Washington Wizards rookie and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa is done for the remainder of NBA Summer League. The BYU product was shut down by his team on Tuesday, July 14. According to The Athletic, Wizards Summer League coach T.J. Sorrentine informed Dybantsa that he will not play in the team's final two games.
This is a normal situation for highly-touted prospects. Many first-round picks are shut down after two Summer League games as a precaution to ensure no injuries are sustained before their rookie season.
Dybantsa has drawn a good amount of hype heading into the 2026-27 season, with even veteran teammates like Trae Young attending the team's Summer League games in Las Vegas for an early glimpse at the up-and-comer. And Dybantsa didn't disappoint.
In just two games, Dybantsa averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, helping lead the Wizards to wins over both the Utah Jazz and Sacramento Kings.
Is Dybantsa the only player being shut down by Washington?
No. The Wizards are also shutting down Summer League standouts Will Riley and Tre Johnson. Riley averaged 25 points in his two Summer League appearances, while Johnson scored 26 in his only appearance.
How many more Summer League games do the Wizards have?
The Wizards have two games remaining in Las Vegas, with matchups against the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers scheduled for Tuesday, July 14 and Wednesday, July 15, respectively.
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard John Tonje (8) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The NBA Summer League kicked off last Thursday, and several former Wisconsin Badgers have looked to make their names known as they battle to make their respective team’s rosters.
Last year, the Badgers had their first draft pick since 2022 when John Tonje was taken by the Utah Jazz in the second round. Tonje enjoyed a quality rookie season in the G League, averaging 18.1 points and 4.6 rebounds a game while splitting time with the Salt Lake City Stars (Utah’s G League affiliate) and the Maine Celtics (Boston Celtics G League affiliate) after being traded midseason.
Tonje is now playing for the Celtics Summer League team, and he’s been off to a fantastic start.
In Boston’s first game, Tonje had 20 points, hitting five threes, while having a clutch steal and dunk that helped seal a three-point overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors. In their next game against the Charlotte Hornets, Tonje had an efficient 17 points on 8 of 10 from the field, while hauling down five rebounds.
He did struggle a bit in Boston’s third game, scoring five points on 2 of 8 from the field in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
Nick Boyd is also participating in this year’s Summer League after going undrafted last month in the 2026 NBA Draft. He signed a deal with the Golden State Warriors after the draft and is looking to compete for a roster spot or a G League spot there.
Playing on the Warriors Blue team during the California Classic, Boyd had a couple of solid games to kick off Summer League. He struggled in his first contest, scoring 11 points on 2 of 10 shooting in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. But Boyd followed that up with a double-double, dropping 11 points and 10 assists in a loss to the Sacramento Kings, while shooting 4 of 7 from the field.
In the final game of the California Classic, Boyd had 13 points and five assists, while shooting 5 of 13 from the field. He was the starting point guard for all three games on the Warriors’ second G League team.
Boyd has now played in one of the two games since the official G League start in Las Vegas. He did not suit up for Golden State’s first game, but had 14 points, two assists, and two rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench in the team’s most recent game, while shooting 5 of 6 from the field.
The other former Badger playing is center Steven Crowl, who signed a deal to play for the Detroit Pistons ahead of Summer League.
After being a DNP in Detroit’s first game, Crowl has seen some minutes off the bench for the Pistons in their last two contests. In their second game, an 11-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Crowl had two assists, a block, and an offensive rebound in eight minutes of action, while being a +5 in the box score.
He saw a bigger role in their third game, playing 19 minutes, while scoring five points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out two more assists. He was a +6 in his minutes.
Summer League continues on Tuesday and will go on for the next few days, as each of the three players will look to make the most of their minutes. But, there have been some positives from Tonje, Boyd, and Crowl in their early action so far.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Gonzaga coach Mark Few will join the staff of USA Basketball head coach Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat), reports Shams Charania of ESPN. USA Basketball is expected to make that official in the coming days.
