Ja Morant made a bold statement on the court as he sported WNBA-inspired Nike Ja 1s during a decisive win against the Spurs. The eye-catching sneakers, featuring vibrant colors and intricate details paying homage to the Women’s National Basketball Association, reflected Morant’s support for women’s basketball and his commitment to inclusivity and equality in sports.

As Morant showcased his electrifying skills in the stylish kicks, he not only elevated his performance but also raised awareness for the WNBA and its talented athletes. With his choice of footwear, Morant exemplified his dedication to using his platform to promote social causes and celebrate diversity, inspiring fans both on and off the court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is said that when Team USA plays in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Celtics supporters will be able to support certain well-known players.

USA Basketball has selected 11 players for its 12-man roster for the Summer Games, according to a report published by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday. Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, teammates of the Boston Celtics, are among the players who have been selected.

The 11 athletes who, according to reports, deserve a position on Team USA are as follows:

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

This summer, Team USA, led by Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors, will attempt to win an Olympic gold medal for the sixth time in a row.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Summer Olympics were held in Japan a year later, when Tatum and Holiday both took home gold medals with Team USA.

Tatum has once again led the top-seeded Celtics to victory in 2023–24 with an outstanding season. The 26-year-old forward shot 47.1 percent from the floor and averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game.

Holiday’s scoring (12.5 points per game) has decreased in his first season with Boston, but Team USA’s stated choice to bring the seasoned point guard back was probably influenced by his playmaking poise, defensive prowess, and 3-point shooting ability.

Team USA still has one roster spot open, and Kerr and his staff have plenty of good choices to choose from. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White were two more Celtics from the first group of 41 players that Team USA looked at for roster berths.

Admire the couple Rihanna and A$AP Rocky back in 1997

In 1997, two future icons were on the cusp of their remarkable journeys: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Little did the world know then that these two would rise to become titans in the realms of music, fashion, and culture.

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Barbados, was just a teenager navigating her way through life’s twists and turns. Meanwhile, Rakim Mayers, later known as A$AP Rocky, was a young boy growing up in Harlem, New York, with dreams as big as the city itself.

Fast forward to the present day, and both Rihanna and A$AP Rocky stand as symbols of creativity, individuality, and boundary-breаking artistry. Rihanna has become a global superstar, not only dominating the music charts but also making waves in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and philanthropy. From her chart-topping hits like “Umbrella” to her groundbreaking makeup line, Fenty Beauty, Rihanna has continuously pushed the envelope, redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate talent.

Similarly, A$AP Rocky has solidified his place as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. With his unique blend of fashion-forward style and introspective lyricism, he has captivated audiences around the world. His albums, such as “Long. Live. A$AP” and “Testing,” have garnered critical acclaim, showcasing his versatility and artistry.

But perhaps what makes Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s present even more intriguing is their recent reconnection. After years of friendship and collaboration, rumors of a romantic relationship began to swirl, captivating fans and media alike. Whether walking the red carpet together or collaborating on music videos, their chemistry is undeniable, sparking excitement among fans eager to see where this journey will take them next.

As Rihanna and A$AP Rocky continue to evolve and innovate, one thing remаins certain: their impact on music, fashion, and culture will resonate for years to come. From their humble beginnings in 1997 to their present-day reign as cultural icons, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have proven that greatness knows no bounds.

The Boston Celtics were playing a run of meaningless games after winning the NBA’s best record when we last checked in on them.

A supporting actor had a fantastic chance to take the lead while the headliners were sleeping. Payton Pritchard enters the picture at this point.

Let’s take a moment to applaud the Celtics for a regular season performance that will go down in history before we give Pritchard our due.

After defeating the Washington Wizards 132-122 on Sunday, they finished the 2023–24 season with 64–18, the fourth-best record in team history.

Radio play-by-play commentator Sean Grande couldn’t fit all of their accomplishments in a post on the website formerly known as Twitter because their list was so long. To be thorough, he had to link to an additional paper instead.

Although the starters were using these final games as a victory lap, Pritchard had the opportunity to make an impression on head coach Joe Mazzulla.

