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TOP2025 WNBA awards check in: Overseas opportunities benefitted the leading Sixth Player of the Year candidates
Several WNBA bench players are making strong cases for the Sixth Player of the Year award midway through the 2025 season. While no single player is definitively ahead, three standouts deserve recognition for their impactful performances. Jade Melbourne (Washington Mystics) is enjoying her best WNBA season after a stellar WNBL campaign with Canberra, where she averaged 15.7 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds. Coming off the bench for Washington, she has started only four games but consistently displays her all-around game in 23 minutes per contest, averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 rebounds while setting the pace for the Mystics' second unit. Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream) also benefited from significant WNBL playing time, averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds for the Southside Flyers. Back with Atlanta, she now plays 20 minutes per game off the bench, averaging 7.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Her improved numbers, despite moving from a starter last season, highlight her valuable contribution to the Dream's second unit. Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx) demonstrated her capability as a focal point during EuroBasket Women, leading the competition in points (22.7) and rebounds (11.3) for Slovenia. Her return to the Lynx after a year away has been impactful; her season averages of 6.7 points and 6.4 rebounds surpass her career numbers. Shepard's strong play off the bench is a significant factor in the Lynx leading the league and being championship favorites.
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TOPHow to Watch Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel
The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, face the New York Liberty, led by Breanna Stewart, in a WNBA game on Wednesday night. The Fever have won three consecutive games since Clark returned to the lineup, improving their record to 12-10. This winning streak has moved them within three games of the first-place Liberty in the Eastern Conference standings. A victory tonight would narrow that gap to just two games. The Liberty started the season with nine straight wins before the Fever defeated them in June. Since that perfect start, New York has gone 5-6 and aims to regain their dominant form. Liberty player Sabrina Ionescu seeks to recover from a poor shooting performance where she made only 3 of 20 field goal attempts and missed all 7 three-point shots. This was unusual for the elite shooter, and she is expected to be ready for this matchup. The game is highlighted as a great WNBA matchup not to be missed.
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Damian Lillard's Celtics interest revealed by Boston insider
Reports indicate the Boston Celtics are interested in signing Damian Lillard, with suggestions that star player Jayson Tatum is actively trying to recruit him. Their long-standing relationship makes a potential deal feasible. However, moving from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks and now possibly Boston would represent a significant shift for Lillard, who would face intense performance expectations from the demanding Celtics fanbase. Further complicating a potential move are personal factors: joining Boston would place Lillard on the opposite coast from his family, which has reportedly been a concern for him in the past due to his desire to be near his children. Despite these challenges, a recent report from the Boston Herald suggests Lillard is now more "receptive" to joining the Celtics than he was in 2023. While the Celtics can only offer Lillard a minimum contract or a $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception (if they make moves to get below the second luxury tax apron), it remains unclear where his priorities lie this offseason. This marks a change from 2023 when Lillard, after requesting a trade from Portland, explicitly did not want to play for Boston and ultimately joined Milwaukee. The current situation suggests a different outcome might be possible.
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Watch: NBA champion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander begins 2025 offseason workouts
Less than a month after winning the NBA championship and earning both the regular-season MVP and Finals MVP awards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has resumed offseason workouts. As the cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Thunder, his performance is critical to the team's pursuit of a rare repeat title. Over the past four years, Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his status among the NBA's elite, achieving four consecutive 30-point seasons, three All-NBA selections, and MVP honors by age 27. Despite the Thunder's shortened offseason following their late-June championship victory, he has already transitioned into training mode for the 2025-26 season, acknowledging the heightened target on the defending champions. July has been particularly eventful: Gilgeous-Alexander signed a supermax contract extension securing his tenure with Oklahoma City through 2031, and promptly returned to training. He is working with longtime private trainer Nem Ilic, focusing heavily on lower-body exercises. Social media glimpses of these sessions underscore his legendary work ethic. His unconventional journey—from lottery pick to MVP—has been fueled by relentless offseason dedication. As the article notes, his commitment during the NBA's summer break has been instrumental in forging his path to superstardom and sustaining championship-level performance.