This is a potential stepping stone for Daigneault and Bickerstaff. Spoelstra was named the head coach for this cycle of USA Basketball — which includes the 2027 FIBA World Championships — after serving as an assistant on Steve Kerr's staff in the Paris Olympics, where the USA men won gold for the fifth consecutive Games.
This staff will face the stiffest challenge the USA has seen to its basketball supremacy — the rest of the world has been catching up fast for years. It took a golden final few minutes from Stephen Curry — with Kevin Durant and LeBron James flanking him — to win gold two years ago.
That win was against a French team led by Victor Wembanyama, who has grown into arguably — and in two years it will not be up for debate — the best player on the planet. The French, Serbia (led by Nikola Jokic), and a deep German team are medal threats as well. A deep Canada team cannot be discounted as well.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 09: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards walks on the court during a break in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the Utah Jazz at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 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
Dybantsa flashed his relentless rim pressure, elite athleticism and finishing ability through two contests. He scored 27 points — which tied Blake Griffin for the most by a No. 1 pick in their Las Vegas Summer League debut —in a 92-88 win over the Utah Jazz before tallying 23 points in Washington’s 104-85 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The Wizards’ No. 1 pick averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists across those two contests. He used his 6-foot-9 frame to tally 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game as he flashed an impressive defensive motor.
One of the few blemishes on an otherwise impressive showing was Dybantsa’s shooting efficiency. The BYU product shot just 39.4% (13-33) from the field and 9.1% (1-11) from 3-point range.
In what served as his lone appearance, Johnson tallied 26 points on 11-20 FG. He scored from all three levels, knifing into the paint for contested layups, pulling up for mid-range jumpers and knocking down a pair of 3-pointers.
Riley shook off a shaky opener to dominate the Kings on Sunday. The second-year wing scored a game-high 32 points while making six of his eight 3-point attempts. He shot 70% from 3-point range on 10 attempts across two Summer League contests.
The Wizards return at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday against Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls before facing Keaton Wagler’s Los Angeles Clippers at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 22: Austin Reaves #15 and Head Coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round One Game Two of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 2025 NBAE(Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers are a franchise that always empowers its stars.
During a recent interview on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Reaves explained that he was in constant communication with Luka, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick during this offseason.
“I had a lot of talks with Rob. I’m really close with Luka and JJ as well. We’re just building something that can be sustainable for not just now but the future. I seen something the other day that I’m the oldest guy on the team and I’m 28. That’s actually crazy to me. We want to have success now and five, six, seven years in the future.”
The Lakers have committed a ton of money to Luka and Reaves. This is the new star duo in LA, so they will be in the know and have a lot of say. That’s not a bad thing. The Lakers are heavily invested in them, and it’s best to make sure most of the big decisions and the main plan are ones they are on board with and like.
Pelinka is still running things, so decisions fall on him, but it’s good to keep Luka and Reaves in the know.
This summer has been transformational for the Lakers. As Reaves said, they’ve gotten much younger. And now they are built around Luka and Reaves.
At least for now, it seems everyone is on board with the plan. Now we just need to wait for the fall to see how it looks in action.
We’re still in the heart of the offseason, though, so it’ll be a while before we see the new-look Lakers in action. For now, it’s summer, and with Reaves getting a huge payday, he should celebrate his success and the raise.
So far, as he discussed on “The Dan Patrick Show”, he hasn’t really done that.
“I haven’t bought myself anything. Actually, my financial advisor told me the other day that I needed to spend more money. So, I struggle with that. I mean, I’m more, I like getting gifts for other people so I’ve done a little bit of that.”
It sounds like being Reaves’ friend is a good thing to be right now. Hopefully, Reaves can treat himself and enjoy his new deal. Perhaps he can buy himself a great set of golf clubs or take a vacation to a place he’s always wanted to go. He’s certainly earned it, and once the NBA season starts, it’s back to work, and the time for extended fun will be over.
