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TOPNBA Star Jalen Williams Says He Retired His Parents, Opens Up on $287 Million Extension
Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams discussed his rapid rise from an unknown college player to one of the NBA's top young talents within just three years during an interview with TMZ Sports at LAX. Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, highlighted his successful 2025 season, which included All-Star and All-Defensive team selections, winning an NBA championship, and securing a massive five-year, $287 million contract extension. Williams described his journey as "surreal," emphasizing how quickly his life changed. He expressed particular pride in being able to retire his parents, Ronald and Nicole Williams, as a result of his success. Both parents served in the Air Force; Ronald worked as a jet engine mechanic and logistics specialist for 24 years, while Nicole worked in the medical field. Despite his achievements and new contract, Williams admitted he hasn't fully processed everything, including his significant payday, noting that the money hasn't hit his bank account yet. He also mentioned his focus on supporting his brother Cody Williams' professional career with the Utah Jazz, stating he plans to eventually step back and "soak it all in." On the court, Williams played a crucial role in the Thunder's NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers during the 2024-25 season, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
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TOPNBA Summer League: Standout players from Day 10
NBA 2K26 Summer League action continued on Tuesday, featuring standout performances. Terrence Shannon Jr. maintained his scoring consistency for the Minnesota Timberwolves, posting 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals in their win over Detroit. Despite seven turnovers, his scoring and defensive potential are viewed positively as he looks to fill a role vacated by Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The New York Knicks secured a 97-93 victory over the Brooklyn Nets thanks to a complementary effort from MarJon Beauchamp and Tyler Kolek. Kolek carried the offense in the first half with 23 points while Beauchamp struggled. Beauchamp then rebounded in the second half, scoring 20 of his total 25 points. Kolek also finished with 25 points, along with five 3-pointers, four assists, and four steals. The Knicks held off a late Nets rally led by Drew Timme (24 points, 10 rebounds). Ajay Mitchell and Branden Carlson led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Orlando Magic with a strong combined performance. Ja'Kobe Walter delivered a standout game for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 27 points despite their loss to the Houston Rockets.
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DREAM VS SKY PREDICTIONS, PICKS & ODDS FOR TODAY’S WNBA GAME
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray has been struggling with her 3-point shot recently, making only 2 of 13 attempts in her last two games, falling below her season average of 2.3 made threes per game at a 39% success rate. However, a matchup against the Chicago Sky presents a strong opportunity for Gray to bounce back. The Sky allow an average of 10 made three-pointers on 27 attempts per game and are further weakened defensively by the absence of guard Ariel Atkins, a key perimeter defender. Given Chicago's poor switching, thin backcourt, and Atkins' injury, Gray is expected to receive ample open looks during her anticipated 30+ minutes of play. This situation creates favorable conditions for her to exceed her recent performance. The article specifically recommends betting on Allisha Gray to make Over 2.5 three-pointers in the game, citing strong value at even money (+100). Additional predictions include Jordin Canada making Over 1.5 threes and the Atlanta Dream winning the game (moneyline), suggesting a three-leg same-game parlay combining these outcomes.
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Building Duke's all-time roster: Does Cooper Flagg make the cut?
Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, considered one of college basketball's greatest coaches, stated that freshman Cooper Flagg is "definitely the best freshman that has ever played" at Duke, placing him among the program's elite players like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner. This prompted an analysis to determine where Flagg ranks on Duke's all-time roster after just one season. Compiling the roster proved complex, focusing strictly on collegiate accomplishments and evaluating 53 first-round NBA draft picks since 1985-86, plus other elite players who warranted acknowledgment despite limited playing time (like Kyrie Irving, whose potential was hampered by injury). Player polls, statistical impact, national-level performance, and sheer dominance were considered, with positions ignored to reflect today's game. The goal was a balanced roster, acknowledging the difficulty of comparing multi-year players from older eras to potential one-and-done stars like Flagg or Zion Williamson. Flagg emerged as the most polarizing candidate. Some former Duke players, including ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, argued one season was insufficient for all-time top-five consideration, regardless of talent. A member of the 1994 runner-up team and a star from the 1991/92 championship teams explicitly stated Flagg wouldn't make their all-time starting five, citing the lack of a national championship ring and the accomplishments of others like Grant Hill. They placed Flagg in a category similar to Kyrie Irving. Conversely, others, including a key member of the 2001 championship team, believed an argument could be made for Flagg at power forward, especially considering the modern style of play.
