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Angel Reese recorded her ninth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds during the Chicago Sky's home loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Monday. This marks her 41st career double-double in just 55 games, making her the only WNBA player currently averaging a double-double. Despite Reese's performance, the Sky fell to a 7-14 season record. Reese committed five of the team's 18 turnovers, including a notable error late in the second quarter. With the Sky leading by eight and 1:14 remaining, Reese carelessly threw an underhand inbound pass without looking, sending the ball directly to Minnesota's Courtney Williams. Williams then assisted Bridget Carleton for an open three-pointer. Following an offensive foul by Reese on the subsequent possession, the Lynx scored again to narrow Chicago's halftime lead to four points. Minnesota proceeded to win both the third and fourth quarters, securing the victory. Reese continues to lead the WNBA in rebounding by a significant margin and also tops the league in turnovers, averaging 3.8 per game.
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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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Myles Turner has left the Indiana Pacers after a decade with the team, signing a four-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. As a homegrown talent and the longest-tenured Pacer, he was a foundational player who helped lead the team, alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, to the NBA Finals last season. The departure occurred because the Pacers and Turner could not reach an agreement on a new contract, leading him to seek his perceived market value elsewhere. Speaking during a Summer League broadcast in Las Vegas, Turner commented on the likely reception he'll receive from Pacers fans when he returns. He anticipates a mixed reaction, remarking that some fans who previously wanted him off the team for years are now complaining about his departure despite getting their wish: "I think it's gonna be half-and-half... there was a lot of people that wanted me off the team and they got what they wanted and now they're complaining still." Since Turner remains in the Central Division with the Bucks, the Pacers will face him frequently. The significant change is that he will now share the frontcourt with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Turner faces significant pressure to make an immediate impact in Milwaukee. His arrival comes amid persistent offseason speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially leaving the Bucks. As the franchise's major offseason addition, Turner is tasked with helping keep the Bucks competitive in the Eastern Conference, partly to help ensure Giannis remains satisfied and stays with the team.
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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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The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have announced that 40 top female high-school-age prospects from outside the U.S. will participate in the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women's camp. The camp will take place from July 17 to July 19, 2025, at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus, coinciding with the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 events. The campers will receive coaching from current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics), Tonya Edwards, Kelly Faris, and Andrea Gardner-Williams. Allison Feaster, a 2004 WNBA All-Star and current Boston Celtics executive, will serve as camp director. Activities will include movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills/leadership sessions. WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches will attend the camp, which previously resulted in 34 scholarship offers. Campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, will outfit all participants. The BWB program, a joint NBA and FIBA initiative, has involved over 4,600 participants from 144 countries since 2001, with 142 former campers reaching the NBA or WNBA. Fifteen WNBA players are BWB alumni, including Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Aaliyah Edwards, Domonique Malonga, Nika Muhl, and Kamilla Cardoso. The event can be followed using #BWBGlobal on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X), and more information is available at BasketballWithoutBorders.com, YouTube, and Instagram (@basketballwithoutborders).
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Chet Holmgren has officially signed a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as confirmed by a public announcement. The news was shared via social media, highlighting a significant development for the team and player.
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Long-time Ole Miss basketball staffer Win Case departed the program in the off-season to become the associate head coach at Southern Miss under Jay Ladner. Case had been with Ole Miss since 2018, serving as the lead assistant under former head coach Kermit Davis and acting as interim head coach for the final five games of the 2023 season after Davis's dismissal. Under current head coach Chris Beard, Case held an off-court role as a special assistant. Beard praised Case's "great" work at Ole Miss, expressing happiness for his opportunity to return to full-time on-court coaching at Southern Miss while acknowledging Case's significant contributions to the program. Meanwhile, Louisville transfer guard Koren Johnson is currently recovering from a labrum injury that limited him to just two games last season. Four weeks into Ole Miss's summer program, Johnson is working separately with trainers, estimated at around 80% health by both himself and Coach Beard. Beard emphasized a cautious rehab approach, stating Johnson's return is a matter of "when," not "if," and noting Johnson's positive progress, including weight loss and strength gains. Johnson is expected to be cleared for full contact in August and fully healthy by the season opener in November. Beard expressed strong optimism about Johnson's potential fit and impact. He described Johnson as a competitive combo guard with a point-guard mentality, capable of driving and passing, understanding ball movement, and scoring. Beard highlighted Johnson's untapped competitive drive and potential to become a "great defensive player" who takes being scored on personally. He sees significant upside if Johnson can reach his best form within the team system, embracing values like discipline and unselfishness. Johnson stated he was drawn to Ole Miss by Beard's plan to utilize him similarly to former standout guard Sean Pedulla.
