On Friday, Aug. 7 the Tar Heels landed South Dakota and All-Summit League center Cameron Fens out of the transfer portal, giving Malone and Co. a 7-foot, 255-pound big man on the interior.
"One of the most surreal moments of my life," Fens wrote in an Instagram post on Aug. 7. "Humbled to wear Carolina Blue and to represent this university. Excited to get to work. Go Heels! AGTG."
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player's death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke's passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.
Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 01: The DAZN logo is seen on a microphone prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Per recent reporting by Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal, a new player is entering the local NBA broadcast space. U.K. based streamer DAZN (pronounced da’zone), a platform primarily known for boxing and MMA, secured streaming rights for New York-based MSG and YES networks, making them the exclusive digital provider for all non-national TV New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets games.
Karp also reported from multiple sources that DAZN was close to deals with the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Pacers, Grizzlies, Magic, possibly the Hornets, and the San Antonio Spurs. Nothing is official, but DAZN CEO all but confirmed, telling Sports Business Journal, “We are in discussion with many other teams, and I can promise you that more teams will follow very soon.”
This marks a notable shift in local sports broadcasting, which, until now, was handled by regional sports networks (RSNs). These are Fox Sports Southwest, Bally Sports Southwest, and most recently, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest. All of which are no more, with FanDuel Sports Network officially folding this year.
This can hardly be a surprise. RSNs have been a dying business model, limping along for years now. As the name changes suggest, the networks have changed hands several times, with one parent company, Diamond Sports Group, going through bankruptcy in 2023. DAZN was looked at as a potential buyer of the entity in 2025, but ultimately decided not to, perhaps seeing the future opportunity down the road.
These struggles have had real consequences for NBA teams beyond just their own revenue. As RSNs underperformed, the NBA salary cap can’t be propped up by the lucrative national TV deals. As a result, the salary cap did not hit its 10 percent maximum growth, instead settling for 6.7 percent.
While this isn’t a decline, it isn’t the growth the owners and players want. Other RSNs will either need to adapt or face the same fate as FanDuel Sports Network.
Streaming is the natural progression, and DAZN stepping in makes sense. The company is already a rights holder for the NBA in several international markets, and is looking to grow its U.S. rights portfolio. The aforementioned anticipated deals could be only the beginning as the platform wants to pursue the rights to be the NBA’s centralized local streamer down the road.
What about the fans?
This is all well and good for the NBA and DAZN, but what does it mean for fans?
Provided the deals go through, it will mean streaming becomes the exclusive medium for Spurs broadcasts.
Karp reports that DAZN is willing to put forth a good amount of capital for marketing to create awareness. A small handful of games will be broadcast over-the-air or free from DAZN before fully switching over to streaming exclusively.
How that is received will largely be dependent on the price. Currently, DAZN has a few package options. The least expensive of which is $249.99 yearly. If you are only signing up for the Spurs, that may or may not feel worth it. It’s possible those prices could change, and the idea of a less expensive, team-only or basketball-only package is feasible.
Overall, it’s a big shift but a step towards the future. RSNs simply aren’t a viable option if they can’t sustain themselves. The details are still being ironed out, but it’s certain that how fans watch the Spurs will change for the 2026-2027 season.
ST. FRANCIS, WI - AUGUST 8: Larry Harris, Milwaukee Bucks General Manager (L) introduces Bobby Simmons (R) to the media during a press conference at the Milwaukee Bucks Training Center on August 8, 2005 in St. Francis, Wisconsin. 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 NBAE 2005. (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I can remember it vividly. Year 11 (junior year to most of you). My best friend’s voice riding the wind across the yard.
“Did you see it?”
I looked up, mouth ajar, eyes staring as if I was mid matrices exam. Then the follow-up.
“The Bucks have signed Bobby Simmons!”
Dilation. Pupils, mouth. Everything.
