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TOPQ&A: Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Opens Up On Finals Run, Offseason
The Indiana Pacers experienced a condensed offseason following their appearance in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Rick Carlisle noted that the NBA Draft began just three days later, and free agency followed less than a week after that, leaving little time for the team to decompress after their deep playoff run. Carlisle described the quick turnaround as normal for the NBA and expressed pride in the team's effort, calling it a "great year" and a "great run" despite the disappointing Finals outcome. The 2024-25 postseason validated the Pacers' earlier progress, elevating them to top contenders after skeptics questioned their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Built on depth and speed, the team challenged traditional playoff expectations and came within one game of winning the championship, with Carlisle highlighting their underdog status and inspiring competitiveness. However, the Pacers now face significant roster challenges for the 2025-26 season, as star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire campaign due to a torn Achilles, and starting center Myles Turner has departed for the Milwaukee Bucks. Carlisle acknowledged that the team must navigate these changes, with plans to reassess their direction for the next two seasons until Haliburton's expected return in 2026-27. During a Q&A session at a summer league game in Las Vegas, Carlisle addressed the team's future, stating that the Pacers' playoff performance was motivating to fans and that the team "will be fine" despite Turner's exit. He praised Turner as a "stretch big who can protect the rim" and noted the Pacers have multiple options at center, including Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley.
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TOPMichigan basketball: Dusty May and staff working hard to eliminate one major wart
Michigan basketball achieved significant success in the 2024-25 season under first-year head coach Dusty May, transforming from an 8-24 record to Big Ten Tournament champions and a Sweet 16 appearance. However, a persistent problem throughout the season was the team's high turnover rate, which frustrated fans and the coaching staff alike. Coach May and his staff implemented numerous drills and strategies to address the turnover issue during the season, but were unable to find a consistent solution. May noted the problem lacked a common theme, with different players responsible in different games. After the season, May assigned staff members to conduct a detailed analysis, categorizing turnovers into specific types (e.g., poor decision-making, defensive pressure, practice situations) to identify the root causes. He expressed frustration at the lack of definitive answers during the season, acknowledging that opponents ("the enemy") also contribute to forced errors. May revealed this offseason analysis is a deliberate mission, drawing parallels to a similar successful project he undertook at FAU where they identified concrete solutions. He emphasized that last season's turnovers often seemed random and unexplainable (e.g., dribbling off a foot), occurring even when the team played well. The staff exhausted various approaches to fix the problem, including punitive running drills inspired by Bob Knight and incentive-based systems, but none provided a lasting fix.
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How to watch Seattle Storm vs Golden State Valkyries WNBA game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time
The Seattle Storm (13-9) host the Golden State Valkyries (10-11) in a Western Conference matchup at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:00 pm ET/12:00 pm PT. The Valkyries are trying to stabilize after losing four of their last five games, including a narrow 78-77 loss to Phoenix on Monday. They hold an eighth-place standing and struggle on the road with a 3-7 record this season. The Storm are coming off a 74-69 loss to Washington but remain in fourth place overall. They have a solid 7-4 home record and have won three of their last five games. The game will be broadcast live in the USA on ABC and the Fubo streaming platform. Fubo offers plans starting at $74.99/month. For Seattle, Skylar Diggins-Smith leads the team in scoring (17.9 PPG) and assists (5.8 APG), while Nneka Ogwumike is the top rebounder (7.7 RPG). The Storm rank eighth in scoring (81.6 PPG) but are efficient offensively (3rd in FG% at 45.2%, 3rd in 3P% at 34.6%). They are strong defensively, allowing the third-fewest points (79.0 PPG), though opponent shooting percentages are average. Golden State's offense struggles, ranking fourth-lowest in scoring (80.1 PPG) and near the bottom in FG% (40.6%) and 3P% (31.1%). However, their defense is elite, allowing the second-fewest points (78.6 PPG) and leading the league in opponent FG% defense (40.4%). Kayla Thornton leads them in scoring (14.5 PPG) and rebounding (7.1 RPG), while Veronica Burton averages 5.4 APG.
