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Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his rhythm, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block near the end of the game.

Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m.

His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter in his first Summer League game.

Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game, picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game, and gave the crowd what they’d been anticipating, going one-on-one with fellow fan favorite James.

James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Duke product missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.

Flagg excited the crowd at the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, jamming home his first points.

Early in the second quarter, Flagg nearly sent every fan in the building into a frenzy when he made a spin move into the paint and attempted a one-handed slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko. The ball caromed off the back of the rim and still drew plenty of oohs and ahhs.

Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year.

Like 15-year-old Baer Epple, 15, who was seated with his father Chad in the third row from the court, donning Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey.

Epple said he’s been following Flagg since before his Duke days, beginning with his junior year at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

The 15-year-old who is in Las Vegas from Seattle for an AAU tournament said he’s been a Mavericks fan for roughly four years.

“Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg,” Epple said. “Hopefully he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he’s looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team’s opening game, as he wants them all playing hard.

“This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd said. “But the guys have had a couple practices. There’s going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one’s gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish.”

As for his prize draft pick: “We’re all excited,” Kidd said of Flagg. “Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”

Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his rhythm, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block near the end of the game.

Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m.

His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter in his first Summer League game.

Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game, picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game, and gave the crowd what they’d been anticipating, going one-on-one with fellow fan favorite James.

James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Duke product missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.

Flagg excited the crowd at the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, jamming home his first points.

Early in the second quarter, Flagg nearly sent every fan in the building into a frenzy when he made a spin move into the paint and attempted a one-handed slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko. The ball caromed off the back of the rim and still drew plenty of oohs and ahhs.

Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year.

Like 15-year-old Baer Epple, 15, who was seated with his father Chad in the third row from the court, donning Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey.

Epple said he’s been following Flagg since before his Duke days, beginning with his junior year at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

The 15-year-old who is in Las Vegas from Seattle for an AAU tournament said he’s been a Mavericks fan for roughly four years.

“Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg,” Epple said. “Hopefully he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he’s looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team’s opening game, as he wants them all playing hard.

“This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd said. “But the guys have had a couple practices. There’s going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one’s gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish.”

As for his prize draft pick: “We’re all excited,” Kidd said of Flagg. “Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”

Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his rhythm, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block near the end of the game.

Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m.

His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter in his first Summer League game.

Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game, picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game, and gave the crowd what they’d been anticipating, going one-on-one with fellow fan favorite James.

James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Duke product missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.

Flagg excited the crowd at the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, jamming home his first points.

Early in the second quarter, Flagg nearly sent every fan in the building into a frenzy when he made a spin move into the paint and attempted a one-handed slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko. The ball caromed off the back of the rim and still drew plenty of oohs and ahhs.

Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year.

Like 15-year-old Baer Epple, 15, who was seated with his father Chad in the third row from the court, donning Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey.

Epple said he’s been following Flagg since before his Duke days, beginning with his junior year at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

The 15-year-old who is in Las Vegas from Seattle for an AAU tournament said he’s been a Mavericks fan for roughly four years.

“Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg,” Epple said. “Hopefully he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he’s looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team’s opening game, as he wants them all playing hard.

“This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd said. “But the guys have had a couple practices. There’s going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one’s gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish.”

As for his prize draft pick: “We’re all excited,” Kidd said of Flagg. “Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”

Warriors superstar Steph Curry reveals how long he plans to continue NBA career originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• Programming note: The American Century Championship will air Friday, July 11, from 1-3 p.m. PT on Peacock, and again from 5-7 p.m. PT on GOLF Channel. Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, the tournament will air locally on NBC Bay Area (KNTV) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.

As Steph Curry enters his 17th NBA season, it’s only natural to wonder how long the Warriors superstar plans to continue playing basketball professionally.

Curry provided some insight into the matter uring a press conference at the American Century Championship on Thursday.

