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TOPCeltics' new forward shares humbling take on how he ended up in Boston
Jalen Bridges, released by the Phoenix Suns after his rookie season on a two-way contract, joined the Boston Celtics for Summer League on his agent's advice. Despite being benched in their opening game, he started against the New York Knicks when first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez rested, seizing the opportunity with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Celtics Summer League coach Matt Reynolds praised Bridges’ readiness and professionalism, noting he "filled a role" without overextending after entering the lineup unexpectedly. Bridges stated his primary goal is to demonstrate maximum effort to impress both the Celtics and league observers, believing hard work naturally leads to opportunities: "When you play hard, the rest takes care of itself." Reflecting on his Suns tenure—where he averaged 1.1 points across eight games—he took responsibility for his release, acknowledging he underperformed relative to his capabilities. Motivated by his status as West Virginia's first active NBA player in nearly a decade and his undrafted background, Bridges embraces a "chip on his shoulder" mentality. He emphasizes controlling daily improvements and staying present to ensure his next opportunity surpasses his Phoenix experience, regardless of whether his path leads to Boston, another NBA deal, or overseas basketball.
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TOPNew additions to bring motivation and technical fouls
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks expresses an unconventional perspective on technical fouls, viewing them as a deliberate strategy to energize the home crowd rather than a source of frustration. He stated, "No bullshit. I don't back down from anybody or anything," embracing his role as an intense and often controversial player ("the villain") who thrives on emotion. Brooks believes this approach can provide the Suns with a necessary competitive edge, framing the team's potential identity as "the villains." Brooks also described his arrival in Phoenix as feeling "written in stone," referencing a previous trade "miscommunication" that didn't materialize when he was with the Memphis Grizzlies. He and teammate Jalen Green share a history, having both been surprisingly traded away by the Houston Rockets despite the team's second-place finish in the Western Conference last season. This experience has left both players with significant motivation and "a chip on their shoulders." This shared motivation was highlighted when Jalen Green interrupted Brooks' Suns interview. When Brooks commented positively on the trade bringing them to Phoenix as "an opportunity," Green emphatically interjected twice with the word "Motivation," clearly signaling their driven mindset stemming from being moved by the Rockets.
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NBA speculation points to internal friction among Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers, despite low expectations after their Eastern Conference Finals appearance, surprisingly reached the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season, their first since 2000. However, they failed to win the championship, with Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear cited as a major factor. In a significant roster move, star center Myles Turner departed in free agency, signing a four-year, $107 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Both Turner's decision to leave the Pacers and his choice of the Bucks as his destination were considered shocking within NBA circles. Speculation from an Eastern Conference scout and Clutch Points' Brett Siegel suggests potential internal friction within the Pacers organization might have contributed to Turner's departure. The decision not to retain Turner on a fair contract is viewed as potentially devastating for Indiana's future, especially with Haliburton confirmed to miss the entire upcoming 2025-26 regular season due to his Achilles rehab. With Haliburton sidelined, the Pacers are not expected to contend for another Finals appearance soon. The report concludes that while winning resolves issues, losing can create friction, making the Pacers a team to watch closely in the coming season.
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Caitlin Clark Debuts 'Cookie Monster' Kobe 6 PE Shoes in Photos
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark debuted a new all-blue colorway of her Kobe 6 Protro player edition sneakers ahead of Sunday's game against the Dallas Wings. This specific design was inspired by Cookie Monster from Sesame Street. Despite Clark's status as the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, fans currently can only obtain her player editions (PEs), as her signature shoe line with Nike is not expected to launch until 2026 at the earliest. Nike previously released a Fever-themed Kobe 5 Protro in her honor in June, which sold out online almost immediately. Clark's popularity remains high even though injuries have limited her to just 11 appearances this season and slightly affected her performance. Sunday marks her third game back from a groin injury, with head coach Stephanie White gradually reintegrating her into the rotation; Clark has played fewer than 30 minutes in each of her last two games. Clark is working to regain her rhythm. In her recent games – a loss to the Golden State Valkyries and a win over the Atlanta Dream – she combined for 22 points, shooting 9-of-29 from the floor. Should her shooting improve against the Wings, the "Cookie Monster" Kobe 6 Protros are likely to remain in her rotation.