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Peter's Points: WNBA Best Bets Today (Predictions, Prop Bets for Caitlin Clark, Mystics vs. Sparks)
Two WNBA games are scheduled for Tuesday before the All-Star break, featuring prominent young players. The Indiana Fever, led by second-year guard Caitlin Clark, will play the Connecticut Sun at TD Garden in Boston. The Sun, struggling this season with only three wins, are significant underdogs for this matchup. Later, the Washington Mystics face the Los Angeles Sparks on the road. The Sparks, coming off a Sunday win against the Sun, are slight one-point favorites despite having won only two home games all season. Betting recommendations for the games include backing Caitlin Clark to record over 8.5 assists against the Sun. Clark averages 9.0 assists per game and has exceeded 8.5 assists in 9 of her 12 appearances this season. This pick is supported by the Sun's league-worst defense in points allowed per game, defensive rating, and opponent assists per game (21.4), combined with Clark's recent form (9 and 13 assists in her last two games) and the Fever's strong offensive output in consecutive wins. The second recommendation is for the Washington Mystics to cover and win outright as one-point underdogs against the Los Angeles Sparks. This is based on the Sparks' poor 2-8 home record, their recent narrow win against the struggling Sun where they trailed significantly, and their defensive struggles. With Cameron Brink sidelined, the Sparks allow the second-most points per game in the league and rank 11th in net rating (-5.9), alongside a 7-13-1 record against the spread.
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Milwaukee Bucks President Drops Major Statement on Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Speculations: Is the Greek
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Why Steph Curry not worried about Warriors' lack of offseason moves thus far
Steph Curry expressed a lack of concern regarding the Golden State Warriors' minimal offseason moves thus far, contrasting with disappointment felt elsewhere in the NBA, including from teammate Draymond Green. Speaking at the American Century Championship, Curry explained his patience and trust in the Warriors' front office, highlighting the difference between external narratives and internal communication. He stated he understands the situation and retains confidence in the team's ability to assemble a winning roster for the upcoming season. The Warriors face significant offseason challenges, primarily the unresolved restricted free agency of Jonathan Kuminga nearly two weeks into free agency. Additionally, the team saw long-time fan favorite Kevon Looney depart after a decade, signing with the New Orleans Pelicans. These issues compound the lingering disappointment from the Warriors' second-round playoff exit following Curry's injury. Despite these challenges, Curry maintains faith in the organization. He addressed his new role as co-assistant general manager for Davidson's basketball program, clarifying that it won't interfere with his relationship with Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy. Curry emphasized their strong communication chain and stated he has no intention of overstepping his bounds, acknowledging roster building is the front office's job. He stressed the importance of everyone within the organization performing their roles effectively to solve the annual "puzzle" of building a contender, pointing to the team's strong performance late last season as a foundation to build upon.
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Sabrina Ionescu Headlines List of Participants for 2025 WNBA Three-Point Contest
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu has confirmed her participation in the upcoming WNBA three-point contest. She informed the New York Post that she will compete in the event this Friday as part of the WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. Ionescu will be joined by Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron as the first two officially announced participants for the contest. This marks Ionescu's second appearance; she previously won the contest in 2023 by setting a WNBA and NBA single-round record with 37 points in the final round. She also notably faced the Golden State Warriors' Steph Curry in the 2024 NBA three-point contest, losing by just three points. Statistically this season, Ionescu is shooting a career-low 32.4% from three-point range, while Citron is shooting 36.3%. There is significant speculation that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will also participate, which would be her first appearance in the event. Clark previously declined an invitation to the NBA's contest earlier this year, reportedly because she wanted her first three-point contest to be at the WNBA All-Star event in Indianapolis. The three-point contest is scheduled for Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, followed by the All-Star game on Saturday night. Both Ionescu and Citron are on Caitlin Clark's team for the All-Star game and will face a team led by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
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Former French head coach Vincent Collet “happy” Joel Embiid chose to play for Team USA
Former French national team head coach Vincent Collet expressed happiness about Joel Embiid's decision to play for Team USA. There is speculation that guard Donte DiVincenzo may play for the Italian national team in the upcoming 2025 Eurobasket tournament. Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey commented on Quentin Grimes, stating the team hopes to "work things out".
