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NBA looking into 76ers star’s comments that Daryl Morey is a ‘liar,’ per report

The NBA has opened an investigation into the nature of Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden’s public comments about team president Daryl Morey, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne. While on tour in China earlier this week, Harden called Morey a “liar” and said he would “never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”

The goal of the league’s inquiry is to determine whether Harden was suggesting that he would begin a holdout, which is a violation of the collective bargaining agreement, or if he was referencing previous contractual discussions that could be proof of the team circumventing the salary cap.

Harden has reportedly maintained in private that his comments were strictly about Morey deciding to end trade discussions earlier this month and that he’ll report to training camp if necessary. If that is the case, then neither party would be punished, but the investigation is only just underway.

It’s worth noting that the league investigated the Sixers for similar concerns last offseason after Harden signed a team-friendly two-year $68.6 million deal, which allowed them to sign PJ Tucker and Danuel House. The league did not find any proof of a handshake deal that Harden would be taken care of in the future for taking less money, but they did strip the Sixers of two second-round picks for discussing contracts with Tucker and House prior to free agency.

That two-year deal Harden signed included a player option for next season, and it was widely expected that Harden would opt out and enter unrestricted free agency this summer. Instead, he decided to opt in but simultaneously requested a trade. His preferred destination was the Los Angeles Clippers, but the two sides have not been able to work out a deal, which led Morey to pull the plug and instruct Harden to report to camp.

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Harden responded with his comments in China, which took the NBA world by storm. He made further noise upon returning to Houston by saying “I think so” when asked if his relationship with Morey and the Sixers was beyond repair. “I’ve been patient all summer,” Harden said. “For me, it’s just focus on what I can control and getting ready for this season.”

The Sixers will begin training camp on Oct. 3 ahead of a crucial season for the franchise. Whether Harden will be there remains to be seen.

Tee Morant holds son Ja Morant accountable for suspension, says star guard ‘got in trouble for his decisions’

Tee Morant, the father of embattled Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, candidly held his son accountable for the actions that have led to his suspension while speaking to campers at the Up Next Elite Camp in New Orleans. Morant, a two-time NBA All-Star and the league’s 2020 Rookie of the Year, was suspended for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA season after flashing a gun on Instagram Live on two separate occasions.

Speaking to the campers, the elder Morant reminded the young attendees to “be mindful of every decision you make,” using his own son’s example to illustrate his point. Rather than claim that his son got in trouble because of the people he chose to associate himself with, Morant reminded the campers that his son was solely responsible for his actions.

“My son didn’t get in trouble for people around him — he got in trouble for his decisions,” Morant said. “So always be mindful of every decision y’all make, because it can pretty much take over you and consume you and make you think that you’re who you’re not. … I’m just telling y’all, just make the right decisions, alright?”

“My son didn’t get in trouble [because] of the people around him. He got in trouble because of his decisions.”

Tee Morant spoke to kids at the ‘Up Next Elite Camp’ about his son Ja Morant when asked how to handle opinions from others.

(via @relmyers)pic.twitter.com/EzZBK71mFR

— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) August 19, 2023
Morant’s trouble started on March 4, when he brandished a firearm at a Denver nightclub while livestreaming on Instagram following a victory over the Denver Nuggets. 10 weeks later — and after being suspended eight games for his actions — Morant flashed a gun yet again while livestreaming in a car driving through Memphis, leading to him being suspended for 25 games.

Morant will now miss a third of the season and will not be eligible to return until December.

How to watch World Cup warm-up online, TV channel, live stream info, start time, roster

Team USA will conclude its preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Sunday with a friendly against Germany in Abu Dhabi. This is the last of five tune-up games for the Americans, who have so far made easy work of their competition, winning every game by double digits.

They’ll be looking to do the same against Germany, though this figures to be a slightly tougher test than many of their previous contests. Germany is ranked No. 11 in the world by FIBA, and features a number of NBA players, including Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner and Daniel Theis.