And when the Lakers play again, Reaves will be the No.2 in every way possible. His usage reflects that, as does his pay and insights into the franchise’s decisions.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets slaps hands with head coach Dutch Gaitley as Brown walks to the bench in the first half of a 2026 NBA Summer League game against the New York Knicks 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
The Brooklyn Nets got a bit of a reality check on Saturday night. After cruising past the Knicks on Friday, the Nets dropped lost 83-76 to the Atlanta Hawks on a night where the main attractions — Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin — rested on the second night of a back-to-back.
But tonight, the young cornerstones are expected to return.
Brooklyn shifts its focus to an evening showdown against the Sacramento Kings (1-1) at the Thomas & Mack Center. Tuesday brings forth another summer subplot we missed in Sacramento: a clash between the No. 6 and No. 7 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.
📺 Watch: YES!
Who: Brooklyn Nets vs. Sacramento Kings
When: 6:00 PM ET
Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
TV/Stream: YES Network, Prime Video
🏀 The Game
With Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin watching from the bench on Saturday, Summer League coach Dutch Gaitley handed the keys over to Ben Saraf and Drake Powell. The backcourt had its growing pains — Saraf dropped 15 points but shot only 4-of-14 from the floor in 32 minutes. Powell shot 0-for-4 in 24 minutes played.
“I’ve been working with my coaches on my shot,” said Powell. “They’re not going in right now. But I’m going to continue to put them up and have full confidence that they’ll go in… Some nights are obviously hard when I’m by myself in the hotel room. But just been [having] constant conversations with my circle and continuing to trust them and my coaches.”
Back to Brown Jr. and Dëmin.
Of course, Stephen A. Smith screamed “BOX OFFICE!” at cameras the day after Brooklyn selected Mikel Brown Jr., and proceeded to mention how they should be the next team to be part of expansion. Darius Acuff Jr. could have a great career and we’d be thrilled! But the focus in Brooklyn is on Brown Jr. — and only Brown Jr. No matter how much hype has been around this matchup.
It doesn’t need to be anything more or less than that. Keep an eye on how these two young floor generals attempt to set the tone early.
📈 Big Impressions
Although it’s lottery guards who have generated the headlines, Saturday’s loss to Atlanta spotlighted two guys in the frontcourt who came to play.
Chaney Johnson: The two-way forward was everywhere once again, racking up 20 points, 10 rebounds, and a whopping 5 steals. He’s currently averaging 15 points and nine rebounds in Las Vegas Summer League, pushing the issue with high-energy on both ends of the floor.
Danny Wolf: The second-year big led the scoring effort alongside Johnson, putting up 20 points of his own on an efficient 9-of-16 shooting.
Meanwhile, forward Joshua Jefferson made his highly anticipated Summer League debut on Saturday. The aggression was there, but so was the rust. He shot 1-of-8 from the field to go along with two turnovers in nine minutes.
🕒 Load Management
If you’re wondering why you didn’t see Brown Jr. or Dëmin in the box score on Saturday, it simply isn’t worth overthinking. It’s Summer League, and for the Nets, the priority is balancing development with keeping the franchise cornerstones in one piece. That’s not mentioning they’re playing extra basketball — only seven franchises (eight total teams) play in the California Classic before heading over the Vegas.
“That’s the goal,” Nets summer league coach Dutch Gaitley said.“The goal is a nice off-day … get some work in on Monday, and then we’re ready to play the Kings and, hopefully, avenge our first loss of summer league.”
It’s the right move. Long-term evaluation is the name of the game here. Minutes need to be earned by others, and Saturday gave the staff another look at what Saraf and Powell can (or can’t) do when they’re forced to take the reins.
Make no mistake, the main act returns tonight. But this is all exhibition, the Nets are not going to do anything that might jeopardize their future, particularly in back-to-backs
Welcome to NY, Keon!
Did you think you’d wake up today and think about New York real estate? If your answer is no then you’re probably having a less stressful day than Keon Ellis. Like most who move to New York, Ellis discussed what it’s like looking for a place.
