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Brandon Marcus
Fans React to Thursday’s Chet Holmgren News
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/fans-react-to-thursdays-chet-holmgren-news/
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder’s big man is finally back.
On Thursday, Bleacher Report stated that Chet Holmgren of the Thunder is set to return on Friday after being sidelined with an injury since November.
The Thunder were already great, but they could get even better with the triumphant return of Holmgren.
Right away, fans jumped online to share their excitement and get pumped for Friday’s game and beyond.
Chet Holmgren is set to return tomorrow after being sidelined since November with injury
The No. 1 seed gets back their leading big manpic.twitter.com/Hu2dmuVoKV
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 6, 2025
Many people just wanted to share their joy and welcome Holmgren back.
He is returning to an OKC team that is the best in the West with a 40-9 record.
As great as they are, they could be even more productive with Holmgren.
He was averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game before he was hurt in November.
“Huge boost of OKC!” one fan said, and it’s hard to argue with that.
The rest of the league is surely frightened by the concept of one of the NBA’s best teams reaching another level for the second half of the season.
The Thunder have had some injury problems, so many people are elated to see them get healthier, with plenty of time to go before the playoffs begin.
“OKC just got even scarier,” someone online said, and that is definitely true.
The Thunder have been one of the most exciting teams in the league all year, and many people think they have what it takes to go all the way to the Finals this year.
With Holmgren back in the mix, their chances have just improved in a big way.
Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors will be one to watch, and everyone will be paying close attention to what Holmgren does.
The post Fans React to Thursday’s Chet Holmgren News appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/fans-react-to-thursdays-chet-holmgren-news/
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Brandon Marcus
Chet Holmgren Releases Hype Video Ahead Of His Return
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/chet-holmgren-releases-hype-video-ahead-of-his-return/
(Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
We haven’t seen Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder play basketball in months, but he will be back soon.
In fact, Holmgren’s return is imminent, and he released a video to hype up the fans.
Clemente Almanza shared the video on X, and it featured clips of Holmgren preparing for his return, practicing on the court, and working through the rehabilitation process.
Holmgren only played in 10 games this season before being taken out with a hip problem.
During those 10 games, he averaged 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds on 50.5 percent from the field.
The good news for Thunder fans is that OKC has been incredible even without Holmgren.
They remain the top seed in the West with a 40-9 record and are far ahead of the second-place Memphis Grizzlies, who sit at 35-16.
The Thunder have gotten by just fine without him but they are ready for Holmgren to be back.
With him in the rotation again, they can improve their standing in the West even more and be a fully-formed unit.
They are clear favorites in their conference, and that will be even more true with Holmgren back in the mix.
Holmgren is no stranger to injury, sadly, so people are hoping this is the last time he is taken out of the game for so long.
He missed his whole rookie season but his first full year on the court was amazing and he came in second place for Rookie of the Year, behind only Victor Wembanyama.
Now he is ready to get his second season back on track and remind the world how special he is.
The post Chet Holmgren Releases Hype Video Ahead Of His Return appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/chet-holmgren-releases-hype-video-ahead-of-his-return/
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Ernesto Cova
Thunder Get Encouraging Injury Sign From Chet Holmgren
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/thunder-get-encouraging-injury-sign-from-chet-holmgren/
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best record in the Western Conference and the second-best record in the NBA.
Some might argue that they’re the best team overall.
To make it even more impressive, they’ve done it without Chet Holmgren, who has missed most of the 2024-25 NBA season with a hip injury.
Though he’s expected to remain out for the next couple of weeks, he was recently spotted at their shootaround.
As shown in a clip shared by Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire on X, the star big man is working his way back.
Holmgren is an elite defensive player who also can stretch the floor with his shooting.
He’s also a much better passer than the average big man, and he gives the Thunder another switchable threat.
The team seems well-equipped to compete against any opponent in the league, and getting Holmgren back will be huge for them.
There have always been injury concerns about Holmgren, especially after he missed his entire rookie season.
