SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boozer played 24 minutes, and scored 15 points, pulled down 4 rebounds, and also passed out 4 assists.
It was a successful debut in general, obviously, but stats don’t tell the whole story.
As we saw at Duke, one of Boozer’s best talents is that he makes his teammates better. You could probably cobble together a way to measure that from analytics, but eyeballing the game?
You know it when you see it.
What no one really thought about though is that in the NBA, Boozer has a bigger canvas to work with.
In the NBA, the lane is 16 feet, as opposed to 12 in college, and the three-point line is about 1 foot and 7 1/4 inches further back.
Both of these factors are going to work in Boozer’s favor, as it will spread the court. For that matter, so will the 24 second clock.
We got a hint Saturday when Boozer worked the court for passes, tip-ins, and threes. It’s nothing new to Duke fans, as we said, but the way the NBA court is laid out is going to really work to his advantage.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how things work out for him going forward. One thing that’s possible soon is that Memphis may decide they’ve seen enough and shut him down early like Dallas did last July with Cooper Flagg, pulling him from Summer League play after just two games.
LeBron James once sported a throwback Jim Brown jersey before a 2003 high school game that pitted St. Vincent-St. Mary against Walsh. | Phil Masturzo/Beacon Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This is a Cleveland Browns site, as the somewhat inside joke in the comments will remind us. If we are being honest, we are also a site full of sports fans who like a lot of different things. Whether that is the World Cup and Olympics every four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Crew, The Ohio State Buckeyes, or one of the many other colleges in the state, Ohio is full of sports.
With July 4th in the rearview mirror, it seems that James might indeed return to Northeast Ohio. According to reporting and a few sources I still have around the Cavs and LeBron (I covered the team for a while, including during the 2016 NBA championship), we could hear leaks that James will be signing with his home state team on a contract that could last two seasons (one year plus a player option).
As a Browns site, that means we have to ask the question about what reunion fans would want to see on Cleveland’s football team this year or next. There are a myriad of former Browns players around the league, but few have the type of cache to be worthy of being included here.
Looking at active players, not which former Cleveland great would you want to teleport onto this team from their prime, just three came to mind:
RB Nick Chubb
One of the best to do it, Chubb is a free agent after spending last season with the Houston Texans. Chubb had 122 carries last season for just over 500 yards and three touchdowns. Major injuries have significantly impacted Chubb’s explosiveness, as his yards per carry number fell from over five yards a carry in his first six seasons to 3.3 and 4.1 the last two.
Chubb could sign as Cleveland’s third-down back and provide Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson a veteran mentor in 2026, perhaps his final season. The veteran back could also wait to see if a contender has an injury that leads to a phone call.
QB Baker Mayfield
As noted in the piece linked above, Mayfield is set to hit free agency after the end of this season and has been unable to come to terms on an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Browns fans will probably argue about how good Mayfield actually is, something the Bucs might be doing internally as well, he’s clearly better than the quarterback play Cleveland saw last year and is expecting in 2026. Mayfield is somewhere between ‘better than terrible’ and Top 10 as a quarterback.
Should the Browns make a play to bring him back in ‘27 because he’s significantly better than what they have and more certain than anyone they can draft, or should they continue to shoot for a Top 10-level quarterback? Mayfield may not want to return, but Kevin Stefanski’s departure might help.
TE David Njoku
Focused on players that Cleveland fans have loved in the past (which excluded Odell Beckham Jr.), Njoku fills out the list. The former first-round pick signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason after saying goodbye to Browns fans and the city. Njoku’s production never lived up to his physical gifts or contract, but he gave a lot of effort and endeared himself to the fans during his time in Cleveland.
Turning 30 years old in early July, Njoku could have a number of seasons left in the league. While it may only be in a backup role, a return to help a young, growing team could make sense for the infection Chief.
Which, if any, of the three do you want to return? Which do you think is most realistic?
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: A Summer league logo is shown on center court during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 84-76. 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
Several former Kentucky Wildcats will be suiting up in the NBA Summer League.
More than a dozen former Wildcats will look to make a name for themselves on the summer league circuit in hopes of earning an NBA contract.
Looking at some former players who are grinding it out in the summer circuit, recently-drafted Otega Oweh is playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer league. Playing in the Salt Lake City league, Oweh had a nice sequence showing his two-way ability.
Otega Oweh putting his two-way impact on display 💯
The Thunder’s second round pick is showing off at the Salt Lake City Summer League! pic.twitter.com/zDBmKKSWUj
Former Kentucky Wildcat Jacob Toppin is also playing in the Salt Lake City league with the Atlanta Hawks.