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Suns' Ryan Dunn, rookies Khaman Maluach, Rasheer Fleming out for game vs Hawks
The Phoenix Suns will be without Ryan Dunn and first-round draft pick Khaman Maluach for their NBA Summer League game against the Atlanta Hawks on July 13 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. This decision was made due to the team playing back-to-back games, with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings scheduled for the following day. In the Suns' previous Summer League game on Friday, Dunn contributed 17 points in a victory over Washington, while Maluach scored 14 points in his NBA Summer League debut. Their absence will impact the team's rotation for the upcoming contest. Additionally, Rasheer Fleming will miss his second consecutive game due to right knee soreness, further reducing the Suns' available player roster for Sunday's matchup.
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Report: Former Wisconsin star turned down millions to join Phoenix Suns
Former Wisconsin Badgers star Nigel Hayes-Davis is returning to the NBA with the Phoenix Suns, turning down a significantly more lucrative contract offer from his European club, Fenerbahce Istanbul. Hayes-Davis initially entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent with the New York Knicks after the 2016-17 season, appearing briefly in games for the Lakers, Raptors, and Kings before embarking on a European career in 2017-18. Hayes-Davis found considerable success playing in Europe, particularly with Fenerbahce. His achievements include earning All-Second Team Turkish League honors in 2023, winning back-to-back Turkish Cups in 2024 and 2025 (earning MVP both times), and culminating in becoming a EuroLeague Champion and Finals MVP in 2025. Following his 2024 season, NBA star Kevin Durant recommended an NBA team sign him. Despite receiving a three-year, $9 million contract offer from Fenerbahce this offseason, Hayes-Davis prioritized his long-standing goal of returning to the NBA. He actively pursued this for several years and ultimately accepted a one-year, fully guaranteed $2 million deal with the Phoenix Suns. To facilitate this move, Hayes-Davis paid Fenerbahce $1 million to buy out his existing contract. Hayes-Davis now joins a Suns team aiming to return to the playoffs after missing last season. Under new head coach Jordan Ott, he will compete for playing time at small forward alongside newly acquired Dillon Brooks and veteran Royce O'Neale.
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Mercury History: Diana Taurasi And Teammates Represent Team USA
Team USA has dominated Olympic women's basketball, winning 10 gold medals in 13 appearances, including eight consecutive golds since 1996. The U.S. teams have featured numerous stars, including several players from the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury who contributed to gold medal victories. Notable players mentioned include Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, and Sue Bird. Diana Taurasi, a key Mercury player, joined the Olympic team in 2004 alongside players like Leslie and Swoopes. That year, Team USA secured gold after blowout wins over New Zealand, Spain, and Greece, defeating Russia in the semifinal (66-62) and Australia in the final. In the 2008 Olympics, Taurasi was joined by fellow Mercury player Cappie Pondexter. Team USA dominated again, beating Australia 92-65 for the gold medal. Taurasi played again in 2012, serving as the team's leading scorer (averaging 12.4 points). The team, featuring players like Candace Parker and Maya Moore, and with Mercury alumna Jennifer Gillom as an assistant coach, won gold while continuing their dominance. For the 2016 Olympics, Taurasi was joined by Mercury teammate Brittney Griner. Taurasi led the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), while Griner led in rebounding (5.9 rpg). Team USA defeated Spain 101-72 in the final to win gold and extend their streak. Taurasi and Griner returned for the 2020 Olympics, joined by Mercury teammate Skylar Diggins-Smith. This trio helped lead Team USA to another gold medal victory. In her final Olympic appearance in 2024, Taurasi was joined by Griner and new Mercury teammate Kahleah Copper. The trio represented Team USA, which won gold after a close 67-66 victory over France. Throughout this period of dominance, players from the Phoenix Mercury franchise have played a significant role for Team USA, and the franchise is expected to continue contributing to future success.
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Ja Morant’s New Sneaker Is Getting a Glow-in-the-Dark ‘Zombie’ Update for Halloween
The Nike Ja 3 Halloween is an upcoming style in Ja Morant's signature shoe line, continuing the series' tradition of Halloween-inspired designs that tie into his personal life. Newly revealed images detail the sneaker's features, including a predominantly neon green colorway with a tie-dye effect, a vertical Swoosh with a red border and "twelve" embroidery on the heels, a fang-like dubrae spelling "Morant," and brown shoelaces. The insole displays "Zombie" alongside a zombie-like depiction of Morant, and the shoe has glow-in-the-dark capabilities from the rubber outsole to the Kurim-reinforced upper. Alongside the Halloween style, other upcoming Ja 3 models include the NY vs. NY and EYBL colorways, both featuring hand-drawn graffiti marks by Morant, as part of Nike's holiday 2025 basketball line preview. Morant's multiyear, multimillion-dollar Nike deal began in 2019, and the company publicly supported him during 2023 controversies involving gun-related social media incidents, emphasizing accountability and well-being in a June 2023 statement. The Nike Ja 3 Halloween is expected to release on October 21, 2025, via Nike's e-commerce store and select Nike Basketball retailers, priced at $140 with the style code HV9923-700.
