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TOPFormer Virginia Tech forward continues to force tough decisions on Philadelphia 76ers
For the second consecutive NBA Summer League, former Virginia Tech player Keve Aluma is playing for the Philadelphia 76ers in Las Vegas, aiming to secure a spot with either the NBA team or their G League affiliate. Through three games, he has been performing well and contributed to the 76ers securing their first Summer League win on Tuesday night. In the 74-58 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Thomas and Mack Center, Aluma delivered another strong performance off the bench. Playing 15 minutes, he scored 12 points, contributing to four Sixers players reaching double figures. He also grabbed five rebounds and shot 50% from the field (4-of-8), making two of his three-point attempts. This marked Aluma's second double-figure scoring game in Las Vegas this summer. He previously scored 12 points in a July 10th loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where he played 20 minutes and also shot 50% from the floor (5-of-10) while adding three rebounds. Aluma and the 76ers are scheduled to play the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Philadelphia's Summer League roster includes other promising young ACC talents such as former Syracuse player Juda Mintz, Hunter Sallis from Wake Forest, and second-round draft pick Johni Broome from Auburn. Looking ahead, Virginia Tech is expected to have representation in next year's NBA Summer League, with incoming freshman Neoklis Avdalas and senior Tobi Lawal likely to draw NBA Draft interest. Should Lawal go undrafted, he is anticipated to sign with a Summer League team to showcase his abilities.
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TOPIs Ant-Man a Top 10 Pick? Timberwolves Fantasy Outlook 2025-26
The Minnesota Timberwolves, having reached the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons, aim to build on their success for the 2025-26 season. Key players Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert are central to their prospects. Anthony Edwards has ascended to become one of the NBA's best players, improving his game yearly. Last season saw significant gains in his three-point shooting (39.5%) and scoring (27.6 ppg). To elevate his fantasy value further and solidify a top-five player status, improving his playmaking (currently averaging 4.5 assists) is crucial. Despite being ranked as the 8th best fantasy player, he is projected as the top shooting guard in fantasy basketball. Rudy Gobert is viewed as a solid fantasy option, offering consistent double-double potential and shot-blocking, providing a safe floor. However, due to limited upside and center position depth, his ranking as the 65th overall and 16th center is appropriate, and drafting him higher isn't advised. Julius Randle presents better fantasy value than Gobert, ranked 76th overall. He delivers above-average production across categories (18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 33.1 fantasy points last season) and offers more upside, making him a strong draft choice at his current value. With minimal free agency moves, the Timberwolves expect younger players to step up. Nickeil Alexander-Walker's departure creates opportunities for Terrance Shannon Jr. and rookie Rob Dillingham to emerge as potential fantasy sleepers. Jaden McDaniels is also anticipated to take on a larger offensive role. Overall, the Timberwolves are expected to offer significant fantasy value, led by Edwards (top SG), with Randle seen as a better draft value than Gobert, alongside McDaniels and the potential sleepers Shannon Jr. and Dillingham.
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Chet Holmgren extension somehow just got even better
The Oklahoma City Thunder faced criticism from Fox Sports' Craig Carton, who labeled Chet Holmgren's recent contract extension as potentially the "dumbest contract ever signed in the history of the NBA." This criticism emerged despite Holmgren playing a pivotal role in the Thunder's NBA Championship run. However, analysis of the contract details reveals potential flaws in Carton's argument. The Thunder secured Holmgren on a five-year, $250 million max rookie extension. Crucially, while teammates Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams have designated player clauses allowing their salaries to rise to 30% of the salary cap if they earn MVP, Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), or All-NBA honors, Holmgren's deal is fixed at the standard 25% of the cap regardless of future accolades. This fixed structure is viewed as a significant financial advantage for the Thunder. Given their existing high-end financial commitments, locking Holmgren at 25% provides payroll stability and avoids potential future salary spikes, potentially making the deal "an absolute steal" in coming years. Holmgren's performance supports the Thunder's investment. Before a right iliac wing fracture in late November, he was averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, showing All-Star and All-NBA potential. Even after a four-month injury absence, his defense remained elite; he ranked third in defensive rating among playoff players logging over 20 minutes per game and held Myles Turner to 37.7% shooting in the NBA Finals. The article concludes that based on his trajectory, Holmgren is likely to achieve All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and potentially DPOY recognition. Should these accomplishments occur, the fixed 25% max contract will prove to be a major bargain for the Thunder compared to the potential 30% escalators in his teammates' deals.
