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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Rishabh Bhatnagar
All eyes were on Dwight Howard earlier this year. There were whispers, maybe even hopes, of an NBA return as rumors of him potentially joining the Lakers were going around. Physically, he was still in shape. But in April, Howard admitted his focus was now on family. “Playing basketball forever I can’t run with my kids anymore. My knees will be shot,” he said, putting NBA dreams on hold. Just when fans gave up, came the surprise: Dwight was joining the Big3.
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3 days ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Rishabh Bhatnagar
For years, fans and rising athletes have raised a fair concern: Does nepotism sway careers in sports? Especially in basketball, where who gets drafted or who makes the cut can sometimes be down to more than just talent. This conversation exploded last year when Bronny James was picked 55th overall by the Lakers, despite limited college play. Many believed his last name had more weight than his game. The buzz only got louder when his performance failed to silence critics. Stephen A.
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1 week ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Rishabh Bhatnagar
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has proven his worth as a 6’5″ shooting guard since being drafted eighth overall in 2013 by Detroit, by showing what it means to be a true 3&D player. He’s guarded multiple positions, hit timely shots, and helped both the Lakers and Nuggets win championships. That résumé made him one of the top veteran targets in 2024 free agency. So when Orlando landed him in July on a three-year, $66 million deal, it felt like a major win.
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1 week ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
Before he became a voice on podcasts or executive-produced documentaries, Matt Barnes made his name on the hardwood. Known for his grit, Barnes had a 14-year NBA run, winning a title with the Warriors in 2017. But he is a man of many talents, and he made sure to explore his other passions too. Off the court, he’s explored media, activism, and even reality TV. He’s shown up in Black Mark (2023), Uncle Drew, and more.
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1 week ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
Paul Pierce, drafted tenth overall in 1998 by the Boston Celtics, spent fifteen seasons becoming the face of the franchise. He was selected to ten All-Star games, guided the Celtics to their seventeenth championship, and was crowned Finals MVP in 2008. Nicknamed “The Truth” by Shaquille O’Neal after a 42-point night in 2001, his loyalty to Boston is unquestioned. That’s why, when the infamous “wheelchair incident” occurred during the Finals, many fans were left wondering: was it all real?
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1 week ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
When you talk about grit and grind in basketball, Eric Bledsoe’s name deserves a spot in that conversation. Nicknamed “Mini-LeBron” early in his career for his strength and explosiveness, Bledsoe was never the flashiest guard, but always one of the most dependable. Selected 18th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2010 NBA Draft and traded the same night to the Clippers, Bledsoe quickly earned his stripes by diving for loose balls, locking down guards, and just outworking people.
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1 week ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Rishabh Bhatnagar
For years, basketball fans have been hooked on the five-on-five format. Full courts, fast breaks, and buzzer-beaters were the norm. But Ice Cube had a different vision. With his Big3 league, he introduced a tighter, faster, and more intense 3-on-3 format. And that’s what makes this so different from the traditional court action fans have been witnessing. Another thing that adds to the attraction is the chance to see legends lace up once again.
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1 month ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
Back in 2020, JR Smith found himself on top of the basketball world again. After years of highs and lows in the NBA, he landed with the Los Angeles Lakers just before the bubble season. While his stats weren’t too good, just averaging 2 points per game, he was just a role player but he was part of the championship run that brought LeBron another ring. But after the champagne dried and the parades ended, Smith waited. Strangely, not a single team reached out. “I’m not playing, I should be playing.
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1 month ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
Zaya Wade has been carving out her own identity, distinct from her father, NBA legend Dwyane Wade. At just 17, she’s already walked for Miu Miu, starred in MAC’s “Born Famous” campaign, and collaborated with Puma on custom sneakers. Earlier this year, she even appeared on the cover of Seventeen magazine. Balancing these ventures while still in high school is no easy challenge. Imagine trying to keep up good grades while trying your hand at so many different ventures.
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1 month ago | 
essentiallysports.com | Saumy Kapri |Irfan Kabeer
“I think you really have to become a parent to understand what you will endure to be there for your kids.” That line from Dwyane Wade says it all. Whether it’s Kaavia’s cookie business or Zaire’s basketball career and entrepreneurial journey, Wade has always shown up. But his most talked-about journey has been with Zaya, his daughter, who came out as transgender at 12. From day one, he’s been right there, not for applause, but for love. When Zaya came out, the internet reacted with hate.
