<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="111553" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="New-York-Knicks">New York Knicks</keyword> have won eight straight games and are in 4th place at 33-27.</li><li>The Knicks have blown away preseason expectations thanks to a number of key contributors.</li><li><keyword id="2575740" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Julius-Randle">Julius Randle</keyword> and <keyword id="575350" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tom-Thibodeau">Tom Thibodeau</keyword> will likely win awards, while other players will be in contention.</li></ul><p>The New York Knicks are the hottest team in the <keyword id="6361805" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="NBA">NBA</keyword>, something even the most optimistic of projections couldn't have conceived before the season.</p><p>At 33-27, the Knicks have won eight straight games and moved into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. On Wednesday, they beat the Atlanta Hawks in overtime to leap-frog them for fourth place, a critical win over a team they would currently face in the first round of the playoffs.</p><p>To call the Knicks' recent success a surprise would be an understatement. No one in the NBA world projected a team that didn't make any major roster upgrades after a 21-45 season to make a leap this year. Optimists felt that better scheming under new head coach Tom Thibodeau and some internal growth from young players might have the Knicks sniffing 30 wins in this 72-game season.</p><p>Instead, this surprise leap, spurred by several key contributors, has put the Knicks in a position to not only make the playoffs for the first time since 2013 but also to be showered with awards.</p><h2>Julius Randle - for Most Improved, All-NBA ... and maybe MVP </h2><div type="image" title="julius randle" height="999" width="1334" msid="82201999" hostid="261"></div>Randle is the story of the Knicks' season.<p>The 26-year-old power forward who signed a 3-year, $63 million deal with the Knicks in the summer of 2019 often became a scapegoat for the team's struggles last season because of his turnovers, inefficiency, and shaky defense.</p><p>This year, <a href="https://www.insider.com/julius-randle-all-star-season-has-knicks-playoff-race-2021-2">Randle has made an incredible leap</a>, averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on 40% three-point shooting. He's one of four players to average over 20-10-6 this season. The only other player to post those numbers while shooting over 40% from three is Larry Bird. (Nikola Jokic is also on pace to accomplish it this season).</p><p>Randle looks like the run-away winner for Most Improved Player. No player has gone from good to excellent like Randle. <a href="https://www.espn.com/radio/play/_/id/31296741">ESPN's Zach Lowe recently said on a podcast</a> that he had Randle as his No. 1 candidate for the award.</p><p>As a result, Randle is also going to be in the mix for an All-NBA spot. There are just six spots for forwards, and the competition is stiff - Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and plenty of others.</p><p>Randle might not only have them beat in numbers, but he also has them beat in games played. He leads the NBA in minutes played and hasn't missed a game for the Knicks. And the gap between Randle and the Knicks' second-best player might be larger than any other player in consideration.</p><p>Randle's MVP case is similar to All-NBA. He has propped up a below-average roster into the thick of the playoff race. The Knicks might have a home-court advantage for a playoff series. He has improved every aspect of his game.</p><p>Randle won't <em>win</em> MVP, but if the Knicks finish in the top four or five in the East, he may land on some ballots.</p><h2>Tom Thibodeau - for Coach of the Year</h2><div type="image" title="tom thibodeau knicks" height="1333" width="1777" msid="82202000" hostid="261"></div>The Knicks' recent surge has also propelled Thibodeau into a race that previously featured Quin Snyder of the Utah Jazz and Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns.<p>The Knicks haven't achieved the same level of success as the Jazz or Suns, but again, Thibodeau came into this job with less to work with.</p><p>The Knicks rank fourth in the NBA in defensive rating and lead the NBA in opponent three-point percentage at just 33.8%. </p><p>They're 21st in offensive rating for the season but are ninth over 12 games in April. Their three-point shooting has also seen a big turn-around - the Knicks are taking 33 threes per game post-All-Star, up from 27 pre-All-Star. The Knicks are making them at a 39% clip since the All-Star break;l those extra six attempts per game can make a big difference.</p><p>The Knicks are a classic Thibodeau team - they play at the slowest pace in the NBA and rarely turn the ball over.</p><p>Thibodeau has maximized this roster in a way few had thought possible.</p><h2>Derrick Rose - for Sixth Man of the Year</h2><p>Jordan Clarkson's excellent off-the-bench play in Utah has seemingly locked up Sixth Man of the Year.</p><p>Yet since joining the Knicks via trade in February, Rose has been an undeniable boost off the bench.</p><p>The Knicks are 17-7 with Rose in the lineup. He is averaging 13 points on 45% shooting and 4 assists in 25 minutes per game with the Knicks. Over this eight-game win streak, Rose has averaged 16 points per game on 50% shooting, and the Knicks are +51 with him on the floor.</p><p>Clarkson has Rose beat in scoring numbers and efficiency and has played a bigger role in his team's success. But Rose may still land on some ballots for Sixth Man. If nothing else, he has proven to be a good acquisition for the Knicks.