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TOPNBA Summer League: Standout players from Day 10
NBA 2K26 Summer League action continued on Tuesday, featuring standout performances. Terrence Shannon Jr. maintained his scoring consistency for the Minnesota Timberwolves, posting 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in their win over Detroit. Despite seven turnovers, his scoring and defensive potential are viewed positively as he looks to fill a role vacated by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The New York Knicks secured a 97-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets thanks to a complementary effort from MarJon Beauchamp and Tyler Kolek. Kolek carried the offense in the first half with 23 points while Beauchamp struggled. Beauchamp then rebounded in the second half, scoring 20 of his total 25 points. Kolek also finished with 25 points, along with five 3-pointers, four assists, and four steals. The Knicks held off a late Nets rally led by Drew Timme (24 points, 10 rebounds). Ajay Mitchell and Branden Carlson led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Orlando Magic with a strong combined performance. Ja'Kobe Walter delivered a standout game for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 27 points despite their loss to the Houston Rockets.
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TOPWNBA players ‘bracing’ for work stoppage with pivotal meeting looming
The WNBA faces a potential labor stoppage after this season due to lagging negotiations between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Players had opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement in October 2023 hoping a year would provide ample time to reach a new deal before the agreement expires post-season. However, with the October 31 deadline just 108 days away at the time of reporting, multiple anonymous sources familiar with negotiations indicate players are "bracing" for a work stoppage. This preparation stems from concerns that the pace of talks must increase dramatically in the near future to avoid disruption. A pivotal meeting between WNBA players, union executives, and league officials is scheduled for Thursday in Indianapolis, marking a critical juncture in the negotiation process.
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Kevin Porter Jr. must recapture elite skill to excel in likely Bucks role
With Giannis Antetokounmpo expected to take on significant ball-handling duties for the Milwaukee Bucks following Damian Lillard's departure, Kevin Porter Jr., likely the starting point guard, needs to provide consistent shooting, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations where he has previously excelled. Historically, catch-and-shoot specialists playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo tend to have career-best shooting seasons due to the abundance of open looks he generates, often leading to lucrative contracts the following season, as seen with players like Bryn Forbes and Malik Beasley, and potentially AJ Green. While Porter's role involves more than just shooting, excelling as a catch-and-shoot threat could significantly enhance his performance and fit with Giannis. During the 2021-22 season, Porter was the NBA's most efficient player on catch-and-shoot threes (48.2% on 114 attempts). However, his percentage plummeted to 30.8% last season, ranking among the league's worst. Much of this decline occurred during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers (23.7%). After joining the Bucks, Porter showed improvement, hitting 40.7% on catch-and-shoot threes, albeit in a small sample size. This rebound in Milwaukee provides a blueprint for success. Porter's primary role will be as a scorer and shot-creator to relieve pressure from Giannis. However, when defenses collapse on Giannis as he controls the offense, Porter will frequently be open on the perimeter for catch-and-shoot opportunities created by Giannis passes. Regaining his 2021-22 shooting efficiency in these situations would dramatically increase his impact. Porter, who re-signed with the Bucks recently and could enter free agency again next summer, has the opportunity to set himself up for a significant payday by rediscovering his elite catch-and-shoot form. Although not definitively confirmed as the starting point guard, the position is currently his to lose. If he capitalizes on the open looks provided by Giannis in Milwaukee's more athletic, fast-paced lineup, he could become the perfect fit.
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Tyson benched, Nuggets player ejected as Denver loses again
The Denver Nuggets lost their third Summer League game 101-97 to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, blowing a halftime lead and remaining winless. Turnovers (24) were a major factor in the loss. More notably, forward Hunter Tyson was benched after two poor performances where he shot 9-for-28. Tyson, a 2023 second-round pick on the final year of his rookie contract (with a club option for 2026-27), has struggled to make an impact during his time with the Nuggets despite making the 2023 Summer League First Team. His poor Summer League showing raises questions about his future with the team. While a bad Summer League isn't necessarily career-ending (Jalen Pickett improved significantly after a brutal performance last year and earned backup minutes), Tyson's situation is precarious. The Nuggets now have an open roster spot and an open two-way slot. With the executive who drafted him (Calvin Booth) gone, and the team likely to use the roster spot on a veteran free agent, Tyson could be cut. Rookie DaRon Holmes II, the other Nuggets player on an NBA contract participating in Summer League, had a solid game with a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds), two steals, and two made three-pointers.
