Mark Pope has drawn some criticism from fans in his first two seasons in Lexington regarding his substitution patterns.
Fans have (understandably) been frustrated with the deep bench Pope deploys throughout the season, as opposed to tightening the rotation and keeping his top players in the game longer.
Pope was asked about his substitution strategy during an appearance on Kentucky Sports Radio this past week, emphasizing player development over the course of the season. Pope said there are several variables that come into play when it comes to substitution patterns, but it’s also important to develop players up-and-down the roster.
“Developing guys is really important,” Pope said. “And you saw that, a great example is Collin Chandler. Collin Chandler was the seventh most improved player in all of college basketball last season. That doesn’t happen by accident. You have to kind of nurse guys and grow guys. You know, Jasper Johnson is a player that has tremendous upside and we needed him and kept trying to find the right situation for him, and he’s going to be a great player. Some of that’s going to come from those developmental minutes.
“You look at Otega Oweh’s rise and us being able to continuously put him in new situations. That’s how guys grow. Malachi Moreno, you know, early on in the season force feeding him some minutes helped him grow into the guy who had to carry the load for so much of last season. You kinda go down the list. For us, we are developers of players. I think it’s one of the things we do better than anyone else in the country. We help our guys get better.
“I’m really proud of the fact that Amari came in as a non-draft board guy. That Koby came in here as a non-draft board guy. That Otega came here as a non-draft board guy. These are not guys that were predestined to be drafted players. JQ was, but those other three weren’t and the fact that those guys came her and we were able to develop them, and they were able to develop themselves because it’s their hard work that does it, to earn themselves a chance to go play at the next level is really important to us.”
So what does that mean going forward? It sounds like Pope will continue to deploy a deep bench throughout the regular season, while tightening the rotation for the postseason. It’ll be interesting to see how Pope rotates lineups with this group this season.
Wembanyama helped France win silver at the 2024 Olympics [Getty Images]
NBA star Victor Wembanyama has signed a long-term deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
The 7ft 4in France centre's deal, according to ESPN, is for five years and worth $252m (£188m), which is the NBA's maximum for a rookie scale player extension.
The 22-year-old reportedly has an option in the fifth season and could have opted for clauses to make the deal worth more but did not do so to give the Spurs more financial flexibility.
"Spurs family, I'm here to stay. Whatever it takes," Wembanyama wrote on social media prior to the deal being announced.
The two-time All-Star, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, helped the Spurs reach the NBA Finals last season but they missed out on the title, beaten 4-1 by the New York Knicks in the best-of-seven series.
He had a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game, while he averaged career highs of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 64 regular-season games during the 2025-26 campaign.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Pacome Dadiet #4 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We so back the Knicks even played basketball yesterday.
It was a Summerbeating at the hands of the Neighbor Nets, but that’s the only place Brooklyn can beat New York these days.
Here’s the latest from Las Vegas.
Knicks are expecting Jack Kayil to debut tomorrow at Summer League against the Spurs, sources tell me.
The #39 overall pick wasn’t on NY’s roster until yesterday, when they got clearance from Alba Berlin.
Team wanted to get him out to Las Vegas, on the floor in orange and blue.
On Mohamed Diawara, Pacome Dadiet, and the Summer League opener:
“I think they struggled a little bit. We talk about responding to adversity, we got to respond to adversity. They have to respond to adversity tomorrow. They struggled a little bit. They let little things affect them on the defensive end and then it kind of snowballed. So we got to be better. It’s on those two guys and Dillon Jones and me to be better.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 11, 2026
Mohamed Diawara
On the last few weeks after winning the NBA championship:
“I went straight, straight to the gym because I knew that I had some work to do. So, I mean, a little bit of fun, a little bit of break, but right back to work. I got after it like two days after the parade and everything. So, yeah, a lot, a lot of work.”
On re-signing with the Knicks:
“I had a great season with the Knicks. We just won the title, so I didn’t have anything to do anywhere else. So yeah, for sure, I was happy to be back.”
On how his offseason approach has changed after one NBA season:
“Yeah, a little bit. Now I know that I’m physically going to be more ready, more consistent at the two-point shots. So, yeah, I know that my summer was way different now, but I know a little bit better.”
Clarifying his free agency comments:
“I just said that I wouldn’t have taken up free agency. After the parade, I just really liked the work and was thinking about the Summer League, I didn’t even think about the free agency.”
On his Summer League performance:
“I got to do way better. I think the level that we take back is, like, a little way better. I can play like I played today, and just be better than last game.”
On Mitchell Robinson’s mentorship:
“He’s a great guy, great player, great person. I enjoyed the run here this season, and I look forward to play against him next year.”
