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TOPRanking men’s college basketball’s top 25 coaches of the 2000s: Bill Self, Roy Williams top list - The Athletic
The article presents a selection of the top men's college basketball coaches of the last 25 years, explaining that the evaluation criteria extend beyond just NCAA Tournament success. The author considered national titles, Final Fours, conference regular-season championships, conference tournament championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, total wins, longevity, and a degree of subjectivity. Bob Huggins (Cincinnati, Kansas State, West Virginia) is highlighted with 466 wins (20.9 per season), 1 Final Four, 3 conference regular-season titles, 3 conference tournament titles, and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances. Known for teams playing with max effort and player adoration, his prime was at Cincinnati. After a forced resignation there, he revived Kansas State and then spent 16 years at West Virginia, reaching another Final Four in 2011 and implementing the "Press Virginia" style. His career ended with another forced resignation in 2023 after a DUI. Sean Miller (Xavier, Arizona, Xavier, Texas) is noted as arguably the best coach without a Final Four appearance. He has 487 wins (24.4 per season), 8 conference regular-season titles, 4 conference tournament titles, and 13 NCAA Tournament appearances. He reached four Elite Eights and had a dominant stretch at Arizona, winning 30+ games four times in seven years. His Arizona tenure ended due to involvement in a federal corruption investigation. He rehabilitated his career back at Xavier and is now headed to Texas. Gary Williams (Maryland) is included with 244 wins (22.2 per season), 1 National Title (2002), 2 Final Fours, 2 conference regular-season titles, 1 conference tournament title, and 7 NCAA Tournament appearances. His prime extended into the early 2000s with back-to-back Final Fours and the 2002 championship. The 2002 team, featuring stars like Juan Dixon, is noted for beating a strong Duke team for the ACC title and a historically great Kansas team in the Final Four. Rick Barnes (Texas, Tennessee) is recognized with 591 wins (23.6 per season), 1 Final Four, 4 conference regular-season titles, 1 conference tournament title, and 21 NCAA Tournament appearances (trailing only Self, Few, and Izzo in the 2000s). He consistently fields comfortably seeded teams (12 top-four seeds). At Texas, his teams were offensively focused around stars like T.J. Ford and Kevin Durant. At Tennessee, he has built a top-five defense in each of the last five seasons.
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TOPMavericks' Cooper Flagg Receives Buzzworthy Kevin Garnett Take
The Dallas Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by trading Luka Dončić before last year's deadline and selected former Duke star Cooper Flagg. Flagg is anticipated to accelerate the franchise's transition from the Dončić era, possessing comparable elite potential despite Dončić's established NBA stardom. Entering his rookie season, Flagg faces significant expectations for immediate impact. Analysts have drawn parallels between his playing style and NBA legends, including Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird, and Kawhi Leonard, though differences in skill sets are noted. If Flagg approaches their caliber, Dallas would solidify its new franchise cornerstone. NBA analyst Chris Broussard recently claimed on "First Things First" that Flagg will surpass Garnett offensively, citing a superior scoring arsenal. Broussard emphasized, "I think he'll be a better scorer than Kevin Garnett... His offensive package is way better." Garnett averaged 17.8 points per game during his career. Flagg validated his hype at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final Four before losing to Houston. Across 37 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals while shooting 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
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Watch: NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begins 2025 offseason workouts
Less than a month after winning the NBA championship and earning both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has resumed offseason workouts. As the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his performance is critical to the team's pursuit of a rare repeat title. Over the past four years, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his status among the NBA's elite, achieving four consecutive 30-point seasons, three All-NBA selections, and MVP honors by age 27. Despite the Thunder's shortened offseason following their late-June championship victory, he has already transitioned into training mode for the 2025-26 season, acknowledging the heightened target on the defending champions. July has been particularly eventful: Gilgeous-Alexander signed a supermax contract extension securing his tenure with Oklahoma City through 2031, and promptly returned to training. He is working with longtime private trainer Nem Ilic, focusing heavily on lower-body exercises. Social media glimpses of these sessions underscore his legendary work ethic. His unconventional journey—from lottery pick to MVP—has been fueled by relentless offseason dedication. As the article notes, his commitment during the NBA's summer break has been instrumental in forging his path to superstardom and sustaining championship-level performance.