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'I Was Shocked' -- Ja Morant Breaks Silence on Grizzlies' Desmond Bane Trade, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s $240,000,000 Extension
The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round draft picks (2025, 2026, 2028, 2030). Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant expressed shock upon learning of the trade, initially believing it was fake. He stated the move was best for both teams, believing Bane is the missing piece for the talented Orlando Magic and complements players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. CBS Sports ranked the Bane acquisition as the No. 2 move of the offseason, highlighting him as the perfect scoring and shooting threat Orlando needed, especially for kick-outs when Banchero and Wagner drive. While losing Bane, the Grizzlies secured a five-year maximum contract extension worth approximately $240 million (with a 2029-30 player option) for star player Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant strongly endorsed the extension, calling Jackson Jr. the heart of Memphis and the team, though he admitted he didn't understand the salary cap details and thought Jackson deserved even more. Morant also commented on the incoming players. He emphasized the importance of veteran presence Caldwell-Pope brings, particularly for his defensive prowess and mentorship value for the Grizzlies' young players. He noted that playing next to a playmaker like himself could help Caldwell-Pope return to his previous shooting form after a dip last season. The team also bought out Cole Anthony's contract to create additional salary cap space. Caldwell-Pope's potential role includes offering key leadership and possibly mentoring young player Jaylen Wells as Memphis develops its next generation of talent.
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Rivalries, rising stars, and the battle for playoff spots
The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is in the thick of its regular season in July, with intense competition as teams battle for top four positions and playoff seeding. Every game holds significant weight during this crucial period. A series of key matchups are scheduled between July 10 and 15 that could alter the standings. Highlights include: Mindoro Tamaraws vs. Ilagan Isabela Cowboys; Valenzuela City Magic vs. Abra Weavers (both fighting for top eight spots); Basilan Viva Portmasters vs. Pangasinan Abono Reapers (featuring veterans and young talent); and the dominant, undefeated Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards vs. the Bacolod Tubo Slashers. Individual players are also shining. Philip Paniamogan of Batangas City carries momentum after setting a league record with 15 three-pointers in a single game last month. Michael Mabulac continues to impress with his interior play for Pangasinan. In the standings, the north division is led by undefeated Nueva Ecija, followed by Abra, San Juan, and Quezon Huskers, with Pampanga and Caloocan close behind. The south division features a tight race at the top between Quezon Huskers, Zamboanga Sikat, Batangas City, and GenSan Warriors. The MPBL's unique charm stems from its deep community roots, where regional rivalries generate passionate fan support for hometown teams. July is pivotal for shaping playoff destinies, influencing home-court advantage and playoff paths. Every decision, shot, and victory becomes crucial as teams aim to make history. Fans can anticipate record-breaking performances, upsets, and emerging rivalries during the thrilling push for the top spots.
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Rylan Stiles: Chet Holmgren officially signs his extension. pic.x.com/ohhLLJu78H http://twitter.com/…
Chet Holmgren has officially signed a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as confirmed by a public announcement. The news was shared via social media, highlighting a significant development for the team and player.
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Celtics Predicted to Land 9-Time NBA All-Star After Anfernee Simons Trade
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz predicts the Boston Celtics will sign Damian Lillard after the nine-time All-Star guard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks. Swartz suggests the Celtics, not pressured to win immediately due to Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, could view signing Lillard on a team-friendly deal as a smart investment for a potential 2026-27 title run, assuming their core players remain. Swartz indicates Lillard joining Boston depends on the Celtics successfully trading guard Anfernee Simons to shed salary. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that Celtics president Brad Stevens and the team are "actively" trying to trade Simons this summer, though the outcome is uncertain. Successfully trading Simons would allow the Celtics to use their $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception on Lillard. Swartz notes the Celtics' previous success acquiring veteran point guard Jrue Holiday from the Bucks, who helped them win the 2023 championship. Lillard responded to reported interest from the Celtics and other contenders while he recovers from injury, posting on social media: "If they call it a 'gamble' at this stage… tell ’em this [is] the jackpot. #ToBeContinued." The Bucks waived Lillard to sign center Myles Turner in free agency. According to The Athletic, the Celtics are among several contending teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, interested in signing Lillard despite his expected absence next season due to his Achilles injury. The Athletic also reported that Lillard was "elated" about being waived, as it gave him freedom to choose his next team without financial constraints after the Bucks stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract.