In the California Classic, we’ve seen Brandon Boston Jr. playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Adou Thiero playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston, in particular, had a strong showing for the Bucks, including this dunk.
The Las Vegas Summer League gets underway beginning on Thursday, July 9 and includes all 30 NBA teams.
Here’s a look at some other former Kentucky players we should expect to see in Vegas.
Amari Williams (Boston Celtics), Jaxson Robinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bryce Hopkins (Denver Nuggets), Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons), Keion Brooks (Indiana Pacers), Lance Ware (New York Knicks), TyTy Washington (Orlando Magic), Koby Brea and Devin Askew (Phoenix Suns), and Andrew Carr (Portland Trailblazers).
Jayden Quaintance, who was recently drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, is technically on San Antonio’s summer league roster, but it has been announced that he will not be playing in the summer league due to the knee injury.
The Las Vegas Summer League games will be shown on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and Prime Video.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -JUNE 5: Former New York Knicks player Patrick Ewing appears curtsied before their game against the San Antonio Spurs of 2026 NBA Finals - Game Two at Frost Bank Center on June 5, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Patrick Ewing is leaving the New York Knicks once again… this time to return to the sideline with the Washington Wizards.
SNY’s Ian Begley first reported that Ewing was in talks with Washington to join Brian Keefe’s coaching staff. ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed that Ewing had agreed to become a Wizards assistant coach.
As Charania wrote in another of his never-not-entertaining stories, Washington values Ewing’s “presence and legendary stature,” as well as his “ability to communicate” with veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young and the AJ Dybantsa-led group of neophyte Wiz.
Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe, sources tell ESPN. Ewing has been in an Ambassador role with the Knicks and now returns on the coaching sidelines in D.C. pic.twitter.com/6Xdz6GrmY0
For Knicks fans, the move comes shortly after Ewing wrapped up his second season back with the franchise as an advisor and basketball ambassador. Ewing has been around the team during the past two years, including joining them both at home and on the road during their championship run and later at the Canyon of Heroes for the title parade, with the Knicks giving one of their GOATs what he always deserved.
When the Knicks announced his return in October 2024, Ewing made clear what the organization still meant to him.
“As I said the day my number 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick, and I will always be a New Yorker,” Ewing said then.
New York infamously drafted Ewing No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft after his Georgetown career, and three decades later, he remains the Knicks’ all-time leader in games played (1,039), points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), field goals made (9,260), steals (1,061), and blocks (2,758) in a full sweep of the classic statline.
Back to the actual news, the Wizards’ job will bring Ewing back to another familiar place for the Big Fella, as that’s where his NBA coaching career began. Washington hired Ewing shortly after he retired from the NBA in 2001, with Pat becoming an assistant for Michael Jordan of all people during the 2002-03 season before later working with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets.
Steve Clifford is also joining Washington as a coaching advisor, according to ESPN. Clifford coached alongside Ewing in Orlando from 2007-12, then hired him to his staff in Charlotte from 2013-17.
Ewing later returned to Georgetown as head coach from 2017-23, compiling a 75-109 record and leading the Hoyas to the 2021 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big East Tournament.
And now, after watching the Knicks finally win the goddam title, you bet Ewing has also earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants. Shout-out, Big Pat!
SACRAMENTO, CA ― The future looks bright for the Sacramento Kings.
Darius Acuff Jr. shined in his first summer league game at the California Classic, a 79-76 win against the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on July 4.
Acuff had a rough start to the game, going 1-for-8, but he continued to attack downhill. He finished the game going 9-for-29 and scored 25 points and four assists, including the game-winning assist to second-year guard Nique Clifford who knocked down a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left in the game.
"I wasn't nervous," Acuff told USA TODAY Sports. "I wouldn't lie, I'll tell you if I was nervous. But I actually wasn't. I thought I was gonna be nervous. I actually wasn't nervous, I was hyped to play. I got some great sleep. Woke up and a good breakfast. I thought the start I had wasn't going to happen but you know it happens to the best of us. Nah. I wasn't nervous. I was more excited to play with those guys, get on the court and play a game again, that was the best part, for sure."
Something is cooking in Sacramento. It's not just Acuff, it's the entire 2026 class including Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp.
With the No. 45 pick of the second round, the Kings picked Sharp, a 6-foot-3 guard out of Houston who was slept on. But not by Sacramento, who were searching for a two-way guard. They found him.
Sharp scored 11 points and recorded two steals and a block, as he helped to level the Kings who were down early in their summer league game against the Nets.
