SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Maliq Brown #15 of the San Antonio Spurs warms up prior to playing the Miami Heat in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 2026 in San Francisco, 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
Former Duke Blue Devil Maliq Brown got his first taste of NBA competition Friday night, and held his own in a summer league game vs. the Miami Heat: the new San Antonio Spur played 22 minutes, scored 10 points, shooting 4-7/2-4, and had three rebounds, a steal and a block.
Not bad at all.
On the other side of the court, former Blue Devil Trevor Keels had 18 points, hitting 6-13/2-5, pulling down 7 rebounds, and also had 3 assists and 2 steals.
It was a pretty solid debut for Brown, who still has to earn a full-time spot. Currently, he’s on a two-way contract, but for those who watched closely at Duke, Brown is the sort of player you grow to appreciate.
His greatest talent is his defense, and part of that is his excellent footwork that puts his hands in position to just devastate an opponent. Advanced analytics will suss that out, but most fans won’t fully appreciate it right away.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 19: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in action against the New York Knicks during Game One of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 2026 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA world is waiting on LeBron James, and he reportedly has a short list of finalists he’s considering signing with in free agency. When will LeBron make up his mind? Who knows. He’s the top unrestricted free agent on the market by a mile despite turning 42 years old in December, and he can take as long as he pleases before he announces his next move.
Once James is off the board, the top players available will mostly be younger restricted free agents unlikely to change teams barring a surprise. Jalen Duren reportedly wants to leave the Detroit Pistons, but unfortunately for him he doesn’t have any leverage since his team has the ability to match any contract offer. Peyton Watson is in a fascinating situation because Denver probably has to cut salary elsewhere to retain him. Bennedict Mathurin is probably looking at a return to the Clippers, where he should be in line for more minutes following Los Angeles’ decision to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
You can find every signing and trade during 2026 NBA free agency at our tracker. Now, let’s rank the best remaining free agents left on the market.
11. Gary Trent Jr.
Need a pure off-ball shooter? Gary Trent Jr. might be the best available. Over the last five seasons, he’s made 38.5 percent of his three-pointers on 11.1 attempts per 100 possessions. His pull-up three ball off the dribble is less reliable after only hitting 28.6 percent of those last season.
10. Bruce Brown
Brown can still be a connective guard even if he’s lost the scoring juice he once showed on the 2023 champion Nuggets. He can be a low-cost shooter and defender in the backcourt who can soak up some minutes, but he doesn’t really move the needle in a major way anymore.
9. Brandon Williams
Williams is a 26-year-old point guard who took a leap in the second half of last season. He’s an excellent driver who can touch the paint and force his way to the foul line. His lack of size and shooting caps his value somewhat, but he feels like he could be one of the more high-upside players still available.
8. Jonathan Kuminga
The idea of Kuminga as some young superstar in waiting has totally dissipated at this point. If he wants to carve out a lucrative NBA career, he’s going to need to realize he needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and spot-up shooting with his bully-ball drives as only part of the package, not the entire sell.
7. Gary Payton II
Payton still grades out as an impactful player because he’s an efficient scorer (63.5 percent true shooting last season) who grabs a lot of offensive rebounds for a guard and forces turnovers on defense. He’s only good for 15-20 minutes a night at this point at age-33, but he could add value for a contender on a cheapo contract.
6. Rui Hachimura
Hachimura is big and strong for a wing with a nice spot-up three-point stroke. He made 42.6 percent of his threes during his three full years on the Lakers, but his volume wasn’t great at only 6.4 attempts per 100 possessions. He doesn’t rebound or defend all that well, and his playmaking is non-existent.
5. Bennedict Mathurin
Mathurin can score in bunches, but he’s never been particularly efficient because he’s a low-ish volume 33.6 percent three-pointer shooter for his career. He can really rebound the ball for a wing. Still only 24 years old, he should get a solid deal to return to the Clippers, but probably needs to make himself more of a dirty work guy going forward.
4. Peyton Watson
Watson has always been a good wing defender, but he exploded as a scorer when Nikola Jokic got hurt midway through last season. Watson eventually went down with a hamstring strain that took him out of the playoffs, so there are still questions on if his improved scoring punch is actually sustainable. His shot diet features a lot of mid-range looks, but he did show some ability to knock them down at a better-than-average clip last season before the injury.
3. James Harden
Harden opted out of his player option to give the Cavs more flexibility to try to sign LeBron James. He’s one of the best regular season guards ever, but on the brink of his 37th birthday, it’s becoming foolish to think he’ll ever avenge his playoff demons.
2. LeBron James
James is probably the second-best player in league history, and it still feels like he’s a top-50 player in the league as he readies to turn 42 years old midway through next season. I’d love to see him in Minnesota, but I still think it’s Warriors or Cavs for his future.