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Abra ends Nueva Ecija’s streak, shares MPBL lead
San Miguel Beermen emphasized redemption over halting TNT's Grand Slam aspirations, while coach Chot Reyes dismissed external expectations by highlighting their six All-Filipino titles. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite Terrafirma's ownership uncertainty. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo downplayed injury concerns after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra. Gilas Pilipinas faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone. The national team's preparation is complicated by player exhaustion from recent professional league commitments. In collegiate action, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, and National University dominated NCAA teams during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals. La Salle secured the tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP built momentum entering the knockout stage. La Salle maintained an undefeated record as NU completed the semifinal lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, propelled by Tin Cayabyab's 31-point performance in the semifinals. Cayabyab's offensive outburst secured NU's place in the championship game. The NCAA unveiled sweeping format changes for its 101st season, introducing group stages, play-in tournaments, and expanded playoffs. San Beda University claimed multiple General Championships titles as hosting responsibilities transitioned from LPU to Mapua University. Mapua later became embroiled in a bench-clearing altercation during a game against a Chinese university team.
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Dov Cariño, Karl Absalon believe UAAP familiarity will power U23 squad in Mandiri Cup
San Miguel's basketball team emphasized their focus on achieving redemption rather than specifically aiming to end TNT's Grand Slam aspirations in recent competitions. Coach Chot Reyes dismissed discussions about relying on player RHJ, instead highlighting his own coaching record of six All-Filipino championship titles as a point of pride. Gilas Pilipinas Men's team faces significant fatigue challenges ahead of the Asia Cup, according to head coach Tim Cone, who cited the physical toll of continuous tournaments. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial guaranteed the league will maintain 12 teams for its 50th season despite uncertainties surrounding the potential sale of the Terrafirma franchise. San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo reassured fans after experiencing hamstring tightness during their Game 7 victory against Barangay Ginebra, indicating the injury isn't serious. UAAP teams dominated NCAA opponents in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup quarterfinals, with La Salle, UP, UST, and NU all securing victories to advance in the tournament. La Salle claimed the Filoil tournament's top seed by defeating UST, while UP showed strengthening momentum heading into the quarterfinal stage of the competition. La Salle maintained an undefeated record while NU secured the last semifinal berth in the Filoil Preseason Cup, completing the final four lineup. NU finished as runners-up in the BLIA Cup tournament, with player Tin Cayabyab leading them to the finals through a standout 31-point performance. The NCAA will implement major format changes including group stages, play-in games, and expanded playoffs for its upcoming season, signaling a new competitive era. San Beda University celebrated double general championship titles as hosting responsibilities transferred from Lyceum to Mapua University for NCAA events. Mapua University's team was involved in a bench-clearing brawl during a game against a Chinese university team, resulting in an on-court altercation.
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Mikal Bridges might be holding off on Knicks extension for one huge reason
Mikal Bridges has been eligible to sign a four-year, $156.2 million extension with the New York Knicks since the end of the 2025 NBA Finals. The lack of an agreement after a month could indicate a problem, but it might also be Bridges strategically ensuring he won't be traded mid-season to the Milwaukee Bucks, a scenario linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks reportedly remain hopeful of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available, despite his noncommittal statements about his future. Bridges could be a crucial part of any trade package for Giannis, as the Knicks lack first-round picks to offer and the Bucks would value players who keep them competitive post-Giannis. Signing an extension now would make Bridges untradeable for six months. However, if he signs by August 5, 2025, the six-month trade restriction would lift before the projected February 5, 2026, trade deadline, making him eligible to be dealt next season. If Bridges signs the extension on August 6 or later, he would be ineligible for a trade during the entire 2025-26 season, guaranteeing he stays in New York. Players are known to consider such timing strategies, as demonstrated by Lauri Markkanen's deal with the Utah Jazz. While the Knicks could withdraw the extension offer or not offer one, both options are risky. Leaving Bridges unsigned risks him entering unrestricted free agency in 2026, where he could become the most sought-after player and command a much larger contract, potentially exceeding $200 million for four years instead of the current $156.2 million. Therefore, it benefits the 28-year-old Bridges to delay signing until after August 5 to secure his position for the season, and it benefits the Knicks to allow him to sign whenever to avoid a potentially more expensive contract next summer. The Knicks accept that this timing might complicate a midseason pursuit of Giannis, acknowledging they cannot guarantee Giannis will be available anyway.
