Warriors outlook, Kevin Durant’s influence on Steph Curry and John Wall was a real hooper

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Marcus Thompson give their best and worst case scenarios for some prominent NBA teams. What went right for the Knicks if Mike Brown wins coach of the year? What went wrong for the Warriors if they have another first round exit?

Next, Vince and Marcus react to the John Wall retirement. Will Wall be remembered for being a great player?

Later, Rick Carlisle gets a well deserved contract extension. Is he one of the best coaches in the NBA?

(3:17) What Went Wrong: If the Warriors get bounced in the first round this upcoming season

(11:15) Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry’s dynamic

(23:47) Warriors unlikely 2022 championship

(28:24) What Went Wrong: Lakers back in the Play-In

(31:50) What Went Right: Laker make a deep playoff run

(35:32) What Went Wrong: Knicks don’t secure a top-3 seed

(40:17) John Wall announces retirement

(49:54) Rick Carlisle gets contract extension with Pacers

John Wall announces his retirement after 11 seasons in the NBA. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
(AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

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John Wall announces retirement from the NBA after 11 seasons, will join Amazon Prime Video as an analyst

Washington Wizards superstar John Wall is calling it a career. Wall announced his retirement from the NBA on Tuesday in a video thanking his fans, family and teammates for their support during his 11 years as a player.

Wall said he’s leaving the game with no regrets, saying, “I gave this game everything I had.”

Near the end of his retirement video, Wall mentioned that basketball will always be part of his life, and mentioned that “new opportunities” led him to take on the next chapter of his life. On Wednesday, NBA on Prime announced that Hall would join the team as an analyst. Amazon Prime Video will broadcast NBA games every Friday night, with additional weekly national games on the platform on Thursday and Saturday starting midseason.

Wall rose to prominence as a high schooler, receiving an invite to the Reebok All-American Camp as a sophomore. He continued to show out during high school and entered college as one of the top-ranked players in the country.

That ranking turned out to be accurate. Wall spent just one season at the University of Kentucky before going pro. He entered the 2010 NBA Draft, where the Wizards made him the No. 1 overall pick.

He more than lived up to that promise early in his career. Wall averaged 16.4 points as a rookie, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year award voting. He put up similar production in each of his next two seasons before taking a step forward in his fourth year.

Wall averaged 19.3 points and 8.8 assists during the 2013-14 NBA season, earning his first All-Star appearance. It was his first of five straight appearances in the All-Star Game. Wall also earned recognition for his defense during the 2014-15 season, making second-team All-Defense. He notched a seventh-place finish in the MVP voting during the 2016-17 season after averaging a career-high 23.1 points and 10.7 assists. 

He was off to a similarly strong start during the 2018-19 season before injuries struck. Wall was limited to just 32 games that season. During the offseason, Wall fell at home, rupturing his Achilles. He missed the entire 2019-20 NBA season recovering. 

He returned to action with the Houston Rockets in 2020-21, and still produced strong numbers before again missing time due to injuries. The Rockets, intent on developing younger players, reached an agreement with Wall in which the veteran would not play for the team. Both sides eventually settled on a buyout, but Wall did not play the entire year.

Wall signed with the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. He averaged 11.4 points in 34 games before he was traded back to the Rockets and waived three days later.

Prior to his injuries, Wall was one of the league’s premier players. He had incredible speed and court vision and looked capable of carrying the Wizards to great things. But injuries cut his prime short and — eventually — sapped Wall’s effectiveness. 

Colts LB Zaire Franklin weighs in on Daniel Jones starting over Anthony Richardson

After Shane Steichen made the decision on Tuesday that Daniel Jones would be the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback, linebacker Zaire Franklin spoke with the media on Wednesday and shared his thoughts on the competition.

“Both those guys battled and competed,” Franklin said. “I definitely felt like they both was handling it the right way–Anthony and Daniel. They both was just going about they work. Obviously, they got two different personality types, but I can see them pushing and making each other better, which was best for the team.

“Honestly, just from my point of view and seeing a lot from them, I feel like this team is ready to go. This locker room is ready to go. I think we believe a lot in ourselves, who we are as a team.”

From the jump this offseason, Shane Steichen has said that the most consistent quarterback would win the starting job. Jones ended up completing more passes during training camp than Anthony Richardson, but as Steichen described, there were numerous factors that went into this decision, including ball placement, checks at the line of scrimmage, protection calls, and the overall operation of the offense.

