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LeBron James has not requested a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers. However, if the Lakers decide to trade him, a report indicates four teams have already contacted the Lakers to express interest in acquiring him. According to the report by Scoop Robinson, the four teams that inquired are the Dallas Mavericks, the Golden State Warriors, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The report suggests the Mavericks scenario would be particularly ironic following Luka Doncic's recent trade from Dallas to the Lakers. It also speculates that a potential Lakers team featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Cooper Flagg would be "incredible".
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Beşiktaş GAİN has officially signed American guard Devon Dotson for the 2025–26 BKT EuroCup season. The 25-year-old point guard joins from Joventut Badalona, where he averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in the Spanish Liga Endesa (ACB), and 13.7 points with 3.8 assists per game in the EuroCup last season. Dotson, a former Kansas standout who began his pro career with the Chicago Bulls and played in the NBA G League, marks a key addition to Beşiktaş's backcourt for his second season in Europe. Thomas Kennedy, 24, has signed a one-year contract with Cedevita Olimpija to play in the EuroCup. Kennedy moves after two seasons with Telekom Baskets Bonn, during which he had solid performances in the Basketball Champions League. He expressed confidence in contributing to the Ljubljana-based team. Robbie Beran, 25, has inked a one-year deal with an option for a second season with Niners Chemnitz, moving to the Euroleague Basketball second tier. The forward started his pro career in Belgium after playing college basketball for Virginia Tech and Northwestern. Additionally, Neptunas has added Jordan Tucker, Donatas Tarolis, and returning player Martynas Pacevicius to its 2025-26 roster. Panionios signed 21-year-old Sotiris Oikomopoulos, a youth product of Olympiacos. Furthermore, 26-year-old Ata Kahraman has joined Turk Telekom.
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New UP Fighting Maroons player Rey Remogat delivered crucial late-game plays to secure an 83-78 victory over the previously unbeaten La Salle Green Archers in the FilOil Preseason Cup semifinals on Sunday, July 13, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan. With UP trailing 72-73, Remogat, a former UE star, hit a three-pointer with 59 seconds remaining to give UP a 75-73 lead. He followed this with another three-pointer with 23 seconds left, extending the lead to 78-73. UP captain Gerry Abadiano then sealed the win with an insurance basket and free throws. The win propels the defending champion Fighting Maroons into the tournament finals, where they will face the NU Bulldogs, who defeated UST in the other semifinal. Remogat finished the game with 14 points, including 3-of-13 shooting from the field, with 9 of those points coming in the decisive fourth quarter after scoring only 5 in the first three periods. UP head coach Goldwin Monverde noted Remogat processed the game well and is still adjusting within the team. Remogat stated his clutch performance was about repaying the trust given to him by the team, crediting teammates for encouraging him not to lose confidence in his shots during the game. Key contributions also came from Gerry Abadiano and Gani Stevens, who each scored 12 points. Francis Nnoruka provided significant support off the bench with 6 points and 16 rebounds, helping UP counter La Salle's strong frontcourt.
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Raunak is a passionate WWE content writer who crafts engaging narratives that vividly bring the wrestling world to life. His writing focuses on capturing the inherent drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans. His goal is to make every match and storyline unforgettable for the audience. The provided content also lists several other headlines: Divyanka Tripathi showcasing ethnic elegance; a photo gallery of Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's stylish looks; baby names predicted to make a comeback in 2025; nine health benefits of consuming Torai (ridge gourd); eight health benefits of regularly drinking honey and cinnamon water; ten snake species commonly spotted in India during monsoon; Bollywood-inspired bridal aesthetics featuring styles from Alia Bhatt (chrome) and Anushka Sharma (pastels); Helly Shah displaying glamorous looks; powerful quotes by Marilyn Monroe relevant for women today; and nine plant species endemic to India.