</p><h2>Immanuel Quickley - for All-Rookie Team</h2><div type="image" title="immanuel quickley" height="1000" width="2000" msid="82202001" hostid="261"></div><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/immanuel-quickley-steal-of-nba-draft-knicks-2021-2">Quickley looks like the steal of the draft</a> with the 25th pick. His solid production off the bench has made Knicks fans forget about the startling lack of production from eighth overall pick Obi Toppin.</p><p>Quickley, like most rookies, has had his ups and downs. But on the year, Quickley is averaging 11.8 points per game on 38% shooting from three. He's also an 89% shooter from the free-throw line and has taken the second-most free throws among all rookies.</p><p>He needs to improve his two-point percentage - a ghastly 39.6% from inside the arc -, but that's mostly because he has settled for tough floaters. In time, he'll develop the ability to get to the rim and find creative ways to finish.</p><p>Quickley might not edge out LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, or Tyrese Haliburton for All-Rookie First Team honors, but he is likely to land on the Second Team.</p><h2>R.J. Barret - for Most Improved Player</h2><p>It's difficult for second-year players to win Most Improved Player simply because most people expect players to make a leap from their rookie season.</p><p>But <a href="https://www.insider.com/rj-barrett-knicks-star-future-2021-3">Barrett's leap has been eye-popping</a>. His numbers are up across the board, averaging a steady 17-6-3 per game. Most importantly, his three-point percentage has jumped to 38.6% on the season, up six points from his rookie year. He's been on a tear since the start of 2021, shooting 41.6% from three.</p><div type="image" title="rj barrett" height="1333" width="1778" msid="82202002" hostid="261"></div>Barrett has also improved his handle and learned to use his bulldozer strength to fight for tough baskets in the lane, something he lacked as a rookie. <p>Lowe said he has considered Barrett for Most Improved but didn't make his final list. Many voters may feel the same, but whether Barrett wins the award or not, his second-year leap has to be a huge victory for the Knicks.</p><h2>Leon Rose - for Executive of the Year?</h2><p>This is arguably the biggest stretch on here. Executive of the Year often goes to a GM who pulled off a savvy, franchise-changing trade or made several big offseason moves to build a contender.</p><p>Rose has not done that, but he has overseen a front office that has made very few mistakes.</p><p>Consider the following signings:</p><ul><li>Alec Burks, 1-year, $6 million: averaging 12 points per game on a career-best 40.8% three-point shooting and leading the Knicks in clutch three-point shooting.</li><li>Nerlens Noel, 1 year, $5 million: averaging a career-high in blocks and anchoring the Knicks defense in the absence of starting center Mitchell Robinson.</li><li>Taj Gibson, 1 year, $2.2 million: the fourth-best on-court rating of any member and the Knicks and providing energy off the bench.</li></ul><p>Rose, of course, also oversaw the hiring of Thibodeau, the drafting of Quickley, and the trade for Derrick Rose.</p><p>Rose has his work cut out for him. The Knicks still have to make the playoffs, and next year's roster is barren -  only Barrett, Toppin, Quickley, Robinson, and Kevin Knox have guaranteed money on the books for next season. Crafting a competitive team without overspending on existing or new free agents will be difficult.</p><p>But Year 1 for the agent-turned-executive has undoubtedly been a surprise success.</p>

The Knicks' stunning turnaround into a playoff contender has set them up to be showered with awards

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354896" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="protests">Protests</keyword> have popped up around the US calling for states to end <keyword id="58679" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Quarantine">quarantine</keyword> and reopen businesses. </li><li>An analysis from Bot Sentinel, a bot tracking platform, found that <keyword id="1044234" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="bots">bots</keyword> and trolls have been stoking sentiments online that have fueled the protests, using hashtags like #ReopenAmericaNow and #StopTheMadness.</li><li>Online disinformation seemingly used to stoke political tension in the US has been frequently reported on since the 2016 election when Russian actors used bots and active trolling to support Donald Trump, organize events, and spread political memes. </li><li>Brooke Binkowski, managing editor of the fact-checking website Truth or Fiction, says that reporters need to do a better job of reporting on the protests in the context of the disinformation. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><p>Videos of protesters around the nation <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/stay-at-home-order-protests-continue-as-states-ease-coronavirus-guidelines/">demanding</a> their governors reopen businesses have been all over social media over the past week or so, and Donald Trump has offered pseudo-encouragement by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-tweets-to-liberate-michigan-minnesota-as-protesters-violate-orders-2020-4">tweeting</a> that they need to "liberate" states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia. The same rhetoric that is being used at these protests has been spreading like wildfire on social media as bots and trolls attempt to use disinformation to get states to reopen. </p><p>Christopher Bouzy, the founder of bot tracking platform <a href="https://botsentinel.com/">Bot Sentinel</a>, conducted a Twitter analysis for Business Insider and found bots and trolls are using hashtags like <a href="https://twitter.com/CnsrvativeHusky/status/1251829342373584899">#ReOpenNC</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DanbCarolina/status/1251880043132977154">#ReopenAmericaNow</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephBove3/status/1251418501866295296">#StopTheMadness</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EMouthy/status/1251676901795487744">#ENDTHESHUTDOWN,</a> and #OperationGridlock to spread disinformation. According to Bouzy, the bots and trolls are spreading conspiracy theories about Democrats wanting to hurt the economy to make Trump look bad, Democrats trying to take away people's civil liberties, and Democrats trying to prevent people from voting. The accounts are also using <a href="https://twitter.com/onlytruthnfacts/status/1251643484290850816">false data</a> to underplay the threat of the coronavirus. </p><p>"We use machine learning and artificial intelligence to classify accounts," Bouzy says. "Back in 2018, I trained the initial model using 2,500 normal Twitter accounts, and 2500 inauthentic accounts I was tracking for several months. Approximately 5,000,000 tweets were used to create the first model."</p><p>"Inauthentic accounts are amplifying disinformation and inaccurate statistics and sharing false information as a reason to reopen the country," Bouzy says. "Many of these accounts are also spreading bizarre conspiracy theories about Democrats using COVID-19 as a way to take away American freedoms and prevent Americans from voting."</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—anthony edwards  (@anthony3741) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1251740411082575872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2020</a></blockquote><h2><strong>Bouzy says the amount of inauthentic activity he's seeing surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak "eclipses" anything he's ever observed before.</strong> </h2><p>Bouzy says it's difficult to quantify the magnitude of this problem and how much influence it's having, but there are at least "several hundred" accounts sharing this disinformation. </p><p>"These accounts are spreading disinformation about why it is safe to return to work and go back to normal activities," Bouzy says. "Inauthentic accounts are downplaying the seriousness of COVID-19, and they sharing inaccurate information about the mortality rate of the virus. The problem is significant because many of these inauthentic accounts are retweeted by other larger accounts, which increases their reach and visibility."</p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/us/politics/coronavirus-china-disinformation.html?action=click&amp;module=Top%20Stories&amp;pgtype=HomepageHomepage">New York Times</a>, Chinese operatives spread claims on social media in mid-March that the Trump administration was going to lock down the entire country and enforce this lockdown with soldiers on the streets. The White House's National Security Council later <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC/status/1239398218292748292?s=20">tweeted</a> that these claims were false. That was just some of the disinformation that's been spread on social media by inauthentic sources.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Dan B.  (@DanbCarolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1251880043132977154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2020</a></blockquote><h2><strong>Social media companies are making some efforts to combat this problem.</strong> </h2><p>Facebook, for instance, has been <a href="https://futurism.com/facebook-taking-down-anti-social-distancing-protest-pages">taking down</a> pages and posts promoting <keyword id="9114634" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="anti-quarantine-protests">anti-quarantine protests</keyword>. Twitter has been <a href="https://www.axios.com/twitter-coronavirus-misinformation-giuliani-bolsonaro-91b82076-41eb-40e1-8cae-df8cbbdc175a.html">attempting</a> to remove posts that spread disinformation about the COVID-19 outbreak, but it's clear the social media companies are struggling to keep up. </p><p>In terms of the people protesting in-person, many have claimed these protests themselves are not entirely organic in nature. The Guardian has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/18/coronavirus-americans-protest-stay-at-home">reported</a> that some protests have been backed by wealthy conservative groups, and it <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/salvadorhernandez/coronavirus-quarantine-protests-facebook-groups">appears</a>, according to BuzzFeed, that one <keyword id="6359715" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="protest">protest</keyword> in Michigan was funded by the family of Trump's education secretary, Betsy DeVos. </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—ConservativeHusky #NRALifetime Member #Nationalist  (@CnsrvativeHusky) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1251829342373584899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2020</a></blockquote><p>Brooke Binkowski, managing editor of the fact-checking website Truth or Fiction and former managing editor of Snopes, tells Business Insider that the media has been struggling  with its coverage of the protests, which she says are "completely inauthentic and coordinated." </p><p>"Journalists are largely missing that fact in their bids to find 'other sides to the story,'" Binkowski says.</p><p>Binkowski says it's likely foreign actors that are looking to foment chaos in the United States are contributing to the spread of disinformation and the promotion of anti-quarantine protests, similar to gatherings and protests that were <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/technology/358025-thousands-attended-protest-organized-by-russians-on-facebook">organized</a> and stoked by Russian actors during the 2016 election. She believes that the disinformation is being spread by trolls and bots but also by "useful idiots."