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TOPSummer League Preview: Timberwolves at Pistons
The Minnesota Timberwolves are undefeated (2-0) in the Las Vegas Summer League and aim to extend their winning streak to 3-0 against the Detroit Pistons on July 15th, 2025, at 3:30 PM CDT in Las Vegas. Despite the typical perception of Summer League games being low-stakes, Timberwolves fans are showing increased interest because the team is playing exciting basketball with players demonstrating potential value. This excitement was highlighted by their recent 11-point win over the Denver Nuggets, extending a symbolic seven-game winning streak against Denver dating back to the 2024 playoffs. Terrence Shannon Jr. was the standout performer in the win over Denver, scoring 24 points and establishing himself as the clear alpha on the court. His confident scoring and controlled swagger suggest he could be a valuable offensive weapon to help alleviate the scoring droughts that plagued the Timberwolves last season, potentially earning him a rotation spot in the regular season. Rob Dillingham showed significant improvement after a shaky debut, posting 15 points, nine assists, and only four turnovers against Denver. His performance, characterized by frenetic energy and a creative dribble reminiscent of a young Tyrese Maxey, aligns with the Wolves' need for a solid backup point guard behind Mike Conley. The team hopes he can develop into a reliable option to run the second unit and provide scoring bursts.
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TOPThe 8,000-Point Club is Two Former Mercury Players
Tina Charles scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Connecticut Sun in their 79-65 loss to the Seattle Storm on Sunday. This performance pushed her career scoring total over 8,000 points, making her only the second player in WNBA history to reach this milestone, following league legend Diana Taurasi. Despite the Sun's rebuilding season, the 36-year-old Charles has averaged 15.6 points per game this year for the franchise where she began her career in 2010. Her career total of 8,019 points is second only to Taurasi's 10,646. Charles, like Taurasi, also played for the Phoenix Mercury. She signed with the Mercury in 2022 during a tumultuous season under new head coach Vanessa Nygaard. While the team made the playoffs, it was a strange season with only 15 regular-season wins and no postseason victories. Charles played alongside Taurasi and Skylar Diggins, posting the team's second-highest scoring average (17.3 points per game, plus 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists) and shooting well from three-point range (36.4%). However, her time with the Mercury was short-lived. After just 16 games, Charles and the team mutually agreed to terminate her contract, and she joined the Seattle Storm. Nygaard declined to comment beyond stating Charles had "elected not to play" in some games and that both sides were ready to move on. Charles clearly still has ability in 2025, but her future with the struggling Storm (currently 3-18 with a -15.6 point differential) is uncertain. While unlikely to catch Taurasi's points total, playing a few more seasons could solidify her sole possession of second place for a long time. DeWanna Bonner currently sits in third place on the all-time scoring list. Notably, the top three scorers in WNBA history are all either current or former Phoenix Mercury players.
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Watch: NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begins 2025 offseason workouts
Less than a month after winning the NBA championship and earning both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has resumed offseason workouts. As the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his performance is critical to the team's pursuit of a rare repeat title. Over the past four years, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his status among the NBA's elite, achieving four consecutive 30-point seasons, three All-NBA selections, and MVP honors by age 27. Despite the Thunder's shortened offseason following their late-June championship victory, he has already transitioned into training mode for the 2025-26 season, acknowledging the heightened target on the defending champions. July has been particularly eventful: Gilgeous-Alexander signed a supermax contract extension securing his tenure with Oklahoma City through 2031, and promptly returned to training. He is working with longtime private trainer Nem Ilic, focusing heavily on lower-body exercises. Social media glimpses of these sessions underscore his legendary work ethic. His unconventional journey—from lottery pick to MVP—has been fueled by relentless offseason dedication. As the article notes, his commitment during the NBA's summer break has been instrumental in forging his path to superstardom and sustaining championship-level performance.