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NBA Insiders Reportedly Focused on Giannis' Future over LeBron amid Trade Rumors
NBA personnel at the Summer League in Las Vegas are reportedly more interested in the future of Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo than Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, according to insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. The reporters stated that the primary curiosity among attendees is not LeBron James' future. They emphasized that any theoretical trade involving James would require his consent due to his no-trade clause and would involve extremely complicated salary cap math to match his $52.6 million salary for next season. Instead, the greater focus is on Giannis Antetokounmpo. This heightened interest stems from a recent video appearance where Giannis hesitated before stating "I love Milwaukee." That brief moment of hesitation has fueled league-wide questioning about his satisfaction with the Bucks' offseason moves, particularly the controversial decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard's contract to sign Myles Turner away from the Pacers. Further driving the speculation around Giannis is his age and elite status: he is 10 years younger than LeBron, a reigning seven-time All-NBA First Teamer, and just finished third in MVP voting. The potential availability of a superstar who could dominate for years naturally attracts significant attention. While both Giannis and LeBron have been subjects of trade rumors this offseason, nothing concrete has developed. There are no indications either player is actively seeking a major change. The current focus remains on interpreting potentially cryptic messages like Giannis' video moment. As the offseason progresses, any potential movement involving these stars appears to be purely speculative at this stage.
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Chris Paul Contract Reportedly Being Weighed by Clippers, Suns After Hornets Interest
The Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are both reportedly still considering the possibility of reuniting with veteran point guard Chris Paul, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. It was also reported that Paul rejected an approach from the Charlotte Hornets earlier in the NBA free agency period. Paul himself stated at the American Black Film Festival that he plans to play "at most, a year" at this point in his career. Paul has played 20 NBA seasons, earning numerous accolades including 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, nine All-Defensive Team selections, and a spot on the league's 75th Anniversary Team. Last season, the 40-year-old played for the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while starting all 82 contests and averaging 28.0 minutes per game. Despite nearing retirement, Paul still draws league interest and has options to consider as he approaches what is expected to be his 21st and final NBA season.
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Insider Assures Suns Star Will Be Bought Out
The Phoenix Suns are expected to finalize a buyout of guard Bradley Beal soon, following the precedent set by the Milwaukee Bucks' recent buyout of Damian Lillard's $113 million contract. NBA insider Fred Katz confirms the buyout is likely and imminent, despite a slight delay. Katz explained there is no major rush due to the current league calendar, but minor negotiations regarding the financial details are ongoing. Specifically, Beal must agree to give up $13.8 million to facilitate the Suns stretching his remaining $110 million owed over the next two seasons due to a specific CBA rule. Katz emphasized that both sides want the buyout to happen – the Suns wish to move on, and Beal understands he is not wanted and likely desires a fresh start where he feels valued. He views the current negotiations as regular hurdles that won't prevent the outcome. Beal's time with the Suns has been disappointing, marked by zero playoff wins in his two seasons despite the team acquiring him and Kevin Durant in the same offseason. While the Suns previously hesitated on a buyout due to its historical rarity and complexity, recent major buyouts involving Lillard and Deandre Ayton have made the option more viable in the current salary cap era. The article concludes that despite the significant financial cost, a buyout is desperately needed as Beal's fit with the team has been redundant and unsuccessful for nearly three seasons.
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Sun Meet Sparks for First Time in 2025 Sunday
The Connecticut Sun (3-17) will face the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) on Sunday, July 13 at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking their first matchup this season. The game will be broadcast locally on NBC Sports Boston with commentators Brendan Glasheen and Terrika Foster-Brasby and will also be available for streaming on WNBA League Pass. In their previous game on Friday night, the Sun lost to the Seattle Storm 79-65 on the road. Tina Charles led the team with her second consecutive double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This performance allowed her to surpass 8,000 career points, joining Diana Taurasi as the only players in WNBA history to achieve this milestone. Rookie guard Saniya Rivers tied her career-high with 12 points, adding two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. This game marked her ninth consecutive game with at least one steal and her 11th game this season with two or more steals.