That’s why the Thunder will likely look to play it safe and err on the side of caution.
They won’t rush him back to the court, especially given how well they’ve fared in his absence.
But once they’re at full strength, it will be very difficult to think of a team that could legitimately stand a chance to defeat them in a seven-game series.
They’re just too versatile and athletic and have too many resources on both ends of the court.
The post Thunder Get Encouraging Injury Sign From Chet Holmgren appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/thunder-get-encouraging-injury-sign-from-chet-holmgren/
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Brandon Marcus
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Leading The NBA In 2 Impressive Categories
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-is-leading-the-nba-in-2-impressive-categories/
(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Oklahoma City Thunder are having their best season in years and might be on their way to a strong playoff run or even winning the Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been sensational and is leading his team expertly.
He’s also leading the league in a couple of ways.
According to Hoop Central, Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA in total points as well as points per game so far this season.
This is just more evidence of Gilgeous-Alexander being one of the best players in the league and a frontrunner for MVP.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA in total points and points per game so far this season, per @nbastats.
MVP?pic.twitter.com/1ops1clQde
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 28, 2025
The 26-year-old star is averaging 32.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game this season, shooting 52.8 percent from the field.
He has been great for years now and was a runner-up for MVP last year but now he is the odds-on favorite to win it all, beating others like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and more.
It’s hard to argue against Gilgeous-Alexander being the Most Valuable Player when he is regularly posting such strong numbers.
Led by him, the Thunder are the best team in the Western Conference with a 37-8 record.
That’s far ahead of the second-place Houston Rockets, who are 31-14.
He isn’t the only powerful player for OKC, but he is definitely their most valuable.
In a few months, he may be the league’s most valuable star too.
But the thing that matters most to Gilgeous-Alexander is that he and his team go all the way to the Finals this year.
They have been one of the most talked-about teams in the league for multiple seasons, but now fans are ready for them to take the next step and finally earn a title.
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Is Leading The NBA In 2 Impressive Categories appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-is-leading-the-nba-in-2-impressive-categories/
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Brandon Marcus
Paul Pierce Proposes Blockbuster Suns, Thunder Trade
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/paul-pierce-proposes-blockbuster-suns-thunder-trade/
(Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been on fire this season and are currently the best team in the Western Conference.
But some people still feel they should create a big trade before the deadline.
Paul Pierce is one of those people and proposed a wild, hard-to-believe trade while speaking with All The Smoke Productions.
Pierce said the Thunder should let go of big man Chet Holmgren in return for Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, a move that would shock the NBA and create a massive response from fans.
The chance of this happening is very slim, and the Thunder want to hold onto Holmgren, who was averaging 16.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game before he was injured in November.
Holmgren was in the running for Rookie of the Year last season and is seen as someone who could have a historic career.
Durant is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best players in the world.
Plus, he used to play for the Thunder years ago, and bringing him back would be massive for the organization.
At the same time, losing Holmgren would hurt, possibly too much.
As great as Durant is, and even with his history with OKC, the team will probably not even consider a trade like this.
The post Paul Pierce Proposes Blockbuster Suns, Thunder Trade appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/paul-pierce-proposes-blockbuster-suns-thunder-trade/
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Brandon Marcus
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals His Thoughts On Being Named All-Star Starter
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gi...his-thoughts-on-being-named-all-star-starter/
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Things have been going very well for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and he received more good news on Thursday.
It was announced that Gilgeous-Alexander would be a starter in next month’s All-Star Game, a huge privilege that underlines his importance in the league.
Speaking to the press about this accomplishment, the Thunder star said it is “an honor to know that my hard work is paying off.”
He thanked his coaches and teammates for the opportunity to shine brightly this year and looks ready to represent the league in next month’s game.
"It's an honor to know that all my hard work is paying off."
SGA on being named an #NBAAllStar Starterpic.twitter.com/8h4LDDjkxu
— NBA (@NBA) January 24, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander deserves every bit of praise he is receiving in 2024-25.
