Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard among Hall of Fame inductees
Sun Sep 7 12:43am ET
Field Level Media
Former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, along with former women's star Sue Bird, highlighted a decorated group inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Springfield, Mass.
Women's stars Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles, head coach Billy Donovan, Miami Heat owner Micky Arison, referee Danny Crawford and the 2008 U.S. Olympic men's team also were inducted.
Anthony and Howard were members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.
The class was announced in April at the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio.
Anthony ranks 10th in NBA history with 28,289 career points and was a 10-time All-Star. He won three Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012, 2016), led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA title and was named to the NBA's 75th anniversary team in 2021.
"Pardon my language, but damn," an emotional Anthony said during his induction speech. "Tonight, I just don't step into the Hall of Fame, I carry the echoes of every voice that ever told me I couldn't. ... I had to build a new road. I had to write a new ending."
Howard, who was elected as a first-ballot member, was a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2009-11) and eight-time All-Star. He ranks 10th in NBA history with 14,627 career rebounds and 13th with 2,228 blocked shots.
"My mother lost seven children (in miscarriages), and He allowed me to bring sunshine into her life," Howard said. "I'm just honored to stand in front of you as one of the greatest basketball players ever."
Bird won five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020), four WNBA titles and two college crowns at UConn. She was a 13-time WNBA All-Star and holds the league's career assists record of 3,234.
Donovan coaches the Chicago Bulls after previously leading the Oklahoma City Thunder and has 434 regular-season victories following a victory Friday. He also led Florida to back-to-back NCAA titles (2006, 2007) while accumulating 502 college wins.
The 2008 U.S. Olympic team went 8-0 while winning the gold medal and prevailed by an average of 27.9 points. The co-captains were Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and Dwyane Wade, while other members included LeBron James, Chris Paul as well as Anthony and Howard.
Moore led the Minnesota Lynx to four WNBA titles (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and won two NCAA titles at UConn and picked up two Olympic gold medals.
"Figure out what motivates you every day you get out of bed," said Moore, who has focused on social justice issues since retiring before the 2019 season. "I want to challenge you up-and-comers, every day to seek out joy and connection."
Fowles won four Olympic gold medals, retired as the WNBA's leading rebounder (4,006) before being passed and was an eight-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA champion.
Arison has owned the Miami Heat since 1995 and presided over three titles (2006, 2012, 2013).
Crawford was an NBA referee from 1985-2017 and officiated in over 2,000 regular-season games and 300 playoff games, including the NBA Finals in 23 consecutive seasons.
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Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks after recently returning from a four-game absence due to the same issue. If he sits, Ryan Rollins could continue seeing an elevated role after posting 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in 33 minutes off the bench last game, making him a strong fantasy option and a viable hold as the fantasy season winds down. AJ Green and Cam Thomas could also see more time, though both remain risky options due to inconsistent roles.
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will miss Saturday's game against the Clippers, marking his second straight absence due to the injury. With Russell Westbrook back in the lineup, Killian Hayes is expected to handle backup point guard duties, though his fantasy appeal remains limited to low-end assists and occasional steals in a reserve role. Carter being out could help Malik Monk (ankle) hold steady minutes if he's able to suit up. With most fantasy playoffs underway and the season winding down, Carter is becoming a tougher hold outside of deeper formats.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) is off the injury report and expected to return Saturday against the Clippers after missing one game. The veteran is likely to reclaim starting point guard duties, which should send Killian Hayes back to a reserve role after he filled in during Westbrook's absence. Westbrook remains a strong fantasy option when active, averaging 17.6 points, 8.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over five March appearances in nearly 30 minutes per game. His return should slightly reduce DeMar DeRozan's secondary ballhandling while lowering Hayes' short-term streaming appeal.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the 76ers and appears likely to miss a second straight contest. His absence should continue to open minutes for Danny Wolf, who started last game and posted eight points, eight rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes, making him a safer deep-league streamer with Brooklyn thin up front. Josh Minott broke out for 24 points with four triples, three steals, and three blocks in 24 minutes, but his inconsistent role still makes him a risky fantasy play. Noah Clowney could also see a slight usage bump.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards after missing one game with a right knee contusion. The veteran is expected to resume his starting role, likely sending Payton Pritchard back to the bench after filling in the last game. White has been a reliable fantasy contributor when available, averaging 21.4 points, 2.4 three-pointers, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his last five outings in 34 minutes per game. His return should help settle Boston's guard rotation, with Payton Pritchard going back to his usual bench scoring role while Jaylen Brown takes on a bit less playmaking.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (rest) will sit out Saturday's matchup against the 76ers for routine maintenance, with the expectation he returns Monday against Portland. Danny Wolf is positioned to handle most of the center minutes after starting the previous game, where he posted eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 28 minutes. With Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) already ruled out for the season, Wolf could remain a deep-league streaming option for rebounds and modest all-around production. Noah Clowney and Josh Minott may also see slight workload increases in Brooklyn's thin frontcourt rotation.