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Steph Curry’s Unexpected Interaction With Fans Stirred Instant Reactions
Steph Curry's unexpected encounter with fans during the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, generated immediate reactions. The Golden State Warriors All-Star guard's significant impact on the Bay Area sports scene, including helping create an atmosphere that aided the Golden State Valkyries' WNBA debut and making his jersey the league's second-most sold, was highlighted. During the event, Curry interacted with a fan who had a large tattoo on his back depicting Curry performing his signature "Night Night" celebration. Curry appeared genuinely surprised and impressed by the tattoo. The fan expressed his admiration, telling Curry, "We love you, man," while shaking hands and posing for a photo. Another fan watching the interaction commented, "I love that." The moment gained traction on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where fans reacted enthusiastically. Comments included "🤝🔥," "Good glaze," and "Steph is goated," reflecting the positive fan response to the interaction.
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Zach Lowe says the quiet part out loud about the Warriors future
The Golden State Warriors' "Two Timelines" strategy—aiming to simultaneously contend with their veteran core while developing young talent into future stars—has unequivocally failed, as declared by analyst Zach Lowe. This approach, championed by owner Joe Lacob, sought to replicate the San Antonio Spurs' successful generational transition from Tim Duncan to Kawhi Leonard. After injuries to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson in 2020–2021, the Warriors acquired three lottery picks: James Wiseman (No. 2, 2020), Jonathan Kuminga (No. 7, 2021), and Moses Moody (No. 14, 2021). Despite winning the 2022 NBA championship with Curry and Draymond Green leading, none of the young players contributed meaningfully. Wiseman proved a "colossal bust" and is now on his third team, Kuminga resisted a role-player development path, and Moody remains underutilized by the coaching staff despite his potential. Lowe recently highlighted the Warriors as a dysfunctional "WTF" team, noting their free-agency stagnation and the lose-lose Kuminga situation. He emphasized that the franchise's post-Curry future appears bleak, with contention only possible while Curry performs at a star level. Once he declines, a "hard collapse" is inevitable. Recognizing this, the front office under Mike Dunleavy Jr. has pivoted to win-now moves: trading Wiseman for Gary Payton II, swapping Jordan Poole for Chris Paul, and aggressively pursuing stars like Jimmy Butler. Rumors suggest even bigger targets—Kevin Durant, Paul George, or LeBron James—as the organization pushes resources to maximize Curry's remaining window.
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Former Nebraska Basketball Star, Lincoln Native Josiah Allick Claims NBL Most Valuable Player
Josiah Allick, a former Nebraska basketball player, has been named the Most Valuable Player of the New Zealand National Basketball League. The Lincoln, Neb. native earned this honor while playing for the Southland Sharks, becoming the first player in the franchise's history to receive the MVP award. Allick achieved this by averaging 19 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, leading the Sharks to the postseason. Allick joined the Southland Sharks in February after working as a graduate assistant for the Nebraska Huskers during the 2024-25 season. He had previously played for Nebraska in the 2023-24 season, contributing 7.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament and the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. In the New Zealand league, Allick leads in offensive rebounds and ranks second in defensive rebounds. He also provides a significant offensive contribution, sitting sixth in the league for points scored and free throw percentage. His performance earned him a spot in the NBL's All-Star Five and propelled the fourth-seeded Sharks into the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Before his time at Nebraska, Allick played college basketball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, helping the Roos to a 19-win season in 2021-22, and then at New Mexico, starting all 34 games as the Lobos finished 22-12 and reached the NIT. He is a 2024 Big Ten Sportsmanship nominee, won the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award, and is the brother of Nebraska volleyball player Rebekah Allick. Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg praised Allick, expressing gratitude for his role in helping the Huskers reach the NCAA Tournament and his leadership impact on the team culture and younger players. Hoiberg highlighted Allick's willingness to contribute in any role asked of him. The Southland Sharks continue their playoff run, facing the Canterbury Rams in a semifinal contest. The winner will advance to play either the Wellington Saints or Tauranga Whai for the National Basketball League Championship.