It was true. A quick—okay, slow (we’re talking ADSL speeds)—Google search (or was it Ask Jeeves?) confirmed the news. The NBA’s reigning Most Improved Player (MIP), coming off a season in which he averaged 16.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.4 SPG on .466/.435/.846 shooting, was joining the Bucks on a 5-year $47m contract.
And they were movin’ on up.
The promise
My excitement was palpable, even as a closet fan. Coming off a 25th-placed 30-52 season the year prior, Simmons’ arrival signalled change and upward trajectory in Milwaukee. But he wasn’t alone. T.J. Ford—yes, that new assistant coach—was back after missing his entire sophomore season due to a severe spinal injury, Michael Redd had just re-signed on a six-year deal (remember those?), and Andrew Bogut had arrived in town after being selected with the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft. Youth and promise. Sounds familiar, right? Oh, and they had a new coach too, moving off one Terry (Porter) for another (Stotts).
But the roster revitalisation wasn’t done. Not yet. Two months later, Milwaukee would trade for All-Star centre Jamaal Magloire in a deal that sent out Desmond Mason and a 2006 first-round pick (that would become Cedric Simmons). And just like that, the starters were set: two seven-footers up front, a big-bodied forward on the wing, a sweet-shooting two, and an exciting, young point. Read that sentence again and you could easily confuse it for this year’s squad.
So, with a revamped starting five that also strengthened the bench—2004-05 starters Joe Smith, Mo Williams, and Dan Gadzuric became reserves—the Bucks looked primed for a playoff push.
Bright beginnings
The season started with a bang—a 117-108 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers—and Simmons looked every bit the key free agent signing Bucks fans had hoped for, dropping 22 points to go along with a career-high-tying 12 rebounds. Up next, New Jersey. Kidd, Vince, RJ. SEGABABA. And when my best mate told me he’d organised his next door neighbour to record it on VHS for us (it was our only access to full NBA games), I became Bango after nailing an overhead half-court shot.
We watched it that afternoon (time difference and all that), dragging dining chairs into the corner of his room so we could get as close as possible to his box TV. The mid-2000s style meant every basket was a grind, and when Dan Gadzurichit the Bucks’ first field goal—an isolation, face-up jumper from the left block with 6:43 on the clock to make it a 9-3 Nets lead—I could finally move off the front of the chair. At the end of the first, the Nets led 29-17. By halftime, it was 55-50 and Simmons had gone just 1/6 from the field. He didn’t improve much after the break, missing his only attempt, but a 33-point second-half explosion by Redd secured a Bucks victory. Enthused, we chucked NBA Live into his PlayStation 2, let our inner Larry Harrises out, and had at it.
Three nights later, Simmons looked back to his Opening Night self, putting up 23 points, four rebounds, and three assists to lead the Bucks over D-Wade and the Miami Heat, giving Milwaukee their first three-game winning streak to start the season since 2001-02. They remained hot too. By mid-December, the Bucks were 12-7. By the New Year, they were 17-11. And despite cooling off by the time All-Star break came around, they remained in the black: 27-25.
Simmons, however, wasn’t quite living up to expectations, regressing statistically across the board thanks in large part to the inconsistent play his opening three games foreshadowed. 20 points one night become single digits the next. And across the season’s first three months, he seemed to be hurting more than he was helping (a plus/minus of -46). He would amend that on the back of a season-high 26 points (including 5/9 from three) in a two-point loss to the Houston Rockets to begin February, finishing the second half of the season at +95 despite the Bucks going just 17-20 over this stretch.
Overall, Simmons’ first year with the Bucks was solid if unspectacular: 13.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, and 1.1 SPG on .453/.420/.825 splits. More importantly, the Bucks had made good on that playoff promise.
A post-season taster
Despite the excitement, Milwaukee’s playoff run didn’t last long. Playing the second-seeded “Goin’ to Work” Detroit Pistons—Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, and Chauncey Billups—the Bucks were beaten in a gentleman’s sweep, experiencing their only taste of victory in Game 3 thanks to a combined 60 points on absurd 23/31 shooting from Redd and Williams, and a team-leading seven rebounds and 15 assists from Ford. Simmons chipped in with a steady 10 points, four boards, and three assists.