</p><p>"Empowering violent extremists is a very old method for collapsing unstable states," Binkowski says. "This is the end result of weaponized disinformation — it's doing its job. It would have been the virus or it would have been something like a fire, or a hurricane, or an earthquake. But disinformation purveyors are nothing if not opportunistic."</p><p>Bots and trolls are spreading disinformation online that could end up putting countless lives in danger, and Binkowski believes reporters aren't being critical enough when they're covering this issue. We're already seeing states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2020/04/20/coronavirus-latest-news/">announcing</a> they will soon ease quarantine restrictions so they can attempt to return to business as usual, but reopening states too early could have catastrophic effects. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious-disease expert, has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anti-coronavirus-lockdown-protests-backfire-delay-economic-recovery-fauci-abc-2020-4">claimed</a> rushing to end quarantines will increase death tolls and further damage the US economy. </p><p>It's not clear who's behind this disinformation campaign that's contributing to anti-quarantine efforts, but it seems likely those behind it do not have the United States' health interests at heart.</p><p><strong>Read more</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/more-media-requests-than-protestors-at-md-coronavirus-protest-2020-4">The Maryland governor's office says there were more media requests to cover anti-lockdown protests than there were protesters</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-facebook-is-removing-promotions-for-anti-quarantine-protests-2020-4">Facebook is removing promotions for anti-quarantine protests that violate stay-home orders in California, New Jersey, and Nebraska</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-texas-lockdown-protesters-anti-vaxxers-chant-fire-fauci-2020-4">An anti-lockdown protest in Austin, Texas, drew anti-vaxxers and Trump supporters chanting 'Fire Fauci'</a></p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trolls-bots-flooding-social-media-with-anti-quarantine-disinformation-2020-4">Business Insider</a>

Trolls and bots are flooding social media with disinformation encouraging states to end quarantine

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55d238945afbd35f4f8b4567-512-366/ap-college-student-lives-in-96-square-foot-solar-powered-house.jpg" alt="In this Aug. 14, 2015 photo, Rob Dunn sits on on a couch in his two-story, 96-square-foot home in Poultney, Vt.  Dunn, a Green Mountain College senior from Henniker, N.H., has lived off the grid for about a year in his tiny home powered by two 100-watt solar panels. He uses a rocket mass heater for cooking and heating. (Anthony Edwards/Rutland Herald via AP)" data-mce-source="http://eapcontent.ap.org/jpg/2015/20150817/18/a9bf3349de6562247f0f6a70670036dc.jpg?contentid=a9bf3349de6562247f0f6a70670036dc/fmt=jpg/role=Preview/reldt=2015-08-17T18:07:06/media=Photo/recordid=d2f205fd2f7949e3bf2ccf972f1ad7dd/itemid=d2f205fd2f7949e3bf2ccf972f1ad7dd/objfilename=preview.jpg/authToken=eNotx0sKwyAURuEVKb9evdaB0K0kPsBBY9BIM3DxbaGTc%2fhWvgOTdZY9GyIADw2sWMPm90JkvEiZrWCtjXAFRfDmwA4gTnHNEWI7rl73ebU%2bnvsc9cjjm1FT7jK21zrf4U9lseoZ2EgFlup3ZT%2fX1igh&amp;token=1440099633_157AF56C842AD25285FF056CC34AF383" data-mce-caption="In this Aug. 14, 2015 photo, Rob Dunn sits on on a couch in his two-story, 96-square-foot home in Poultney, Vt.  Dunn, a Green Mountain College senior from Henniker, N.H., has lived off the grid for about a year in his tiny home powered by two 100-watt solar panels. He uses a rocket mass heater for cooking and heating. (Anthony Edwards/Rutland Herald via AP)" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://eapcontent.ap.org/jpg/2015/20150817/18/a9bf3349de6562247f0f6a70670036dc.jpg?contentid=a9bf3349de6562247f0f6a70670036dc/fmt=jpg/role=Preview/reldt=2015-08-17T18:07:06/media=Photo/recordid=d2f205fd2f7949e3bf2ccf972f1ad7dd/itemid=d2f205fd2f7949e3bf2ccf972f1ad7dd/objfilename=preview.jpg/authToken=eNotx0sKwyAURuEVKb9evdaB0K0kPsBBY9BIM3DxbaGTc%2fhWvgOTdZY9GyIADw2sWMPm90JkvEiZrWCtjXAFRfDmwA4gTnHNEWI7rl73ebU%2bnvsc9cjjm1FT7jK21zrf4U9lseoZ2EgFlup3ZT%2fX1igh&amp;token=1440099633_157AF56C842AD25285FF056CC34AF383">eapcontent.ap.org</a></span></p><p class="caption">In this Aug. 14, 2015 photo, Rob Dunn sits on on a couch in his two-story, 96-square-foot home in Poultney, Vt.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55d4576a371d22c6178bf8d9-365-512/aaa.jpg" alt="aaa" data-mce-source="Anthony Edwards/Rutland Herald via AP" /><p class="source"><span>Anthony Edwards/Rutland Herald via AP</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>POULTNEY, Vt. (AP) - A <span>college</span> <span>student</span> in Vermont is <span>living</span> in a <span>96-square-foot</span> <span>house</span> he built to reduce his carbon footprint - and save money.</p><p>The Rutland Herald <a href="http://bit.ly/1MwOCWq">reports</a> that Green Mountain <span>College</span> senior Rob Dunn has been <span>living</span> in the two-story Poultney home since August 2014.</p><p>The home is powered by two 100-watt solar panels. A rocket mass heater built from a cast-iron stove insulated with a mixture of clay, sand and straw allows for cooking and heating.</p><p>The home cost Dunn about $3,000 to build, and the landowner is letting him <span>live</span> rent-free. He says that will help with the high cost of <span>college</span>.</p><p>The Henniker, New Hampshire, native says <span>living</span> in the home is the "most raw experience that I've ever had."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-athletes-get-into-harvard-happy-bottom-quarter-malcolm-gladwell-2015-6">Malcolm Gladwell: Here's why Harvard needs 'dumb' kids too</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="R1YThydToTggpxC9W47qA8blO2EYYahs" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'R1YThydToTggpxC9W47qA8blO2EYYahs',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

