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The Boston Celtics drafted Reggie Lewis in the 1980s as the heir apparent to their dynasty led by Hall of Famers Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale. He was poised to carry the team's legacy forward after emerging from the NCAA ranks. Tragically, Lewis suffered a fatal collapse during a game due to a rare, undiagnosed heart condition. This sudden health crisis prematurely ended his life, cutting short his career and depriving his family, teammates, and fans of his talent. In a recent episode of the "NBA History and Storytellers on CLNS" podcast, Celtics beat writers Bob Ryan and Dan Shaughnessy reflected on Lewis’s untimely death. They discussed both the profound loss to the Celtics organization and the unfulfilled potential of his career. The show included an embedded clip featuring their commentary. The article concluded by promoting additional Celtics-focused podcasts on the CLNS Media network, such as "How Bout Them Celtics" and "First to the Floor," while noting its original publication on Celtics Wire.
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The New York Knicks are exploring the possibility of acquiring LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers, but only under two specific conditions. First, James must be bought out by the Lakers before the start of the next NBA season, allowing him to enter the buyout market. Second, the Knicks can only offer him the veteran minimum salary due to their salary cap constraints, as they are currently above the league's apron threshold. Several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, are also monitoring James' situation for a potential discount if he becomes available via buyout. The Knicks' interest hinges on this pre-season buyout because their salary cap position prohibits them from signing any buyout market players during the season. This move could position the Knicks as an attractive destination for James to enhance his legacy by ending the franchise's 50-year championship drought. Relationships with Klutch Sports, James' agency led by Rich Paul, have improved recently, facilitating discussions. After resolving past conflicts, Klutch client Jordan Clarkson joined the Knicks, marking the agency's renewed presence in New York. Paul initiated contact with the Knicks, potentially paving the way for James to play at Madison Square Garden. Beyond a buyout, trade scenarios have been proposed by analysts. ESPN's Bobby Marks identified the Knicks as a realistic trade partner, suggesting a direct swap involving Karl-Anthony Towns if James requests a trade. The Ringer's Zach Lowe outlined a more complex deal that could include players like OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, or Mikal Bridges, which would help the Knicks manage future salary cap issues while acquiring James and providing the Lakers with a younger defensive wing. Financial considerations are a key factor, as the Knicks face upcoming contract extensions for Mikal Bridges and a supermax deal for Jalen Brunson in two years. Any trade or acquisition would need to align with their long-term cap strategy, potentially leveraging a short-term deal for James to create flexibility.
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During Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, San Miguel player Jericho Cruz accidentally hit TNT's Simon Enciso early in the fourth quarter. The two players shared a sportsmanlike moment afterwards, with Cruz dapping up Enciso. A midweek crowd was present to watch Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. TNT player Poy Erram aggravated an injury to his right leg late in the third quarter. He required assistance and was escorted to the locker room, creating a concerning situation for TNT. At the time of his injury, with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter, TNT was trailing the San Miguel Beermen, 65-69.
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The Atlanta Dream defeated the Chicago Sky 86-49 in a WNBA game on Wednesday. Brittney Griner led the Dream with 15 points, while Brionna Jones and Allisha Gray each contributed 14 points. Atlanta dominated the third quarter, opening with a 14-0 run and finishing the period with a commanding 74-36 lead. The Dream made 13 field goals in the third quarter alone, surpassing the Sky's total of 12 field goals through the first three quarters. The lead ballooned to 62-26 before Chicago managed its second field goal of the second half late in the third. Atlanta's largest lead reached 43 points in the fourth quarter. Both teams were missing key players. Chicago's Angel Reese missed her first game of the season due to a leg injury, and guard Ariel Atkins was out with a calf injury. Atlanta forward Rhyne Howard will be sidelined for the rest of July with a knee injury. For the Dream (13-9), rookie Te-Hina Paopao scored 13 points, Naz Hillmon added 10 points, and Jordin Canada recorded eight assists. Chicago (7-15) was led by Rebecca Allen, who scored all of her team-high nine points (including three 3-pointers) in the third quarter. Kamilla Cardoso contributed eight points and 11 rebounds. Chicago narrowly avoided setting a franchise record for its lowest scoring game when Moriah Jefferson made a jumper with 30.3 seconds remaining.
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Richie Saunders is depicted as a dynamic and direct player for BYU basketball, aggressively driving to the rim with unwavering focus rather than relying on flashy moves. He has evolved into a folk hero at BYU, embodying the program's archetype as a returned missionary, sharpshooter, and local Utah product. Starting as a specialized bench player, he progressed to a crucial "glue guy" role under Mark Pope, chose to stay at BYU despite Pope's departure to Kentucky, and finished his junior season as a first-team All-Conference star, becoming a cornerstone of new coach Kevin Young's system. As Saunders enters his final season, BYU faces a roster crowded with talent, including playmakers like AJ Dybantsa, Kennard Davis, and Rob Wright, alongside shooters such as Tyler Mrus and Dawson Baker. This depth may reduce Saunders' scoring burden despite his 43% three-point accuracy last season. While his statistical production could dip, the article suggests his off-ball movement and cutting could thrive as defenders focus on teammates like Dybantsa, granting him new operational freedom. Saunders' value is expected to extend beyond scoring. His hustle, leadership, defensive intensity, and clutch performance under pressure are highlighted as vital engines for the team. These qualities, combined with his experience in Young's offensive system, position him as a defensive beacon and emotional leader. The article argues that BYU needs Saunders' optimized contributions—leveraging his intangibles and adaptability—to compete for the Big 12 title and achieve high-level success, potentially even a Final Four run. This season represents Saunders' opportunity to cement a legacy of excellence at BYU, with the article emphatically stating that the college basketball world is unprepared for his impact.
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The Los Angeles Lakers' 2025 Summer League performance has been inconsistent, starting strong in the California Classic but struggling in Las Vegas with a 1-2 record. Individual performances have varied: Bronny James, Cole Swider, and Darius Bazley have impressed. Swider leads the team in Vegas scoring (19.7 ppg) with exceptional 48.3% 3-point shooting, while James is averaging 13 points and 3.3 assists, showing significant improvement and comfort. Bazley has displayed strong activity and defense. Conversely, last year's first-round pick Dalton Knecht has struggled, shooting only 29% from the field in Vegas. The Lakers have one regular Summer League game remaining against the Boston Celtics on Thursday. Additionally, since they cannot qualify for the playoffs, they will play a final game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, July 18, as announced by the NBA. This matchup is noted as fitting due to the recent rivalry between the Lakers and Nuggets, and it completes a summer where the Lakers faced other rivals like the Celtics, Clippers, and Warriors. Facing the Nuggets on the second night of a back-to-back, it is likely James, Knecht, and others may rest. This could provide extended minutes for other players, similar to how Quincy Olivari impressed the organization last year. Bronny James' positive development and comfort level are highlighted, attributed to his experience and reps gained in the G League last season.
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Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, is facing a difficult 2025 season with the Indiana Fever, having already missed 10 games due to two separate injuries. She openly described the season as "hard" and "difficult," emphasizing the mental challenge of preparing for games while knowing she cannot play and dealing with the stop-start nature of her recovery. Clark stated her focus is on getting her body healthy and maintaining confidence. Clark's on-court performance has suffered significantly this season. Her shooting percentages are down across the board: she's hitting just over 37% from the field, a low 28.9% from three-point range, and under 82% from the free-throw line, marking a notable decline from her rookie year stats. As Clark works to return to form, her pre-game outfit before the Fever's matchup against the Connecticut Sun drew considerable attention on social media. While many fans expressed strong positive reactions to her look, calling it "🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥" and "😍😮💨," others criticized it, with some comments suggesting she needs a new stylist. The game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever is available to watch on ESPN.
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During the second quarter of the Indiana Fever's 85-77 win over the Connecticut Sun at TD Garden in Boston on Tuesday night, a male courtside fan wearing a Caitlin Clark jersey was ejected from the arena. The incident occurred after the fan made an inappropriate comment directed at Sun guard Saniya Rivers as she prepared to inbound the ball following a timeout. Rivers immediately alerted the referees to the fan's comment. The officials then signaled for arena security, who approached the fan, informed him he was being removed, and escorted him up the stairs and out of the building. Fans seated nearby booed and waved goodbye as he left, causing a brief delay in the game noted by the ESPN broadcast. Initial reports suggesting the fan touched Rivers were incorrect. Both the Sun organization and Rivers herself confirmed to reporters that no physical contact occurred. Rivers stated that the fan's comment alone warranted the ejection under the WNBA Fan Code of Conduct, which prohibits disruptive behavior like foul or abusive language. Despite the incident, Rivers was reported to be in good spirits after the game, even joking that the fan wasted money on his expensive seat. The Sun have not provided specific details about what the fan said. In unrelated news, Fever star Caitlin Clark left the game after apparently re-aggravating a groin injury.
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New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges is eligible for a four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer but has not signed one over a month into the offseason, raising questions about the delay. The lack of an agreement suggests two possibilities: either Bridges and the Knicks are struggling to agree on extension terms, or the Knicks are deliberately holding off to preserve Bridges as a potential trade asset for a major move. Speculation centers on the Knicks' reported interest in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available, despite no formal trade request. If Antetokounmpo hits the market, Bridges could be crucial to trade talks. The Knicks lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would value players who help them remain competitive post-Giannis. Signing Bridges to an extension now would remove him as a trade piece for six months due to league rules. Bridges, acquired last offseason for five first-round picks, had an inconsistent first season with the Knicks, averaging 17.6 points on 50% shooting overall and 35.4% from three-point range. His defense dipped in the regular season but improved significantly during the playoffs, highlighted by key defensive plays in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics. A trade for Antetokounmpo would be extremely costly, requiring more than just Bridges and potentially involving players like Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, while also depleting the Knicks' draft capital. However, acquiring the two-time MVP could transform the Knicks into title contenders and alter the Eastern Conference landscape, despite the significant risk. The Knicks have the entire offseason to negotiate an extension with Bridges, but a potential blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo remains a possibility.
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A fan was ejected from Tuesday's Indiana Fever versus Connecticut Sun WNBA game at TD Garden after allegedly touching Sun guard Saniya Rivers, as reported by Sun sideline reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby. The incident occurred in the second quarter. Security escorted the fan, who was wearing an Indiana Fever jersey, out of the arena. The ejection followed a timeout, as Rivers was preparing to inbound the ball. She instead engaged in a conversation with WNBA officials about an event that seemingly happened just prior. Based on the officials' conversation with Rivers, a fan sitting courtside near the Sun bench was identified and subsequently removed. Social media reports (specifically from @TheNextHoops) indicated the fan was escorted out after reportedly saying something to or touching Rivers before she could inbound the basketball, prompting Rivers to alert the referees. Announcers on the ESPN broadcast briefly mentioned the fan incident but did not provide specific details about what transpired between Rivers and the fan. The report suggests further clarification on the incident might be provided after the game.
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Angel Reese recorded her ninth consecutive double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds during the Chicago Sky's home loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Monday. This marks her 41st career double-double in just 55 games, making her the only WNBA player currently averaging a double-double. Despite Reese's performance, the Sky fell to a 7-14 season record. Reese committed five of the team's 18 turnovers, including a notable error late in the second quarter. With the Sky leading by eight and 1:14 remaining, Reese carelessly threw an underhand inbound pass without looking, sending the ball directly to Minnesota's Courtney Williams. Williams then assisted Bridget Carleton for an open three-pointer. Following an offensive foul by Reese on the subsequent possession, the Lynx scored again to narrow Chicago's halftime lead to four points. Minnesota proceeded to win both the third and fourth quarters, securing the victory. Reese continues to lead the WNBA in rebounding by a significant margin and also tops the league in turnovers, averaging 3.8 per game.
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Angel Reese has significantly evolved during the 2025 WNBA season, dispelling early critiques that labeled her solely as an interior presence with tunnel vision. She is becoming a multifaceted matchup nightmare, maintaining her elite rebounding trajectory while developing into a floor spacer and point forward. Reese is currently on a streak of nine consecutive double-doubles, averaging 18.1 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 50.4% from the field. A key area of improvement is her playmaking, specifically overcoming previous tunnel vision. Her assists are up by nearly 2.0 per game, and her assist-to-turnover ratio has risen above 1.4. This growth stems from her effectiveness in the short roll and elbow pinch post, where the Chicago Sky increasingly run horns and chin actions through her. Reese demonstrates improved decision-making, making accurate passes to cutters, threading bounce passes through help defense, and delivering skip passes to weak-side shooters. Her assist percentage has more than doubled from her rookie year (21.2% vs. 9.2%), and her overall efficiency has increased, including a significant jump in true shooting percentage. Reese plays a crucial role in Coach Tyler Marsh's motion-heavy offense, often initiating plays as the passing hub in high-horns sets. She reads the defense, makes decisive passes (like hammer passes to corners), and triggers the team's "Flow" offense, showcasing an evolving ability to orchestrate plays reminiscent of Bam Adebayo with high-low reads, dump-offs, and dart passes. Shooting improvements are also evident. While her rookie season featured struggles (39.1% FG, low confidence beyond 10 feet), her field-goal percentage has risen over four points to 43.3% in 2025, and she's near 80% from the free-throw line. Crucially, her perimeter activity and confidence have grown: her three-point attempt rate has nearly tripled since college (now over 8% of her FGA), though she shoots 22.0% on low volume (1.5 attempts per game). This increased willingness to shoot, especially in trailing pick-and-pop actions, forces opposing bigs into difficult defensive choices.
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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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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a proclamation declaring July 15, 2025, as "WNBA Day in Boston" and advocating for the city to receive its own WNBA team. The proclamation coincided with the sold-out game between the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever at Boston's TD Garden that evening, marking the second consecutive year a WNBA game sold out the venue. Healey's proclamation argued that Boston, as New England's "capitol and hub," is the "perfect place for a WNBA team." She highlighted Boston's status as "the most exciting sports town and sports market in the country" and pointed to the region's existing enthusiasm for women's sports, citing teams like the Boston Fleet (hockey), Boston Guard (lacrosse), Boston Renegades (football), Boston Banshees (rugby), and the incoming Boston Legacy FC (soccer). The proclamation also emphasized Massachusetts's historical connection to basketball, being its birthplace and home to the Basketball Hall of Fame. Earlier on the same day, Governor Healey honored Indiana Fever All-Star forward Aliyah Boston (a Worcester Academy alum and 2023 top draft pick) for her work advancing women's sports. This push comes despite the WNBA's recent announcement of expansion plans to reach 18 teams within five years, which included new franchises for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia – but not Boston. The article notes a previous Boston Globe report that Donnie Wahlberg was part of a group planning to bid for an expansion team. Governor Healey concluded her proclamation and accompanying statement by firmly stating, "We're ready for a WNBA team in Boston."
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The article discusses betting options for the WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun, highlighting FanDuel Sportsbook's odds and using WNBA advanced stats to find an edge. It notes the availability of traditional markets like spreads and totals, as well as player-prop bets. The matchup takes place at TD Garden in Boston, generating some hype for the game. However, the betting line features a significant 16.0-point spread favoring the Indiana Fever, suggesting a potentially uncompetitive contest. The large spread is presented as potentially efficient. This view is supported by the Fever's recent performance of securing back-to-back wins by 17 or more points, demonstrating their capability to blow out opponents. Conversely, the Connecticut Sun enter the game with a very poor net rating of -20.1, further justifying the lopsided spread.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder successfully extended their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren to long-term max contracts during the 2025 offseason. While the team's ownership has the financial capacity to pay its stars and maintain a deep roster through rookie contracts and annual draft restocking, financial sacrifices will become necessary in the coming years. Guard Lu Dort emerges as a potential candidate to be sacrificed. He is set to earn $18.2 million this season, with a team option for the same amount next offseason. The Thunder would likely seek a new deal for Dort at that point, but their ability to offer one may be restricted. Dort, considered a potential "lifer" since his 2019-2020 rookie year, has developed into one of the NBA's premier 3-and-D players within the franchise. However, when his contract expires, he could command $20-25 million annually, a price tag that might be financially burdensome for the Thunder. Despite his importance over the last five years, Dort is viewed as more replaceable than the core trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. While a path exists for Dort to remain long-term, especially given the Thunder's multi-season window and GM Sam Presti's forward-thinking approach, the unpredictable league landscape makes the outcome uncertain. At minimum, the team will likely have to part with either Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein, an impending free agent, appears the more likely candidate to depart, as the Thunder can develop Thomas Sorber to fill his role.
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Bleacher Report's recent ranking of the top 100 NBA players of all time placed Kobe Bryant at 11th, sparking significant debate and criticism, particularly from his former teammate Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal publicly denounced the ranking on social media platform X, calling Kobe's placement at 11th "criminal." The Bleacher Report top 10 list, in order, consisted of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Stephen Curry. Kobe Bryant followed at 11th, ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Durant, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West. The article argues that leaving Bryant out of the top 10 is a significant oversight, regardless of personal opinions about the Lakers legend. It contends that Bryant's combination of statistics, accolades, championships, and the "eye test" should guarantee him a top-10 spot, validating O'Neal's criticism. The piece emphasizes that players who competed with or against Bryant consistently place him among the very elite. It acknowledges that Kobe's standing in historical rankings has been negatively impacted for some by the increased focus on advanced statistics since his retirement. While certain efficiency metrics don't favor him, the article counters that those who witnessed his career firsthand unhesitatingly rank him at the highest level. The piece concludes by mentioning 2025 top draft pick Cooper Flagg's challenging Summer League debut. Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban suggested Flagg needs development time, drawing a parallel (while cautioning against direct comparison) to Kobe Bryant's own early career progression with the Lakers, noting it took Bryant a couple of years to become a polished player.
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The Dallas Mavericks are evaluating candidates for their final two-way contract spot next season. Ryan Nembhard has demonstrated strong confidence and appears to be a solid fit for the rotation, positioning him well for one of the two-way roles. Miles Kelly, already on a two-way contract, is showcasing remarkable confidence as a shooter, carrying over his fearless mentality from Auburn. The Mavericks, anticipating Klay Thompson's eventual decline, see an urgent need for a reliable knockdown 3-point shooter like Kelly. While acknowledging the significant transition challenges (pace, longer 3-point line), the article suggests Kelly could potentially develop into a player resembling Thompson or at least trend towards becoming a valuable rotation player if his confidence persists. The piece draws parallels to Klay Thompson's rapid rise as an elite catch-and-shoot star under Steve Kerr's system. While the Mavericks' philosophy differs, Kelly's sheer confidence in shooting from deep is seen as a foundational trait. Mavericks Summer League coach Josh Broghamer has specifically praised Kelly's versatile shot-making, including movement shooting. However, Broghamer is also working with Kelly on expanding his game beyond shooting, focusing on rebounding and passing to help him stand out. The article argues Kelly's shooting directly addresses a critical Mavericks need, contrasting it with the inconsistent 3-point production from players like Spencer Dinwiddie last season. Kelly's performance, including scoring 11 points on 2-6 three-point shooting in 27 minutes (third-most on the team) during a loss to San Antonio, is presented as evidence of his potential. His significant playing time is interpreted as a sign the team sees future potential in him. Highlighting his undrafted status, the piece notes Kelly plays with a motivational "chip on his shoulder," aiming to prove teams wrong for passing on him. The Mavericks are portrayed as fortunate to have him. The potential for Kelly to learn directly from Klay Thompson through mentorship is mentioned as an exciting opportunity that could greatly benefit his development.
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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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The Golden State Warriors are seeking veteran players to bolster their roster, focusing on smaller free agent moves rather than major signings. Beyond previously linked players Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton, the team has also shown interest in Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, and Gary Payton II, with Seth Curry and Ben Simmons emerging as additional potential targets during Summer League discussions. A potential signing of Malcolm Brogdon is highlighted as a particularly beneficial move for the Warriors. They require additional ball-handlers, and Brogdon would serve as a solid backup point guard for Stephen Curry. Last season with the Washington Wizards, he averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, though his season was limited to just 24 appearances. Given Brogdon's significant injury history – playing over 65 games only once since his rookie year – a deal would realistically only make sense at the veteran minimum salary, as his reliability is questionable. However, if healthy, he fits well within the Warriors' system. The team has a recent track record of helping injury-prone players like Otto Porter Jr. and Donte DiVincenzo bounce back, suggesting Brogdon could become a valuable signing under similar circumstances.
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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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Tyrese Maxey and Trendon Watford, childhood friends now teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers, were observed watching the Summer Sixers play the Charlotte Hornets alongside head coach Nick Nurse. Both expressed excitement about finally playing together instead of against each other. A point of friendly disagreement persists between them regarding their first meeting at a youth basketball camp as teenagers. Maxey claims Watford and his friends didn't want to talk to him because he wasn't highly ranked at the time, a claim Watford repeatedly disputes. Maxey insists the media should trust his history of telling the truth over the past five years on this matter. During halftime, Maxey and Watford spoke to media about their enthusiasm for being teammates. Maxey also shared his early impressions of the Sixers' No. 3 overall draft pick, VJ Edgecombe, and discussed his plans for leading the team's young backcourt. The report includes specific soundbites from Maxey in Las Vegas covering: how he discovered Watford was joining the Sixers; what on-court contributions Watford can bring; and his initial thoughts on Edgecombe.
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LeBron James opted into his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers, but his future with the team remains uncertain as the franchise shifts focus toward building around Luka Doncic rather than pursuing immediate championship contention. While a trade involving James is considered unlikely, rumors are circulating about potential moves, including one to the New York Knicks. A specific trade scenario proposed by Bleacher Report's Dan Favale suggests a 1-for-1 swap where James would be traded to the Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. This deal would integrate James into a Knicks lineup featuring Mikal Bridges, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson, and OG Anunoby. For the Knicks, James' addition could significantly reduce pressure on Brunson by allowing him to play off the ball more often and rest during possessions, leveraging James' passing and scoring abilities. Defensively, pairing James with Robinson could enhance the team's overall performance. For the Lakers, acquiring Towns—a five-time All-Star and skilled offensive big man—could create a strong pairing with Doncic, as Towns' floor-spacing ability complements Doncic's playmaking. Towns is under contract until 2028-29, with a player option for $61 million in 2027-28, providing the Lakers with cost certainty through his prime years. However, potential downsides include the Knicks' motivation to offload Towns' hefty contract, which could total over $160 million in the next three seasons. Towns' defensive limitations against quicker players, combined with Doncic's own defensive struggles, might make this pairing risky for the Lakers in terms of cap management and team balance. Adding to the speculation, LeBron James has acknowledged considering a move to the Knicks earlier in his career, further fueling discussions about this possibility.
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The Connecticut Sun (3-17) face the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) on Sunday, with the Sun traveling to the West Coast. Connecticut enters the game following a 79-65 loss to the Seattle Storm. Despite Tina Charles recording a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds), the team's overall offense struggled. The Sparks also come off a loss, falling 91-82 to the first-place Minnesota Lynx. Kelsey Plum led Los Angeles with 17 points and 12 assists, while Julie Vanloo contributed 15 points off the bench in 17 minutes. The Sparks' defense was unable to contain Minnesota. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams during the 2025 season. Their next games are scheduled for Thursday, July 24th in Uncasville, Connecticut, and finally on August 7th in Los Angeles. The game can be watched on NBC Sports Boston in New England. Fans can watch the WNBA all season long, including nationally televised games featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers, on Fubo. A live stream of the Sun vs. Sparks game is available on Fubo, offering a free trial (regional restrictions may apply).
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The Indiana Fever (11-10, 7-5 Eastern Conference) will face the Connecticut Sun (3-18, 2-6 Eastern Conference) on Tuesday at 8 p.m. EDT in Uncasville, Connecticut. BetMGM lists the Fever as 15.5-point favorites with an over/under of 165 points. Indiana enters the matchup aiming to extend its three-game road winning streak. Connecticut holds a 2-6 record in conference games and is 2-10 against winning opponents, while Indiana is 7-5 in conference play and 6-3 against winning teams. Statistically, Connecticut shoots 40.1% from the field this season—2.4 percentage points below Indiana's average defensive allowance (42.5%). Indiana shoots 46.0% offensively, marginally below Connecticut's 46.3% defensive average. This marks the third meeting between the teams this season. Indiana won the previous matchup 88-71 on June 17, led by Caitlin Clark's 20 points. Connecticut's Tina Charles also scored 20 points in that game. Top performers include Connecticut's Olivia Nelson-Ododa (averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds) and Tina Charles (13.5 points over last 10 games). For Indiana, Aliyah Boston averages 16.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell averages 21.5 points in the last 10 games. Connecticut is 1-9 in its last 10 games, averaging 73.8 points on 39.7% shooting while allowing 88.0 points. Indiana is 5-5 during the same span, averaging 85.1 points on 46.6% shooting and allowing 82.2 points. Injury reports indicate Connecticut's Marina Mabrey is out with a knee injury, while Indiana has no listed injuries.
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The Golden State Warriors are reportedly showing interest in unrestricted free agent Ben Simmons, generating significant debate among fans. Despite Simmons' career struggles in recent years, the Warriors' open roster spots and the potential influence of Stephen Curry are seen as key factors driving this speculation. Analysts, including Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, suggest Simmons and Seth Curry are names discussed around the Warriors during NBA Summer League. Siegel notes Simmons has historically thrived in systems surrounded by reliable shooters, a condition he hasn't consistently had lately, partly due to his own injury absences. His career-high assist season coincided with playing alongside shooter JJ Redick. Playing alongside Stephen Curry in Golden State, potentially the best shooter Simmons would ever partner with, alongside movement shooters like Buddy Hield, is seen as an opportunity for Simmons to rejuvenate his career. The Warriors' system, particularly Steve Kerr's offense and Curry's presence, is viewed as potentially ideal for him. Simmons is also considered a potential fit to reduce Draymond Green's regular-season burden as a point forward, mimicking the Curry-Green dynamic. Furthermore, the Warriors need a backup point guard to lessen the workload on the 37-year-old Curry, and Simmons, despite his weaknesses, is seen as a capable ball-handler and playmaker who could fill that void.
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Defenses have begun adjusting to Kennedy Burke's exceptional three-point shooting, a trend she noticed during the Liberty's previous game against the Atlanta Dream on June 29, where she went 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. Burke and head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged this defensive shift was inevitable given her "off the charts" shooting performance this season. Despite the recent defensive focus, Burke remains a strong contender for Sixth Player of the Year. She leads the WNBA in three-point percentage (48.6%), a significant jump from her 25.9% in 2024. Her attempts have also increased notably, from 1.5 to 3.7 per game, though her total attempts (70) are still fewer than prolific shooters like Atlanta's Rhyne Howard (185) or teammate Sabrina Ionescu (145). To counter defenses taking away her three-point shot, Burke has increasingly relied on attacking the basket off the dribble, utilizing her quick first step. She also leverages her strong defense, exemplified by six steals against Las Vegas, to generate offensive opportunities. This adaptation aims to sustain her breakout season, especially after increased minutes due to Liberty absences in the first half of the year. Burke's preparation for this defensive adjustment began in the offseason with intensive three-point practice (both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble) and specific work on driving to the basket. The effectiveness of this work became evident early this season, including a game where she made all four of her three-point attempts. This breakout contrasts with her 2024 season, her first with the Liberty, where she struggled to find a consistent role within the team's rigid rotation.
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