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) July 11, 2026
Tyler Nickel
On joining the defending NBA champions:
“Yeah, I mean, it’s crazy, like, how fast everything happens. But, you know, hearing my name, obviously, I was super excited. Obviously, a championship organization. I thought it was perfect. It’s a perfect situation to see what they’re all about and the standard that they hold everybody to in the program. I think that’s perfect to be around.”
On what the Knicks see in him:
“That’s really hard to say right now. I’m not going to speak on it because I can’t really specify what they see in me, but I’ll let you close out that.”
On entering the Summer League with nerves:
“Of course, yeah. As a kid, you know, you dream about being in the NBA. So this is obviously one of the stepping stones of being in the league. So it’s definitely something—if you didn’t have nerves, you don’t care. So definitely some nerves going through it, but then once you get to playing, it’s a basketball game.”
On whether he models his game after anyone:
“I’ve just been playing for a couple years, I believe. I feel like I’m a mix of some different styles. My size and strength and shooting ability, I feel really comfortable shooting off the move. So, like, a Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, Sam Hauser… but then, I have my own type of, like, just way of being. So it’s kind of like a mix of a lot of people, but also myself.”
On only mentioning white players as his comps:
“Hey, listen, they got roles in the league, man.”
On whether Friday was the first time he talked to Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride, who attended the game:
“Yeah, it was my first time seeing them being around. They seem like really good dudes, and I’m excited to know them better.”
On choosing No. 55 with the Knicks:
“I’ve also always been five, ever since high school. In college, I had to not be five a couple times just because it was taken. But five has been my number. People back home will call me T-Nick, which is my nickname, but a lot of people call me T-Five. So just five has always been me. So then when 55 was available, I was like, ‘I can’t get five, so 55 is cool.’”
Julius Randle on similarity between Brooklyn and when he first joined #Knicks: “There's definitely some similarities for sure. Each challenge is different; it has its own different challenges. I’m definitely ready to step up to this one. This will be exciting.” #nba#nyk#netspic.twitter.com/MEV25KaHPX
On the similarities between joining the Nets and joining the Knicks:
“There’s definitely similarities for sure. Each [situation] is different. It has its own different challenges. I’m definitely ready to step up to this one. This will be exciting. But it’s definitely similar.
“And for me, I have a lot more experience now than I did when I was that player. So I feel like from a leadership standpoint, I can help a lot more, just being through it and having that experience.”
On his conversations with Nets coach Jordi Fernandez:
“They’re really excited to have me here. Jordi [Fernandez] is really excited. He feels like going into every game, we’ve got a chance to win every single game. To have that confidence from your coach is amazing. … I get to come in and be a leader, show guys how to be a pro.
“We’re coming in trying to win. It’s as simple as that. However we can help give the younger guys experience and confidence and help them fast-track or whatever it is to contribute to winning basketball, that’s really all that matters. All I care about, at the end of the day, is winning, and I know that’s what those guys care about. If I can help give them that experience, great.”
On his playmaking:
“I really enjoy getting guys going: pushing the pace, kick-aheads, opening the floor, getting to the paint, spraying the basketball. It’s about us building our chemistry, knowing where guys like the ball, what spots they want the ball in, guys understanding me and what I’m looking for. It’s going to be fun.”
On trade rumors and joining Brooklyn:
“It feels great to be here. It’s a great opportunity. It’s a city I’m already really familiar with; it’s a situation that I’m familiar with. Then, there’s a lot of talent.
“As far as the trade stuff, man, I’m 13 years in, bro. I played in New York already; so you hear that stuff all the time. I’m used to that. It just is what it is. You ride the wave of it. At the end of the day, I’m playing basketball and I’m doing what I love for a living. So, it’s all I ask for.”
Mikal does ad: “…The mask is portable so I can keep doing my daily routine while I get my skin care in”
Two years ago, Saquon Barkley signed as a free agent in Philadelphia, won a championship in his first season there, and became one of the city's most beloved athletes. Barkley is now recommending the same course of action to LeBron James.
James is a free agent and the Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams in the mix to sign him. Barkley has weighed in and told James that
"I think it's one of the greatest sports towns in the world," Barkley told NBC Sports Philadelphia. "I know [New York Knicks player] Josh Hart said the opposite. I saw that today on Twitter. But I have to disagree with him. If you want to go out with a bang, I feel like a great spot would be in Philly, and bringing a championship to Philadelphia, you'd be remembered forever."
James has played for three NBA teams and won championships with all of them, winning in Miami in 2012 and 2013, Cleveland in 2016 and Los Angeles in 2020. Barkley thinks Philadelphia in 2027 would be a nice place for James to cap his career.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
He was flying all over the Thomas & Mack Center and looked the way a two-year player should, as though he has no business competing against this level of talent.
Thiero ended the night with a game-high 20 points and he had a slew of highlight dunks that rocked the crowd and demoralized Oklahoma City.
This was everything the Lakers hoped he could be when they selected him in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Now a year later, he is starting to reach his potential.