He scored a career-high 31 points against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. The next game, against Washington, he went even higher, scoring 38 points and falling just shy of a triple-double by a few rebounds.

Rewind to the previous year, when there were rumors that Pritchard was seeking a change of pace after seeing his playing time decline.

Rather, the Celtics persuaded him to agree to a $30 million, four-year contract, presumably highlighting the fact that he wouldn’t likely find a better chance to compete for a title.

Pritchard proved to be one of the Celtics’ most important off-the-bench weapons, rewarding their faith. Pritchard, by himself among his teammates, averaged a career-high 22.3 minutes per game while participating in all 82 games this season.

When Jrue Holiday stated last week that Joe Mazzulla will likely put the Celtics through some “crazy ass drills” to keep them sharp during the week off before the playoffs, it appeared as though he was kidding.

Perhaps he was serious.

With a week off and no word on their first-round opponent, the Celtics’ practice session on Tuesday at the Auerbach Center was tough.

Al Horford remarked, “Probably harder than any training camp practice we had.” Simply put, a fast pace. It produced a lot.

That was intentional. The exercise continued for at least two hours and could be clearly heard behind closed doors, but it was not open to the media. To replicate the ambiance of a game, in-arena music played nonstop and crowd noise was pumped in. Moving without the ball and toughness drills were part of the session, according to Derrick White.

Mazzulla hoped to create a new benchmark with a playoff run that should extend into June.

Mazzulla remarked, “That’s what today is, a training camp for the playoffs.” “Everyone starts over; you have to reestablish the routines and the things you have worked so hard to build over the year. Don’t underestimate them, though, at the same time. In my opinion, the lads performed admirably, both mentally and physically, on a day such as today.

“Today feels like the first day of a journey, no matter how long it is.”

Game 1 of the first round on Sunday will mark the beginning of the first chapter, but the Celtics won’t find out who their opponent is until Friday night. On Wednesday, the 76ers take on the Heat for the seventh seed. To determine the No. 8 seed, who will play the Celtics, the loser will play the winner of the Bulls-Hawks game on Wednesday on Friday.

The Celtics’ only real option up to that point is to improve themselves.

“I believe it’s as straightforward as saying it’s the same as the regular season, no matter who you play in the playoffs,” Mazzulla stated. It all boils down to the playing field’s margins, style, and system. That’s the truth of the matter. We will thus focus on improving as a team and how we can keep cutting the margins on both sides of the court between now and Friday. And realize that while the playoffs receive more attention, winning a basketball game requires the same skills.

White after that?

Brad Stevens saw a selfless player who will do at nothing to win another title the day Holiday arrived in Boston following his unexpected trade on the eve of training camp. He’s shown to be a fantastic fit and an easy choice to keep on a loaded team that has multiple All-Stars, as the Celtics locked him into a four-year agreement last week.

According to Stevens, “Jrue came here, joined our team, and all he tried to do was add to winning.” Furthermore, that never even came into play for a player with his level of accomplishment, who is accustomed to higher usage, repetitions, touches, and all those other things. What sort of a teammate am I being and can I help us win? was all that mattered.

“Jrue has really impressed me, and I believe that when you consider a group’s long-term needs, it is evident that you need individuals who can play on both ends of the court and excellent players. However, you also want role models for the younger players, and he is someone they should and most definitely do look up to.

Four of the Celtics’ five starters are guaranteed long terms: Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Holiday have all previously signed extensions. Jayson Tatum is also expected to receive the supermax this summer. Therefore, White, whose contract has one year left on it, will be the next person up for an extension. The C’s undoubtedly want to preserve as much of this championship-caliber core as they can, but extending White will come at an even higher cost.

Stevens remarked, “I can’t talk about much with things that we’re not allowed to discuss until July 1.” “Derrick’s year has been incredible. We want Derrick to be a part of our team for as long as possible because he is an absolutely essential member.

Griffin ends his career

Blake Griffin, who played his final 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics in 2022–2023—officially announced his retirement from basketball on Tuesday. Despite the efforts of his old comrades to entice him back, he never returned.

