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The Denver Nuggets have completed major free agency moves, including acquiring Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas via trade while signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., leaving them with 14 roster spots filled and no urgency to add a 15th player. This group, considered potentially the franchise's strongest ever, enters a holding pattern with their current lineup. At point guard, Jamal Murray remains the starter entering his eighth season with high expectations for All-Star performance and playoff readiness. Bruce Brown will serve as primary backup with an expanded playmaking role, having previously played 32.5% of his minutes at the position. Jalen Pickett provides third-string depth as an injury replacement specialist. The shooting guard position features Christian Braun as starter after a breakout third season, with anticipated consistent production. Julian Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. form a capable backup tandem, with Hardaway expected to challenge for rotation minutes despite signing for the minimum. Two-way player Tamar Bates rounds out the position without projected significant action. Small forward sees newcomer Cameron Johnson starting in a floor-spacing role similar to Michael Porter Jr.'s previous position, though his career-high 1,800 minutes require depth support. Peyton Watson will be the primary backup using defensive versatility, with Strawther or Hardaway potentially sliding over during absences. Hunter Tyson and two-way Spencer Jones provide emergency depth. Power forward remains anchored by Aaron Gordon, who exercised his player option and signed an extension despite previous injury concerns. Watson will occasionally backup Gordon, while bigger lineups could feature competition between Zeke Nnaji and rookie DaRon Holmes II for limited minutes behind the 12th-year veteran.
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The Detroit Pistons selected Ron Holland with the No. 5 pick in last year's draft, taking a gamble on a player who was sliding. The team envisioned him as a key part of their future, though he saw limited opportunity in his rookie season. Holland is showcasing significant potential during this year's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Despite being a second-year player competing against mostly lesser competition, he has been one of the league's standout performers, which is beneficial for his development. His recent performance included a 22-point game against the Timberwolves, where he shot 50% from the field and made 9 of 10 free throws. He also contributed six rebounds, two assists, and six steals. Minor drawbacks were his 1-for-4 shooting from three-point range and seven turnovers, though his overall improvement is noted. Holland has excelled in his other Summer League games as well, posting 15 points and three steals against the Rockets, and a dominant 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four combined steals and blocks (stocks) in his opener against the Knicks. The Pistons, who improved last season, anticipate further progress this year. Holland is projected to be a major contributor, potentially emerging as an athletic, two-way co-star alongside Cade Cunningham. While other young players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thomson are also candidates, Holland, who was once considered the potential No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, may possess the highest upside of the group. It is uncertain if Holland will play further in the Summer League, but he has already gained valuable experience from his participation.
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Real Madrid is strengthening its backcourt by signing Italian wing Gabriele Procida, as reported by Chema de Lucas. The 23-year-old rejected an offer from Virtus Bologna to join the Spanish club. Procida demonstrated significant growth during his third EuroLeague season with ALBA Berlin, averaging 9.7 points and 2.2 rebounds across 26 games. His performance earned him the 2024 EuroLeague Rising Star award. With ALBA Berlin exiting the EuroLeague to join the FIBA Champions League, Procida became a highly sought free agent. Real Madrid acted swiftly to secure the explosive wing, adding him to their offseason acquisitions that already include Theo Maledon and David Kramer. Selected 36th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Procida began his professional career in Italy with Cantù and Fortitudo Bologna before transitioning to the EuroLeague stage.