1. Jalen Duren
Will Duren consider playing on the qualifying offer to get out of Detroit? That would be massively risky if the Pistons are offering him $140 million guaranteed. Take the money, Jalen, and try to help the Pistons get to the NBA Finals next year after a deeply disappointing playoff run.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 24: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul call during the second quarter of an NBA game against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena on February 24, 2026 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. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Will Dawkins has made a habit of buying low on assets deemed negative by their previous teams.
He did so with Trae Young, then Anthony Davis and now Deandre Ayton, who all enter Washington under similar circumstances: Their former teams wanted nothing to do with them, and yet the Wizards wanted everything to do with them.
Dawkins first acquired Young for the low price of CJ McCollum’s expiring contract and Corey Kispert. Then he acquired Davis for four players not in Washington’s plans beyond last season and five picks — two late first-rounders and three second-rounders — that weren’t the team’s own.
Four months later, Dawkins has struck again, this time acquiring Ayton for Jaden Hardy and second-round picks in 2031 and 2032. It marked another smart move by Washington’s fourth-year general manager as the team builds toward its first season of true competitiveness since 2017-18.
Why the trade makes sense
The Wizards entered free agency needing a backup center.
Behind Davis and Sarr sat Tristan Vukcevic, Felix Okpara and Julian Reese. While capable big men in their own ways, competing in a talented Eastern Conference with such raw and inexperienced frontcourt depth appeared risky.
But the search didn’t stop at experience or even talent. The Wizards needed a backup center not only equipped to produce in 20-25 minutes a night but also capable of starting 15-20 games as an insurance policy for Davis, who played just 71 games over the last two seasons.
Dawkins checked all three boxes when adding Ayton, who averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds on 67% FG with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 7-footer shot an NBA-best 80.1% at the rim in 2025-26 and ranks second in the NBA in FG% within five feet over the last three seasons.
For a Wizards team that ranked dead last in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage last season, Ayton’s career 93rd-percentile defensive rebounding percentage should certainly help.
While Ayton’s always provided efficient interior scoring and above-average rebounding, his critics highlight his inconsistent play, poor hands and apparent disinterest in buying into his role as reasons he’s incapable of being a starting center on a contender.
It’s a somewhat fair assessment of a player blessed with incredible skills he’s never truly realized.
The good news for the Wizards is that this role is different. The former No. 1 pick won’t be required to start 72 games like he did on a 53-win Lakers team. Nor will he be given the workload asked of him in Los Angeles, Portland or Phoenix.
Ayton needs to set screens, finish around the rim and rebound in a bench role for a Washington team stacked with young talent and accomplished veterans. Seems like an easy ask.
The Wizards didn’t give much to acquire Ayton, either. Hardy wasn’t an expected rotation player, and the two second-round picks don’t make a dent in Washington’s war chest of them.
Dawkins said adding depth next to and behind Sarr was a goal at February’s trade deadline and into the offseason. Washington’s GM has done that by acquiring Davis and Ayton to compliment his young shotblocking center.
What it signals
Trading future draft capital to fill a roster hole signals a shift in Washington’s team-building philosophy.
It’s a transaction that suggests the Wizards have entered a new phase of their rebuild, one uninterested in taking on bad contracts for draft capital or trading talented players for promising prospects and future picks.
Washington is finally serious about competing. And its roster supports that desire.
The Wizards had a gaping hole at backup center. And instead of signing a player like Marvin Bagley III to a veteran minimum deal to temporarily fill that void, they traded two future draft assets to secure a starting-caliber center in Ayton to serve in a bench role.
It’s not a move that immediately turns the Wizards into title contenders. But it’s a noteworthy transaction regarding the team’s direction, which is one focused on assembling a group talented enough to make noise in the East.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 02: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Wow, the NBA offseason has been a wild ride over the last couple of days. With free agency kicking off and trade season underway, we have already seen some big dominoes fall. LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat, Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, and most recently, the Jaylen Brown trade that sent him to Philadelphia.
BLOCKBUSTER: The Boston Celtics have agreed to trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/xNcNlIV2mh
All this hectic moving of stars has definitely shaken up the landscape for the next year, and it just goes to show that a lot can change in just one offseason. Teams are always looking to improve and find ways to get to the NBA finals, and at this rate, it only takes one bad playoff performance to make their minds up. That’s what happened in Boston, as we just saw all of this unfold. With two disappointing exits, they realized this iteration of the team could no longer compete for championships.
Regardless of how you feel about the value the Celtics saw in this deal, they needed to move off Brown for whatever reason and focus on their new path to bring a championship back to Boston. That said, many Suns fans are furious that they did not get in on the deal.
Well, to put it lightly, they never had a chance, and for multiple reasons.
As many of you know, I am a Massachusetts native who writes about the Suns. The Celtics are my home team, and I’ve spent most of my life, besides my college years, in this state. Even if I still have a heart that beats purple and orange, my love for the green and gold will never fade.
From what it seems, the value of Brown around the league was very low. At first, Celtics general manager Brad Stevens was looking for upwards of 4-5 first-round picks for Jaylen. When offers for that were unavailable, it was said he went back to those teams and made the best offer he could. This shows the Celtics’ valuation of Brown was higher than the league’s.