“I don’t know. I’m just taking it two years at a time,” Curry told reporters. “That’s all I have on my contract left. I hope to be in a situation, where, physically, I have the choice and it’s not made for me, so I’m doing everything I can to stay limber, stay active and do what I do at a high level. Just trying to stay in the moment and see what happens in two years.”

Steph provided some insight into how long he plans to continue playing in the NBA 👀 pic.twitter.com/I2FvCYmwS6

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) July 11, 2025

Curry’s numbers from the 2024-25 NBA season certainly would suggest there isn’t a massive physical drop off on the horizon for the two-time NBA MVP. Curry averaged 24.5 points, 6.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game in 70 regular-season appeareances during his age-37 season, earning second-team All-NBA honors while guiding Golden State to the playoffs.

After signing a one-year, $62.9 million contract extension last August, Curry is linked with the Warriors through at least the 2026-27 NBA season, where it appears the four-time NBA champion could once again reevaluate his future based on the two-year timetable he mentioned.

While Father Time remains undefeated, the NBA is in the midst of seeing all-time greats continue playing at a high level despite reaching ages where players previously would see a major decline. Curry isn’t alone, as fellow superstar LeBron James joined his longtime rival on the All-NBA Second Team after a standout campaign in his age-40 season.

All good things eventually come to an end, but Curry’s recent play and continued hunger to pursue another Larry O’Brien Trophy should insipre hope in the hearts of Golden State fans who are cherishing every opportunity remaining to watch the greatest player in franchise history suit up for the Warriors.

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Seth Curry talks potentially joining Warriors, brother Steph in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Programming note: The American Century Championship will air Friday, July 11, from 1-3 p.m. PT on Peacock, and again from 5-7 p.m. PT on GOLF Channel. Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, the tournament will air locally on NBC Bay Area (KNTV) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.

NBA free agency can be an interesting time for athletes. Finding the best fit on the floor while also balancing life outside of it can be a tightrope walk.

For Seth Curry, he’s currently looking for a place to call home for the 2025-26 NBA season, and while his older brother, Steph, certainly would love for him to join the Warriors, the younger Curry says he has to do what’s best for himself.

“I’m just trying to find a good spot for me,” Curry told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole at the American Century Championship on Thursday in South Lake Tahoe. “That’s really it right now. Enjoyed my time in Charlotte. Love to go back, but that’s a young team, them doing what they’re doing. So right now, trying to figure out what’s best for me and trying to get to a situation where I can be my best self and keep going and finish my career strong.”

Curry averaged 6.5 points per game with the Hornets in 2024-25 while playing 15.6 minutes per game. However, the 11-year NBA veteran led the league in 3-point percentage, averaging 45.6 percent from beyond the arc.

Poole followed up by asking about Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers’ quote from “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” where he said Golden State would be “the perfect place” for the 34-year-old guard.

“They play a good brand of basketball,” Curry told Poole regarding Golden State. “I feel like I’ve been a part of Dub Nation for a while watching Steph and being around the organization. Obviously, they could use … any team could use shooting. But I can’t say anything other than I’m trying to find the best place for me, and hopefully we’ll figure it out in the next week and figure out where I’ll be going next.”

Curry has played for nine different teams during his NBA career, so it seems the future will determine if the Warriors will be No. 10.

“I always got to do what’s best for myself, obviously,” Curry told Poole. “Steph would love me to come over there and play with them, the fans show me a lot of love at all times, the family would love it. I’ve always embraced the Warriors and their system and love the way they play, and you never know what could happen.”

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Mavericks star Cooper Flagg shows flashes in NBA Summer League debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Cooper Flagg made his professional debut Thursday night in the NBA Summer League and celebrated an 87-85 win over Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Flagg finished with 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting, including 0-for-5 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Though Flagg struggled at times to find his rhythm, there were flashes as to why he was chosen No. 1 overall last month, doing plenty of little things that helped the Mavericks seal the win, including a key block near the end of the game.