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Nuggets will soon come to a Tim Hardaway Jr. realization that Mavericks always knew
The Dallas Mavericks traded Tim Hardaway Jr. along with three second-round picks to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes immediately after last season's NBA Finals. After one season in Detroit, Hardaway Jr. has now signed a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets to join Nikola Jokić's team. Nuggets fans anticipate significant contributions from Hardaway Jr., particularly his bench scoring and perimeter shooting. He excels as a reserve who can rapidly generate offensive bursts and score in clusters, with Denver expected to leverage his ability to "get hot quickly" from three-point range. Hardaway Jr.'s season in Detroit revealed limitations in his full-time starter role, where he was required to start every game. His inconsistent performances highlighted that he thrives better as a bench specialist or occasional starter rather than carrying nightly starting responsibilities. During his Mavericks tenure, Hardaway Jr. demonstrated value as a crucial sixth man despite late-season struggles. His memorable shot-making and two top-10 finishes in Sixth Man of the Year voting underscore his effectiveness when deployed in a consistent bench role where he historically performed at his peak. The Nuggets' wing depth allows strategic deployment of Hardaway Jr.'s shooting without immediate starting pressure. This aligns with his Dallas success, where defined minutes maximized his impact. His addition addresses Denver's league-low three-point attempt rate last season—while they ranked fifth in accuracy (37.6%), increased volume is needed to match NBA trends. Hardaway Jr. averaged 7.5 three-point attempts per game over 352 appearances with Dallas, demonstrating willingness to shoot from deep—a trait that dropped to 5.9 attempts in Detroit. In Denver, he'll function as a complementary scorer alongside Jokić and Jamal Murray, benefiting from their offensive gravity to secure open looks while aiming to revitalize his career.
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Angel Reese ruled out of Wednesday's Sky-Dream game with leg injury, days before WNBA All-Star Game
The Chicago Sky have announced that Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins will miss Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Dream due to leg injuries. The specific nature and origin of Reese's injury are unclear, as the team only provided a "leg" designation for both players. Ariel Atkins sustained her leg injury during the first half of Monday's loss to the Minnesota Lynx. She left that game at halftime and did not return. Reese played 37 minutes in the same game, recording 22 points and 10 rebounds. Reese's injury comes days before she is scheduled to play in the WNBA All-Star Game this Saturday, where she is set to play for Team Collier against Team Clark. It remains uncertain how long Reese will be out or if the injury jeopardizes her All-Star participation. Reese, 23, is in her second WNBA season and earned her second All-Star selection. She leads the league in rebounding, averaging 14 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while improving her field goal percentage to 44.6%. Atkins, a two-time All-Star previously with Washington, has started all 21 games for Chicago this season. She averages 13.9 points, 3.5 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals, shooting 42.5% from the field and 35.4% on three-pointers. The Sky, who finished 13-27 last season, continue to struggle in 2025 with a 7-14 record.
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Thunder found what they didn't know they needed for SGA if discovery blossoms
The Oklahoma City Thunder signed Branden Carlson to a two-way contract, viewed as a potential steal. His Summer League performances, particularly showcasing three-point shooting ability, provide the team with a much-needed floor-spacing big man alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While the Thunder's existing centers (Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams) include some shooting, Carlson developing into a consistent threat would be significant. Carlson made a strong impression in his Summer League debut for the Thunder. Starting and playing only 19 minutes and 9 seconds, he recorded 23 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, shooting an efficient 9-of-13 from the field and an impressive 4-of-6 from three-point range. This performance highlighted the specific floor-spacing skill the team seeks. This builds on Carlson's previous showing in limited G League action with the OKC Blue last season. Over 13 games, he averaged 16.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting 49.4% from the field and 36.6% on 6.3 three-point attempts per game. Landing Carlson on a two-way contract is considered an excellent value for the Thunder. His demonstrated three-point shooting finesse at Summer League is ideal. If he continues developing this role with the Blue, he could become a valuable pick-and-pop partner for Gilgeous-Alexander. His potential to provide floor spacing at the center position on an affordable contract is especially valuable given the Thunder's investments in top-end talent. Despite being just one Summer League game, Carlson emerges as a player to watch as the Thunder pursue championships.