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Ateneo coach Sergio Veloso exemplified the team's strong camaraderie following their season-opening loss to Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. This defeat was compounded by a significant setback: key player Zel Tsunashima suffered an apparent serious injury to her left leg during the fifth set. Despite the dual blow of losing the match and potentially a crucial player early in the tournament – a situation that could mentally break a team – Veloso provided vital leadership. He emphasized resilience and faith to Tsunashima after the injury, stating, "God has a purpose. All the time, we talk to the players and we tell them that they need strong hearts and minds but sometimes, God pushes us but we don’t know the purpose." Veloso encouraged her to relax and assured her the injury could be overcome, acknowledging the difficulty given her hard work throughout the season. The injury occurred during a highly intense fifth set against Adamson. Tsunashima hurt her left leg while attempting a block and required a stretcher to leave the court.
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The article announces an SB Nation Reacts survey targeting Dallas Mavericks fans and NBA fans nationwide, inviting them to participate in weekly emailed surveys to share their opinions. It encourages readers to sign up for the surveys and to vote, promising results later in the week. The text includes an extensive gambling disclaimer. It lists multiple gambling helpline numbers and resources for various states (MA, MD, NY, KS, CT), advises callers to be 21+ (or 18+ in D.C.), and specifies state affiliations where applicable. Resources include phone numbers, websites (GamblingHelpLineMA.org, mdgamblinghelp.org, FanDuel.com/RG, ccpg.org/chat), and a text line (HOPENY for NY).
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Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo has demonstrated remarkable growth despite already being at the pinnacle of her performance last year. This week, the Collegiate Press Corps honored her as Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, acknowledging her continued development following an MVP season. Dela Rosa attributes significant improvement to playing alongside senior teammates like Jack Animam in Gilas, emphasizing how their guidance helped her evolve both personally and on the court. Despite accumulating multiple accolades—including two MVP awards and the Player of the Year title—Dela Rosa identifies a major gap in her achievements: the UAAP championship. She expressed confidence in her team's current lineup, stating their goal is to secure the championship that eluded them in recent seasons.
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The Phoenix Mercury have a history of legendary players who have set enduring franchise records, with Diana Taurasi holding the all-time assists record. Taurasi is the franchise's career leader with 2,394 assists across her 20-year career. Her best season for assists was 2013, where she averaged a career-high 6.2 assists per game alongside 20.3 points. Her record is significantly ahead of the next player, as she has 1,533 more assists than Penny Taylor. Penny Taylor is second on the all-time assists list with 861 assists during her time with the Mercury. DeWanna Bonner ranks third with 705 assists accumulated over her 10 years with Phoenix before being traded. Although currently a free agent, Bonner is still active and could add to her total if she returned. Brittney Griner is fourth with 600 assists for the Mercury. Skylar Diggins-Smith is the eighth all-time leader with 427 assists during her three seasons in Phoenix before joining the Seattle Storm, and she is one of the few active WNBA players in the top 10 alongside Bonner and Griner. This examination of the franchise's assists leaders highlights the talent the Mercury have had. The article concludes by noting that other franchise records will be explored in future installments.
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The article predicts a comfortable Minnesota Lynx victory over the Chicago Sky, emphasizing Napheesa Collier's role due to Alanna Smith's potential absence. Smith left the previous game early with a knee injury and did not return, suggesting genuine concern. Favored by 14.5 points, Minnesota may rest Smith against the low-ranked Sky defense. If Smith is out, her playmaking duties, particularly from the high-post where she averages 3 assists per game, are expected to shift to Collier. The best bet presented is Napheesa Collier Over 3.5 assists. Collier averages 3.5 assists and has cleared this mark in 8 of her last 12 games. Facing Chicago's poor defense could reduce her scoring instinct and increase her playmaking, allowing her to involve teammates more easily without Smith operating at the elbow. Additional prop bets highlighted include Collier Over 8.5 rebounds and Under 21.5 points. The rebound bet relies heavily on Smith's absence. Collier's rebounding has decreased recently (only twice over 8.5 in last 7 games), coinciding with Smith's increased production (averaging 6.4 rebounds in those 7 games). With Smith potentially out, Collier is expected to grab more rebounds, similar to her six-game streak of 9+ rebounds earlier when Smith averaged fewer boards.