“He just wasn’t rushed tonight,” Lakers coach Ty Abbott said after the win. “He took what was in front of him. He attacked matchups. He understood that there was going to be some paint-swarming. Those guys were going to try to flood and meet him at the rim and he made the right pass. When he started doing that, it started to open up for him and he was able to finish at the rim.”
This was in stark contrast compared to Thiero’s start in the California Classic.
In that game, he was still active and a ball of energy, but in the worst ways possible. His play felt rushed. He was attempting shots from uncomprehensible positions. He had just nine points and his lackluster play was a big reason why the Warriors dominated.
But that was then, and this is now.
On Friday night, Thiero was hotter and more relentless than the Las Vegas sun.
He was getting the ball in motion and touching the paint whenever he wanted. When he had the ball at the top of the key, Thiero made the right decisions regarding when to attack and when to pass. He had great instincts for the ball on defense, registering a trio of steals and two impressive blocks.
Adou Thiero making plays on both ends 😁
Chasedown swat. Layup to beat the 3rd quarter buzzer.
Thiero has a rare curse: he’s almost too athletic. It allows him to do things no one else can, but also to try things no one should.
Figuring out how to channel his elite athleticism will be the key to him maximizing his ability and his career.
“Pace and just being patient,” Abbott said when asked how Thiero can play with control. “Sometimes it’s kind of two ships passing in the night. You got two guys going at once. Just letting the action come to him, seeing what opens up, and then attacking it then rather than being predetermined in what you want to do.”
All play in Summer League has to be taken with a grain of salt. The list of players who looked good at this level is massive, but the number who were able to translate that to the NBA is small.
Now, that’s all in the past. And his future has never looked brighter.
“Definitely feels good to go out and get the reps and then seeing some of the stuff you work on, go out there and work,” Thiero said. “But at the same time, still a lot of work to go. In these games I still see where I need to develop.”
If Thiero keeps this up, all the work he is doing will ultimately translate into his regular-season performances. He has the talent, has put in the work, and on Friday night, Lakers fans got an appetizer on what it could look like when it all comes together.
Here’s hoping that ultimately comes to fruition not just during the rest of Summer League, but in the fall with the main team.
LAS VEGAS — Caleb Wilson was drafted No. 4 because he could step in and help Chicago on defense right away, and he had high offensive upside down the line.
Someone forgot to tell Wilson.
#4 pick Caleb Wilson was IMPACTFUL in his NBA Summer League debut for the @chicagobulls!
For some context on how out of the blue this was: Wilson was 7-of-11 from 3 in his Summer League debut, he was 7-of-27 for the season in 24 games for North Carolina.
But Summer League is about potential and dreams, and Wilson showed the potential that had the Bulls jumping for joy when they selected him No. 4. He's a player who has Bulls fans dreaming of playoff relevance again.
In a Friday night game in Las Vegas that was billed as a showdown between the No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer — who showed off the variety in his game on his way to 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting — and the No. 4 pick Wilson, it was the young Bulls star who stole the show.
Wilson scored the most points ever in a Las Vegas Summer League debut with 35. He showed off his high-level athleticism, but also more craft than was expected — and a sweet jumper.
"I've been working on it hard for a long time, so I mean, I'm not shocked at all," Wilson said of getting his 3s to fall.
"He shot the ball well, of course," Bulls coach Tiago Splitter said. "I mean, in college, he didn't shoot like that, but tonight he was he was effective, and he kept shooting."
While the shots were falling, maybe Wilson's biggest highlight of the night was a chasedown block on a layup.
Watch how fast Caleb Wilson got down the floor for this SWAT
“I turned the ball over, trying to be trying to be sexy, and then, I mean, you gotta make up for it," Wilson said. "I knew I can't get I can't turn over and give up a layup, and athleticism will make up for that almost every time. So I just had to go do what I had to be done."
It's just one game of Summer League, but for Wilson it was more than that — it was a chance to get back on the court after he was robbed of the end of his North Carolina season due to injury.
"Honestly, like I cried before I played today," Wilson said of getting to play. "I mean, it's been five months to the day since the last time I played, and I've just been really emotional because I haven't been able to play, and I felt terrible because my team lost in the tournament and my coach got fired. It just was a lot for me at that point. So coming out today, just felt like I've been waiting so long for this opportunity."
Still, it's just one game.
"We're getting to know him, of course, the first game," Splitter said. "He played extremely well, shooting the ball and doing different things. But this is a long road, and you know, be patient with everything."
James has always spoken highly of Curry and has mentioned that he would like the opportunity to play alongside him again.
Curry was out at the American Century Championship golf event in Nevada on Thursday, July 9, when he was asked about potentially playing with James.
"The pitch is: Do you want to play good basketball and be around people who know how to play the game? Raise our floor, our competitiveness this year. There’s good golf in the Bay,” Curry said.