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Warriors Trade Proposal Pairs Stephen Curry With $195 Million Star Forward
The Golden State Warriors face significant challenges in the competitive Western Conference and require substantial roster improvement on both offense and defense to contend for a championship next season. Their current position makes a championship run unlikely without adding more talent around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. While the Warriors front office might consider a blockbuster trade to address these needs, their trade assets are limited. Jonathan Kuminga represents their primary movable asset, potentially in a sign-and-trade scenario, but options beyond him are scarce. To improve, Last Word on Sports proposed the Warriors target Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is highlighted as a skilled big man, known for his elite three-point shooting and above-average defense, capable of playing center. Analysis suggests he needs a good passer to maximize his scoring potential, something the Warriors could provide, and his skillset aligns with how Golden State utilizes stretch big men, as seen with rookie Quinten Post. However, acquiring Markkanen likely requires trading Kuminga, and the Jazz might reject offers centered on him, potentially forcing the Warriors to increase draft pick compensation. A major obstacle to this potential trade is the widespread belief that the Utah Jazz are reluctant to make Markkanen available. NBA Insider Andy Larsen reported before the draft that he expected Markkanen to stay, noting Utah's commitment to building a competitive roster with him as a key part. Larsen stated it's "more likely than not" Markkanen remains a Jazz player because Utah feels no urgency to trade him, existing offers haven't met their valuation, and Markkanen is still a very good player who likes playing in Utah.
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Ciara and Russell Wilson are behind another proposal—this time Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell
NBA player Donovan Mitchell and singer-actress Coco Jones are engaged. Jones announced the engagement on Instagram on Friday, July 11th, sharing a photo of the couple kissing at sunset, showcasing her engagement ring. Mitchell, 28, also posted a video of the proposal, captured from an aerial view, showing him proposing on one knee during a tropical poolside vacation. The couple's representatives confirmed the engagement to People magazine, stating that Mitchell and Jones, 27, took the vacation to recharge after his NBA season and her sold-out tour, which turned into the engagement. Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson revealed his involvement in orchestrating the proposal. In a congratulatory post on his Instagram Stories addressed to the "love birds," Wilson wrote that he and his wife Ciara were "so happy" for them and added, "Thanks for allowing us to plan this with you Spida [Mitchell's nickname] with [WEST2EASTLUXURY]." WEST2EASTLUXURY is described as a luxury tourism brand specializing in unique experiences bridging Western and Eastern cultures. Wilson's revelation caused significant online buzz, with many noting this appears to be a pattern for the Wilsons. The couple, who recently celebrated their 9th wedding anniversary, were also responsible for introducing singer Normani to her fiancé, NFL player DK Metcalf, three years prior. Ciara Wilson referenced this prior matchmaking in a March TikTok congratulating Normani and Metcalf.
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Nuggets owe Nikola Jokic a lot, and this offseason proves they know it
The Denver Nuggets' selection of Nikola Jokic with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft fundamentally transformed the franchise, rescuing it from irrelevance and delivering its first NBA championship. Jokic, widely regarded as the best basketball player on Earth, has won three of the last five MVP awards, with a strong argument he deserved five consecutive MVPs. His era represents an unprecedented and unrepeatable run of success for the Nuggets. Jokic cemented his legacy by carrying the team to the 2023 NBA championship and Finals MVP, defying expectations in a league not originally built for teams like Denver to win. However, the past two seasons ended in frustrating back-to-back Game 7 losses in the second round, leaving even Jokic perplexed and marking the first perceived cracks in his Nuggets era. These losses cast doubt on the previously assumed certainty that Jokic, seemingly always content in Denver, would spend his entire career with the team. This uncertainty was amplified when owner Josh Kroenke made a concerning comment about the "doomsday scenario" of trading Jokic. Combined with the anonymity of the new front office leadership (Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace), these developments have understandably caused significant nervousness among the fanbase.
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Bucks, Hawks Interested In Horford?