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NGAP welcomes UAAP openness to golf inclusion
Stanley Pringle has signed with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, taking control of his future. In the PBA Finals, Mo Tautuaa expressed frustration over a late offensive interference call that nullified his potential go-ahead basket in Game 1. The PBA league office upheld the call upon review. Consequently, TNT claimed victory in the PBA Finals opener after the review overturned the basket. Despite the loss, the San Miguel Beermen stated their focus is on redemption, not on ending TNT's Grand Slam bid. In collegiate sports, the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) welcomed the UAAP's openness to potentially including golf as a sport. In the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, La Salle, UP, UST, and NU all secured victories against NCAA teams in the quarterfinals. La Salle specifically defeated UST to secure the tournament's top seed heading into the next round, while UP gained momentum before the quarterfinals. La Salle remained unbeaten, and NU secured the final spot in the Filoil semifinals. NU also finished as the runner-up in the BLIA Cup. The NCAA is set to return to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The league is also ushering in a new era with significant format changes under "NCAA 101," introducing group stages, play-in tournaments, and expanded playoffs. San Beda celebrated a double championship in the general championships, while LPU turned over hosting duties for the next season to Mapua.
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Warriors-Lakers Trade Idea Sends LeBron James to Golden State
Persistent rumors suggest Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James might want a trade, although he hasn't publicly requested one. Despite the Lakers' current challenges, finding a championship-contending team for him via trade is considered difficult. However, the Golden State Warriors are frequently mentioned as a top potential destination, offering the possibility of pairing James with Stephen Curry. Last Word on Sports proposed the idea of a Lakers-Warriors trade involving James, calling it the "best trade option" for Golden State on and off the court. They described a James-Curry pairing as a "dream scenario" for players and fans. Such a trade would likely require the Warriors to send Andrew Wiggins to the Lakers for salary matching, but James is viewed as a superior player who could also potentially help develop Jonathan Kuminga. While acknowledging it might be an "elusive dream," the report states "nothing is certain." These rumors gained traction when it was reported during the trade deadline that the Golden State Warriors had inquired about James's availability. ESPN's Shams Charania stated the Warriors were "legitimately calling about every All-Star player," including James, Kevin Durant, and Jimmy Butler, as they are "dead set" on finding another star to play alongside Stephen Curry. While it doesn't appear the Warriors made a formal offer, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst reported that the Warriors and other teams considered making offers for James after an Eastern Conference executive expressed conviction James wanted out of Los Angeles. Specifically, the Warriors, who had also tried to trade for James in the 2023-24 season, revisited the possibility. No trade materialized, but the report indicates future discussions remain possible.
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Caitlin Clark Fans Calling For Fever To Release All-Star Teammate
The Indiana Fever secured a win against the Atlanta Dream on Friday night, but concerns about team chemistry surfaced during the game. This follows earlier chemistry issues that led to the team waiving disgruntled veteran DeWanna Bonner earlier in the season. A specific incident involving forward Natasha Howard and star rookie Caitlin Clark ignited fan frustration. During the final seconds of the third quarter, Howard refused to pass the ball to Clark on a fast break, instead walking the ball up court herself. Howard only passed after committing an uncalled traveling violation, effectively wasting the scoring opportunity. Fever fans expressed significant anger on social media, calling for Howard's release. They cited her apparent refusal to pass to Clark, referencing a preseason comment where Howard stated her goal was to be MVP, as evidence of a problematic attitude and "disdain" for Clark. Some fans labeled Howard a "bigger cancer" to the team than Bonner had been, arguing her actions hinder the team's success and that coach Stephanie White allows role players to disrespect stars. While the Fever signed Howard in the offseason for her championship experience and she contributes averages of 11.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, the article suggests the team might need to consider cutting her if the chemistry issues worsen, despite the move hurting their depth.