It would serve as a reunion for Curry and James, who teamed up to lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"As I've been saying since 2013, Steph Curry, no one understands how great he is," Andre Iguodala told ESPN on Friday, July 10.
Iguodala spent nine seasons with Curry on Golden State.
Curry finished his 17th year in the league averaging 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds.
"We have to look back like, 'Whoa,'" Iguodala said of Curry. "We'll still see his effect (on the game) 30 and 40 years from now.
“People who never thought of playing in the NBA are trying to get there now because of him. There's only one LeBron James. A lot of people can have Steph's stature. … And there are some things about him that you can't get. He's God-given and gifted, but his stature (is relatable)."
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 17: Derrick White #9 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 17, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Todd Kirkland/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS — Derrick White was home with his wife when he found out that Jaylen Brown, one of his longest-tenured teammates, had been traded.
“It’s tough to see someone get traded, and JB’s been an amazing teammate, amazing friend to me, and kind of welcomed me when I got traded to Boston,” he said. “So I’m always thankful for my time that I spent with JB, and it’s obviously always tough to get traded, and I know how that feels.”
White said he reached out to Brown soon after the trade with a simple message: “Thank you for everything you did for me.”
Derrick White said he reached out to Jaylen Brown after the trade:
Neemias Queta, who has been teammates with Brown for three years, also spoke to reporters on Friday night for the first time since the trade.
“It’s not easy,” Queta said. “I think you feel for him. Obviously, it wasn’t easy for him as well. But at the end of the day, it’s part of the business. You know what’s happening. You know it can happen at any moment. But Jaylen’s a guy that you can’t replace in the city. Really, really hard to replace on the court as well. He did so much for Boston in general, and he will definitely be missed.”
Like White, Queta reached out to Brown after the trade, and wanted to stress to him that he’ll still be there for him even though they’ll no longer live in the same city.
“I just wanted to show him a sense of gratitude for pushing me daily, showing that I’m his guy,” Queta said. “I’m still gonna be around. Like anything he needs, he can reach out, and we can arrange things. And I think he just pushed me to be better every day just by his edge and intensity. His ability to corral us as a group was really, really special.”
Hugo Gonzalez shared the floor with Brown for just one season, but frequently lauded the impact the 5-time All-Star had on him. On Thursday, he shared his gratitude for the overlapping year he shared with Brown.
“Jaylen is a Celtics legend, and everybody, [starting with me], is really, really grateful because of the things he has done,” Gonzalez said. “Especially for me, he has been an amazing veteran player. He’s been a leader for me. He’s been a role model. Everybody here is grateful for him.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a dominant start in the Las Vegas Summer League, the Lakers are back at it on Saturday as they take on the Dallas Mavericks.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Dallas Mavericks
When: 7 p.m. PT, July 11
Where: Thomas & Mack Center
Watch: ESPN
Exactly a week ago, this Lakers team was blown out by the Golden State Warriors in their first game together. They looked lost on the court, and it didn’t seem like there would be much to be excited about for the summer.
Since then though, they’ve bounced back significantly and won three straight games, including a strong showing against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the process, Cameron Carr has continued to shine, while Adou Theiro has found his footing after an up-and-down start.
The two have also received sufficient help, and in Friday’s win, it was the likes of Arthur Kaluma and Anton Watson who combined for 33 points.
It’s been a fun team to root for. This squad has the right mix of talent along with the requisite shooting, athleticism, height and two-way production to succeed.
And on Saturday, they have a chance to build on their success against a Mavericks team led by Morez Johnson Jr., whom Dallas selected at No. 9 in this year’s NBA Draft.
Dallas began the tournament with a loss to the Warriors, so look for them to be determined to bounce back in this one. They also have a roster that can really score, especially inside the paint. Look for Johnson to get most of the team’s touches and production going.
As for the Lakers, it’ll be interesting to see if they can maintain their overall production. Since their first game together, their ball movement has improved.
Players know their roles and they seem to have a competitive game plan, at least based on how they’re playing. Hopefully it continues throughout the tournament for the Lakers.
If the Lakers win this game against the Mavericks, they’ll go up 2-0 and play two more games to determine if they advance to the semifinals. The goal is to win all games by as much as possible since the point differential system impacts the team’s standing down the line.
Let’s see if they can win back-to-back games and keep their momentum going against the Mavericks on Saturday.
Notes and Updates
In case you missed it, yes, the new Lakers signees are in Las Vegas and have shown support for the current summer team.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns tipped off their Summer League schedule in Las Vegas on Friday night, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 81-79.
It was a tale of two halves for the Phoenix Suns. In the first half, they couldn’t hit a shot, going 0-of-9 from beyond the arc and scoring only 24 points. Sure, quarters are shortened to 10 minutes in Summer League, but 24 points is still 24 points. It was ugly basketball.