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Warriors Trade Proposal Pairs Stephen Curry With $195 Million Star Forward
The Golden State Warriors face significant challenges in the competitive Western Conference and require substantial roster improvement on both offense and defense to contend for a championship next season. Their current position makes a championship run unlikely without adding more talent around Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. While the Warriors front office might consider a blockbuster trade to address these needs, their trade assets are limited. Jonathan Kuminga represents their primary movable asset, potentially in a sign-and-trade scenario, but options beyond him are scarce. To improve, Last Word on Sports proposed the Warriors target Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen is highlighted as a skilled big man, known for his elite three-point shooting and above-average defense, capable of playing center. Analysis suggests he needs a good passer to maximize his scoring potential, something the Warriors could provide, and his skillset aligns with how Golden State utilizes stretch big men, as seen with rookie Quinten Post. However, acquiring Markkanen likely requires trading Kuminga, and the Jazz might reject offers centered on him, potentially forcing the Warriors to increase draft pick compensation. A major obstacle to this potential trade is the widespread belief that the Utah Jazz are reluctant to make Markkanen available. NBA Insider Andy Larsen reported before the draft that he expected Markkanen to stay, noting Utah's commitment to building a competitive roster with him as a key part. Larsen stated it's "more likely than not" Markkanen remains a Jazz player because Utah feels no urgency to trade him, existing offers haven't met their valuation, and Markkanen is still a very good player who likes playing in Utah.
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New rules for EBUGs? 84 games? What to know about the NHL's new CBA
The NHL's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has been ratified by both the league's board of governors and the NHLPA's membership. It will take effect on September 16, 2026, and run through September 15, 2030, extending labor peace for five seasons including the upcoming one. This marks the fastest CBA extension reached during Gary Bettman's tenure as commissioner and is the first major negotiation for NHLPA head Marty Walsh. Key changes in the new CBA include significant schedule adjustments. The regular season will expand to 84 games, while the preseason will be shortened to a maximum of four exhibition games per team. Players with 100 career NHL games will be limited to two preseason games, and those who played at least 50 games the prior season will have a maximum of 13 days of training camp. This expansion allows for an even divisional schedule (four games against each divisional rival every other season) and replaces exhibition games with regular-season contests. Contract rules are also altered, reducing the maximum term. Players can now re-sign with their current team for a maximum of seven years (down from eight) or sign with a new team in free agency for a maximum of six years (down from seven). Deferred salaries will be eliminated. Additionally, a new full-time position for an emergency backup goaltender (EBUG) is established, allowing that player to practice and travel with the team. The CBA also updates language regarding long-term injured reserve (LTIR), particularly concerning adding players from LTIR to the playoff roster. The league last played an 84-game season from 1992 to 1994. Since 1995-96, every full NHL regular season has been 82 games. The NHL has internally discussed adding games and reducing the preseason for at least four years, but the previous CBA restricted teams to 82 games, necessitating collective bargaining for this change. The functional motivation was to balance divisional schedules (currently 26 games) while replacing low-revenue preseason games with regular-season matchups.
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Coco Jones & Donovan Mitchell Announce Engagement
Singer-actress Coco Jones and NBA star Donovan Mitchell announced their engagement on Friday, July 14, 2025. They shared the news on social media, posting photos and videos that captured the moment Mitchell proposed by getting down on one knee. The engagement occurred at a tropical resort setting, characterized by palm trees, a lavish pool, and ocean views. This revelation surprised many fans, as Jones and Mitchell had previously kept the details of their relationship private and away from public scrutiny. A representative for the couple confirmed to PEOPLE that Mitchell proposed to Jones during a vacation, following two years of dating. The announcement was highlighted in a social media post by Mitchell.