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Pasay Voyagers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Davao Occ. Tigers 57-56 on Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome. Trailing 52-56, Pasay held the Tigers scoreless and scored 5 points in the final 3 minutes and 41 seconds. Dhon Reverente made a lay-up and Patrick Sleat hit a crucial triple with 9.6 seconds left, securing Pasay's second straight win after an initial loss. Warren Bonifacio led Pasay with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, supported by Sleat (10 points) and Reverente (9 points, 15 rebounds). Earlier, the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters dominated the Imus Agimat 108-79, outscoring them in every quarter. Levi Hernandez starred with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in Batangas' third straight win. Jeckster Apinan and Oliver Neal Arim contributed 10 points each. Imus, suffering its third straight loss, saw John Rey Sumido score 27 points, with Kenneth Estabillo adding 12 points and 16 rebounds. In another game, the South Cotabato Warriors routed the Muntinlupa Cagers 103-62. Kyle Tolentino led the charge, sinking 7 of 11 three-point attempts. The Warriors built a commanding 100-57 lead, improving their record to 2-1. Larry Rodriguez, Val Acuna, and Chris Dumapig each added 9 points for South Cotabato. Muntinlupa, falling to 0-3, was led by Jasper Cuevas (16 points) and June Longalong (12 points). Batangas currently shares the top spot in the standings with Negros, Paranaque, and Zamboanga. The MPBL continues on Saturday at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City with a triple-header: Rizal vs Bicolandia (4 p.m.), Valenzuela vs Quezon Province (6 p.m.), and Quezon City vs Nueva Ecija (8 p.m.).
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A photo of LeBron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers practice facility sparked NBA trade rumors, but James himself dismissed it as "much ado about nothing," explaining on social media that he still lives in the area and trains there every summer. The photo showed him with Denver Jones, a former Auburn point guard invited to the Cavs' summer league. James has exercised his $51.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, stated to ESPN that James wants to compete for a championship and values a realistic chance of winning now, while understanding the Lakers are building for the future. Paul expressed appreciation for the Lakers partnership over eight years but emphasized the need to evaluate what's best for James at this stage of his career, as he wants every remaining season to count, a sentiment the Lakers reportedly understand and support. This situation opens the possibility of James requesting a trade. The Cleveland Cavaliers are cited as a logical option due to James's roots in Northeast Ohio (where he still has a home), his legendary status with the franchise after 11 seasons and leading them to the 2016 NBA championship, and the Cavs' perceived strength in a weakened Eastern Conference. However, reports indicate the Cavaliers are "not that interested" in trading for James if he leaves Los Angeles. Furthermore, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that James has not issued a trade request. Ultimately, the photo does not appear to signal an impending trade. James remains a Laker for now, but there is acknowledged uncertainty about whether that will still be the case at the start of next season.
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The New York Knicks are actively searching for a new head coach following their surprising decision to fire Tom Thibodeau on June 3. After weeks of searching, the Knicks may be nearing a decision, reportedly closing in on hiring Mike Brown as Thibodeau's replacement. Brown was most recently fired by the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 NBA season after a 13-18 start. The 55-year-old Brown has significant head coaching experience, having previously led the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, amassing a 454-304 record over 11 seasons, though he has never won an NBA championship as a head coach. The Knicks' search faced initial setbacks, as five NBA teams rejected their requests to interview their current head coaches. This led the Knicks to shift their focus to former NBA head coaches. They have interviewed ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, and added Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori to their interview list on June 24. Both Jenkins and Brown were unexpectedly fired during this season despite leading their respective teams to the playoffs. One of them could now be tasked with leading the Knicks beyond the Eastern Conference finals, a stage Thibodeau reached before his dismissal. Thibodeau had revitalized the Knicks upon his arrival in 2020, ending seven consecutive losing seasons. He ultimately guided the team to back-to-back 50-win seasons and their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.
