Professional_athlete sports_figure person

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — It's only December but Devonte' Graham is making a strong case for the NBA's Most Improved Player. Graham added to his growing resume on Wednesday night, knocking down 10 of 16 3-pointers and finishing with 33 points as the Charlotte Hornets spoiled D'Angelo Russell's return to the court with a 106-91 victory over the Golden State Warriors. He also had nine assists and seven rebounds with only two turnovers. Granted, Graham's effort came against the struggling Warriors (4-19), but Hornets coach James Borrego said the second-year guard deserves to be at the top of the MIP conversation. “He's not just doing it every other game or every third game or fourth game, he's doing this consistently night after night,” Borrego said. “It's not like he wasn't on that scouting report tonight. I guarantee you (Warriors coach) Steve (Kerr) had him at the top of the report, just like he will be on Friday night.” Graham is averaging 20.8 points and … [Read more...] about Graham hits 10 3s, Hornets spoil Russell’s return 106-91

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Joe Gibbs was honored with the Bill France Award of Excellence, capping a year in which he was elected to NASCAR's Hall of Fame, won his fifth Cup championship as a car owner and thoroughly dominated the competition. Gibbs was surprised with the honor, given at the start of Thursday night's season-ending awards ceremony. “Our family, we just appreciate everything about this sport,” Gibbs said. “We were worried about coming into NASCAR, and we were welcomed in. It's a thrill for us.” The award named for NASCAR's late founder is not given every year. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the last recipient in 2017 and it was not awarded last year. There have been only 26 winners since the award began in 1965. Gibbs received the award from Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of its namesake. Gibbs drivers won 19 of 36 races this season including last month's championship-clinching win by Kyle Busch. Gibbs had three drivers in the four-driver finale and … [Read more...] about Joe Gibbs honored with NASCAR’s award of excellence

ATLANTA (AP) — Alex Anthopoulos believes Cole Hamels can help the Atlanta Braves win big in next season— and help the team's young starters have more success for years to come. Hamels, who turns 36 this month. agreed Wednesday to an $18 million, one-year contract with the busy Braves, one of the more active teams this offseason. Anthopoulos said young Braves starters Max Fried and Mike Soroka will benefit from Hamels' 14 seasons in the majors. “How you quantify that is hard, but I think there is real value," Anthopoulos said. “We're signing Cole first and foremost because we think he's going to help us win a lot of games ... and hopefully get to the World Series. No doubt in my mind ... I think Max Fried will get better just be seeing him and being around him. I think Soroka will get better." The Braves have won two straight NL East division titles but failed to win a playoff series. Hamels said the Braves “were one of six teams I was really following and … [Read more...] about Hamels, Braves agree on $18 million, 1-year deal

CINCINNATI (AP) — All-Star infielder Mike Moustakas completed a $64 million, four-year contract Thursday with the Cincinnati Reds, the biggest free agent deal in franchise history. They agreed to the deal earlier in the week. Moustakas was in town to sign it Thursday and get introduced at the team's annual fan festival. The Reds have become active in free agency the last two years, trying to escape a rut of six straight losing seasons. They signed Moustakas from the NL Central-rival Brewers. The 31-year-old infielder will plug the Reds' hole at second base, which opened when Scooter Gennett got hurt and then was traded at midseason. Cincinnati scored the fourth-fewest runs in the NL last season despite one of the league’s most hitter-friendly ballparks. Bulking up on offense is their top priority in the offseason. “Mike is a proven performer on winning teams, and we are excited to add his power and experience to our roster," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. Moustakas … [Read more...] about Reds, Moustakas complete $64 million, 4-year deal

FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) lines up against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver. Star linebacker Von Miller says his sprained left MCL that ended his 95-game starting streak might sideline him again Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 when the Denver Broncos visit the Houston Texans. less FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) lines up against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver. Star linebacker ... more Photo: Jack Dempsey, AP Photo: Jack Dempsey, AP Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 file photo, Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) lines up … [Read more...] about Broncos star linebacker Von Miller says sprained MCL could keep him out vs. Texans