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College athletics is described as the "Wild West" due to high player transfer rates and coaches frequently attempting to recruit student-athletes from other teams, with Purdue's basketball program being affected, according to coach Matt Painter. In an interview with Big Ten Network, Painter discussed the challenges of retaining talent amid such poaching, revealing that while he never recruits players off other teams, Purdue faces persistent attempts from rival coaches who contact players under the guise of friendship, such as through texts or in-person encounters on the road. Painter did not identify specific coaches or confirm any successful poaching, but he acknowledged that this unethical behavior is widespread across the country. He emphasized maintaining integrity by being honest with both players and peers, refusing to engage in similar tactics to build his roster. Despite these recruitment efforts, Purdue has retained 86% of its offensive production from last season, led by key players including Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith, first-team All-Big Ten selection Trey Kaufman-Renn, and All-Big Ten honorable mention Fletcher Loyer. Additional updates include Purdue guard Omer Mayer scoring 19 points in a win for Israel against Finland, and former Purdue player Zach Edey, now with the Memphis Grizzlies, recovering from ankle surgery while attending the NBA Summer League in a walking boot.
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Singer-actress Coco Jones and NBA star Donovan Mitchell are engaged. The couple announced their engagement on social media on Friday, sharing photos and videos from the proposal moment. Mitchell was captured getting down on one knee at a tropical resort location featuring palm trees, a pool, and ocean views. The engagement news surprised many fans due to the couple's history of keeping their relationship private. A representative confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitchell proposed while the couple was on vacation, after two years of dating. Mitchell shared a photo of the couple together and a video of the proposal on his social media, featuring Jones's song "You." Jones also posted a photo of the couple on her account. They received congratulations from numerous figures, including WNBA legend Candace Parker and R&B singer Ella Mai. Jones had confirmed in February that she and Mitchell were dating. Rumors about their relationship began circulating in September 2024 after they were seen holding hands at an Usher concert in Las Vegas, which Jones later acknowledged playfully, saying the internet had "clocked my tea." Mitchell recently completed the NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping them achieve the Eastern Conference's best record (64-18) while averaging 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. After the Cavaliers were eliminated from the playoffs, Mitchell mentioned taking time off and "going on tour" with "good music," potentially hinting at joining Jones on tour for her debut studio album.
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The Golden State Warriors face a shrinking championship window with their three star players all aged 35 or older, intensifying pressure on general manager Mike Dunleavy and the front office to make strategic roster additions. These moves are deemed essential for the team to compete against top contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. During the offseason, Warriors veterans are focusing on personal downtime ahead of their expiring contracts. Draymond Green was spotted with LeBron James in Puerto Rico, while Jimmy Butler made an unexpected visit to Lake Tahoe. Butler specifically appeared to support teammate Steph Curry, who was participating in the American Century Championship golf tournament. Butler's appearance alongside Curry sparked enthusiastic fan reactions on social media. Supporters praised the duo with comments like "BEST DUO ITL" and expressed confidence they could win a championship with the right supporting pieces. While some fans noted the lack of offseason moves, the overall sentiment highlighted excitement about their partnership heading into the next season.