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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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Kyrie Irving criticizes Stephen A. Smith's salary: Does he deserve to earn more than Wemby?
Chris Paul declined a contract offer from the Charlotte franchise. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban stated he fully expects Kyrie Irving to play during the upcoming NBA season, emphasizing Irving's deep passion for basketball by saying, "He lives to ball." Kyrie Irving publicly criticized the salary of ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, questioning whether Smith deserves to earn more money than San Antonio Spurs player Victor Wembanyama.
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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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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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Victor Wembanyama can single-handedly make Spurs' offseason the best in the NBA
The San Antonio Spurs made significant offseason moves, including drafting Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, signing Luke Kornet, and trading for Kelly Olynyk. Despite these additions, the final step for a perfect offseason hinges entirely on Victor Wembanyama's development into his full potential. Wembanyama, already an All-Star at 21, must elevate to an All-NBA superstar for the Spurs to become genuine title contenders. The NBA's star-driven nature requires a top-tier talent to lead championship teams, and Wembanyama's growth is deemed more critical than any roster transaction. Key to his evolution is refining his offensive game. While his three-point shooting is impressive, over-reliance on it leads to inefficient possessions. Shifting focus toward driving to the rim—leveraging his 7'4" frame—could add 4-5 points per game and create a more balanced, dominant scoring threat. If Wembanyama achieves MVP-level performance, the Spurs' other offseason moves become secondary. His transformation would position the team for unprecedented success, making his leap to superstardom the definitive factor in their championship trajectory.
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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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Wizards have gifted Cam Whitmore what the Rockets refused to give him
The Washington Wizards, despite winning only 33 games over two seasons, are optimistic about their rebuild against conventional odds, largely due to acquiring Cam Whitmore in a trade that sent Jordan Poole away after two polarizing seasons. The 21-year-old Whitmore, who averaged just 17.4 minutes per game in his career, now shoulders significant scoring responsibility for Washington—a risky move mitigated by veteran presences like C.J. McCollum and Khris Middleton, alongside draft pick Tre Johnson. Whitmore's limited playing time in Houston stemmed from the Rockets' deep roster, not his abilities. With Poole gone and veterans potentially traded, Washington offers him consistent minutes he never received. His career averages—10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 threes per game on .449/.357/.707 shooting—translate to star-level per-36-minute production: 22.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 threes, signaling untapped potential. A physically imposing wing (6'7", 230 lbs) with a 6'8.5" wingspan, Whitmore excels at all three scoring levels. He showcased near-star efficiency in limited minutes, hitting 38.1% of pull-up threes in 2024-25 and 42.8% of catch-and-shoot threes in 2023-24. His versatility as both an on-ball and off-ball threat, combined with transition explosiveness and rim-finishing, positions him for a breakout if he maintains shooting consistency and leverages increased opportunity. Mentorship from Khris Middleton—a three-time All-Star and NBA champion with a similar skill set—further accelerates Whitmore's development. With expanded playing time, reduced pressure, and Middleton's guidance, Whitmore is poised to thrive in a role Houston couldn't provide, potentially defining Washington's unconventional rebuild.
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Samford AD Martin Newton named Chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee for the 2026-27 season
Martin Newton, Director of Athletics at Samford University, has been appointed chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee for the 2026-27 season. He will serve as vice chair during the 2025-26 season, supporting committee chair Keith Gill, commissioner of the Sun Belt Conference. Newton has led Samford's athletics department for 14 years, overseeing 87 Southern Conference championships. A former honorable mention all-conference basketball player at Samford, he graduated in 1983 and spent over 25 years in shoe company marketing before joining the University of Kentucky in 2009. During his two-year tenure at Kentucky, he managed budgeting, fundraising, compliance, scheduling, marketing, and academic support for men’s basketball. A seasoned NCAA leader, Newton has served on the Council Coordination Committee, Division I Council, and Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. He is the son of Naismith Hall of Famer C.M. Newton, who chaired the same committee from 1998-99 after serving from 1992-1999. Newton called the appointment "a tremendous honor," noting it allows him to follow his father’s footsteps. He described the leadership role as "surreal" and expressed deep pride for himself and his family. The 87th Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will conclude with the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4-6, marking the city’s ninth time hosting – second only to Kansas City’s 10. The 2026 event will feature expanded programming, including NIT semifinals at Hinkle Fieldhouse (April 2) and NIT/Division II/III championships at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (April 5). Indianapolis will tie Kansas City’s record when it hosts again in 2029. The committee for 2025-26 includes Newton, Gill, and representatives from Alabama, Minnesota, Manhattan College, West Coast Conference, Temple, Abilene Christian, Georgetown, Oklahoma State, Syracuse, and Big Sky Conference.