Richardson certainly showcased improvement in those areas. After focusing on the short to intermediate throws during his offseason by prioritizing his footwork, we saw Richardson’s efficiency on such passes this summer increase.

His overall command of the offense was greatly improved as well, and several teammates also noted Richardson’s preparation this offseason as well.

However, as Steichen would mention, continued development from Richardson in those areas is also still needed.

Steichen also made it clear that Jones is the starter for the 2025 season. The plan isn’t to switch back and forth between the two quarterbacks.

“We just trusted Shane to make a decision,” added Franklin, “and whoever he gave the keys to the car to, that’s going to put us in the best position to win. But that’s not to say we don’t believe in Anthony. I am a firm believer in who he is and the type of player he is capable of being.

“Every situation is an opportunity for growth, just gotta use it like that and continue to grow and we going to continue to grow and get better.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Daniel Jones Colts’ starting QB; Zaire Franklin reacts to decision

Sophie Cunningham calls out Skip Bayless over Caitlin Clark injury take: ‘That’s literally bulls***’

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham fired back at Skip Bayless over his take regarding Caitlin Clark’s injury. The former ESPN and FOX Sports host speculated Clark was taking “mental breaks” and saying she is dealing with an injury.

Cunningham addressed those comments on her Show Me Something podcast. She called Bayless’ remarks “bullshit” and said no one on the Fever is lying about Clark’s status.

Clark has been dealing with a groin injury this year and aggravated it just before the All-Star Break. She hasn’t played since July 15 as she works her way back, and Bayless speculated she was taking a break from the “cheap shots” she faced on the court. Cunningham emphatically pushed back against that idea.

“Dude, that’s literally bullshit,” Cunningham said. “No one’s lying. … Here’s the thing. When you’re an elite level player, you not being able to play is the hardest part – mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s not playing.

“When you’re playing is when it’s part of it. You’re built for that. When people say stuff like that, I’m just like, ‘Just shut up, bud.’”

Fever coach Stephanie White said this week the hope is Clark returns to the court before the end of the regular season. Indiana has nine games remaining and is still one of the top eight teams in the WNBA, putting the franchise in position for a playoff appearance.

However, Clark isn’t just dealing with a groin injury. FieldHouseFiles’ Scott Agnes reported the former Iowa star is also dealing with a bone bruise in her left ankle. She reportedly suffered the injury during an August workout in Phoenix.

The Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson reported it’s a “mild” injury for Clark. While also provided an update Wednesday, saying things are still “status quo” with her star guard’s status.

“Until she can get into practice, and until you guys see her in practice, it’s really status quo, same as same as we have been,” White said.

WWE legend Trish Stratus announces death of mom after battle with cancer

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus (real name Patricia Stratigeas) announced on Wednesday that her mother, Alice, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Stratus announced on X/Twitter on Aug. 6 that she would have to miss an autograph signing in Wales due to her mother’s condition. Just a week later, Alice unfortunately lost her life to the terrible disease.

“My mama is gone. I don’t even know how to write this… she passed last week and I haven’t been able to find the words,” Status wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. “It’s as if writing the words makes it more real that my best friend, my safe place, my go-to, the one who was there for every single moment of my life, showing up for me in ways that no one else ever could for every milestone, every heartbreak, every joy – is gone. She was always there and now she won’t be.”

“You’ve all seen her by my side – cheering me on from the crowd, along for my travels, exceeding expectations as a Nana – practically a second mom to my children. My kids only know a life where their Nana was always there. Explaining to them that she won’t be there anymore was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”

“She fought through so many battles in her life with a strength that amazed me, and even in her hardest days, she was still thinking of everyone else first. That was my mama – selfless, brave, and full of love.”

“My heart feels broken in a way I can’t describe. Life will never feel the same. I can’t imagine my world without her… not being able to pick up the phone to hear her voice, her advice, her laugh. People have told me time will heal but right now it just feels like a piece of me will be missing forever and I will never feel whole again.”

“My only solace is that I will carry her in everything I do and mama, I promise your grandkids will never forget the incredible woman their Nana was.”

“Thank you for loving me so fiercely, for shaping me into who I am, and for showing me what it means to be resilient. You are my literal fighting spirit and dammit, I’m gonna miss you so much!”