Asked Keon Ellis how he's feeling about living in NYC:
“Oh, my god! Trying to find a house, it’s tough. I have to sacrifice something, some space, the prices, it’s a lot. But I’m definitely excited to walk around the city and hit different spots and all the restaurants. I hear… pic.twitter.com/Florv2bOQh
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Tyler Nickel #55 of the New York Knicks in the first 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
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Nets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
With the exception of two-time All-Star Julius Randle, the Nets didn’t go big-game hunting for splashy stars. It simply wasn’t their plan after losing 62 games this past season. Instead, they opted to stay young and build depth while maintaining some of that flexibility we so often hear about.
The stars of this show are going to be their own. Mikel Brown Jr. has looked solid in Summer League and so has Egor Dëmin. Other players like Chaney Johnson have also made a name for themselves.
Contrary to Sinatra’s “It was a very good year” — it was a very tough year for Nets fans. A ton of losses and a Knicks championship. Not the best. However, the Draft and more specifically, the combination between the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League have seemingly given this fanbase a sigh of relief. However, the reality can still be tough if the team is losing games come December.
At least for the time being, how do you feel? Has Summer League changed anything for you?
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers thanks the crowd after passing Kobe Bryant for third on NBA's all-time scoring liston January 25, 2020 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been 43 years since the Philadelphia 76ers won an NBA championship.
As a refresher, that team was positively loaded. It put “Big 3s” and the “Heatles” to shame.
Mo Cheeks, an eventual Hall of Famer, was the head of the snake as the starting point guard. Andrew Toney, who might’ve been on a HOF path if not for poorly-handled foot injuries, shared the backcourt. While Marc Iavaroni started, Hall of Famer Bobby Jones came off the bench as a defensive maven. Of course, the Good Doctor, Julius Erving, was manning the small forward spot.
Despite Dr. J’s individual accolades, the Larry O’Brien trophy still eluded him and the organization. They lost in the Finals three times and the Eastern Conference Finals twice. They needed something to get them over the top to defeat the rival Boston Celtics and Showtime Los Angeles Lakers.
Big man Moses Malone was coming off his second MVP award while a member of the Houston Rockets. The Sixers pulled off a sign-and-trade to acquire the Chairman of the Boards, and the rest is history. Malone spent only three seasons in Philadelphia (we can all disregard his age-38 season in 1993-94) yet has his No. 2 hanging in the rafters and is considered a legend around these parts.
LeBron James, who turns 42 in December, was born a year and half after Erving and company finally broke through. Imagine for a second if James, arguably the greatest player in basketball history, chose to play in the City of Brotherly Love and was able to deliver this franchise its fourth title?
Forget about GOAT. James would be worshipped here. He’d be a god — a deity held in the highest regard. While “Go Birds” is one of our greetings and “Red Octobers” have become the norm, Philly is still a basketball town. The presence of James and his ability to aid in a championship would simply bring that out.
If you watched the Home Run Derby on Monday night, you saw what Philly is all about. The fans booed every player competing against Kyle Schwarber, including the St. Louis Cardinals’ Jordan Walker, who won the event. Even Walker himself respected the energy from the crowd — as did his family, who were in attendance.
Jordan Walker talked about the wrath of the boos at Citizens Bank Park.
“My thought was ‘Philly’s brutal’ obviously. …but think it’s pretty special cause they love their players, and that’s what you want from your home (crowd). Honestly, I’ve never heard people cheer so loud… pic.twitter.com/AlmWe9wX2V
All that love for a guy in Schwarber, who was not a homegrown talent yet is adored here. Think about Bryce Harper, who unfortunately was bounced in the first round. Philly hated Harper with the fire of thousand suns when he was a Washington National. Did you see the reception he got Monday night? Every player should dream about that kind of environment — even one as decorated as LeBron.
Allow yourself to dream for a moment. Picture opening night down in South Philly. The starting five that takes the floor that night: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James and Joel Embiid. That’s the best starting five in the NBA. Hell, that rivals the 1983 squad for one of the greatest five-man groups of all time. (Maybe the team can ask Matt Cord back for one night?)
But truly, that’s not all. President of basketball operations Mike Gansey retooled a weak bench. Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons and Ariel Hukporti replace Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond. Labaron Philon Jr. is a gifted rookie who could still have a role on a star-studded team. And don’t forget about guys like Justin Edwards, Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona. They’ve helped the Sixers win games in the past and will now be asked to take on more appropriate roles.
This is a golden opportunity to win. If James can guide the Sixers to a title, he will be the first player to win four rings with four different franchises. You want to stand alone in history? That’s surely one way to do it.
LAS VEGAS — In Tyler Herro's mind, he is entering a new chapter in his career — he's been traded from the only NBA team he knew, Miami, back to where he was born, Milwaukee, and that's what he wants to focus on.
He'd rather forget the altercation he had with former Heat teammate Bam Adebayo outside a Las Vegas casino and hotel this week, he told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
"Honestly, I'm just trying to move past all of it," Herro told ESPN. "I'm focused on Milwaukee and building something special. They obviously just traded the greatest player in their history, so we want to come in and help continue what they've been doing....
"I'm ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong," he said, "but just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well."
Both the Heat and Bucks were asked by NBC Sports about the incident — coincidentally, they played each other in a Summer League game as news of the altercation broke — but both chose not to comment.
The incident reportedly occurred outside the Resorts World Casino, where the Miami Heat's Summer League team showed up to practice on a court that had been used not long before by Herro's AAU team (in town for an EYBL event). The altercation was reportedly over direct messages sent to someone from a secondary Instagram account linked to Herro (not his primary one, but apparently this second account was widely known to be Herro's). Those comments reportedly included "You should get paid 60 million to be a top tier defender on some nights?"
According to the latest ESPN report, Adebayo walked up to Herro, confronted him, and the altercation got physical but was quickly broken up, and Herro was not knocked to the ground.
Considering it happened in front of a casino and Herro's teenage AAU team, it's surprising that video of the incident has yet to be leaked. But for both sides, they likely want to move on... although it will be a subplot when Miami and Milwaukee face each other this season.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Tyler Herro says he wants to "move on" from his altercation with former Miami Heat teammate Bam Adebayo after it was reported that Adebayo hit him in the face.
According to multiple media reports, Herro was approached by Adebayo at the Resorts World Hotel in Las Vegas on July 10.
Herro was at the hotel watching his AAU team practice when Adebayo confronted him about comments made on social media.
"Honestly, I'm just trying to move past all of it," Herro said to ESPN. "I'm focused on Milwaukee and building something special. They obviously just traded the greatest player in their history, so we want to come in and help continue what they've been doing."
"I'm ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong," he said, "but just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well."
Adebayo and Herro spent seven seasons as teammates before Herro was traded to Milwaukee in a deal that sent two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait for a free throw during the first quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on November 25, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the LeBron James saga plows forward like it’s an early 2010’s summer, the conclusion appears to be drawing near. And, like the early 2010’s, it’s ESPN’s Brian Windhorst leading the reporting.
On the Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst said that James is contacting players on some of the interested teams. This, of course, then gets sent back to the respective team’s head coach and/or general manager.
“LeBron is reaching out and talking to players on some of these teams and they report back to their GM or coach.”
“LeBron is reaching out and talking to players on some of these teams and they report back to their GM or coach,” – @WindhorstESPN on the latest details around LeBron and what teams are hearing. pic.twitter.com/PTRl2hsZeP
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Windhorst did not indicate who these players were or even the exact teams that have been contacted, adding to the veiled maneuvering happening in the background.
The Cavs can also, in a way, corroborate this reporting from ESPN. Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson, while being interviewed at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, appeared to allude to Cleveland’s pursuit of James.
“You guys know there’s a little free agency thing on right now so…that could be our real jump and you know what I’m talking about,” Atkinson said during the Cavs’ Summer League matchup against the Detroit Pistons. “That’s exciting too.”
Then there is the Donovan Mitchell extension, which came a year sooner than many expected. Mitchell left a sizable amount of money on the table by signing this year as opposed to next summer, an act of good faith that may have been signed with the knowledge that something was coming to boost the Cavs’ championship outlook. Signing James would certainly be one of those achievable roster improvements.