Flagg swatted DJ Steward’s attempt with 1:10 left in the game, and Ryan Nembhard made a 3-pointer at the other end to give Dallas the 87-85 lead.

Flagg strolled into UNLV’s Thomas and Mack Center at 4:17 p.m. on Thursday, wearing Dallas Mavericks gear, bright white New Balance shoes, and an emotionless look on his face as he passed through security.

Roughly 45 minutes later, he wore the same stone-cold face as he came out for warmups shortly after 5 p.m.

His fans more than made up for it with plenty of energy, electrifying the jam-packed arena that cheered loudest when he was announced as a starter in his first Summer League game.

Flagg missed his first two attempts of the game, picked up his first foul just 46 seconds into the game, and gave the crowd what they’d been anticipating, going one-on-one with fellow fan favorite James.

James buried his first attempt over Flagg, and then hit a 3-pointer after the 6-foot-8 Duke product missed his second attempt to give the Lakers a 5-0 lead.

Flagg excited the crowd at the 4:30 mark of the first quarter, jamming home his first points.

Early in the second quarter, Flagg nearly sent every fan in the building into a frenzy when he made a spin move into the paint and attempted a one-handed slam dunk over 7-foot Christian Koloko. The ball caromed off the back of the rim and still drew plenty of oohs and ahhs.

Generally filled with Lakers fans when the team plays in the summer, the arena was full of emotion with a fair share of Mavericks fans in attendance to see the 2025 National college player of the year.

Like 15-year-old Baer Epple, 15, who was seated with his father Chad in the third row from the court, donning Dirk Nowitzki’s Mavericks jersey.

Epple said he’s been following Flagg since before his Duke days, beginning with his junior year at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine.

The 15-year-old who is in Las Vegas from Seattle for an AAU tournament said he’s been a Mavericks fan for roughly four years.

“Even more of a fan now that they got Cooper Flagg,” Epple said. “Hopefully he does good, that’d be pretty cool to see. I don’t want him to be like a bust or anything.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd told The Associated Press before the game he’s looking for nothing more than effort and grit in his team’s opening game, as he wants them all playing hard.

“This summer league is a little different when you have this type of turnout,” Kidd said. “But the guys have had a couple practices. There’s going to be some turnovers. I just want to see how they respond to a couple of mistakes being made, no one’s gonna play a perfect game and be unselfish.”

As for his prize draft pick: “We’re all excited,” Kidd said of Flagg. “Seen enough of him on tape, so now it’s good to see him on the floor.”

Jimmy Rollins gives his key to how Steph Curry, Warriors can win one more title originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Programming note: The American Century Championship will air Friday, July 11, from 1-3 p.m. PT on Peacock, and again from 5-7 p.m. PT on GOLF Channel. Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, the tournament will air locally on NBC Bay Area (KNTV) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.

What will it take for the Warriors to get that next NBA championship title?

Former MLB shortstop and Oakland native Jimmy Rollins has an idea, and he broke it down while speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole on Thursday at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe.

“Rebounds,” Rollins said without hesitation when Poole asked what it would take for the Warriors to win their next ring. “A big man that can come in, you know, and play some defense. Look, Draymond [Green] is what [6-foot-7]? [6-foot-6] and he’s guarding 7-footers and he’s pushing them off the block, but there are times where length, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

In the 2024-25 NBA regular season, the Warriors were middle of the pack when it came to rebounds allowed to opponents, but in the playoffs, their lack of size was evident. Golden State was fourth worst of the 16 playoff teams while allowing 11.8 offensive rebounds per game, and third worst with 44.1 total opponent rebounds per game.

“We get a true big man that can match up, that when we play our smaller lineups that we can still get rebounds, we’ll be alright,” Rollins told Poole. “So, if we get those extra possessions that we’re giving up, I think we’ll win. That’s really it. I think our defense is great, it’s just we’re getting out-rebounded, teams are getting an extra 15 shots on us. It’s hard to win games that way.”

Time will tell if the Warriors are able to find some size soon. With the rumors of the team trying to lure Al Horford alive and well, adding a veteran presence like that would be a tremendous get for a team lacking some true size.

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Vince Carter explains ‘advantage' Warriors have heading into 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

• Programming note: The American Century Championship will air Friday, July 11, from 1-3 p.m. PT on Peacock, and again from 5-7 p.m. PT on GOLF Channel. Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13, the tournament will air locally on NBC Bay Area (KNTV) from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT.

Age ain’t nothing but a number.

For the Warriors, they’re hoping that statement holds as they try to get one more ring for Steph Curry, who’s 37 going on 38 next March. Draymond Green is 35 years old, Jimmy Butler will be 36 before the 2025-26 NBA season starts.

For former NBA superstar Vince Carter, that doesn’t mean anything to him except more wisdom.

“A lotta knowledge,” Carter told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole on Thursday at the American Century Championship in South Lake Tahoe when asked about the aging Warriors stars. “They have an advantage because of knowledge. We always look at age and we think ‘Oh, they can’t do it. Can they do it? Will they do it? This this,’ but look at the knowledge.”

That knowledge has led Curry and Green to four NBA titles, the last of which many critics said would never happen.

Carter, who played 22 seasons in the league, says experience can sometimes benefit players and teams more than youthfulness.

“For me, and I’m going to speak about myself, first and foremost,” Carter told Poole. “Playing in that mid-to-late-30’s, maybe I didn’t jump [as] high, run as fast as some of the other young guys but my knowledge for the game, I can outsmart guys. You have all the athleticism and ability, but we know what those guys that you named can do.”

And what they can do has been evident for the last decade. Curry owns the all-time 3-point record with 4,058 makes during his 16-year NBA career. Green is recognized as one of the league’s best defenders of the past decade and Butler has won everywhere he’s played, once even leading the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals in dominating fashion.

The Warriors, though, need to see some of their younger players like Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and even someone like Quinten Post take the next leap in their careers.

“To me, you need a mixture of everything, so you have the veteran presence in the locker room, which a lot of teams die for – they have that,” Carter told Poole. “Now you have to put the young guys around that to guide them. You can’t expect those guys to do it every night.

“To me, the expectations for Steph, Draymond, even ‘Buckets’ to have to do it early. That’s not what I need you for. You see what I’m saying, I need you for later. I want to build up my young guys for the playoffs because those three guys know what it takes and know how to handle it.”

It’s not exactly time for the Warriors veterans to pass the torch down to their younger peers, but it’s time for a shift in balance, as Carter says, and that’s where the Dubs will be at their best this upcoming season.

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The NBA rumor mill is always buzzing, especially over the summer during the offseason.

Kevin Durant was traded from Phoenix to Houston earlier this week, Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both recently signed supermax contracts to stay put, and the Milwaukee Bucks shockingly waived Damian Lillard following his Achilles injury in the playoffs.

There's been speculation Giannis Antetokounmpo could be the next NBA superstar to request a trade, and following the Bucks parting ways with Lillard, it feels like now would be the time to do so if he wants to leave Milwaukee. But where would Antetokounmpo go that makes sense for the next chapter of his career?

It seems like the people around the two-time MVP have an idea...

"A lot of people have tried to convince me, try to convince me to go and play there [New York] and stuff," Antetokounmpo told popular streamer iShowSpeed.

The Knicks have long been rumored as a potential landing spot for the star forward, especially after it was reported he was "open-minded" about leaving the Bucks back in May.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley noted at the time that "it would be foolish to count the Knicks out" on a potential trade for Antetokounmpo. But then New York fired Tom Thibodeau after losing in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers and it felt that the odds of landing the superstar weren't good due to a number of hurdles.