A Vermont college student lives in this 96-square-foot solar-powered house

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b216ca2e5265bb008b4687-781-586/george%20clooney%20er%20reunion%20jimmy%20kimmel%20abc%20main.png" alt="george clooney er reunion jimmy kimmel abc main" data-mce-source="ABC"><p class="source"><span>ABC</span></p><p class="caption">"ER" reunion sketch on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>What happens when a late-night host&#xa0;plans a show reunion and only one actor from the old series shows up?&#xa0;That's the dilemma Jimmy Kimmel dealt with on Tuesday night with George Clooney.<p>With Clooney stopping by to promote his new movie, "Hail, Caesar!" Kimmel went into a commercial break teasing a proper "ER" reunion. What a difference a few ads make.&#xa0;</p><p>As the "ER" sketch is underway, Clooney requests a&#xa0;scalpel, and then Kimmel breaks the news.</p><p>"I know I'm supposed to be under," Kimmel, playing a patient, says&#xa0;to the star. "The reason nobody is bringing&#xa0;you a scalpel is this is kind of a last-minute thing, and we had some trouble getting the whole cast of 'ER' together."</p><p>He then explains why everyone couldn't make it:&#xa0;<span>Julianne Marguiles was shooting "The Good Wife," Noah Wyle had "Taco Tuesdays" with his family, Eriq La Salle had jury duty, Sherry Stringfield couldn't get an&#xa0;Uber, and Anthony Edwards is at SoulCycle.</span></p><p><span>The movie star is a good sport: "If George Clooney says he's going to show up for an 'ER' reunion, George Clooney does it," Clooney confirms.</span></p><p>The show reunion must go on, but Clooney won't go it alone. He&#xa0;appears&#xa0;alongside another popular TV doctor, "House" star Hugh Laurie. They&#xa0;save patient Kimmel's life with a pretty extreme medical technique.</p><p><strong>Here's a hint:</strong></p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56b217032e526575008b46b5-790-444/george%20clooney%20er%20reunion%20jimmy%20kimmel%20abc.gif" alt="george clooney er reunion jimmy kimmel abc" data-mce-source="ABC"><p class="source"><span>ABC</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div><p><strong>Watch the video below:</strong></p><p><strong><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/k_z3rN84Vmk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></strong></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jimmy-kimmel-diet-2016-1">Jimmy Kimmel lost a ton of weight on this radical diet</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="xpbXUyMDE6U_ruv0qCaR1oHc44ny8Rez" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'xpbXUyMDE6U_ruv0qCaR1oHc44ny8Rez',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

Jimmy Kimmel and George Clooney put on an 'ER' reunion - and Hugh Laurie showed up

<ul class="summary-list"><li>After a short offseason, the <keyword id="6361805" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="NBA">NBA</keyword> is back, with training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday.</li><li>A flurry of activity has shaken up the standings.</li><li>The Lakers still top our power rankings as we head into the season.</li></ul><p>The longest season in NBA history led to the shortest offseason in history.</p><p>The NBA is back, just two months removed from the bubble. The compressed offseason led to a flurry of activity, with the draft and free agency being held over about one week.</p><p>The pecking order hasn't drastically changed, though some big names moved, and there are some teams on the rise and some on moving in the other direction.</p><p>With training camps underway and preseason tipping off on Friday, here's a look at our <keyword id="10412181" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nba-power-rankings">NBA power rankings</keyword>.</p><p><em>* = lottery-pick rookie</em></p><h2><strong>30. Detroit Pistons</strong></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 20-46, 13th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Jerami Grant (F), Delon Wright (G), Mason Plumlee (C), Killian Hayes (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Luke Kennard (G/F), Christian Wood (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pistons were active this offseason in re-shaping their roster, but it looks like just the beginning of a rebuild for a team with many questions at a lot of positions.</p><h2>29. Cleveland Cavaliers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 19-46, 15th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Damyean Dotson (G/F), JaVale McGee (C), Isaac Okoro (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Tristan Thompson (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Cavs are in the midst of turning things over to the young core of Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Kevin Porter Jr., and Isaac Okoro. Will a Kevin Love trade finally happen this season?</p><h2>28. New York Knicks</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 21-45, 12th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Austin Rivers (G), Nerlens Noel (C), Alec Burks (G/F), Obi Toppin (F*), Tom Thibodeau (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bobby Portis (F/C), Taj Gibson (C), Damyean Dotson (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Knicks were patient and conservative this offseason, adding only cheap veterans to their young core. It's wise to continue a slow rebuild, but don't expect many more wins at MSG this season.</p><h2>27. Oklahoma City Thunder</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 5th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Al Horford (F/C), George Hill (G), Trevor Ariza (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Chris Paul (G), Steven Adams (C), Dennis Schröder (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> After wheeling-and-dealing through the offseason, the Thunder ultimately stripped away last year's surprising playoff roster for veterans and even more draft picks. OKC likely won't be an easy out, but it's hard to see them winning so many games again.