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Nuggets Journal: With Jonas Valanciunas likely destined for Denver, David Adelman envisions another point center
Nuggets coach David Adelman envisions newly acquired center Jonas Valanciunas playing a "point center" role for Denver next season, replicating some of Nikola Jokic's function as an offensive hub. Adelman expressed this during an ESPN Summer League broadcast, believing Valanciunas's skill set allows the team to play combo guards without a traditional lead point guard, utilize five-out offense, operate from the elbow, and post him up, while also noting his underrated shooting ability. Despite Valanciunas expressing strong interest in an offer from Greek EuroLeague club Panathinaikos coinciding with the Nuggets trading for him on July 1st, league sources indicate the Nuggets expect him to honor his NBA contract. The Nuggets were initially unaware of the European offer, which jeopardized their backup center plans shortly after free agency began. Valanciunas himself stated he plans to travel to Denver once the trade is official. While the Nuggets had financial incentives to proceed with the trade (sending out Dario Saric's $5.4 million salary) even if Valanciunas didn't join, as his forfeiture of his $10.4 million salary would have saved them cap space, all signs now point to him being with the team for the 2025-26 season. Adelman's outlined role further solidifies this expectation. Adelman's vision aligns with the Nuggets' offseason moves to acquire more secondary ball-handlers like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., who aren't traditional point guards, alongside existing players Julian Strawther and Christian Braun. While Valanciunas (6-foot-11) isn't known for tight ball-handling, the Nuggets plan to limit his dribbling by running actions like dribble handoffs through him on the perimeter or playing off him at the elbow. Regarding Valanciunas's jump shot, which he is willing to use, the summary notes a caveat: Denver shouldn't over-rely on his three-point shooting. His three-point percentage over the last two seasons stands at 28.7%, suggesting his effectiveness is more reliable in the midrange.
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Warriors’ Draymond Green elated by Suns’ move that ‘makes the most sense’
Draymond Green publicly endorsed the Phoenix Suns' hiring of former Michigan State star Mateen Cleaves as a player development coach, reposting the news on Instagram with the caption "Because it makes the most sense! Watch!" Green positioned this as a strategically smart move amid challenges posed by the NBA's new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which has introduced stricter salary cap regulations like the second apron hard cap. Green expressed frustration about the CBA's impact on free agency in a separate Threads post, stating "NBA free agency is over... it never really started" due to the new financial constraints. He criticized players for "overplay[ing] the market" while lacking understanding of the new business rules. ESPN analyst Bobby Marks countered on Twitter/X, arguing free agency declined because nearly 50 potential free agents prioritized guaranteed money through extensions enabled by the new CBA. The Cleaves hiring reflects Suns owner Mat Ishbia's culture-focused strategy, leveraging their longstanding relationship from Michigan State. Cleaves, the 2000 Final Four MVP and former NBA first-round pick, will focus on "leadership, motivation and overall player development" according to reports, mirroring his previous role as leadership coach at Ishbia's mortgage company since 2019. Dwyane Wade praised the hire on his podcast, calling Cleaves "a winner" who can directly challenge players. Additionally, the Suns hired veteran assistant coach Jesse Mermuys, who brings experience from seven NBA franchises including the Lakers, Raptors and Magic, where he previously led Summer League teams.
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Suns 'Comfortable' Keeping Key Big Man Despite Trade Rumors: Report
The Phoenix Suns, seeking major changes after missing the playoffs, have been active this offseason. Key moves include trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach, and five second-round picks. They also acquired center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets during the 2025 NBA Draft and drafted Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea. These additions, particularly Williams and Maluach, significantly upgraded the Suns' frontcourt, which was problematic last season. However, this influx of big men has created uncertainty about Nick Richards' role for the upcoming season, leading to reported trade interest from multiple NBA teams. Despite the trade rumors, the Suns are reportedly comfortable keeping Richards. According to a report by Forbes' Evan Sidery, Phoenix views the 27-year-old center on an expiring $5 million contract as valuable insurance. This decision is influenced by concerns about Mark Williams' injury history and rookie Khaman Maluach's inexperience.