Joining SC @ Night for more details on the Boston Celtics-Philadelphia 76ers blockbuster for Jaylen Brown: pic.twitter.com/nXhkZhiWGh
That simply suggests Phoenix could have had a chance, but with what? They had already traded their most valuable draft asset, the 2033 first-round pick, for Miles Bridges this past Sunday. They could have expanded on this deal, since it hasn’t been made league official, but who is to say the Celtics wanted Bridges, Grayson Allen, or Royce O’Neale? Who is to say the Hornets wanted to lose any of those guys, either?
Even with their other draft capital, like the picks they opened up or the 2029 one, those were not nearly as valuable as the ones Philly was willing to give up. The 2029 first-round pick they got back is the worst of the four teams, and it’s going to be a bottom-10 selection. Why would Boston entertain that when they could get a lottery pick in the Clippers swap from 2028?
Details on 76ers picks to the Celtics, per sources:
— 2028 first-round pick that could convert from a first to a swap that is more favorable to Boston
— 2031 unprotected Philadelphia first
— 2028 second round, most favorable of GSW/OKC/MIL
Then you look at what else the Suns have to trade: it’s just Jalen Green. Green, who is still young and has some potential, could be a nice fit to reset around, but does Boston feel confident in that? When he suited up in Boston this year, he had 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting and 1-of-7 from three with seven rebounds and one assist. Obviously, that is one game, but the sample size does not look good for Boston in that regard.
You also add that Green is looking for a new extension and is playing for it. With him being younger, you could be excited by that, but then have to deal with the fact that you either pay him or lose him for nothing. With George at least, even if he opts into that $50+ million free payday next year, it’s an expiring tradable.
With Brad Stevens, you never know what is up his sleeve, so never say never. But it seemed too far away for Phoenix to reach. Boston would have asked for the young assets in Khaman Malauch and Rasheer Fleming, and then it would have gone further back than it would have gone forward.
That does not mean, though, that the Suns can’t get aggressive at any moment. Even if the roster is full now with Luke Kennard signing going into the year, we could see some shakeups with weird fits. It will be a challenge for Jordan Ott, but the challenge will not be trying to fit in Jaylen Brown, one that would have been worth it if they had the ammo.
Penguins cool off in the shade during a heatwave at the Warsaw Zoo in Warsaw, Poland, June 28, 2026. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Could you believe Cape Verde was this close to advancing in the knockout stages of a freaking World Cup!? Didn’t happen, but the African nation surely made Lionel break a sweat. Sweet goal!
Anyway, links and notes…
Once and for all, the Knicks landed a backup center in signing uber-veteran Andre Drummond to a one-year vet minimum deal. If you’re coming out of a coma, traitors Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti left for Boston and Philadelphia. Mandatory cap note: He will receive $3.9 million but count for only $2.4 million against the Knicks’ apron math.
Dr. Dru, known as the Big Penguin, is 32 and from Connecticut, and reportedly liked the idea of coming back to his old “neighborhood,” wrote The Athletic’s Fred Katz.
The Knicks are now roughly $6.5 million below the second apron, and can get to the 14-man minimum with two more veteran minimum signings. Two of those could be Jonas Valanciunas and Jordan Clarkson, according to The Athletic and the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
“The Knicks still have two roster spots to fill and roughly $6.5 million remaining under the second apron. Jonas Valanciunas, another veteran center, is a target to further bolster the frontcourt depth, according to The Athletic. Jordan Clarkson, a guard, is also a candidate to return, sources said.”
Rich Paul basically killed the LeBron-to-Knicks scenario on his podcast, confirming New York “checked in,” but adding that it would be hard to mess with something that just worked, putting LBJ at risk of being labeled a literal and legit party pooper.
Here’s Rich Paul’s infamous whiteboard, soon-to-be relic of better times.
Then, shortly after, the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy cited league sources claiming the Knicks’ signing of LeBron is “not gonna happen.”
Paul also pushed back on the idea that this is definitely LeBron’s final season. So, doc, or no doc, doc?
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron has narrowed down his list to six teams.
After sitting here watching NBA free agency this year and overall NBA movement over the past 2 years somebody has to say it….
The new CBA was sold as parity, but the first and second apron are starting to function like a hard cap on player value, team continuity, and player…
Kyle Kuzma went off on the current CBA and said the next negotiation will be a “do or die moment” for NBA players. His basic point was built around the fact that both the first and second aprons are functioning like a hard cap, hurting player value, movement, and team continuity.
“After sitting here watching NBA free agency this year and overall NBA movement over the past 2 years somebody has to say it… The next CBA is a do or die moment for us as players. It’s only going to get worse for us. We need transparency, accountability, and a serious re evaluation of who is representing us and how they are representing us.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst threw more fuel into the Jaylen Brown trade fire and included some brutal league-side framing in his latest story. Some sources told Windy that Philadelphia basically got Brown for “free,” or close to it, because Paul George’s contract is viewed as such a headache.