He is averaging 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game with a field goal percentage of 52.9 percent.
Gilgeous-Alexander has been playing lights-out basketball since the start of the season and is leading the best team in the West to new heights.
He is the face of the Thunder and, to many, the future of the NBA.
It only makes sense that he is now an All-Star starter too.
Gilgeous-Alexander might not only be an All-Star starter this year, but he may also be MVP.
He is now the frontrunner to be named Most Valuable Player and if he continues to post these huge numbers, he might win that prize in a few months.
If Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP, he will be the first Canadian to earn that distinction since Steve Nash.
This will be further proof of how far he’s come and how impactful he is.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having his best season yet, and he is rightfully being talked about in every corner of the basketball world.
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Reveals His Thoughts On Being Named All-Star Starter appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gi...his-thoughts-on-being-named-all-star-starter/
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Analyst Reveals Biggest Question In NBA Heading Into All-Star Break
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/analyst-reveals-biggest-question-in-nba-heading-into-all-star-break/
(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Across the NBA, the All-Star break is about to start, and while it is an opportunity for those participating in the weekend’s festivities to strut their stuff, for most players, it means getting about a week off, resting, recharging and preparing for the stretch run.
There were several big trades made across the league prior to last week’s trade deadline, and while at least one of those trades could change the landscape of the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain far and away the best team in the West.
ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike said that the biggest question going into the All-Star break is whether the West is the Thunder’s to win or if the West will be up for grabs.
"Will the Thunder win the West? Or will the West remain wild?" @chiney's biggest question headed into the All-Star breakpic.twitter.com/gbZ2msFTys
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 12, 2025
The Thunder came into Wednesday with a 43-9 record, which is the best record in the NBA and puts them 7.5 games ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies, who are in second place in the West.
They may not have the most talented roster in the league, but they do rank sixth in offensive rating, fourth in points per game and first in defensive rating.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their franchise player, is leading everyone with 32.6 points a game and seems to be the favorite to win this season’s MVP award, and third-year forward Jalen Williams seems to be blossoming into a star.
After Oklahoma City, there seem to be a number of teams that have a real shot at reaching the Western Conference Finals, and perhaps the only question surrounding Oklahoma City is whether their young roster is ready to win it all.
The post Analyst Reveals Biggest Question In NBA Heading Into All-Star Break appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/analyst-reveals-biggest-question-in-nba-heading-into-all-star-break/
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Impressive Scoring Streak This Season
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-has-impressive-scoring-streak-this-season/
(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder were looking at a defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, but then Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took control and reminded the world why he’s the frontrunner or MVP.
He posted 32 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in the game and helped the Thunder score a 115-101 win.
According to the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander has scored 25+ points in 22 straight games now.
That is the longest streak in the NBA this season, and Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed his own longest streak of 19 in a row from earlier this year.
Making this record more impressive is the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander has not reached 25 points in just five out of 52 games in 2024-25.
His record for the season now sits at 32.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, and he is shooting 52.7 percent from the field.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have now won seven games in a row and remain the top team in the Western Conference.
Gilgeous-Alexander is constantly talked about as the leading candidate for this year’s MVP, and it’s hard to argue against that point when he is scoring so well night after night.
Unless something surprising happens, he will likely earn his first Most Valuable Player trophy at the end of the regular season.
But his team will also remain the most feared team in their conference as long as Gilgeous-Alexander plays like this.
It’s not just the numbers that are so remarkable; it is his consistency.
Scoring this much is always impressive, but doing it night after night makes it all the more special and noteworthy.
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Has Impressive Scoring Streak This Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-has-impressive-scoring-streak-this-season/
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Brian Windhorst Doesn’t Understand The Doubt About 1 NBA Team
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/brian-windhorst-doesnt-understand-the-doubt-about-1-nba-team/
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
With a 44-10 record, the Oklahoma City Thunder are currently favorites to win the Western Conference, and a lot of people think they have a very good shot at claiming a title.
But despite that record and their success, some people don’t think they have what it takes to go all the way.
