Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

LaMarcus Aldridge is a seven-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection and played 14-plus seasons in the league.

Russell Westbrook, who is on pace to surpass Oscar Robertson in career triple-doubles next season, is unapologetic about who he is and how he plays.

Injuries to Joel Embiid and LeBron James may have created an opening for James Harden to win his second NBA Most Valuable Player award.

Thunder GM Sam Presti is a skilled evaluator with a great history. He drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, three former NBA MVPs.

Even though they’re not in their prime, NBA buyout players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond and Jeff Teague can help teams in postseason push.

During his media availability, Michael Malone said, “It’s really important that we turn our attention to where it should be, and that’s back in Boulder.”

An NBA season with random results has altered how teams approach the trade deadline. The deadline is 3 p.m. ET Thursday.

There’s more than an ounce of Magic Johnson, LeBron James and Jason Kidd in Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball’s passing game.