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Eastern Notes: Robinson, Richardson, Embiid, Dadiet
Duncan Robinson, acquired by the Detroit Pistons from the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade, was impressed by the Pistons during their three intense matchups last season. He highlighted their physicality, toughness, hard play, and ball-sharing as standout qualities, stating it's the type of system and group he wants to play with. Robinson will reunite with former University of Michigan teammate Caris LeVert, who signed with the Pistons as a free agent on a two-year deal. Robinson emphasized their long-standing friendship since college and praised LeVert as both an incredible player and an exceptional teammate. He expressed excitement about reuniting with LeVert and noted the Pistons team has been welcoming. The subsequent text regarding the Philadelphia 76ers ("Sixers should move forward...", "Trade Embiid...") and the login/register prompt appears to be user-generated forum comments or site navigation elements, not part of the core news content about Duncan Robinson and the Pistons. Therefore, it is not summarized as part of the news.
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Milwaukee Bucks President Confirms Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Not Getting Traded Anytime Soon
Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin has publicly confirmed that star player Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be traded, dismissing speculation that arose following Damian Lillard's departure. Feigin stated that Antetokounmpo remains content in Milwaukee and is still viewed as the franchise cornerstone, emphasizing, "Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis." He described external trade rumors as "clickbait" and affirmed the organization's confidence in their relationship with the 30-year-old forward. Antetokounmpo finished third in the 2023-24 MVP voting, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists during the regular season. However, the Bucks suffered a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers after Lillard's injury. Notably, Milwaukee subsequently signed Pacers center Myles Turner, whom they reportedly admired during that series, to bolster frontcourt depth. Despite this acquisition, the team faces backcourt concerns after waiving Lillard, with Kevin Porter Jr. potentially becoming the starting point guard—a move some analysts believe may weaken their championship contention prospects. In a recent Twitch stream with influencer iShowSpeed, Antetokounmpo addressed persistent recruitment attempts from high-tax markets like Los Angeles and New York, but hinted at staying in Milwaukee when directly asked about his future plans.
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Kyrie Irving recreates ‘crazy ass question’ about LeBron being his father figure
During their time together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving was asked by a reporter about LeBron James potentially serving as a "parental role" in the locker room, referencing Tristan Thompson's prior description of LeBron as a "great father." Irving appeared visibly stunned by the question, responding with awkward laughter before pivoting to praise LeBron’s leadership and professional mentorship. However, he firmly clarified boundaries by stating, "I only have one father," emphasizing that while LeBron was an on-court influence, he did not seek life guidance from him. Nearly ten years later, Irving revisited the viral moment while streaming as a content creator. Alongside his actual father, Drederick Irving, he recreated the scene and explicitly addressed the original question. Kyrie repeatedly affirmed, "I only have one father, Drederick Irving," and criticized the reporter’s inquiry as "crazy," noting LeBron was only seven years his senior. He added, "No disrespect, bro, but that was a crazy ass question," expressing relief at finally reframing the narrative with his biological father present.
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76ers' horror story continues with gut-wrenching Paul George announcement
Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after sustaining an injury during a recent offseason workout. Sources described the procedure as a "clean-up" that did not involve major ligaments. George will now begin a rehabilitation plan and is scheduled to be re-evaluated before the start of training camp. This injury occurred in the same knee George hyper-extended twice during the previous season, raising immediate concerns about his durability. The timing is particularly troubling as George entered the previous season healthy but was subsequently hampered by multiple injuries that limited his effectiveness, leading to him being shut down after the All-Star break alongside Joel Embiid. While hopes were high for a bounce-back season, this new injury casts doubt on that possibility. The fact that George sustained an injury requiring surgery during an offseason workout is alarming, especially considering he turned 35 in May. He is entering the second year of a four-year, $212 million contract, set to earn $51.7 million in the 2025-26 season. The article expresses concern that if George continues to suffer injuries at this rate, his contract could become one of the worst in the NBA in the coming years. While George could potentially recover fully by October, the risk of recurring nagging injuries due to age and wear-and-tear remains significant. The article emphasizes a key lesson for the 76ers from last season: they must prioritize George's health and allow him ample time to recover fully, even if it means missing games early in the season, rather than rushing him back prematurely. The article concludes with a satirical suggestion that Dr. Jonathan Glashow, who performed the same surgery on both George and Embiid within four months, should ring the bell for Philadelphia's home-opening game.