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Bullets hit bullseye by signing NBL winner
The Brisbane Bullets have signed former NBL MVP and champion Jaylen Adams as their second import for the 2025/26 season, marking a significant acquisition under coach Stu Lash. Adams previously won the NBL championship and MVP award with the Sydney Kings in 2022, praised for his versatility and clutch performances. He returned to the Kings for the past two seasons but couldn't replicate his MVP form with the underachieving team, though he did score 43 points in a game against Adelaide in January. Prior to his NBL career, Adams played 44 NBA games between 2018 and 2021 for the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Milwaukee Bucks. The Kings' offseason signings of Matthew Dellavedova and Kendric Davis signaled Adams' departure. Adams expressed his motivation for joining the Bullets, stating he sees the team building something special and is "hungry to lead from the front, compete every night, and chase another title." He joins Casey Prather, Tyrell Harrison, and Mitch Norton as key components of the Bullets' roster. This signing is considered the biggest yet for coach Lash, who aims to end the Bullets' six-year playoff drought. The Bullets are reportedly still seeking a top-quality back-court partner for Adams and have been linked with Australian NBA player Alex Ducas. Ducas, a rookie who played 21 games for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season (including their championship win, though he didn't feature in the playoffs), attended the same US college as Patty Mills and Jock Landale.
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Utah Jazz vs Golden State Warriors: preview, start time, how to watch, injury report
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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UAAP eyes inclusion of more Olympic sports in calendar
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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Dov Cariño, Karl Absalon believe UAAP familiarity will power U23 squad in Mandiri Cup
San Miguel's basketball team emphasized their focus on achieving redemption rather than specifically aiming to end TNT's Grand Slam aspirations in recent competitions. Coach Chot Reyes dismissed discussions about relying on player RHJ, instead highlighting his own coaching record of six All-Filipino championship titles as a point of pride. Gilas Pilipinas Men's team faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone, who cited the physical toll of continuous tournaments. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial guaranteed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite uncertainties surrounding the potential sale of the Terrafirma franchise. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo reassured fans after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra, indicating the injury isn't serious. UAAP teams dominated NCAA opponents in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals, with La Salle, UP, UST, and NU all securing victories to advance in the tournament. La Salle claimed the Filoil tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP showed strengthening momentum heading into the quarterfinal stage of the competition. La Salle maintained an undefeated record while NU secured the last semifinal berth in the Filoil Preseason Cup, completing the final four lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, with player Tin Cayabyab leading them to the finals through a standout 31-point performance. The NCAA will implement major format changes including group stages, play-in games, and expanded playoffs for its upcoming season, signaling a new competitive era. San Beda University celebrated double general championship titles as hosting responsibilities transferred from Lyceum to Mapua University for NCAA events. Mapua University's team was involved in a bench-clearing brawl during a game against a Chinese university team, resulting in an on-court altercation.
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Maple Leafs announcer Joe Bowen calls out fans for ‘very disappointing’ crowd
Toronto Maple Leafs radio announcer Joe Bowen publicly criticized the team's fanbase for a "very disappointing" lack of energy during their Game 3 Stanley Cup Playoffs loss to the Boston Bruins on Wednesday. Bowen took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, stating the crowd was "VERY DISAPPOINTING" and emphasizing that fans should be "PRO ACTIVE" in giving energy to the team rather than waiting to be reactive. While acknowledging Bowen's point about the unusually quiet playoff atmosphere resembling a "library," the report highlights a significant caveat omitted from his critique: extremely high ticket prices. Multiple sources, including reactions to Bowen's comments and a journalist's tweet, pointed out that seats cost $427 per person for the game. This price point was deemed "ridiculous" and identified as a key factor pricing out the average fan, especially for a non-elimination game. The article contrasts the playoff atmosphere with the Leafs' regular season attendance, noting the team filled Scotiabank Arena to 99.8% capacity (18,789 fans on average out of 18,819 seats) across 41 home games in 2023-24. It argues that the "very disappointing" playoff crowd energy stems primarily from prohibitive ticket prices, not a lack of fan support in general, suggesting Bowen's criticism failed to acknowledge this economic barrier preventing fans from filling the arena vocally.
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Clippers exploring veteran guard options after major trade
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Heat gift Bucks perfect Damian Lillard replacement to make them a playoff lock
The Miami Heat's withdrawal from trade discussions for Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has created a significant opportunity for the Milwaukee Bucks. According to NBA insiders, exploratory talks between Miami and Phoenix collapsed, removing the Bucks' primary competitor for Beal's services. Multiple reports indicate the Suns are nearing a waiver-and-stretch buyout agreement with Beal, positioning Milwaukee to potentially acquire him as an ideal replacement for Damian Lillard. Despite recent performance declines, Beal averaged 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds this season and brings playoff experience that could fill Lillard's role without requiring major system changes. Beal's skills align well with Milwaukee's needs: his 38.6% three-point shooting complements Giannis Antetokounmpo's drives, while his secondary playmaking addresses the Bucks' point guard deficiency. His proven ability to coexist with ball-dominant stars like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant further enhances the fit. The timing favors Milwaukee, as Beal is two years younger than Lillard with fewer recent games missed. His finesse-based playing style projects better long-term durability for the aging Bucks core. Crucially, his playoff track record—22.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 49 career postseason games—offers the clutch production needed during Giannis' prime. Risks remain, including Beal's age (32) and poor percentile rankings in offensive (19th) and defensive (32nd) metrics this season. However, Milwaukee's history of championship-driven risks suggests they may pursue him, banking on their defensive structure maximizing his strengths.