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Sabrina Ionescu to Compete in 2025 WNBA Starry® 3-Point Contest; Natasha Cloud to Make Kia WNBA Skills Challenge Debut
Sabrina Ionescu and her New York Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud have been selected to participate in two premier events during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend. This selection marks Sabrina Ionescu's return to the WNBA contest events, following her record-breaking performance in the 2023 contest. The events will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu Headline 3-Point Contest at 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend
Caitlin Clark will make her WNBA All-Star Weekend debut by participating in the 3-Point Contest on Friday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. She will compete against notable players including Kelsey Plum, Sonia Citron, former contest winner Sabrina Ionescu, and defending champion Allisha Gray for the three-point title. Defending champion Allisha Gray will also participate in the Skills Challenge on the same night. She will face Natasha Cloud, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Erica Wheeler, and Courtney Williams in this event, which features a timed obstacle course testing dribbling, passing, and various shooting skills. Both the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, preceding Saturday's All-Star Game. The Skills Challenge field includes three of the league's top four assists leaders: Williams, Diggins-Smith, and Cloud. Wheeler returns after missing last year's event due to flight issues. Gray enters the 3-Point Contest ranked fourth in the WNBA for three-pointers made this season, behind only Rhyne Howard, Kayla McBride, and fellow competitor Plum. She made history last year by becoming the first Atlanta Dream player to win an All-Star event and the first WNBA player to win both the 3-point contest and skills challenge. Gray won the 2024 3-point contest with a score of 22-for-40. To defend her 3-point title, Gray must outperform Sabrina Ionescu, who set a single-round record by going 37-for-40 to win the 2023 contest. Ionescu, who skipped the 2024 event while preparing for the Olympics, is shooting 30.9% from three-point range this season for the New York Liberty. Caitlin Clark, who set a WNBA rookie record with 122 three-pointers last season, declined to participate in the 2024 competition, citing a need for a break after transitioning directly from college. The reigning Rookie of the Year hopes her participation in the 2025 contest will help her bounce back from an injury-plagued second season where she is shooting just 28.9% from behind the arc. Sonia Citron enters the 3-Point Contest as the lone rookie participant. She has made 36.3% of her three-point attempts while averaging 6.2 attempts per game as a starter for the Washington Mystics.
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Jonquel Jones is on the cusp of her long-awaited Liberty return
Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello expressed satisfaction after hearing star center Jonquel Jones declare herself feeling "99.9999999999999999 percent" back to full health following a team practice at Barclays Center. Jones made this statement, humorously specifying 16 decimal places, ahead of her confirmed return for the Liberty's first game after the All-Star break on July 22nd against the Indiana Fever. Jones, the 2024 Finals MVP, participated in full five-on-five work for the first time on Saturday. She had been sidelined for eight games due to an aggravated right ankle injury suffered on June 19th against the Mercury. This was a recurrence of an initial ankle injury sustained on June 5th that caused her to miss two games. Doctors had given her a recovery timeline of four to six weeks. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty, causing their defense to falter without her presence in the paint and depriving the team of an important offensive piece both inside and from three-point range. During the stretch without Jones, the Liberty went 4-4. Five of those games were also without starter Leonie Fiebich, who was competing in Eurobasket for Germany. Jones has only played in nine games this season, averaging 12.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Despite the lengthy absence, Jones now reports feeling "great" and stated she doesn't feel her ankle during play. However, she noted that warming up remains "the hardest part" of her current routine.