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Caitlin Clark, despite struggling with her shot, played a pivotal role in leading the Indiana Fever to a 99-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream. During this game, she quietly became the sixth-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 950 career points, achieving this milestone in just her 51st game. Clark's impact extended beyond scoring; she finished the game with 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists. This performance highlighted her value in multiple facets of the game, especially as her milestone wasn't driven by high scoring. This season has been challenging for Clark due to injuries. A groin injury sidelined her for five games shortly after she became the fifth-fastest to 900 points, and a prior quad injury also cost her five games. Despite these health setbacks and facing intense, physical defense from the Dream, Clark found ways to contribute significantly. While her shooting was off (5-17 FG, 1-7 3PT), her ability to handle pressure, create opportunities for teammates (including three "best-passer" assists noted by Skip Bayless), and energize her team and crowd was crucial to the Fever's dominant second-half performance. Clark's season averages entering the game were 17.4 points, 5 rebounds, 8.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 38.6% shooting. Since returning from her groin injury, she has played in 11 games, with the Fever going 6-5 in those contests. Her scoring efficiency, particularly from three-point range (only four makes in her last five games), has declined compared to her pre-injury form, and she hasn't had a 20-point game recently. However, as her scoring has dipped, her playmaking has continued to develop. She consistently elevates her teammates' performances and controls the Fever's tempo, marking a significant growth milestone alongside her 950-point achievement. After helping the Fever end a seven-season playoff drought last year, the team currently holds a 10-10 record this season, with Clark serving as the primary catalyst as they fine-tune their approach. The Fever aim to build momentum and start a winning streak in their next game against the Dallas Wings.
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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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The Utah Jazz are hopeful that rookie Ace Bailey will be available to join their lineup for Game 2 of the summer league against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. This potential addition follows impressive performances from other players like Walter Clayton and Kyle Filipowski. There is uncertainty surrounding guard Walter Clayton Jr.'s availability for the upcoming game. He left the previous game with a hamstring issue, though he described it post-game as "just a little tight" and expressed his intention to play in future summer league games. The severity of his injury, whether minor cramps or something more, remains unclear. The game is scheduled for Sunday, July 13th, 2025, at 8:00 PM MT (10:00 PM ET). It will be televised on ESPN2 and played at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV.
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The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Board members paid a courtesy call to Philippines Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio on July 9, 2025, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. During the subsequent meeting, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to support the national sports development agenda and explored pathways to deepen collaboration, starting with the possible inclusion of more Olympic sports in the UAAP calendar. PSC Chairman Gregorio highlighted a significant gap in the athletic development pipeline. He explained that after participating in grassroots programs like Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa, many athletes switch to sports not offered in college competitions, disrupting both their competitive careers and academic progression. He stressed the critical importance of universities and colleges connecting the value chain from grassroots to high performance. Fr. Aldrin Suan, UAAP finance committee chair and Adamson University vice president, reported that Chairman Gregorio emphasized the partnership's mutual benefit. Historically, the UAAP avoided adding new events due to the substantial financial burden on schools (costing millions per sport). However, with the PSC's support, the league can now introduce new Olympic-aligned sports. Gregorio specifically suggested events like weightlifting and shooting where medals could be produced quickly, and the PSC committed to help fund and initiate these additions, creating a promising public-private partnership. Suan cited Japan's university-sports structure, where over 60% of Olympic athletes come from heavily subsidized college programs, as a successful model. He stated this setup would strengthen the PSC’s national sports program while allowing the UAAP to fulfill its mission of producing elite athletes. UAAP executive director Rene Saguisag Jr. stressed the league's responsibility to provide structure and opportunity for athletes beyond academics.
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Mikal Bridges has been eligible to sign a four-year, $156.2 million extension with the New York Knicks since the end of the 2025 NBA Finals. The lack of an agreement after a month could indicate a problem, but it might also be Bridges strategically ensuring he won't be traded mid-season to the Milwaukee Bucks, a scenario linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks reportedly remain hopeful of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available, despite his noncommittal statements about his future. Bridges could be a crucial part of any trade package for Giannis, as the Knicks lack first-round picks to offer and the Bucks would value players who keep them competitive post-Giannis. Signing an extension now would make Bridges untradeable for six months. However, if he signs by August 5, 2025, the six-month trade restriction would lift before the projected February 5, 2026, trade deadline, making him eligible to be dealt next season. If Bridges signs the extension on August 6 or later, he would be ineligible for a trade during the entire 2025-26 season, guaranteeing he stays in New York. Players are known to consider such timing strategies, as demonstrated by Lauri Markkanen's deal with the Utah Jazz. While the Knicks could withdraw the extension offer or not offer one, both options are risky. Leaving Bridges unsigned risks him entering unrestricted free agency in 2026, where he could become the most sought-after player and command a much larger contract, potentially exceeding $200 million for four years instead of the current $156.2 million. Therefore, it benefits the 28-year-old Bridges to delay signing until after August 5 to secure his position for the season, and it benefits the Knicks to allow him to sign whenever to avoid a potentially more expensive contract next summer. The Knicks accept that this timing might complicate a midseason pursuit of Giannis, acknowledging they cannot guarantee Giannis will be available anyway.