The Golden State Warriors are considered the frontrunners to sign veteran center Al Horford if he decides not to retire. However, ESPN's Marc J. Spears reports that several Eastern Conference teams, specifically the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Lakers, have also shown interest in the free agent. Atlanta holds potential appeal for Horford as he maintains a home there. Spears noted that while the Warriors anticipated Horford signing last week, the deal did not materialize. He emphasized that Horford is still contemplating retirement, is in no rush to decide, and values proximity to family during the offseason. This factor could disadvantage West Coast teams like the Warriors and Lakers. Boston Celtics president Brad Stevens previously stated it's "unlikely" Horford returns to Boston, though the team did make him an offer. Milwaukee's interest is viewed as surprising given their recent acquisition of Myles Turner and re-signing of big men Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims. Conversely, Atlanta's pursuit aligns with their need for frontcourt depth following Clint Capela's departure, as they lack experienced bench options beyond rookies Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.
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Milwaukee Bucks President Confirms Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Not Getting Traded Anytime Soon
Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin has publicly confirmed that star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded, dismissing speculation that arose following Damian Lillard's departure. Feigin stated that Antetokounmpo remains content in Milwaukee and is still viewed as the franchise cornerstone, emphasizing, "Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis." He described external trade rumors as "clickbait" and affirmed the organization's confidence in their relationship with the 30-year-old forward. Antetokounmpo finished third in the 2023-24 MVP voting, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists during the regular season. However, the Bucks suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers after Lillard's injury. Notably, Milwaukee subsequently signed Pacers center Myles Turner, whom they reportedly admired during that series, to bolster frontcourt depth. Despite this acquisition, the team faces backcourt concerns after waiving Lillard, with Kevin Porter Jr. potentially becoming the starting point guard—a move some analysts believe may weaken their championship contention prospects. In a recent Twitch stream with influencer iShowSpeed, Antetokounmpo addressed persistent recruitment attempts from high-tax markets like Los Angeles and New York, but hinted at staying in Milwaukee when directly asked about his future plans.
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Milwaukee Bucks President Drops Major Statement on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Speculations: Is the Greek
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Minnesota Lynx Could Use Some Rest Days
The Minnesota Lynx are experiencing a demanding stretch of games, prompting suggestions that the team could benefit from incorporating some rest days soon. Despite this heavy schedule, the Lynx hold the No. 2 spot in recent WNBA rankings, boasting an 18-4 record largely due to the MVP-caliber performance of Napheesa Collier. They currently maintain a three-game lead over Phoenix in the standings. Analyst Sabreena Merchant highlights the team's grueling schedule: eight games in 14 days, including two back-to-backs and games still before the All-Star break, following the physically taxing Commissioner's Cup final. This fatigue is visibly impacting performance. Collier's three-point shooting has plummeted from 39.6% to 31% (3 for her last 23), and Kayla McBride is struggling (13 of 41 from three, 7 of 25 from two-point range recently), including costly low-scoring games. Fatigue also contributed to a significant 45-28 rebounding deficit against Chicago, despite average rebounding stats suggesting a closer matchup. Securing rebounds in crucial moments is vital for the Lynx, as for any team. To ensure a strong lineup for the latter part of the season, coach Cheryl Reeve and management might look to add another veteran, especially after waiving Alissa Pili. Collier's performance is expected to improve once the hectic schedule eases in the coming weeks.
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Stephen Curry’s controversial ranking on Bleacher Report’s Top 100 Ever list revealed
Stephen Curry's placement in Bleacher Report's Top 100 NBA Players of All Time list, where he ranks 10th, has sparked significant debate. While universally acknowledged as an all-time great, the greatest shooter ever, a four-time champion, and a two-time MVP, his exact position on the all-time list is contentious. Bleacher Report justified Curry's high ranking by emphasizing his transformative impact on the game, surpassing even LeBron James in reshaping basketball. They highlighted that beyond his shooting, Curry uniquely leverages his gravity to exhaust defenses in multiple ways, making his teams fundamentally better. His scalability to play alongside anyone and his one-of-a-kind qualitative and stylistic impact were also cited, arguing the Warriors' success peaks with him. The primary controversy stems from Curry being ranked directly above Kobe Bryant at number 11. Many, particularly younger generations, consider Bryant one of the greatest players ever, making Curry's placement ahead of him a point of contention. Conversely, others argue Curry's ranking at 10 is too low. They point out he has more championships than Larry Bird (ranked 8th), more MVPs than Shaquille O'Neal (ranked 6th), and the same number of All-NBA selections as Magic Johnson (ranked 4th), despite playing in a more competitive league era.