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A win over the Minnesota Lynx confirms the Chicago Sky are playing their best basketball of the season
The Chicago Sky, with a 7-13 record, pulled off a significant upset by defeating the heavily favored Minnesota Lynx (18-4) with a final score of 87-81 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The victory showcased the Sky playing their best basketball, embodying patience and persistence. Chicago established control early. After a competitive start, they ended the first quarter with an 8-0 run to lead 29-23, emphasizing good shots, ball security, rebounding, hustle, and strong defense, led by Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese. This dominance continued into the second quarter. Atkins scored effectively, particularly with floaters, while Reese contributed inside, from the free-throw line, and mid-range. Kamilla Cardoso controlled the paint and rebounded, and Rachel Banham added three 3-pointers. A 28-point second quarter gave the Sky a commanding 57-44 halftime lead. Despite Chicago maintaining their lead early in the third quarter, the Lynx mounted a fierce comeback. Kayla McBride hit threes, Courtney Williams made key mid-range shots, and Napheesa Collier played aggressively. A 19-8 Lynx run spanning the end of the third and start of the fourth quarters reduced Chicago's once 15-point lead to just two points. The Sky, however, refocused on their initial approach of patience and persistence, never relinquishing the lead. They secured the win behind outstanding performances: Ariel Atkins led all scorers with 27 points (57.1% FG) and 3 rebounds, heavily influencing the second quarter. Angel Reese recorded her eighth consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso anchored the paint, and Rachel Banham provided crucial outside shooting. Towards the game's end, after a favorable call, Reese and Atkins shared an embrace, and Reese energized the ecstatic crowd. This victory stands as the Sky's biggest of the season.
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Aces 104-102 Valkyries (Jul 12, 2025) Game Recap
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Golden State Valkyries 104-102 in a close game on Saturday. A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 34 points and 16 rebounds, while Jackie Young scored 30 points, including the team's final 10 points. With the score tied at 94 and 1:49 remaining, Jackie Young took control, scoring on the Aces' next five possessions. She hit a mid-range jumper for a 96-94 lead, followed by a driving layup to make it 98-94. Young then sealed the win by making two free throws on each of the Aces' next three possessions. Despite Young's offensive dominance, the Valkyries stayed close with late three-pointers. Cecilia Zandalasini hit one with 17 seconds left and Tiffany Hayes made another with 7 seconds left, cutting the deficit to 102-100. Young's final pair of free throws made it 104-100 before Kayla Thornton hit a long two-pointer for the Valkyries' final points. Young was perfect from the free-throw line, going 11-for-11 (she entered the game as an 89% shooter). Overall, the Aces made 30 of 35 free throws. Wilson, playing after injuring her wrist earlier in the week, made 12 of 16 shots and 9 of 12 free throws. Jewell Loyd added 15 points for Las Vegas. All five Golden State starters scored in double figures: Hayes and Janelle Salaun each had 16 points, Temi Fagbenle scored 13, Veronica Burton 11, and Kayla Thornton 10. Cecilia Zandalasini contributed 12 points off the bench. This was the expansion Valkyries' first game in Las Vegas; their head coach, Natalie Nakase, was an Aces assistant during their 2022 and 2023 championship seasons. Entering the game, the Valkyries held a 10-10 record, having won five of their previous eight games. The Aces improved to 10-11 after losing three of their last four. Looking ahead, Golden State hosts Phoenix on Monday, while Las Vegas plays at Dallas on Wednesday.
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Lakers’ LeBron James’ 4 trade suitors revealed
LeBron James has not requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, if the Lakers decide to trade him, a report indicates four teams have already contacted the Lakers to express interest in acquiring him. According to the report by Scoop Robinson, the four teams that inquired are the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The report suggests the Mavericks scenario would be particularly ironic following Luka Doncic's recent trade from Dallas to the Lakers. It also speculates that a potential Lakers team featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg would be "incredible".