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Michigan basketball: Dusty May and staff working hard to eliminate one major wart
Michigan basketball achieved significant success in the 2024-25 season under first-year head coach Dusty May, transforming from an 8-24 record to Big Ten Tournament champions and a Sweet 16 appearance. However, a persistent problem throughout the season was the team's high turnover rate, which frustrated fans and the coaching staff alike. Coach May and his staff implemented numerous drills and strategies to address the turnover issue during the season, but were unable to find a consistent solution. May noted the problem lacked a common theme, with different players responsible in different games. After the season, May assigned staff members to conduct a detailed analysis, categorizing turnovers into specific types (e.g., poor decision-making, defensive pressure, practice situations) to identify the root causes. He expressed frustration at the lack of definitive answers during the season, acknowledging that opponents ("the enemy") also contribute to forced errors. May revealed this offseason analysis is a deliberate mission, drawing parallels to a similar successful project he undertook at FAU where they identified concrete solutions. He emphasized that last season's turnovers often seemed random and unexplainable (e.g., dribbling off a foot), occurring even when the team played well. The staff exhausted various approaches to fix the problem, including punitive running drills inspired by Bob Knight and incentive-based systems, but none provided a lasting fix.
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Jaylin Williams report card: OKC Thunder backup center turned in career year
The Oklahoman's end-of-season player evaluation series focuses on Thunder center Jaylin Williams. While acknowledging his memorable championship parade moment, the report highlights his emergence as a valuable player beyond his charismatic personality. Williams averaged career highs in rebounds (5.6 per game), assists (2.6 per game), blocks (0.6 per game), and field goal percentage (43.9%), while tying his career high in points (5.9 per game). These are considered solid contributions for a third-team center. Thunder general manager Sam Presti emphasized Williams' unique role as an energy source for the team. Presti shared an anecdote from a frigid, early morning shootaround in Philadelphia, where Williams actively lifted team spirits amidst challenging conditions. While other players struggled to get going, Williams was "yelling everyone's names out and making jokes," keeping everyone loose and redirecting energy away from the harsh elements, thereby maintaining a positive team mood.
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Brooks Barnhizer proves why Thunder will become NBA's next great dynasty
The Oklahoma City Thunder's second-round pick Brooks Barnhizer has emerged as the standout among their rookies during the NBA Summer League, overshadowing their first-round selection Thomas Sorber. Barnhizer, selected 44th overall, has generated significant attention through five games in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas with his impressive two-way play. Averaging 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and a Summer League record 3.6 steals per game over approximately 26 minutes while shooting 50% from the field, Barnhizer has made a substantial impact on both ends of the court. His performance has been particularly notable for setting the record for most steals in two consecutive contests. This breakout aligns with the Thunder's established pattern of identifying valuable talent later in the draft, as demonstrated by previous successes like Aaron Wiggins and Ajay Mitchell. The organization views Barnhizer's emergence as potential confirmation of their ability to build a championship-caliber team. Barnhizer's development is especially valuable under the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement, where second-round picks provide significant financial flexibility. Their contracts can start at non-guaranteed minimum salaries that escalate slower than first-round deals, helping teams manage luxury tax concerns. This flexibility is crucial for Oklahoma City, whose payroll will increase dramatically following max contract extensions for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. While some doubt their ability to build a championship roster around these expensive contracts (citing the Boston Celtics' situation as a cautionary example), the Thunder possess a distinct advantage: they hold 12 incoming second-round picks between 2026 and 2031, providing them with exceptional draft capital to supplement their roster affordably.