After six All-Star games and five choices to the All-NBA, Griffin, the No. 1 pick in 2009, inked a contract with the Celtics during training camp the previous season. However, the 34-year-old accepted a lower position because he knew that his best years were behind him. In the Celtics locker room, he was well-liked.

“I was a first-time head coach and I was coaching a former No. 1 choice when we originally signed him. Watch how this plays out,” Mazzulla remarked. And although though I didn’t really know him well, I developed some respect for him. After we made the decision to distance ourselves from him, he approached me and said, “Hey, what can I do to get back?” How can I improve myself? Therefore, it said a lot about him as a person for a guy of his caliber, success, and career duration to approach a new coach with that question.

“I believe he kind of took over the locker room’s temperature after that. I’m really glad I was able to spend time with him because that was a moment I’ll never forget.

Horford was likewise very grateful for his time spent with Griffin.

“He made the year he was here enjoyable for me,” Horford remarked. Simply put, getting to know him and having daily conversations with him at work was enjoyable. A few things about him personally and off the court. Simply an amazing man. Given all that he has accomplished, he is unquestionably a Hall of Fame player. I will make sure to get in touch with him. We will celebrate when the time comes since he had an amazing career.

Michael Jordan, Hornets to meet with Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson

Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets will meet with Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson in the lead-up to the NBA draft on Monday.

Michael Jordan has spent plenty of time in the news in recent days, with the Charlotte Hornets majority owner set to sell his stake in the franchise. But Jordan’s business in Charlotte isn’t done quite yet. 

According to ESPN, he’s set to meet with Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson on Monday, the two players competing to be selected with the Hornet’s number two pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

With both players hailing from the South they’ve each shown an eagerness to be selected by Charlotte, though it’s Miller who is, according to most reports, leading the charge, in no small part due to his likely better fit alongside LaMelo Ball. Henderson, however, impressed during a workout with the Hornets last week.

With the NBA draft just a few days away, the Hornets need to finalize their decision soon, and Michael Jordan and his fellow Charlotte bigwigs will clearly be endeavoring to do just that in the wake of this upcoming meeting. 

It’s a bonafide race in two to be the second selection, with Victor Wembanyama, widely viewed as one of the biggest talents to enter the league in decades, the nominal number one pick. The Frenchman will be heading to San Antonio, a franchise with significant ties to his home nation courtesy largely of Tony Parker’s illustrious career there – with Boris Diaw also spending a number of seasons there. For much of the past season that has left Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson fighting it out for pick two, and one of Michael Jordan’s last decisions as a majority owner of the Hornets will be to help decide on which of these two talented youngsters they select in the 2023 NBA draft.

Take a peek at Thompson’s $993k car collection.

 

Aventador S Lamborghini, $417,000

 

Thompson’s Lamborghini Aventador S costs $417,000 and has 759 horsepower, making it one of the quickest cars in the world.

The Aventador S from Lamborghini is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds thanks to its lightning-fast throttle response.

The Aventador follows in the footsteps of the Murciélago, a Lamborghini vehicle that was available from 2001 to 2010.

 

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan costs $348,000, the Ghost costs $340,000, and the Wraith costs $305,000.

This NBA player has three Rolls-Royces with a combined value of around $1 million.

The Cullinan SUV is Thompson’s most luxurious Rolls-Royce.

The Cullinan is the first SUV from Rolls-Royce.

This hoopster’s Rolls-Royce Ghost, at $340,000, is almost as expensive as the Cullinan.

 

Robb Report states that 220 pounds of sound-deadening materials are used in the assembly of each Rolls-Royce Ghost.

If Thompson’s Ghost model ever stops working, he can simply jump into his Rolls-Royce Wraith.

A single Rolls-Royce Wraith might take up to six months to construct by hand.

Porsche Panamera for $92,000, Porsche 911 GT2 RS for $293,000

The Porsche 911 GT2 RS stands out from the crowd because to its striking design.

 

The carbon fiber wing, hood, and fender are three of the most noticeable exterior components of the Porsche GT2 RS.

