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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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The Athletic is ranking the top 25 men's college basketball teams from the first 25 years of the 2000s. Selection involved crowd-sourcing and applying five main criteria: Overall record (only one team lost more than five games); KenPom net rating (most teams exceeded the elite threshold of +30, with only two narrowly below); Conference championships (regular season and/or tournament); National championships (acknowledged as a marker of greatness despite the single-elimination format); and Historical relevance (a more subjective measure). The process resulted in seven national champions being excluded and seven non-champions included, with some seasons having multiple teams on the list. The article begins the rankings with the 2019-20 Kansas Jayhawks at #25. Key players included Devon Dotson, Udoka Azubuike, Ochai Agbaji, and Marcus Garrett. Their season ended without an NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a KenPom rating of 30.23, they were considered the favorites before the shutdown. The team featured a potent duo in Dotson and Azubuike, plus key role players who later formed the core of Kansas's 2022 championship team. Their three losses were extremely close (two by a combined three points, one to fellow top seed Baylor). While their 3-point shooting was questioned, their championship potential remains unknown. Ranked at #24 is the 2022-23 Purdue Boilermakers. Their top talents were Zach Edey, Braden Smith, and Fletcher Loyer. They reached the national championship game but lost to UConn 75-60. They achieved a KenPom efficiency rating of 30.62.
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The Los Angeles Lakers, prioritizing defense despite having stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić, are actively seeking affordable defensive role players within the NBA's restrictive second-apron rules. An opportunity emerged when the Charlotte Hornets waived forward Josh Okogie after failing to trade him before his contract guarantee deadline. Okogie is recognized as one of the league's top defensive guards but carries significant offensive limitations. His career shooting percentages—29.9% from three-point range and 40.6% overall—suppressed his market value. However, he showed recent improvement, hitting 34.8% from three last season and 38.1% in 25 games before joining Charlotte. For the Lakers, Okogie would primarily serve as a regular-season wing defender, playing 10-12 minutes per game to preserve starters' energy. While not a playoff difference-maker, he offers rotational flexibility: his presence could ease trading players like Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent by absorbing minutes, and he provides coach JJ Redick another situational option. Offensively, any contribution would be a bonus, especially with James and Dončić creating opportunities. Ultimately, signing Okogie is considered a low-risk move. If the Lakers view him as having more upside than current options like Shake Milton or Jordan Goodwin, acquiring him would be a straightforward decision given his defensive prowess and potential fit.
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Tina Charles scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Connecticut Sun in their 79-65 loss to the Seattle Storm on Sunday. This performance pushed her career scoring total over 8,000 points, making her only the second player in WNBA history to reach this milestone, following league legend Diana Taurasi. Despite the Sun's rebuilding season, the 36-year-old Charles has averaged 15.6 points per game this year for the franchise where she began her career in 2010. Her career total of 8,019 points is second only to Taurasi's 10,646. Charles, like Taurasi, also played for the Phoenix Mercury. She signed with the Mercury in 2022 during a tumultuous season under new head coach Vanessa Nygaard. While the team made the playoffs, it was a strange season with only 15 regular-season wins and no postseason victories. Charles played alongside Taurasi and Skylar Diggins, posting the team's second-highest scoring average (17.3 points per game, plus 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists) and shooting well from three-point range (36.4%). However, her time with the Mercury was short-lived. After just 16 games, Charles and the team mutually agreed to terminate her contract, and she joined the Seattle Storm. Nygaard declined to comment beyond stating Charles had "elected not to play" in some games and that both sides were ready to move on. Charles clearly still has ability in 2025, but her future with the struggling Storm (currently 3-18 with a -15.6 point differential) is uncertain. While unlikely to catch Taurasi's points total, playing a few more seasons could solidify her sole possession of second place for a long time. DeWanna Bonner currently sits in third place on the all-time scoring list. Notably, the top three scorers in WNBA history are all either current or former Phoenix Mercury players.