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Tyrese Haliburton Calls Out Pacers After Fever Game
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton attended an Indiana Fever game against the Atlanta Dream on July 11 and publicly called out his own team on social media. During the game, Haliburton posted a photo on X referencing a "Curds in the Third" promotion, where fans could win free medium-sized cheese curds from Culvers if the Fever outscored their opponents in any quarter, using a promo code. He tagged the Pacers with a message urging them to "lock in" and improve their promotional efforts. Haliburton, a 25-year-old guard, is a devoted Fever fan who frequently attends their games when possible. He is considered one of Indiana's biggest sports stars alongside Fever player Caitlin Clark, and the two are close friends, often seen supporting each other at events. Haliburton is currently recovering from a devastating torn Achilles injury sustained during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. He had been playing through a pre-existing calf injury in an attempt to help the Pacers win a title but collapsed in pain after starting strong with deep three-point shots. This injury will force him to miss the entire upcoming NBA season, with an expected return for the 2026-2027 season. His absence from basketball means Haliburton will have more time to attend Fever games over the next year, potentially allowing him to benefit from promotions like the free cheese curds himself.
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Who’s the WNBA’s biggest trash-talker? Top athlete? Players dished in our anonymous poll
The provided content appears to be website navigation elements and section headers for a sports news platform, specifically focused on football (soccer) and the Premier League. It lists common sections found on such a site: Top News, Podcasts, Connections: Sports Edition, Premier League (with sub-sections for Home, Teams, Scores & Schedule, Standings, Fantasy), The Athletic FC Newsletter, and Podcasts again. The most prominent piece of content highlighted is a specific feature or article titled "Palmer's Superstar Moment," suggesting a focus on a player named Palmer achieving a significant performance or recognition. Overall, the content outlines the structure of the platform and highlights a featured story about a player's notable achievement.
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Flashback: Diana Taurasi Wins NCAA Championship, Phoenix Struggles
Diana Taurasi is recognized as one of the WNBA's biggest stars, significantly impacting the league's direction. She spent her entire professional career with the Phoenix Mercury after being drafted by them in 2004, achieving numerous accomplishments including championships and record-breaking performances. Her legendary status with the Mercury is cemented, and her jersey retirement is anticipated. Taurasi's journey began during her highly successful college career at UConn. In the 2003-04 season, she led the Huskies to a 31-4 record, starting with a nine-game win streak before suffering losses to Duke and Notre Dame. UConn cruised through the NCAA tournament, defeating teams like Auburn, Penn State, and Minnesota, ultimately winning the championship by beating Tennessee in a rematch of the previous year's final. During that championship 2003-04 season, Taurasi averaged 16.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.5 steals, earning her second Most Outstanding Player award. The previous season (2002-03), where UConn lost only one game, she averaged 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks, winning her first Most Outstanding Player award after beating Tennessee in the final. Taurasi's college success translated to the WNBA. Although it took a few seasons for the Mercury to reach the playoffs after drafting her, they won a championship early in her career. She led the team through many successful seasons thereafter. Now that her playing days are over, the Mercury organization aims to carry on her winning tradition with their current talented roster, which is performing at a high level and has the potential to win another championship.