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Bucks President Reveals What’s Going On Behind the Scenes As Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Swirl
Persistent trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks, fueled by playoff disappointments, have been addressed by Bucks president Peter Feigin. During a telecast of the Bucks' NBA Summer League game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Feigin dismissed the speculation, stating that Giannis loves Milwaukee and the city reciprocates that affection, creating a stable environment. Feigin elaborated that the organization internally laughs at the rumors, viewing the situation as "business as usual" for the past decade, with Giannis enjoying his summer and the team feeling confident about the upcoming season. This update directly contradicts ongoing speculation and provides reassurance about Giannis's commitment to the Bucks. Feigin's comments align with an earlier report from ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who noted that Giannis did not apply any pressure on the Bucks' front office for a trade during the offseason. Windhorst emphasized that Giannis maintained his regular routine, including overseas activities, and highlighted the Bucks' limited assets for major moves, reinforcing that a departure was never likely. While attention focused on Giannis, the Bucks' front office actively reshaped their roster for the 2025-26 season. Key offseason actions included waiving and stretching Damian Lillard to free up salary cap space, and signing Myles Turner to a four-year contract worth $108.8 million, aimed at strengthening the team for a deeper playoff run.
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Young Hawk Proves He Can't Be Trusted with Early Summer League Play
The Atlanta Hawks have strengthened their roster with veteran additions during the offseason, positioning themselves for a potential playoff return. However, achieving greater success might depend on significant improvement from one of their young players. Kobe Bufkin, the 2023 first-round pick, is one such young player fans hope can develop into a contributor, despite a difficult start to his career marred by injuries. The Las Vegas Summer League presented an opportunity for him to demonstrate he was ready for a rotation role by outperforming his peers. Early observations noted his good size and playmaking reads, but also highlighted poor shooting (3/16 FG, 0/5 3PT) and emphasized the necessity of off-ball utility, especially for the Hawks, casting doubt on immediate reliability. Bufkin's performance took a positive turn on Friday against the Miami Heat, where he scored 29 points and led a comeback victory. He aggressively attacked the basket, resulting in 15 made free throws, adapting effectively despite struggling from three-point range (2-for-9). However, this progress was completely undone in his next game on Sunday versus the Phoenix Suns. Bufkin reverted to poor shooting (3-for-17 FG) but failed to adapt his approach, continuing to take ineffective shots and earning only four free throw attempts. Given that Bufkin is entering his third NBA season and is one of the more experienced players at Summer League, the Hawks expect more from the nearly 22-year-old. His inability to dominate against less experienced Summer League competition raises significant doubts about his readiness and future role with the team. If he cannot assert himself effectively in this setting during his third year, the Hawks may consider ending their investment in his development.
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Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo creates interesting contract situation for Knicks wing
Despite no real rumors suggesting Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, his comment during a live stream with IShowSpeed about people wanting him to play for the New York Knicks has fueled speculation among Knicks fans. However, there is no evidence indicating he wants to leave Milwaukee, and it seems very unlikely he will play for another team soon. Despite the unlikelihood, analysis suggests the Knicks are reportedly still hoping to acquire Antetokounmpo if he becomes available. His recent noncommittal comments haven't dampened that hope. In such a scenario, Mikal Bridges could become a crucial part of trade talks because the Knicks currently lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would likely prioritize players who keep them competitive post-Antetokounmpo. Signing Bridges to a new contract extension now would complicate matters, as players signing that type of extension cannot be traded for six months. The Mikal Bridges extension situation is therefore significant. While the Knicks have little reason *not* to extend him given what they traded to acquire him, if they genuinely believe they have a chance to land Antetokounmpo, there would be little reason to sign Bridges immediately. Doing so would render him untradeable for half a year, potentially hindering their ability to use him as a trade asset in an Antetokounmpo deal.