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Bailey Flavell, the 18-year-old daughter of New Zealand basketball legend Judd Flavell, is making her debut with the senior Tall Ferns at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025. As the second-youngest player on the roster, her entry follows a natural progression given her deep family roots in the sport; her father was a key player for the Tall Blacks, reaching the 2022 FIBA World Cup semi-finals. Flavell has steadily progressed through New Zealand's youth ranks, competing at U15 to U17 levels from 2022 to 2024. She recently gained senior experience at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Mexico, averaging 5.5 points per game. The Asia Cup represents a new challenge and opportunity to prove herself against Asia's best teams. Expressing gratitude for her selection, Flavell highlighted the supportive team environment and the guidance from experienced leaders like Esra McGoldrick and Tahlia Tupaea. She credits these veterans for their on and off-court knowledge and advice, which she actively incorporates to aid her development. Her basketball foundation stems from her family, where everyone played. Her father, Judd Flavell (now head coach of the Tall Blacks), concluded his playing career around her birth and began coaching, providing significant coaching and advice throughout her journey. While acknowledging this head start, Bailey is dedicated to forging her own path. On the court, Flavell aims to bring maximum effort on both offense and defense. She specifically focuses on disrupting opponents defensively and maintaining high energy levels consistently. With her blend of family legacy, youthful promise, and hard work, she is positioned as a rising star for New Zealand as the Tall Ferns compete in the tournament.
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Sabrina Ionescu sparked speculation about her participation in the upcoming WNBA All-Star 3-point contest by posting a cryptic Instagram story on Friday. The story featured a photo from her 2023 shootout with Stephen Curry at the NBA All-Star event, accompanied by eyeball emojis. Following her team's win on Sunday, Ionescu confirmed to The Post that the assumptions were correct: she will indeed participate in Friday's 3-point contest in Indianapolis. She joins Mystics rookie Sonia Citron as the only confirmed participants so far, though Fever star Caitlin Clark is strongly believed to join, especially since the event is hosted in her team's city. This marks Ionescu's second appearance in the WNBA 3-point contest; she won the event in 2023. During that victory, she set a record by scoring 37 points in the final round, breaking the previous WNBA and NBA single-round records. Ionescu also famously faced Stephen Curry head-to-head at the 2024 NBA All-Star weekend, where he narrowly defeated her 29-26. When asked about the possibility of facing Clark specifically in the contest, Ionescu downplayed it, stating she first needs to make it to the second round. Ionescu, a four-time All-Star, is a career 35.9% three-point shooter. This season, she has made 47 three-pointers (tied for third most in the league) but is shooting a career-low 32.4% from beyond the arc. In a separate roster move, the Liberty waived guard Marquesha Davis ahead of Sunday's mid-season cut-down deadline. This action provides the team with greater financial flexibility and opens a roster spot for potential future additions.
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For newer Boston Celtics fans, the intense animosity toward Kyrie Irving may seem perplexing, but it originates from his 2017-2019 tenure with the team. Irving, once considered the franchise's cornerstone, publicly pledged to re-sign if fans embraced him—only to depart in free agency shortly after, a move widely perceived as a betrayal by the fanbase. While some observers contextualized his exit as understandable given team dynamics, the broken promise deeply wounded Celtics supporters who had invested emotionally in his leadership. This legacy of perceived disloyalty fuels ongoing hostility, contrasting sharply with his earlier celebrated status within the organization. The YouTube channel "Secret Base" has produced a retrospective video dissecting this turbulent era, analyzing Irving's polarizing impact on the Celtics and the lingering resentment it ignited among fans.
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The LA Lakers' 2025 Summer League campaign features several notable players generating buzz, with Bronny James drawing significant attention due to his name recognition, now appearing more settled and confident compared to 2024. Cole Swider is exciting fans with his prolific scoring, raising questions about his potential contribution to the team. Darius Bazley, a former 2019 first-round pick by the Utah Jazz who previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers, made a strong impact in a July 12 game, helping the Lakers secure a 94-81 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. In that win, Bazley recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and a notable five blocks, while Cole Swider also achieved a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds but no blocks. Lakers' Summer League coach Lindsey Harding praised Bazley's performance, highlighting his versatile defensive skills, stating he excels at guarding both on and off the ball across all positions and emphasizing the importance of his shot-blocking. Bazley, who has NBA playoff experience but saw his career decline leading to a stint in China last season, expressed his mission to revive his career, aiming to prove he belongs and can contribute to winning, with hopes that his development will be noticeable to the Lakers and other teams.