Thompson’s Porsche Panamera pairs well with his Porsche 911 GT2 RS, which he uses for the NBA.

In the Porsche Panamera, the Sport Response button is “a switch for warp speed,” as defined by MotorTrend.

$202k Continental GT by Bentley

When you can have both a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce, why choose?

 

German leather, Hawaiian Koa wood, and Swiss clock dials adorn the inside of this Bentley Continental GT, which HotCars describes as the pinnacle of the luxury Grand Touring market.

$185k Benz S580 Mercedes-Maybach

The Mercedes-Maybach S-580’s opulent interior includes a calf massager, a neck warming, and a Chauffeur Mode that reduces engine noise.

The Augmented Reality Head-Up Display on the S-580 is one of its most innovative features since it displays precise GPS information directly in front of the driver.

$104k Rogue Range Rover

 

Multiple Instagram posts show Thompson driving around in his Range Rover Vogue.

In the words of Auto Express, “the entry point of Land Rover’s flagship line-up, but it doesn’t lack any of the superb comfort and refinement of its more expensive siblings,” the Range Rover Vogue is an excellent luxury SUV.

$78k Escalade Cadillac.

Thompsons now has a Cadillac Escalade in their fleet of SUVs.

The front grille of the Cadillac Escalade is instantly recognizable because to the extravagant arrangement of horizontal slats that decorate it.

 

Thompson’s Escalade can fit seven people, making it ideal for a group outing.

Curry Family Sweet July

 

KATIE MCCURDY/SWEET JULY

For the first time, Sweet July will feature Ayesha Curry, Stephen Curry and their three kids in adorable family photos ahead of the holiday season — shared exclusively with PEOPLE and on Today.

The cookbook author and founder of the quarterly Sweet July magazine, 32, her Golden State Warriors player husband, 33, and their three children — son Canon W. Jack, 3, and daughters Ryan Carson, 6, and Riley Elizabeth, 9 — are pictured on the cover of the Food issue (on newsstands Oct. 22) preparing to dig into a holiday-themed spread full of decadent dishes. Sweet July is published by Meredith (PEOPLE’s parent company).

In anticipation of the holiday season, the Food issue celebrates family, love, and, of course, delicious eats. “Food is a vessel for storytelling and connection, which is illustrated through the pages of this issue,” says Ayesha in the spread.

Curry Family Sweet July
KATIE MCCURDY/SWEET JULY

When talking about what the season means to her this year, she reflected, “If the pandemic has given us anything, it’s perspective. Things are not simply going to go as expected, and—say it with me—’That’s okay!’ Have grace with yourself; have patience for others.”

“After the year we’ve had, it feels odd to even be talking about celebrations,” she continues. “But what I’ve come to acknowledge, and I suppose one good thing that’s come out of this pandemic, is that celebrations are about the intention you put into them and nothing else.”

RELATED: WATCH: Ayesha Curry Test Drives Epcot’s New Ratatouille Ride — and Reveals Her Favorite Disney Food

Curry Family Sweet July
KATIE MCCURDY/SWEET JULY

Ayesha has described her Sweet July brand as a “love letter” to Oakland, Calif. The name comes from her strong connection to the month — she got married in July and all three of her children’s birthdays are in July. The Sweet July flagship store in Oakland carries products from her own lines as well as curated items from Black-owned businesses and Bay Area-based creators. Her products are also available online.

The lifestyle expert launched her magazine, which focuses on food, family, female empowerment and self-care tips from Curry’s perspective in April 2020. She also includes her recipes and kitchen tips in each issue.

RELATED: Raising Stephen and Seth: Everything to Know About Dell and Sonya Curry’s NBA Family

Curry Family Sweet July
KATIE MCCURDY/SWEET JULY

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE‘s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to Ayesha, she is most thrilled to represent young black women in print media. “Representation matters,” Ayesha told PEOPLE in January 2020. “It was so exciting to know that as my girls grow up, they can see themselves within the pages.”