Across the series, though, to say he struggled would be an understatement. In his first taste of post-season action, Simmons was held to just 6.6 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 1.8 SPG, shooting a paltry 33% from the field while not attempting a single free throw, despite playing 31.8 MPG. Still, it was a season of growth and Simmons and the Bucks headed into the offseason full of optimism.
The E.N.D.
Despite being released in 2009, much of the Black Eyed Peas’ fifth studio album, The E.N.D.,was recorded in 2006. And its vocally-manipulated spoken-word hidden intro could easily be seen as an epigraph for the 2006-07 Bucks: “Everything around you is changing. Nothing stays the same. This version of myself is not permanent. Tomorrow I will be different. The energy never dies.” After all, the 2006-07 Bucks were changed.
In June, Ford was traded to the Toronto Raptors for Charlie Villanueva. In July, Magloire was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers for Steve Blake, Ha Seung-Jin, and Brian Skinner. In August, Smith was traded to the Denver Nuggets for Ruben Patterson, while Jiří Welsch left the Bucks for Spanish ACB league club Unicaja Málaga. Then, in September, Toni Kukoč retired.
New recruit Villanueva was limited to 39 games, Redd played just 53, and the Bucks finished the season 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-54 record. In June’s NBA Draft, they controversially used the sixth overall pick to select Yi Jianlian out of China.
Simmons returned in 2007-08, mostly in a reserve role, putting up 7.6 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 1.1 APG. But the winning didn’t—the Bucks finished just 26-56. Then, on June 26, less than three years after inking his 5-year $47m deal, Simmons was traded along with Yi to the Nets for Richard Jefferson. And, just like that, the Bobby Simmons era in Milwaukee was done.
By that time, high school had finished for my best mate and me.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
How will the Suns’ offense function next season? Will it become predictable again, like it did last year? The Suns weren’t exactly running a complex offense down the stretch, and far too many possessions ended with a three-point attempt.
From February 1 on, Phoenix went 15–18. And during that span, 46.9% of its shots came from beyond the arc. That ranked sixth in the league. They were also third in the NBA in the percentage of their total points that came from three-point range at 41.5%. That’s something the Suns have to change next season because, quite simply, it didn’t work. They need more ways to generate offense. Having players who can get downhill, attack the rim, and create pressure inside is something this team desperately needs.
Suns’ CEO Josh Bartelstein was on with Burns and Gambo earlier this week, and he said that “The league right now has evolved so much. Where the league was three or four years ago, where shooting was in high demand…of course you wanna have shooters…if you watch what’s happening now, it’s guys who can get downhill. Get two feet in the paint. It’s guys who can guard multiple positions. It’s athletic specimens who can meet you at the rim and block your shot. You got to be able to attack and play off closeouts and spray the ball around.”
Why were the Phoenix Suns willing to pay the price to acquire Miles Bridges?
CEO of the Suns and Mercury Josh Bartelstein explained their thought process earlier today.
— The Burns & Gambo Show (@BurnsAndGambo) August 5, 2026
The conversation centered on the acquisition of Miles Bridges and how he could ultimately affect the offense. That naturally leads to another interesting question: Who will be the second-leading scorer on this team next season, assuming Devin Booker remains the top dog? Because if he isn’t, the Suns are going to have a multitude of other problems.
The majority of the community believes Jalen Green will fill that role. In our most recent Suns Reacts survey, 61% of voters picked Green to finish second on the team in scoring. Miles Bridges came in second at 22%.
I agree with the consensus that Jalen Green will be the second leading scorer for Phoenix next season. His talent, combined with his athleticism, should create plenty of opportunities for him to fill that role. Whether he can step into it, embrace it, and execute consistently will be one of the defining storylines of the season.