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Bleacher Report NBA writer Greg Swartz believes a trade involving Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is not just possible but probable during the offseason. Swartz argues that while moving James's $52.6 million salary while keeping a championship-contending roster would be difficult for the Lakers, possibilities exist. He notes that any potential trade requires cooperation between James and the Lakers due to James's no-trade clause, and while a buyout would be ideal for James, it wouldn't make sense for the Lakers. Trade speculation intensified after James's agent, Rich Paul, released a statement to ESPN regarding James exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. Paul stated that James wants to compete for a championship and values a realistic chance to win, acknowledging the Lakers are building for the future. Paul expressed appreciation for the partnership with the Lakers' ownership (Jeanie Buss) and management (Rob Pelinka), calling the team a critical part of James's career. He emphasized the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future and stated the need to evaluate what's best for James at this stage, wanting every remaining season to count, adding that the Lakers are supportive of this goal. However, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported conflicting information, stating that neither Paul nor James are actively seeking a trade from the Lakers. McMenamin clarified that Paul told him they never asked the Lakers for a contract extension beyond next season, countering speculation that this was the cause of the situation. Paul also explicitly told McMenamin that James has not requested a trade and that Paul hasn't even discussed the possibility of a future trade request with the Lakers. Due to these conflicting reports, James's future with the Lakers has become a major source of uncertainty and questions around the league, ensuring it will be one of the most prominent storylines for the remainder of the NBA offseason.
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The Miami Heat secured their first victory in three games at the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, defeating the Boston Celtics 100-96. Pelle Larsson emerged as a standout performer, scoring 24 points and dishing out six assists. His aggressive play included an incident that led to the ejection of Boston's Jordan Walsh. Heat summer league coach Eric Glass highlighted Larsson's increased usage and called it a good experience. Kel'el Ware backed up his strong performance from the previous game, recording a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds, including three 3-pointers. Coach Glass stated this was Ware's best summer league game so far, praising his sustained effort throughout the contest. Keshad Johnson also delivered a strong showing, scoring 22 points primarily through attacking play. Coach Glass commended Johnson's performance, noting he effectively displayed his talent and toughness.
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At the NBA Summer League, a young Denver Nuggets fan wearing a Jamal Murray jersey approached Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards, who was sitting courtside to watch his team. Someone informed Edwards that the fan was a Nuggets supporter, which was presented as a caution against being overly friendly, likely in jest. Edwards responded quickly and lightheartedly, stating, "It's all good," and adding, "I be busting their a--." This exchange was captured in a clip and shared on social media, sparking discussion. The clip invites two possible reactions: dismissing it as a trivial Summer League moment or questioning whether Edwards should make such a boastful claim. To evaluate his statement, evidence from recent NBA seasons is considered. Historically, the Timberwolves swept the season series against the Nuggets last year, and the year before, they defeated Denver in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. However, in the prior season, the Nuggets beat Minnesota in the postseason and went on to win the championship, which remains the only title for either franchise. The author argues that the championship title holds greater significance than regular-season wins, especially since Edwards has not yet reached an NBA Finals despite being discussed as a face of the league. This positions the incident as an ideal mid-July debate topic for basketball fans.
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Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are leading the New York Liberty through challenges in their championship defense, ranking fourth and fifth respectively in ESPN's mid-2025 season top 25 players list. New York is the only team with two players in the top five and one of three franchises, alongside Indiana and Phoenix, to have two players in the top 10. Stewart is averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, matching her career-high from her 2023 debut, while showcasing new "Harry Potter"-inspired sneakers. ESPN analyst Michael Voepel notes her consistency, including double-figure scoring in all but one game, strong two-point shooting at 53.6%, and top-five league win shares, emphasizing her crucial role if the Liberty repeat as champions. Ionescu, now the Liberty's all-time leader in three-pointers, is averaging a career-best 18.8 points and refining her mid-range game. ESPN's Kendra Andrews highlights her ability to take over offensively when needed, with her intensity and efficiency proving vital during an injury-plagued season. The top three players in ESPN's ranking are Napheesa Collier (Minnesota) at number one, A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas) at number two, and Alyssa Thomas rounding out the trio. Both Ionescu and Stewart will participate in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on separate teams and have one final regular-season game together against the Indiana Fever on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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The Memphis Grizzlies and second-year guard Cam Spencer initially agreed to a two-year, $4.5 million fully guaranteed contract last month, following his strong performance on a two-way contract during his rookie season. This agreement was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania but was never officially announced by the franchise. The Grizzlies and Spencer later renegotiated the terms, resulting in a new four-year, $10.5 million contract. According to Charania, this deal includes three fully guaranteed seasons, granting Spencer an extra year of guaranteed money and the team an option to extend him for a fourth season. This restructuring may indicate that Spencer is expected to compete for a rotation spot off the bench in the upcoming season. Last season, in 25 games, he averaged 4.2 points, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from the field.
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The 2015 NBA Draft saw the Los Angeles Lakers select D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick. Karl-Anthony Towns, the consensus No. 1 pick chosen by the Minnesota Timberwolves, was reportedly advised by his college coach John Calipari to consider dropping to the Lakers at No. 2 to play in Los Angeles instead of Minnesota. Calipari recounted this during a discussion about the pre-draft process for another player, revealing that Towns rejected the idea, stating he would "wear a coat" and preferred the honor of being the No. 1 pick. Towns enjoyed his time in Minnesota. The article argues Towns made the correct decision, noting the historical significance and Hall of Fame probability associated with being a No. 1 overall pick. It contrasts Towns' career path with Russell's, who was traded by the Lakers within two years and has since played for multiple teams. The piece suggests Towns likely wouldn't trade his trajectory to have been drafted by the Lakers instead. Shifting to the present, the article states the Lakers, historically built on superstars, acquired Luka Doncic in a 2025 deal. With the 26-year-old Doncic entering his prime and 39-year-old LeBron James nearing the end of his career (though still elite), the Lakers are beginning to build their roster around Doncic. This shift potentially signals the end of James' tenure with the team, especially as the Lakers chose not to offer him a contract extension this summer. The 2025-26 season could be his last with the Lakers if he continues playing.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have addressed their point guard situation with the pending acquisition of Cole Anthony and now have one final roster spot to fill. The article strongly advocates for the Bucks to sign free agent Caleb Houstan to fill this spot. The author argues that Houstan is the ideal fit for the Bucks' need for a "3-and-D" small forward with size, a role previously intended for Kyle Kuzma. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot wingspan, Houstan provides the size and positional versatility the Bucks currently lack. His shooting efficiency is highlighted, noting he shot 40% from three-point range on 2.8 attempts per game, demonstrating the ability to space the floor effectively without forcing shots, which is crucial for Giannis Antetokounmpo's driving lanes. Beyond his size and shooting, Houstan's defensive impact is emphasized. While not elite, his perimeter defense is deemed serviceable; matchup data shows he held opposing guards to 45.8% shooting. His physical tools allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, from shooting guards to power forwards in small-ball lineups, filling a defensive versatility gap the Bucks have had since PJ Tucker's prime. The financial aspect is presented as highly favorable, suggesting Houstan would likely be available for a minimum contract, offering maximum value. This contrasts with other available wings who might demand more money or lack his defensive impact. Signing Houstan is portrayed as low-risk, high-reward. The timing is described as perfect for both sides. Houstan, at just 22 years old, could contribute immediately on a contender while learning from veterans, and the Bucks would gain a young player with developmental upside. Milwaukee's immediate need and clear role definition mean Houstan would be a legitimate rotation player from day one, not buried on the bench. The article concludes that signing Houstan represents a simple, effective solution for the Bucks' final roster spot.
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Free agent center Montrezl Harrell is reportedly drawing interest from teams in China, according to recent rumors. Significant free agency rumors continue to circulate, particularly involving Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, with persistent speculation linking them to the Boston Celtics. Ownership news focuses on Bill Chisholm, with reports connecting him to the Boston Celtics organization. Free agent Cameron Matthews is generating top rumors, specifically regarding potential interest from the Houston Rockets. Free agent Jeenathan Williams is also part of the rumor mill, with connections being made to the Houston Rockets. Free agent Devon Dotson is rumored to be heading to Turkey for his next playing opportunity. Injury reports from the Summer League involve several players: Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming, and Ryan Dunn. These injuries are linked to the Phoenix Suns' Summer League activities.
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The Seattle Storm and Washington Mystics are both competing for WNBA playoff spots. The Storm have won seven of their last ten games, moving them to fourth place in the standings before Sunday's game. The Mystics, holding a 10-10 record and tied with several teams, have won six of their last ten games heading into their matchup against the Storm. Despite Seattle's strong form, a recent loss to the Connecticut Sun is noted as a potential concern against Washington's young, defensive team. Given the Mystics' poor road record (only three wins this season), the Storm are 6.5-point favorites. A betting analysis focuses on a player prop for Mystics' Shakira Austin, specifically whether she will score over or under 14.5 points. Austin averages 12.4 points per game and has only exceeded 14.5 points in six of her 17 appearances this season. Despite recovering from an early-season injury, the analysis predicts she will not reach this mark against the Storm's defense, ranked third in the league for scoring defense. Reasons cited include Austin's limited minutes (only one game over 30 minutes), her reliance on scoring in the paint rather than from three-point range, and the presence of Storm defenders Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor. The expectation is that Austin will finish under 14.5 points. The betting recommendation is to fade the Washington Mystics' team total. Although the Mystics have won six of their last ten to stay in playoff contention, the analysis argues against them offensively facing the Storm defense on Sunday. Statistical trends point towards a low-scoring game, leading the bettor to specifically target the Mystics' team total as their best wager for the matchup.
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The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) will compete in the finals of the 18th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after winning their respective semifinal matches. UP overcame a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat De La Salle University 83-78. Key players Rey Remogat, Gerry Abadiano, and Gani Stevens led the comeback, with Remogat hitting consecutive three-pointers in the final minutes to secure the win. Abadiano sealed the victory with late free throws. Similarly, NU staged a comeback in its semifinal against the University of Santo Tomas, erasing a 14-point deficit to win 96-84. Jake Figueroa starred for NU with 24 points, including four three-pointers, along with five rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Lenard Santiago contributed significantly with 13 points and three blocks. The upcoming final features UP attempting a rare three-peat in the tournament, having won the previous two editions. NU, which claimed the championship in 2022, now challenges UP for the title in this preseason showcase.
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Raunak is a passionate WWE content writer who crafts engaging narratives that vividly bring the wrestling world to life. His writing focuses on capturing the inherent drama, excitement, and heroism of the ring, fueling the imagination of WWE fans. His goal is to make every match and storyline unforgettable for the audience. The provided content also lists several other headlines: Divyanka Tripathi showcasing ethnic elegance; a photo gallery of Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's stylish looks; baby names predicted to make a comeback in 2025; nine health benefits of consuming Torai (ridge gourd); eight health benefits of regularly drinking honey and cinnamon water; ten snake species commonly spotted in India during monsoon; Bollywood-inspired bridal aesthetics featuring styles from Alia Bhatt (chrome) and Anushka Sharma (pastels); Helly Shah displaying glamorous looks; powerful quotes by Marilyn Monroe relevant for women today; and nine plant species endemic to India.
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Josiah Allick of the Southland Sharks has been named the Most Valuable Player for the 2025 Sal's NBL season, following a standout performance where he averaged 18.9 points, 11.1 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.1 offensive rebounds), and 2.9 assists while shooting 58% from the field. His efforts, including 210 total rebounds, were pivotal in securing the Sharks' fourth-place finish and home court advantage for the Elimination round. The Sal's NBL All-Star Five includes Allick, alongside Wellington Saints guard Nick Marshall (19.9 points, 2.2 assists, 7.4 rebounds), Canterbury Rams playmaker Sean Macdonald (21.5 points, 5.6 assists, 3.6 three-pointers per game at 43% from deep), Taranaki Airs' Carlin Davison (18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.1 steals), and Nelson Giants' Jeremy Combs (24.4 points per game, league-leading, and 9.2 rebounds over 13 games). Aaron Young of the Wellington Saints was awarded the Steve McKean Coach of the Year for guiding the team to the league's best regular season record, emphasizing balanced scoring and defense. This marks his second win in three seasons, having previously been honored with the Auckland Tuatara. Hyrum Harris, a forward for the Wellington Saints, was named Defensive Player of the Year, anchoring the league's top defense with 10.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. His versatility helped the Saints hold opponents to the fewest points per game and a league-low 41% shooting. Jackson Ball of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks received dual honors as Most Improved Player and Youth Player of the Year after a remarkable season where he averaged 19.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers per game. This represented a massive leap from his 2024 averages of 3.4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in limited minutes. In the Rapid League, Hayden Jones of the Nelson Giants was named MVP, averaging 10.8 points and 2.2 assists while contributing to the back-to-back championship team. He was also part of the Rapid League All-Star Five, which includes Kazlo Evans Jr (Wellington Saints, 3.2 assists per game), Tyson Thata-Paese (Manawatū Jets, 14.9 points per game and 2.6 threes), Lachlan Crate (Nelson Giants, 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds), and Sam Dempster (Nelson Giants, 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 94% free throws).
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The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 98-91 in their first NBA 2K26 Summer League game in Las Vegas on Thursday. The Timberwolves fielded a veteran and talented Summer League roster, featuring their top young prospects. This included 2024 first-round picks Rob Dillingham and TJ Shannon Jr., 2025 first-round pick Joan Beringer, and 2023 picks Leonard Miller and Jaylen Clark. Rookie center Joan Beringer, the 18-year-old 2025 No. 17 overall pick with only four years of basketball experience, emerged as the standout storyline. He immediately impressed with multiple blocked shots early in the game, showcasing elite defensive potential and drawing significant attention. Beringer dominated throughout, finishing the game with 11 points (5/6 FG), 8 rebounds (3 offensive), 2 steals, and 6 blocks in 22 minutes, looking like an NBA-ready player and potentially a draft steal. While Beringer, Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark performed well, second-year guard Rob Dillingham had a tougher outing, recording 15 points and 6 assists but also committing 7 turnovers. Overall, the Timberwolves were pleased with their young players' performance, particularly Beringer's impact. Their next Summer League game is against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday at 9 PM on NBA TV and ESPN3.
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The article presents predictions for the July 10th WNBA matchup between the Washington Mystics and Las Vegas Aces at EagleBank Arena. The Mystics are looking to build on a win against Chicago, while the Aces aim to rebound from a loss to New York. The analysis leans towards a Washington victory, highlighting rookie Kiki Iriafen as a key factor. Iriafen, recently named an All-Star, is predicted to exploit the Aces' defensive weaknesses. She averages 12.2 points and 8.4 rebounds, with six double-doubles this season, including in her last two home games. The Aces present a favorable matchup for Iriafen. They allow the fourth-most rebounds per game (35.3 overall, 35.9 on the road) and the second-most points in the paint (37.3). Given Iriafen operates exclusively inside and excels as a rebounder and interior scorer, the prediction specifically recommends betting on her achieving a double-double at +290 odds. Further betting recommendations include taking the Mystics moneyline and the Under 158.5 points. Both teams hold identical 9-10 records. The Mystics are strong at home (6-3), while the Aces are 4-6 on the road and struggling against the spread (7-12 ATS).
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The Milwaukee Bucks' dwindling hopes of acquiring Bradley Beal as a replacement for Damian Lillard appear unlikely, as the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Beal if he secures a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. According to The Athletic, the Clippers can offer up to $5.3 million in salary for the 2025-26 season and have an opening in their starting lineup after trading Norman Powell in a deal that brought John Collins. The Bucks are unable to compete financially with the Clippers' offer, especially after waiving Lillard and stretching his salary, and lack a clear backcourt vacancy. Beal is also considering other teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, but the Clippers lead the race. If he joins them, he would form a formidable starting unit alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Collins, and Ivica Zubac. This interest follows past considerations: in 2023, Beal prioritized the Bucks and Miami Heat when the Washington Wizards shopped him, but Miami declined, and Milwaukee hesitated due to complications involving Khris Middleton's player option. Middleton was eventually traded to Washington in February for Kyle Kuzma, who has not performed well for the Bucks. Beal's subsequent two-year stint in Phoenix was disappointing, with no playoff wins, prompting the potential buyout. With Beal now a long shot for Milwaukee, the Bucks are exploring a reunion with former player Malcolm Brogdon. Multiple teams, including the Clippers, Suns, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings, and Bucks, have expressed interest in Brogdon, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Brogdon, drafted by the Bucks in 2016 with the 36th overall pick, won Rookie of the Year that season by playing 75 games and averaging 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals. However, injuries later derailed his career, and after his third season, the Bucks opted not to match the Indiana Pacers' four-year, $85 million offer, instead trading him in a sign-and-trade for future draft picks.
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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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Selection Sunday has arrived, with the full 68-team bracket for the 2025 men's NCAA tournament set to be revealed. The field was finalized as the last automatic-qualifier bids were determined on Sunday through conference championship games. Yale secured the Ivy League title by defeating Cornell. Florida claimed the SEC championship by beating Tennessee 86-77. VCU won the Atlantic 10 title after holding off George Mason in the final seconds. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 59-53 for the Big Ten championship, and Memphis won the AAC title by taking down UAB. Notable programs such as Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas are currently considered "on the bubble" regarding tournament selection. Boise State's chances may be jeopardized after losing to Colorado State in the Mountain West championship game. Viewers are encouraged to make their picks in the Yahoo Sports Bracket Mayhem game once the complete field is announced. A printable bracket is also available for those following the Selection Sunday show. The confirmed automatic qualifiers (conference champions) announced so far are: Bryant (America East), Memphis (American Athletic), VCU (Atlantic 10), Duke (ACC), Lipscomb (ASUN), Houston (Big 12), St. John's (Big East), Montana (Big Sky), High Point (Big South), Michigan (Big Ten), UC San Diego (Big West), UNC Wilmington (CAA), Liberty (Conference USA), Robert Morris (Horizon), Yale (Ivy), Mount Saint Mary's (MAAC), Akron (MAC), Norfolk State (MEAC), Drake (Missouri Valley), Colorado State (Mountain West), Saint Francis (Northeast), SIU Edwardsville (Ohio Valley), American University (Patriot), Florida (SEC), Wofford (Southern), McNeese (Southland), Alabama State (SWAC), Omaha (Summit), Troy (Sun Belt), Gonzaga (West Coast), and Grand Canyon (WAC).
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NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns and his girlfriend, model Jordyn Woods, enjoyed a romantic offseason getaway in Paris. Woods documented their luxurious trip on Instagram, sharing a carousel of 20 photos captioned "Counted me out but they forgot how to count… 😘 #parisdump." The photos offered fans glimpses into their Parisian adventures. They included shots of Woods strolling Parisian streets holding a wine glass (tagging Hermès), solo portraits of Woods, and a candid moment of the couple holding hands while descending stairs. Woods also posed in front of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and a vintage car, and took a mirror selfie in a Jean Paul Gaultier store. Beyond sightseeing, Woods highlighted their high-end shopping experiences in Paris. The post featured luxury items, including a Louis Vuitton bag and creative styling like wearing a timepiece as a necklace. The couple also savored Paris's culinary scene, with Woods sharing photos of fresh cherries and a large seafood platter. A playful moment captured Towns grinning while holding a popular Labubu soft toy. The couple, who began dating in May 2020 and publicly announced their relationship in September 2020, have reportedly grown stronger over the years. Towns has credited Woods for her support, especially following the tragic loss of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "truly special" and noting she is now an active part of his athletic life.