"I thought he was the guy who set the tone defensively," Kings summer league coach Chris Darnell said. "His ability to take a team out of their offense, just with his ability to guard the ball. He's in his gaps, he's tough, he's physical, he's smart. He does everything you want as a coach on that end of the floor. He just makes winning plays."
He added: "On the offensive end, we as a team didn't shoot the ball well today, but he's aggressive playing close outs and I love that about him. Whether if it's shot or drive, he's gonna make the read. There's no hesitation, there's no pause. So just that .5 basketball decision-making skill of his, I think is gonna make him a great player in this league when, if he's playing off-ball with Darius. Darius is going to command so much attention that he gets to play the close out game, he's going to be tough to guard in those situations."
From day one, Sharp has been committed to a winning culture.
"It starts with winning, that's the first goal," Sharp told USA TODAY Sports in a June 29 interview. "Just seeing, stepping into my role. Getting used to playing with these guys, playing true to my game and getting the chemistry started."
That's the attitude of all their rookies. The energy is different around them. They're embracing the rebuild. They know it starts with them.
"Winning is always number one for me," Karaban told USA TODAY Sports on June 29. "Just want to go out there and win the California Classic, win in Vegas, get the team chemistry going out there with the different players and just try to identify what I can do to help make an impact on this Kings team."
Put stock in them early. That's not an overreaction. Look at their recent draft moves. Obviously, there's the 2025 draft class that sparked the rebuild with Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
Both Clifford and Cardwell, who are in their second season in Sacramento, are on the roster for the California Classic summer league, getting in their reps, while learning tendencies of their new teammates.
Clifford, who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer, scored 16 points on 50% field goal shooting. Cardwell had eight points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while providing his usual, crowd-hyping antics.
"I didn't really have a choice," said a laughing, Clifford who told USA TODAY Sports why he's playing in the California Classic. "I didn't really have much say so."
On a more serious note, Clifford noted the importance to build his game and connect with new teammates.
"For me, I'm definitely taking advantage of it. It's good for me to get back on the court, playing with the new guys that I'm going to be playing with all season long and just start to build that chemistry, like I talked about. So, I'm using it to my advantage. For me, I love to play and compete. So it's helping me elevate my game and work on things that I can be better at going into the season. So it's exciting. I just love to compete."
Keep an eye out for the Kings and what's brewing in California's capital. The California Classic continues July 5 and 6 at Golden 1 Center for the Kings as they face the Golden State Warriors blue team and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.
The Washington Wizards are hiring Knicks legend Patrick Ewing as an assistant on coach Brian Keefe's staff, according to multipe Saturday reports, following SNY's Ian Begley breaking report that Ewing was "in talks with the Wizards to join the club’s coaching staff."
ESPN's Shams Charania subsequently reported that Ewing "agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe."
Ewing, 63, has been an advisor and basketball ambassador with the Knicks for the past two seasons.
"As I said the day my number 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker," Ewing said in a statement when the Knicks announced his October 2024 return.
He has been out of coaching since his stint as Georgetown's coach from 2017-23, going 75-109 with an appearance in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Ewing's coaching career includes stints as an assistant with the Wizards (2002-03), Houston Rockets (2003–07), Orlando Magic (2007-12) and Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2013-17).
The Knicks selected Ewing from Georgetown as the 1985 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick. Ewing's playing career spanned 17 seasons with the Knicks (1985-00), Seattle SuperSonics (2000-01) and Orlando Magic (2001-02).
Among the 11-time NBA All-Star's accomplishments with the Knicks, Ewing is still the franchise's all-time leader in points (23,665), games played (1,039), rebounds (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1061) and minutes (37,586).
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket on Nique Clifford #00 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Game One of Summer League, a long way from preseason, then regular season but it’s also been a long time since Brooklyn Nets fans saw their team in action back in April and so the interest level was high on July 4th. There was some disappointments like the Nets lost , 76-76, to the Sacramento Kings, and Mikel Brown Jr., the team’s highest draft pick in 16 years, didn’t play … so the anticipated faceoff between him and Darius Acuff didn’t materialize.