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B.League: Ray Parks pushes Osaka past Kai Sotto-less Koshigaya
The Koshigaya Alphas lost to the Osaka Evessa 77-70 in the Japan B.League. The Alphas struggled without Filipino import Kai Sotto, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Filipino player Ray Parks Jr. contributed 10 points and four rebounds for the winning Osaka Evessa (19-18), while Ryan Luther led them with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. The Nagasaki Velca suffered a heavy 96-65 defeat against the Nagoya Fighting Eagles. Despite a solid performance from Filipino AJ Edu, who recorded nine points, six rebounds, and three steals in just 15 minutes, Nagasaki's record fell to 16-21. Matthew Wright put up 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders. However, his team lost 94-74 to the Brex, dropping Kawasaki's record to 12-25. Roosevelt Adams contributed nine points and five rebounds for the Yamagata Wyverns. Despite his efforts, the Wyverns lost 79-66 to the Aomori Wat's, bringing their record to 16-23.
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Unbeaten La Salle outguns UST to clinch top spot in UAAP group of FilOil Preseason Cup
The DLSU Green Archers maintained their unbeaten streak in the Playtime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup by defeating the UST Growling Tigers 94-86 on July 9 at FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan. This victory secured DLSU's top position in the UAAP group with a perfect 6-0 record, while UST dropped to 4-2. The game intensified late in the third quarter when Jacob Cortez received a hard foul from Gelo Crisostomo, resulting in technical fouls against DLSU's Mike Phillips and UST's Peter Osang for second motions. This incident fueled DLSU's momentum, allowing them to expand a four-point lead entering the fourth quarter into an 85-73 advantage. UST's Leland Estacio and Mur Alao narrowed the gap to 86-90 with consecutive three-pointers, but DLSU maintained composure. Mason Amos secured the win with a decisive basket. Amos and Kean Baclaan led DLSU with 18 points each, supported by Phillips (14 points) and Cortez (11 points). Ice Danting top-scored for UST with 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Nic Cabanero added 18. DLSU advances to face the Arellano Chiefs in the crossover quarterfinals, while UST will play against the EAC Generals.
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FilOil: Letran is NCAA’s top seed, La Salle sweeps UAAP elims
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Hawks’ rapid rebuild around Trae Young comes full circle, so is he still Atlanta’s future? - The Athletic
For years, Trae Young's ball dominance and defensive limitations fueled persistent trade rumors, making building a contender around him difficult for the Atlanta Hawks. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals with him before, finding a consistent formula proved challenging. However, after a significant yearlong roster overhaul, the Hawks now believe they have a team optimized to support Young's evolved game. The transformation began last season under then-GM Landry Fields, who traded Dejounte Murray for Dyson Daniels (this year's Most Improved Player) and signed Jalen Johnson to a team-friendly extension. New GM Onsi Saleh continued the rebuild this offseason. At the start of free agency, Atlanta reportedly acquired defensive wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade with Minnesota and agreed to sign sharpshooter Luke Kennard, adding to the recent trade acquisition of star center Kristaps Porziņģis. This sets up a projected opening night lineup of Young, Daniels, last year's No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, Johnson, and Porziņģis. The bench features Onyeka Okongwu (who showed promise as a starter last season), Alexander-Walker, Kennard, rookie big Asa Newell, backup point guard Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye, and Vit Krejci. Last season showed potential early; the Hawks were on a 44-win pace at the halfway mark before Johnson's season-ending shoulder injury in January. They finished 40-42 and lost in the Play-In Tournament to Miami, with young players showing development. Offensively, hampered by poor shooting (only DeAndre Hunter shot above league average from 3), coach Quin Snyder implemented a cutting/transition-heavy system, resulting in the NBA's 14th-ranked offense pre-injury. The acquisition of Porziņģis is pivotal, drastically changing the offensive outlook. He's potentially the best player Young has played with, capable of accentuating each other's strengths. Coming off a career-best shooting season (41.2% on 6 threes per game), Porziņģis provides elite spacing and pick-and-roll/pop threat that Clint Capela and Okongwu lacked. This pulls defenses out of the paint, creating driving lanes for wings. He also offers a post-up option to relieve pressure on creators. While Porziņģis struggled in the playoffs due to illness, he returned to form after an ankle injury. His expiring contract allows the Hawks to manage his minutes carefully, utilizing Okongwu (considered possibly the league's best backup big) and developing Newell, while keeping Johnson's long-term path to starting open. This depth and fit aim to push the Hawks back towards contention.