RELATED: Stephen Curry Surprised Wife Ayesha with ‘Beautiful’ Vow Renewal for 10th Wedding Anniversary

She continued, “To now have a magazine of my own feels like a dream come true. As a woman of color, it’s important to me that media reflects real, relatable women, and I’m excited to create an outlet for young men and women that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.”

The Food issue of Sweet July is available on newsstands, Amazon, and online starting October 22.

D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns kicked back at LeBron James’ place for an intimate gathering, seeking solace and camaraderie after a relentless stretch of competition.

D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns gathered at the home of the Lakers superstar for a low-key gathering, seeking relaxation and camaraderie after a grueling stretch of competition.

D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns attended a small party at the home of the Lakers superstar to relax and confide after a period of continuous tiring competition

D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns attended a small party at the home of the Lakers superstar to relax and confide after a period of continuous tiring competition

D’Angelo Russell, Devin Booker and Karl-Anthony Towns attended a small party at the home of the Lakers superstar to relax and confide after a period of continuous tiring competition

David Beckham is just one of many prominent faces that will be at the trackside for Saturday night’s Vegas Grand Prix race.

Nearly three hours prior to the start of the race, Beckham and Shaquille O’Neal arrived in Las Vegas together, as Beckham was holding a party for race night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The legendary Manchester United and Inter Miami co-owner was joined by his son Cruz, who posed for pictures together before the pair’s Sports Illustrated party.

The world’s fastest man on two feet, Usain Bolt, was also seen making his way to Las Vegas for the season’s second-to-last race.

As an early arrival to the track, Gordon Ramsay—a huge Formula One fan—joined a couple of other influential people.

O’Neal was even hailed by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan.

Even though it was 52 degrees Fahrenheit at the track in the hours leading up to the start, Veronika Rajek’s attire, which was a vibrant shade of purple, left little room for interpretation.

The Miami Dоlphins player Braxtоn Berriоs’s girlfriend and TikTоk sensatiоn Alix Earle was alsо pоsting phоtоs frоm the track.

Following a challenging few days leading up to the showcase event, race organizers arrived in Sin City under a tremendous burden of expectation.

A track drain cover came away during the first practice session, cutting the spectacle short after only eight minutes due to damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari.

Charles Leclerc, who races alongside Sainz for Ferrari, starts Saturday night from pole position.

Concerns about race week have contributed to disappointing ticket sales.

Although there were a lot of tickets available for Saturday night’s Formula One race on the Ticketmaster website as of early afternoon, secondary-ticket sales were soaring for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

“We will be sоld оut by the time оf the event,” Rаce CEо Renee Wilm guаrаnteed оn Fоrmulа оne Grоup’s eаrnings cаll оn Nоvember 3. The rаce will nоt meet thаt fоrecаst unless there is а drаmаtic surge аt the lаst minute.

The inaugural LVGP wasted little time in selling tickets for the following year, despite the fact that it had a lot of problems both on and off the circuit, which dampened the excitement of racegoers, Las Vegas natives, and drivers alike. The event is scheduled for November 21-23, 2024, and fans can start putting down deposits as early as this Saturday, with the minimum amount being $250.

The lowest priced ticket for Saturday’s race went for $500 when they were first released for sale almost one year ago. Tickets, which started at $200, were eventually made available to a restricted number of Nevada residents.

Despite several setbacks, the secondary market spike in ticket sales on Saturday night’s race also indicates a significant deal of interest.

The lowest-priced ticket was $1,387, according to Gametime’s early Saturday afternoon update. This price is identical to the three-day pass that was available on Wednesday. On Wednesday, the most expensive three-day ticket was $4,613, while on Saturday, the most expensive one-day ticket was $10,635. According to a later report from Gametime, the lowest-price ticket increased once more, this time reaching $1,613.

TickPick has also witnessed a rise. On Monday, it was $771; on Friday, it had risen to $980; and by Saturday afternoon, it had risen to $1,128.

Both BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment have projected record-setting handles for a motor sports race, indicating that betting on this race has been robust from the beginning. If Saturday’s failed attempts to gauge whether or not those expectations were satisfied are any indicator, then those sports-betting companies are in for a huge weekend at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas.