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Pistons center Jalen Duren's offseason workout videos, showcasing him taking midrange and three-point jump shots in various scenarios (spot up, off screens, off the dribble), have gone viral among fans, sparking excitement about a potentially expanded offensive role for him. While some fans are optimistic, others dismiss the clips as insignificant summer hype, comparing them to past videos of non-shooters like Ben Simmons or Andre Drummond attempting to expand their range. However, observers note Duren's shot appears more fluid than those other big men. Evidence suggests this development isn't entirely new, as beat reporter Eric Vincent confirmed Duren consistently worked on midrange shots during warmups last season. Duren also occasionally handled the ball in transition against weaker defenders, making these new clips seem like a progression. Duren was already a potent force in the pick-and-roll with Cade Cunningham, forming a top-ten assist duo and finishing alley-oops. However, his offensive game was limited last season, with nearly all his field goals coming in the paint and 62% being assisted. The recent postseason highlighted the value of versatile big men like Myles Turner and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combine outside shooting with inside finishing. Even centers with more limited offensive games, like Isaiah Hartenstein, added valuable wrinkles. Expanding his shooting range and improving his ball-handling could make Duren a greater threat in isolation or the post, but more crucially, enhance the flow of the Pistons' team offense. He is expected to develop a two-man game with new addition Duncan Robinson, similar to Robinson's previous success with Bam Adebayo via dribble hand-offs. Improved skills would allow Duren to leverage Robinson's shooting gravity effectively. While Duren's defensive improvement is seen as crucial, a more complete offensive arsenal could significantly uplift the team. Fans hope to see the offseason shooting development translate to the NBA court next season, though expectations are for gradual integration, not a high volume of three-point attempts.
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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury during the team's playoff series against the New York Knicks, contributing to their elimination. Celtics president Brad Stevens provided an encouraging update on Tatum's recovery during a summer league broadcast, noting the player is rehabilitating diligently with a competitive mindset following immediate surgery. Stevens emphasized Tatum has remained in Boston for daily rehabilitation over the past 50 days instead of taking his usual offseason break, describing his progress as mentally and physically challenging but impressive. Tatum's prompt decision to undergo surgery may shorten his recovery timeline, though Achilles injuries typically require extensive rehabilitation. The Celtics anticipate being without their primary superstar for most, if not all, of the upcoming season due to the injury's severity and standard recovery period. This extended absence has forced roster adjustments to comply with salary cap restrictions under the second apron. The departures of key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have left the team significantly shorthanded, resulting in a bleak outlook for the next season. The Celtics now view this period as a "gap year" focused on salary cap management and acquiring affordable talent. Looking beyond this season, the organization is targeting the 2026 offseason—aligning with Tatum's expected full recovery—to pursue major signings and rebuild competitiveness.
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The Washington Mystics defeated the Seattle Storm 74-69 on Sunday night. This victory improves the Mystics' record to 11-10, moving them back above .500 and positioning them as the No. 7 seed in the playoff standings. The win is significant as it came against the higher-seeded Storm (13-9, No. 4 seed). Despite trailing 55-47 after three quarters and shooting under 29% from the field during that period, the Mystics mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter. They outscored the Storm 27-14 in the final period, shooting nearly 69% from the field while holding Seattle to just 29.4%. Brittney Sykes led the charge, scoring 11 of her team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter. Sonia Citron contributed significantly with 17 points for the Mystics, while Kiki Iriafen recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. For the Storm, Ezi Magbegor led the scoring with 19 points, followed by Nneka Ogwumike with 16 points. The Mystics' next game is on the road against the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday. This game is their final contest before the WNBA All-Star break, with tip-off scheduled for 10 p.m.
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Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards attended Saturday's NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas, where his team defeated the Denver Nuggets 94-83. While supporting his teammates, Edwards drew attention by signing an autograph for a young Nuggets fan wearing a Denver jersey. A viral video captured the moment when another spectator yelled that the child was a Nuggets fan, prompting Edwards to respond: "It’s all good. I be busting their a**." This remark referenced his dominant performances against Denver during the regular season, where he averaged 31.5 points per game across four victories. The context for Edwards' confident comment extends to the 2024 playoffs, where he led Minnesota to a seven-game series win over the defending champion Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite the playful jab at Denver, his autograph gesture toward the young fan was widely viewed as a positive interaction.
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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 relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers has become significantly strained, largely due to the team's acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have firmly shifted their franchise direction towards Doncic, reportedly leaving James behind. This culminated in the Lakers not offering LeBron a contract extension while he weighed his player option, leaving him as an expiring contract for the first time in his career and raising questions about the dynamic between the established star and the new star. Despite the organizational tension, LeBron James and Luka Doncic maintain a strong personal relationship characterized by mutual respect and admiration. Doncic's agent confirmed that Luka loves playing with LeBron, has learned much from him, holds him in the utmost respect, and considers it an honor to be his teammate. This respect dates back years, and they enjoy playing together, boasting potentially the highest collective basketball IQ of any duo in NBA history. However, the timing is unfortunate, as James (entering his age-41 season) and the Lakers can no longer prioritize both timelines simultaneously, unlike if they had teamed up when James was younger. LeBron James' future with the Lakers is now a major question heading into the 2025-26 season. Rumors of a potential trade, including past inquiries from the Golden State Warriors, have resurfaced. This speculation intensified after LeBron picked up his player option, and his agent, Rich Paul, issued a statement emphasizing James' desire to win now while evaluating the Lakers' offseason moves. This opened the door to the possibility of James wanting to move on, leading to renewed trade interest, with the Warriors again reportedly considering making an offer.
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Luka Dončić's significant physical transformation, showcasing a leaner and more conditioned physique, has generated substantial buzz on social media and among Los Angeles Lakers fans. This change comes as he prepares for international competition in the Eurobasket tournament and follows intense workout regimens and a strict diet, directly addressing conditioning concerns raised after his blockbuster trade to the Lakers. Simultaneously, Dončić's status within the Lakers organization has been solidified. A meeting with GM Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick after the team's disappointing first-round playoff exit clearly signaled that Dončić is now the face of the franchise. Reports describe Pelinka presenting offseason plans and long-term strategies to Dončić at this meeting, a role previously filled by LeBron James, signifying a major organizational shift. This shift occurs amid uncertainty surrounding LeBron James' future with the Lakers. While James has not publicly requested a trade, speculation is widespread that he may either play the upcoming season or ask to be traded, fueled by reports of a potentially soured relationship with the team. Looking ahead to Dončić's first full season with the Lakers, the front office is actively building around him. Moves include pursuing DeAndre Ayton to address center needs and adding plug-and-play talent like Jake LaRavia. Despite the drama surrounding James, Dončić's determination to prove critics wrong, and roster adjustments, the championship-or-bust expectations for the Lakers remain, leaving their potential for a deep playoff run uncertain.
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Vasilije Micic, the Serbian point guard recently acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-team trade involving Kevin Durant, has agreed to a contract buyout. Micic returned $6.1 million to the Bucks from his $8.1 million contract for the 2025-26 season, indicating his intention not to remain in the NBA. Consequently, Fenerbahce has withdrawn its contract offer made to Micic one month prior. This follows a report at the beginning of June suggesting the Turkish club and Micic were close to a deal. After waiting over a month, Fenerbahce has exited the pursuit of the player, meaning the former EuroLeague MVP and back-to-back champion with Anadolu Efes will not be returning to Turkey. Micic, who won EuroLeague MVP with Anadolu Efes, entered the NBA in 2023, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets, and Phoenix Suns before being traded to Milwaukee.
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Despite many top NBA free agents already being signed, several solid players remain available, including star point guard Damian Lillard. The Milwaukee Bucks surprisingly waived Lillard earlier this summer to facilitate signing Myles Turner, a move that shocked the league. Although Lillard is expected to miss most or all of next season recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in last season's playoffs, he remains one of the premier free agents on the market. Multiple teams have shown interest in Lillard, including his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. However, a new unexpected Western Conference contender—the Golden State Warriors—has emerged as a potential destination. According to a report by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors are among the teams atop Lillard’s list of preferences, partly due to his Oakland roots. While the pairing raises questions about his fit alongside Stephen Curry, it presents intriguing possibilities. Should Lillard join Golden State, a backcourt partnership with Curry would form one of the NBA’s most potent offensive duos upon his return from injury. The 34-year-old is coming off a strong season, averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.02 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range.
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The Boston Celtics face significant roster changes, losing key players Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet, leaving them with a major weakness at the center position. To address this, they are suggested to target Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. The Celtics possess a potential trade asset in guard Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday deal. Simons is noted as a highly accurate high-volume three-point shooter. Conversely, Vucevic is coming off a strong season averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 40.2% on three-pointers, making a potential swap logical. Boston's center depth is critically low after the departures, with only two (or potentially three) non-starting caliber centers on the roster, increasing the urgency to acquire someone like Vucevic. Despite Jayson Tatum's season-long absence potentially weakening them, the Celtics are still projected as a top-four Eastern Conference team, but resolving the center issue is seen as vital for a deep playoff run. While Simons' shooting fits Boston's style, the team already has solid guard depth (Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown), making him a luxury. Trading him for Vucevic would provide a much-needed starting center, upgrading their weakest position despite Vucevic's known defensive deficiencies. Vucevic, even at 34, is considered a viable starting center if he maintains production (e.g., 15 points, 10 rebounds, efficient high-volume three-point shooting) and represents the best available option without a burdensome long-term contract. For the Bulls, who are unlikely to re-sign Vucevic, acquiring Simons would add guard depth; he wouldn't start but could excel in a sixth-man role during his contract year. Overall, acquiring a starting center like Vucevic is viewed as a significant need for Boston after losing three big men. While uncertain, a Simons-for-Vucevic trade is presented as a deal that makes sense for both franchises.
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Former Arizona Wildcats shooting guard Bennedict Mathurin suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder during a March game against the Dallas Mavericks, requiring season-ending surgery in 2024. During his two seasons at Arizona (2020-2022), Mathurin was a significant scorer, averaging 14.8 points on 45% shooting in 29.4 minutes per game. He played a key role in Arizona reaching the 2022 Sweet 16, where they lost to Houston. Notably, he scored 30 points in 41 minutes during an overtime win against TCU in the second round. Mathurin returned to play most of the following season, proving effective off the bench for the Indiana Pacers, who reached the 2025 NBA Finals. In the Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder (which the Pacers lost in seven games), he averaged 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 assists. His best performance was a 27-point outing on 9-12 shooting in just 22 minutes during a Game 3 win, earning praise from Coach Rick Carlisle. Overall in the regular season, Mathurin averaged 16.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.6 steals in 78 games, similar to his rookie year stats of 16.1 points in 72 games (49 starts). He missed the 2023-2024 playoffs due to the shoulder injury, watching as the Pacers reached the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to Boston. Mathurin found it difficult to spectate but acknowledged the team's significant improvement from 25 wins to a Conference Finals appearance as a "blessing" to witness early in his career. Mathurin is now entering the final year of his 4-year rookie contract for the 2025-2026 season, with no news yet on a potential extension from the Pacers.
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Kam Jones has signed his first professional contract, agreeing to a four-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers acquired Jones through a draft trade with the San Antonio Spurs after selecting him 38th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Indiana targeted an early second-round pick due to lacking a first-round selection after a mid-June trade and seeking cost-effective roster contributors. Jones played four collegiate seasons at Marquette, demonstrating versatility by alternating between on-ball and off-ball guard roles. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game. Pacers President Kevin Pritchard praised Jones' work ethic and positional flexibility, noting similarities in personality to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Currently practicing with the Pacers ahead of summer league play, Jones will share significant ball-handling responsibilities with returning players RayJ Dennis and Quenton Jackson. His experience playing alongside NBA-caliber creators like New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek at Marquette prepared him for both off-ball and primary creator roles, with three-point shooting being a particular strength during those seasons. Summer league coach Isaac Yacob highlighted the value of Jones' adaptability, stating it "adds a layer to his game and to the team." Jones himself emphasized how his point guard experience expanded his skill set, making him comfortable in multiple backcourt positions. The Pacers signed Jones to a standard contract using the second-round pick exception. The deal guarantees just under $1.3 million in the first season at the NBA rookie minimum, with the second year at the lowest possible base salary. The third and fourth seasons carry standard values under the exception structure.
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The Brooklyn Nets are approaching the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with a focus on player development and evaluation rather than simply winning games, particularly important given their young roster and rebuild heavily dependent on a single draft class. The team is bringing all five of their record-setting first-round draft pick rookies to compete, with four of them expected to participate in games. They will be joined by three other players who played for the Nets last season and an additional player who saw action with the Los Angeles Lakers. This roster composition means there will be numerous storylines to follow during the Summer League, starting with the Nets' opening game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. This game serves as the undercard for the much-anticipated debut of Cooper Flagg playing against Bronny James and the Lakers.
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Jimmy Butler, after being traded to the Golden State Warriors from the Miami Heat midway through last season in a deal that sent Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a first-round pick to Miami, has launched a business venture in San Francisco. The owner of BIGFACE coffee, Butler has partnered with Square to bring his coffee brand to the Bay Area. He stated that San Francisco's legendary coffee culture makes it an ideal location, aiming to connect more deeply with the community that has embraced him. According to EATER SF's Paul Bicchieri, the BIGFACE location in the Mission will offer espresso drinks, cold brew, pour-over coffee, bags of the hard-to-find coffee beans, and exclusive merchandise. Drink infusions will include vanilla, salted caramel, and strawberry. On the court last season, Butler helped the Warriors reach the second round of the playoffs, defeating the Houston Rockets before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He averaged 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.
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The star witness whose testimony helped convict Ernesto Gonzalez for the 2011 killing of Hells Angels boss Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew has recanted, admitting he lied about the shooting being an assassination plot orchestrated by a rival motorcycle gang. Gonzalez received a life sentence for fatally shooting Pettigrew at a crowded Nevada casino, with the witness—Gary "Jabbers" Rudnick—having testified under a plea deal for leniency. Following Pettigrew's killing, another Hells Angel, Steve Tausan, was shot dead by colleague Steve Ruiz at Pettigrew's funeral. The dispute reportedly centered on whether Ruiz could have prevented Pettigrew's death during the casino altercation. Gonzalez maintains his innocence, claiming he fired in self-defense because Pettigrew and another associate were violently beating his partner. Legal experts note the recanted testimony complicates the case, highlighting concerns about witness reliability when testimony is exchanged for reduced sentences.
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Jeffrey Rodriguez of East San Jose, wrongfully imprisoned for five years for an armed robbery he didn't commit, is receiving a $1 million settlement from Santa Clara County. This payment serves as the closest form of amends he will receive, despite being found factually innocent after the charges were dismissed. The settlement brings the county's total payouts for wrongful convictions by the District Attorney's Office since 2005 to over $4.6 million. While acknowledging the money cannot compensate for missing five years of his son's life, enduring beatings in jail, or losing his girlfriend, Rodriguez plans to use it after legal fees to buy property in the Central Valley, assist family members who sold their home for his legal expenses, and open a barber shop. Rodriguez expressed no anger, stating he wants to be "free" and that he survived the ordeal through frequent phone calls to family from prison and religious faith, believing "God lets things happen for a reason." The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office referred inquiries about the settlement to the County Counsel's Office, which declined to comment. Importantly, the county is not admitting to any allegations made in the lawsuit, which included negligence, suppression of evidence, and witness tampering, by settling the case. The federal lawsuit detailed the case history: Rodriguez's first trial ended with an 11-1 jury vote for acquittal for the robbery at a Kragen auto parts loading dock. He was subsequently convicted in a second trial, but that conviction was later overturned by an appellate court due to ineffective assistance from his trial attorney. Prosecutors under then newly-elected District Attorney Dolores Carr ultimately decided against a third trial due to doubts about the victim's identification of Rodriguez and because the sole physical evidence – testimony about an oil stain analysis by the then-crime lab chief – was contradicted by outside analysts, including the state Department of Justice.
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The New York Liberty, despite starting the season 9-0 as defending champions, have encountered significant challenges since June 10th, now holding a 12-6 record. Key issues include Leonie Fiebich's absence for several weeks due to EuroBasket participation and, more critically, center Jonquel Jones (2024 Finals MVP) suffering an ankle injury on June 5th that has kept her out for nine games so far. With Jones still out and Fiebich only recently returning, the team has struggled with consistency. Coach Sandy Brondello highlighted the impact of Jones' absence following a recent home loss to Seattle, stating opponents effectively switch against them and the team's confidence has wavered. Despite the struggles, the team maintains perspective. They have three games left before the All-Star break (for which Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu were voted starters) and hope Jones can return afterward. Ionescu emphasized strong team morale, attributing losses to missing pieces rather than internal division, and stressed the focus is on finding ways to win without pointing fingers. Their next game is hosting the Las Vegas Aces. In other WNBA news, the Minnesota Lynx (previously ranked #1) recovered from an offensive slump in the non-standings Commissioner's Cup final loss to win their subsequent home games against Washington, Golden State, and Chicago. The Phoenix Mercury (previously ranked #2) suffered back-to-back losses but rebounded strongly with a decisive win over Dallas, led by Sami Whitcomb's 36 points and an Alyssa Thomas triple-double, despite missing Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper due to injury. This win showcased their improving depth. Furthermore, sources indicate longtime Mercury player DeWanna Bonner is set to sign with Phoenix after being waived by Indiana. The Las Vegas Aces (previously ranked #3) are set to play Minnesota, Golden State, Indiana, and New York in their upcoming schedule.
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Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated Arellano University 84-72 in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Elite Eight at Ynares Sports Arena. MAC Belo led FEU with 23 points, including 13 in the decisive fourth quarter, while Mike Tolomia contributed 16 points—nine scored consecutively during a critical stretch. Carl Cruz added 15 points for the Tamaraws. FEU, starting Belo, Tolomia, Cruz, Achie Inigo, and Raymar Jose, improved to a 1-1 record after previously losing to the University of San Carlos (74-88). Coach Nash Racela stated he retained the same lineup from the prior game, noting players confirmed their readiness. Key runs secured FEU's victory: Belo scored five straight points in a 12-2 surge that gave FEU a 61-55 lead, followed by Tolomia's personal 9-0 rally extending the advantage to 73-58. Arellano's Jiovani Jalalon top-scored with 26 points, supported by Dioncee Holts (14) and Michael Salado (12), as the team suffered its second loss in three games. The quarter scores were 14-22, 33-35, 61-56, and 84-72. FEU's scoring included Pogoy and Jose with 7 each, while Arellano's Nicholls and Gumaru added 5 apiece.
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Retired WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) due to her record-breaking achievements including being the all-time leading scorer, a three-time champion, and six-time Olympic gold medalist, is embracing a slower pace of life after announcing her departure from the Phoenix Mercury earlier this year. She is relishing time with her family, focusing on her wife and children, and reconnecting with friendships she previously had little time for, finding pure bliss in having "less on her plate." Taurasi is engaging in select passion projects. She partnered with pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Regeneron to share her personal experience dealing with eczema. She is also preparing to host a basketball camp for young girls with Snow Valley Basketball Santa Barbara later this month. She emphasizes that wellness, for her, is deeply connected to the sense of community fostered by sports like basketball, highlighting "the power of sports" where a collective group pushes towards a shared goal, valuing the journey itself. Her personal wellness routine includes starting every workout, whether playing golf, tennis, or doing a home workout, with five to ten minutes of intentional stretching and breathing. This practice, honed later in her career and incorporating elements from yoga and Pilates, helps center her and provides motivation by focusing on her purpose for the activity. Music plays a significant role in her wellness, putting her in a "flowy" state of mind. She enjoys a duality in her music choices: early West Coast '90s rap, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, and Alice In Chains for physical and motivational energy, alongside artists like Citizen Cope and David Gray for calm focus. She begins each day with a grounding cup of coffee shared with her family during breakfast. This ritual prepares her for the day ahead, whether it involves family activities like taking kids to soccer or basketball practice, running errands, or simply having a day with no plans.
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Kyrie Irving is described as a uniquely talented NBA player, unmatched in his combination of ball-handling, shooting, and finishing skills, especially notable given his height of 6'2". His ability to sustain a high level of production for over a decade is considered rare for smaller point guards. This exceptional skill set led to him being selected first overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, marking the second consecutive year a point guard was taken with the top pick, following John Wall in 2010. During a recent stream while recovering from ACL surgery, Irving praised John Wall, acknowledging Wall's role in setting a precedent as a #1 pick point guard. Irving emphasized the significance of their back-to-back selections, calling it "generational" and expressing doubt that two point guards would ever again be drafted first overall consecutively in the NBA. Since Irving and Wall, only three other point guards have been drafted first overall: Ben Simmons (2016), Markelle Fultz (2017), and Cade Cunningham (2021). While Cunningham's size is noted as fitting for a top pick, the consecutive selections of Simmons and Fultz are highlighted as potentially the last occurrence of back-to-back point guards going first for a long time.
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Sue Bird's legacy with the Seattle Storm is unparalleled, embodying the franchise after being selected first overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She spent her entire 21-year career with the Storm, achieving 13 All-Star selections, eight All-WNBA honors, and four championships. The Seattle Storm announced they will permanently honor Bird by unveiling a statue in her honor outside Climate Pledge Arena on August 17. This marks the first time a WNBA franchise has dedicated a statue to a former player. Storm President & CEO Alisha Valavanis emphasized that Bird's impact extends beyond basketball, stating her leadership "transcended basketball and helped shape a cultural shift." Valavanis described the statue as "a promise that what Sue stands for will keep rising," ensuring young people "will always see themselves in greatness." The statue was created by Roblatt Amrany Studio, known for other Seattle statues including Edgar Martinez and Ken Griffey Jr., and A'ja Wilson's statue at the University of South Carolina. Bird, recognized as a franchise icon and one of the WNBA's greatest players, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025 following her 2022 retirement.
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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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The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Seattle Storm 84-57, led by Tiffany Hayes' 21 points and Veronica Burton's 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Valkyries' leading scorer Kayla Thornton exited in the third quarter with a neck injury and was undergoing evaluation after being held to two points on 1-for-9 shooting. Seattle, the league leader in field-goal percentage at 47.0%, was limited to a season-worst 27% shooting (20 for 74) by Golden State's defense. Skylar Diggins paced the Storm with 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Nneka Ogwumike added eight points and seven rebounds despite the team having won four of its previous five games. Golden State established early dominance with a 7-0 opening run, fueled by Laeticia Amihere's 15 points and eight rebounds. Both teams struggled from three-point range, with Seattle making 6 of 28 and the Valkyries 8 of 27. Valkyries center Temi Fágbénlé returned to action with 20 minutes of play after resting two games following international duty. The sellout crowd of 18,064 included notable attendees Stephen Curry, Dawn Staley, Sue Bird, and Megan Rapinoe, marking Golden State's 10th consecutive home sellout. Carla Leite missed her fourth straight game for Golden State with a back injury. Seattle begins a three-game East Coast trip at Atlanta on Thursday, while the Valkyries visit Minnesota on Saturday.
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A'ja Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to a victory over the Phoenix Mercury, ending the Mercury's six-game winning streak in a game that generated significant social media buzz. Wilson humorously posted on Instagram about teammate Jackie Young nearly putting her "back in concussion protocol," which went viral with fan and player engagement. Wilson delivered an exceptional performance with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists, including a decisive fourth-quarter layup following Young's offensive rebound. The win evened the season series with Phoenix and improved the Aces' record to 8-8. Young contributed 15 points and six assists despite the playful concussion joke, while Jewell Loyd added 10 points in a game featuring 17 lead changes and 10 ties. This performance tied Wilson with Lisa Leslie's WNBA record of 13 career games with at least 25 points and 15 rebounds. Simultaneously, the WNBA announced Wilson's selection as a starter for the 2025 All-Star Game—her sixth career start and seventh overall appearance—scheduled for July 19 in Indianapolis. Wilson leads the league in blocks (2.6 per game), ranks second in scoring (21.6 ppg) and rebounds (9.9 rpg), and third in steals (1.9 spg). She recently earned Western Conference Player of the Week honors (her 24th such award, tying for third-most in WNBA history) and became the fastest player to reach 5,000 career points, achieving the milestone in just 238 games.