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Minnesota Lynx vs. Chicago Sky: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch
The Minnesota Lynx (18-3) will face the Chicago Sky (6-13) on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN+. Viewers can watch the WNBA throughout the season via Fubo, and select games are available on Prime Video. Officially licensed WNBA merchandise for both teams is available for purchase through Fanatics. Injury updates include Minnesota's Karlie Samuelson being out for the season with a foot injury, while Chicago's Courtney Vandersloot is also out for the season due to an ACL injury.
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Kyrie Irving's 24-Hour Twitch Marathon Schedule, How To Watch
NBA star Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks point guard known for his decade-long career including an NBA Championship and multiple All-Star appearances, is hosting a 24-hour marathon Twitch stream starting July 11, 2025. The stream, beginning at 11 AM PST, will feature special guests and fellow Twitch streamers and coincides with his recent three-year contract extension with the Mavericks. Irving, a prominent pop-culture figure and entrepreneur with over 306,000 Twitch followers, regularly streams "Just Chatting" content discussing basketball and interacting with viewers. This marathon event will be multistreamed on his Twitch channel (twitch.tv/kyrieirving), YouTube, and TikTok, featuring ongoing live chat and covering topics like his admiration for streamers, NBA 2k, and the upcoming Mavericks season. This event highlights the growing connection between traditional athletes and the esports/streaming world. Similar collaborations include soccer star David Beckham's co-ownership of Guild Esports, LeBron James streaming with Kai Cenat, and Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement as a Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup. This trend demonstrates mutual benefits, as competitive spirits align and traditional sports organizations explore esports as a profitable avenue, exemplified by Wolverhampton Wanderers' successful VALORANT roster.
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Melbourne Renegades to lock horns with Brisbane Heat in Women's Big Bash League 11 opener: See full schedule
Elon Musk's social media platform X has reduced subscription fees in India by up to 48%, with revised pricing details now available for users. A new mobile phone scam has emerged that can compromise devices without requiring any user clicks, prompting warnings and prevention tips. At the trailer launch of "Son of Sardaar 2," actor Ravi Kishan emotionally recalled working alongside the late Mukul Dev, mentioning their 40-day collaboration before his sudden passing. South India will soon host its first Penguin Park in an unspecified state, with construction costs disclosed, joining two other Indian states that already feature similar attractions. Ajay Devgn addressed the Hindi-Marathi language debate using one of his iconic film dialogues during a public statement. In the IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 2, Jasprit Bumrah claimed a historic five-wicket haul to dismantle England, while KL Rahul's half-century steered India to 145/3 by stumps. Anupam Kher commented on Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in "Sardaar Ji 3," emphasizing that loyalty should prioritize art and humanity. Union Minister Chirag Paswan received a death threat amid preparations for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The film "Aap Jaisa Koi," starring R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, receives mixed reviews praising their nuanced performances in a thought-provoking romance but criticizing its disjointed narrative. An unnamed country has set a new world record for fastest internet speed, surpassing the US, enabling seamless 8K broadcast capabilities. A viral half-printed resume with a humorous message about printer malfunctions has sparked widespread laughter online. Karan Johar condemned online trolls who speculated about his health following significant weight loss, sarcastically quoting their exaggerated claims. An ex-RCB teammate revealed why Virat Kohli will skip the India-England Lord's Test despite residing in London, though the specific reason remains undisclosed. Details emerge about Radhika Yadav’s father owning a licensed revolver and luxury Gurugram farmhouse, with an acquaintance noting his substantial monthly income and suggesting such assets are exclusive to certain individuals. England's Joe Root made cricket history during the IND vs ENG Test by breaking Rahul Dravid's all-time record for most catches in Test matches. Netizens panned "Maalik X," starring Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, as a "disaster of epic proportions" with particular criticism directed at its "awful climax."
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Tyrese Proctor Update: A Good Start To Summer League Play
Tyrese Proctor, as anticipated, was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The situation is viewed positively, as Cleveland is recognized for intelligent roster building and having good players. Following the draft, Donovan Mitchell called Proctor to welcome him to the team. Proctor expressed his eagerness to learn from Mitchell, specifically by observing his daily work habits and aiming to "be a sponge". Proctor also highlighted the importance of defense, a principle instilled in him by Duke coach Jon Scheyer, stating it makes a player valuable "no matter where you go". In his first summer league game, Proctor's offensive performance included scoring 14 points on 5-13 shooting overall and 3-7 from three-point range, along with one rebound, two assists, and two steals. Notably, former Miami player Norchad Omier also played well in that game for Cleveland, scoring 17 points on 7-10 shooting and grabbing nine rebounds.
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