…And according to Summer League coach, Dutch Gaitley, Brown won’t be playing in Game 2 either on Sunday afternoon vs. the Bucks. His NBA Summer League debut will have to wait till Monday night when the Nets meet up with the Golden State Warriors. As Jordi Fernandez
Still, there were positives among those who did play, led by second year rookie, Egor Demin who scored 23 points, grabbed seven boards and handed out one assist in 27 minutes. The big improvement in the 6’9.5” guard’s game was his willingness to touch the paint … and his desire to show leadership, as he told NetsDaily…
Egor Dëmin on his motivation today: "I don't want to say pressure,you know of being a leader,but I'm kind of embracing the role of a guy who spent the year in the NBA already.I want to take that role on myself coming here&lead the team,mentally,on the bench&on the court as well." pic.twitter.com/yCD6NJo2N7
Demin was part of the Nets big first quarter push which saw them amount a 21-1o lead while holding Acuff to 1-of-9 shooting in his Summer League debut. Then in the second quarter, they let the Kings reel off 18 straight, mostly with the second unit on the court, at Golden1 Center. Both Demin and Nets coach Dutch Gaitley lamented the drop-off…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the Nets: "We came out great,but then we had some lows,we battled back,took the lead, & I thought the effort was great.I think we can clean up some of the execution stuff.”
After tying the game at 37-37 at the game’s midway point, the two teams battled back and forth until the end with Acuff finally showing what got him taken at No. 7 in the June draft, his ability to simply take over a game…
In the end, it was Acuff who fed Nique Clifford for what turned out to be the dagger with five seconds left…
Acuff finished with 29 points along with four assists and a rebound. After his slow start shooting, Acuff ultimately finished 9-of-29, but hit only one 3-pointer in nine attempts. Gaitley told ND post-game that he wished his team could have done a “better job” on the Arkansas product…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the Nets’ defense:
"I wish we would have done a better job on Acuff, 25 points. I think we made them inefficient with 9 for 29, but you know he really got going there at the end, but I think defensively, we did a decent job." pic.twitter.com/osEsbIqWvq
Besides Brown Jr., the Nets were also without Danny Wolf, who was kept on the bench by a sore back. His status remains uncertain for the rest of the California Classic, Gaitley said.
Two other members of last year’s draft class — Drake Powell and Ben Saraf — started for Brooklyn and while Saraf had some moments as he finished with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting, none from beyond the arc. to go along with six boards. His defense on Acuff early in the game was a big positive, but Powell did not play well, missing all nine of his shots, including five threes. He did register six rebounds.
Nets returning two-way Chaney Johnson had 10 boards and 10 boards on the game and played a strong defensive game. Johnson, who turned 24 last week, started for Brooklyn.
Finally, the Nets second rounder in the 2026 Draft, 6’9” SF Tyler Bilodeau, had a solid game for his first pro encounter with nine points in 25 minutes. The UCLA product finished 4-of-6 overall, including 1-of-3 from deep while grabbing six boards. He too is Long Island bound, having agreed, like Johnson, to a two-way deal last week.
As noted, the Nets other first rounder, Joshua Jefferson out of Iowa State can’t play until Monday when the three-team trade that will bring his rights and Julius Randle to the Nets is finalized. Also, both Nolan Traore and Grant Nelson, rookies on last year’s team, won’t play in either.
Next Up
The Nets play the Bucks at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday in Game Two of the California Classic. The game will be carried on the same outlets as Game 1, including Prime, NBA TV and League Pass, ESPN+ and Gotham Sports.
Gaitley told ND he fully expects Brown Jr. to play vs. the Warriors Monday after sitting out the first two games of the back-to-back-to-back. Wolf is less certain, said the Brooklyn Nets assistant…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the reason not to play Mikel Brown Jr. and Danny Wolf:
"He is slated to be ready to play on Monday, that's going to be the goal and then Danny just has lower back soreness and we want to be smart." pic.twitter.com/hbKVXljqqW
After the weekend, the Nets will fly to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League which begins July 9. The Nets will play their first game the next day in Vegas vs. the New York Knicks entry, the first of a guaranteed five games.
“[Losing] Mitchell Robinson was a huge loss for them,” Drummond told media personality Mika Ortiz on X in his first public comments since the contract was finalized. “I bring in a similar talent, similar energy, but I’m a veteran, I’ve been around for a long time. I know what it takes to win. Excited to be in a new role in a new city and going back to a place I’m familiar with.”
Andre Drummond reacts during the 76ers’ April 4 game. NBAE via Getty Images
The 6-foot-11 Drummond spent last season with the 76ers, averaging 6.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 65 games.
He also shot 35.6 percent from 3-point range, a new wrinkle to his game.
Andre Drummond controls the ball during the 76ers’ March 21 game. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks were in search of a center after losing Robinson in free agency to the Celtics.
“I’m definitely excited to be a part of something that’s bigger than me,” Drummond said.
Asked what pushes him, the 32-year-old Drummond replied: “Everything. I’m just a highly motivated person. When I put my mind to something, there’s nothing that I can’t do. I never quit, never give up. I have it tattooed on my hand for a reason.”