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Milwaukee Bucks are about to learn critical lesson Orlando Magic fans already know
Orlando Magic fans recently celebrated acquiring Desmond Bane, viewing him as the perfect complement to their young core and a move propelling them into championship contention. However, this acquisition came at the cost of trading Cole Anthony to the Memphis Grizzlies, a move understood as necessary but emotionally difficult despite Anthony's recent on-court struggles. Anthony's future quickly became uncertain, with reports indicating the Grizzlies planned to either trade him again or buy out his contract. An agreement was reached for Anthony to leave Memphis and sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, a key Eastern Conference rival of the Magic. Adding to the connection, the Bucks also signed Gary Harris to a short-term contract. This means Milwaukee now employs both Cole Anthony and Gary Harris, Orlando's primary backup backcourt duo from last season. Both players were effectively discarded by the Magic this offseason after struggling to provide offensive production as the team ascended into Playoff contention, receiving criticism for failing to deliver needed scoring boosts. The article highlights the curious nature of Milwaukee's decision to acquire this specific backcourt pairing that Orlando felt compelled to move on from to reach championship level. Anthony's struggles last season were noted, averaging a career-low 9.4 points per game on 42.4% shooting, partly due to reduced minutes as Orlando prioritized defensive size with other guards. While he had some standout performances (like 35 points against Miami, a game-winner against Brooklyn, and 22 points/9 assists against Milwaukee in March), he faltered badly in the Playoffs against Boston, scoring only 11 points total in 5 games. Over the last two Playoffs, he averaged just 3.9 points per game on 30.6% shooting. Gary Harris also produced minimally, facing constant criticism for lack of statistical contribution. He averaged a career-low 3.0 points per game last season and shot 35.6% from three (his worst in five Magic seasons). While he retained a role due to solid defense, even taking minutes from others, his offensive output remained low in the 2024 season (6.9 points per game on 5.5 field goal attempts per game, compared to only 2.8 attempts per game the previous year).
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Warriors Trade Jonathan Kuminga To The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Golden State Warriors are expected to re-sign Jonathan Kuminga during the 2025 NBA offseason, but with the intention of subsequently trading him. The article suggests the Warriors should proactively seek trade partners, identifying the Cleveland Cavaliers as an ideal destination. The Cavaliers, despite having the best regular-season record, struggled to maintain consistent production in the playoffs. Adding players who can elevate their postseason performance is deemed crucial, especially with star Donovan Mitchell in his prime but facing free agency next offseason. Kuminga is presented as an ideal fit for Cleveland's needs. Kuminga, coming off a season averaging 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, possesses significant two-way potential and versatility. The article argues his play style could blend well with Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. While his development was somewhat stalled in Steve Kerr's rotation in Golden State, the right system focused on his growth could unlock further potential. A key factor facilitating a potential trade is the presence of Kenny Atkinson, now the Cavaliers' head coach, who previously worked with Kuminga on the Warriors' staff. Atkinson understands Kuminga's potential and could view him as a future All-Star to build around. For the Warriors, the article proposes trading Kuminga to Cleveland for center Jarrett Allen, who would address their frontcourt issues and provide needed rim protection alongside stars Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.
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Heat’s Ware goes from Spoelstra criticism to breakout performance in summer-league loss
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware delivered a standout performance in a 92-72 Las Vegas NBA Summer League loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night. Responding directly to coach Erik Spoelstra questioning his intensity and professionalism the day before, Ware scored 11 of the Heat's first 15 points, featuring dunks and a three-pointer. He maintained his high level of play, finishing the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocked shots, with his most inspired play occurring in the first half. Heat assistant coach Eric Glass, leading the summer roster, praised Ware's effort, stating, "That’s what we’ve been waiting for from him." Glass emphasized that Ware's focus and intensity allowed the rest of his game to flourish and expressed a desire to see him replicate the performance. Ware attributed his success to simply putting in the effort and playing hard, as Spoelstra had emphasized. This marked a significant improvement for Ware, who had previously underperformed in his first three summer league games. His effort against the Cavaliers mirrored the play that earned him a starting role late last season. Despite Ware's strong individual showing, the Heat's summer roster lost its second consecutive game (0-2), resulting in elimination from defending the Las Vegas Summer League championship they won last year.