Utah Jazz guard/forward Ace Bailey (concussion) did not return in Friday's loss to the Trail Blazers after experiencing symptoms following an early exit. The rookie logged just seven minutes, finishing with eight points on perfect shooting, plus one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block. If Bailey misses time, Utah may lean more on EJ Harkless and Andersson Garcia, though both remain risky deep-league streamers after modest production in expanded runs. Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski could also see slight usage bumps as the Jazz continue prioritizing youth development amid multiple rotation injuries.
Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 108-119 loss to the Clippers on Friday, Mar. 13.
Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 42 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a 127-117 win over Golden State on Friday, Mar. 13.
Utah's F Brice Sensabaugh scored 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting in a 114-124 loss to Portland on Friday, Mar. 13. Sensabaugh is owned in only 24.1% leagues.
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks as the team manages his workload during the first leg of a back-to-back. If the former MVP sits, Bobby Portis could take on a larger scoring role and profiles as a strong streaming option after posting 19 points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 26 minutes last game. Jericho Sims could also see extra minutes, though he is more of a fringe option unless you are in deeper formats.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) will be re-evaluated in two weeks as he continues recovering from an ankle injury that has already cost him multiple games. With Sacramento out of the playoff race, Murray does not appear close to a return. He is becoming a difficult hold with the fantasy season nearing its final stretch. Precious Achiuwa has stepped into a larger role, posting 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes in his last start, while Daeqwon Plowden added 13 points with three 3-pointers off the bench. Achiuwa is the priority target on waivers, while Plowden may also see enough run to warrant deep league attention.
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers after sitting out one contest for injury management. The veteran forward is still working his way back after a long layoff, so some inconsistency is expected. Gordon showed upside on March 9 with 23 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 29 minutes but followed with a quieter 23-minute outing two days later. He remains a hold in most formats, though expectations may need to be tempered in the short term. His return should push Spencer Jones back to a smaller bench role.
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (ankle) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Lakers after dealing with a minor left ankle issue earlier this month, though it has not forced him to miss time. The veteran guard remains a must-start fantasy option while healthy, averaging 26.0 points, 2.2 three-pointers, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over his last five games. Murray logged 40 minutes with seven assists and a steal in his last outing. His presence keeps the rotation intact, with Nikola Jokic leading the offense and Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) filling secondary roles.
Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (leg) will remain on the sideline ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. This marks the third game in a row that Sexton has missed with a leg injury. Fantasy managers should consider Sexton questionable ahead of Monday's matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. The absence of Sexton should mean that Rob Dillingham continues to see increased run in the rotation. He finished with 12 points, seven assists, and five rebounds across 29 minutes of action on Thursday. Outside of that performance, Dillingham has mostly been a dud lately. He'll be a possible deep league option while Sexton is out.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Utah Jazz. This appears to be a maintenance day for Williams, but he should be back for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. In his absence, Yang Hansen and Sidy Cissoko should see an increased look in the rotation. Neither player figures to do enough damage as the backup center to be worthy of streaming for Friday's slate.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Bulls have decided to take the cautious approach and rest Smith in the second leg of this back-to-back set. Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards should see a bump in playing time without Smith available. Between the two, Richards is the better streaming choice ahead of Friday's slate. Richards has been posting consistent numbers and is worthy of a look in at least deep leagues.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (groin) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Melton is back after missing Tuesday's game due to injury. His return to the rotation should shift Will Richard back to the second unit. This season, Melton is averaging 13.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 22.5 minutes per game. He does enough on the court to warrant a look in deep leagues. He has scored 20 points or more in four of his last six games. Fantasy managers might want to consider streaming Melton while he's hot.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (back) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Green was a late addition to the injury report and will now officially miss Friday's contest. Al Horford is already starting, so Will Richard figures to draw the start in place of Green. Richard was expected to head to the bench with De'Anthony Melton (groin) returning. Instead, Richard likely plays a bigger role with Green unavailable on Friday. Richard should do enough on the court to warrant a look in deep leagues.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Edwards will shed the questionable tag and officially suit up for Friday's game. Edwards is dealing with right knee soreness, but it's not significant enough to keep him out of action. Over the last six games, Edwards is averaging 28.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across 34.7 minutes per game. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Edwards is in there ahead of tip-off.