Prayers to the Stratigeas family as they deal with this tragedy.

WWE legend Trish Stratus announces death of mom after battle with cancer

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus (real name Patricia Stratigeas) announced on Wednesday that her mother, Alice, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Stratus announced on X/Twitter on Aug. 6 that she would have to miss an autograph signing in Wales due to her mother’s condition. Just a week later, Alice unfortunately lost her life to the terrible disease.

“My mama is gone. I don’t even know how to write this… she passed last week and I haven’t been able to find the words,” Status wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. “It’s as if writing the words makes it more real that my best friend, my safe place, my go-to, the one who was there for every single moment of my life, showing up for me in ways that no one else ever could for every milestone, every heartbreak, every joy – is gone. She was always there and now she won’t be.”

“You’ve all seen her by my side – cheering me on from the crowd, along for my travels, exceeding expectations as a Nana – practically a second mom to my children. My kids only know a life where their Nana was always there. Explaining to them that she won’t be there anymore was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”

“She fought through so many battles in her life with a strength that amazed me, and even in her hardest days, she was still thinking of everyone else first. That was my mama – selfless, brave, and full of love.”

“My heart feels broken in a way I can’t describe. Life will never feel the same. I can’t imagine my world without her… not being able to pick up the phone to hear her voice, her advice, her laugh. People have told me time will heal but right now it just feels like a piece of me will be missing forever and I will never feel whole again.”

“My only solace is that I will carry her in everything I do and mama, I promise your grandkids will never forget the incredible woman their Nana was.”

“Thank you for loving me so fiercely, for shaping me into who I am, and for showing me what it means to be resilient. You are my literal fighting spirit and dammit, I’m gonna miss you so much!”

WWE legend Trish Stratus announces death of mom after battle with cancer

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus (real name Patricia Stratigeas) announced on Wednesday that her mother, Alice, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Stratus announced on X/Twitter on Aug. 6 that she would have to miss an autograph signing in Wales due to her mother’s condition. Just a week later, Alice unfortunately lost her life to the terrible disease.

“My mama is gone. I don’t even know how to write this… she passed last week and I haven’t been able to find the words,” Status wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. “It’s as if writing the words makes it more real that my best friend, my safe place, my go-to, the one who was there for every single moment of my life, showing up for me in ways that no one else ever could for every milestone, every heartbreak, every joy – is gone. She was always there and now she won’t be.”

“You’ve all seen her by my side – cheering me on from the crowd, along for my travels, exceeding expectations as a Nana – practically a second mom to my children. My kids only know a life where their Nana was always there. Explaining to them that she won’t be there anymore was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”

“She fought through so many battles in her life with a strength that amazed me, and even in her hardest days, she was still thinking of everyone else first. That was my mama – selfless, brave, and full of love.”

“My heart feels broken in a way I can’t describe. Life will never feel the same. I can’t imagine my world without her… not being able to pick up the phone to hear her voice, her advice, her laugh. People have told me time will heal but right now it just feels like a piece of me will be missing forever and I will never feel whole again.”

“My only solace is that I will carry her in everything I do and mama, I promise your grandkids will never forget the incredible woman their Nana was.”

“Thank you for loving me so fiercely, for shaping me into who I am, and for showing me what it means to be resilient. You are my literal fighting spirit and dammit, I’m gonna miss you so much!”

Prayers to the Stratigeas family as they deal with this tragedy.

Sophie Cunningham calls out Skip Bayless over Caitlin Clark injury take: ‘That’s literally bulls***’

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham fired back at Skip Bayless over his take regarding Caitlin Clark’s injury. The former ESPN and FOX Sports host speculated Clark was taking “mental breaks” and saying she is dealing with an injury.

Cunningham addressed those comments on her Show Me Something podcast. She called Bayless’ remarks “bullshit” and said no one on the Fever is lying about Clark’s status.

Clark has been dealing with a groin injury this year and aggravated it just before the All-Star Break. She hasn’t played since July 15 as she works her way back, and Bayless speculated she was taking a break from the “cheap shots” she faced on the court. Cunningham emphatically pushed back against that idea.

“Dude, that’s literally bullshit,” Cunningham said. “No one’s lying. … Here’s the thing. When you’re an elite level player, you not being able to play is the hardest part – mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s not playing.