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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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Celtics predicted to land $113 million All-Star guard
The Boston Celtics are undergoing a significant transformation this offseason, potentially making them the league's most changed team, with further moves possible. This shift began after star player Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear during the playoffs' second round. Without Tatum, the Celtics are unlikely to compete for a championship, making the upcoming season essentially a "gap year." Reflecting this outlook, President Brad Stevens made several major moves. The Celtics traded away key championship starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Additionally, they lost Luke Kornet in free agency and Al Horford is also likely departing. While the team still aims to compete and reach the playoffs next season, avoiding the luxury tax "second apron" became the top priority once it became clear they wouldn't contend for the title. Despite the current reset, the Celtics expect to return to being one of the Eastern Conference's elite teams when Tatum returns alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White for the 2026-27 season. Because the Celtics are effectively taking a year off, Bleacher Report identified Boston as the top potential destination for Damian Lillard. Lillard is also recovering from a playoff Achilles tear and is expected to miss most or all of next season. This shared recovery timeline makes Boston an intriguing fit. The Celtics could fully embrace the gap year strategy with Lillard, focusing on rehabilitating both stars before making a championship push in 2027. Although Lillard, recently let go by Milwaukee, still has significant ability, any team acquiring him must wait for his return. The Celtics are uniquely positioned to afford this waiting period, allowing both Lillard and Tatum to recover together without immediate competitive pressure.
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Warriors still have huge chance to complete what few think possible
The Golden State Warriors began free agency with only nine contracted players but have made no moves in over a week, causing fan frustration about their offseason prospects. However, the team still has opportunities to improve its roster despite the slow start, as several impactful free agents remain available. Financial constraints limit the Warriors' flexibility, with significant salary cap space tied to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. Major roster changes were always unlikely, especially given the team's strong 23-7 record with Butler late last season. The only confirmed departure is Kevon Looney, who joined the Pelicans after receiving no offer from Golden State. Kevin Knox, Braxton Key, and Pat Spencer are unlikely to return, while Gary Payton II could re-sign on team-friendly terms. Jonathan Kuminga's restricted free agency situation is delaying other moves. The Warriors maintain control over negotiations in a weak market for restricted free agents and prioritize securing the right deal over rushing. Meanwhile, viable free-agent options persist that could bolster the roster. Golden State appears poised to sign veterans Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton, who would provide starter-level upgrades over departed role players. Remaining roster spots could target frontcourt spacing specialists like Chris Boucher or Trey Lyles. For higher-risk, high-reward moves, the Warriors might pursue Bradley Beal if he becomes a free agent via buyout, or consider Damian Lillard post-All-Star break following his Achilles recovery. Kuminga's resolution remains central—either through an immediate sign-and-trade or a contract facilitating a mid-season trade. These potential moves outline a clear pathway for Golden State to assemble a stronger roster than last season's second-round playoff exit team, though contention in the competitive Western Conference remains uncertain.
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"Every single time that we eliminated them, Mike found me, shook my hand" - Joe Dumars says it’s a myth Michael Jordan never showed sportsmanship
The news challenges the popular narrative that Michael Jordan lacked sportsmanship towards the Detroit Pistons after playoff defeats, specifically referencing the infamous 1991 walk-off. Joe Dumars, a key player for the Pistons "Bad Boys" era, reveals a different reality. Dumars recounts that despite the intense rivalry and the Pistons eliminating Jordan's Chicago Bulls in three consecutive playoff series between 1988 and 1990, Jordan consistently demonstrated respect privately. Dumars states that after each of those Bulls eliminations, "every single time... Mike found me, shook my hand and just whispered to me, 'Tough battle, great battle Joe, good luck in the final.'" This gesture, described as subtle and not for the cameras, occurred consistently – after the 1988 Eastern Conference semifinals and the 1989 and 1990 Eastern Conference finals. It happened even though Jordan endured significant physical and mental strain from the Pistons' aggressive "Jordan Rules" defense during those losses. Dumars' account reframes the relationship, suggesting the Pistons' "villainy" and Jordan's competitiveness were not one-dimensional, and that Jordan's sportsmanship existed beneath the surface rivalry. The media narrative often emphasized immense hatred, but Dumars highlights the underlying respect. The news notes that the 1991 Eastern Conference finals walk-off, where most Pistons left the bench without shaking hands after being swept by the Bulls (who then won their first championship), solidified the public perception of bad blood and Detroit's "villain legacy," contrasting sharply with the private interactions Dumars describes from previous years.