Jan 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (3) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
In case you haven’t heard, LeBron James is currently a free agent, and the Cleveland Cavaliers appear to be in the driver’s seat to sign him. That speculation has only grown as LeBron has spent the last week or so in the Akron area golfing, going to Golf Galaxy, and attending an event at House Three Thirty on Friday night.
One of the people with James on Friday night was Cavs assistant general manager Brandon Weems. He was included in a video that Victoria Walker McGee, senior director at LeBron James Family Foundation, shared on Instagram.
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Weems and James were high school teammates at St. Vincent-St. Mary. They were pictured together with others from that team. From that perspective, the former team getting together when James is in town isn’t that surprising or even out of the ordinary. On the other hand, LeBron is a free agent, Weems is the Cavs’ second in command in basketball operations, and Cleveland is the favorite to sign James. Their being together the other night is newsworthy in that context.
Whether or not you want to read too deeply into them being together on Friday is up to you. On its own, it doesn’t mean that James is signing with Cleveland. It does, however, prove what Paul said earlier. Weems being in Cleveland is an advantage. And the Cavs already have plenty of those considering James has spent nearly half of his career with the team, is from the area, and the Cavs have shown they have a playoff-tested nucleus.
There continue to be signs that James could be signing up for a third stint with the Cavs. We’ll see whether those come to fruition shortly.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: NBA Hall of Famer and former Georgetown Hoyas player Patrick Ewing is introduced as the Georgetown Hoyas' new head basketball coach John Thompson Jr. Athletic Center on April 5, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have hired NBA legend Patrick Ewing to a position on their coaching staff, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday.
Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe, sources tell ESPN. Ewing has been in an Ambassador role with the Knicks and now returns on the coaching sidelines in D.C. pic.twitter.com/6Xdz6GrmY0
SNY’s Ian Begley first reported the talks between Ewing and Washington before multiple outlets confirmed the hiring on Saturday.
Ewing spent the last two seasons as an advisor and basketball ambassador with the New York Knicks, notably joining them on their NBA Finals run this year. The 11-time NBA All-Star served as a Wizards assistant coach during the 2002-03 season before stints with the Houston Rockets (2003-2006), Orlando Magic (2007-2012) and Charlotte Hornets (2013-2017).
The NBA Hall of Famer coached Georgetown, his alma mater that he led to the 1984 national championship, from 2017-2023.
Ewing ranks 28th in NBA history in career points (24,815), 26th in career rebounds (11,607) and seventh in career blocks (2,894). He’s the Knicks’ all-time leader in games played, points, rebounds, field goals made, steals and blocks.
Steve Clifford, who boasts 10 years of NBA head coaching experience, is joining Washington’s staff in an advisory role, ESPN reported Saturday.
Longtime NBA coach Steve Clifford is also joining the Wizards as a coaching advisor, sources tell ESPN. Clifford, who has held similar advisor roles for the Suns and Nets in recent years, coached as an assistant with Ewing in Orlando (2007-12). Ewing then served as an assistant… https://t.co/hcVf9BhrxF
Clifford, 64, coached alongside Ewing in Orlando and hired Ewing to his staff in Charlotte. He had spent the previous two seasons in advisory roles for the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets.
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the handful of teams that are hoping to land LeBron James in free agency. According to those around the league, the Cavs are the favorites to do so.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer revealed that the Cavs are the leader in the clubhouse. They reported that “there is growing belief among teams competing for James’ signature that the lure of the 41-year-old playing out his final chapter with the team that drafted him — compared to, say, early favorites Golden State — is looking more and more like the scenario to beat.”
Additionally, Stein and Fischer mention that the Cavs could be keeping a roster spot open so that they can trade for Bronny James from the Los Angeles Lakers, if LeBron were to sign with Cleveland.
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The possibility of Bronny joining LeBron in Cleveland would also make sense. The Cavs don’t necessarily need another 6’2” guard, yet, Bronny does have some upside. His outside shot and feel for the game are quite good. That’s a solid combo to start with. And, if taking a flyer on Bronny is the price for getting LeBron to sign, it’s a deal you’d happily make.
This latest report confirms a lot of what has been out there the last few days. The Cavs appear to be in a good position to land James, and there hasn’t been a whole lot of reporting in recent days to really suggest another team has a great shot at this point.
That all said, it’s important to remember that it’s difficult to predict what exactly LeBron will do. Only he knows what he truly wants from a team in presumably the last chapter of his career. All we can say right now is that things continue to point toward a last dance in Cleveland.
The Knicks will have plenty of storylines to monitor during the NBA Summer League.
The Knicks told us how they felt about Mohamed Diawara by locking him up to an extension before the restricted free agent could test the open market.