Speaking on “Get Up” on Friday, Brian Windhorst addressed these worries and questions about the Thunder.
He made it clear that he doesn’t understand the doubt about OKC, stating that they are one of the best defensive teams in the league.
They are great shooters, of course, but they are a lot more than that.
When some people air their worries about the Thunder, they say that the team’s defense is lacking.
Windhorst doesn’t think so and believes that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best two-way guards in the league and he’s not even the greatest defender in Oklahoma City.
He agrees that they have had some problems but that is true for all teams, even those that eventually win a championship.
The Thunder are young and rather inexperienced in the playoffs, which is another thing people hold against them.
But no one can deny the great season they are having and their impressive number of wins.
Is that enough to take them to a championship?
It’s not clear, but Windhorst says that anyone counting them out is making a major mistake they may regret in a few months when the season comes to an end.
The post Brian Windhorst Doesn’t Understand The Doubt About 1 NBA Team appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/brian-windhorst-doesnt-understand-the-doubt-about-1-nba-team/
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There Is A New Favorite To Win The NBA Finals
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/there-is-a-new-favorite-to-win-the-nba-finals/
(Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
A lot can change between now and the postseason but there is a new favorite to win the NBA Finals.
According to Polymarket Sports, via Legion Hoops, the Oklahoma City Thunder are now the favorites to win the Finals this year.
They have a 26 percent chance of winning a championship, slightly ahead of the Boston Celtics, who have 24 percent.
Following those two are the Cleveland Cavaliers with 11.3 percent and the New York Knicks, who hold a six percent chance of claiming a title.
Nothing is guaranteed, but the Thunder obviously have a great shot of winning it all this year.
The Thunder have a 35-7 record right now, making them the best team in the Western Conference, ahead of the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies.
Over in the East, the Cavaliers have a 36-6 record and are 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Boston Celtics.
The Thunder have been considered the best team in the league all season, even though the Cavaliers have been doing incredible things in their conference.
Despite all their success, some people feel the Cavs just don’t have enough postseason experience to make a mark in the playoffs and win a title.
That is also why the Celtics are ahead of Cleveland with Polymarket, even though their record is worse.
When it comes to winning the Finals, analysts and fans put a lot of emphasis on postseason experience.
These four teams are getting the most attention, but no one should disregard other squads such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Rockets, Nuggets, and more.
Just because the Thunder have the best odds of becoming champions doesn’t mean the Larry O’Brien Trophy will be theirs.
The post There Is A New Favorite To Win The NBA Finals appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/there-is-a-new-favorite-to-win-the-nba-finals/
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Bill Simmons Proposes Wild Trade Idea For Thunder
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/bill-simmons-proposes-wild-trade-idea-for-thunder/
(Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder are considered the gold standard in the NBA when it comes to rebuilding teams.
The Thunder aren’t only the favorites to come out of the Western Conference, but they are also set up well to contend for the next decade.
Oklahoma City not only nailed blockbuster deals like sending Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but they also hit on important draft picks like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
With their young trio of stars and veteran role players, the Thunder’s outlook is bright and it’s hard to imagine other teams being able to compete.
To strengthen their position further, general manager Sam Presti has amassed a treasure trove of draft picks he can use to either replenish the roster or put together a deal for an impact player.
Bill Simmons wondered if Oklahoma City would even consider moving a good chunk of their draft capital for the No. 1 overall pick and the chance to draft Duke’s Cooper Flagg via The Ringer.
Bill Simmons thinks the Thunder should trade eight first-round picks for Cooper Flagg
(@ringer )
pic.twitter.com/TkykVuIApd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 15, 2025
Flagg is the consensus first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft because of his size, mobility, athleticism and scoring ability, so it’s a scary thought to add him to Oklahoma City’s current group.
The Thunder might want to chase after complementary pieces, but Simmons might be onto something.
The post Bill Simmons Proposes Wild Trade Idea For Thunder appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/bill-simmons-proposes-wild-trade-idea-for-thunder/
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Notable Move With His Representation
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-makes-notable-move-with-his-representation/
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the best record in the NBA right now.