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Efes officially picks up EuroLeague Best Defender Nick Weiler-Babb
Anadolu Efes officially announced on Monday that they have signed guard Nick Weiler-Babb to a 2+1 contract. This move was anticipated after Eurohoops reported in mid-June that the 29-year-old was expected to join the Istanbul-based club. To facilitate the transfer to the fellow EuroLeague team, Weiler-Babb was recently formally released by his previous club, FC Bayern Munich. Weiler-Babb is coming off an impressive season where his outstanding defensive performances earned him the EuroLeague Best Defender award for the 2024-25 season. He spent the last five years with Bayern Munich, making 161 appearances in the EuroLeague during that time. In the 2024-25 EuroLeague season, he averaged 8.2 points, 4.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game across 34 starts. He helped Bayern, coached by Gordon Herbert, finish 9th in the Regular Season and qualify for the Play-In Showdown, though they ultimately fell short of reaching the Playoffs. In the German easyCredit BBL last season, Weiler-Babb averaged 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per contest. His contributions were key in helping Bayern secure their second consecutive domestic league championship. During his time in Germany, he also won the BBL-Pokal three times. Since 2022, Weiler-Babb has been a member of the German senior national team, participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and winning a bronze medal at EuroBasket 2022. Weiler-Babb's signing is part of Anadolu Efes's ongoing roster restructuring for the 2025-26 season. The club has already appointed Igor Kokoskov as the new head coach and added David Mutaf to their perimeter. They are also reportedly in advanced talks to sign Isaia Cordinier. With players like Salih Altuntas, Rodrigue Beaubois, PJ Dozier Jr., Shane Larkin, Ercan Osmani, Vincent Poirier, and Erkan Yilmaz already under contract, further moves are expected to finalize the squad.
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Orlando Magic Coach Reacts To Big Trade With Grizzlies
The Orlando Magic acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in an offseason trade, announced by President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman on June 25. The deal sent guard Cole Anthony, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and multiple future first-round draft picks to Memphis in exchange for Bane. Bane is coming off a strong season, averaging 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over 69 contests. He shot 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range, demonstrating his scoring efficiency. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised Bane's immediate impact, noting that he was already training with teammates Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. Mosley highlighted Bane's work ethic, character, care factor, and leadership as valuable additions to the team. Bane joins a roster led by All-Star forward Paolo Banchero and holds significant historical rankings with the Grizzlies. He is top 10 all-time in franchise history for points, assists, threes, playoff points, playoff rebounds, playoff assists, playoff steals, and playoff threes, where he is the franchise leader. The Magic finished the previous season as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference with a 41-41 record, securing their second consecutive playoff appearance. However, they were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics in five games.
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FIBA and Global Partner Yili extend collaboration until 2027
Yili, Asia's largest dairy company, has extended its FIBA Global Partnership. The agreement, announced in Shenzhen at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025, covers major upcoming events including the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, and the 2024 FIBA Continental Cups for men and women. The partnership, which began in 2023 before the highly successful FIBA Basketball World Cup, provides Yili with valuable on-court branding. This visibility generates significant international exposure through broadcasts, reinforcing Yili's global expansion strategy. Yili previously leveraged the World Cup for impactful marketing campaigns in the Philippines and Indonesia, utilizing local sub-brands to boost visibility and engagement in those markets. Yili is also demonstrating strong support for women’s basketball, actively participating around the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025. The extension was formalized at a ceremony in Shenzhen attended by FIBA President Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani and Yili Group's General Manager of Brand Management, Zhang Yang. To mark the occasion and support the competing teams, Yili presented a lion dance performance incorporating basketball elements. The company launched integrated marketing campaigns showing respect for participating nations and organized interactive basketball shooting challenges for Shenzhen consumers, creating a vibrant basketball atmosphere in the city. Yili commits to continuing its support for global basketball growth, while FIBA values the partnership and anticipates future impactful initiatives together.
