New Season Awaits for National Basketball Association

NBA Restart of 2020-21 Season Awaits December 22nd

As we take an in-depth look at all the moving parts that set up the NBA’s return in December. With only 71 days between the end of the 2020 NBA Finals and the start of the NBA 2020-2021 season, players are reporting back to their teams. The NBA Draft will commence this week, this time with a new virtual experience due to the global pandemic. NBA hopefuls will have a once in a lifetime opportunity, a moment that they’ve been chasing since they were old enough to pick up a basketball.

With about a month separation between the NBA Draft and the start of the season on December 22nd gives teams and players an open window for new acquisitions. The anticipation of NBA Free Agency will be real this year, with various trade rumours circulating the media. One blockbuster trade that went down earlier this week included sending NBA All-Star Guard Chris Paul to the Pheonix Suns in exchange for Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre, Ty Jerome, Jelene Lecque and a draft pick for the OKC Thunder. It will be interesting to see how the NBA will implement the new COVID-19 protocols, training camp options, and ultimately bringing back fans into arenas.

2020-2021 Season Start

The Los Angeles Lakers were apart of history last season after defeating the Miami Heat in 6 games. LeBron James won his 4th NBA Title in one of the most unique and unprecedented seasons in NBA history. Now, as the Lakers prep for their upcoming season, the essence of time will not work in their favour. From the day they won the title until the start of the 2020-2021 season, the Lakers will only have 71 days to gear up for their first game. There have been some changes added to the 2020-2021 season, including the 72-game format that will extend into July, finishing before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From a media standpoint, TV broadcast partners ESPN and Turner Sports is scheduled to televise all 72 games. Since the restart of the NBA season back in July, viewership has increased over 50% and sport media channels such as Bleacher Report, Overtime, and House Of Highlights have utilize the ultimate virtual experience.

NBA Draft

The highly anticipated 2020 NBA draft took place virtually, live from the ESPN studios in Connecticut Commissioner Adam Silver will introduce the draft class of 2020. The number one pick was Anthony Edwards from the University of Georgia. Edwards will team up with Karl Anthony-Towns in Minnesota, the 6-5 explosive guard will fit right in the backcourt will D’Angelo Russel and their young core. At number two, The Golden State Warriors selected James Wiseman from Memphis. The projected number one pick will be an intricate piece to the Warriors puzzle as they look to get back to title contention.

“Man straight blessing for real, I’m just real happy to be here. I don’t really have enough words to say, I’m just blessed. ”

— LaMelo Ball

Wiseman is an athletic big that has the potential to be a transcendental player of his draft class. The Charlotte Hornets received the most talented offensive player of the draft with LaMelo Ball. Ball was selected at number three overall and will join a solid backcourt with Terry Rozier and Dante Graham. The case has been made that LaMelo has the highest ceiling amongst other prospects, the 6-foot-7 guard possess unique playmaking ability and poise that one just can’t teach. All rookies have little turnaround time between draft night and the start of training camp on December 1st due to the unprecedented circumstances of the season.

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Free Agency

NBA Free Agency kicks off this Friday, 2020 free agents won’t have the allotted time like last year when more the 30% of players were available. With free agency and training camps just 11 days apart, players and teams will have to adapt quickly and use every minute to their advantage. There are still some players out in the market that will be testing free agency. The headlines include Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Raptors Fred VanVleet, and LA Lakers Anthony Davis. Rumours have circulated in the media that Houston’s Russell Westbrook and James Harden want out. Both players have expressed their deep concerns about the direction of the franchise.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets offered Harden a two-year, $103 million extension. However, Harden turned it down and made it clear to the organization that he’s not trying to rebuild and is focusing on competing for a title. Harden is considering his future with Brooklyn, the idea of uniting with former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni and former teammate Kevin Durant.

“I’m trying to get paid man. I’m not shy about that. I don’t have to tell people that I value winning.”

— Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet is betting on himself as he enters free agency with high hopes. The 2019 NBA Champion is coming off a 2-year $18M deal as a Raptor. According to sources, VanVleet is projected to sign a deal in the $85M range over four years. Teams that are the frontrunners include Pistons, Hornets, Hawks, Knicks, Suns, and Heat. It will be interesting to see if Toronto will match any outside offers. In yesterday’s NBA Draft, Raptors selected Guard Malachi Flynn from San Diego State. Will Raptors Flynn be a back-up to their lead guard Lowry or will they re-sign VanVleet in hopes of trading Lowry? With deadlines fast approaching and the 2020-2021 season around the corner, the NBA has become adaptable in a way that has changed the dynamics of professional sports.