I can also see a world where Miles Bridges benefits tremendously from Devin Booker’s presence and the gravity he creates, as well as from what Jalen Green can do athletically. One thing Bridges does better when attacking the basket is passing, and that is an area where Green still has room to grow. Green can get blinders when he sees the rim. When he attacks with the kind of ferocity he possesses, finishing becomes the only objective. The more cerebral approach is understanding that defenses know what he wants to do. When they collapse, opportunities open up elsewhere.
In the same breath, that could also be part of what helps Green become the second leading scorer. Bridges showed in Charlotte that he can be a willing passer on his way to the rim. If Green is cutting from the weak side, he can benefit from those passes and use his athleticism to put an exclamation point on the possession.
Regardless of who finishes second on the team in scoring, I think we’re going to see a much more entertaining version of Suns basketball. Don’t get me wrong, everybody in the arena loves it when the team hits a three. It’s kind of like a home run; everybody gives a high five. What really gets people out of their seats, though, is when beautiful ball movement ends with a slam dunk or an easy two points at the rim. That is something Jalen Green can provide with regularity.
And that may ultimately be the biggest difference between this offense and the one we watched stumble through the end of last season. Phoenix shouldn’t have to live and die by the three-point line anymore. If they want to surpass that 38.5 over on FanDuel, Booker will have to create gravity, Bridges will have to collapse defenses, and Green will have to use his athleticism to punish the openings that follow. The goal isn’t to abandon the three. It’s to create better ones while rediscovering everything that can happen before the ball ever gets there.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 7: Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs smiles during 2026 NBA Finals Practice and Media Availability on June 7, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In the midst of summer, members of the Spurs are in Paris, France working out and visiting a national art museum. Keldon Johnson made an appearance at a summer basketball camp in Laredo, Texas. And this weekend, the Spurs are hosting a back-to-school at the Frost Bank Center.
Meanwhile, somewhere in San Antonio, Luke Kornet is moonlighting as a roadside assistant.
Way to go, Kornet! Well done! 👏🏻
WATCH: Spurs' Luke Kornet helps out San Antonio motorist having car trouble
A TikTok user posted this video of Kornet as he pulled over to help a motorist who was having car trouble.
It seems no matter where Kornet is, he makes the day brighter. Good on ya, Luke.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: James Harden attends the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Arturo Holmes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Earlier this summer, Cleveland Cavaliers free agent guard James Harden was arrested on Saturday, June 26, outside of Houston after having a handgun visible in the car during a routine traffic stop. The handgun was not carried in a holster as it should’ve been. Harden was booked later that same day and released on bond.
It looks like this situation will not follow Harden and presumably, the Cavaliers are not going to have this dark cloud hanging overhead to start the upcoming season. It was reported by TMZ that the case against Harden has been dismissed.
It was also reported by The Athletic that Harden and the Harris County (Texas) District Attorney’s Office “completed an alternative resolution agreement.” Those details aren’t known at this time.
It appears Harden will be able to put this situation behind him and now fully focus on his contract negotiations with the Cavaliers.
Harden has been delaying his new contract with the Cavaliers to offer some flexibility for roster upgrades. It has been rumored that Harden’s deal will be a two or three-year agreement, but the specifics depend on what the Cavs do elsewhere on the roster.
As the season slowly approaches, it is beneficial for both Harden and Cleveland not to have a legal issue dangling over both the player and the team.
Harden played in 26 regular-season games with the Cavs last regular season after being traded to them in February in a deal that saw Darius Garland head to the Los Angeles Clippers. Harden averaged 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds on .466/.435/.840 shooting splits. He also appeared in 18 playoff games with Cleveland, averaging 19.2 points and 5.5 assists per game.
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Gold medalists Team United States pose for a photo during the Men's basketball medal ceremony on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the goals of the current collective bargaining agreement is to break up superteams like the 2024 championship squad — or at least spread the wealth when it comes to high paid talent. New York, particularly Jalen Brunson, had to take considerable discounts to keep the Nova Knicks together and bring home a championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder had to trim around their edges this offseason to stay competitive and maybe more importantly, under the second apron.
Those economics were part of Boston’s decision to trade Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia and while Paul George makes roughly the same amount of money as JB, he has one year less on his contract. PG13 may not be the ideal veteran partner to pair with Jayson Tatum and some have speculated on who might be a better fit as the 28-year-old JT enters his prime.
Last week, longtime beat writer and Sports Illustrated’s John Karalis speculated on a possible deal that would land four-time NBA champ Steph Curry with the Celtics and in a recent SB Nation poll, our readers agreed that he’d be the best fit over Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving.
OK, who voted for a Kyrie reunion, guys?
If you’re looking at a potential timeline for Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office, the next 2-3 years could be Tatum plus the current roster plus some aging superstar/Hall-of-Famer looking for one last run at a championship. Curry might be at the top of that list. AD and KD are probably past their “could be Celtics” phase of their careers, but could it make sense down the road to pursue Damian Lillard or Jimmy Butler?
For now, George is a green and Boston is firmly in the Eastern Conference mix. Our friends at FanDuel have the Celtics (+1400) just behind the Knicks (+950) and Sixers (+1100) to raise Banner 19.
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 22: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers plays defense during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 22, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Matisse Thybulle and Zaire Williams have been brought on to bolster the wing position. In the NBA Draft, the Lakers traded up a spot to acquire Cameron Carr, and when you add in two-year forward Adou Thiero, there is suddenly a nice group of players that have a potential for a breakout year.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we asked fans which player from this group would outperform their contract, and Thybulle was the top pick.
Thybulle is reportedly healthy now after some injury-riddled seasons. If that turns out to be true and he plays in the majority of regular season games, then he could absolutely be a steal for the Lakers.
As a defensive player on the perimeter, he provides a skill this roster desperately needs. Thybulle was named Second Team All-Defense in his second and third years with the Sixers, and a return to that level would guarantee significant playing time for him.
Last year, with the Blazers, he averaged 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 30 games, while making 39.8 percent of his 3-pointers.
Carr also got a ton of love from Lakers fans, with 34% voting for him. As a rookie, how good he will be is unknown, but his Summer League play was very encouraging.
He was scoring with ease on and off-ball and averaged 18 points per game in Las Vegas Summer League, helping the Lakers advance to the semifinals. Carr played so well that it’s possible he could crack the rotation and log meaningful minutes immediately.
However, he’s still a rookie, and how he’ll play against true NBA competition remains a mystery. Thybulle is a much more established player and likely someone head coach JJ Redick can trust more. Also, given his defensive play, what he provides might be more important than Carr getting buckets.
Whether it’s Thybulle, Carr, or someone else that breaks out for the Lakers, hopefully it’s one of the players on a team-friendly deal.
Winning in the margins is huge in the NBA, and having a player that can outperform their contract is how teams can compete and thrive under this current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
At the request of the Harris County district attorney's office in Houston, a misdemeanor gun charge against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has been dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program, reports the Associated Press.
Alternative programs are a fairly common way for people to avoid a criminal record for a minor offense. In this case, Harden likely did some community service in the Houston area, although the agreement did not detail exactly what he did, according to the AP.
Harden, an 11-time All-Star, had been arrested on June 13 for having a gun in the cupholder of his car. He had been driving a car as part of a multi-car group when one of the other drivers was pulled over, according to the Harris County police report. Harden had pulled up behind the police and the other vehicle, and while interacting with the police, one officer noticed Harden had a gun in the cupholder of his car, according to the report. Harden allegedly confirmed the gun was his, which led to his arrest and booking.
Harden played eight seasons — his peak seasons, statistically — in Houston and has close ties to the city. He spends much of his offseason there every year.
Harden, 36, technically still remains a free agent, but is expected to re-sign with the Cavaliers in the coming weeks. He opted out of the $42.3 million he was owed to give the Cavaliers more cap space to chase LeBron James (they struck out there) or make other moves. He is expected to re-sign in Cleveland for around $30 million a season (depending on what other moves the team makes) for multiple years. Harden was traded from the LA Clippers to Cleveland in the middle of this past season, and between the two teams he averaged 23.6 points and 8 assists per game while shooting 37.5% from 3-point range.