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Jimmy Butler Shows Up at Charity Golf Tournament To Support Teammate Stephen Curry, and Warriors Fans Love It
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler attended the American Century Championship charity golf tournament to support teammate Steph Curry, who was competing after winning the event in 2023 and taking a year off. Butler joined the Warriors earlier in 2025 via a five-team trade that sent him to Golden State in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first-round draft pick. Butler's presence at the tournament, captured in a video shared by the Warriors' NBCS affiliate, showed him waiting on the course for Curry. Fans widely praised the gesture on social media, with many calling them the "best duo in the league" and celebrating their partnership after their first season together. Multiple supporters expressed confidence that the pairing could win an NBA championship with proper roster support, citing their combined 56-point performance in Game 1 of the playoffs against Houston. Despite the Warriors' elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals, Butler and Curry established themselves as a formidable duo during the playoff run, providing a foundation for future seasons. Additionally, Curry won the golf tournament with an eagle on the 18th hole.
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Summer League Recap: Clippers 106, Bucks 91
The Milwaukee Bucks (1-2) suffered their second consecutive loss, falling 106-91 to the Los Angeles Clippers (2-0), effectively ending their Summer League semifinal hopes. Chris Livingston led the Bucks with 21 points and 4 rebounds, supported by Pete Nance (18 points) and Bogoljub Marković (14 points). Patrick Baldwin Jr. topped the Clippers' scoring with 22 points. In the first quarter, undrafted free agent Cormac Ryan sparked the Bucks with the team's first seven points during a 7-2 run. The Clippers countered with an 8-0 surge to take the lead, though Andre Jackson Jr.'s late five-point contribution helped Milwaukee edge ahead 27-26 by quarter's end. The Clippers opened the second quarter with Patrick Baldwin Jr. hitting consecutive three-pointers for a 32-27 advantage. Milwaukee briefly regained the lead after a 6-2 run capped by Marković's dunk, but Zavier Simpson and Cam Christie quickly restored LA's lead. The Clippers entered halftime leading 51-47. Milwaukee mounted a third-quarter comeback fueled by Nance's five quick points and Tyler Smith's putback, narrowing the gap to one point. Jackson Jr. contributed key plays including an alley-oop dunk. Despite repeated Bucks efforts to tie or lead, Marković's three-pointer closed an 8-2 run, giving Milwaukee a 74-73 edge heading into the fourth. The final quarter began disastrously for the Bucks, as the Clippers unleashed a 15-0 run while Milwaukee missed their first ten shots. Livingston finally broke the drought with 5:16 remaining. A late 10-2 Bucks rally cut the deficit to 95-86, but their offense stalled again. The Clippers sealed victory with a 7-2 run after Ryan's flagrant-foul free throws. Andre Jackson Jr. showed improvement with 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, though he committed 5 turnovers.
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Damian Lillard Has One Reason To Choose Heat Over Celtics
Damian Lillard reportedly has mutual interest with the Boston Celtics, but analysis suggests the Miami Heat might be a better fit. Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, appearing on CLNS Media's Garden Report, acknowledged Boston's appeal for Lillard recovering from an Achilles injury, as he wouldn't need to be the primary star behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, allowing for rest and load management. However, O'Connor highlighted a significant downside for Lillard in Boston: the potential role. He questioned whether Lillard would want to join a team where he might be the backup point guard behind Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. O'Connor argued that a team like the Miami Heat offers Lillard the opportunity to be the clear starter and regain his status as the primary option, "Damian Lillard again." This analysis points to a potential competition between the Eastern Conference rivals for Lillard. O'Connor noted that Boston's depth at guard, specifically White and Pritchard, is a major deterrent for Lillard that the Celtics couldn't easily fix without making unwise roster moves. Ultimately, Lillard's decision is framed as a choice between seeking more touches and offensive opportunities (potentially with Miami) or prioritizing a greater chance of contending immediately (potentially with Boston).