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Marques Johnson breaks down his instant impressions of Milwaukee Bucks talent Bogoljub Markovic
The Milwaukee Bucks hold a 1-2 record in the NBA Summer League, providing significant playing time to their young players. Guard Jamaree Bouyea has performed impressively, capturing the attention of coach Doc Rivers for potential backcourt contributions. Another focus is second-round draft pick (47th overall in 2025) Bogoljub Markovic. While showcasing good performances, a former Bucks player expressed reservations. The former player, Johnson, commented that Markovic did "some OK things, some good things," but also things needing work, which is expected for a young player. Johnson acknowledged Markovic's talent and "tremendous upside" but suggested it might be better for the rookie to gain more seasoning if the Bucks don't urgently need him this season. Markovic scored 0 points in his first Summer League game but improved to 5 and 14 points in the subsequent two games. The article also notes broader team context. Despite the Bucks president addressing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, uncertainty about the star's future lingers. The team made significant roster moves by signing Myles Turner and waiving Damian Lillard, but the roster is still considered too light to be a championship contender. Bradley Beal, linked to the Bucks previously, is mentioned as a potential target as his time in Phoenix ends. The Bucks are actively trying to build a competitive roster around Antetokounmpo as he desired.
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How Mark Daigneault uses Mother Nature to motivate Thunder in championship season
Fresh off an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein has been reflecting on his successful season, which included career-high averages of 11.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. As a key player in their title run, he utilized a double-big lineup alongside Chet Holmgren during the playoffs and has since appeared on various media outlets, including "The Rich Eisen Show," to discuss his departure from the New York Knicks and his Thunder experience. During his interview, Hartenstein humorously revealed an unconventional motivational tactic employed by Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault. Describing Daigneault as "very good crazy," Hartenstein explained that the coach would show players videos of animals hunting before games or practices, connecting these nature scenes to basketball concepts. Hartenstein praised Daigneault's unique ability to motivate and explain the game, calling him a "great coach" whose stoic demeanor instills confidence in the team. Hartenstein further emphasized Daigneault's impact, highlighting his constant reinforcement of a "0-0 mentality" to keep players balanced and present-focused. He also commended Daigneault's exceptional in-game adjustments, stating the coach has become one of his favorites to play for. This insight into Daigneault's methods—which helped transform him from an unknown rebuild coach to a widely recognized top NBA coach—was a standout moment of the interview.
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Can OKC Thunder Extend Lu Dort's Contract in 2027?
The Oklahoma City Thunder successfully extended their core trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren to long-term max contracts during the 2025 offseason. While the team's ownership has the financial capacity to pay its stars and maintain a deep roster through rookie contracts and annual draft restocking, financial sacrifices will become necessary in the coming years. Guard Lu Dort emerges as a potential candidate to be sacrificed. He is set to earn $18.2 million this season, with a team option for the same amount next offseason. The Thunder would likely seek a new deal for Dort at that point, but their ability to offer one may be restricted. Dort, considered a potential "lifer" since his 2019-2020 rookie year, has developed into one of the NBA's premier 3-and-D players within the franchise. However, when his contract expires, he could command $20-25 million annually, a price tag that might be financially burdensome for the Thunder. Despite his importance over the last five years, Dort is viewed as more replaceable than the core trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren. While a path exists for Dort to remain long-term, especially given the Thunder's multi-season window and GM Sam Presti's forward-thinking approach, the unpredictable league landscape makes the outcome uncertain. At minimum, the team will likely have to part with either Dort or Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein, an impending free agent, appears the more likely candidate to depart, as the Thunder can develop Thomas Sorber to fill his role.
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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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Larsson, Ware continue to provide answers as Heat down Celtics in summer league
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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UP, NU set up FilOil Preseason Cup Finals duel
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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Should OKC Thunder Add Shooting This Offseason?