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Dallas Mavericks have changes to make alongside Cooper Flagg
The Dallas Mavericks are expected to build their future around No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg starting in the 2025-26 season. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley projects Flagg will start alongside D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. Buckley notes that while the Mavericks miss Kyrie Irving due to injury, this lineup is intriguing primarily because of Flagg. He highlights Flagg's potential as an elite defender and competitor immediately, with a scoring arsenal that appeared advanced during his time at Duke. Buckley emphasizes that the Davis-Lively frontcourt pairing could be one of the league's best defensive duos, provided they stay healthy. However, Buckley identifies a significant defensive concern with the Russell-Thompson backcourt, which he suggests could be "among the league's leakiest." He speculates that these defensive issues might lead coach Jason Kidd to consider alternatives like Max Christie or PJ Washington, but acknowledges Russell and Thompson's shooting ability might secure their starting spots due to spacing needs from the frontline. For now, Flagg will play small forward while Davis and Lively are on the roster, though he may project better as a power forward long-term. Determining the optimal player combinations around Flagg to maximize his value will be a key task for Coach Kidd and his staff, and building the team around Flagg is described as a long-term process.
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Sources: Mavs shutting down Flagg for summer
The Dallas Mavericks have decided to end Cooper Flagg's participation in the NBA summer league for the remainder of the Las Vegas session after just two games, as confirmed by sources to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. This decision follows Flagg's performance on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, where the No. 1 draft pick scored 31 points while shooting 10-for-21 from the floor. This marked a significant improvement over his summer league debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, where he managed only 10 points on 5-of-21 shooting. After the Mavericks' 76-69 loss to the Spurs, Flagg commented on adjusting to the new environment, stating the team wanted him to be aggressive. He felt he achieved that better in the second game by drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line, which helped him settle in, though he noted he missed several free throws. Mavericks summer league coach Josh Broghamer praised Flagg, saying he "just continues to make the right plays" and specifically highlighted the 6-foot-9 rookie's work "off the ball" during Saturday's game. The Mavericks' choice to shut down Flagg was initially reported on Sunday by veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein.
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In stream with Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown opens up about Celtics role, knee surgery
With Jayson Tatum anticipated to miss most of the 2025-26 NBA season due to an Achilles tear, Jaylen Brown is expected to shoulder increased responsibility for the Boston Celtics. Brown expressed readiness for this challenge during a conversation on Kyrie Irving’s Twitch livestream, where they debated Brown’s NBA 2K video game rating of 92 overall. Brown acknowledged that his full potential has been masked by the Celtics' deep roster, requiring him to prioritize team success over individual stats. Irving, however, argued Brown deserved a 94 or 95 rating, citing Brown’s dominant offensive performance in the 2024 NBA Finals—where Brown averaged around 30 points and disrupted Irving’s Mavericks defensively. Brown respected Irving’s view but reiterated his commitment to team sacrifices without disputing the 92 rating. Despite consistently averaging 20+ points for six seasons and earning four All-Star selections, Brown has often been the Celtics' secondary scorer behind Tatum. He demonstrated his capability as a primary option in the 2024 Finals, particularly with a near 30-point triple-double in Game 3 and elite defense on Luka Dončić, earning Finals MVP honors. Celtics president Brad Stevens affirmed Brown’s readiness for the lead role in 2025-26, highlighting his strong performances in playoff games without Tatum. However, Brown is also rehabilitating from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a partially torn meniscus.
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Montrezl Harrell on CBA basketball in China: “To me, it's definitely a different type of culture, …
Free agent center Montrezl Harrell is reportedly drawing interest from teams in China, according to recent rumors. Significant free agency rumors continue to circulate, particularly involving Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, with persistent speculation linking them to the Boston Celtics. Ownership news focuses on Bill Chisholm, with reports connecting him to the Boston Celtics organization. Free agent Cameron Matthews is generating top rumors, specifically regarding potential interest from the Houston Rockets. Free agent Jeenathan Williams is also part of the rumor mill, with connections being made to the Houston Rockets. Free agent Devon Dotson is rumored to be heading to Turkey for his next playing opportunity. Injury reports from the Summer League involve several players: Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Dunn. These injuries are linked to the Phoenix Suns' Summer League activities.