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Lakers vs Clippers Summer League preview and Game Thread: Battle of L.A. in Vegas
The Los Angeles Lakers face the L.A. Clippers in the Las Vegas Summer League on Monday, July 14th, at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center. This game, broadcast on NBA TV, marks the Lakers' third Summer League contest. A victory is crucial for the Lakers to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the semifinals. The Clippers enter the game with a 2-0 tournament record and are described as a veteran-filled team boasting significant Summer League experience. However, they will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. For the Lakers to win and enhance their semifinal prospects, they will heavily rely on Cole Swider to replicate his standout performance from their previous victory against the Pelicans, where he recorded 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Beyond Swider, the game is also seen as an opportunity for other players on the Lakers' roster to prove their worth.
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Cleveland Cavaliers Not Named Suitor for Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, a former All-Star with a substantial contract ($53 million this season and $57 million player option for next season), is reportedly nearing a contract buyout. This move would make him a free agent, allowing him to sign with any interested team during the NBA offseason. Despite the buyout possibility, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not considered a likely destination for Beal. According to a report from The Stein Line, multiple teams have expressed interest—including the Clippers, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Bucks—but the Cavaliers were not named among potential suitors. The Clippers are viewed as particularly strong contenders to sign the 33-year-old guard. The Cavaliers have already reshaped their guard rotation this summer, adding Lonzo Ball and opting not to re-sign Ty Jerome, focusing on depth behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. These moves do not align with pursuing Beal, making Cleveland an improbable fit. While NBA scenarios remain fluid, Beal is more likely to join a West Coast team like the Lakers or Clippers than the Cavaliers.
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Summer League Preview: It’s all in the rhythm
The Milwaukee Bucks (1-0) face the Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1) in a Summer League matchup. The Bucks aim to maintain momentum after an opening win, while the Cavaliers seek their first victory. The Bucks won their previous game against Denver on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jamaree Bouyea, capping a 12-4 comeback in the final three minutes. Cormac Ryan and Chris Livingston led the Bucks with 18 points each. Conversely, Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith, and Bogoljub Markovic had underwhelming performances. The Cavaliers lost their opener to Indiana despite leading by ten points late. They surrendered the lead in the final moments, with Indiana winning on free throws after a foul with seconds remaining. Despite the loss, Nae'Qwan Tomlin scored 30 points efficiently, and Jaylon Tyson contributed 20 points and 12 assists. Injury concerns exist for both teams. Milwaukee's Mark Sears missed the first game with a calf strain, and Cleveland's Craig Porter Jr. left his game early with a hamstring injury. Their availability for this game is uncertain due to the lack of official Summer League injury reports. Significant pressure is on Milwaukee's Andre Jackson Jr. to improve after scoring only 6 points on 2 shots with 3 turnovers in the opener. As a third-year player with NBA experience, expectations are higher. His defensive matchup against Cleveland's productive forwards, Tomlin or Tyson, is highlighted as a key opportunity. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and NBA TV at 2:30 p.m. CDT.
