Kelly Iko
@kellyiko.bsky.social
National NBA reporter for Yahoo Sports
“I always wanted to be a guy that does sh— instead of says sh—”
For @yahoosports.bsky.social, a sitdown with Kevin Durant on evolution, setting an example, finding his voice and the hybrid balancing act that leadership entails for the surging Rockets.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
For @yahoosports.bsky.social, a sitdown with Kevin Durant on evolution, setting an example, finding his voice and the hybrid balancing act that leadership entails for the surging Rockets.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
'He's the ultimate vet:' How Kevin Durant is embracing his role as a leader of the Rockets
Durant is making an immediate impact in his new home with Houston off to a red-hot start.
sports.yahoo.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:52 PM
“I always wanted to be a guy that does sh— instead of says sh—”
For @yahoosports.bsky.social, a sitdown with Kevin Durant on evolution, setting an example, finding his voice and the hybrid balancing act that leadership entails for the surging Rockets.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
For @yahoosports.bsky.social, a sitdown with Kevin Durant on evolution, setting an example, finding his voice and the hybrid balancing act that leadership entails for the surging Rockets.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The first week of NBA action is officially in the books ‼️
The IkoSystem, live on @yahoosports.bsky.social
• Jonathan Kuminga’s two-way maturation
• Alperen Şengün and inverted PnRS
• John Collins’ cutting consolidation
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The IkoSystem, live on @yahoosports.bsky.social
• Jonathan Kuminga’s two-way maturation
• Alperen Şengün and inverted PnRS
• John Collins’ cutting consolidation
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The IkoSystem: Jonathan Kuminga's two-way maturation, John Collins cutting and baby steps in Houston
Our first regular season installment of The IkoSystem takes things out West, looking at the Warriors, Clippers and Rockets.
sports.yahoo.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
The first week of NBA action is officially in the books ‼️
The IkoSystem, live on @yahoosports.bsky.social
• Jonathan Kuminga’s two-way maturation
• Alperen Şengün and inverted PnRS
• John Collins’ cutting consolidation
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The IkoSystem, live on @yahoosports.bsky.social
• Jonathan Kuminga’s two-way maturation
• Alperen Şengün and inverted PnRS
• John Collins’ cutting consolidation
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Something new!
The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year.
First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year.
First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Why are some NBA teams content with being monsters of the middle?
Kelly Iko and Morten Stig Jensen discuss how teams like the Bulls and Kings seem all too happy to remain in a recurring nightmare of mediocrity.
sports.yahoo.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Something new!
The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year.
First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
The great @kellyiko.bsky.social and I will be chopping it up on Yahoo Sports this season, as we go back and forth on multiple topics throughout the year.
First up, Kelly and I discuss the willing mid-tier teams.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Next up:
I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev
I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev
Orlando Magic 2025-26 season preview: A new powerhouse in the East? Why a surprise Finals run isn't far-fetched
Breaking down the biggest question, best- and worst-case scenarios, and win projection for the Magic in 2025-26.
yhoo.it
October 15, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Next up:
I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev
I wrote about the Magic, who paid a heavy price in pursuit of a championship-caliber offense: yhoo.it/4hcoFxz
And @kellyiko.bsky.social (!) popped in to write about the Rockets, and whether they really were just a Kevin Durant away from a title: yhoo.it/3W4uAev
Excited to announce The IkoSystem is back on @yahoosports.bsky.social !
Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
NBA preseason: Devin Booker’s distribution, Lakers’ rim protection hopes and Houston's spacing solution
A look at Phoenix’s playmaking plan, buying stock in Ayton-Hayes Island and a spacing fix in Houston’s land of bigs.
sports.yahoo.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Excited to announce The IkoSystem is back on @yahoosports.bsky.social !
Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Our first preseason edition takes a look at Alperen Şengün's spacing solvent in Houston', the Devin Booker/Jordan Ott distribution relationship and hope for the Lakers' rim protection.
sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
KD to the Rockets is a perfect fit, says @kellyiko.bsky.social in our latest Athletic Spotlight video.
Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
June 30, 2025 at 9:20 PM
KD to the Rockets is a perfect fit, says @kellyiko.bsky.social in our latest Athletic Spotlight video.
Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Watch the full video here. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
The Rockets intend to sign F Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million extension that contains no team or player options, sources tell @kellyiko.bsky.social.
June 30, 2025 at 12:05 AM
The Rockets intend to sign F Jabari Smith Jr. to a five-year, $122 million extension that contains no team or player options, sources tell @kellyiko.bsky.social.
Reposted by Kelly Iko
SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade:
◽️ Reed Sheppard
◽️ Jabari Smith Jr.