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Jayson Tatum reportedly recruiting 7x All-NBA player to Boston Celtics
Despite suffering a torn Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, which will likely cause him to miss the entire upcoming season, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is reportedly actively recruiting free agent point guard Damian Lillard to join the Celtics. Tatum has been reaching out to Lillard, a former Milwaukee Bucks player, according to reports. The two share a connection from playing together for Team USA and are now both recovering from the same serious injury (torn Achilles tendon). Lillard sustained his injury on April 27th, 15 days before Tatum's injury. Lillard is also expected to miss most or all of the next regular season due to his injury. However, after failing to achieve his goals with Milwaukee, he is reportedly prioritizing joining another contending team in free agency. The Celtics are seen as a strong potential fit for Lillard. They boast the All-NBA duo of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, presenting a contending opportunity. Furthermore, Boston lacks an established star point guard, meaning a starting role would be available for Lillard once he returns to full health.
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Chris Paul Contract Reportedly Being Weighed by Clippers, Suns After Hornets Interest
The Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are both reportedly still considering the possibility of reuniting with veteran point guard Chris Paul, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. It was also reported that Paul rejected an approach from the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the NBA free agency period. Paul himself stated at the American Black Film Festival that he plans to play "at most, a year" at this point in his career. Paul has played 20 NBA seasons, earning numerous accolades including 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, nine All-Defensive Team selections, and a spot on the league's 75th Anniversary Team. Last season, the 40-year-old played for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while starting all 82 contests and averaging 28.0 minutes per game. Despite nearing retirement, Paul still draws league interest and has options to consider as he approaches what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season.
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How to Watch Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel
The Atlanta Dream, featuring Allisha Gray, will play against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in a WNBA game on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Viewers can watch the game live on Fubo. Caitlin Clark recently returned from a five-game injury absence. In her comeback game on Wednesday, she scored 10 points (4-12 shooting) as the Fever lost 80-61 to the Valkyries. Indiana has struggled this season, partly due to Clark missing significant time, but hopes to improve as she regains full strength. The Dream have won two of their last three games. They currently hold a 12-7 record, placing them three games ahead of the Fever in the Eastern Conference standings. Atlanta aims to extend their lead by handing Indiana its third consecutive loss. The article emphasizes this is a must-watch WNBA matchup. It promotes watching the game live via Fubo, including a free stream on ION, noting regional restrictions may apply and that compensation may be received for subscriptions or registrations made through site links.
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It’s time for (Summer League) Basketball: Spurs vs Mavericks
The NBA Summer League features a highly anticipated matchup between the top two draft picks, Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), in an early afternoon game in Las Vegas. After dominating the Philadelphia 76ers with a 41-point victory on Thursday, the Spurs face the Mavericks, who previously defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85. Despite a poor shooting performance (5-21) in his first game, Flagg's talent was evident, and he is expected to be more productive in this game. This game marks the anticipated debut of Dylan Harper in a Spurs uniform, as he was previously sidelined with a minor groin injury. The Harper-Flagg matchup is a major Summer League attraction, though both players might show rust due to recent inactivity. David Jones-Garcia has emerged as the breakout star for the Spurs summer squad, impressing on both ends of the court, particularly with his scoring ability (three-point shooting and driving). While his passing is developing, his stellar play positions him as a major Summer League story and a potential candidate for a regular roster spot or two-way contract. Following their 41-point loss to the Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers announced they are disbanding their Summer League team for the year.