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Caitlin Clark Makes WNBA History Once Again As Fever Superstar’s Performance Goes Viral
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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Tyrese Maxey quietly hinted at pivotal developments for the 76ers next season
The Philadelphia 76ers face multiple challenges to become championship contenders next season, heavily dependent on Joel Embiid's health and other factors. Guard Tyrese Maxey, during an ESPN interview, highlighted two key developments that could elevate the team: the need to prove their potential on the court rather than just on paper, and his personal focus on improving playmaking and off-ball movement. Maxey has evolved significantly since being drafted in 2020, developing into an all-star caliber player through enhanced perimeter shooting and pick-and-roll decision-making. For next season, he aims to advance his playmaking by executing more complex passes (like skip passes) when attacking the rim to maximize offensive opportunities. His off-ball improvement, however, will depend on Philadelphia's offensive structure—particularly how Embiid operates in the post and whether Paul George assumes greater ball-handling duties. Maxey also emphasized the potential impact of new teammate Trendon Watford, whom he envisions providing a Draymond Green-like influence. Watford, a versatile forward with unconventional playmaking skills in the post and pick-and-rolls, offers defensive IQ and physicality. While not identical to Green, his passing could inject creativity into an offense that lacked innovation last season. His arrival addresses the void left by Guerschon Yabusele's departure, potentially stabilizing the power forward position if Maxey's expectations materialize.
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Bucks HC Doc Rivers makes big declaration about NBA parity
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers declared during a Summer League interview that the NBA currently has significant parity, stating, "I don’t think the NBA has been more open to anybody winning a title in 20 years." He believes this level of competitiveness is the best the league has seen since the early 2000s. Rivers supports his declaration by pointing out the lack of repeat champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. The last six NBA champions have all been different teams: the Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (again, but not consecutively), Denver Nuggets, and Boston Celtics. This marks the first time in NBA history that there hasn't been a repeat champion within such a timeframe. Rivers views this constant turnover of champions as a positive development for the league. While acknowledging it makes achieving a repeat or three-peat much harder, and some might argue it diminishes historic rivalries, he contends that the unpredictability of which new team will win next increases overall intrigue. He sees the current widespread competitiveness as beneficial for the NBA's future.
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Luka Doncic Could Wait Until Mid-September To Make Lakers Contract Decision
The content outlines the structure of a basketball forum, divided into two primary sections: Leagues and Wiretap. Under Leagues, the forums are organized into six NBA divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, and Southeast Division (representing the Eastern Conference); and Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division (representing the Western Conference). The Wiretap section similarly offers dedicated analysis content, also categorized under the same six divisions: Atlantic Division, Central Division, Southeast Division, Northwest Division, Pacific Division, and Southwest Division. This indicates the site provides both discussion forums and analytical content structured around the NBA's divisional alignment.
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MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vetoed the proposed law declaring the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as the National Polytechnic University, Malacañang said Friday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the PUP
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a proposed law that aimed to declare the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) as the National Polytechnic University. This decision was announced by Malacañang Palace on Friday. According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, the veto was implemented because the PUP failed to meet certain requirements set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). These requirements specifically pertain to establishing the operation of both its regular and extension campuses.
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Cleveland Cavaliers Sent Major Warning Amid Kevin Love Return Rumors
The Cleveland Cavaliers, restricted as a second apron team, are limited to signing players to veteran minimum deals unless they maneuver under the threshold. This makes them reliant on budget talent acquisitions. A potential option for frontcourt depth has emerged following a three-team trade. This deal sent John Collins to the Los Angeles Clippers, Norman Powell to the Miami Heat, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, plus a 2027 second-round pick to the Utah Jazz. Kevin Love's inclusion in the trade appears primarily to facilitate salary matching, a view reportedly shared by Love himself. Given the Utah Jazz are a young, rebuilding team, NBA insider Jake Fischer suggests Love is an obvious buyout candidate. Should Love be bought out by Utah, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers is seen as a logical fit. Love won a championship with Cleveland and could provide meaningful backup big minutes, addressing a weakness exposed in the playoffs when the Cavs relied heavily on Dean Wade and Tristan Thompson. However, skepticism exists about a reunion. Hoops Wire's Sam Amico points to Love's reportedly unhappy departure from Cleveland, citing conflicts with former coach J.B. Bickerstaff and president Koby Altman. Amico also questions Love's current on-court value, arguing sentimentality shouldn't drive the decision. Amico's concerns are supported by Love's limited production last season, where he averaged only 5.3 points on 36% shooting in sparse minutes. Positively, he managed over 4 rebounds and nearly 1 assist per game in roughly 10 minutes per outing, while hitting nearly 36% of his three-pointers. This suggests he could still offer limited, impactful contributions for a team like Cleveland needing specific role minutes.