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Steph Curry's unexpected encounter with fans during the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, generated immediate reactions. The Golden State Warriors All-Star guard's significant impact on the Bay Area sports scene, including helping create an atmosphere that aided the Golden State Valkyries' WNBA debut and making his jersey the league's second-most sold, was highlighted. During the event, Curry interacted with a fan who had a large tattoo on his back depicting Curry performing his signature "Night Night" celebration. Curry appeared genuinely surprised and impressed by the tattoo. The fan expressed his admiration, telling Curry, "We love you, man," while shaking hands and posing for a photo. Another fan watching the interaction commented, "I love that." The moment gained traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans reacted enthusiastically. Comments included "🤝🔥," "Good glaze," and "Steph is goated," reflecting the positive fan response to the interaction.
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Vasilije Micic, the Serbian point guard recently acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-team trade involving Kevin Durant, has agreed to a contract buyout. Micic returned $6.1 million to the Bucks from his $8.1 million contract for the 2025-26 season, indicating his intention not to remain in the NBA. Consequently, Fenerbahce has withdrawn its contract offer made to Micic one month prior. This follows a report at the beginning of June suggesting the Turkish club and Micic were close to a deal. After waiting over a month, Fenerbahce has exited the pursuit of the player, meaning the former EuroLeague MVP and back-to-back champion with Anadolu Efes will not be returning to Turkey. Micic, who won EuroLeague MVP with Anadolu Efes, entered the NBA in 2023, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns before being traded to Milwaukee.
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Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks' No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, faces unprecedented rookie pressure exceeding even LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama's debuts. Hailed as the nation's top high school player two years ago, Flagg starred at Duke—winning a major college award and nearly securing a national championship—while showcasing elite scoring and multifaceted impact on the court. Unlike typical top picks who join struggling franchises with low expectations, Flagg enters an unexpectedly competitive Mavericks environment. Dallas won 39 games last season, narrowly missed playoffs, and reached the NBA Finals just two years prior. Their draft lottery win came with a mere 1.8% probability, defying rebuilding norms for a No. 1 selection. The pressure intensifies due to Dallas' bold offseason moves: trading 26-year-old superstar Luka Dončić after his Finals run and acquiring Anthony Davis to pair with Kyrie Irving (who will miss early games with injury). The organization expects immediate contention in 2025-26, planning to deploy Flagg as a primary ball handler without typical rookie-leeway for development struggles. Flagg carries the implicit burden of replacing Dončić as the franchise cornerstone, amplified by comparisons to James and Wembanyama—who delivered All-Star-caliber rookie stats. At 19, he must help win games instantly while evolving into the team's new face, a challenge unmatched by predecessors who joined clearly rebuilding rosters.