The Tyler Herro-Bam Adebayo beef had been brewing for some time.
The two former Miami Heat teammates had a solid relationship before things began to fall apart over the past year, as the team took a different offensive direction, according to a new report from ESPN, culminating in Friday’s fight at a court in Las Vegas in which Adebayo reportedly punched Herro.
“Honestly, I’m just trying to move past all of it,” Herro, who was dealt to the Bucks in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, told ESPN. “I’m focused on Milwaukee and building something special. They obviously just traded the greatest player in their history, so we want to come in and help continue what they’ve been doing.”
Tyler Herro was hit in the face by Bam Adebayo during NBA Summer League. NBAE via Getty Images
Adebayo reportedly confronted Herro over critical comments made on social media after the Heat-Bucks trade.
Adebayo then “took exception” to Herro’s verbal response and struck Herro near his chin, ESPN reported. Herro, who was not knocked to the ground, “was restrained by others in the gym from responding physically.”
Herro and Adebayo began to grow apart over the past year as Herro played in just 33 games last season due to various injuries, and even when he did play, he struggled to adjust to changes made by coach Erik Spoelstra.
It became clear that the offense would revolve around Adebayo as their primary scorer rather than a pick-and-roll-heavy approach from years past.
The Heat ran just 5.3 pick-and-roll ball-handler possessions per game and just 5.6 percent of the time, by far the least frequent in the NBA, with the Spurs coming in second at 12.2 percent of their plays.
This is a massive change from the season prior, when the Heat ran pick-and-roll on 16.2 percent of their plays, middle of the pack in the NBA.
Miami ran the pick and roll less than any NBA team since at least 2015, when the data began being tracked by the league.
When Herro returned to the offense from injury to make his season debut on Nov. 24, Adebayo made some interesting comments about their star guard’s return to an offense that had moved past his style.
Bam Adebayo became the focal point of the Heat’s offense. Getty Images
“As you see, it’s a fun offense to be a part of,” Adebayo said. “It’s not a lot of pick-and-rolls to be a part of, but we’re sharing the game. You like those types of games where everybody feels involved, and everybody gets a chance to be aggressive. Put pressure on the rim and we’re being successful off of it.”
Herro said he’s ready to prove people wrong; perhaps Adebayo is one of them.
“I’m ready to come home and not prove everyone wrong,” he said, “but just be able to represent the city and the state because I wanted to do that coming out of school as well.”
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 24: Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 24, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers’ big move of the summer was pushing all their chips to the middle of the table to acquire Walker Kessler.
There are lots of boxes that Kessler checks as a rim-protecting center and a hard-screening lob threat. All that comes with the caveat of him being healthy.
Kessler played the first five games of the season before a torn labrum forced him to have surgery and abruptly ended his campaign. Given how early into the season the injury occurred, it’s not a surprise that he has been cleared to play.
On Monday, Kessler spoke to the media in Las Vegas for the first time since joining the purple and gold and revealed his injury is healed (h/t Dave McMenamin/ESPN).
“It’s been cleared,” Kessler said. “It feels strong. It feels mobile.
“I’m just excited to play again. Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective. The heart grows fond in absence. Falling in love with this game again, I just want to go play to win.”
Given how much chemistry the new-look Lakers are going to have to build, it’s great news that Kessler is healthy and ready to go. The team’s new signings met in Vegas to hang out and scrimmage to start building said chemistry with Kessler among them.
Kessler has largely been a durable player in his career. While he only played 58 games in the 2024-25 season, most of that was because the Jazz, one of the most notorious tanking teams in recent seasons, were doing funny things down the stretch with Kessler.
LA has placed a lot of faith in Kessler being the next center of the future. Fortunately, he’s going to be read to go from the jump this season to try to make good on that bet.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
It is no secret to the league that a reunion of LeBron James and the team that drafted all the way back in 2003 would be hard to pass on. The Cleveland Cavaliers, as reported by Marc Stein, are regarded by teams pursuing James as “the scenario to beat”.