New York will of course continue to monitor his situation with the Bucks until he commits to the team long-term. Antetokounmpo has three years left on his $175 million contract with a player option for the third season, and is scheduled to make $54 million in the 2025-2026 season.

Antetokounmpo was later asked by iShowSpeed if he plans to stay in Milwaukee.

"Probably, probably. We'll see, we'll see," Antetokounmpo said. "Probably, I love Milwaukee."

It's not a 100 percent solid yes, so Knicks fans can continue to dream of the blockbuster trade scenario for the time being.

Where will Marcus Smart land … and should Celtics pursue a reunion? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Marcus Smart is on his third team in three years since the Boston Celtics traded him in June 2023 — and he could be on the move again.

After acquiring CJ McCollum, Cam Whitmore, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley in a pair of trades, the Washington Wizards currently have 17 players under contract for the 2025-26 season. The roster limit is 15, so Washington will need to release or trade at least two players before the start of the season.

And Smart is a prime candidate for the Wizards to move.

The 31-year-old guard is on an expiring contract with a $21.6 million cap hit for 2025-26 — third-highest on the team behind Khris Middleton and McCollum — and Washington has a crowded backcourt that includes McCollum, talented young guard Bub Carrington and 2025 first-round pick Tre Johnson, in addition to Branham and Wesley.

So, it would make sense for a rebuilding team like the Wizards to see what it can get for Smart on the trade market while handing the backcourt keys to McCollum, Carrington and Johnson.

It appears there’s at least initial interest in Smart’s services; Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints recently reported the Los Angeles Lakers have had “preliminary conversations” about Smart’s availability and price tag, while the New York Post’s Stefon Bondy reports the New York Knicks are “monitoring the situation” with Smart, who also could be bought out and signed as a free agent if no trade materializes.

All of which begs the question: Should the Celtics enter the Smart sweepstakes and consider reuniting with the beloved guard who spent his first nine seasons in Boston?

If Smart isn’t bought out, the logical pathway to Boston would be a trade involving Anfernee Simons, who’s making $27.7 million on an expiring contract. While the Celtics could use Simons’ scoring with Jayson Tatum sidelined, Smart could help replace some of the defensive grit lost with Jrue Holiday and likely would embrace the team’s underdog mentality entering this season. Replacing Smart with Simons also would save Boston $6.1 million in cap space and help the team get under the second apron of the luxury tax.

That all sounds good on paper, and Celtics fans undoubtedly would love seeing Smart back in green and white. But the reality is that a Smart reunion doesn’t make much sense for Boston at this stage.

🔊 Celtics Talk: Derrick White tackles trade rumors, a new-look Celtics roster and excitement to prove doubters wrong | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

For starters, the Wizards’ aforementioned backcourt logjam means they likely wouldn’t be eager to take back Simons in a trade. The Celtics could get a third team involved, but if there’s an easier deal to be made with a team like Los Angeles or New York, Washington might take it.

If Smart is bought out, the C’s in theory could sign him to a low-cost contract. But if Simons is still on the roster in addition to guards Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and rookie Hugo Gonzalez, it would make more sense for Boston to improve its frontcourt depth — Neemias Queta and Luka Garza are the team’s top two big men at the moment — than add another guard.

Smart made an immense impact during his nine-year tenure with the Celtics. But president of basketball operations Brad Stevens needs to focus on the future, and from a pure basketball perspective, there are better uses of his resources.

Andrew Bogut knows Alex Toohey's Australian Stoicism defines Warriors rookie originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Who then is invincible? The one who cannot be upset by anything outside their reasoned choice. –Epictetus, ‘Discourses’, 1.18.21

Stoicism’s most important practice is understanding what we can and cannot change. What we have influence over, and what we do not. Alex Toohey ascribes to the notion, too, maybe without even knowing it. 

The great Stoics all sought steadiness, stability and tranquility in their lives. This is how Marcus Aurelius strove to be, as did Epictetus, Seneca the Younger and Zeno of Citium, who is credited with creating the Stoic school of philosophy.