◽️ Tari Eason
H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social
◽️ Reed Sheppard
◽️ Jabari Smith Jr.
◽️ Tari Eason
H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social
June 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
SOURCES: The Rockets maintained a firm stance in their refusal to include these young players in the Kevin Durant trade:
◽️ Reed Sheppard
◽️ Jabari Smith Jr.
◽️ Tari Eason
H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social
◽️ Reed Sheppard
◽️ Jabari Smith Jr.
◽️ Tari Eason
H/T @samamick.bsky.social, @kellyiko.bsky.social
Reposted by Kelly Iko
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves can’t be completely ruled out just yet. Reporting with @samamick.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social
Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves should be considered dark-horse fit
Minnesota does not want to make a seismic change if Durant isn't on board. The question is whether there’s any chance he comes around to it.
www.nytimes.com
June 17, 2025 at 5:15 AM
www.nytimes.com/athletic/643... Kevin Durant trade latest: Why Timberwolves can’t be completely ruled out just yet. Reporting with @samamick.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Good read from @kellyiko.bsky.social on how, even in curtailed minutes and with a shifting role, Isaiah Hartenstein has made a major impact for the Thunder in these Finals: www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Isaiah Hartenstein provides the key to unlock the Thunder offense in Game 5 win
Hartenstein's impact went beyond the box score, as his screening and decision-making played a huge role in giving OKC a 3-2 series lead.
www.nytimes.com
June 17, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Good read from @kellyiko.bsky.social on how, even in curtailed minutes and with a shifting role, Isaiah Hartenstein has made a major impact for the Thunder in these Finals: www.nytimes.com/athletic/643...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
In contrast to the trade deadline, Durant's preference won’t likely be a deciding factor in a trade.
This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now.
Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now.
Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
Kevin Durant potential trade destinations, and the obstacles that exist
Durant is widely expected to be traded from the Suns soon. But for as great as he is, it’s easy to see why a deal is tough to get done here.
www.nytimes.com
June 15, 2025 at 1:40 AM
In contrast to the trade deadline, Durant's preference won’t likely be a deciding factor in a trade.
This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now.
Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
This makes a deal with the Rockets and Spurs unlikely for now.
Full intel from @samamick.bsky.social, @jonkrawczynski.bsky.social and @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
SOURCES: The Suns have been aggressive in recent efforts to trade Kevin Durant, per @kellyiko.bsky.social.
Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.
Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.
June 4, 2025 at 3:09 AM
SOURCES: The Suns have been aggressive in recent efforts to trade Kevin Durant, per @kellyiko.bsky.social.
Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.
Phoenix has reached out to the Houston Rockets to discuss a deal, with the Suns looking to regain full control of their draft capital.
Reposted by Kelly Iko
The true measure of the Nuggets’ greatness is amplified when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are working in tandem.
But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4.
More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4.
More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
May 12, 2025 at 10:58 AM
The true measure of the Nuggets’ greatness is amplified when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray are working in tandem.
But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4.
More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
But Sunday in Denver, Lu Dort won the Murray matchup — pivotal to Oklahoma City taking Game 4.
More, from @kellyiko.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Diving into the Rockets offseason, with intel on all of the star player scenarios that might be in play if they take a swing, at @theathletic.bsky.social (yes, including that Giannis guy)
W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
Rockets, Ime Udoka put playoff disappointment aside to focus on critical offseason
"Everyone’s goal is to be better and come back better," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said of the offseason.
www.nytimes.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Diving into the Rockets offseason, with intel on all of the star player scenarios that might be in play if they take a swing, at @theathletic.bsky.social (yes, including that Giannis guy)
W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
W/ @kellyiko.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/634...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Great stuff here from our @kellyiko.bsky.social on Dillon Brooks and the Rockets
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
Rockets feed off Dillon Brooks' composure, force Game 6 in emphatic fashion
www.nytimes.com
May 1, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Great stuff here from our @kellyiko.bsky.social on Dillon Brooks and the Rockets
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
Reposted by Kelly Iko
Steve Kerr pulled the plug with 18 minutes still left in Game 5.
The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus.
@kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus.
@kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
May 1, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Steve Kerr pulled the plug with 18 minutes still left in Game 5.
The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus.
@kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
The Rockets' defense was stifling Golden State's stars. Meanwhile the Warriors didn't bring the proper level of defensive focus.
@kellyiko.bsky.social and @anthonyvslater.bsky.social have more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/632...
In Game 1, Amen Thompson’s usage (16.8) was less than it had been all season long.
Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/MtTAA
Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/MtTAA
Amen Thompson can be counterpunch Rockets need vs. Warriors in Game 2
Putting the ball in Thompson's hands and encouraging him to attack the core of the Warriors' defense is intriguing.
shorturl.at
April 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
In Game 1, Amen Thompson’s usage (16.8) was less than it had been all season long.
Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/MtTAA
Putting the ball back in his hands, playing off his drives and finding easier shots for his teammates is a smart counterpunch for Game 2.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/MtTAA
For @theathletic.bsky.social w/ @dannyleroux.bsky.social — Examining Houston’s cap structure in the short and longterm: Fred VanVleet’s future, looming extensions, Suns leverage and much more.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...
Analyzing Rockets' cap situation, re-signing Fred VanVleet and leverage over Suns
www.nytimes.com
March 17, 2025 at 7:01 PM
For @theathletic.bsky.social w/ @dannyleroux.bsky.social — Examining Houston’s cap structure in the short and longterm: Fred VanVleet’s future, looming extensions, Suns leverage and much more.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/620...
When the Rockets announced that 4 of their starters would be out vs. OKC, the intrigue of the matchup dissipated — or so I thought.
On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting.
For @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...
On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting.
For @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...
Rockets takeaways vs. Thunder: Jabari Smith Jr.'s rhythm, Cam Whitmore's case for minutes
www.nytimes.com
March 4, 2025 at 2:58 PM
When the Rockets announced that 4 of their starters would be out vs. OKC, the intrigue of the matchup dissipated — or so I thought.
On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting.
For @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...
On Jabari Smith Jr.’s 2-way glue, Jalen Green’s playmaking, the case for Cam and a Reed sighting.
For @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/617...
The Cade Cunningham-Jalen Green rivalry is a beef that goes back years, long before both parties declined a pregame handshake on Monday afternoon.
On celebrating competition and everything it entails
For @theathletic.bsky.social —
On celebrating competition and everything it entails
For @theathletic.bsky.social —
January 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The Cade Cunningham-Jalen Green rivalry is a beef that goes back years, long before both parties declined a pregame handshake on Monday afternoon.
On celebrating competition and everything it entails
For @theathletic.bsky.social —
On celebrating competition and everything it entails
For @theathletic.bsky.social —
Reposted by Kelly Iko
New for @theathletic.bsky.social - teamed up with our @kellyiko.bsky.social to talk about Houston's trade options heading into the deadline.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
Jimmy Butler? De’Aaron Fox? Who Rockets could be targeting at NBA trade deadline
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:01 PM
New for @theathletic.bsky.social - teamed up with our @kellyiko.bsky.social to talk about Houston's trade options heading into the deadline.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
Karma from the basketball gods, the Spurs’ three-point Achilles’ heel and how the Bucks — and Brook Lopez — repeatedly broke San Antonio’s typically solid “defensive shell” in front of a national audience.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/xZvv3
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/xZvv3
Spurs’ defensive shell game can’t stop Giannis, but it’s a good growth opportunity
“I think this was just a deviation from what we’ve been doing," says Harrison Barnes of the Spurs' lapses against the Bucks.
shorturl.at
January 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Karma from the basketball gods, the Spurs’ three-point Achilles’ heel and how the Bucks — and Brook Lopez — repeatedly broke San Antonio’s typically solid “defensive shell” in front of a national audience.
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/xZvv3
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
shorturl.at/xZvv3
Reposted by Kelly Iko
As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class?
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
Taking stock of Spurs’ Stephon Castle, Rockets’ Reed Sheppard and other NBA rookies
Kelly Iko and Sam Vecenie discuss how the rookies on the Spurs, Rockets and Grizzlies have performed so far this season.
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class?
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class?
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
Taking stock of Spurs’ Stephon Castle, Rockets’ Reed Sheppard and other NBA rookies
Kelly Iko and Sam Vecenie discuss how the rookies on the Spurs, Rockets and Grizzlies have performed so far this season.
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
As the calendar flips to 2025, what does the new year look like for some members of the 2024 rookie class?
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
A look at Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells — with draft guru @samvecenie.bsky.social
New for @theathletic.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/602...
Memphis' depth is such that Desmond Bane's scoring dip isn't as alarming — taking and making less 3s, averaging nearly 10 less points per game than last season — but the Grizzlies need him to regain some juice at some point. Truly think he's their X-factor when everything is clicking.
December 24, 2024 at 1:32 AM
Memphis' depth is such that Desmond Bane's scoring dip isn't as alarming — taking and making less 3s, averaging nearly 10 less points per game than last season — but the Grizzlies need him to regain some juice at some point. Truly think he's their X-factor when everything is clicking.