Leon Rose & Co. are obviously very high on the 6-foot-9 wing, after a better-than-expected rookie year in which the 51st overall pick in the 2025 draft appeared in 69 games and made seven starts.
It is a hefty raise after Diawara earned $1.27 million last season, the lowest on the team.
Next up for Diawara is summer league in Las Vegas, beginning next Friday.
He is the main attraction on a roster that also includes second-round pick (47th overall) Tyler Nickel out of Vanderbilt and 2024 first-round pick Pacôme Dadiet.
The best thing that can be said about a non-rookie in summer league is that he doesn’t belong there.
Mohamed Diawara attempts a shot during the Knicks’ Dec. 25 game. Charles Wenzelberg
The Knicks would obviously like that to be the case with Diawara.
This is an opportunity for him to prove himself after falling out of coach Mike Brown’s playoff rotation.
He will likely be featured.
The Frenchman had a strong first season, averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range in 9.2 minutes.
His offense surprised the Knicks.
He was projected as a potential elite defender due to his impressive length (7-foot-4 wingspan) and athleticism.
Diawara enjoyed a breakout performance in a Dec. 29 win against the Pelicans in which he made four 3-pointers and scored 18 points, and broke into the regular-season rotation in December.
“Mo is not afraid,” Brown said then. “He’s the most confident young man I’ve been around. He’s got a chance to be really good.”
The Post takes a look at other things to watch for the Knicks summer league team:
Dadiet a potential trade chip
The clock could be ticking on the 6-foot-9 Dadiet.
Diawara appears to have passed him.
In two years, Dadiet has played in only 47 games as a Knick.
Over the next few weeks he has a chance to impress.
The better he performs, the better for the Knicks.
Pacôme Dadiet attempts a shot during a June 12 practice for the Knicks. NBAE via Getty Images
Dadiet could be a trade chip, with the team looking to avoid the second apron, and with roughly $6.5 million to spare.
He is owed $2.98 million next season.
Dadiet doesn’t turn 21 until July 27, is relatively inexpensive and could interest another franchise.
Former St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers agreed to a summer league deal with the Knicks and should get the chance to potentially earn a training camp invite — either from them or someone else if he performs well in Sin City.
Oziyah Sellers attempts a shot during a March 22 game for St. John’s. Charles Wenzelberg
The 6-foot-5 Sellers helped the Johnnies repeat as Big East regular-season and postseason champions and reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
He’s a lights-out 3-point shooter — Sellers made 37.8 percent of his attempts from distance in four seasons in college — and defended better than expected in his one season in Queens.
For St. John’s last winter, Sellers averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.
Others to watch
Nickel is the lone Knicks draft pick on the team — fellow second-rounder Jack Kayil of Germany isn’t on the roster.
The 6-foot-8 Nickel is a big-time shotmaker who averaged 13.5 points and shot 40 percent from 3 last year on 7.6 attempts for Vanderbilt.
There is always room for shooters with size.
An intriguing name is former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins.
Akins was a G-League All-Star last season while playing for the Motor City Cruise — the Pistons affiliate — averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists and shooting just under 36 percent from 3.
He went undrafted in 2025 and signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons.
Patrick Ewing is returning to coaching after serving as an ambassador for the Knicks the last two seasons.
The legendary center who remains one of the greatest Knicks players ever — present throughout their recent championship run and parade, too — has joined the Wizards staff as an assistant coach, according to a Saturday ESPN report.
Ewing previously served as the head coach for Georgetown — his alma mater — from 2017-23, leading the Hoyas to a Big East Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 before winning 13 games combined across the next two seasons and getting fired.
Patrick Ewing is pictured during a June 8 game. NBAE via Getty Images
Then, in October 2024, Ewing returned to the Knicks as a “basketball ambassador assisting both basketball and business operations,” according to a team announcement at the time.
“As I said the day my number 33 lifted in the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker,” Ewing said in a statement at the time. “I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much.”
That meant Ewing became a central figure again more than two decades after his 15-year tenure in New York City ended with 11 All-Star Game nods and plenty of playoff heartbreak.
In his two years back with the Knicks, they advanced to the Eastern Conference finals before falling to the Pacers and then won the championship — with their recent run to the title fueled by a 13-game winning streak.
Patrick Ewing is pictured during a December 2025 Knicks game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Before the Finals series against the Spurs began, Ewing told The Post’s Steve Serby that he felt “like I’m a part of it” because of the Knicks ensuring that former players are back.
“What I would tell them is they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ewing, who fell short in the 1994 and 1999 NBA Finals, told Serby about what his message would be to the Knicks before the ultimate series. “No one knows if it’s going to come back around. When we got there in ’94, I definitely thought that we were going to have another opportunity in ’95 — take advantage of this opportunity.”