Then the Suns came out of the locker room with some fire, and you could see the difference on both ends of the floor. Phoenix trailed by as many as 16 points, but after scoring 57 in the second half, they completed the comeback and walked away with an 81-79 victory.
DJ Steward led the way for Portland with 21 points, while Yang Hansen finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Javonte Cook led Phoenix with 21 points, but it was the performances from the Suns’ young prospects that impressed the most. Khaman Maluach finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Koa Peat added 17 points and nine boards. Rasheer Fleming chipped in six points and 10 rebounds, along with two steals and two blocks.
The Suns’ defense came alive in the second half, creating turnovers, generating transition opportunities, and giving the offense the energy it desperately needed. It was far from perfect, but the young Suns responded when things looked ugly and found a way to win their first Summer League game.
Game Flow
First Half
The game started a little later than planned because the matchup before it, between the Celtics and Raptors, went into overtime. Because why wouldn’t an 8 p.m. Suns start get delayed? Typical Suns stuff.
Thankfully, it’s a Friday night.
The first points of the game came after rookie Kia Peat snagged an offensive rebound and then through Ali loop to Khaman Maluach. Chefs kiss? Yes, chefs kiss.
That was the only made basket for the Suns on their first 12 attempts, as they opened the game shooting 8.3% from the field. It was clear Phoenix wanted to see what Maluach could provide on the perimeter, as he began the night 1-of-5 from the field and 0-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Despite the brutal start, the Suns trailed only 7-2 midway through the first quarter.
The rebounding was solid for Phoenix, as their front line was simply massive. Early on, Peat impressed with his ability to attack the glass and secure rebounds. And it was Peat who finally snapped the Suns’ 0-of-13 shooting stretch, rising up and throwing down an athletic dunk to give Phoenix some much needed life.
Maluach scored his second basket of the game with an impressive left-handed bank shot over Yang Hansen.
Overall, it was an ugly quarter for both teams. They combined to shoot 1-of-21 from beyond the arc, with Phoenix going 0-of-9 and finishing the quarter 4-of-22 overall from the field. Maluach led all Suns scorers with four points on 2-of-6 shooting, while Rasheer Fleming added two points and six rebounds.
After one, the Suns trailed the Trail Blazers, 19-10.
The second quarter started much the same, as the Suns missed their first five shots from the field and opened 0-of-2 from beyond the arc. A lazy inbound pass from Maluach didn’t help matters, and he led the team with 4 turnovers in the first half. His handle certainly looked loose whenever he put the ball on the floor.
Phoenix was shooting only 14% from the field midway through the second quarter, although Portland wasn’t doing much better at 25%. With five minutes remaining in the half, the Suns found themselves trailing by 13, 27-14.
The drought was finally broken by a smooth mid-range jumper from second-year Kentucky shooter Koby Brea. It was an in-rhythm shot that looked crisp coming off his hand.
And then there was Koa Peat. At 6’8” and 245 pounds, he clearly looks like an NBA player. Peat flashed that physicality in transition, spinning his way through the defense and finishing through contact for the and-1.
Phoenix didn’t have many made field goals in the first half. In fact, they only made eight. But it felt like every one of them was impressive. To close out the first half, Maluach threw down a sick alley-oop dunk, followed shortly thereafter by a savage slam from Rasheer Fleming.
When the first half was all said and done, the Suns shot 21% from the field, going 8-of-38 overall and 0-of-13 from beyond the arc. They also committed 10 turnovers.
Maluach led the way with 8 points and 6 rebounds. Fleming added 4 points and 8 rebounds, while Koa Peat finished the half with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 turnovers. Jameer Nelson Jr. scored 4 points off the bench, all of them from the free-throw line. He was also the only member of the Suns to register a steal, finishing with two.
Phoenix trailed Portland, 38-24, after one half of play.
Second Half
Maluach came out firing in the third quarter, knocking down his first two three-pointers to pull the Suns within 12. Phoenix scored a grand total of 10 points in the first quarter. They matched that total in the first two and a half minutes of the third.
The offense felt much more engaged, although there were still issues with moving the basketball. That’s Summer League for you. Guards often drift away from the confines of the offense, hunting their own points rather than creating quality opportunities for the team. Numerous times, both Maluach and Peat set solid screens and rolled to the basket, only to watch the ball go somewhere else despite being open. Such is Summer League basketball.
Rasheer Fleming put together an unbelievably impressive sequence. On one end, he attacked off the dribble, pulled up, and knocked down a 12-footer. On the other, he stayed disciplined as the Trail Blazers tried to shake him with a spin move, refusing to bite before using his length to block the shot.
What a sequence from Rasheer Fleming.
Off the dribble, pull up jumper on one end. Gets back, stays disciplined, doesn’t bite on the fake, and blocks the shot on the other.