James Dolan is stepping back from day-to-day Rangers ownership duties and handing those responsibilities to his son, Quentin Dolan. Unluckily, it’s not happening to the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson revisited his Mavericks past with Sports Illustrated, looking at an old photo with Luka Doncic and handing over the receipts.
The Lakers are definitely committed to doing something in between a teardown/rebuild/reconfiguration/retool of their whole dam roster following a flurry of FA moves and after trading Deandre Ayton to Washington for Jaden Hardy and a couple of second-round picks on Friday. Ayton, LeBron, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes are all gone from last season’s roster, while Rui Hachimura remains unsigned and is on the outside looking in. Not that the incoming players are making them better, Melissa Rohlin writes.
Stephon Marbury apparently has smoke for Richard Jefferson. Scoop B Robinson had the details on a since-deleted video where Marbury called out Jefferson after what he described as a hollow handshake, then wrote in the comments that “ESPN cannot gatekeep for you.” Sheesh…
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 5: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball while being defended by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 5, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy 250th birthday America! And keep chatting about moves that happen in the NBA. There will be moves happening with various teams, even if it’s an American holiday!
Jan 29, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) controls the ball as Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
This past NBA season, there was a fascinating Rookie of the Year race between former Duke roommates Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel.
Everyone expected Dallas Maverick Flagg to be the leading contender, but not many thought Charlotte Hornet Knueppel would be there.
Now we move on to their respective careers, and who might be in position to win a championship first. And while most people would concede the talent advantage to Flagg, things may be different when it comes to their teams.
The Mavericks have overhauled their front office, bringing in Masai Ujiri, who has an excellent reputation. He’s made several interesting moves. He hired Mike Schmitz as his GM, fired Jason Kidd as coach, hired Michigan’s Dusty May to replace him, and drafted May’s frontcourt utility man Morez Johnson, along with Sergio de Larrea, and Virginia Tech’s Toby Lawal. He’s made a number of other behind-the-scenes moves revolving around scouting and analytics.
The Mavericks are almost certainly heading in the right direction.
But Charlotte is way ahead of them.
GM Jeff Peterson has made some brilliant moves of his own. His most acclaimed effort so far was drafting Knueppel, but he also picked up Sion James, which in retrospect was a smart second-round pick. This year, he selected Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson. He got one good year out of the erratic and oft-injured LaMelo Ball, then traded him to Minnesota for Naz Reid and a bunch of draft picks before he could flake out again. They then sent Miles Bridges to Phoenix for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and more draft picks.
Then Peterson got Dorian Finney-Smith from Houston for nothing. Yes, it was a salary dump, but Finney-Smith is an excellent defender and reputedly a solid presence in the locker room.
And the Rockets kicked in draft picks, too, which in some ways, is the most interesting thing Charlotte has done lately.
The Hornets now have two first-round picks in 2026, up to 3 in 2027, 1 in 2028, and multiple picks in 2029 and beyond.
As for second-round picks, they have 20 over the next seven years.
In other words, if a rising young star – hypothetically Cade Cunningham, VJ Edgecombe, or Paolo Banchero – decided to force a trade, Charlotte has the assets to make a move like that happen.
In other words, the Hornets absolutely have the potential to become an elite NBA team.
Dallas isn’t in quite as good of a situation, but with a transcendent talent like Flagg, assuming they draft well, they can pick up the pieces they need via free agency.
And Flagg will draw other players. His new coach, May, says that the chance to work with a player like Flagg was a major part of his decision. He won’t be the last guy to say that.
San Antonio TX, - June 25, 2026: Maliq Brown #15, Jayden Quaintance #22, Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Tarris Reed Jr. #10 and General Manager Brian Wright of the San Antonio Spurs pose for a photo during the San Antonio Spurs Rookie Press Conference on June 25, 2026 at Victory Capital Practice Center, 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Per a Spurs press release:
“The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have signed first round selections Jayden Quaintance (20th overall) and Tarris Reed Jr. (26th overall), along with San Antonio’s second round picks Ja’Kobi Gillespie (42nd overall) and Maliq Brown (44th overall). Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not announced.”
Jayden Quaintance is out awaiting surgery on his torn ACL. Reed, Jr., Gillespie and Brown are participating in the Spurs Summer League. Friday evening was game one of the California Classic in San Francisco.* The teams are off today in observance of the Independence Day. The tournament resumes Sunday and concludes on Monday before the Silver & Black head to Las Vegas for the NBA 2026 Summer League.
*I wrote this last night as I had to work, I have not watched the game yet. If you did, please share your thoughts in the comments.
Happy 4th, Pounders. Celebrate safely and if you are in Texas, stay hydrated! It’s hot out there.
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LeBron James, bringing the ball up the court while chased by Hornets guard Sion James, will finish his career with another team. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times)
I will miss watching the greatest maestro and savant in the history of basketball, LeBron James. He is to basketball what Van Gogh was to painting, Coltrane to music, Hemingway to literature. He came from poverty and rose to a global hero and gave back. His after-game interviews were always intelligent and sometimes humorous. To all his detractors and haters? Eat your hearts out, he is a happy man.