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Despite a challenging season marked by injuries to franchise players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, a near-bottom conference finish, and drama, the Philadelphia 76ers organization, led by executive Daryl Morey, maintained a strong belief throughout February and March that they could turn things around quickly. While acknowledging the difficulty of rebounding, Morey now asserts that the Eastern Conference is unexpectedly wide open heading into the next season, presenting a unique opportunity for a bounce-back year. Morey elaborated in an interview at the Las Vegas Summer League, stating the East's openness is partly due to significant injuries affecting other teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. He emphasized that while the Sixers feel they can compete with the top teams if everything comes together, they must prove it on the court. The team has also maintained roster flexibility to make upgrades during the season. The health of Joel Embiid remains paramount. After a knee injury suffered over a year ago derailed much of last season, Morey reports Embiid is "on track" to be healthy for training camp, preseason, and the regular season opener. However, league sources indicate Embiid has only resumed partial basketball activities and not yet returned to full on-court work, though the front office remains optimistic. Philadelphia's championship hopes depend heavily on Embiid's health. However, the current roster might be better equipped to handle a potential regular-season absence than in previous years. A backcourt led by Tyrese Maxey, potentially including restricted free agent Quentin Grimes (whom Morey expects to re-sign), could be one of the league's deepest and most dynamic, capable of creating offense even without Embiid. Roster construction for the summer is largely complete, barring an unexpected trade or the Grimes signing. Morey focused on making the team younger and more athletic. He used the No. 3 draft pick on Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe to support this goal, though Edgecombe suffered a left thumb sprain in Summer League. Veteran re-signings included Kyle Lowry and Eric Gordon, while Andre Drummond exercised his player option. Morey also prioritized improving the roster's margins. Building this roster required difficult decisions, primarily the choice between trying to retain Quentin Grimes or Guerschon Yabusele, who was a valuable bench contributor last season playing both power forward and center. Financial constraints ultimately made it impossible to keep both players.
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The Golden State Warriors have been placed in a challenging "Group of Death" for the NBA Cup's group stage, alongside the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers. This draw is particularly difficult because the Rockets and Nuggets are considered two of the top Western Conference contenders behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets, who finished the season with the conference's second-best record and defeated the Warriors in the playoffs, strengthened their roster this offseason by adding Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Clint Capela without losing core players. The Nuggets, who pushed the Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals, improved their depth with additions like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valančiūnas. Furthermore, the group includes two potential Western Conference sleepers: the Spurs and the Trail Blazers. The Spurs are optimistic about the development of their young core, including Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell. The Trail Blazers focused on bolstering their emerging defense by acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason. While the Warriors' ultimate goals for the 2025-26 season extend far beyond winning the in-season tournament, the NBA Cup provides early high-intensity competition. Being in this tough group offers the Warriors opportunities to gauge themselves against key Western Conference rivals early in the regular season. A strong performance could boost their confidence, while struggles might prompt General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. to pursue more aggressive trades before the deadline.
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Despite entering only his second NBA season, Terrence Shannon Jr. is considered the veteran presence for the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League team due to his significant high-level experience, including playing in the 2025 Western Conference Finals. This role makes him the team's protector. During a Summer League game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, Pelicans rookie Jeremiah Fears (a former Illinois commit) shoved Timberwolves first-round pick Joan Beringer. Shannon took exception to this action against his teammate. Shannon retaliated by forcefully shoving the significantly lighter and younger Fears (18 years old, 183 lbs) across the lane. This led to a brief altercation involving jawing between the two players, with teammates stepping in to hold them back. Both players eventually walked away from the incident. In a postgame interview, Shannon explained his actions, stating he had to defend Beringer because "Joan ain’t gonna say nothing back." He emphasized, "I gotta have my boy's back... If I see something I ain’t gonna let it slide." However, Shannon also clarified there was no lingering animosity, referring to Fears as "my boy."
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The article compares Nikola Jokić to Wilt Chamberlain as the only NBA centers with similar all-court skillsets. Chamberlain holds career advantages in points (30.1 vs. 20.9) and rebounds (22.9 vs. 10.7), while Jokić surpasses him in assists (6.9 vs. 4.4), though Chamberlain had seasons averaging 7.8 and 8.6 assists. Chamberlain has four MVPs to Jokić's three, but Jokić remains a favorite (+200) for the 2025-26 MVP. Jokić's future with the Nuggets is uncertain as he has delayed signing a three-year, $200 million extension before the October 20 deadline. Waiting until the 2026 offseason allows him to add a fourth year worth $77 million. While Jokić is a valued teammate focused on team success, if he signals plans to test free agency, Denver would likely trade him to avoid losing him without compensation. The article suggests the New York Knicks, positioned well in the injury-affected Eastern Conference, could pursue Jokić. A proposed trade package includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jamal Murray, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Christian Braun. This core (aged 24-30) plus multiple future first-round picks would keep Denver competitive for several seasons. While acknowledging Denver might struggle against teams like the Thunder without Jokić, the article contends this trade scenario represents a viable path forward if Denver must part ways with the superstar, offering both immediate competitiveness and long-term assets.