Stein includes teams who view this as the case to be the teams most in pursuit of the King. This includes the likes of the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. According to Stein, the situation is viewed as Cleveland being the scenario to beat; however, not necessarily unbeatable.
Golden State reportedly, while having “tangible concern that Cleveland is the closest thing to a frontrunner,” has not given up on their pursuit of the King. Stein goes on to say that this sentiment is shared by all suitors above. With Timberwolves coach Chris Finch saying as much on Stein and Jake Fisher’s Bleacher Report livestream: “I think they’ve made everybody feel like they genuinely have an opportunity.”
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In the same excerpt from Stein, he floats questions around LeBron’s upcoming appearances this week. James is scheduled to have live podcast appearances this Thursday and Friday in New York City at the Fanatics Fest event.
It has been rumored that LeBron’s decision should be coming sooner rather than later. So the LeBron sweepstakes being announced before or even during LeBron’s media appearances later this week would not surprise many in the least.
If the Cavaliers are truly viewed as the “scenario to beat,” then Cleveland will need to remain aggressive in whatever approach they are currently utilizing to entice James to this potential third reunion. A return of LeBron brings more with it than a simple storybook ending to an all-time career. They would have a chance to compete for a title, and would presumably pull out all of the stops to put themselves in the best position to do so if they can secure a commitment from James.
LAS VEGAS — Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. — the Nets’ lottery picks the past two years — are set to play Tuesday’s summer league tilt against Sacramento, giving Nets fans another glimpse at their potential backcourt of the future.
Both 20-year-olds were held out of Saturday’s loss to Atlanta, while Brown had missed the first two of three California Classic games. But fans will relish seeing them on the floor together against the Kings.
“That’s the goal,” Nets summer league coach Dutch Gaitley said. “The goal is a nice off-day … get some work in on Monday, and then we’re ready to play the Kings and, hopefully, avenge our first loss of summer league.”
Mikel Brown Jr. during the Nets’ summer league win over the Knicks. NBAE via Getty Images
The Nets picked Brown at No. 6 overall in last month’s draft — they chose him over Darius Acuff Jr., who went one spot later to Sacramento — and the rookie had 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting and 3-for-6 from deep in the rout of the Knicks.
Meanwhile, Acuff is averaging 19.5 points and 4.5 assists. He also has averaged 3.5 turnovers on just 26-for-82 shooting along with horrific defense.
Ben Saraf has shown his usual downhill game but still is struggling to hit shots. He’s hitting just 27.3 percent and 1-for-7 from deep in two summer league games.
Gaitley said the key for the second-year guard is his reads.
Egor Demin during summer league action. Getty Images
“Ben’s one of our highest paint-touch guys. It’s now that read of, ‘Is it time for me to be aggressive in score? Is it time for me to spray?’ ” Gaitley said. “Sometimes, he gets a little deep, and he’s like, ‘I’m going to score. I’m going to score,’ and then the read is to pass. And then other times, he’s like ‘All right, I’m going to pass; I’m going to pass,’ and the read is to score.
“So, helping him on that so he’s not predetermining and he’s just reading what the defense does. He does a great job getting into the paint. Now, it’s helping him get into those reads. The other thing is he gets caught in-between playing off two feet and playing off one foot. You play off two feet, you can pivot, allow your teammates to get in space. You play off one, you’re in the air; it leads to turnovers.”
Despite being used at forward this summer rather than center. Danny Wolf has added about 10 pounds of muscle in hopes bulk and better interior footwork help his finishing.
“It’s just my physicality and just playing a little bit bigger,” Wolf said of improved finishing. “Then within that, just as the game slows down, making better reads, being better with the ball, and then just playing simpler, and then just continuing to find consistency in the 3-point shot.”
Nolan Traore won’t play at all in summer league due to having his right knee scoped. But he joined the Nets here and got some stationary shots up at practice Monday. Grant Nelson also isn’t playing but was on hand getting work in at Monday’s practice as well.