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Four-time PBA champion Greg Slaughter represented his hometown Cebu by playing for the Chase Tower Runs team in the DAYO23 Invitational tournament held at Barangay 830 in Manila over the weekend. His team successfully defended their championship title in the men's division. Slaughter, who last played officially for Manila SV Batang Sampaloc in the MPBL and previously in Japan's B.LEAGUE, served as a reinforcement player for the Cebu squad in the tournament organized by Jordan Brand and Titan. He expressed deep pride and significance in playing for Cebu, calling it "very special" and his home in the Philippines, stating it meant a lot to him. He was joined on the winning team by former UP guard and Suwon KT Sonicboom player JD Cagulangan, who hit the game-winning shot in the final match. Despite his numerous accolades, including being a five-time PBA All-Star and a two-time UAAP champion, the 37-year-old Slaughter believes he still has basketball left in him. He is currently evaluating his next career step after a potential return to the MPBL fell through, considering options from several interested teams while focusing on finding the best situation. Slaughter is presently concentrating on spending time with his two daughters but emphasized his intention to return to professional basketball soon, confirming, "Yeah, yeah. [I plan to come back to pro basketball]".
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Despite suffering a pair of ankle sprains, TNT's Calvin Oftana is determined not to miss the crucial Game 5 of their series. TNT head coach Chot Reyes is uncertain about the availability of veteran Kelly Williams for Game 5 due to injury. Injured TNT managed to secure a victory, moving them within one win of reaching their third consecutive PBA Finals appearance. San Miguel Beermen coach Leo Austria revealed that June Mar Fajardo's return to the starting lineup for Game 4 was the player's own decision. San Miguel responded emphatically in Game 4, defeating Barangay Ginebra to level their PBA semifinals series. Dikachi Udodo gave back to his roots by donating sports equipment to his hometown in Nigeria. The overseas success of National University (NU) volleyball alumni like Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad, now including Jade Disquitado and Nico Aringo, is attributed to a deliberate system within the program. The University of Santo Tomas (UST) became the first UAAP team to secure a spot in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup playoffs. Tin Cayabyab hit the game-winning shot as National University (NU) narrowly defeated Taipei University in their opening game at the BLIA Cup. The UAAP volleyball season faces a potential scheduling conflict due to the Philippines hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in 2025 and the SEA Games also being held that year. Adamson-ARQ needed overtime to overcome UST-Weng Burs and clinch the championship in the Mayor Kirk Asis Cup. Peter Etulle made a clutch basket to lift San Beda past Mapua, snapping their losing streak in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Mikey Cortez stepped up in the absence of his brother Jacob, leading De La Salle University to a victory over National University (NU) in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Kurt Laput made a rare move directly from the UCAL (UniGames Collegiate Athletics League) to the UAAP, joining the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.
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Despite suffering two ankle sprains, Calvin Oftana is determined to play in Game 5 for TNT. TNT head coach Chot Reyes is uncertain about the availability of veteran Kelly Williams for Game 5 due to injury. Despite injuries to key players, TNT secured a victory in Game 4, moving them one win away from reaching the PBA Finals for the third consecutive season. San Miguel Beermen coach Leo Austria revealed that June Mar Fajardo's return to the starting lineup for Game 4 was the player's own decision. San Miguel delivered a strong performance in Game 4 to defeat Barangay Ginebra and tie their PBA semifinals series at 2-2. Former UST Growling Tiger Dikachi Udodo donated sports equipment to his hometown in Nigeria. National University's success in producing players for overseas leagues, like Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad, is attributed to a deliberate and successful system. The University of Santo Tomas became the first UAAP team to qualify for the playoffs in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Tin Cayabyab hit the game-winning shot as National University defeated National Taiwan Normal University in their opening game at the BLIA Cup. The UAAP is facing scheduling challenges as it prepares to host the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship in 2025 while also accommodating the SEA Games. Adamson-ARQ defeated UST-Weng Burs in overtime to win the championship of the Mayor Kirk Asis Cup. Peter Etulle made a crucial basket to lead San Beda past Mapua in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, ending a losing streak. Mikey Cortez stepped up in place of his injured brother Jacob, leading De La Salle to a win over National University in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. Former UCAL player Kurt Laput has made a rare move to the UAAP, joining the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
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