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Report: Kevin Love ‘got into it’ with Koby Altman ‘at least once’
Cleveland Cavaliers executive Koby Altman witnessed Kevin Love's entire tenure with the team, which began in 2012 and included an NBA championship in 2016. However, Love's time in Cleveland ended poorly, with his role significantly reduced in his final seasons and reported conflicts, including at least one incident with Altman himself. Love was reportedly upset about his playing time under former coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Ultimately, the relationship between Love and the Cavaliers' decision-makers became strained, leading to a buyout agreement partway through the 2022-23 season. After clearing waivers, Love joined the Miami Heat. His decision proved successful as he became an integral part of the Heat's unlikely run to the 2023 NBA Finals as the Eastern Conference's 8th seed. During that playoff run, Love started 18 of 20 games, averaging 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5% from three-point range. Love is no longer with the Heat. Earlier this week, Miami traded him and forward Kyle Anderson to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal that brought guard Norman Powell to the Heat. As the Jazz are not contenders in the near term, Love is considered a buyout candidate. Speculation suggests he could potentially return to the Cavaliers this summer, offering veteran experience and locker room presence in pursuit of another title, though this would require both sides to move past their previous frustrations.
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Jordyn Woods rocks white pantsuit during romantic Paris date with Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns took his girlfriend, Jordyn Woods, on a romantic trip to Paris. During their visit, the couple viewed Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting at the Louvre Museum at close proximity. On July 6, Woods shared details of their Louvre experience on Instagram, posting photos captioned, "it's not everyday you get to see the Mona Lisa this close!!!" Her post included an image showing both standing beside the artwork—an unusual feat during peak tourist season—and another of them posing outside the museum. Woods wore a white off-the-shoulder pantsuit for the outing, while Towns sported black shorts, a white T-shirt, a baseball cap, and basketball sneakers. Fans noted the couple appeared to have exceptional access, with comments highlighting the empty museum and speculating about private access. One remarked, "They rented the Louvre," while another referenced an "I got money money pass" due to the lack of crowds.
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NBA 2K26 Summer League: Spurs crush 76ers
David Jones-Garcia led the San Antonio Spurs to a dominant 111-70 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA 2K26 Summer League game at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. He scored 24 points in under 19 minutes, shooting efficiently at 9-for-12 from the field and 4-for-5 from three-point range, while adding five rebounds, three assists, and four steals. The Spurs established control early with a 34-12 first-quarter lead. Philadelphia improved slightly in the second quarter but still trailed by 29 points at halftime. San Antonio maintained its commanding advantage throughout the second half and accelerated again in the fourth quarter to secure the 41-point win. San Antonio saw balanced scoring beyond Jones-Garcia, with Riley Minix and Dexter Dennis each contributing 14 points. Kyle Mangas added 11 points and three rebounds, while Harrison Ingram chipped in seven points, a game-high six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Philadelphia struggled offensively, shooting only 37.3% as a team. Keve Aluma was their top scorer with 12 points on 5-for-10 shooting, followed by Mark Armstrong with 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting. The 76ers were unable to build momentum against the Spurs' consistent dominance.
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Nike Ja 3 “Light Show” Lands In China For Ja Morant’s World Tour
Nike's Asia tour has become a significant tradition for the company's athletes, serving as a key part of their "grow the game" initiative, with stars like Zion Williamson and Sabrina Ionescu participating. These athletes often debut signature products during the tour, as exemplified by Sabrina Ionescu's Titan x Sabrina 2 release in the Philippines. Ja Morant is the next athlete set to embark on this tour, and it has been confirmed he will bring the new Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" sneaker. The Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" was initially revealed during the basketball-focused SNKRS Showcase. It belongs to the three-part "Make 'Em Watch" collection, unified by a graffiti "A" on the lateral side spelling out Morant's first name. While other collection editions focus on US locations, this pair is designed for international appeal. It features vibrant hues over a neutral white/grey base, with a show-stopping reflective blue and pink Swoosh, complemented by orange and purple accents. The signature design elements of the Ja 3 remain, highlighted by the distinctive jagged synthetic material running vertically from the collar to the outsole. This bold design choice contributed to the model's positive initial reception. The Nike Ja 3 "Light Show" is currently expected to be exclusive to China, but updates will be provided if this information changes.