Two way impact. That’s the stuff that gets you excited about his development. pic.twitter.com/cva8IbkO8J
Then Maluach came down and knocked down his third three-pointer of the quarter. All of a sudden, the Suns’ young players were putting on a show.
The defense started putting on a show as well. Active hands created deflections and loose balls, leading to transition opportunities and finally giving the Suns some life.
The end result? After scoring 24 points in the entire first half, Phoenix exploded for 31 points in the third quarter. The Suns shot 10-of-17 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, completely changing the complexion of the game.
Maluach scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds in the quarter, while Koa Peat added six points and three boards. After trailing by as many as 17, the Suns entered the fourth quarter down only one, 56-55.
The Suns took the lead to open the fourth quarter on an alley-oop to Maluach. Moments later, he followed it up with a pretty savage dunk over Yang Hansen, adding another highlight to an impressive second half.
MASSIVE block at the rim by Khaman. Timed that drive perfectly and pinned Yang Hansen on the glass
Phoenix continued to play well against Portland, outscoring the Trail Blazers 12-6 through the first half of the fourth quarter. A 12-3 run gave the Suns an eight-point lead with four minutes remaining as they continued to build upon the momentum they created in the third.
Koa Peat’s ability to attack was impressive throughout the game. If he gets inside 15 feet, he’s going at you aggressively, using his strength to create contact and draw fouls. There’s a physicality to the way he plays that immediately stands out, and it’s a nice sight to see.
Koa Peat’s ability to attack has been impressive. Get him inside 15 feet and he’s coming downhill with purpose, using his strength to create contact and draw fouls
The game came down to the final minute, with the Suns holding a one-point lead and 45 seconds remaining. Phoenix’s Javonte Cook delivered what appeared to be the dagger, knocking down his fifth three-pointer of the game to give the Suns some breathing room.
Portland wasn’t finished. After grabbing a pair of offensive rebounds, DJ Steward answered with a three-pointer of his own with 8.5 seconds remaining, pulling the Trail Blazers back within one.
A foul sent Darius Brown II to the free throw line, where he made 1-of-2, giving Portland an opportunity to tie or win the game with 7.8 seconds left. Following a timeout, the Trail Blazers went the length of the floor and got a shot off for the win. It missed.
Phoenix wins, 81-79.
Up Next
Next up for the Summer Suns? The Summer Pelicans. A team that has made a grand total of one transaction all offseason: re-signing DeAndre Jordan. They did have one draft pick this year, Jaron Pierre Jr, drafted 58th overall. They do not have second-year players Jeremiah Fears or Derik Queen on their roster.
The teams tip off at noon on Sunday. See you then!
The Lakers' Adou Thiero scored 20 points during a Vegas Summer League win over the Thunder on Friday night. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
The highlight dunk was proof that Adou Thiero is just fine. Thiero delivered a breakaway windmill dunk in the second quarter Friday that brought cheers from the fans, a moment in which the second-year Lakers forward displayed his athleticism.
Thiero’s confidence seemed to grow from that point on, his play for the Lakers during their Las Vegas Summer League opener at the Thomas & Mack Center a sign of his development.
He ran the floor and caught a lob for a dunk. He sprinted back on defense and blocked a shot. He finished the third quarter with a last-second shot off the backboard, a basket that gave the Lakers an 86-66 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Thiero came back in the game in the fourth quarter and threw down another lob dunk.
Thiero completed his night with 20 points during the Lakers’ 96-84 win.
He played an all-around game, collecting four rebounds, three steals and two blocks with zero turnovers in 30 minutes. He was seven for 12 from the field. He missed all five of his three-pointers, but Thiero finished the game plus-13.
Thiero played after missing the Lakers’ final game at the California Classic in San Francisco because of a right wrist injury.
First-round pick Cameron Carr also played against the Thunder after being limited by a bothersome toenail during the California Classic finale. Carr had another solid game with 18 points on seven-for-13 shooting.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Nate Johnson #31 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense during the game against Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers began Las Vegas Summer League with a 96-84 win over the Thunder and looked good doing so.
Cameron Carr was getting it done on both ends and appeared too good for this level of play. Adou Thiero had some mesmerizing dunks, and with some great defensive plays from Chris Mañon, that’s how the Lakers began their time in Nevada with a win.
The Lakers jumped out to a 9-5 advantage early on. Mañon continued to demonstrate his on-ball defense, which led to a few early turnovers by the Thunder.
OKC countered with a 5-0 run to regain the lead. The Thunder remained hot from the field, making six of their first seven baskets. The Lakers, on the other hand, were shooting 45% from the field and were 1-5 from deep.
Carr put the Lakers back in front by drilling LA’s second three of the night with a little over three minutes left in the opening quarter.
Carr then displayed his defensive game with a pair of impressive blocks.