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USA Win 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, Punch Ticket to 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup
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Phoenix Suns Insider Backtracks Devin Booker Contract Report
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is reportedly close to signing a record-breaking contract extension with the team. While an initial report by The Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin announcing the signing was removed, Booker is eligible for a two-year, $150 million extension starting July 6. Currently in the second year of a four-year, $220 million deal, this extension would add two years beginning in the 2028-29 season. This new contract would make Booker the highest-paid player in NBA history on a per-year basis, averaging $75 million annually starting in 2028. It confirms the long-term commitment between Booker and the Suns, keeping him under contract through 2030, when he will be 33 years old. Booker, drafted by Phoenix in 2015, has established himself as arguably the franchise's best player. He became the Suns' all-time leading scorer on February 3rd, finishing the season nearly 800 points ahead of the previous record holder, Walter Davis. His accolades include four All-Star selections and helping Team USA win Olympic gold medals in 2021 and 2024. He is also active in the Phoenix community through his Starting 5 foundation. Booker has experienced the team's lows early in his career, led them to the 2021 Finals, and helped make Phoenix an attractive destination, leading to acquisitions like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Despite the Suns missing the playoffs this past season, Booker's commitment remained certain. With Durant traded to Houston and the Suns discussing a Beal buyout, Booker's expected extension positions him to lead the Suns into a new era next season.
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Men’s college basketball Top 25 reset: How transfers, draft decisions change 2026’s contenders - The Athletic
With the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline passed and rosters largely set for the 2025-26 men's college basketball season, a refreshed top 25 ranking is presented, considered stable barring late international signings. The author avoided other human rankings but found significant alignment (22 of 25 teams) with Bart Torvik's computerized rankings for the upcoming season. Purdue (Projected Starters: Braden Smith, Omer Mayer (Fr), Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Oscar Cluff (Tr)): Omer Mayer, hailed as a steal among international signings and impressive at the Nike Hoops Summit, is seen as capable of starting at point guard anywhere but will coexist with returning star Braden Smith, allowing Smith rest. Transfer Oscar Cluff and returner Daniel Jacobsen are expected to address Purdue's previous shortcomings in two-point defense and rebounding. If the defense reaches top-20 levels alongside the already championship-caliber offense, Purdue can justify preseason expectations. Houston (Projected Starters: Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, Isiah Harwell (Fr), Chris Cenac Jr. (Fr), Joseph Tugler): Despite Kelvin Sampson rarely starting freshmen, Houston boasts arguably his best-ever freshman class (ranked #2 nationally). Confidence stems from three veteran starters: defensive player of the year candidate Joseph Tugler, elite shooter Emanuel Sharp, and point guard Milos Uzan, who solidified the team by withdrawing from the draft. While LJ Cryer's shotmaking will be missed, Houston has consistently replaced departing guards. Uzan's return avoids relying on a freshman point guard or playing Pop Isaacs out of position. If the freshmen adjust quickly, the team's defensive potential is significant. UConn (Projected Starters: Silas Demary Jr. (Tr), Solo Ball, Jaylin Stewart, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed): Drawing parallels to the 2022-23 championship team (which returned two starters/top seven scorers and added a transfer PG), the current Huskies return two starters/four top seven scorers from a 24-win second-round team and added 6-5 transfer point guard Silas Demary Jr. Roles are mapped: Solo Ball could emerge like Jordan Hawkins, Tarris Reed can carry the offense like Adama Sanogo, Eric Reibe is the freshman backup center akin to Donovan Clingan (though less defensively impactful), and Alex Karaban returns. Demary Jr. fits the Tristen Newton role. While Jaylin Stewart may not match Andre Jackson and Reibe differs from Clingan, the core is seen as comparable. After a rebuilding year, this matured group is positioned to contend.