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Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, a former All-Star with a substantial contract ($53 million this season and $57 million player option for next season), is reportedly nearing a contract buyout. This move would make him a free agent, allowing him to sign with any interested team during the NBA offseason. Despite the buyout possibility, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not considered a likely destination for Beal. According to a report from The Stein Line, multiple teams have expressed interest—including the Clippers, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Bucks—but the Cavaliers were not named among potential suitors. The Clippers are viewed as particularly strong contenders to sign the 33-year-old guard. The Cavaliers have already reshaped their guard rotation this summer, adding Lonzo Ball and opting not to re-sign Ty Jerome, focusing on depth behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. These moves do not align with pursuing Beal, making Cleveland an improbable fit. While NBA scenarios remain fluid, Beal is more likely to join a West Coast team like the Lakers or Clippers than the Cavaliers.
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The Atlanta Dream (12-8) face the New York Liberty (13-6) on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. The game will be broadcast on Peachtree TV, WWOR, and Liberty Live. Atlanta will rely on Allisha Gray, the league's eighth-leading scorer averaging 18.7 points per game, to counter New York's Breanna Stewart, the fourth-leading scorer averaging 19.6 points per game. In their last game, the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-78 at home. Sabrina Ionescu led New York with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals, shooting 39.1% from the field. Leonie Fiebich contributed 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, shooting 54.5% from the field and 2-6 from three-point range. The Atlanta Dream lost their previous game on the road to the Indiana Fever, 99-82. Jordin Canada was Atlanta's top performer with 30 points and 8 assists, shooting 50.0% from the field and 6-11 from three-point range. Rhyne Howard added 14 points and 3 blocks, shooting 45.5% from the field and 4-8 from three-point range.
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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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The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 98-91 in their opening NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The Timberwolves took the lead late in the second quarter and maintained it for the win. Rookie Joan Beringer made an immediate defensive impact, blocking New Orleans's first two shots. He finished the game with an astounding six blocks, showcasing his length, quickness, and court awareness. Notably, he committed only two fouls despite his defensive activity. Beringer also contributed offensively, scoring 11 points on efficient 5-6 shooting. His baskets included a floater and a lob dunk. He added eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals for a strong overall debut performance. Terrence Shannon Jr. dominated the game, leading the Timberwolves with 20 points and nine assists. His performance suggested he might be "too good for Summer League." He sealed the win late in the fourth quarter with a coast-to-coast monster dunk.
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The Los Angeles Sparks started strong against the Minnesota Lynx but ultimately lost 91-82 at home. Despite the Sparks' initial burst, the Lynx demonstrated their league-leading dominance. Individually, Sparks All-Star Kelsey Plum performed well, scoring 17 points on 4-7 shooting. New acquisition Julie Vanloo also had a notable game, hitting five 3-pointers for 15 points. However, the Lynx, featuring MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier (17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), lived up to their top-record status. The game began with the Lynx taking a 7-2 lead. The Sparks responded with a surge of three-pointers from Rickea Jackson, Julie Allemand, and Plum, gaining a 13-7 edge and extending their lead to double figures after a Lynx timeout. The Lynx countered late in the quarter, with Collier dominating inside and Natisha Hiedeman scoring seven quick points to briefly regain the lead. A technical foul on Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve helped the Sparks end the first quarter ahead 26-22. The second quarter saw a dominant Lynx performance. They scored eight unanswered points until Vanloo hit a three. Minnesota continued to overwhelm the Sparks, forcing turnovers and scoring easily inside, outscoring LA 22-8 midway through the quarter. Exchanges of baskets gave the Lynx a 10-point halftime lead. The Sparks' struggles continued into the third quarter. An Azurá Stevens turnover led to a Lynx fastbreak, and Kayla McBride's three-pointer extended Minnesota's lead to 57-44.
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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving successfully underwent surgery for a torn left ACL at New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery on Wednesday, as reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The injury occurred during a March 3 loss to the Sacramento Kings when Irving's knee bent awkwardly during a drive to the basket, leading to his season-ending diagnosis. In an Instagram Live session shortly after the injury, Irving acknowledged the emotional toll while expressing optimism about his recovery: "It hasn't been 48 hours since I tore my ACL, but the recovery process already started mentally, spiritually, emotionally... This one stings for sure." The 33-year-old faces an extensive rehabilitation process, having previously undergone surgeries on the same knee in 2015 (fractured kneecap) and 2018 (hardware removal). Irving's injury compounds a challenging period for the Mavericks, who have lost Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford to injuries. The team's February trade sending Luka Dončić to acquire Anthony Davis backfired when Davis suffered an injury during his debut, though he has since made a limited return. Since Irving's injury, the short-handed Mavericks have lost eight of their last eleven games.