</p><h2>26. Sacramento Kings</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 31-41, 11th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Hassan Whiteside (C), Frank Kaminsky (F/C), Tyrese Haliburton (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The 2019-20 season was a letdown after the Kings narrowly missed the playoffs the year before. Sacramento wants to get back in the mix, and they'll need big seasons from De'Aaron Fox (who just signed a $163 million extension) and Marvin Bagley. </p><h2>25. Chicago Bulls</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 22-43, 11th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Patrick Williams (F*), Billy Donovan (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Kris Dunn (G), Jim Boylen (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Bulls should improve with their coaching change. Though they have some nice talent at the top of their roster, their team's depth and core pieces are still in flux.</p><h2>24. Charlotte Hornets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 23-42, 9th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Gordon Hayward (G/F), LaMelo Ball (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Nic Batum (G/F)</p><p><strong><div type="image" title="gordon hayward" height="968" width="1290" msid="79667317" hostid="261"></div>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Drafting LaMelo Ball and signing Gordon Hayward to a $120 million deal gave the Hornets one of the more notable offseasons in the league. But Ball is a rookie PG joining a young, growing core, and Hayward isn't enough to lift the Hornets to another tier by himself.</p><h2>23. San Antonio Spurs</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 32-39, 10th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Devin Vassell (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Bryn Forbes (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Spurs are going through a slow rebuild, though they nearly made the playoffs last year, so it's not as if they're tanking. Development from young guards like Lonnie Walker or Dejounte Murray could push the Spurs up the standings.</p><h2>22. Orlando Magic</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 33-40, 8th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> none</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> D.J. Augustin (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook</strong> The Magic have made the playoffs the last two years, but Augustin is quietly a big departure, versatile forward Jonathan Isaac will miss the season with a torn ACL, and the East has gotten better.</p><h2>21. Washington Wizards</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Houston Rockets Russell Westbrook Rokit phones" height="1182" width="1576" msid="79667322" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 25-47, 10th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Russell Westbrook (G), Robin Lopez (C), Deni Avdija (F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> John Wall (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook: </strong>The Wizards swapped Westbrook and Wall, giving Bradley Beal another back-court scoring partner (one not coming off a major injury). The Wizards should benefit from an infusion of talent, especially on the wing, with second-year forward Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija, perhaps the steal of the draft.</p><h2>20. Memphis Grizzlies</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 34-39, 9th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Mario Hezonja (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Josh Jackson (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The surprise team of the 2019-20 season, the Grizzlies were on track to make the playoffs, though they benefited from an easy schedule before the league shut down. Perhaps we shouldn't write off Memphis again, but a step back from a young roster wouldn't be surprising, especially with Jaren Jackson Jr. recovering from a torn meniscus.</p><h2>19. Minnesota Timberwolves</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 19-45, 14th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Ricky Rubio (G), Ed Davis (F/C), Anthony Edwards (G/F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> none</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> It's unclear how the trio of Rubio, No. 1 pick Edwards, and D'Angelo Russell will fit together, but the Wolves have gone all-in on chasing a playoff spot around Karl-Anthony Towns. This could be a fun, dynamic offensive team, but they may also be awful defensively and a bit choppy on offense with so many mouths to feed.</p><h2>18. Golden State Warriors</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 15-50, 15th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Kelly Oubre Jr. (G/F), Kent Bazemore (G/F), James Wiseman (C*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> none</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Klay Thompson's torn Achilles is a devastating blow for a franchise looking to compete for a top-four seed once again. Stephen Curry is back and ready to re-reestablish himself as an elite player, but who else on this roster can be relied upon, from night to night?</p><h2>17. New Orleans Pelicans</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="Zion Williamson" height="1750" width="2334" msid="79667327" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 30-42, 13th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Steven Adams (C), Eric Bledsoe (G), Kira Lewis (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jrue Holiday (G), Derrick Favors (C), E'Twaun Moore (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pelicans were a winning team, by a healthy margin, in the 668 pre-bubble minutes Zion Williamson played last year. That's what they'll be counting on entering this season, as they surround the young core of Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball with capable veterans.