As such, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the MVP race.
The Canadian combo guard is posting Michael Jordan-esque numbers on both ends of the floor.
He’s an absolute pest on defense and the league’s leading scorer, a combination we hadn’t seen in a very, very long time.
With that in mind, he’s looking to maximize his opportunities, and he knows no one will look out for his best interests as much as himself.
That’s why, according to a report by Chris B. Haynes (via Bleacher Report), he’s chosen to part ways with his representation, and he’ll now serve as his own agent.
This may raise some concerns among Thunder fans.
Usually, players fire their agents because they are not happy with their current situation with the team.
Nevertheless, there’s no need to worry about that.
Gilgeous-Alexander has embraced the fan base and the community, and he’s been quite vocal about his desire to stay with the organization.
He has two more years left in his contract, and the Thunder will most definitely make him a very lucrative offer as soon as he’s eligible for another extension.
Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the faces of Converse and just got his new signature deal, and being a diehard fashion enthusiast, he likely is looking to get more endorsement opportunities outside of basketball.
This is a bold move by any athlete, but if he is as savvy off the court as he is on it, he will be just fine.
The post Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Notable Move With His Representation appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/shai-gilgeous-alexander-makes-notable-move-with-his-representation/
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Stephen A. Smith Says Thunder Should Trade For 1 NBA Superstar
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-says-thunder-should-trade-for-1-nba-superstar/
(Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images)
Trade speculation continues to follow Kevin Durant, even after the Phoenix Suns kept the superstar forward through the deadline.
With the Suns struggling and their playoff hopes dimming, discussions about a potential summer shake-up have intensified, leading to intriguing possibilities for Durant’s future.
ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith recently highlighted one compelling destination.
Durant’s history with Oklahoma City adds layers of intrigue to this possibility.
Selected No. 2 in the 2007 NBA Draft, following the franchise relocation he rapidly emerged as the Thunder’s cornerstone, guiding the team to the 2012 NBA Finals and earning NBA MVP honors in 2014.
The 2016 season marked a turning point when Oklahoma City came agonizingly close to another NBA Finals appearance, only to lose to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.
What followed still resonates in NBA circles, with Durant’s shocking decision to join the Warriors resulting in two championships and leaving a complicated legacy in Oklahoma City.
Now, nearly a decade later, the prospect of Durant returning to complete unfinished business with the Thunder has evolved from unthinkable to surprisingly plausible, offering a potential full-circle moment in his storied career.
The post Stephen A. Smith Says Thunder Should Trade For 1 NBA Superstar appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stephen-a-smith-says-thunder-should-trade-for-1-nba-superstar/
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Lu Dort Believes He Deserves To Win NBA Award
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lu-dort-believes-he-deserves-to-win-nba-award/
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Now that Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is out of the running, multiple NBA stars are in contention for Defensive Player of the Year.
Lu Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder believes he has what it takes to earn the coveted end-of-year prize and spoke about it on the “Open Floor” podcast.
Dort has been on a roll this year.
Nicknamed the “Dorture Chamber,” he has made life very hard for many opponents, no matter their size or position.
This season, he is averaging 9.9 points and 4.2 rebounds.
It’s been a long journey for Dort and the rest of his team.
Back in 2019, he went undrafted and his future looked very unclear, but then he worked his way through the G-League and eventually found a spot on the Thunder roster.
Right away, he made an impact with the Thunder and earned his place in the starting five.
Now Dort is seen as one of the most competitive and intense defenders in the NBA, and it wouldn’t be remotely surprising if he won DPOY, especially now that Wembanyama is out.
Much like Dort, the Thunder have slowly but surely climbed up in contention and are now feared by everyone else in the league.
Dort might win Defensive Player of the Year and the Thunder could become champions soon.
The post Lu Dort Believes He Deserves To Win NBA Award appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/lu-dort-believes-he-deserves-to-win-nba-award/