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The Golden State Warriors, facing a quiet free agency period with roster spots to fill, have been linked to Oakland native Damian Lillard after he became an unrestricted free agent. The Milwaukee Bucks unexpectedly waived the 34-year-old guard to accommodate Myles Turner, voiding the remaining two years of his contract. ESPN's Marc J. Spears reported the Warriors contacted Lillard or his management, signaling potential interest in acquiring the star point guard despite his recovery from a torn Achilles. Lillard is expected to be sidelined until at least next season's All-Star break, though Golden State—viewed as a second-tier contender in the West—may consider the long-term upside worth the risk. Analyst Kevin O'Connor criticized the potential fit, arguing Lillard would be mismatched playing behind Stephen Curry in Steve Kerr's high-motion offense. O'Connor specifically questioned whether a veteran recovering from a catastrophic leg injury should endure Kerr's physically demanding system, which emphasizes constant movement off the ball. While Kerr's offense has fueled four championships and elevated players like Curry, its suitability for Lillard remains uncertain. The system requires high basketball IQ and adaptability, traits the Warriors' front office prioritizes. Concerns exist that reduced mobility from Lillard's injury could be exacerbated in this structure, despite the appeal of signing him at a discounted rate. Ultimately, the Warriors' interest hinges on whether Lillard reciprocates given the offensive demands and health considerations. The decision may reveal whether he values the championship opportunity over potential stylistic friction in Golden State's scheme.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander achieved a historic season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading the league in scoring and winning NBA MVP honors after a 68-win campaign. He secured additional MVP awards in both the Western Conference Finals and NBA Finals, claiming his first championship trophy. The superstar further solidified his status by signing the NBA's largest annual contract, appearing on the NBA 2K cover, and launching his debut signature shoe line during the season. Rookie Nikola Topic, selected 12th in the 2024 NBA Draft, observed Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance firsthand while rehabbing an ACL injury that sidelined him all season. Topic described the experience as "amazing," emphasizing that witnessing Gilgeous-Alexander's daily work ethic demonstrated why his excellence was no accident. The guard specifically highlighted the value of watching the MVP-caliber player from the bench during games and workouts. After 14 months of ACL recovery dating to just before his draft selection, Topic recently participated in four Summer League games for the Thunder. His rookie season will be closely scrutinized, with Oklahoma City viewing him as a long-term developmental prospect capable of providing bench playmaking. Though immediate impact isn't prioritized, his growth trajectory remains highly promising to the franchise.
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A trade proposal by Dan Favale suggests the Los Angeles Lakers could make a franchise-altering move by trading LeBron James and his son Bronny James to the Denver Nuggets. The proposed deal would send LeBron and Bronny James to the Nuggets in exchange for guard Jamal Murray, forward Peyton Watson, center DaRon Holmes, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. Favale argues LeBron, described as a "basketball sicko," would see value in joining forces with Nikola Jokic, and Bronny's inclusion solves any potential objections. Favale acknowledges the Nuggets would become thinner by losing two rotation players (Murray and Watson) for essentially one (LeBron), but contends it's manageable given offseason additions like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Losing Holmes would only be significant if Jonas Valančiūnas leaves Denver. The trade represents swapping youth for the 41-year-old LeBron. Favale suggests Denver might prefer this direction, highlighting that Murray is about to start a lucrative four-year, $207.8 million extension and Watson is eligible for an extension now. However, the likelihood of the Lakers trading LeBron James is questioned. A report from Sam Amico cites an anonymous scout who is "100% certain" the Lakers will retain James even if he requests a trade.