“When you’re playing is when it’s part of it. You’re built for that. When people say stuff like that, I’m just like, ‘Just shut up, bud.’”

Fever coach Stephanie White said this week the hope is Clark returns to the court before the end of the regular season. Indiana has nine games remaining and is still one of the top eight teams in the WNBA, putting the franchise in position for a playoff appearance.

However, Clark isn’t just dealing with a groin injury. FieldHouseFiles’ Scott Agnes reported the former Iowa star is also dealing with a bone bruise in her left ankle. She reportedly suffered the injury during an August workout in Phoenix.

The Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson reported it’s a “mild” injury for Clark. While also provided an update Wednesday, saying things are still “status quo” with her star guard’s status.

“Until she can get into practice, and until you guys see her in practice, it’s really status quo, same as same as we have been,” White said.

WWE legend Trish Stratus announces death of mom after battle with cancer

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus (real name Patricia Stratigeas) announced on Wednesday that her mother, Alice, has passed away after a battle with cancer.

Stratus announced on X/Twitter on Aug. 6 that she would have to miss an autograph signing in Wales due to her mother’s condition. Just a week later, Alice unfortunately lost her life to the terrible disease.

“My mama is gone. I don’t even know how to write this… she passed last week and I haven’t been able to find the words,” Status wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. “It’s as if writing the words makes it more real that my best friend, my safe place, my go-to, the one who was there for every single moment of my life, showing up for me in ways that no one else ever could for every milestone, every heartbreak, every joy – is gone. She was always there and now she won’t be.”

“You’ve all seen her by my side – cheering me on from the crowd, along for my travels, exceeding expectations as a Nana – practically a second mom to my children. My kids only know a life where their Nana was always there. Explaining to them that she won’t be there anymore was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”

“She fought through so many battles in her life with a strength that amazed me, and even in her hardest days, she was still thinking of everyone else first. That was my mama – selfless, brave, and full of love.”

“My heart feels broken in a way I can’t describe. Life will never feel the same. I can’t imagine my world without her… not being able to pick up the phone to hear her voice, her advice, her laugh. People have told me time will heal but right now it just feels like a piece of me will be missing forever and I will never feel whole again.”

“My only solace is that I will carry her in everything I do and mama, I promise your grandkids will never forget the incredible woman their Nana was.”

“Thank you for loving me so fiercely, for shaping me into who I am, and for showing me what it means to be resilient. You are my literal fighting spirit and dammit, I’m gonna miss you so much!”

Sophie Cunningham calls out Skip Bayless over Caitlin Clark injury take: ‘That’s literally bulls***’

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham fired back at Skip Bayless over his take regarding Caitlin Clark’s injury. The former ESPN and FOX Sports host speculated Clark was taking “mental breaks” and saying she is dealing with an injury.

Cunningham addressed those comments on her Show Me Something podcast. She called Bayless’ remarks “bullshit” and said no one on the Fever is lying about Clark’s status.

Clark has been dealing with a groin injury this year and aggravated it just before the All-Star Break. She hasn’t played since July 15 as she works her way back, and Bayless speculated she was taking a break from the “cheap shots” she faced on the court. Cunningham emphatically pushed back against that idea.

“Dude, that’s literally bullshit,” Cunningham said. “No one’s lying. … Here’s the thing. When you’re an elite level player, you not being able to play is the hardest part – mentally, physically, emotionally. It’s not playing.

“When you’re playing is when it’s part of it. You’re built for that. When people say stuff like that, I’m just like, ‘Just shut up, bud.’”

Fever coach Stephanie White said this week the hope is Clark returns to the court before the end of the regular season. Indiana has nine games remaining and is still one of the top eight teams in the WNBA, putting the franchise in position for a playoff appearance.

However, Clark isn’t just dealing with a groin injury. FieldHouseFiles’ Scott Agnes reported the former Iowa star is also dealing with a bone bruise in her left ankle. She reportedly suffered the injury during an August workout in Phoenix.

The Indianapolis Star’s Chloe Peterson reported it’s a “mild” injury for Clark. While also provided an update Wednesday, saying things are still “status quo” with her star guard’s status.

“Until she can get into practice, and until you guys see her in practice, it’s really status quo, same as same as we have been,” White said.