Dell Franklin Cayucos
I have always been in awe of LeBron’s athleticism and basketball IQ. And I greatly admire his dedication to maintaining his physical abilities throughout the years and his philanthropic pursuits.
But, as a lifelong Lakers fan, I will not miss LeBron. He was never a true Laker. He made it clear when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach that he cared only about LeBron, not the team.
So, as he closes out his career elsewhere, I will enjoy watching his superior playing prowess from afar. But I will be grateful that I can now cheer for my Lakers without the drama LeBron brings to every team he’s been on.
Linda Salzman Rancho Palos Verdes
I agree that it was probably time to move on from LeBron simply in the interest to pursue a long-term player versus one more year from the King. But Bill Plaschke’s argument that he was tired of the mind games LeBron supposedly was playing is a terrible take. Losing 27-7-7 is not replaceable overnight, if ever.
George Metalsky Redondo Beach
While acknowledging LeBron James as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, it never really felt as if he was selflessly committed to the Purple and Gold team concept like so many of the legendary players that preceded him.
During his eight years as a Laker there seemed to be countless occasions when Lakers brass capitulated to his “demands.” Year after year we endured a mishmash roster with his hand-picked players, just to appease LeBron.
During the Lakers’ dynasty we had championship teams. With LeBron we had a king shaping his fiefdom to first and foremost best serve him.
He’s a great player but a horrible GM. The Lakers will be a better team without him.
David Griffin Westwood
I only have one question regarding LeBron James: What happens to Bronny now?
David Waldowski Laguna Woods
Cheers for Roberts
Great article “Deep into Dodgers career, he’s batting close to 1,000” by Maddie Lee. Dave Roberts has a tough job. When he substitutes a pitcher or a hitter and it works out, Dave is a hero, and when it doesn’t work out, Dave is a bum. Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families. Maybe one day Dave will have 2,000 wins as a Dodger, and he will be closing in on Walter Alston.
Vaughn Hardenberg Westwood
I have never thought much of Dave Roberts’ managerial abilities when it comes to handling pitchers but I’ve seen improvements in that area, particularly in last year’s playoffs. He has been blessed with terrific talent but clearly has melded that talent to win games and keep the clubhouse on the same page. Congrats on hitting the 1,000-win milestone, Dave, let’s go for 2,000!
Ken Blake Brea
Leonard far from the worst
Kawhi Leonard has played terrifically the last couple of years. Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams. The Clippers aren’t the minor leagues.
E.R. Samulon Los Angeles
Bill Plaschke claims Kawhi Leonard is the worst free-agent signing in L.A. sports history. Not a chance. That dubious honor belongs to the Angels (of course!) for signing Anthony Rendon.
With the Clippers, Kawhi has been a three-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA selection, and finished high in the MVP voting multiple times. He averaged nearly 28 points per game in 65 games last season. The Clippers had a couple of decent playoff runs during his tenure.
What did the Angels get for their $245-million investment in Rendon? Setting aside the shortened 2020 season, Rendon averaged just 51 games per season from 2021 through 2024. He then didn’t play at all in 2025 or 2026. Over the last six seasons, he hit a total of 13 home runs, and his batting average never exceeded .240. The Angels never made the playoffs during his tenure. Rendon’s attitude and performance became so disappointing that the Angels effectively told him to stay away in 2026 and restructured the final year of his contract.
Rendon wins the title of worst free-agent signing in L.A. sports history by a landslide.
Dave Ring Manhattan Beach
Getting defensive
A number of years ago, the Lakers had a coach by the name of Mike D’Antoni. The joke then was that his name should be Mike Antoni, as there is no “D” to be found in his coaching. There is no “D” in Sparks coach Lynne Roberts either. If the Sparks want to seriously ride the wave of WNBA and women’s sports popularity, and take advantage of great players like Kelsey Plum, they need to quickly make a change in the direction of this franchise.
Arnold Anisgarten Los Angeles
Fantastic flops
I thought NBA players were bad with respect to yelling at the referee to call a foul every time they hit the floor. Soccer players, however, are in a league of their own. They fall to the ground after barely being touched, writhing in fake pain and yelling at the ref to call a foul. Luka Doncic played soccer when he was a kid. Now I know where he learned it from.
Doug Vikser Manhattan Beach
Please save us from these boring British futbol announcers that only inspire narcolepsy. There needs to be the excitement and energy that matches the game. Install hockey play-by-play announcers who emphasize the rising action, then scream “goal!” Otherwise, we will keep watching the games in Spanish.
Billy Gonzalez Redondo Beach
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Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown walk off the court against the Golden State Warriors during Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals. | NBAE via Getty Images
If you’ve followed the Celtics closely over some portion of the last 40 years, there’s a strong chance a specific series sticks in your mind as the one that slipped away.