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Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving slams Stephen A. Smith
Kyrie Irving, known for his unfiltered opinions despite past controversies and his current leadership role with the Dallas Mavericks, continues to express himself openly. Recently, he has frequently engaged in live streams, covering topics ranging from mental health to his positive dynamic with teammate Luka Dončić, as well as his ongoing recovery from injury. During one such stream, Irving humorously critiqued ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s new $100 million, five-year contract, stating, "I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say: ‘I don’t think you’re worth it.’" He speculated on how Smith might react if roles were reversed, acknowledging Smith’s prominence in sports media since 2003 and his signature controversial, high-energy style. Irving, currently rehabilitating an ACL injury sustained in March with an expected return around late January or early February, was recently seen supporting Mavericks players at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
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Celtics have painfully obvious trade partner for a Anfernee Simons trade
The Boston Celtics face significant roster changes, losing key players Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet, leaving them with a major weakness at the center position. To address this, they are suggested to target Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. The Celtics possess a potential trade asset in guard Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday deal. Simons is noted as a highly accurate high-volume three-point shooter. Conversely, Vucevic is coming off a strong season averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 40.2% on three-pointers, making a potential swap logical. Boston's center depth is critically low after the departures, with only two (or potentially three) non-starting caliber centers on the roster, increasing the urgency to acquire someone like Vucevic. Despite Jayson Tatum's season-long absence potentially weakening them, the Celtics are still projected as a top-four Eastern Conference team, but resolving the center issue is seen as vital for a deep playoff run. While Simons' shooting fits Boston's style, the team already has solid guard depth (Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown), making him a luxury. Trading him for Vucevic would provide a much-needed starting center, upgrading their weakest position despite Vucevic's known defensive deficiencies. Vucevic, even at 34, is considered a viable starting center if he maintains production (e.g., 15 points, 10 rebounds, efficient high-volume three-point shooting) and represents the best available option without a burdensome long-term contract. For the Bulls, who are unlikely to re-sign Vucevic, acquiring Simons would add guard depth; he wouldn't start but could excel in a sixth-man role during his contract year. Overall, acquiring a starting center like Vucevic is viewed as a significant need for Boston after losing three big men. While uncertain, a Simons-for-Vucevic trade is presented as a deal that makes sense for both franchises.
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Surprise Celtics addition just made his case for something bigger
Former San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey made an unexpected appearance for the Boston Celtics in their Summer League game on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas. Despite practicing with the team in Boston and Las Vegas beforehand, his addition to the roster was unannounced. Bassey revealed the move was "last minute," prompted by a call from his agent leading to an immediate flight to join the Celtics as they began training camp. Head coach Matt Reynolds only learned Bassey would join shortly before Day 1 of camp, with Bassey participating starting on Day 2. Entering camp a day late, Bassey was the least-prepared player. Nevertheless, he made a significant impact off the bench in the first game. His NBA experience was evident as he outperformed Memphis' big men on offensive rebounds (securing seven) and set solid perimeter screens. Coach Reynolds acknowledged Bassey was behind on terminology but emphasized his clear, huge impact on the game. Bassey finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds (seven offensive), and two blocks, shooting 6-of-8 from the floor. He described his contributions as "great effort, my rebounding, blocking shots, rim protection," and "great defense," stating he focuses on playing his defined role for the team every night. Having spent the past three years as a backup with the Spurs, Bassey is now an unrestricted free agent. The Spurs' recent signings (Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk) suggest he will seek a new team. Boston's center rotation is currently unsettled, featuring Neemias Queta, Luke Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., and rookie Amari Williams, potentially creating an opportunity for the 24-year-old Bassey. Bassey cited the Celtics' "culture," including the coaching staff and star players like Jayson Tatum, as his reason for joining, emphasizing the chance to learn. He highlighted the elite energy of the playoff-bound team, praising the practice environment, gym atmosphere, and overall vibes, stating "I love it."