After one quarter of play, LA was in front 24-23.
The Lakers lead the Thunder 24-23 after one quarter of play. Cameron Carr leads all scorers with 7 points. He also has a game-high two blocks. An impressive Las Vegas Summer League start for the rookie.
The Lakers remained in control to start the second quarter. Peter Suder knocked down a three, and LA’s other two-way player, AK Okereke, made his first basket of the game.
Midway through the period, Anton Watson drove to the basket and scored, giving the Lakers a four-point lead.
Brooks Barnhizer had a highlight-worthy dunk for the Thunder, but then Thiero saw that and raised the stakes with a slam of his own. Moments later, he had a monster windmill dunk extending LA’s lead to nine.
In the third quarter, LA’s dominance continued. Carr scored with ease from the elbow, and thanks to a nice putback by Hickey, the Lakers maintained their double-digit advantage.
After a pass from Thiero resulted in a three by Hickey, the Lakers were up by 15, their largest lead of the night.
The rest of the third was all LA. Carr and Thiero converted on lob dunks and the Thunder were unable to close the gap. After three quarters of play, LA was up by 20 points.
With the Lakers so far in front, the game was all but over. Fans started a “We want Robbie” chant for Robbie Avila and the rest of the contest was glorified cardio. The Thunder never went on any kind of serious run, and the Lakers earned the win.
Key Player Stats:
Carr had 18 points, and two blocks. Thiero had a team-high 20 points. Arthur Kaluma ended the night with 18 points.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Mavericks on Saturday at 7:00 PM PT.
LAS VEGAS — Mikel Brown Jr.’s Las Vegas Summer League debut featured a slow start, a strong finish and all kinds of spectacular plays in between Friday night.
The Nets’ rookie lottery pick paired with second-year backcourt mate Egor Dëmin to lead Brooklyn’s 91-65 rout of the Knicks at Thomas & Mack Center.
The guards shared team-high scoring honors with 20 points.
But after Dëmin had carried the Nets early as Brown found his way into the game, the latter poured in 16 points after halftime, drawing “oohs” and “ahhs” with several highlights.
Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
“Seeing my teammates, getting them open shots, seeing the ball go through the hoop obviously gets you going as well. But I know how much work I put in to get to this point,” said Brown. “The ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ are coming just because that’s just how I play.
“Yeah, I mean, like I said, I’m a savant when it comes to this stuff, man. I love the game of basketball. I love when my teammates look successful. It brings me joy because that means it’s not just me, but everybody got it going.”
Brown shot 6-for-12, including 3-for-6 from 3-point range. He added three assists, two steals and a block.
“He’s extremely talented overall,” said Dëmin. “His shooting ability, his ability to create his own shot, and how shifty he is, he’s gonna give a lot of trouble to the defenders just because of his feel for the game and his talent. Now the part of his game is to adapt to the physicality, which took me a while last year.”
… We’re gonna do everything we have [to] for it to happen as fast as possible.”
Brown insisted that won’t take long. And he played feisty defense that helped spark Brooklyn’s third-quarter blitz.
Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets dunks the ball. NBAE via Getty Images
The Nets trailed by a point going into the second quarter and edged ahead 38-33 by halftime. But they blew the game open in the third.
Brooklyn blitzed the Knicks 30-9 in that period, holding them to 2-for-15 shooting with six turnovers. Brown’s nine points, three assists and a steal in the fourth helped the Nets blow it open.
The sixth overall pick has made it a point to prove he can hold his own on the defensive end.
“Yeah. absolutely. I really do feel like that I can defend; like, I really do feel like I’m not a liability,” said Brown.
“People put that burden on me, like, all his physicality and stuff like that. At the end of the day, man, mano a mano, you ain’t finna score on me. That’s just my mentality. And that’s how I carry it.”
Chaney Johnson had 11 points, nine boards and a 3-pointer, finishing +35 playing center at just 6-7.
Rookie Joshua Jefferson hasn’t been able to practice with the Nets, but did workouts to stay sharp. Now that the Julius Randle trade that brought Jefferson to Brooklyn has been made official, coach Dutch Gailey said he’s hopeful the first-round pick can debut Saturday today against Atlanta.
LAS VEGAS — Mohamed Diawara wasn’t in the mood to talk about his new contract. Or his potential.
His performance in Friday’s Summer League opener — a 91-65 defeat against the Nets — was such a dud that the bigger picture was out of focus.
“I got to do way better. At the level we played last season, I got to do way better,” Diawara said. “I can’t play like I played today.”
Indeed, Diawara was a massive disappointment Friday, shooting 1-for-9 — including 1-for-7 from beyond the arc — as the Knicks were outscored by 39 points in his 23 minutes.
Mohamed Diawara of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
Diawara, who this week signed a multiyear contract after his promising rookie season, was one of two players on the Summer League roster on a standard NBA deal.