For those in their 50s or 60s, it’s likely 1987. For those in their teens or 20s, it’s likely 2022. For those who are my age, in their early 30s or a bit older, it’s almost certainly the 2010 NBA Finals.
That loss was absolutely devastating as a high-schooler who watched every game religiously. I hated Kobe Bryant (rest in peace to a legend). I hated Pau Gasol. I hated Derek Fisher. Don’t get me started on Sasha Vujačić.
While the loss itself was crushing, it was even more heartbreaking because it felt like the Big Three’s best opportunity to secure another title. Watching Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen go to war every night was a wonderful way to spend a childhood, and I’m forever grateful for those memories. At the same time, the era left me craving more.
That group had the talent to win a second. While the era will always be celebrated, it also carries the caveat that, no, they couldn’t do it again. It was ultimately a success, but it wasn’t a roaring success.
LOS ANGELES – JUNE 15: Glen Davis #11, Kevin Garnett #5, Rajon Rondo #9, Ray Allen #20, and Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics head to the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 15, 2010 at Staples Center 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
From my perspective, the Jays era should be viewed through a similar prism. Should Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum be praised and appreciated for their efforts side-by-side and officially enter the pantheon of Celtics greats? Absolutely.
At the same time, you can’t help but wonder if this era was truly maximized. That 2022 Warriors series was there for the taking. They were almost ready, but they weren’t quite ready.
The Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum duo is no more 💔
Of course, there are some differences. The Jays were fully homegrown, whereas the Big Three was two-thirds acquired. The Big Three and Co. let one slip away after the title they won, while the Jays and Co. did so beforehand. And yes, Tatum is still the star of the franchise and may end up getting another at some point.
But it won’t be with Brown. It’s just “the Jay” now.
That’s a tough reality to accept. These two gave everything they had together. They accomplished their mission, but it still felt like it wasn’t enough. In a weird way, they actually raised the bar so high for themselves that anything less than multiple championships felt like a disappointment.
It’s extremely difficult to win a second title in today’s NBA. The league is structured to produce parity, and it’s not a coincidence that there have been eight consecutive different champions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton couldn’t win a second in Milwaukee. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray haven’t gotten a second in Denver. It won’t be easy for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams to capture a second in Oklahoma City.
That’s all true, but you can’t help but wonder if Brown and Tatum reached their full potential as a duo. Tatum’s Achilles injury deprived them of finishing one season in their primes together and starting another. It created more friction and prevented them from thriving as the elder statesmen of a team.
It felt like if they had the right pieces around them, they could still contend for the foreseeable future and maybe, just maybe, get over the hump again.
Now, it’s over.
As human beings, we grow accustomed to following certain patterns without consciously thinking about what we’re doing. We go to the gym, to work and to the supermarket. We eat dinner, talk about our day, then we sit down together and watch the Jays hoop.
There's so much to say. But the one at the top of everyone's mind has to be: it's unbelievable this is how Brown-Tatum era ends.
It’s a real bummer that’s no longer part of our routine. While Brown was ultimately viewed in a largely positive light here, it felt like he was under-appreciated throughout his Celtics career.
In a franchise full of all-time greats, he’s one of them. He deserved more respect than he got, as an elite two-way player, a voice of reason and a fixture in the community who molded hundreds of young lives.
Now that he’s gone, I hope fans appreciate just how much heart, guts and 7uice he poured into the city. This was his city. It became his home. We became his people.
Suddenly, after one Shams Charania tweet, it’s time for change. We don’t like change. We like stability, structure and familiarity, and Brown provided exactly that for a decade.
No one can take 2024 away, but it felt like there was more unfinished business to tend to. We’ll never know what would have happened, but we’ll always have the memories.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JULY 5: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz looks on during an NBA Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 5, 2025 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
Can you believe it? After what has been the most successful lottery and draft in Utah Jazz history, Jazz fans will get to watch prized prospect Darryn Peterson take the floor for the first time.
Peterson was the talk of draft night, with questions about whether he would actually be the #1 pick. After a month of speculation, the Washington Wizards ultimately went with AJ Dybantsa. Utah came away with the player they wanted all along, and now we get to see just how good Peterson is going to be. Yes, you have to take the summer league with a grain of salt. If a player plays great, you can’t take too much from it. If a player plays badly, it’s time to be concerned. But would argue it’s time to ignore that because it’s hard to exaggerate how good Peterson can be, and it’s just as hard to see him not playing well in his first summer league. This is a new era of Jazz basketball, and this first summer league with Peterson is a prologue to what should be the most successful chapter in Jazz basketball history.
The best part of all of this is I hardly feel any pressure or anxiety, I’m just excited to watch this new prospect be unleashed. There have been prospects in Jazz history whose futures you didn’t quite know. With Peterson, the question is just how good he’s going to be. Tomorrow we find out, and I personally can’t wait.
How to watch the Salt Lake City Summer League?