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Ex-Sixers Standout Explains Fit With New York Knicks
Guerschon Yabusele expressed dissatisfaction with the contract offer he received from the Philadelphia 76ers during free agency, feeling it was so low that it signaled the team didn't genuinely want him back. He stated the offer was "really, really low" and made him feel like the 76ers weren't interested in retaining him, though he clarified he held no hard feelings. Yabusele surprised the NBA, particularly the 76ers, by signing with the New York Knicks instead. This move occurred despite prior speculation linking him to the San Antonio Spurs leading up to free agency. While the 76ers' offer influenced his departure, Yabusele emphasized that the Knicks' team identity strongly appealed to him, viewing their playing style as a match for his own "DNA" of fighting hard and embracing an underdog mentality. He praised the team's cohesion, positive atmosphere, and the franchise's storied history, considering New York a great opportunity where he could be helpful. The financial improvement with the Knicks was an added bonus. During the previous season with the 76ers, Yabusele was seen as a key piece, expected to be the backup power forward. However, due to numerous team injuries, notably to Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond, his role expanded significantly. He started 43 out of 70 games and often played center. He posted solid personal statistics, averaging 11 points (shooting 50% from the field and 38% from three-point range), 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Despite Yabusele's individual performance, the injury-plagued 76ers struggled overall, finishing with the fifth-best NBA draft lottery odds. While there seemed to be initial plans from the 76ers' side to bring him back for another season to try and keep the core together, Yabusele ultimately decided to leave for the Knicks.
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Sandy Brondello Closing in on Liberty History
Sandy Brondello, head coach of the New York Liberty, moved into second place on the franchise's all-time coaching wins list after the team's 87-78 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. This marked her 93rd win in her fourth season, breaking a tie with Bill Laimbeer (92 wins). Only Richie Adubato, with 100 wins during his tenure from 1999-2004, remains ahead of her. Brondello's success with the Liberty since joining in 2022 includes reaching the playoffs in each of her first three full seasons and leading the team to its first championship in franchise history by winning the 2024 WNBA Finals. This followed a Commissioner's Cup win the previous year. The 2024 Finals victory also made Brondello the Liberty's all-time winningest postseason coach, surpassing Adubato. Brondello attributed her success to her players, stating it's a credit to the team's quality and their collective goal of winning games, rather than a personal milestone she actively seeks. She is currently the second-longest tenured active head coach across New York's major sports teams (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL), behind only Yankees manager Aaron Boone. When Brondello secures her 100th win with the Liberty, she will become only the second WNBA head coach (alongside Mike Thibault) to reach 100 victories with two different franchises, having previously won 150 games with the Phoenix Mercury. Additionally, Brondello was recently named the head coach of one of the fantasy teams for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game. The earliest Brondello can reach the 100-win milestone is at the start of next month when the Liberty begin a doubleheader against the Connecticut Sun. The Liberty have twelve games remaining on their home schedule, including a five-game homestand starting Sunday against the Atlanta Dream.
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Spurs Center Surprisingly Joins Celtics Summer League Squad
Boston Celtics fans experienced a major surprise during the team's first summer league game on Friday. As attention centered on first-round pick Hugo González, reports emerged—including from Forbes' Bobby Krivitsky—revealing that San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey was unexpectedly present, suited up in Celtics attire. Bassey quickly entered the game, recording two blocks within his first four minutes of play in Las Vegas. Bassey, however, is an unrestricted free agent and not officially signed by Boston. His availability presents an opportunity for the Celtics, who could benefit from his skills showcased last season as Victor Wembanyama's backup. In 36 games with San Antonio, Bassey averaged 15.0 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per 36 minutes—impressive production that highlights his rebounding, shot-blocking, and lob-threat abilities. Many Spurs supporters express shock that the 24-year-old former No. 53 overall pick remains unsigned, considering him a legitimate rotational center with growth potential. Analyst Rob Greene of CBS Sports suggested Bassey fits Boston’s system well, particularly within their "stay ready" group and G League affiliate in Maine, potentially providing depth behind Neemias Queta. However, the article contends this assessment undersells Bassey, arguing he would realistically compete for the Celtics' starting center role if signed.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Traded To The Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls finished the 2024-2025 NBA season strong, winning 15 of their final 20 games. During this stretch, Coby White scored 30+ points in five games, and Josh Giddey recorded five triple-doubles, showcasing significant potential. However, this late-season success has not gained widespread recognition. Despite being a historically significant franchise, the Bulls face intense criticism from fans due to their lack of playoff series wins over the past decade. The article argues the organization needs to reassess its direction and urgently requires a star player to rejoin the league's elite, similar to how Tyrese Haliburton transformed the Indiana Pacers. The article proposes a specific trade to acquire that star: Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. The suggested deal sends forwards Matas Buzelis and Patrick Williams, center Nikola Vucevic, and the Bulls' 2026 and 2028 first-round draft picks to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo. The author justifies this move by referencing Antetokounmpo's 2022 statement expressing openness to playing for the Bulls, citing the team's championship legacy and Michael Jordan's association. Pairing Giannis with the existing young backcourt of Giddey and White (both 25 or younger) is presented as the core of a contender, potentially forming a top-five offensive backcourt in the NBA. While acknowledging that trading the promising prospect Matas Buzelis is a significant loss, the article contends that including him in the package could be crucial to getting the deal done and might allow the Bulls to offer fewer future first-round draft picks.