Those who know him best see the same out of the Warriors’ top pick from this year’s NBA draft. He rarely, if ever, is fazed on the court.

Before Andrew Bogut said anything about the way Toohey, taken No. 52 overall by the Warriors, can dribble, pass and shoot a basketball, one word in describing who he is stood out. The word isn’t something usually seen on most scouting reports, yet the term can lead to his ultimate success in a Warriors jersey. 

Stoic. Coaches beg for it, also knowing the phrase grows with time and maturity, not typically designated for a 21-year-old. 

“He’s a very stoic individual,” Bogut said to NBC Sports Bay Area in an exclusive phone interview. “He’s very focused.”

As well as anybody else, Bogut would know. The former Warriors champion had an inside view of Toohey’s development during his two seasons in Australia’s NBL, and even before that. Toohey played for the Sydney Kings, the same team the Warriors plucked Bogut out of for the end of the 2018-19 season, a club in which Bogut became a part-owner in 2021 and was added to the coaching staff this past March. 

The original plan was for Toohey to attend college. Gonzaga was supposed to be the Canberra native’s next stop on his path to the NBA, all while Bogut and the Kings continued to court him. Toohey had a change of heart and decided to be part of the NBL Next Stars program, joining the defending champions ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

Both seasons Toohey played for the Kings, he was the team’s youngest player, and as Bogut says, “he was asked probably to do more than most young kids.” He averaged 21.4 minutes per game as a 19-year-old his first season, and then 23 minutes last season, essentially improving in every category across the board. 

What might sound like a compliment to his skill set goes back to Toohey’s stoic nature. Sydney’s roster was full of players in their late 20s, and the oldest veteran was former first-round NBA draft pick Denzel Valentine, who now is 31 years old. 

“That’s always part of it. Guys don’t like the young guys coming in and taking their spots,” Toohey said to NBC Sports Bay Area. “Had a few run-ins with that, but overall it makes me a better basketball player, so I’m glad that happens.”

But Bogut doesn’t remember other teams really trying to go after Toohey. If they did, it was pointless. Why bother with trying to push an immovable object? 

“He’s one of those annoying guys,” Bogut says. “I don’t think people really went after him because you just don’t get a reaction really. I’ve rarely seen him react poorly in those situations. When you got guys trying to plan to antagonize and get into a guy, try it once or twice and the guy’s giving you nothing, then move on to someone else. 

“He does a great job of that. He just stays even keel for the most part and battles through what he needs to battle through.” 

For instance, that includes shooting struggles for stretches. Toohey shot just 43.6 percent from the field as a rookie with a 24.2 3-point percentage and 68.5 free-throw percentage. Though the numbers weren’t great in Year 2, they improved to 44.9 percent overall, 31.0 percent from deep and 72.6 percent at the line. Bogut remembers the ups and downs. He doesn’t remember seeing Toohey once hang his head or try to rush the process of his own development. 

Mechanically speaking, Toohey’s shot for a 6-foot-8 forward is sound. A possible weakness was seen as a strength at the draft combine when Toohey impressed in drills and then went 8-of-13 shooting in two scrimmages, going 3 of 6 on threes and 5 of 6 on free throws. 

His Warriors workout wasn’t as smooth. Toohey called his private workout at Chase Center, “probably one of his worst.” When the Warriors called to tell him they were drafting him, Toohey nearly apologized for the poor showing and wanted to thank them for not judging him off one day. 

Warriors brass saw the same resilience Bogut has. During and after his tough summer league debut Tuesday, Toohey didn’t display frustrations, nor did he point a finger at anybody else. He was honest about the adjustments he’ll need to make to the NBA, admitting he struggled without fixating on the results. 

Mentally, Bogut has supreme confidence in Toohey. Physically, he believes Toohey’s versatility is his greatest advantage. 