Who: Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks
When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 3:00 MT
Where: Jon M. Huntsman Center, Salt Lake City, UT
How to watch: Prime Video, ESPNU, League Pass, KJZZ, Jazz+
Players to watch
Darryn Peterson
This goes without saying. The most important thing in this game is to see how healthy Peterson looks. Does he have his burst back? How does the playmaking work? How well does he score the ball? Basically, all eyes will be on Darryn Peterson and how he looks in his debut. From the moment the Jazz run onto the floor and warm up to the time the game starts, you can bet that his every move will be the prime attraction.
Ace Bailey
Just like last season, Bailey will be another player to watch in this summer league. He showed fantastic signs this season, and this summer league is an opportunity to show his improvement. Bailey scored and rebounded last summer league without a single play run for him. Now that he understands the offense much better, he should have a nice game.
The other interesting element will be how he plays with Peterson. What does the chemistry look like? They’ve only been together for a short amount of time, but we’ll see if they are playing well together starting in Game 1.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 5 : Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz tucks in his jersey against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of the NBA Summer League game at the Jon M. Huntsman Center on July 5, 2025 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
Although it may just only be summer league, the California Classic provided a sample of how the Warriors rookie's game will translate to the big leagues.
Lendeborg had a tremendous debut performance in the California Classic game against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 19 points in 22 minutes July 3 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
What's even more impressive? He didn't miss. Insert that Snoop Dogg clip.
Lendeborg carved up the Lakers from beginning to end, on 6-for-6 shooting, including 4-for-4 from 3-point distance.
"I thought that Yax will play with a really high level of force and physicality, like that was a point emphasis for us all week, just force and physicality and everything that we do," Warriors coach Khalid Robinson told reporters. "He showed a little bit of everything in his game, obviously shot the ball well, started the game. He had some really good passes, play-making defensively."
Lendeborg is physically-able. He showcased an ability to knock down the long ball. And he was everywhere on the floor, doing everything out there, adding five rebounds, a steal and a block.
What often goes overlooked is Lendeborg's play-making ability.
"Yeah, I'd say definitely my passing is a little underrated. I feel like I've always had a good assist-to-turnover ratio," the Warriors rookie told USA TODAY Sports. "Today doesn't really do it much justice, but I mean, I've definitely done a good job."
He added: "When I first started playing basketball, I was strictly a passionate rebounder. So those have always been kind of my strength, but I turned more into a scorer these last two, three years. So, I mean, everything's been changing, but I try to be as versatile as possible."
The young fella is honest about his game. It wasn't as perfect as the box score entails. But it's his humility that allows his game to develop. He wants it.
"I gave up a lot of rebounds today. I need to go back and watch the film. I wasn't physical enough. I mean, I got to get used to physicality here, for sure. So, I mean, I feel like I could have had at least four to five more rebounds today."
As Lendeborg exited the court at Chase Center, he was swarmed by fans who were cheering for him all game long. They waited near the exit tunnels after the game to greet, congratulate and praise the rookie's debut performance. It's a feeling that resonates with Lendeborg deeply as he gets acclimated to the Bay Area.
"It was lovely. I really appreciated them," Lendeborg told USA TODAY Sports. "The entire game I heard people scream my name and just saying, like, 'good job', and, like, 'we're happy to have you.' So, I tried to try to get everybody, at least acknowledge everybody. It was a little tough to, but I could definitely see how this crowd has been so good over the years. Like, these guys really, really appreciate the Warriors basketball, and I really appreciate them already."
He added: "Like, it was the first game, but it definitely felt like I belong, like these guys really love me. So I'm definitely excited for (the) rest of the season. I'm gonna try to get as many kids or as many fans as I can, 'til security gets me out every time."
Lendeborg and the Warriors will be in action again on Sunday, July 5 when the California Classic continues at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Boston, MA - June 30: Boston Celtics forward Chris Cenac Jr. meets with the media at the Reggie Lewis Center on June 30, 2026. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
It’s been a week. I’m sure we’re all a little emotionally worn out after the team sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia. When we posted this poll earlier in the week, JB was still a Celtic and 11% of our readers were still looking forward to seeing how he and Brad Stevens would interact in Las Vegas next weekend.
Alas, Brown is a 76er and after a few days of handwringing and tributes, in his words, it’s time to #throwtheballup and move on and that first step will be the league’s yearly sojourn to Sin City for Summer League.
Hugo Gonzalez has already showed out in Spain’s FIBA qualifier on Thursday with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists. His three-point shot looks true (4-7 from behind the arc) and his passing was strong on a number of drive-and-kicks. He’ll reportedly play in Vegas as well despite his responsibilities with his national team.
He’ll draw a good amount of the attention on The Strip, but our readers are really excited to see the 27th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Chris Cenac Jr. Here’s CelticsBlog’s Rich Jensen on the incoming rookie:
Cenac was projected as a top lottery pick before the season started at Houston—but his draft stock fell based on game-time performance. He was overshadowed by teammate Kingston Flemings who went to the Hawks with the eighth pick. His own stats were a rather pedestrian 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Cenac contextualized those numbers during his Ball Is Life podcast appearance, noting that Sampson had a system, and that his primary focus as a player was defense. Asked what had improved the most during his season with Houston, Cenac said it was his basketball IQ and his ability to play the “grit” part of the game.