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Sabrina Ionescu, the 27-year-old New York Liberty star, inspires young athletes through her high-level performance. Her success, starting from her college career at Oregon and continuing in the WNBA as a lethal scorer, serves as a blueprint for the next generation, paving the way for players like Caitlin Clark. During a game against the Las Vegas Aces, Ionescu noticed a young fan holding a sign requesting her sneakers. Having already promised the pair she was wearing to another fan, she initially hesitated. However, moved by the boy's dedication, she removed her Nike Sabrina 2 sneakers, took out the inner soles, autographed them, and prepared to give them to him. As she did this, she saw the boy crying. Ionescu wiped away his tears, took pictures with him, hugged him, and then gave him her sneakers. The relationship between Ionescu and Caitlin Clark is noted. While Ionescu initially outperformed Clark last season, she has remained supportive. Clark, now captain of her WNBA All-Star team, selected Ionescu as a starter and also picked reserve Sonia Citron, a Washington Mystics rookie who has openly admired Ionescu. This means Ionescu, Clark, and Citron will play together on Team Clark for the first time at the All-Star game on July 19th. On the court, Ionescu's Liberty team started the season with a 10-game winning streak, which was ended by Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Following that loss, the Liberty struggled, going 3-6 over their next nine games. Facing the rival Las Vegas Aces, Ionescu used her playmaking, scoring, and rebounding to help her team establish an early lead, despite the Aces regaining the advantage by halftime.
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David Jones-Garcia led the San Antonio Spurs to a dominant 111-70 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA 2K26 Summer League game at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. He scored 24 points in under 19 minutes, shooting efficiently at 9-for-12 from the field and 4-for-5 from three-point range, while adding five rebounds, three assists, and four steals. The Spurs established control early with a 34-12 first-quarter lead. Philadelphia improved slightly in the second quarter but still trailed by 29 points at halftime. San Antonio maintained its commanding advantage throughout the second half and accelerated again in the fourth quarter to secure the 41-point win. San Antonio saw balanced scoring beyond Jones-Garcia, with Riley Minix and Dexter Dennis each contributing 14 points. Kyle Mangas added 11 points and three rebounds, while Harrison Ingram chipped in seven points, a game-high six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Philadelphia struggled offensively, shooting only 37.3% as a team. Keve Aluma was their top scorer with 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting, followed by Mark Armstrong with 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting. The 76ers were unable to build momentum against the Spurs' consistent dominance.
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Heading into the 2026 season, Detroit Pistons forward Ron Holland is aiming for a larger role. Following his selection as the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft after a strong G-League Ignite performance, Holland played in 81 games as a rookie, averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game, including a notable 26-point game against the Boston Celtics. Holland recently announced a change to his jersey number, switching from No. 00 to No. 5. This change is seen as significant because the No. 5 jersey was last worn by sharpshooter Malik Beasley. The Pistons initially intended to retain Beasley in free agency, but plans changed after reports emerged that he was under investigation for alleged gambling activity. Holland taking the number is interpreted as an indicator the franchise is fully moving on from Beasley. The jersey change is part of multiple moves signaling Beasley's departure. In free agency, the Pistons, led by Trajan Langdon, acquired a new high-level outside shooter. They executed a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat for forward Duncan Robinson, who signed a three-year deal. Robinson is expected to thrive as a floor spacer playing alongside primary facilitator Cade Cunningham.
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The NBA Summer League provides dedicated fans with early access to emerging talent during a basketball content lull and offers casual fans a preview of potential future NBA superstars. Each summer typically features one or two players whose professional debuts generate significant media attention, becoming major spectacles. Justice Winslow's 2015 Summer League debut exemplified this phenomenon. Though Jahlil Okafor was a more highly regarded prospect entering the NBA, Winslow garnered intense scrutiny after unexpectedly slipping to the No. 10 draft pick. This attention intensified when reports revealed the Boston Celtics had offered the Charlotte Hornets six draft picks (including four first-rounders) for the No. 9 selection to potentially draft Winslow, which Charlotte declined, allowing Miami to select him. Winslow performed well in his debut, scoring 15 points with 3 assists and shooting 50% from the field. Despite the promising start, Winslow's NBA career ultimately stalled; he played for four teams over eight seasons and was out of the league by age 26. The article also references Ben Simmons' NBA Summer League highlights from 2016 as another notable player debut featured in this retrospective.
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