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The Seattle Storm suffered an unexpected loss to the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night, ending the Sun's 10-game losing streak and improving their record to 3-16 in the 2025 season. The Storm are now favored by 17 points at home against the Sun on Friday, seeking their 13th win. Despite the Storm's recent double-digit loss to the low-ranked Sun (last in the WNBA in key categories), the article recommends a specific betting approach. The analyst highlights Nneka Ogwumike's rebound prop bet as a favorite play. Ogwumike cleared her rebound total (12 boards) against the Sun on Wednesday, and a similar performance is expected Friday against Connecticut, the league's worst team in offensive rating and rebounding percentage. Ogwumike averages 8.0 rebounds per game and has recorded at least seven in her last four games. The article also strongly recommends betting the OVER on the game's total points (set at 158). This is based on the teams' two previous high-scoring matchups this season (176 points Wednesday, 178 points June 27), their poor defensive rankings (Connecticut 13th, Seattle 8th in defensive rating), and Seattle's strong offensive ranking (6th in offensive rating, 4th in effective field goal percentage). The analyst believes the Sun can stay competitive against the spread and that the potential for high scoring makes the UNDER unlikely. The final betting pick is OVER 158 points (-110 at DraftKings).
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Olympiacos has finalized an agreement with the Greek government to gain operational control of the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF). The club formally accepted the current legislative status concerning the stadium's surrounding area, clearing the path to sign a long-term license. This follows previous details provided by Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Vroutsis on the requirements to complete the deal. This arrangement mirrors a similar deal signed in 2023, where Panathinaikos Aktor was granted control of the OAKA Altion arena for 49 years. Olympiacos was recently crowned the Stoiximan GBL champion in Greece. Since 1993, the Greek league championship has almost exclusively been won by either Olympiacos or Panathinaikos, with AEK's 2002 title being the sole exception. Both clubs have also dominated the EuroLeague, winning a combined ten titles since Panathinaikos first won in 1996 (Panathinaikos: 7, Olympiacos: 3). Both rivals are actively preparing for the 2025-26 season. Olympiacos has signed Kostas Antetokounmpo and Tyson Ward, while Panathinaikos has added Giannis Kouzeloglou, T.J. Shorts II, and Vassilis Toliopoulos. Both teams are projected to contend for the EuroLeague championship next season and are widely expected to meet again in the GBL Finals.
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Carsen Edwards has signed with Virtus Bologna in Italy for the upcoming season, departing from FC Bayern Munich after the 2024-25 campaign. This move was reported by BasketNews.com. During his standout season with Bayern Munich, Edwards led the league in scoring, averaging 20.4 points per game, alongside 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He demonstrated efficient shooting, making 54% of his field goal attempts and 36% from three-point range, and scored 30 or more points in five games. Edwards played in 35 games for Bayern Munich during the 2024-25 season but missed the easyCredit BBL playoffs due to a back injury. His performance earned him a spot on the first-team All-EuroLeague at the season's end. Following Edwards' departure, Bayern Munich sporting director Dragan Tarlac issued a statement acknowledging his significant contribution to the team's successful season. Tarlac stated that Edwards and Nick Weiler-Babb "played a major role" and "will always hold a special place in our club," wishing them success in the future. Edwards, a former Purdue Boilermaker star from 2016-19 where he averaged 17.8 points per game, earned All-American honors and won the Jerry West Award in 2019 after averaging 24.8 points as a junior. Since leaving Purdue, his career has included stints in the NBA, the G-League, and the EuroLeague. Adidas recently released a documentary about him titled "Carsen Edwards — A Family Thing".