On an episode of “The Big Podcast” hosted by Shaquille O’Neal, he questioned why former teammate Kobe Bryant isn’t included in the conversation.
Shaquille O’Neal questions why Kobe Bryant isn’t considered in GOAT debates. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
“There’s only three people in the GOAT conversation. Listen, I’m arrogant, but I’m not dumb,” O’Neal said. “It’s Kobe, Bron and Mike, that’s it.”
O’Neal was originally asked why he isn’t considered in the GOAT conversation; he was then confronted about a bias of shooting guards who are in the conversation, to which O’Neal admitted that players have their sub-categories.
“For so long it was just Mike and Bron, and I’m like, ‘I understand, great picks, but what about the Kobester?’ ” O’Neal said.
Bryant won five NBA championships with the Lakers during his 20-year career. AP
Bryant is no doubt one of the NBA’s greatest players. He spent his 20-year career as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships. Bryant was a two-time Finals MVP and a regular-season MVP in 2008.
Bryant’s five NBA titles eclipse James, who has won four championships in his 23-year career, but do not surpass Jordan, who won six NBA titles and was crowned Finals MVP in all six series.
Bryant was known for his “Mamba Mentality,” which focused on his relentless effort to try to win games and perform well while dealing with adversity.
With so many iconic moments in his career, Bryant’s greatest performance came on Jan. 22, 2006, when he scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the third-most points in a game by a player. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 in 1962, and Bam Adebayo tallied 83 in 2026.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Lonnie Walker IV, a seven-year NBA veteran who spent last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague, reportedly has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million minimum contract with the Denver Nuggets to return to the NBA, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Walker is a 6'4" two guard, a position where the Nuggets need depth after losing Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency (plus Jalen Pickett is not back as well). It's unclear if this contract is fully guaranteed, but it's possible he steps into (or earns the chance in training camp to step into) the role Bruce Brown played with this team.
Walker was a double-digit scorer in four of his seven NBA seasons (four of the last five) and is a career 35.6% shooter from 3-point range. The former No. 18 pick averaged 15.2 points per game in EuroLeague play last season, shooting 35.1% from beyond the arc.
Denver still has a lot of work to do this offseason, most notably either re-signing or finding a sign-and-trade for wing player Peyton Watson. With that comes the fact that the Nuggets are currently already above the second apron of the luxury tax with 12 contracts on their roster — this is a team that needs to shed salary. They have looked for trades for Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun, but would have to add the sweetener of picks to either of them to get another team to take on those contracts at this point in the summer.
Where Walker fits into all that is just another piece of the puzzle.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 02: Head coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on February 02, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks announced their coaching staff earlier on Friday. Under new head coach Taylor Jenkins, only Darvin Ham and head of player development Jack Herum will return to the Bucks for the 2026-27 season. The rest of Milwaukee’s new coaching personnel—including Summer League head coach Pat St. Andrews—are all new hires or returning to Milwaukee after previously leaving.
Darvin Ham is the most recognizable name among Jenkins’ assistant coaches. Ham served as the lead assistant coach for four seasons, including Milwaukee’s championship-winning season in 2021. He then spent a turmoil-filled two years in Los Angeles, where, despite posting a winning record across his two seasons in charge, he was fired after a first-round playoff exit. Ham was a candidate to fill the New Orleans Pelicans’ coaching vacancy in the summer, but he ultimately remained in his role as the Bucks’ assistant coach. Ham has worked with Jenkins before in Atlanta for five seasons and in Milwaukee for one.
Two of the Bucks’ assistant coaches, St. Andrews and Brad Jones, worked with Jenkins as assistant coaches in Memphis. Others have ties to Milwaukee; Vince Legarza returns to the Bucks after spending the 2024-25 season as an assistant with the Suns, and Schuyler Rimmer spent four seasons with the Bucks from 2018-22 as a video coordinator. Some of the Bucks’ new assistants have experience from around the league. Johnny Carpenter was an assistant for the Indiana Pacers last season but turned down the opportunity to coach the Pacers’ Summer League team to join Milwaukee.