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NBA owners approve $1.5B sale of Wolves, Lynx
The NBA has unanimously approved Glen Taylor's $1.5 billion sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez's investment group, concluding a contentious four-year process that Taylor attempted to halt last year. The transaction includes both franchises and is set to formally close this week. Lore and Rodriguez will be introduced as co-chairmen during next month's NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, with Lore serving as Timberwolves governor and Rodriguez as alternate governor, while their roles will reverse for the Lynx. Both emphasized their commitment to keeping the teams in Minnesota and building championship-caliber organizations. Taylor, who purchased the Timberwolves for $88 million in 1994 to prevent relocation, announced in March 2024 he was terminating the sale after claiming the buyers missed a deadline to acquire an 80% stake. Lore and Rodriguez disputed this, citing NBA approval delays and submitting paperwork ahead of schedule, and ultimately prevailed in arbitration. The franchise value has surged since the April 2021 agreement, with current estimates ranging from $3.1-$3.29 billion for the Timberwolves (third-lowest NBA valuation) and $230-$240 million for the Lynx. The buyers' group, which includes Michael Bloomberg and Eric Schmidt, will fully acquire the teams rather than leaving Taylor with a minority stake. Despite reaching consecutive Western Conference Finals in Taylor's final seasons, the Timberwolves hold the NBA's worst all-time regular-season record (1,196-1,680) among current franchises. Taylor declined to appeal the arbitration decision after the team's playoff run ended against eventual champion Oklahoma City.
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New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream prediction, pick for Sunday 6/29/25
The New York Liberty, after a 9-0 start, have lost momentum, winning only two of their next six games for a 2-4 record since June 14. They face another tough challenge on the road against the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, a rematch of a recent game won by New York at home. New York is favored by 3.5 points, with the total points line set at 165.5. Despite the Liberty's recent struggles, the author believes it's not time to panic as the team is built to win a championship. However, they need to start beating top teams like the Dream. New York secured an 86-81 victory over Atlanta on June 17, led by Sabrina Ionescu's 34 points, offering hope for this second matchup. Although Atlanta didn't play poorly in that loss and even out-shot New York from three-point range, a free-throw disparity contributed to their defeat. The Dream enter Sunday's game on a two-game losing streak, having lost three of their last five games, but remain one of the WNBA's top teams and pose a significant threat to the Liberty. The author predicts the Liberty will settle in and return to form, potentially starting a strong path forward against the Dream. New York already demonstrated the ability to beat Atlanta recently, even without strong three-point shooting. While playing on the road makes it harder, the Liberty are still favored, and despite recent struggles, the reigning champions retain plenty of confidence.
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New Report on Kings Targeting Russell Westbrook, Trae Young Among Point Guards
Sacramento Kings' roster reshaping plans are becoming clearer after selecting Nique Clifford. The team badly needs a point guard, a deficiency acknowledged by observers and directly stated by Domantas Sabonis in his exit interview. The Athletic's Sam Amick reports on point guard options the Kings will not pursue. Jrue Holiday was considered an interesting addition who could have addressed win-now desires and mentored Devin Carter, a player often compared to Holiday. However, the Kings were ultimately concerned about Holiday's age (35) and the cost of his contract ($104.4 million total, including a player option for 2027-28), feeling it would hinder cap flexibility and age the roster immediately. Similarly, Sacramento was wary of pursuing Trae Young due to concerns over financial flexibility. While Young fits the core's age better, his potential extension this summer could command a value far exceeding Holiday's contract. Consequently, the Kings are likely targeting point guards in the exception range. League sources confirm Dennis Schroder is a priority target. Schroder found success with Detroit after the 2025 trade deadline, and it may require the full Non-Taxpayer Mid Level Exception ($14.1M this season) to sign him away. Other targets reportedly under consideration include Tyus Jones and Russell Westbrook. These three veterans (Schroder, Jones, Westbrook) are viewed more as bridge options than long-term building blocks. Despite being shorter-term fixes, they would bring competency to a position currently seen as a significant hole on the roster. The Kings can begin negotiating with these free agents on June 30 at 6 PM EST, and management is expected to move quickly to address this widely reported need.
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