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The article examines the debate around who should be considered the face of the WNBA. While established legends like Candace Parker, Sue Bird, and Diana Taurasi are often associated with the league, the focus shifts to current players, with Caitlin Clark being a prominent candidate. Caitlin Clark, a superstar in college where she became the NCAA DI all-time leading scorer, entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in 2024. Her legendary college career made her a household name. As a rookie, she broke records and won Rookie of the Year. Now in her second season, despite injury absences, she continues to perform at an All-Star level, leading the Fever to a Commissioner's Cup championship and earning the role of All-Star captain. The article questions whether Clark's achievements, impressive as they are, are sufficient to declare her the face of the league so early in her career, noting this is only her second season and many believe she has more to prove. ESPN analyst Andraya Carter offers her perspective, arguing that longevity is crucial for someone to be the face of the league. She draws a parallel to college sports, where transient players are often overshadowed by long-tenured coaches like Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma as the recognizable faces. Carter clarifies that while Clark is clearly the most popular and exciting player currently, she implies the title "face of the WNBA" requires sustained presence and impact over a longer period.
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Devin Booker's recent two-year, $145 million max extension with the Phoenix Suns has shifted attention to Kevin Durant's contract situation with the Houston Rockets. As a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer, Durant now holds significant leverage in negotiations, with Booker's deal setting a new benchmark for elite wing players on short-term contracts. Durant's performance remains elite—averaging 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting last season while maintaining status as one of the league's most efficient isolation scorers. The Rockets initially acquired him to accelerate their timeline and mentor young talent, implying a long-term commitment. However, this necessitates offering Durant a substantial extension comparable to Booker's deal to retain him beyond his 2026 free agency. Houston faces considerable risk if they hesitate to meet Durant's expectations. Should the Rockets balk at a similar contract, Durant could leave in 2026 despite being 37, as multiple teams would likely pursue his elite scoring and veteran leadership. This potential disconnect threatens to shorten Durant's tenure in Houston, undermining their original vision for his role in their championship contention plans.
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On July 11, 2025, Malacañang announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed legislation intended to designate the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as a National Polytechnic University. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated during a press conference that the veto resulted from PUP's failure to fulfill specific operational requirements mandated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), particularly concerning the management of its regular and extension campuses.
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The new NHL and NHLPA collective bargaining agreement, ratified on Tuesday, includes a provision allowing each NHL team to place one 19-year-old player from the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) into the American Hockey League (AHL) per season. According to reports from insider Frank Seravalli, this new rule specifically excludes 18-year-old players. It is scheduled to take effect starting with the 2026-27 season when the new CBA officially begins. This CHL/AHL placement rule is one of several reported provisions in the agreement. Other anticipated changes include increasing the NHL regular season schedule to 84 games, reducing the maximum contract length by one year, and implementing a playoff salary cap.
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The Minnesota Lynx (18-3 overall, 13-2 Western Conference) face the Chicago Sky (6-13 overall, 1-8 Eastern Conference) in Chicago on Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT. Chicago enters the game following a victory over the Dallas Wings where Rebecca Allen scored 27 points. At home, the Sky hold a 3-4 record. They allow an average of 86.3 points per game and are being outscored by 7.2 points on average overall. The Lynx have a 7-3 record on the road. They average 84.8 points per game and outscore their opponents by an average of 10.1 points. Offensively, Chicago averages 79.1 points per game, which is 4.4 points more than the 74.7 points Minnesota typically allows. Defensively, Minnesota makes an average of 9.1 three-pointers per game, which is 0.9 fewer than the average 10.0 three-pointers Chicago concedes per game. This is the second meeting between the teams this season. The Lynx won the first encounter 80-75 on July 6, with Courtney Williams scoring 25 points for Minnesota. For the Sky, Angel Reese averages 13.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. Ariel Atkins is averaging 14.4 points over the last 10 games. For the Lynx, Napheesa Collier averages 23.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. Kayla McBride is averaging 2.0 made three-pointers over the last 10 games. In their last 10 games, the Sky are 4-6, averaging 82.4 points while shooting 44.6% from the field. Their opponents averaged 83.6 points during this stretch. The Lynx are 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 83.6 points while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents averaged only 73.3 points. Both teams have significant injuries: Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot is out for the season (ACL), and Minnesota's Karlie Samuelson is out for the season (foot).