And now, Ewing will return to coaching with a Wizards team that only won 17 games last season en route to landing the No. 1 overall pick — selecting BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — but has plenty of talent to work with.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s happening!
The Utah Jazz have themselves the star they were looking for to add to an already solid young core. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, Jaz fans were cheering his every move, hoping for a performance that would match the hype.
And that’s exactly what happened. Peterson scored from all different levels, whether it was at the rim, in the mid-range, or making step-back threes. His game is as advanced as you could have ever hoped for. It’s truly remarkable how advanced his command of the floor already is. At no point was there any question who the best player on the floor was. And it was no easy task either. Atlanta gave Peterson everything they had defensively. Multiple times, Peterson would be double-teamed, even in the full court, and he handled it surprisingly well. There’s some room for improvement on his turnovers (8), but his playmaking was solid. Multiple times he set up plays for others that were either bobbled or missed.
That all said, you have to reach a lot to find any fault with Peterson’s debut. For the game, he ends with an incredible stat line of:
But it wasn’t all just Darryn Peterson. There were others that deserve mention as well.
Cody Williams was great and looked stronger and more comfortable. He handled the ball well and provided a release valve for Peterson when he was double-teamed. For the game, Williams scored 17 on 8/13 from the field and 1/1 from three. He also grabbed 5 rebounds and had 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.
He also had an absolutely FILTHY dunk in the fourth quarter.
Utah also had a really nice game from Ace Bailey. Bailey looked big and fluid, and it translated really well on the floor. He scored 10 points on 4/8 shooting with 6 rebounds, a steal, and a block. But that was in just 19 minutes. Bailey looked like he tweaked his back and appeared to be wearing a heat pad during the game. What’s exciting is how comfortable Bailey looked. He was hitting his midrange and enveloping ball handlers with his quick feet, elite length, and size. If Bailey can defend like he did and also score efficiently, it’s going to be very hard for the Jazz to keep him off the floor. It’s rare to get his impressive mix of tools.
Finally, I want to give Blake Hinson some love. His energy was great, and he’s a sharpshooter who should get time this season. He is a big body and plays hard, and I have a hard time not seeing the Jazz wanting to give him minutes. In all honesty, I’m not quite sure why he hasn’t already gotten regular NBA minutes with another team. He’s a prototypical NBA body and can shoot the threads off the ball. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be getting regular minutes for the Jazz this season.
All in all, it was a fantastic night for Jazz fans. The golden age is here and it’s off to an absolutely incredible start.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz pressures Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta hawks during the second half of of their 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game at the Jon M Huntsman Center on July 4, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Independence Day, kicking off their summer league season with a matchup against no. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.
With Kingston Flemings, Zuby Ejiofor and Henri Veesaar all making their Sumer League debuts, Saturday was the first opportunity for the Hawks to see their 2026 draft picks in action. In addition to their trio of draftees, last year’s first-round draft pick, Asa Newell was also in uniform for this one as he looked to build off a promising rookie season. Starting fives below.
Today’s Starting 🖐️ for our Summer League opener:
Kingston Flemings Keshon Gilbert Gabe Madsen Asa Newell Zuby Ejiofor
Peterson wasted no time introducing himself to his new fanbase — converting a pretty lay-in on a drive on Utah’s first possession of the game, and blocking Kingston Flemings on a fastbreak a few plays later.
Newell’s off the dribble game and outside shot are both areas of improvement for the 20-year-old ahead of his sophomore season, and the manner in which he scored his first two baskets of the game was sure to put some smiles on the faces of Hawks fans.
That said, the early portion of the game was all Utah, with the Jazz racing out to a 20-9 lead before Atlanta’s bench unit got them back in the game.
This three from second-round pick, Henri Veesaar, cut the Jazz lead to two — and Atlanta trailed 24-20 at the end of the first quarter.
Atlanta was sloppy to open the second quarter, with the lineup of Keshon Gilbert, Gabe Madsen, Isaac McKneely, Jacob Toppin and Henri Veesaar being outscored 13-3 in the first three-and-a-half minutes of the period, before Flemings and Newell returned to the game with Atlanta down by 14 points.
While Utah were the stronger team, Atlanta’s outside shooting kept them in the game, with the Hawks hitting five threes in the second quarter — including this corner bomb from no. 8 overall pick, Kingston Flemings.
It was good to see Flemings get on the board, but overall the rookie out of Houston had a tough time shooting the ball in his first Summer League action, going just 1-for-7 from the field in the first half — though it wasn’t all bad news as he did dish out 5 assists with no turnovers.