Despite winning the NBA title, the Oklahoma City Thunder may need to improve their shooting for next season. While their offseason has been quiet so far with minimal roster moves (trading Dillon Jones, signing Branden Carlson and Brooks Barnhizer to two-way deals) and optimism exists due to returning draft picks and Nikola Topic's recovery from injury, a potential weakness has been identified. The Thunder could face stagnation if they simply run back the same roster, a trend seen with other championship teams. Although their youth may help avoid this, addressing their biggest playoff flaw – inconsistent shooting – is crucial. During the regular season, Isaiah Joe provided reliable outside shooting but became unplayable in the playoffs due to defensive shortcomings. The team's 3-point performance plummeted from 6th in percentage and 10th in attempts during the regular season to just 33.8% in the playoffs. Acquiring elite shooters who also fit defensively might be difficult. However, the Thunder have alternatives: relying on internal development from their young players and the experience gained during their playoff run. This could lead to better shot selection and execution next postseason without needing major roster changes.
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OKC Thunder NBA Champion gives honest Dallas Mavericks statement
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the reigning NBA champions after a dominant season, though questions linger about Tyrese Haliburton's Game 7 Finals injury. Two-time NBA champion Alex Caruso, interviewed about the upcoming season, commented on the Dallas Mavericks' prospects following their draft of Cooper Flagg. Caruso emphasized uncertainty, stating, "We got to see how they're gonna be," specifically noting Kyrie Irving's injury status ("He might be out the whole year. He might come back late. A lot of that depends on him."). Irving tore his ACL in March and underwent surgery in April. Initial reports suggested a January or February return, but Irving has since indicated he won't rush his recovery, prioritizing being 100% healthy before returning. Until Irving returns, the Mavericks present an interesting team dynamic with the addition of Flagg. While they possess a "loaded frontcourt" featuring Flagg, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Naji Marshall, their backcourt is considered a potential weakness. The team signed D'Angelo Russell to fill in at point guard, but the article notes that relying on Russell "doesn't always lead to success."
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Yuki Kawamura's Heartfelt Ja Morant Statement
Yuki Kawamura, a guard for the Chicago Bulls and former player with the Memphis Grizzlies, has been featured in the Bulls' first two games at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The Bulls added him to their roster earlier this month after the Grizzlies decided not to extend his contract, giving him significant playing time. After scoring four points in a 109-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, Kawamura spoke to the media, expressing his affection for Memphis. He stated, "I miss Memphis for sure," praising the city's people as "so nice" and expressing his desire to have played there this season. However, he acknowledged the move as a business decision, saying, "It is what it is," while expressing satisfaction with his current opportunity with the Bulls and emphasizing his need to improve. During the game, Kawamura's former teammate Ja Morant showed support by posting an Instagram story watching him play. When asked about Morant, Kawamura responded emotionally, saying, "Of course I miss him," and referred to Morant as his "big brother." He added that Morant is planning a trip to Japan soon, and Kawamura hopes to be in Japan at the same time to reunite with him. Looking ahead, Kawamura and the Bulls are scheduled to face the Indiana Pacers at 6 p.m. ET on Monday, with the game airing nationally on ESPNU. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, will play the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, broadcast on NBATV.
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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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Indiana Pacers Confirm Tyrese Haliburton Out For 2025-2026 Season
Indiana Pacers President Kevin Pritchard announced that star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-2026 NBA season. Pritchard also stated he was very vocal about Haliburton playing through a strained calf during the NBA Finals and would not change that decision if given the chance again. This situation raises questions about the Pacers' outlook without Haliburton for the upcoming season. With Haliburton out and center Myles Turner departing in free agency, the Pacers have two significant openings in their starting lineup. The returning starters are Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith. The team acquired Jay Huff from the Timberwolves in an effort to help fill the void left by Turner's departure. The Pacers will rely on players like T.J. McConnell and Benedict Mathurin to take on expanded roles next season. The organization believes it made the correct decision to prioritize Haliburton's full recovery to return to his elite level, rather than rushing him back after a long layoff. They aim to take pressure off the upcoming season and focus on Haliburton's long-term health. The 2025-26 season is viewed as a period for developing younger talent and building team chemistry. The Pacers' front office is confident in their choice to allow Haliburton sufficient rehab time and is betting on the team's future success with him leading it upon his return. The organization anticipates Haliburton coming back stronger and the team being prepared for his return.
