Friday Quickies: NBA Champ Jodie Meeks Edition

The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA title ever last night, defeating the Golden State Warriors, who were the heavy favorites. Of course, the most important takeaway from this series is that former Kentucky Wildcats star Jodie Meeks is an NBA champion.

Meeks logged a total of 51 seconds during the series, all of which came in garbage time of Game 3. Meeks was inactive for much of the season, and never really found a role with the team once he returned. However, his ring will be just as big as Kawhi Leonard’s.

In 2015, it became obvious to everyone that the Warriors had become the best team in the NBA. When they signed Kevin Durant in 2017, many believed that they had a 4-5 year window where they could win as many championships as they wanted. But after losing to the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Finals in six games, that window may already be closed.

Given turmoil from earlier in the season, many have speculated that Kevin Durant was on his way out the door at the end of this season regardless of the outcome. But after missing all but a quarter and a half of the NBA Finals, will he be more likely to stay with the Warriors? Maybe less likely?

Others believe that Klay Thompson may also be on the move, but that may be less likely now that injuries of his own played such a major role in the series. Assuming he is not offered a max contract, however, those around Thompson think he will at least listen to other teams.

If Durant and/or Thompson decide to takes their talents elsewhere, is the Warriors dynasty officially over?

Tweet of the Day

Meeks is the first Kentucky player to earn and NBA title as a player since Rajon Rondo won with the Celtics. It is also worth mentioning that Jamaal Magloire works in the Raptors organization and will also receive a ring.

Quickies

Raptors top Warriors for 1st title in team history - ESPN

Kawhi Leonard winning a championship in Toronto may change the way teams view free agency moving forward. But for now, it’s party time in Canada.

Five Things to Know About John Calipari’s New Contract - KSR

While the news broke weeks ago, we now have confirmation that John Calipari has signed a lifetime contract with the University of Kentucky. There are several significant pieces to Calipari’s new deal, and KSR breaks down what is important for fans to know.

Report: Kevin Durant to miss the entire 2019-2020 season - NBC Sports

That type of injury definitely takes time, and the fact that it occurred during the finals does not bode well for next season.

‘Hard work paying off.’ Three UK players invited to NBA Draft - Herald-Leader

All three Wildcats that will be drafted will be waiting for their name to be called while in the green room. Tyler Herro, PJ Washington, and Keldon Johnson could all be selected in the top 20.

Kerry Blackshear Jr. reportedly considering Memphis - KSR

Penny Hardaway will just not go away.

Could the 2020 recruiting class be Mark Stoops’ best at UK? - Courier Journal

If all the commits ultimately sign with Kentucky, this may not even be a debate.

One Outlet Predicts only Six Wins for Kentucky Football in 2019 - KSR

Brad Crawford of 247Sports does not show the Wildcats any love in his preseason predictions.

The last man Mark Stoops wants to see recruiting here has pushed into Kentucky - Herald-Leader

Dabo Swinney has swooped in to steal one in-state recruit, which means he will have no hesitation to do it again.

Zion sues to end agreement with marketing firm - ESPN

Williamson is going to make someone a lot of money, and this lawsuit may determine who gets it.

The Biggest Trade of the Offseason May Hinge on Kyle Kuzma - The Ringer

The Lakers’ willingness to trade (or not trade) Kuzma could be the deciding factor in who gets Anthony Davis.

Ludacris, Lexington Rodeo, Stockyards Beef BBQ Fest and other weekend must - LEXGO

Even if you do not live in Lexington, the events taking place this weekend make the trip well worth it.