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The Philadelphia 76ers signed forward Trendon Watford to a two-year contract worth $5.3 million shortly after NBA free agency began. Watford joins the 76ers coming off a career-best season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. His offensive production and efficiency, including a 33% three-point shooting accuracy, reached highs during his four-year NBA career. While not an elite percentage, his willingness to take deep shots aligns with the role of power forwards in coach Nick Nurse's system, as demonstrated previously by players like Guerschon Yabusele and Nicolas Batum. Although Watford averaged only two three-point attempts per game under his previous coach Jordi Fernandez, he expressed confidence in his development and expects to get more open looks with the 76ers due to the defensive attention drawn by their star players. Watford stated, "I think I've made big-time progress... Having three great players that will draw a lot of attention, I’ll be able to get a lot of wide-open shots." Watford acknowledged that signing is just the beginning and emphasized his commitment to offseason work, aiming to improve annually. He explained his goal is to "be better than I was last year" and plans to "stay in the gym, keep working on it, and keep getting better year by year."
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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been sidelined for the last two games due to a groin injury sustained during the team's victory over the Seattle Storm last week. WNBA legend Sue Bird, who attended that game, observed a potential challenge for Clark on offense. Bird noted on her podcast "Bird’s Eye View" that Clark currently has to create most of her own shots while also facilitating for teammates. Bird suggested Clark would benefit significantly from having players around her capable of creating shots for her, allowing her to get open looks off others' actions, and mentioned that newly added player Arie McDonald might help in this area. Clark was experiencing a shooting slump prior to her injury, scoring only six points on 3-of-13 shooting in the win against Seattle. Her three-point shooting on the road this season has been particularly poor at 1-of-28. Bird's insights might be valuable for Fever coach Stephanie White to consider upon Clark's return. McDonald, who joined the roster last week after DeWanna Bonner was waived, could potentially assist in creating more opportunities for Clark.
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The Houston Rockets possess exceptional lineup versatility, allowing them to adapt strategically for maximum advantage, bolstered by a deep roster of strong defenders. While shooting may be a question, they compensate with offensive rebounding. The addition of Kevin Durant is expected to improve spacing and overall offense this season through his presence and team maturity; otherwise, they will continue relying on their running game, offensive rebounding, and a reliable scorer. The acquisitions of Durant and Dorian Finney-Smith, plus the return of Clint Capela, have significantly enhanced this versatility. The Rockets are now a very big team overall. The players under 6'5" are limited: Fred VanVleet (excellent positional defender despite offensive struggles), Reed Sheppard (listed 6'2.5 but plays smaller defensively), Aaron Holiday (6'), and Jae'Sean Tate (6'4", not considered playing small). The rest of the key roster players are 6'7" or taller, showcasing their size and defensive flexibility across multiple positions: Amen Thompson (6'7", All), Tari Eason (6'8", SG/SF/PF), Dorian Finney-Smith (6'7", SF/PF/C), Jabari Smith (6'11", SF/PF/C), Kevin Durant (7', SF/PF/"SG"), Cam Whitmore (6'7", SG/SF), Alperen Sengun (6'11", PF/C), Clint Capela (6'10", "PF"/C), and Steven Adams (6'11", C).
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NBA star Kevin Durant responded forcefully to a social media critic who challenged his legacy. User @EnzDrew suggested Durant should be excluded from top-5 player conversations if he fails to reach the NBA Finals in the next two years, labeling him a "ring chaser." Durant directly replied, "@KDTrey5," stating, "Shutup drew. Nobody cares that u exist." This retort highlights his confidence in his established career achievements. His credentials include two NBA championships, an MVP award (2013-14), four scoring titles, and ranking No. 13 on FOX Sports' top 50 players of the last 50 years list. Further solidifying his status are his Olympic accomplishments: four gold medals and the title of Team USA's all-time leading scorer. Despite this, the "ring chaser" narrative, linked to his moves to the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, persists. Durant's dismissal serves as a declaration that his legacy, evidenced by performances like averaging 35 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 2017 NBA Finals and hitting clutch shots, transcends online debates. The ensuing fan discussion, with both defenders and mockers, underscores Durant's polarizing presence.