From what he saw with Sydney, Bogut believes Toohey can comfortably guard the two through the four and even at times stick him on certain point guards. The ball continues to move with him offensively, and he’s constantly in motion to create space for himself and others. 

“As a young guy, if you can be multifaceted, teams can be like, ‘S–t, we can play him at the three, four, sometimes emergency five, maybe some two every night,’” Bogut said. “That’s invaluable when you’re structuring your lineup. I think that’s a great quality.” 

Does that mean Bogut can see Toohey making an impact as a rookie, as someone who played multiple seasons himself under Steve Kerr? 

“Steve likes smart players. Steve likes players that are stoic, and they’re not up and down like a Yo-Yo,” Bogut said. “Alex, he’s consistent. He’ll fit in. He won’t need things around him to make him fit in. He’ll find a way to fit in.” 

And what a gift that is.

Joining a locker room of Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and others can be too intimidating for many. Playing in the G League can be isolating and humbling. Toohey likely will have both experiences as a rookie. He’s ready for whichever road he must take. 

Without even knowing it, that’s his nature. Maybe that’s just the way things go down under. 

“As long as you ride out the bumps, you’re gonna get better each day,” Toohey said. “I think being around older guys and trying to learn from them, but also being confident in who I am and not trying to give away too much of my cards. 

“I think just being Australian is part of that, honestly.” 

Dribble, pass and shoot. Rebound, steal and block shots. Our eyes can see all those parts of the game.

The hidden Australian Stoicism of Toohey is the part of his scouting report unseen in the box score that already gives the newest Warriors rookie an edge over others, and a clear path to respect among his peers.

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HugoMania, Sophomore Scheierman and more to watch at Celtics Summer League originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics begin a two-week stay in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon with their NBA Summer League opener against the Memphis Grizzlies (4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston). The Summer C’s will play at least five games on the campus of UNLV, giving us an extended glimpse at this collection of recent draftees and roster hopefuls. 

Set to be without five of their top nine players from last season — Jayson Tatum is rehabbing from Achilles surgery, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded away, Luke Kornet signed with the Spurs, and Al Horford is pondering a Boston-less future — the Celtics have minutes available to anyone willing to kick down the playing-time door.

Roster returnees Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman headline a roster that also features 2025 NBA Draft picks Hugo Gonzalez (28th overall), Amari Williams (46th), and Max Shulga (57th). Two-way forward Miles Norris is with the summer squad as well.

So, what will we be looking for from this group? Here are five storylines we’re monitoring.

1. Will HugoMania be running wild?

Walsh already set the Hugo Hype Train in motion.

After the Summer C’s wrapped their mini training camp in Brighton, Walsh said of Gonzalez: “He plays hard. Really hard. Fans are gonna love that. He plays hard, he dives on the floor, he’s a defensive menace, and he attacks the rim with force.”

Gonzalez, the highest draft pick of Brad Stevens’ tenure, is a bit of an international man of mystery. He saw limited floor time with veteran-laden Real Madrid squad last season but was projected as a lottery pick before the season. The highlight reel suggests a player who operates as if his foot is glued to the gas pedal. 

All Gonzalez has to do is hit the floor for a loose ball or show some defensive tenacity and Celtics fans will swoon.

Boston could benefit from someone who cuts hard and attacks the rim with purpose. Even if it’s just Summer League, it will be interesting to see how Gonzalez holds up against other NBA hopefuls and what stat lines he puts up in extended minutes. Still a teenager, he’s got plenty of runway. 

2. Third time’s a charm for Walsh?

Walsh had a forgettable 2024 Vegas visit. He missed the first 22 3-pointers he hoisted at last year’s event and didn’t look comfortable until Boston’s finale. Now it’s time to show all the progress he made in the aftermath. 

Despite the lackluster summer, Walsh made a strong case for a role early in the 2024-25 season before his minutes evaporated. After he appeared in 52 games for the Celtics last season, it’s time for Walsh to show he’s a cut above the players gathered in Vegas.