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Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch
The Minnesota Lynx (18-3) will face the Chicago Sky (6-13) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN+. Viewers can watch the WNBA throughout the season via Fubo, and select games are available on Prime Video. Officially licensed WNBA merchandise for both teams is available for purchase through Fanatics. Injury updates include Minnesota's Karlie Samuelson being out for the season with a foot injury, while Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot is also out for the season due to an ACL injury.
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SB Reacts: Dallas Mavericks free agency and playoff prediction reactions
The Dallas Mavericks conducted a fan poll with two questions about the team's offseason. The first question asked if the Mavericks did enough in free agency. The fan vote was evenly split. The split reflects the vague nature of the question; those concerned about guard depth likely voted "no," while those considering salary cap limitations and available free agents likely voted "yes." Regardless of the split, the article notes this is the roster the Mavericks will have for the upcoming regular season. The second question asked if the Mavericks would make the playoffs. Fans overwhelmingly voted "yes," a level of optimism that surprised the author. The author personally holds the minority view, expressing concern that the team, despite potentially guarding well, will struggle to score due to a lack of dribble penetration and shooting – key elements of modern NBA offenses. However, the author acknowledges it's early (July) and remains open to being proven wrong. The article mentions current betting odds: the team's win total over/under is set at 40.5 games, and they are listed at +102 to make the playoffs, concluding that the actual games will ultimately determine the outcome.
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USA Today says Duke legend Cooper Flagg must fail in Summer League for Mavericks to succeed
The Dallas Mavericks are highly committed to their first overall draft pick, Cooper Flagg, who enters the Summer League with significant hype and potential. Finding a consistent spot in the lineup could be challenging due to the Mavericks' strong roster. Cleveland's Lonzo Ball suggested Flagg's position would depend on matchups, proposing he could play power forward (the four) or small forward (the three), with the lineup adjusted accordingly for rebounding or small-ball scenarios. Head coach Jason Kidd, during Flagg's first press conference, did not specify a position but emphasized wanting Flagg to be challenged. In his Summer League debut, Flagg demonstrated capability as a ball-handler for the Mavericks. Reports indicate buzz about Dallas potentially using Flagg as a guard in the regular season, with observations that he looked comfortable as a de facto point guard, showcasing playmaking instincts that drew comparisons to Jason Kidd's past experimentation with Giannis Antetokounmpo. An alternative perspective, offered by USA Today's Lorenzo Reyes, suggests the Mavericks should allow Flagg to struggle during the Summer League to foster growth and exploration, believing this approach is necessary for both Flagg and the team to excel long-term. However, this strategy of intentionally letting him fail carries the inherent risk of damaging a rookie's confidence, making it a high-risk approach that requires careful consideration by the Mavericks.