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The Phoenix Mercury face a busy schedule against the Dallas Wings following a break after their June 29 home game against the Las Vegas Aces. They will play three games against the Wings, starting with an away matchup on July 3. Dallas currently holds a 5-13 record, including a 4-6 run in their last 10 games. The Mercury won their previous encounter this season 93-80 on June 11 and currently boast the WNBA’s second-best record at 12-5. The teams will meet again in Phoenix on July 7 for their penultimate regular-season game. Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall draft pick, leads her team in scoring (18.4 points) and assists (5.8), topping all first-year players and ranking 11th and sixth respectively in the league. Recently named an All-Star starter—the first in Wings franchise history—Bueckers scored 35 points with six rebounds and four assists in her last game against Phoenix. After facing Dallas, the Mercury conclude their homestand against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (14-2) on July 9. The Lynx, coming off an 8-2 stretch in their last 10 games, lost the Commissioner’s Cup final to Indiana on July 1. In that game, Minnesota’s top scorer Napheesa Collier (24.4 ppg) was limited to 12 points. Minnesota possesses the WNBA’s top defense, allowing 74.1 points per game, while Phoenix ranks fourth at 79.3 points allowed. The Mercury-Lynx matchup will tip off at 12:30 p.m. as part of Camp Day, inviting local youth camps to attend.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a maximum contract extension, marking his second extension with the franchise – a rare occurrence in the team's history. This agreement reinforces the mutual trust between the league's scoring champion and the organization. Gilgeous-Alexander opted for a four-year, $285 million supermax extension now rather than waiting for a potentially larger five-year deal next season. Though slightly below projections due to a 7% salary cap increase (instead of the anticipated 10%), the contract represents the largest annual salary in NBA history while maintaining his expected percentage of the Thunder's cap space. This extension places Gilgeous-Alexander alongside Russell Westbrook and Nick Collison as multi-extension Thunder players, securing him through the 2030-31 season. His tenure will include the opening of the team's first new arena, positioning him as a franchise icon. Since arriving via trade in 2019, Gilgeous-Alexander's development has been central to Oklahoma City's strategy, culminating in the franchise's first championship. His continuous improvement – including a significant playmaking leap during his MVP-winning 2024-25 campaign – remains pivotal to the team's success. With the Thunder building a roster around the 27-year-old as he enters his prime, this extension represents an immediate and unanimous decision for both parties. The partnership is viewed as an exceptional move, earning an A+ grade for securing the cornerstone of Oklahoma City's championship future.
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The Los Angeles Lakers' 40-year-old superstar LeBron James is involved in trade rumors after his agent, Rich Paul, commented following James' decision to opt into his $52.6 million contract. Paul stated James wants to win another title before retiring and will evaluate what's best for his career at this stage. While the Minnesota Timberwolves aren't seen as a popular destination for the four-time NBA champion, ClutchPoints' Bailey Bassett believes a trade could happen. Bassett notes the Timberwolves, having lost in the Western Conference Finals in back-to-back seasons, need a player to push them over the top. He highlights James' extensive conference finals experience (12 appearances, 10 wins) and his knowledge of reaching the NBA Finals – something Minnesota has never achieved. Bassett references a rumored trade package previously discussed for Kevin Durant involving Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, either Terrence Shannon Jr. or Rob Dillingham, and a draft pick. He suggests acquiring the 40-year-old James might cost less. Bassett argues pairing James with Anthony Edwards makes sense, pointing out Minnesota extended Naz Reid, drafted Joan Beringer, brought back Julius Randle, seems ready to move Gobert, and covets another star to share Edwards' offensive burden. He also notes the Lakers' desperate need for a starting center, making a James-to-Timberwolves trade potentially logical. The article concludes by noting James hasn't won a title since 2020. Despite expectations of multiple championships when he joined the Lakers in 2018, injuries to key players, coaching errors, and disappointing postseason performances have prevented James and the Lakers from establishing a dynasty.