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Aces superstar A'ja Wilson suffered an injury during the team's July 8 game against the Liberty, falling awkwardly after losing her footing midair while driving for a layup. She landed hard on her right wrist and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon provided an update, stating that "nothing's broken" and diagnosing the injury as a sprain. Hammon emphasized the need for proper healing to avoid long-term issues, indicating she made the judgment call to rest Wilson, though no specific return timeline was given. As a precaution, Wilson was ruled out of the team's subsequent game against the Washington Mystics, raising questions about her availability for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis. Wilson, a three-time MVP, had been selected for Team Clark in the All-Star matchup against Team Collier. Wilson was seen wearing a brace on her right wrist during shootaround before the Mystics game, though the severity of the sprain remains unclear. Depending on the grade, recovery could take 1-3 weeks for minor cases, potentially jeopardizing her All-Star participation if more serious. Team Clark faces additional injury concerns, as Phoenix Mercury's Satou Sabally is day-to-day with an ankle issue. If Wilson or Sabally cannot play in the All-Star Game, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will appoint a replacement. Fan reactions are mixed, with some advocating for caution to ensure Wilson's full recovery, while others hope to see her compete in the All-Star festivities.
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Denver Nuggets fans quickly embraced the Cam Johnson trade after initial surprise, having anticipated a Michael Porter Jr. trade but not expecting a player like Johnson in return. Johnson and fellow new Nugget Tim Hardaway Jr. appeared on "The Young Man and The Three" podcast, where host Tommy Alter asked them what they most looked forward to about playing with Nikola Jokic. Both players immediately broke into huge smiles, with Johnson giving an honest and amusing response: "Honestly, a big part of it is not having to play against him anymore because he's a problem. That's it, period." Johnson elaborated on Jokic's abilities, calling them "uncanny," praising his spatial awareness, feel for the game, and unique understanding. He stated Jokic is one of the best players currently and in league history, emphasizing that his statistical output over recent years is unmatched and not accidental. Johnson highlighted that guarding Jokic is essentially an impossible task, making the minutes when he's off the floor crucial for opponents, a situation the Nuggets might address with the Jonas Valanciunas trade. Johnson explained that Jokic impacts the game in numerous ways and will positively affect both his and Hardaway's performance, finding them for open shots even without looking directly at them. He stressed that there is "absolutely nothing" like playing alongside Jokic. Johnson also discussed other new teammates, noting the Nuggets are overall a tough team to guard, mentioning Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun. He expressed confidence that he and Hardaway will fit into this environment, acknowledging the Nuggets needed shooters and the front office addressed that need. The addition of players like Hardaway, Johnson, and Bruce Brown significantly strengthens the Nuggets, with Hardaway pointing out that Denver's ability to take Oklahoma City to seven games in the semifinals without these additions was impressive. With the offseason moves, opposing teams face a major challenge, as Jokic is far from being their only defensive concern, though he remains the biggest.
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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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NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns and his girlfriend, model Jordyn Woods, enjoyed a romantic offseason getaway in Paris. Woods documented their luxurious trip on Instagram, sharing a carousel of 20 photos captioned "Counted me out but they forgot how to count… 😘 #parisdump." The photos offered fans glimpses into their Parisian adventures. They included shots of Woods strolling Parisian streets holding a wine glass (tagging Hermès), solo portraits of Woods, and a candid moment of the couple holding hands while descending stairs. Woods also posed in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and a vintage car, and took a mirror selfie in a Jean Paul Gaultier store. Beyond sightseeing, Woods highlighted their high-end shopping experiences in Paris. The post featured luxury items, including a Louis Vuitton bag and creative styling like wearing a timepiece as a necklace. The couple also savored Paris's culinary scene, with Woods sharing photos of fresh cherries and a large seafood platter. A playful moment captured Towns grinning while holding a popular Labubu soft toy. The couple, who began dating in May 2020 and publicly announced their relationship in September 2020, have reportedly grown stronger over the years. Towns has credited Woods for her support, especially following the tragic loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "truly special" and noting she is now an active part of his athletic life.
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