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WNBA PLAYER PROPS & BEST BETS TODAY FOR JULY 12: COLLIER TO GET BACK IN RHYTHM
The Minnesota Lynx face the Chicago Sky at 1pm ET on Saturday, July 12, followed by the Las Vegas Aces hosting the Golden State Valkyries at 4pm ET. Napheesa Collier (Lynx) is predicted to score Over 21.5 points. Despite averaging a career-high 23.5 PPG this season, she's been in a slump, averaging only 18.7 PPG over her last three games and shooting 0-of-14 from three. However, she scored 22+ points in 12 of her first 15 games. A bounce-back is expected against the Sky, who rank among the worst in the WNBA in defensive rating, points allowed per game, and three-point percentage allowed. Kayla Thornton (Valkyries) is predicted to score Over 14.5 points. She leads Golden State with a career-high 15.1 PPG and has averaged 17 PPG over her last 12 games, hitting this over nine times. She's also making 2.5 threes per game at 34.9% during this stretch. Thornton has scored 15+ in four of her last five road games and scored 22 against the Aces earlier this season. The Aces allow the fifth-most points and sixth-highest three-point percentage in the league. Veronica Burton (Valkyries) is predicted to exceed 19.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists (PRA). Averaging 20.1 PRA (10.8 points, 4 rebounds, 5.3 assists), she has hit the over in 9 of 19 games this season and provided exactly 19 in two others. She has posted 20+ PRA in two straight games and three of her last four, including a 21/8/6 (35 PRA) performance in her last outing.
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‘Watch the Whole Thing’ – Kyrie Irving Shuts Down Controversy After Viral Comment on Stephen A. Smith’s $100M ESPN Contract
NBA guard Kyrie Irving sparked controversy during a recent livestream by stating that ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith did not deserve his new five-year, $100 million contract. Irving specifically said, "I’m going to discuss Stephen A’s contract and I’mma say, I don’t think he’s worth it." Irving quickly attempted to clarify his comments, explaining that his remark was not a personal attack on Smith but rather intended to use Smith as a broader example in a discussion about how media figures are compensated. He anticipated his comments might be taken out of context, urging viewers to "watch the whole clip" because "somebody might try to clip it up." Despite Irving's clarification attempt, a clipped version of his comments went viral as he predicted. The timing of Irving's remarks is significant, coming just days after he signed a three-year, $119 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks, ending weeks of free agency speculation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Stephen A. Smith had been one of Irving's most vocal defenders during those contract negotiations. On ESPN's "First Take," Smith had repeatedly argued that the Mavericks "low-balled" Irving, claiming the All-Star guard deserved more than the average of just under $40 million per year he received. Smith contended that Irving deserved at least $43 to $45 million annually, comparing his deal unfavorably to other star contracts in the league and expressing frustration that Irving didn't get the player option that would have paid him $43 million.
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NBA Summer League: Warriors squad gets first look at Hansen Yang in Las Vegas opener
The Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers' Summer League matchup in Las Vegas will draw significant attention from China due to the debut of Trail Blazers rookie center Hansen Yang. The 7-foot-1 Chinese player, selected 16th overall in the draft, was previously projected as a second-round pick but became a borderline lottery selection. Golden State had evaluated Yang during a pre-draft workout. Warriors point guard Taran Armstrong emphasized the defensive challenge Yang presents, stating during shootaround that containing him would require team-wide effort. Armstrong noted the team studied film and developed a specific defensive strategy against the center, particularly if he gains position in the low post. Marques Bolden, the Warriors' 27-year-old center from Duke, is expected to be Yang's primary defender. Bolden recently returned from an Achilles injury sustained in last year's Summer League and recorded 10 rebounds across two California Classic games. Other Warriors players to watch include former Vanderbilt guard Chris Mañon, who impressed defensively and with athletic finishes in his Summer League debut but had limited impact in subsequent California Classic games. Additional former SEC guards may also feature in the contest.
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Wizards’ Tre Johnson impresses in his confident NBA Summer League debut
It's cautioned against drawing definitive career conclusions from NBA Summer League debuts, though these games can reveal player capabilities and weaknesses. In the Washington Wizards' 2025 Summer League opener against the Phoenix Suns, lottery pick Tre Johnson showcased a key trait for shooting success: confidence. He scored 18 points, making 3 of his 5 three-point attempts, and expressed feeling no nervousness afterward. Johnson demonstrated his shooting prowess early, sinking his first three-pointer. He positioned himself well, received a pass from Kyshawn George, and hit a shot over the outstretched arm of 6-foot-11 defender Oso Ighodaro, utilizing his noted high release point effectively. Wizards summer-league head coach J.J. Outlaw confirmed Johnson's composure, stating, "He doesn’t have nerves." Despite Johnson's performance, the Wizards suffered a 103-84 defeat. The loss itself held little significance, but the team's lack of physicality was concerning, especially after Outlaw emphasized goals of being the "most physical" and "most selfless" team. He acknowledged they weren't selfish but were clearly "out-physicaled." Key players underperformed early. Alex Sarr, fourth in the previous season's Rookie of the Year voting, was ineffective in the first half against rookie Khaman Maluach, gathering zero rebounds or blocks in 15 minutes. Sarr improved somewhat after halftime, finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but admitted he should have attacked the game more aggressively from the start, embodying the team's initial lack of force. Kyshawn George stood out as Washington's best player, scoring 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, along with 7 rebounds and 3 steals, though he also committed 5 turnovers.