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Fever surge to dominant 99-82 home win over Dream as Caitlin Clark ramps up from injury
The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream 99-82 in their fourth and final regular season matchup. After a close first half where Atlanta led by five points, the Fever surged offensively in the second half to secure the 17-point home victory. Atlanta guard Jordin Canada had an outstanding first half, scoring a career-high 26 points including six 3-pointers, helping the Dream build their halftime lead. However, Canada cooled off after halftime, finishing with a career-best 30 points total. The Dream initially extended their lead to seven in the third quarter before Indiana took control. The Fever benefited from a rare fully healthy roster. While Caitlin Clark, still returning from injury, had a relatively quiet night with 12 points and 9 assists (shooting 1-7 from three), other key players stepped up. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 25 points, including a clutch late three-pointer. Aliyah Boston contributed 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists before fouling out late in the fourth quarter, receiving a standing ovation from the home crowd. Sophie Cunningham provided significant bench production with a 16-point double-double in nearly 30 minutes of play. For Atlanta, forward Rhyne Howard returned after leaving in the first half with a left leg injury, finishing with 14 points. Despite Canada's career performance, the Dream struggled overall with shooting efficiency, particularly in the paint, and were outrebounded.
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Former Thunder first-round pick is taking unlikely path back to NBA
Throughout his 17 years leading the Oklahoma City Thunder, General Manager Sam Presti has experienced significant successes in the NBA Draft, highlighted by recent max contract extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. However, Presti's draft record also includes notable misses, such as Aleksej Pokusevski and Ousmane Dieng. A specific past draft failure, Darius Bazley, is currently attempting an NBA comeback with the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League team. After playing in the Chinese Basketball League and the NBA G League last season, Bazley received an invitation to join the Lakers' Summer League roster this offseason. Through four Summer League games, Bazley has emerged as a reliable asset for the Lakers, primarily coming off the bench. He is averaging impressive all-around numbers: 15.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, while shooting 56.7% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. While his scoring has drawn attention, his defensive intensity, shot-blocking, switchability, and versatility, fueled by his length and athleticism, have been key to the Lakers' competitiveness. Bazley was originally selected 23rd overall by the Thunder in the 2019 NBA Draft, ahead of players like Jordan Poole and Nic Claxton. He spent three and a half seasons in Oklahoma City, showing flashes of potential (averaging 9.2 points and 5.4 rebounds) but ultimately failing to consistently realize his potential as a two-way player. The Thunder traded him to the Phoenix Suns in February 2023 for Dario Saric, a future second-round pick, and cash. Bazley subsequently moved between teams before falling out of the NBA entirely after the 2023-24 season. Now 25 years old, Bazley aims to return to the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Based on his strong performance with the Lakers Summer League squad, he appears to be making significant progress towards achieving that goal.
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OKC Thunder: Is Ousmane Dieng's Roster Spot Safe for Next Season?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are retaining most of their NBA championship roster but face a potential decision regarding forward Ousmane Dieng. Dieng, entering the final season of his rookie contract, has primarily been a development project for the team over the past three years. While he has excelled in the G League, he has only shown occasional flashes of being an NBA contributor and currently holds a standard roster spot. Following the trade of Dillon Jones to Washington to create a spot for Thomas Sorber, Dieng initially appeared safe. However, the article states that if the Thunder seek to make any further roster additions this offseason, Dieng is the most likely candidate to be cut to clear a spot. Oklahoma City's current situation makes additional moves seem unlikely, giving Dieng a good chance to start next season with the team. Despite this, it wouldn't be surprising if the Thunder parted ways with Dieng to gain roster flexibility, a strategy they employed early last season. Furthermore, if a player on a two-way contract (like Branden Carlson or Brooks Barnhizer) performs exceptionally well at the start of next season, Dieng's roster position could become vulnerable. The article notes that Thunder GM Sam Presti has a history of retaining draft picks until their final contract year to fully evaluate them, as seen with players like Darius Bazley and Aleksej Pokusevski. Therefore, keeping Dieng for next season wouldn't necessarily indicate confidence or a desire to retain him beyond 2026, but rather that the organization believes he deserves a final chance to showcase his skills and prove he belongs. Ultimately, while Dieng still possesses potential to succeed in the NBA and could land elsewhere, the upcoming season represents a critical, and potentially final, opportunity for him to make a significant impact with the Thunder. If he remains on the roster, breaking through will be a significant challenge.