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Nick Wright ‘enraged’ by sports media’s LeBron James discourse
Nick Wright, known as a staunch defender of LeBron James, expressed intense frustration with the current media discourse surrounding James potentially being available via trade. He criticized the collective sports media reaction as dismissive ("a shrug or open annoyance") and undeserved, especially considering James' status as arguably the greatest or second-greatest player of all time who has never been traded or been the subject of trade rumors due to honoring his contracts. Wright finds the media's attitude outrageous, particularly when contrasted with the excitement generated by Kevin Durant's recent trade. Wright challenged the media's apparent lack of interest, questioning what they would rather discuss (like the "second apron" or Jonathan Kuminga's free agency) and suggesting actual intriguing trade scenarios involving James (e.g., for Karl-Anthony Towns). He pushed back against the narrative that James, despite being voted the sixth-best and sixth-most valuable player last season, isn't a significant trade target. Wright specifically refuted arguments about James' $52 million salary being problematic, comparing it to the salaries of Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Zach LaVine, calling such reasoning "nonsense". During his appearance on The Dan Le Batard Show, Wright addressed the general media atmosphere without initially naming specific individuals, though he mentioned being surprised by Howard Beck's dismissive reaction (noted as being brought up by Le Batard). When Le Batard argued that Wright's criticism felt like a "strawman" without naming names, Wright accused Le Batard of fishing for a viral clip or an "Awful Announcing article". Wright then lightly called out Bill Simmons by name. Wright's core frustration extends beyond the immediate coverage; he sees it as part of a decades-long pattern, dating back to "The Decision," where the media treats LeBron James as an "annoyance" rather than the legendary figure he is.
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Michael Grady will have reduced presence on Timberwolves games this season as national duties grow
Michael Grady, the Timberwolves television play-by-play announcer, will become one of Amazon's regular national NBA play-by-play announcers for the upcoming season. Amazon is beginning its first year of NBA coverage and has added Grady to its rotation alongside Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, and Eric Collins. Due to this national role, Grady will broadcast a reduced, "modified" schedule of Timberwolves games locally on FanDuel Sports Network next season. However, his role with the Timberwolves organization will expand to include creating more digital and social media content, such as game-day previews and player features. Grady expressed enthusiasm about maintaining his connection to the Timberwolves fanbase while expanding nationally, calling it a privilege to tell the team's stories. The Timberwolves have not yet announced who will handle local play-by-play duties when Grady is unavailable for games. Additionally, Grady is set to be Amazon's lead WNBA play-by-play announcer. He joined the Timberwolves in 2022 and has partnered with analyst Jim Petersen for the past three seasons. Amazon's NBA coverage is part of a new 11-year partnership between the NBA, Amazon, NBC/Peacock, and ESPN/ABC, replacing Turner Sports (TNT). This new national rights contract is reportedly worth around $76 billion over its lifetime.
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Aces' Wilson out vs. Mystics with wrist injury
A'ja Wilson, a three-time MVP, has been ruled out for the Las Vegas Aces' game against the Washington Mystics on Thursday due to a right wrist injury sustained during Tuesday's game. Wilson underwent an MRI on Wednesday morning and was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to out on Thursday morning. This season, Wilson had been averaging 21.9 points and nine rebounds per game before the injury. She previously missed three games due to concussion protocol, during which the Aces went 2-1. The Aces also lost Tuesday's game against the Liberty after Wilson exited early. The injury occurred six minutes into the second quarter when Wilson landed hard on her right arm and wrist after attempting a layup. She remained on the floor for several minutes surrounded by her team but managed to get up on her own. Wilson stayed in the game briefly for a few more possessions before heading to the locker room and was officially ruled out during halftime.
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PBA: Lassiter leads way for balanced Beermen in Game 2
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria praised swingman Marcio Lassiter following the team's 100-83 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. The win evened the best-of-seven series at 1-1. Lassiter stepped up significantly with 16 points, including four three-pointers, as star center June Mar Fajardo played limited minutes due to a calf injury. Fajardo finished with only two points and seven rebounds during his restricted court time. Austria highlighted Lassiter's championship experience and situational awareness, noting: "He knows what the situation is and he stepped up. That's why he's here right now." The coach emphasized that Lassiter's ten championships with San Miguel prepared him for crucial moments when the team needed leadership. Reflecting on the performance, Lassiter attributed the victory to improved team execution: "From Game 1, we noticed certain things we could do better. Tonight we had more assists – everyone shared the ball well." His scoring surge proved pivotal in compensating for Fajardo's reduced contribution.