Team USA has been in fine form during their preparations for the World Cup, and most recently dispatched a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Greece by 22 points. Anthony Edwards led the way in that game with 21 points, and has now led the Americans in scoring in three of the four friendlies. The Timberwolves star has emerged as the go-to scoring option for this team.

Another encouraging sign for the Americans in the win over Greece was that they shot 11-of-26 from 3-point land. Outside shooting has been an issue during these friendlies, but they finally started to knock down some shots on Friday. Let’s see if they can keep that trend going against Germany.

Prediction
Team USA has had an easy time during these friendlies. Puerto Rico was overmatched, and both Slovenia (Luka Doncic) and Greece (Giannis Antetokounmpo) were missing their star players. Only Spain has truly tested them, but even that resulted in a 10-point win. Germany should provide a challenge somewhere between Spain and Slovenia/Greece. Expect Team USA to win by 12-15 points.

How to watch USA vs. New Zealand, live stream, TV channel, FIBA World Cup dates

Team USA basketball is less than a week away from the official start of the FIBA World Cup and wrapped up its exhibition games on a high note. The Americans fell behind against Germany early on Saturday, but Anthony Edwards helped power them to an impressive comeback win with some dynamic scoring down the stretch. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard poured in a game-high 34 points on 11-of-21 shooting. Team USA’s offense erupted for an 18-0 run in the fourth quarter to secure a 99-91 victory.

Edwards wasn’t the only player showing up late on offense. Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves scored 16 points apiece. While Germany’s Franz Wagner scored 17 and Dennis Schroder notched a 16-point double-double with 10 assists, Jaren Jackson Jr. was a major deterrent around the rim with six rejections. Team USA has overcome its greatest test yet ahead of its first official matchup of the tournament against New Zealand on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Here’s everything you need to know about Team USA’s upcoming schedule.

Anthony Edwards’ 34 points help Americans survive major scare in final World Cup tune-up

Team USA survived a major scare on Sunday in their final tune-up ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. After trailing by as much as 16 in the second half of their friendly against Germany in Abu Dhabi, Team USA closed on a dominant 22-5 run to secure a 99-91 victory and finish this warm-up series with a perfect 5-0 record.

After generally cruising through their first four exhibitions, Team USA looked a bit sluggish and out of sync early on. The offense, often forced to play in the halfcourt, was stagnant, Dennis Schroder was doing whatever he wanted and Germany was shooting the ball well from downtown.

The Germans took control late in the second quarter and pushed their lead to as much as 16 late in the third after a bucket by Johannes Voigtmann. That high point was short-lived, however, as Tyrese Haliburton and Austin Reaves led a big American run to cut the deficit down to four heading into the fourth.

Then, it was Anthony Edwards time. The rising star for the Minnesota Timberwolves scored 14 of his game-high 34 points in the fourth quarter, matching the Germans’ total as a team by himself. His 3-pointer with 5:18 to play tied the game, and his free throws and mid-range jumper a few minutes later essentially sealed the win.

Edwards’ brilliant performance on Sunday further solidified his status as Team USA’s best player. As head coach Steve Kerr put it during his post-game press conference, “he’s, unquestionably, the guy.” Edwards led the team in scoring in four of the five friendlies, and averaged 18.8 points.

Team USA has been drawn into Group C for the World Cup, along with Greece, Jordan and New Zealand, and will begin play on Aug. 26 in Manila, Philippines — the site of all three of their group stage games. They must finish in the top two in their group to advance to the second round of the tournament.

As with any major international tournament, there is major pressure on the Americans to win the gold medal, but it is even greater this summer because of their poor showing in the last World Cup. Back in 2019 in China, the Americans limped to a seventh-place finish, their worst-ever showing in the event and the first time without a medal since 2002. Team USA last won the World Cup in 2014 and is tied with Yugoslavia for the most titles all-time with five.