T.J. Ford will also join Milwaukee’s coaching staff, his first coaching role in the NBA. The former eighth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, Ford spent two seasons with Milwaukee as the team’s starting point guard and made 127 appearances, averaging 10 points. After retirement, Ford spent time coaching high school and AAU basketball, including his own Adidas-sponsored team, TJ Ford Elite.
Joe Boylan, the highly-touted coach who seemed set to join Jenkins’ coaching staff, won’t join the Bucks. Boylan shifted course in early July to join new coach Dusty May and the Dallas Mavericks,
Dave Joerger, a longtime assistant to Doc Rivers, will take on an assistant coaching job in Denver, while Greg Buckner joins the Orlando Magic.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 21: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 21, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/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 Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the hunt for two different wings, making themselves known as potential suitors for both Atlanta’s Jonathan Kuminga and Denver’s Peyton Watson. Earlier this week, we asked you to vote on which 23-year-old forward you would want to see in Cleveland the most.
Watson comes in as the heavy favorite, pulling more than 85% of our vote. Kuminga grabs just 14%.
I’d have to say I agree with the results.
Watson had a career-best year last season, improving his efficiency and becoming a genuine threat from downtown. He’s got the raw potential of a 3-and-D wing who has taken the necessary steps forward to make that potential a tangible reality.
Kuminga, on the other hand, still has more to prove. He hasn’t been a good three-point shooter at any point in his career so far. And he hasn’t fully fit in with either team he’s been on to this point. The Golden State Warriors didn’t want to play him, and the Atlanta Hawks don’t want to pay him. Maybe both of those franchises are making a mistake by undervaluing him. Either way, it’s on Kuminga to change the narrative.
The Cavs remain active in pursuing both Kuminga and Watson. The Nuggets are looking to avoid the second apron, making it more difficult for Cleveland to acquire him in a trade. Kuminga, on the other hand, is likely more available.
Either wing would fit in Cleveland. The Cavs have needed athleticism and length at small forward for years. Acquiring one of them would help fill that need and move them up from 10th on FanDuel for championship odds.
In order to vote in our next poll, all you have to do is make a free account on Fear the Sword and wait for our next react survey to drop. You can find it in our feed, or right here in our posts.
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler trolled Steph Curry in a recent series of pictures posted on Instagram.
Butler, who is on a trip to Amsterdam, posted pictures of his overseas workout — but with a twist. It appears Butler photoshopped Curry’s face over his own in each of the five photos.
Jimmy Butler played comedian during his trip to the Netherlands as he posted a hilarious series of photos of himself, only with Steph Curry’s face replacing his own. Instagram/jimmybutler
Curry commented on the Instagram post, “What is wrong with you” along with a laughing emoji.
Jimmy Butler has earned a reputation for having a lighthearted, comedic demeanor off the court, which includes trolling his teammates. Instagram/jimmybutler
This also isn’t the first time Butler has involved Curry in one of his humorous antics as the Warriors duo previously pranked former teammate Buddy Hield.
Butler and Curry are obviously close enough to joke with one another, including the latter calling out the former for his hilarious Instagram post.
While the Warriors are keeping things lighthearted off the court, the team has several question marks heading into the 2026-27 season.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Steph Curry will be tasked with handling the Warriors’ offensive load while Jimmy Butler recovers from a torn ACL. NBAE via Getty Images
Aside from the LeBron James sweepstakes, Golden State was extremely quiet in free agency. Its most notable move of the offseason was selecting Yaxel Lendeborg as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
As Butler and Moses Moody recover from injuries, the Warriors have once again placed the offensive load on Curry’s shoulders. While the 38-year-old remains an elite player, that is no easy task for a star who is hoping to get his squad a playoff spot.
” 