The other was Pacôme Dadiet, who scored 20 points but was an inefficient 1-for-7 on 3s.
“I think they struggled a little bit. We talk about responding to adversity, we got to respond to adversity,” Knicks Summer League coach TJ Saint said. “They have to respond to adversity tomorrow. They struggled a little bit. They let little things affect them on the defensive end and then it kind of snowballed. So we got to be better. It’s on those two guys and Dillon Jones and me to be better.”
Diawara showed enough promise last season to warrant a fresh four-year, $11.2 million deal.
Still, only the first two seasons are guaranteed and Diawara will have to fight for a rotation spot.
As it stands, he’s low on the projected wing rotation behind OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara drives to the basket during a game last season. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
Diawara offers a unique element because of his 7-foot wingspan, but he understands playing time will require better than Friday’s ugliness.
“Got to be better. I got to work more,” Diawara said. “If I keep working, I will get better. I see a good future but I got to keep going. keep working to be at that level.”
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Allen Graves #22 of the Toronto Raptors plays defense during the game against the Boston Celtics on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Here are our grades after the Toronto Raptors fell to the Boston Celtics 83-80 in Summer League.
This was a massive debut for those who believed in Graves. The concerns about his athleticism and his lack of experience against elite competition quickly dissipated. Within the first five minutes of the game, Graves recorded four points, two rebounds, and one steal, while throwing down a contested dunk on a backdoor cut.
Graves authored a plethora of brilliant defensive moments, but three stuck out in particular, with two of them involving Chris Cenac Jr. as a dance partner. The first instance occurred in the first half, with Cenac attempting to face-up and take Graves one-on-one in the right corner. Graves got down into his defensive stance and poked the ball away as soon as Cenac made a move to the basket. Late in the second half, Graves smothered Cenac after he crossed half-court. Even with Cenac desperately trying to hold him off, Graves poked the ball loose before finishing the possession with a dunk.
A third example occurred when Graves turned the ball over as the inbounder. Instead of panicking, he walled up on defence, blocked the ensuing shot attempt, and got the possession back for the Raptors.
While Graves struggled with his three-point shot early in the game, he flashed a promising tendency to meet big moments. The 19-year-old hit two clutch three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, with the second triple extending Toronto’s lead to 75-71. The Raptors often had Graves in the corner, but when the game hung in the balance, the coaching staff involved the rookie in more pick-and-pop actions.
As someone who Raptors fans hope becomes an elite role player – for the 19th pick in the draft – Graves has an obvious engine that he supercharges during critical moments. During the final possession of the game, he was solely responsible for reviving the Raptors’ chances.
He’ll make a fascinating watch for the rest of Summer League.
Nate Bittle: A-
8 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks, 42.8 FG%, 40 3P%
Raptors fans are naturally going to show interest in Bittle, especially after recording six blocks by halftime. Toronto desperately needs size in its organization and the 23-year-old rookie offers that. Outside of the three-point volume, Bittle aesthetically moves and operates like Jakob Poeltl.
While Bittle didn’t look vertically or laterally intimidating, he consistently leveraged his size and IQ to make plays at the rim. Bittle’s three-pointer with less than two minutes in the game to put the Raptors up 72-71 was a great moment.
Jamarion Sharp: B+
0 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 4 blocks
There’s size and length in the NBA, and then there’s what Sharp has. At 7’5, the reigning G League Defensive Player of the Year has an undeniable presence on the floor. While Sharp didn’t get a chance to show any improvements to his offensive touch, he had no problems displaying what he does best – wreck havoc on the defensive end.
It’ll be fun to watch how Sharp progresses throughout the rest of the tournament.
Jaden Bradley: C
3 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 11.1 FG%
Bradley was relied on for a significant amount of the ball-handling duties, likely benefiting from Alijah Martin missing the game due to knee soreness. Unfortunately, Bradley missed his first five shots. Bradley finally recorded his first points as a professional when he converted on an and-1 at the 3:58 mark of the third quarter.
The second-round rookie appeared to struggle against full-court pressure and the Celtics’ tenacious on-ball defence. However, Bradley has demonstrated an ability to navigate under pressure during his collegiate career, so expect him to improve as he gets more comfortable. Toss this one out and look forward to the next one!
Chucky Hepburn: C
11 points, 5 assists, 1 steal, 25 FG%, 11.1 3P%
Hepburn visibly looks comfortable with the ball in his hand, especially compared to his counterparts. He played at a pro-level pace and never felt rushed by defenders. The issue was when Hepburn attempted to put the ball in the basket. The most obvious path to rotational minutes on the main roster is as a three-and-D type of guard off the bench. Hepburn knocked down a much-needed triple with the Raptors down 52-51 near the end of the third quarter, but he’ll need to be more consistent for the rest of Summer League to carry good vibes into pre-season.