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Duncan Robinson Sends Message to Detroit Pistons Fans
After concluding his tenure with the Miami Heat, Duncan Robinson has officially joined the Detroit Pistons. He was introduced to local media during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Sunday, coinciding with the Pistons' second Summer League matchup. Robinson expressed his enthusiasm via social media, posting: "What up, Doe! It’s Duncan here. I’m out here Vegas Summer League watching these young guys compete. I’m super excited to be joining the Pistons. I can’t wait to get to Detroit and get this thing rolling. Go Pistons!" The move followed Robinson's early exit from his Heat contract this offseason. Though he considered re-signing with Miami under different terms, he ultimately agreed to a deal with Detroit via a sign-and-trade. The transaction involved the Pistons sending veteran Simone Fontecchio to the Heat in exchange for Robinson. Robinson brings significant shooting prowess to Detroit, having averaged 11 points with a 40% three-point accuracy across 420+ career games. While he won't immediately play for the Pistons, his six years of playoff experience is expected to provide valuable depth once NBA training camps begin.
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Rivalries, rising stars, and the battle for playoff spots
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is in the thick of its regular season in July, with intense competition as teams battle for top four positions and playoff seeding. Every game holds significant weight during this crucial period. A series of key matchups are scheduled between July 10 and 15 that could alter the standings. Highlights include: Mindoro Tamaraws vs. Ilagan Isabela Cowboys; Valenzuela City Magic vs. Abra Weavers (both fighting for top eight spots); Basilan Viva Portmasters vs. Pangasinan Abono Reapers (featuring veterans and young talent); and the dominant, undefeated Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards vs. the Bacolod Tubo Slashers. Individual players are also shining. Philip Paniamogan of Batangas City carries momentum after setting a league record with 15 three-pointers in a single game last month. Michael Mabulac continues to impress with his interior play for Pangasinan. In the standings, the north division is led by undefeated Nueva Ecija, followed by Abra, San Juan, and Quezon Huskers, with Pampanga and Caloocan close behind. The south division features a tight race at the top between Quezon Huskers, Zamboanga Sikat, Batangas City, and GenSan Warriors. The MPBL's unique charm stems from its deep community roots, where regional rivalries generate passionate fan support for hometown teams. July is pivotal for shaping playoff destinies, influencing home-court advantage and playoff paths. Every decision, shot, and victory becomes crucial as teams aim to make history. Fans can anticipate record-breaking performances, upsets, and emerging rivalries during the thrilling push for the top spots.
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Brad Stevens provides promising injury update on Celtics' Jayson Tatum
NBA star Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury is unfortunate and challenging to witness, impacting the Boston Celtics significantly. Beyond existing cost-cutting measures planned for next season, his injury will force the team to make further difficult decisions. There is hope Tatum will overcome this setback as he has previous adversities, such as proving doubters wrong by winning a championship and improving aspects of his game when asked. However, this injury recovery is potentially his toughest challenge yet. Celtics executive Brad Stevens reports Tatum is doing well in his recovery. Stevens acknowledged the inherent difficulty of rehab, describing it as a mental and physical challenge, but emphasized Tatum underwent surgery immediately and possesses a determined mindset focused on attacking the rehab process. Tatum's return timeline remains uncertain, with speculation suggesting he could potentially return for the 2025-2026 season, though others believe a 2026-2027 return is more likely.