Still, the story of the first half was Darryn Peterson, who tallied 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting to lead all scorers, with Utah taking a 49-43 lead into the halftime locker room.
As one would expect from two teams making their Summer League debuts, turnovers were abundant in the first half with the two teams combining for 19 miscues in the first 20 minutes. Also of note, while the Hawks shooting picked up in the second quarter (7-for-19 from the perimeter in the first half), Utah did most of their damage on the interior in the first half, going 17-for-21 from the paint and just 1-for-8 from three.
Onto the third quarter, and it appears Kingston Flemings is a fast learner! Atlanta’s rookie guard got the quarter started with a nice pull-up from 15 feet, before finding Asa Newell for a slam and draining a three — all in the first two minutes of the period.
Feeding off Fleming’s play, Atlanta briefly took the lead at the 7:13 mark of the third quarter after a three from Keshon Gilbert, though it was short-lived as a Peterson triple a few possessions later put Utah back in front. The Jazz would keep Atlanta at arms length for the rest of the period and heading into the final frame, held a 78-70 lead.
With Atlanta down by 8 entering the final five minutes, Flemings assisted RayJ Dennis on a three from the wing to cut Utah’s lead to 5. After a miss from Utah on the other end, a put-back two from Ejiofor made it a three-point game, and Atlanta looked like they were going to make things interesting.
Then, on Utah’s next possession, this slam from Cody Williams dampened Atlanta’s spirits a bit, putting Utah back up by 5.
After trading free throws on the next few possessions, Darryn Peterson hit a three to put Utah up 7 with 1:26 remaining – and it seemed like Utah were going to see this one out. However Atlanta refused to quit fighting.
Asa Newell found Gabe Madsen for an easy two on the following possession. After a steal from Flemings, Kobe Johnson knocked down a free throw to cut the lead to four. Then, a traveling violation on Utah gave the ball back to the Hawks, and after a tip-in from Johnson, Utah’s lead stood at just two.
With Utah reeling, an offensive foul on Peterson gave Atlanta the ball back with momentum on their side. Asa Newell was fouled at the rim, and with a chance to tie the game up, went 1-for-2 from the line, giving Utah the chance to make it a two-possession game under a minute to play. However similar to their previous possessions, the Jazz struggled to take care of the ball and an errant pass from Max Abmas gave Atlanta the ball back with , and a transition three from Madsen (incredibly) put the Hawks up by two with 0:35 seconds remaining!
A shooting foul on Madsen on Utah’s next possession gave Abmas the chance to tie the ball game at the free throw line and after he sank both free throws, Atlanta had a chance to win it on the final possession of regulation. Unfortunately, Flemings jumper came up just short, which sent the game to a 2:00 overtime period.
Darryn Peterson got the scoring started in overtime, drilling this tough step-back three over Asa Newell.
With Atlanta trailing by five with under a minute to play, Flemings and Ejiofor connected on a pick-and-roll, cutting Utah’s lead to three. With the Jazz looking to kill the clock on one of their final possessions, Kingston Flemings came up with a clutch steal on Peterson, before drilling what he thought was the game-tying three with just 0:04 seconds on the shot clock — however the officials went to the monitor and ruled it a two, which meant it was Utah’s ball with Atlanta trailing by 1.
On the inbounds, Flemings fouled Justin Harmon on a driving lay-in which he converted and after the free throw, Utah led by 4 with 0:01 second on the clock. A miraculous three at the end of the game by Madsen cut the final margin to one, but it was too little too late, and the Hawks headed home with a heart-breaking 102-101 defeat in their Summer League opener.
It was an absolute treat of a game to open Summer League and despite the loss, there were a lot of positives to take away from this one for the Hawks. Kingston Flemings finished with 14 points, nine assists, four steals and just one turnover. Asa Newell tallied 15 points, five boards and three assists. Zuby Ejiofor went for eight points, 11 rebounds and three steals in his Hawks debut. Off the bench, Kobe Johnson was quite impactful in 22 minutes of action — finishing a team best +15 in the plus-minus column while playing stout defense. RayJ Dennis also poured in 13 points in just 12 minutes of playing time.
For Utah, Darryn Peterson looked every bit the part of a no. 2 overall draft pick, finishing with 28 points on 11-for-21 shooting (4-for-7 from three), though he did commit eight turnovers. Third year man, Cody Williams (drafted tenth overall in 2024) finished with 17 points and five rebounds.
Atlanta is back in action on Monday at 7PM EST, taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their second game of Salt Lake City Summer League. Until next time!