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International Rumors: Walker, Gill, Micic, Brown, Kamagate
Lonnie Walker, a seven-year NBA veteran, spent most of last season playing for EuroLeague club Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania before signing a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in February. However, the 76ers declined their team option on the 26-year-old shooting guard at the end of last month, making him an unrestricted free agent. He has not yet been linked to any other NBA team. Reports from Matteo Andreani of Basketball Sphere and Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom indicate that Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv is in advanced talks with Walker and has offered him a two-year contract. Andreani states that Hapoel Tel Aviv is "confident the deal will be finalized soon."
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It’s time for (Summer League) Basketball: Spurs vs Mavericks
The NBA Summer League features a highly anticipated matchup between the top two draft picks, Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs), in an early afternoon game in Las Vegas. After dominating the Philadelphia 76ers with a 41-point victory on Thursday, the Spurs face the Mavericks, who previously defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 87-85. Despite a poor shooting performance (5-21) in his first game, Flagg's talent was evident, and he is expected to be more productive in this game. This game marks the anticipated debut of Dylan Harper in a Spurs uniform, as he was previously sidelined with a minor groin injury. The Harper-Flagg matchup is a major Summer League attraction, though both players might show rust due to recent inactivity. David Jones-Garcia has emerged as the breakout star for the Spurs summer squad, impressing on both ends of the court, particularly with his scoring ability (three-point shooting and driving). While his passing is developing, his stellar play positions him as a major Summer League story and a potential candidate for a regular roster spot or two-way contract. Following their 41-point loss to the Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers announced they are disbanding their Summer League team for the year.
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Hawks Must Sign Veteran 3-and-D Specialist for Final Roster Spot
The Atlanta Hawks' 2025-26 roster is developing during the NBA offseason, featuring new additions like Kristaps Porzingis and rookie Asa Newell under head coach Quin Snyder. Despite improvements from last year, the team currently has only 13 players on standard contracts, leaving room for two veteran signings to strengthen the squad. De'Anthony Melton is proposed as a low-risk, high-reward free agent target. Recovering from a partially torn ACL that limited him to six games last season, Melton seeks an affordable "prove-yourself" deal. When healthy, he provides valuable 3-and-D skills, averaging 9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.5 threes per game at 36.9% accuracy across 356 career games, with 27 playoff appearances. Despite injury concerns, Melton showed promise in limited 2024 action, posting 10.3 points with efficient shooting (40.7% FG, 37.1% 3PT) in just 20 minutes per game. His defensive capabilities could complement Trae Young by allowing backcourt risks and building on Nickeil Alexander-Walker's defensive upgrade. The potential signing presents minimal risk—a veteran minimum contract wouldn't burden the Hawks if unsuccessful. However, if Melton regains pre-injury form, he could significantly boost Atlanta's Eastern Conference competitiveness. This upside makes him an ideal candidate for the Hawks' final roster spot.
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Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler Combine For 18 Points in NBA Summer League Debut
Former Tennessee basketball teammates Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler made their NBA Las Vegas Summer League debuts for the Detroit Pistons on Friday night. The Pistons secured a significant 104-86 victory over the New York Knicks, with the duo combining for 18 points. Lanier started the game, scoring 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting, including 2-of-7 from three-point range. The 37th overall draft pick also contributed two rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and committed only one turnover. Zeigler came off the bench, playing a team-high 18 minutes among non-starters for either team. He scored eight points on efficient 2-of-4 shooting, making both of his three-point attempts. He added one rebound, one assist, and showcased his defensive ability. The debut garnered personal reactions, as Chaz Lanier's mother posted a picture of the two former teammates in action. Former Tennessee assistant coach Rod Clark reposted the image, expressing that it made his "heart full." Social media highlights from the Pistons showed Lanier scoring his first bucket and making a tough jumper to beat the shot clock.
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