Feature: NBA

Written by: @TGQ.Inc

Produced by: @TGQ.Inc

J. COLE | The DREAMER

The Dreamer

J.Cole is the epitome of a dreamer; the Grammy-Award artist continues to emerge as a musical giant in the landscape of Hip-Hop. Cole’s last studio album K.O.D. reached its pinnacle by breaking Apple Music’s first-day streaming record of 64.5 million. The Previous record was the musical giant himself; Drake. At the ripe age of 35, Cole has transcended the hip-hop culture by displaying his unique flow, wordplay and conscious rap references. Beyond all Cole’s unprecedented successes, he has set his eyes on fulfilling another one his life aspirations. Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole honed his basketball skills on blacktop courts. As his passion for basketball grew, Cole then emerged as a star at his HS. With dreams of becoming a Division 1 athlete, Cole would then go on to attend St. John’s University in Queen, New York. NYC has always been an ideal market for Cole, his deep passion for music intertwined with a burning desire for hoops. St. John University exposed Cole to some divine life experiences that influenced him earlier in his Rap career. In present times, Coles continues to embody the unique message for his fans and all dreamers worldwide across the fields of Music, Sports, and entertainment.

“Not because making it to the mountaintop was something that I needed to do, but because not trying was something that I couldn’t accept.”

— J.Cole

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Hoop Dreams

As Cole arrived on the Queen’s campus of St.John’s University the inception of his dream hatched, Cole wanted to be apart of the Red Storm program. Throughout the summer’s Cole would play intense pick-up games with the top hoopers on-campus including potential walk-on candidates. In his Sophomore year, Cole was a final try-out away from becoming a member of the Red Storm. Cole was among 10 other candidates selected for the final try-out, unfortunately, Cole was a no-show to the final try-out but still has kept his dream alive to pursue am NBA career. Turning a page to 2020, J.Cole has been training with NBA Skills Coach Chris Brickley from (@blackops.basketball), many people have seen footage of the two training and competing against NBA talents + NCAA standouts.

“To get one of these NBA jersey’s is not going be easy, It’s going to be a lot of hate, people not believing in you, but I think J.Cole has a shot. ”

— Master P.

While J.Cole is considered one of the top musical artists of our generation, will he be able to make the push for a potential NBA roster spot? Back in 1998, a Rapper known as Master P made his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets in pre-season. Master P also suited up for the Toronto Raptors one year later in pre-season, although his NBA career was short-lived, Master P broke barriers by becoming the first Rapper to play in a professional sports league. Master P has been an avid mentor for Cole throughout his process and has even given him a co-sign!

HOOP DREAMS

Will J.Cole make an NBA roster?

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NBA PUSH?

Reports have circulated in the media about J.Cole prepping to join an NBA roster for the 2020-21 Season. Sources have reported that the Detroit Piston may be a top contender, as they offered Cole a try-out for the next season. Can the 35-year artist make an impact or will it be a marketing tool to generate revenue and ticket sales for the pistons? Either way, it’s a great opportunity for both parties to merge sports, music, and the entertainment culture. Rappers are always connected to athletes, look at renowned Toronto artist Drake, he might as well have a roster spot for the Raptors. Sports is one of the driving forces of culture and it’s refreshing to see artists step outside the box and wear the shoes of athletes. The intersection of sports and music is a beautiful sight to see, and with the added opportunity for Cole to pursue a potential NBA shot, he’s carving a unique blueprint for artists to follow. All due respect to Master P., his influence has paved the way for the generation of artists like Cole to chase the NBA dream.

“If I can blow up in the next three years, that means I’ll only be 27. That still might give me enough time to train and pursue a professional basketball career.”

— J. Cole

NBA PUSH

Pistons offered J.Cole a try-out.

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J.Cole x Puma Hoops

Earlier this year J.Cole signed a multi-year partnership with PUMA. Cole joined the PUMA team alongside NBA athletes Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, & more. Their extensive partnership features a collaborative process for product creation, marketing campaigns and film production. PUMA has produced two short films for the release of J.Cole’s signature sneaker RS-Dreamer. J.Cole signature sneakers released on July 31st exclusively on PUMA.com and limited retail stores. Rumours has it that Cole will release 4 new colours ways at a later date. Adam Petrick who serves as PUMA’s global director of brand + marketing spoke highly of Cole’s, he believes that Cole will be a special piece to the PUMA family because of his stance on social justice issues as well as, his connection at the intersection of sport and music culture. Having J.Cole as the brand ambassador for PUMA gives them an ultimate advantage over their competitors because of a divine marketing advantage and influence that artists like Cole can create. PUMA is a brand that continues to submerge itself across the driving forces our culture, from music, art, fashion, sports, + entertainment, PUMA has done phenomenal job targeting prominent figures to get on board. As for PUMA’s Basketball division, the highly anticipated sneaker releases from J.Cole has created a unique buzz for the brand. Check out PUMA’s new commercial titled “The Audacity” featuring J.Cole and Master P.

Art Graphics by: @tgq.inc

Written by: @TGQ.INC

Produced by: @TGQ.INC

Art Design + Graphics by: @TGQ.INC