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Maddyn Greenway tallies five assists as USA steamrolls Korea 134-53 in FIBA U19 World Cup
Maddyn Greenway, a late addition to the U19 Team USA basketball squad, is currently competing with the team at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Brno, Czechia. Team USA, placed in Group A alongside Israel, Hungary, and Korea, began their tournament with a dominant 134-53 victory over Korea. The game quickly became one-sided, with the USA leading 30-17 after the first quarter; Korea managed only eight points in the second quarter, effectively sealing the outcome early. Despite joining the team late, Maddyn Greenway (a 5-foot-8 Kentucky commit) delivered an exceptional performance. She tied Kate Harpring for the team high in assists with five, while also contributing 10 points and three steals, showcasing her impact on both offense and defense. Other key contributors in the win included top prospects Saniyah Hall and Sienna Betts, who combined for an efficient 48 points on 19-of-25 shooting. Sydney Douglas, a Kentucky recruiting target ranked No. 2 in the 2028 class, added 8 points and 4 rebounds in her 14 minutes of play. Team USA's Group A schedule continues with a game against Hungary on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup against Israel on July 15 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
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Celtics Predicted to Land 9-Time NBA All-Star After Anfernee Simons Trade
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz predicts the Boston Celtics will sign Damian Lillard after the nine-time All-Star guard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. Swartz suggests the Celtics, not pressured to win immediately due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, could view signing Lillard on a team-friendly deal as a smart investment for a potential 2026-27 title run, assuming their core players remain. Swartz indicates Lillard joining Boston depends on the Celtics successfully trading guard Anfernee Simons to shed salary. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Celtics president Brad Stevens and the team are "actively" trying to trade Simons this summer, though the outcome is uncertain. Successfully trading Simons would allow the Celtics to use their $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception on Lillard. Swartz notes the Celtics' previous success acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, who helped them win the 2023 championship. Lillard responded to reported interest from the Celtics and other contenders while he recovers from injury, posting on social media: "If they call it a 'gamble' at this stage… tell ’em this [is] the jackpot. #ToBeContinued." The Bucks waived Lillard to sign center Myles Turner in free agency. According to The Athletic, the Celtics are among several contending teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, interested in signing Lillard despite his expected absence next season due to his Achilles injury. The Athletic also reported that Lillard was "elated" about being waived, as it gave him freedom to choose his next team without financial constraints after the Bucks stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.
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Ex-Türkiye League star Marcus Slaughter faces court in Spain over fake passport scandal
Former Real Madrid basketball player Marcus Slaughter has been formally summoned by a Spanish court (the 27th Investigative Court of Madrid) over allegations of using a fraudulent Equatorial Guinea passport during the 2014-2015 season. Slaughter, who also played in Türkiye, is the subject of a long-running Spanish investigation. Interpol agents located Slaughter at his Texas home earlier this year, leading to the Madrid court initiating legal proceedings. The court has ordered Slaughter to appoint a legal representative within three days of receiving the official indictment. The allegations stem from Slaughter's time at Real Madrid, where he played in Spain's ACB League under rules allowing certain non-EU players to be counted as locals. Spanish police claim Slaughter and another American player, Andy Panko (then with Fuenlabrada), used fake Equatorial Guinean passports that shared the same serial number. Spanish prosecutors are seeking an 18-month prison sentence for Slaughter. FC Barcelona, participating as a civil party, is pushing for a five-year sentence. Barcelona argues that Real Madrid fielding an ineligible player (Slaughter) impacted competition results and has formally requested the annulment of Real Madrid's 2014-2015 Liga Endesa and Copa del Rey titles. Slaughter, now 39, initially appeared in court during the investigation's early stages but later became unreachable, prompting an international arrest warrant. This warrant has now been lifted after Interpol successfully served the court notices.