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Game Preview: Nelson Giants v Southland Sharks
The Nelson Giants (8-11, 9th) host the Southland Sharks (11-8, 4th) in a crucial matchup. The Giants need a win to maintain their slim playoff chances, while the Sharks, already guaranteed a home eliminator game, aim to improve their seeding and potentially claim the third spot. The game tips off on Thursday 7th July at the Trafalgar Centre in Nelson, with the Rapid League at 6pm and the Sal's NBL game at 7pm. It will be broadcast live in New Zealand on Sky Sport 2, in the USA on ESPN3, and internationally on FIBA YouTube. In their last outing, the Giants defeated the Tuatara 104-85. Capitalizing on Rob Loe's early exit, Jeremy Combs (29 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists) and Callum McRae (11 points, 12 rebounds) dominated inside. Despite strong performances from Luther Muhammad (19 points, 9 assists) and Tom Vodanovich (23 points, 9 rebounds) for the Tuatara, the Giants controlled the game for their fourth consecutive win. The Sharks secured a vital 98-88 victory over the Whai. Sam Timmins (19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists) orchestrated the offence and Keylan Boone (29 points, 6 rebounds) helped build an early lead. Although Mojave King (43 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) led a Whai comeback for a halftime lead, the Sharks surged with an 11-2 run to start the third quarter, scoring 33 points in the period to regain control and hold off the Whai. Statistically, the teams are very similar in scoring, points allowed, and rebounding rates. Key differences are the Sharks leading the league in three-point shooting efficiency, while the Giants boast a superior turnover rate. Both rely on strong front lines. The desperate Giants require a win to stay alive. Their inside power comes from Jeremy Combs and Callum McRae. Wing scoring is provided by Andrew Jones and Liam Judd (effective off cuts and catch-and-shoot). Point guard Alex Robinson drives the offence with penetration. Although they attempt the fewest threes, staying competitive in made threes is crucial, and they have capable shooters. Alex McNaught and Sam Dempster are key bench contributors. The Sharks also build around a formidable front line: Sam Timmins and Josiah Allick control the glass and score inside, while Keylan Boone is a versatile scoring threat from the perimeter and at the rim. Caleb Asberry has developed into a premier playmaker, excelling at driving. Injuries to Johnny Helu and Alonzo Burton (affecting spacing) impact backcourt depth, with Brayden Inger being the main bench contributor capable of heating up from deep. A critical matchup is at point guard: Alex Robinson versus Caleb Asberry. Both are dynamic players crucial to their team's offensive efficiency, capable of setting up teammates or scoring themselves. Their ability to disrupt passing lanes and generate steals could be decisive.
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Heat Sign Kasparas Jakucionis To Rookie Contract
The Miami Heat have signed 2025 first-round draft pick Kasparas Jakucionis to his rookie scale contract. Jakucionis, a guard selected 20th overall, will earn $3.66 million in the 2025/26 season and a total of $17.7 million over his first four NBA seasons. The 19-year-old Lithuanian began his professional career with Perlas Vilnius in 2020/21 before playing for FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague and Spanish ACB league from 2022-2024. During his single collegiate season at Illinois, he earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors. In 33 games for Illinois during the 2024/25 season, the 6'6" wing averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 44.0% from the field, 31.8% from three-point range, and 84.5% from the free-throw line. Jakucionis was Miami's sole selection in last week's draft. The Heat finished the previous regular season with a 37-45 record, earning the Eastern Conference's 10th seed. They secured the conference's final playoff spot by winning both play-in tournament games before being swept by Cleveland in the first round.