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Why Warriors’ Stephen Curry just lost out on NBA-high $5.1 million in salary
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors will lose $5.1 million from his 2024-25 salary of $55.8 million due to the NBA's escrow system. This adjustment is not related to a new contract or sponsorship but stems from the league's mechanism to maintain the 51-49 split of basketball-related income (BRI) between players and team owners as per the collective bargaining agreement. The NBA sets aside a portion of player salaries (10% last season) in an escrow fund. After final accounting, players receive only a small fraction back, especially when BRI is lower than expected. This season's BRI reached a record $10.25 billion, but playoff revenue was impacted by smaller-market teams advancing deep and local media rights issues. Other high-earning players like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Kevin Durant also faced significant salary reductions ranging from $4.5 to $4.7 million. However, Curry's $5.1 million loss is the largest individual hit, highlighting the escrow system's substantial effect on the league's top contracts. The escrow system, introduced in 1999, has evolved. During prosperous times in the mid-2010s, players often received full refunds or even extra payouts when revenues exceeded projections. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the league temporarily increased withholdings and carried losses into subsequent seasons. The long-term financial outlook appears positive. With the NBA securing new $77 billion broadcast deals, the salary cap is expected to continue rising. Players are projected to receive full escrow payouts by the 2025-26 season. Despite being the league's top earner and significant off-court income (reportedly nearly $100 million), Curry is subject to this escrow reduction, illustrating the NBA's revenue-sharing mechanism impacting even its highest-paid stars.
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Ben Stiller and Cameron Johnson excited about Nuggets, Jokic
The Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to acquire forward Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson expressed significant enthusiasm about joining Denver, stating to reporter Marc J. Spears, "I'm excited! I get an opportunity to compete with some of the league’s best. What more can I ask for." He reiterated this excitement about competing for a championship to reporter Michael Scotto, calling it "a new beginning." Actor Ben Stiller publicly praised Johnson, sharing a clip from Johnson's appearance on "The Young Man and the Three" podcast. Stiller tweeted that Johnson "could be a great NBA analyst after playing" and expressed excitement about seeing Johnson play alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver. Johnson is coming off a strong individual season with the Nets, where he posted career highs in points per game (18.8), field goal percentage (48%), three-point percentage (39%), free throw percentage (89%), and assists per game (3.4) over 57 games, while also averaging 4.3 rebounds. Despite being part of the Phoenix Suns' 2021 NBA Finals team, he has seen limited playoff action since joining the Nets in the Kevin Durant trade. The article suggests the trade significantly improves the Nuggets' championship odds. It highlights that Johnson's acquisition provides Denver with a productive player coming off a career year, offers potential career revitalization, and comes on a much cheaper contract than Porter Jr.'s, allowing the Nuggets greater financial flexibility to build roster depth.
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A'ja Wilson Jokingly Accuses Jackie Young Of Nearly Giving Her a Concussion as Aces Star's IG Post Goes Viral
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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Perpetual Help Clinches Historic First NCAA Basketball Title
The University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas defeated La Salle Green Hills (LSGH) 101-67 in Game 3 to win the NCAA Season 100 juniors basketball championship. This marks Perpetual Help's first NCAA basketball championship in either the seniors' or juniors' division since joining the league in 1984, achieved after bouncing back from a Game 2 loss. The Junior Altas dominated the elimination round with an 8-1 record, finished atop the standings, and then defeated San Beda in the Final Four. In the finals series, Perpetual won Game 1 with clutch plays but saw victory slip away in Game 2 due to late heroics by LSGH before securing the title with a dominant Game 3 victory, spearheaded by league MVP Lebron Jhames Daep. La Salle Green Hills also had an admirable run, defeating higher-seeded Letran in the Final Four and pushing Perpetual to the limit in the finals.
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Justin Chua not expecting to suit up for Game 2
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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