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Tim van Straten

Sports Editor

About

Tim van Straten joined Sports7 in 2021 from the world of sports radio, where he served as the program director of his local ESPN affiliate and co-hosted the afternoon drive show. Before stepping behind the microphone, he earned a B.S. in Sports Communication from Bradley University and interned for NBC Sports during the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Tim covers the NBA for Sports7; he loved hitting the hardwood himself, but realized that his playing window has since closed. He also appreciates how sports never take a day off, and, even during the offseason, interesting stories can appear out of nowhere. While his friends and family might not always appreciate it, Tim is an avid Twitter user.

Articles by Tim van Straten (51)

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo listens to music during warmups.
NBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo's $1.8 Million Wisconsin Mansion Was Previously Owned by 2 Former Bucks

Before Giannis Antetokounmpo purchased a home near Milwaukee, the same residence was occupied by two former Bucks teammates.

Tim van Straten • 05 Jul 2023
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant biting his jersey.
NBA
Kobe Bryant Wound up Regretting the Astonishing Lack of Sleep He Got Throughout His Career: ‘Why Am I Playing Like Crap?'

Kobe Bryant once explained why he regretted getting such little sleep during his Hall of Fame career.

Tim van Straten • 03 Jul 2023
Michael Jordan smiling during All-Star Practice.
NBA
Michael Jordan Made $94 Million in the NBA, but Wilt Chamberlain Believed He Also Should Have Earned ‘About 10% of Every Guy's Contract'

Michael Jordan strengthened the NBA's popularity so much, Wilt Chamberlain believed MJ deserved a cut of every other player's contract as a result.

Tim van Straten • 16 Jun 2023
Los Angeles Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain.
NBA
Wilt Chamberlain's Ability to Eat Is Arguably More Impressive Than His Hall of Fame Career

As Jerry West explained, former Los Angeles Lakers great Wilt Chamberlain had an appetite as legendary as his career.

Tim van Straten • 14 Jun 2023
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson poke fun at one another.
NBA
Larry Bird Rarely Displayed Emotion but Broke Down in Tears After Magic Johnson's HIV Announcement

Former Boston Celtics forward Rick Fox recalls the moment he saw Larry Bird break down during Magic Johnson's HIV announcement.

Tim van Straten • 09 Jun 2023
LeBron James goes in for a handshake with Oscar Robertson as Bill Russell and Yao Ming stand to the side and observe.
NBA
Oscar Robertson Listed His 5 Favorite NBA Players of All Time, and LeBron James Missed the Cut: ‘It's Difficult in Different Ages and What Not to Say This Guy Was Better Than This Player'

When Oscar Robertson listed his five favorite players in NBA history, LeBron James missed the cut.

Tim van Straten • 09 Jun 2023
Isaiah Rider of the Los Angeles Lakers spins and looks to make a pass in a game against the Sacramento Kings.
NBA
J.R. Rider, a Forgotten Champion on the Los Angeles Lakers, Has Never Put On His Ring

The talented but troubled Isaiah Rider managed to win a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. But a lack of playing time and off-court trouble had him feeling undeserving.

Tim van Straten • 09 Jun 2023
Dennis Rodman sits on the bench during one of the 23 games he appeared in for the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA
Dennis Rodman Broke Down in Tears After a Reporter Called Him Selfish: ‘I've Got 10 Charities Here That I'm Going to Give $10,000'

Just before Dennis Rodman joined the Los Angeles Lakers, the Hall of Famer started crying after a reporter called him selfish.

Tim van Straten • 08 Jun 2023
Lakers players Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant pause between plays to speak
NBA
Shaquille O'Neal Recalls the Moment He Knew the Los Angeles Lakers Were Choosing Kobe Bryant Over Him: ‘It Was a Clear Signal That We Were Done'

Shaquille O'Neal's time with the Los Angeles Lakers was over based on a moment he witnessed between Kobe Bryant and owner Jerry Buss.

Tim van Straten • 24 May 2023
Bill Russell cracks a joke at the expense of five of the NBA's best centers, headlined by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquile O'Neal.
NBA
An 83-Year-Old Bill Russell Said 5 Words to Prove He Was the Greatest Center of All Time

Bill Russell received the first NBA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 NBA Awards Show, but the first five words of his speech were the highlight of the night.

Tim van Straten • 21 Feb 2023