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6 Kevin Durant decisions that tarnished his legacy, ranked
Kevin Durant, despite being a future Hall of Famer, has made several decisions that have negatively impacted his legacy. His recent headline-making move to the Houston Rockets via a historic seven-team trade is viewed as another setback in his pursuit of a championship outside Golden State, further tarnishing his decorated career. One damaging incident involved Durant using anti-gay slurs in a private social media exchange with comedian Michael Rapaport while Durant was recovering from injury with the Brooklyn Nets. The public revelation of this exchange led to significant consequences: Durant received a $50,000 fine, discussions with coach Steve Nash and franchise officials, and a public apology to NBA fans, exposing an ugly side of the interaction for both parties. Following his first NBA title win, Durant faced backlash for controversial comments about India during a visit where he coached at the NBA Academy India (which set a world record for the largest basketball clinic). In an interview with The Athletic, Durant stated India was "behind" in basketball knowledge and experience and highlighted underprivileged citizens wanting to play. This drew offense from some fans, prompting Durant to apologize on social media, claiming his comments were taken out of context. Durant also shocked fans by revealing he used burner social media accounts to defend himself against critics, breaking an NBA superstar norm. This practice became particularly embarrassing in 2017 when Durant forgot to switch to a burner account while responding to a fan. His reply included criticisms of his former Oklahoma City Thunder team's roster and coach Billy Donovan, unintentionally exposing his insecurity and sensitivity. Durant admits he still responds to critics. His tenure with the Brooklyn Nets proved highly disappointing. Expected to form a dominant duo with Kyrie Irving after recovering from an Achilles tear, the partnership yielded no success. The Nets were plagued by injuries and off-court drama, including issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine and antisemitism, despite having significant star power. The team failed to achieve postseason success, whether with James Harden or Ben Simmons, culminating in a playoff sweep by the Boston Celtics. Durant was eventually traded to the Phoenix Suns at the 2023 deadline, beginning a championship drought that continues.
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The $150M decision that could reveal Heat’s Giannis plans
Tyler Herro becomes eligible for a three-year, $149.7 million extension starting October 1st. However, if the Miami Heat are seriously pursuing a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, they should avoid extending Herro. Signing the extension would impose a six-month trade restriction on Herro, meaning he couldn't be traded until after the February 2026 deadline. The Heat's hesitation isn't solely about the contract cost but centers on preserving trade flexibility. While Miami could theoretically build a trade package for Giannis without Herro, it doesn't make strategic sense to remove such a significant potential asset from their options, especially without knowing precisely what the Milwaukee Bucks would prioritize in any trade talks. Although recent Bucks moves (waiving/stretching Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner) are interpreted by many as a sign Giannis won't request a trade soon, his own recent comments about his future were noncommittal. As long as the possibility of a trade request exists, teams like the Heat, who previously saved assets for a Giannis pursuit instead of chasing Kevin Durant, will remain cautious about committing long-term to other players. Extending Herro directly conflicts with the Heat's strategy of being ready to acquire Giannis. While a Giannis trade might occur in an offseason, the trend of stars being moved midseason (like Luka Doncic, Anthony Davis, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, De’Aaron Fox, James Harden, and Kevin Durant) means Miami must maintain maximum flexibility. Herro is likely a crucial piece for any potential Bucks trade. Milwaukee lacks control of its own first-round picks until 2031 and has no incentive to tank completely without Giannis. Herro offers a valuable "dual-timeline" asset: he helps the Bucks stay competitive immediately at age 25 (turning 26 in January) and holds significant trade value for the future due to his youth. This contrasts sharply with older players like Andrew Wiggins (31) or Norman Powell (32). Therefore, while Miami could build a Giannis package without Herro, their strongest possible offer almost certainly includes him. Consequently, unless Giannis definitively commits to staying in Milwaukee before October 1st, the Heat should pass on offering Herro a new contract extension to keep their best trade asset available.
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Bucks To Re-Sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo If Giannis Antetokounmpo Stays With Team
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's teammate compares his game to MVP James Harden and Kyrie Irving
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander capped a historic season by leading the OKC Thunder to their first-ever NBA championship, defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Finals. He achieved the rare feat of winning the regular-season MVP, Finals MVP, and championship trophy in the same year. The 27-year-old maintained exceptional consistency throughout the season and playoffs, averaging 32 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field. His clutch performance included scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4 to secure a 3-2 Finals lead. His leadership propelled the Thunder to dominate the Western Conference with a league-best 68 wins. Teammate Alex Caruso praised Gilgeous-Alexander's unique skillset, noting the relief of not having to guard him. Caruso compared his playing style to MVP-era James Harden in driving ability and Kyrie Irving in mid-range artistry and ambidextrous finishing, highlighting his evolution into one of the NBA's premier players.
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