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Hoop dreams: Sam Presti’s ride from CCHS to NBA crown
Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA championship win, Sam Presti, the team's executive vice president and general manager, texted his former high school basketball coach, John McNamara. Presti expressed his gratitude for the role McNamara played in his life, which McNamara described as reflecting Presti's integrity and willingness to share success. Presti, a 1995 graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS), attributes his success to his upbringing in Concord, Massachusetts. He stated he "never would have been" who he is today without those Concord influences and considers himself "a product of all those people" who helped him, feeling fortunate for the relationships and community he grew up in. Presti started playing basketball relatively late, having played baseball in his early years. His interest shifted to basketball during his sophomore year, spending much of his youth playing on various hidden courts around Concord. He described being captain of the CCHS Patriots team as "everything," emphasizing the importance of playing with friends and representing his town, which he took very seriously. Presti highlighted special education teacher Harriet Stevens as a major influence, calling her more than a teacher – an encourager and a source of confidence who "met me where I was and stayed with me." Stevens expressed feeling privileged to be Presti's friend and mentor, noting the unusual pleasure of seeing the results of her work and that it makes her very happy.
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Be afraid, be very afraid, as the Thunder ties down its young core of stars | Berry Tramel’s ScissorTales
The Oklahoma City Thunder management avoids discussing dynasty aspirations, but their actions demonstrate significant commitment by securing long-term contract extensions for their core players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have all signed or agreed to deals keeping them with the Thunder through at least the summer of 2031. This represents a major financial investment by owner Clay Bennett's group. The trio forms a formidable core expected to intimidate the entire NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander (26) is considered one of the world's best players. Williams (24) cemented his superstar status with a 40-point performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and a third-team All-NBA selection. Holmgren (23) is already a defensive standout with potential to become special offensively. As a result of securing this core, the Thunder are currently viewed as the runaway favorite to win the 2026 NBA championship. They are projected to start the next several seasons as the class of the league. However, the article cautions that actually winning a title remains difficult due to potential factors like injuries, the rise of other teams, or unforeseen setbacks. Despite the inherent uncertainties, the Thunder's future is described as exceptionally bright. Gilgeous-Alexander remains great and possibly improving, Williams showcased remarkable versatility even while playing through a torn wrist tendon in the playoffs, and Holmgren emerged as a significant defensive force.
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PBA Finals: Jordan Heading ready to keep steping up for TNT
TNT guard Jordan Heading views his role in the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup Finals as a responsibility rather than pressure, stepping up to fill the void left by the absence of two previous Finals MVPs, Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac. He acknowledges the need to be a creator for the team with both players injured. The Tropang Giga enter their third consecutive Finals appearance missing key personnel. Jayson Castro, the Governors' Cup Finals MVP, is out for the season with a patellar tendon injury. Rey Nambatac, who stepped up to win the Commissioner's Cup Finals MVP after Castro's injury, is also sidelined for the Philippine Cup Finals due to a groin injury suffered early in the conference. Heading, a star guard previously with Converge, was traded to TNT in May. He naturally fits the role of a primary playmaker for the finals, as he plays the same guard position that Castro and Nambatac occupied when they earned their Finals MVP honors.
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