkin with the 15th pick in the NBA Draft. Supposedly, the Raptors considered taking Kobe with the 13th pick but chose Kansas' Gradey Dick. It appears the Hawks have high hopes for Bufkin and believe he'll be a major contribution to their backcourt.
In Bufkin's final eight games with Michigan, the guard averaged 19.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. Those qualities, along with his efficient shooting percentages, may explain why Coach Snyder has such high hopes for the 6-foot-5 guard. (51.9 percent shooting overall with an impressive 45 percent efficiency from beyond the arc.)
Bleacher Report's Johnathan Wasserman ranked Bufkin 10th overall among the 2023 NBA Draft's top prospects. He credited Bufkin's shot-making, playmaking instincts and 71.1 percent finishing rate at the rim as reasons why his game should immediately translate to the NBA. All in all, Bufkin looks like a promising talent.
NBA rumors: Brandon Ingram extension buzz
Before the regular season starts in October, 26-year-old Brandon Ingram is eligible to sign a contract extension with the Pelicans. However, multiple sources told The Times-Picayune that Ingram will wait until next summer before engaging in extension talks with the franchise. No need to be alarmed, though Pelicans fans. This is good news. (Unless you like cap space.)
The reason Ingram is waiting is simple. Ingram is owed $33.8 million this season and $36.0 million next season. However, there's quite the incentive to wait and see how the season goes if you're Brandon Ingram. Both sides understand that if Ingram makes an All-NBA team in the upcoming season, he will become "Supermax"-eligible.
We've seen deals like this happen before, most recently with Jaylen Brown. For example, his whopping five-year contract extension worth an estimated $303.7 million was only on the table because Brown made the All-NBA second team last season, something Ingram will have his sights set on as well.
The one caveat is this: Per the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, players must play a minimum number of games to be eligible for end-of-season awards. Basically, in order to win MVP, DPOY, or All-NBA, a player must appear in at least 65 of the season's 82 games. With that being said, Brandon Ingram has not played in 65 or more games since his rookie season.
Christian Clark of the Times-Picayune reported, "Within the Pelicans organization, there is no anxiety about Ingram waiting until next summer." This makes sense, because BI's attendance and performance correlate to not only a much bigger payday for him, but also a better season for the Pelicans.
The last time Ingram played for a new contract was his first year with the Pelicans during the 2019-20 season. During that time, Ingram averaged 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists and was named an All-Star. Overall, Pelicans fans should expect to see a different Brandon Ingram come opening night.