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LeBron James Reportedly Feels Lakers Have A 'Futuristic Mindset' amid NBA Trade Rumors
LeBron James reportedly believes the Los Angeles Lakers are prioritizing future development over immediate championship contention. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, James "feels clearly that the Lakers are more in a futuristic mindset," and Charania indicated this will necessitate some "hard conversations." James' agent, Rich Paul, informed Charania that the NBA's all-time leading scorer will be closely monitoring the Lakers' offseason moves. Specifically, James wants to see if the team is building a roster capable of contending for a title in the 2025-26 season. Paul stated that while understanding the challenge of balancing winning now with preparing for the future, they need to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage, emphasizing James' desire to make every remaining season count. Paul noted the Lakers are supportive and want what's best for him. James is under contract for next season after picking up his $52.6 million player option on June 29. The Lakers' actions suggest a focus on the future, potentially without James. With 26-year-old superstar Luka Dončić entering his first full year with the team, ESPN reported that GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick have a strategy to build around Dončić's skills. The team has made several free-agent signings: forward Jake LaRavia (two years, $12 million), center Deandre Ayton (two years, $16.6 million), and re-signed center Jaxson Hayes (one year). While the Lakers, coming off a 50-32 season, would remain a playoff contender if James stays, the report states James believes the organization is prioritizing future success over winning a championship specifically in 2026.
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South Carolina women's basketball: How to watch Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer at the FIBA U19 World Cup
Two South Carolina Gamecocks players, Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer, are set to compete in the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup beginning Saturday in Brno, Czechia. McDowell traveled directly to Czechia after winning a silver medal with Brazil's senior national team at the AmeriCup tournament in Chile. Despite being one of the youngest players at the senior AmeriCup, McDowell played sparingly, averaging 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in four games. She is expected to play a larger role at the U19 World Cup, building on her breakout performance at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup where she averaged 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds. Agot Makeer, representing Canada, also made her mark at the 2023 U18 AmeriCup, earning a spot on the All-Star Five with averages of 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 4.0 steals, though she was not part of Canada's senior AmeriCup team. Canada is placed in Group B for the U19 World Cup alongside Nigeria, Portugal, and China. Brazil, featuring McDowell, is in Group C with Australia and France, after Mali withdrew due to visa issues. The United States is in Group A with Israel, Hungary, and Korea, while Group D consists of Spain, Czechia, Japan, and Argentina. For the knockout rounds, Groups A and B are paired, and Groups C and D are paired, meaning Canada and Brazil could only potentially meet in the medal round. The Team USA roster does not include any current Gamecocks players, though South Carolina is recruiting potential future players Saniyah Hall, Kate Harpring, and Sydney Douglas. In the 2023 tournament, then-future Gamecocks Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards played for Team USA; Edwards was named to the All-Star Five.
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Storm host the Mystics in out-of-conference matchup
The Washington Mystics (10-10, 6-5 Eastern Conference) face the Seattle Storm (13-8, 8-5 Western Conference) in a non-conference game at Seattle on Sunday at 6 p.m. EDT. The Storm hold a 7-3 home record and rank third in the Western Conference, averaging 82.1 points per game with a 45.6% field goal percentage. The Mystics are 3-7 on the road, rank fifth in the Eastern Conference, and average 78.6 points per game while shooting 43.0% from the field. Seattle's 45.6% field goal shooting is 3.5 percentage points higher than the 42.1% Washington typically allows opponents. Conversely, Washington's average of 78.6 points per game is 0.6 points less than the 79.2 points Seattle usually gives up. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams this season. For the Storm, Nneka Ogwumike averages 17.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Skylar Diggins-Smith is averaging 18.4 points and 5.7 assists over the last 10 games. For the Mystics, Sonia Citron averages 14.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Shakira Austin is averaging 15.8 points over the past 10 games. In their last 10 games, the Storm are 7-3, averaging 83.8 points, 30.7 rebounds, 21.3 assists, 9.8 steals, and 4.9 blocks while shooting 44.5% from the field, with opponents averaging 79.5 points. The Mystics are 6-4 over their last 10, averaging 77.6 points, 34.1 rebounds, 18.3 assists, 7.2 steals, and 2.7 blocks while shooting 42.1% from the field, with opponents averaging 80.6 points. Key injuries include Katie Lou Samuelson (Storm, out for season - knee) and Georgia Amoore (Mystics, out for season - ACL).
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