Icons gone, but some carry on

By The Associated Press

Within a matter of months this past offseason, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett all retired from the NBA.

That trifecta’s departure turned the page on three of the most iconic careers in pro basketball annals.

Bryant, Duncan and Garnett combined to earn 48 AllStar berths during their careers: 18 by Bryant and 15 each by Duncan and Garnett

With those retirements, only five players remain who have collected at least 10 All-Star berths.

They are Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (13), Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (12), Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh (11), Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (10) and guard Ray Allen.

Bucks

Praise and accolades have followed Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout a busy offseason. A few more dollars, make that $100 million more, will be coming the Greek Freak’s way after the current season thanks to a contract extension he signed in September. Teammates and opponents alike have said it’s time for the 6-foot-11 Antetokounmpo to break through to all-star status. “I use it as motivation,” Antetokounmpo said. “My mindset is to get better every day.”

Knicks

Joakim Noah, who has never been a favorite of Cleveland fans, had a few kind words for the city. “Congratulations to Cleveland,” he said. “Even though it’s not a vacation spot you guys got a championship. It’s well-deserved.”