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Why Warriors’ Stephen Curry just lost out on NBA-high $5.1 million in salary
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors will lose $5.1 million from his 2024-25 salary of $55.8 million due to the NBA's escrow system. This adjustment is not related to a new contract or sponsorship but stems from the league's mechanism to maintain the 51-49 split of basketball-related income (BRI) between players and team owners as per the collective bargaining agreement. The NBA sets aside a portion of player salaries (10% last season) in an escrow fund. After final accounting, players receive only a small fraction back, especially when BRI is lower than expected. This season's BRI reached a record $10.25 billion, but playoff revenue was impacted by smaller-market teams advancing deep and local media rights issues. Other high-earning players like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Kevin Durant also faced significant salary reductions ranging from $4.5 to $4.7 million. However, Curry's $5.1 million loss is the largest individual hit, highlighting the escrow system's substantial effect on the league's top contracts. The escrow system, introduced in 1999, has evolved. During prosperous times in the mid-2010s, players often received full refunds or even extra payouts when revenues exceeded projections. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the league temporarily increased withholdings and carried losses into subsequent seasons. The long-term financial outlook appears positive. With the NBA securing new $77 billion broadcast deals, the salary cap is expected to continue rising. Players are projected to receive full escrow payouts by the 2025-26 season. Despite being the league's top earner and significant off-court income (reportedly nearly $100 million), Curry is subject to this escrow reduction, illustrating the NBA's revenue-sharing mechanism impacting even its highest-paid stars.
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Thunder's biggest free agency splash has yet to be realized
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have no roster space for new standard contracts this summer after signing first-round pick Thomas Sorber. However, they still have two-way contract slots available, which permit players to split time between the NBA and development team without exceeding the 15-player roster limit. Oklahoma City is reportedly focused on using a two-way contract to retain rookie center Branden Carlson. The Thunder have officially tendered him a two-way qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent and giving OKC the right to match any offer he receives from other teams. Despite not being one of the most discussed 2024 rookies, the 26-year-old Carlson showed promise. In limited action over 32 games, he averaged 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, shot 33.3% from long range, and posted an elite blocks percentage of 8.6. Advanced metrics with him on court were exceptional: 129.9 points per 100 possessions, a 59.9% effective field goal percentage, a +18.8 point differential (all 98th percentile or higher), and a 105.8 defensive rating. In games with double-digit minutes, Carlson averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. He notably scored 26 points with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks in the regular-season finale against the Pelicans. His 7-foot, 220-pound frame with a 7-foot-4 wingspan further supports his potential as a legitimate NBA rotation player worthy of a full-time contract. By extending the qualifying offer, the Thunder have a chance to bring Carlson back on a two-way deal for a second consecutive season, which would be considered a valuable move for the team.
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WNBA All-Star Media Ballot: SB Nation writer casts votes for 10 starters
WNBA All-Star voting is underway, with media members voting for four backcourt and six frontcourt players. The ten starters will be determined by fan vote (50%), media vote (25%), and player vote (25%). Additionally, 12 reserves will be selected by WNBA head coaches, who cannot vote for their own players. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) were announced as the two leading fan vote-getters. The author, submitting a media ballot for the first time, acknowledges the difficulty of omitting deserving players. Their selections were finalized on June 26th, before voting closed, meaning recent games were not considered. Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), despite recent struggles and injuries (quad, groin), is highlighted as one of the league's top playmakers, averaging 18.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Her play is seen as critical to the Fever's success. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) is having another All-Star season, averaging career-highs of 18.6 points and 1.5 steals, alongside 5.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds. Although her three-point shooting has dipped to 32.8% (from 44.8% in 2023), she compensates by attempting a career-high 4.8 free throws per game and shooting 93.1% from the line. Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream) is recognized for making a massive leap this season, becoming the league's fifth-leading scorer (19.5 points per game) and key to the Dream's top-four seed. She is shooting efficiently (46.9% FG, 42.4% 3PT) and also contributing 4.1 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
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