What’s wild is that Walsh is still the second-youngest player on Boston’s summer roster, ahead of only Gonzalez. Walsh won’t turn 22 until March 2026. With the Celtics chock-full of young wings, Walsh should yearn to make a strong summer impression with hopes of building off that when camp opens in October.

3. No sophomore slump for Scheierman

Joe Mazzulla admittedly doesn’t love playing rookies, and Scheierman logged just 74 minutes before the All-Star break last season. But the Creighton product fully embraced the bigger opportunity that came in the second half of his first pro season, including showcasing some flashy playmaking and steady 3-point shooting.

Before departing for Vegas, Scheierman promised to do all the same stuff that endeared him late last season: Diving on the floor for loose balls, hitting 3s, and blowing kisses to the crowd.

It doesn’t feel like a stretch to suggest that Scheierman is the early favorite to carve out a real role with the parent team next season. But he doesn’t have quite the same luxury of time as Gonzalez and Walsh. Scheierman will turn 25 before the Celtics huddle for the start of training camp.

4. When the moon hits your eye … that’s Amari!

To say there’s a void in the Celtics’ frontcourt would be an understatement.

With the departures of Porzingis, Horford, and Kornet, the Celtics are losing 4,230 minutes of frontcourt playing time from last season. Neemias Queta is the team’s most experienced returning big, at least with Xavier Tillman Sr. playing sparingly last season.

Williams has a monster frame (7 feet tall, 7-foot-5 wingspan) and the scouting reports suggest someone with defensive prowess, rebounding chops, and playmaking potential. How Williams plays in Vegas will give us some clues about whether he might be able to log some time in Boston on a two-way contract next season.

Other summer centers, like former NBA big man Kenny Lofton Jr., will get every opportunity to show they deserve a training camp invite.

5. Any hints on how the 2025-26 Celtics might play?

We found it interesting when Stevens noted earlier this week that the Celtics’ coaching staff will be “trying a bunch of stuff out there now with our Summer League team that we haven’t done in the past, that I think will be good experimentation, at the very least.”

Stevens’ offseason moves suggest a preference for players who compete hard and embrace off-the-ball movement. We’re interested to see Boston’s pickup points on defense, how fast they get into sets on the offensive end, and the general pace displayed at Summer League. 

Given their loss of talent, might the Celtics try to make up for that by tweaking their play style in 2025-26? Summer League might give us an idea of what’s being prioritized.

Kings rookie Nique Clifford reflects on being named after Hall of Fame player originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Nique Clifford was meant to be an NBA player.

From his first word as a baby to the inspiration behind his name, the evidence proves the Kings rookie guard/forward was born to ball.

In a conversation with NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan on “Kings Central,” Clifford, the No. 24 overall selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, shared how his parents named him after a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. 

“He wanted to clear it up: his favorite player was Magic Johnson, but Dominique Wilkins was his second favorite,” Clifford revealed to Ragan. 

“They’re 1A and 1B, but Wilkins was a high-level talent.”

That he was.

Wilkins, who was Clifford’s dad’s basketball idol, earned the nickname “Human Highlight Reel” for head-turning dunks across 15 NBA seasons from 1982-99.

In addition, Wilkins won two NBA Slam Dunk Contests and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Clifford, while teasing his dad along the way, appreciates being named after one of the game’s greats.

“He was explosive, a fun player to watch,” Clifford added. “My dad loved his game and felt like he “played” similar to him back in the day.

“I haven’t seen the film, so I have to see it for myself. I give him crap, but it’s a great person to be named after. He’s a true legend.”

The 6-foot-5, 202-pound rookie averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 steals in 35.4 minutes per game last season at Colorado State.

Certainly, there’s potential for him to have a successful professional career, but if he wants to live up to the name, the high-flying moves will have to be a constant.

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