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Paris Basketball have signed veteran power forward Amath M'Baye. This move comes as they seek a replacement for Tyson Ward, who is anticipated to join Olympiacos Piraeus. The French club officially announced the acquisition of M'Baye. He spent the previous two seasons playing for CSKA Moscow. The 35-year-old French player is making a return to the EuroLeague. He last competed in the EuroLeague during the 2022-23 season with Anadolu Efes. M'Baye also has prior EuroLeague experience from his time with Olimpia Milano in the 2017-18 season. Throughout his EuroLeague career spanning 63 games (including 25 starts), M'Baye has averaged 6.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Additionally, he has achieved success with the French national team, winning a silver medal at FIBA EuroBasket 2022 and a bronze medal at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
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Carl Manding, a top prospect from the UST Tiger Cubs, has committed to play for the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles under head coach Tab Baldwin. The 6-foot-3 wing player was instrumental in UST's UAAP Season 87 juniors basketball championship victory but will now continue his career in Katipunan. Manding described the choice as difficult, acknowledging UST as his home and the site of his championship win. He stated, "I just felt like I need to challenge myself outside of my comfort zone to grow more as an athlete and as a person." He confirmed his commitment, saying, "I am committing to Ateneo de Manila University and will be playing for the Blue Eagles under Coach Tab Baldwin," expressing confidence he can thrive and maximize his growth there while learning under Coach Baldwin. Before choosing Ateneo, Manding had considered staying at UST to join the Growling Tigers with fellow juniors standouts Koji Buenaflor and Charles Bucsit. He attracted interest from multiple other UAAP and NCAA programs. Manding is eligible to play for Ateneo for five seasons starting with Season 88. In his final season with the Tiger Cubs, Manding averaged 8.53 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, playing a key role in securing UST's first boys' basketball title in 24 years. His experience with the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program further establishes him as one of the most promising wings in his class. By joining Ateneo, Manding enters a program renowned for elite player development, tactical discipline, and consistent title contention. With five years of eligibility, he has the opportunity to develop within a system that has produced multiple UAAP champions and professional-level talent. Manding's move is characterized as a bold and calculated step focused on growth over comfort, with Baldwin's guidance providing ample opportunity for him to advance his game.
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Fantasy football managers seek volume and scoring opportunities, qualities that Derrick Henry and Kyren Williams possess. Both running backs are projected for second-round drafts this season, necessitating careful decision-making during selections. Derrick Henry has missed more than one game in only one of his eight NFL seasons and achieved at least 14 total touchdowns in four of his past five campaigns. Concerns about his low pass-catching volume are offset by his touchdown scoring, which elevates his floor. He caught 81.4% of his targets over the last three seasons, suggesting potential for increased receptions, possibly exceeding 33 for the first time in Todd Monken's offense. Doubts about Lamar Jackson reducing Henry's production are unfounded, as Jackson's rushing touchdowns are lower than quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Jalen Hurts, and his rushing could extend drives to benefit Henry. Kyren Williams caught 66.7% of his targets during his breakout season, but this is expected to rise toward the typical 70% range for running backs. He demonstrated elite vision and physical running, leading all qualified RBs in yards per carry before contact, highlighting his synergy with the offensive line. Williams shed a defender every 11 carries last season, placing him among top runners like Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry. While Blake Corum presents competition, Williams is positioned to maintain or enhance his efficiency.
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Jared Bahay, the sophomore point guard for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, is intensely preparing for UAAP Season 88 starting in September, aiming for team redemption. This follows a challenging rookie season where Ateneo finished last with a 4-10 record, while UP Fighting Maroons won the championship against De La Salle Green Archers. Bahay and the Blue Eagles began rigorous training immediately after last season ended, including new roster additions he believes will strengthen the team. They recently returned from an intense training camp in Madrid, Spain, where they scrimmaged against professional teams and observed Real Madrid Basketball's training sessions—an experience Bahay described as "eye-opening" and beneficial for elevating their game. Expressing optimism for his second UAAP season, Bahay highlighted the demanding but rewarding coaching style of Tab Baldwin. As a starter who averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game last season, he aims to lead a team featuring fellow Cebuano talents like Michael Asoro and Carl Manding. The roster will also be reinforced by Filipino-American recruits Jaden Lazo, Dominic Escobar, and Kymani Ladi.