</p><h2>16. Houston Rockets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 4th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> John Wall (G), Christian Wood (C), Stephen Silas (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Russell Westbrook (G), Robert Covington Jr. (F), Austin Rivers (G), Jeff Green (F), Mike D'Antoni (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook: </strong>James Harden is a walking playoff appearance, and enough pieces are remaining in Houston to build a solid postseason contender. But will Harden's trade request erode team chemistry? Will the Rockets succumb and deal him to another team?</p><h2>15. Indiana Pacers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 45-28, 4th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Nate Bjorkgren (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Nate McMillan (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Pacers seem to be in flux. They've been a solid playoff team, albeit with a limited ceiling, but the futures of Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner seem to be in question.</p><h2>14. Atlanta Hawks</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="trae young" height="999" width="1332" msid="79667331" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record: </strong>20-47, 14th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Bogdan Bogdanovic (G/F), Danilo Gallinari (F), Rajon Rondo (G), Kris Dunn (G), Onyeka Okungwu (C*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jeff Teague (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Hawks were the big spenders of the offseason. Some of the moves were questionable fits with their existing roster, but they are undoubtedly improved, and their offense should carry them to a playoff seed.</p><h2>13. Toronto Raptors</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 53-19, 2nd in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Aron Baynes (C), Alex Len (C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Marc Gasol (C), Serge Ibaka (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Raptors retained Fred VanVleet to keep together the successful, talented core that includes Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. The bad <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword> is they lost Ibaka and Gasol, two fulcrums on both ends, in free agency, hurting the Raptors' seamless chemistry. Toronto is in the midst of a tricky re-tooling.</p><h2>12. Phoenix Suns</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong>34-39, 10th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Chris Paul (G), Jae Crowder (F), Jalen Smith (F*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Ricky Rubio (G), Kelly Oubre (G/F), Frank Kaminsky (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> After going 8-0 in the bubble and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Suns swung a trade for Chris Paul to boost their back-court. With Devin Booker entering his prime as an elite offensive player and development from two-way stud Mikal Bridges and center Deandre Ayton, the Suns should reach the playoffs.</p><h2>11. Dallas Mavericks</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 43-32, 7th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Josh Richardson (G/F), James Johnson (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Seth Curry (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Richardson is an excellent two-way addition to a team historically good on offense and poor on offense last season. Now the Mavs need their front-court of Kristaps Porzingis and Dwight Powell to get and stay healthy. In the meantime, Doncic is an early MVP favorite.</p><div type="image" title="luka doncic.JPG" height="660" width="1321" msid="79667338" hostid="261"></div><h2>10. Philadelphia 76ers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 43-40, 6th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Danny Green (G/F), Seth Curry (G), Dwight Howard (C), Doc Rivers (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Josh Richardson (G/F), Al Horford (F/C), Alec Burks (G/F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> New GM Daryl Morey immediately changed the Sixers' awkward construction and shipped out size for shooting. This roster makes more sense, and while Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid may continue to be an awkward fit, the pieces around them may make it a little less burdensome on offense.</p><h2>9. Utah Jazz</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-28, 6th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Derrick Favors (F/C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Ed Davis (F/C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Jazz were one <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-jamal-murray-consoles-donovan-mitchell-nuggets-jazz-game-7-2020-9">in-and-out, last-second three-pointer in a Game 7</a> from advancing past the first round of the playoffs. They'll welcome back second-leading scorer Bojan Bogdanovic (who missed the bubble), and with a leap from Donovan Mitchell, they'll be right back in the playoff mix this year.</p><h2>8. Boston Celtics</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 48-24, 3rd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Tristan Thompson (F/C), Jeff Teague (G), Aaron Nesmith (G*)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Gordon Hayward (G/F), Enes Kanter (C), Brad Wanamaker (G)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Celtics will miss Hayward, but his absence will open up more opportunities for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Thompson adds some size and defense to one of the league's smallest teams. The big question is if Kemba Walker's knee will be healthy enough to be the second or third scorer the Celtics need to contend.