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The Philadelphia 76ers suffered a heavy defeat in their Las Vegas Summer League opener, losing 111-70 to the San Antonio Spurs. Prior to the game, concern arose as third overall pick VJ Edgecombe was ruled out with a thumb sprain. However, reports from journalists at the scene noted he practiced shooting without apparent discomfort, and Edgecombe himself expressed hope of playing later in Vegas after a Saturday re-evaluation during a second-quarter interview. The game started disastrously for the Sixers, falling behind 18-4 within six minutes with only one made shot. Justin Edwards, despite a strong finish in Salt Lake City, struggled significantly. He scored only 6 points (all from two made three-pointers on six attempts), grabbed one rebound, committed three turnovers, and appeared disengaged against the Spurs' intensity. Adem Bona provided a bright spot, showcasing his athleticism. He defended well on the perimeter, operated as the point man in a zone defense, and scored on coast-to-coast drives including a contested layup and later a powerful slam dunk off an assist from Judah Mintz. Bona finished with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, and 4 fouls. New signing Dominick Barlow also contributed positively in the second half. He made a physical play, bulldozing Spurs forward Riley Minix for a basket. Barlow made 3 of his 5 shots (no three-point attempts) and added 5 rebounds.
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The Atlanta Hawks have re-signed Jacob Toppin in free agency. The team tendered a qualifying offer to Toppin, making him a restricted free agent, and he has now accepted a new two-way contract with the Hawks. This contract means Toppin will occupy one of the Hawks' three two-way roster spots. As a two-way player, he will be limited to 50 NBA games during the regular season and will not be eligible for the playoffs unless the Hawks convert his contract to a standard NBA deal. The team previously signed Eli Ndiaye to another two-way spot this offseason. Toppin will be entering his second season with the Hawks, who acquired him in March of last season after his release by the New York Knicks. He appeared in only one regular season game for Atlanta last year. However, he spent significant time in the G League, playing 23 games (averaging over 36 minutes) for the Westchester Knicks and College Park Skyhawks. In the G League, he averaged 22.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists with shooting splits of 50.4% from the field, 37.1% from three-point range, and 81.2% from the free-throw line. Toppin began his NBA career on a two-way contract with the Knicks during the 2023-24 season, after having an Exhibit 10 deal converted. He is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin. Jacob Toppin also participated in the NBA Dunk Contest during the 2024 All-Star Weekend.
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Kevin Durant described the Brooklyn Nets' superteam experiment with himself, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden as a failure, stating "everything around us was going to s--t" on the Mind the Game podcast. He attributed this to other NBA teams improving and complicating factors for the Nets, like integrating Ben Simmons at the start of the 2022-23 season. Steve Nash, Durant's co-host on the podcast and former Nets coach, expressed regret that he "didn't get to coach as much as I wanted to." Durant concurred, adding that "we didn't get the full Steve Nash like I wanted." The superteam imploded spectacularly after only one playoff run with the trio together. Key factors included Irving's refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which caused him to miss the first 35 games of the 2021-22 season and only play away games upon his return. Harden grew disaffected, reportedly clashing with Irving and being challenged by Durant about his conditioning, leading to his trade to the Philadelphia 76ers in February 2022. Durant then requested a trade during the 2022 offseason. Although he started the following season in Brooklyn, both Durant and Irving were traded away by the 2023 deadline. Despite the eventual collapse, Durant recalled his first season playing in Brooklyn (after missing 2019-20 injured) as "some of the most fun ball I've had playing my whole life." However, he and the Nets never recaptured the success of their 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals run.
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The WNBA announced a major expansion, adding new teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit over the next five years, joining previously announced teams in Toronto and Portland. Players like Chicago Sky center and WNBPA secretary Elizabeth Williams view this rapid growth, which includes record viewership, attendance, and revenue, as a sign that their demands in the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations are justified. The players union rejected the league's initial CBA proposal, arguing that the league's expansion and success should benefit players universally. Williams stated that the league's booming business indicates the players' requests are not unrealistic. While expansion is a long-term league goal, initial reactions to the new cities were mixed; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed skepticism about Detroit and Cleveland, drawing criticism. However, Sky players Angel Reese and Williams voiced enthusiasm for the new teams, citing the rich women's basketball history in Detroit and Cleveland and Philadelphia's passionate sports fans. Despite excitement about league growth and creating more opportunities for players, Reese and Williams emphasized their focus remains on the CBA negotiations. The expansion news coincided with the league presenting its first CBA offer. Phoenix Mercury player representative Satou Sabally described the initial offer as a "slap in the face," while Williams used softer language but agreed there remains a significant gap between the league's proposal and player expectations.
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