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The Orlando Magic made a significant offseason move by acquiring Desmond Bane, seen as a major win that elevates them into contention. Bane provides high-level shooting, ball-handling, and attacking ability, boosting their struggling offense without sacrificing their defensive identity. He is viewed as the perfect aggressive addition needed after consecutive first-round playoff exits, signaling the Magic pushing their chips in to improve around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The acquisition came at a heavy cost: the Magic traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four future first-round picks, and a 2029 first-round pick swap. This move addressed the need to upgrade the starting shooting guard position after Caldwell-Pope's struggles, matching Bane's $34 million salary and giving up significant draft capital. The Memphis Grizzlies, who traded Bane, have quickly moved several assets acquired from Orlando. They are working on a buyout for Cole Anthony and already traded two of the Magic's first-round picks (the No. 16 pick and a 2028 pick) to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night for Cedric Coward. This means two picks and one player from the deal are no longer part of the Grizzlies' roster. Memphis's motivation for the Bane trade was to shake up a stagnating roster and create salary cap space. This cap room was crucial for completing a renegotiate-and-extend deal with Jaren Jackson Jr. and facilitating other free agency moves like signing Santi Aldama and Ty Jerome (reportedly a 3-year, $28 million deal). The Grizzlies are actively rebuilding their roster around Ja Morant with a focus on adding shooting and playmaking.
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The author humorously argues that the Philadelphia 76ers might be the favorites to win the Eastern Conference next season, demanding this be taken seriously while ironically dismissing significant factors like past performance, proof of concept, and hypothetical injuries. An honest look at the roster is presented: Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain are seen as an elite young backcourt foundation. Paul George's poor previous season is framed as an aberration. Rookie VJ Edgecombe is highlighted as a potential star with high upside. Maxey's offensive talent and acceptable defense are emphasized, noting the team's size helps compensate. The supporting cast, including Oshae Brissett and Quinten Grimes, is deemed capable. Edgecombe and McCain are again noted for their significant potential in a conference where team building seems chaotic. The state of other Eastern Conference contenders is described as unstable or unimpressive: the Boston Celtics are selling assets, the Cleveland Cavaliers are volatile, the Orlando Magic made a big trade (Desmond Bane), the Atlanta Hawks are building something but remain flawed, the New York Knicks are making coaching changes and signings (Guerschon Yabusele), and the Indiana Pacers/Milwaukee Bucks situation involving Damian Lillard and Myles Turner is presented as chaotic ("shambles"). The author concludes the conference is finally ripe for the 76ers to shine, lacking the past "insurmountable obstacles" like prime Celtics, Kawhi Leonard, or LeBron James. While Joel Embiid's importance is acknowledged (joking about discussing contention without mentioning him), it's suggested the 76ers may have already experienced their downturn ("pre-imploded") and are now positioned to capitalize while others falter. Embiid staying healthy until next July is identified as a key "if". The piece ends reiterating that championship contention always requires luck, and the Sixers' odds deserve serious consideration.
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Khaman Maluach's Instagram bio, displaying "THE PROCESS....," sparked curiosity among Philadelphia 76ers fans shortly after the rookie joined the NBA. The phrase famously references Joel Embiid's nickname, originating from the "Trust the Process" slogan during the Sixers' rebuilding era. Social media reactions immediately drew parallels, with fans labeling Maluach "baby Embiid" and suggesting he could be the next Embiid. Both centers began their basketball careers outside the U.S., with Maluach developing at NBA Academy Africa before committing to Duke University. During his lone collegiate season, Maluach averaged 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block per game over 39 appearances. Projected as a consensus top-10 draft pick, he was linked to the Sixers as a potential Embiid successor but ultimately fell to the 10th pick, where the Phoenix Suns selected him after trading up with the Houston Rockets. The Sixers instead chose VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome. Embiid's legacy—including seven All-Star selections, an MVP award, and league-leading scoring—makes Maluach's perceived inspiration understandable. Though stylistically different, Maluach enters the league with significant expectations as one of the 2025 draft's most prominent big men.
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