</p><h2>7. Portland Trail Blazers</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="damian lillard .JPG" height="870" width="1160" msid="79667344" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 35-39, 9th in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Robert Covington Jr. (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F), Harry Giles (F/C), Enes Kanter (C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Trevor Ariza (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Arguably, no team had a better, cleaner offseason than the Blazers, who strengthened their wing and bigs rotations around Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum at a minimal cost. They made the Western Conference Finals in 2019; can they re-emerge as pseudo-contenders again?</p><h2>6. Brooklyn Nets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 35-37, 7th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Landry Shamet (G), Jeff Green (F/C), Steve Nash (coach)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Garrett Temple (G), Wilson Chandler (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> On paper, the Nets might boast the best roster in the league. Of course, they're relying on one star (Kevin Durant) coming back from an Achilles tear and another (Kyrie Irving) with a checkered injury history. We'll need to see they're healthy, but if they are, look out. Under first-time head coach Steve Nash, the Nets will be must-watch TV.</p><h2>5. Denver Nuggets</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 46-27, 3rd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> JaMychal Green (F/C)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jerami Grant (F), Mason Plumlee (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Denver's chemistry and grit wowed the NBA world as they fought to the Western Conference Finals last year. If Jamal Murray's star turn in the bubble and Michael Porter Jr.'s rapid development are real, Denver will be a contender this year.</p><h2>4. Miami Heat</h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="jimmy butler" height="843" width="1125" msid="79667350" hostid="261"></div>2019-20 record:</strong> 44-29, 5th in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Avery Bradley (G), Maurice Harkless (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Jae Crowder (F), Derrick Jones Jr. (F)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Miami's impressive Finals run overshadowed a solid but unspectacular regular season. Not much has changed on the roster, though Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could make leaps this season. The Heat deserve respect as conference champions but don't expect them to run over the East as they did in the bubble.</p><h2>3. LA Clippers</h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 49-23, 2nd in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Serge Ibaka (F/C), Luke Kennard (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Montrezl Harrell (F/C), JaMychal Green (F/C), Landry Shamet (G), Doc Rivers (coach)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Clippers' meltdown in the second round of the playoffs and reported <a href="https://www.insider.com/kawhi-leonard-paul-george-star-treatment-bothered-clippers-teammates-2020-12">chemistry issues</a> have overshadowed what looked like the scariest team in the league for much of the regular season. They still have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and a deep, talented roster. If the locker-room issues sort themselves out, they can easily contend for a championship.</p><h2>2. <keyword id="578134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Milwaukee-Bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</keyword></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 56-17, 1st in East</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Jrue Holiday (G), Bobby Portis (F/C), D.J. Augustin (G)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Eric Bledsoe (G), George Hill (G), Welsey Matthews (F),  Robin Lopez (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> Sure, the Bucks flamed out of the second round of the playoffs, botched a trade for Bogdan Bogdanovic, and still don't have Giannis Antetokounmpo's signature on the supermax contract extension. But they still have the reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, a talented roster that upgraded by acquiring Holiday, and a proven effective system in the regular season. But this season is all about what happens in the playoffs.</p><div type="image" title="anthony davis lebron james" height="739" width="1479" msid="79667352" hostid="261"></div><h2>1. <keyword id="100883" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Los-Angeles-Lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</keyword></h2><p><strong>2019-20 record:</strong> 52-19, 1st in West</p><p><strong>Biggest additions:</strong> Montrezl Harrel (F/C), Marc Gasol (C), Dennis Schroeder (G), Wesley Matthews (F)</p><p><strong>Biggest losses:</strong> Danny Green (G/F), Dwight Howard (C), Avery Bradley (G), JaVale McGee (C)</p><p><strong>2020-21 outlook:</strong> The Lakers were the best team from start to finish last season, and they look poised to repeat this year. They upgraded the talent on their roster and got younger, crucial with a shortened offseason. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are locked in for the long-term, too. No other team has the same balance of talent and chemistry as the Lakers.</p>

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