Cenac pointed out that his game changed significantly from high school to college, before adding that he was “fitting into a role” in college. Cenac said that his goal was to help his team win “however they need me to.”
These words ought to be music to the ears of anyone who favors the green and white.
Gonzalez and Cenac will be joined by Amari Williams who signed another two-way deal to return to another year sharpening his tools in Maine with the occasional call-up to the big club. The 40th pick, Dillon Mitchell, will also be in tow.
The loss of Brown is a big hit, but newly acquired Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley Jr. will help fill his absence and eventually, players like Gonzalez and Cenac Jr. will hopefully be important rotation pieces on a championship contender.
Speaking of the Larry O’Brien,our friends at FanDuel still have the Celtics as +800 to raise Banner 19, just behind the Knicks at +550 and ahead of the Pistons, Raptors, and yes, the 76ers at +1200.
In a head-to-head matchup with Warriors No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg, Carr held his own. The Lakers were defeated 104-72, but Carr was the lead man for LA, scoring 19 points on 7-for-15 field goal shooting, including 5-for-11 from 3-point land. He added a blocked shot, assist and a couple of rebounds in the Lakers' loss.
"I think it was a great moment. It was exciting, a blessing," Carr told reporters. "Like I've been saying, I've been preaching it: just the opportunity to get to step on the court with these dudes, and just learn the way, how they play and how we're coming together. And so it's taking it step by step and just enjoying the moment."
Cameron Carr was FEELIN' IT in his California Classic debut 👌
He added: "If I said I wasn't nervous, I'd be lying. I was probably nervous, excited. I just was ready, just for the first opportunity for the ball to go up in the air, and I just get to compete with these guys."
Carr was initially drafted by the New York Knicks with the 24th overall pick, but the Lakers traded the 25th overall pick and cash considerations to the Knicks to get Carr.
Carr plays guard and forward, standing 6-foot-5, 185 pounds. Last season at Baylor, Carr averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
He was highly touted as an athletic, sharpshooting threat.
"I feel like the first possession is usually how you settle in," Carr said. "Just doing something like that can kind of take the anxiousness away. But just try to be in a moment, be where my feet are at: enjoy it, enjoy the moments like these."
Carr spent the first two years of his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers, playing in 18 games. He transferred to the Baylor Bears as a junior and was named a third-team All-Big 12 player. He is the son of former NBA player Chris Carr, who played for six different teams in six seasons.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr celebrates after making a three-pointer against Golden State in an NBA summer league game on Friday night. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
He needed one shot to warm up. Then almost nothing could stop Cameron Carr.
In his unofficial NBA debut, the first-round draft pick flashed the type of three-point shooting that could turn him into a valuable player for the Lakers, scoring 19 points on seven-for-15 shooting in their 104-72 summer league loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
Ten days after walking across the stage at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center as the 24th pick in the NBA draft, Carr still could barely wrap his mind around his new job. The 21-year-old was nervous and excited putting on the Lakers’ gold jersey Friday at Chase Center. His nerves didn’t settle until the ball was in the air for the opening tip, he said.
Carr knocked down a three on an offensive rebound for the Lakers’ first summer league points. He dished an assist to second-year forward Adou Thiero on the next possession, then knocked down his next shot, another three-pointer. He held his thumb and forefinger in a circle over his eye in celebration.
“It was a great moment,” Carr said of his summer league debut. “It was exciting, a blessing, like I’ve been saying. I’ve been preaching it: just the opportunity to get to step on the court with these dudes, and just learn the way and how they play and how we’re coming together.”
The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies. While Luke Kennard signed a two-year contract with Phoenix, the Lakers reloaded with guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton and versatile power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili. The three free-agent additions came in a flurry Wednesday after the Lakers pulled off an aggressive trade for center Walker Kessler.
The moves were meant to reshape the roster to maximize superstar Luka Doncic, who will take the reins with the departure of LeBron James.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr shoots a three-pointer over Golden State's Lachlan Olbrich during the first half of the California Classic on Friday. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
After leading the offense at Baylor, Carr knows his assignment supporting Doncic with the Lakers will be simpler: cut, run and dunk, he said at his introductory news conference.
And, for the guard who shot 37.4% from three-point range at Baylor last season, his job is also to knock down shots.
“If you can shoot the ball,” Carr said with a slight smile in New York the day before the draft, “you’re wanted by a lot of people.”
The Lakers wanted the 6-foot-5 guard so badly that they executed a draft-day pick swap with the New York Knicks. Carr was projected to be a mid-first-round pick but slipped in what many considered to be the deepest draft in a generation.
Any of the consensus top three picks — AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Carlos Boozer — could have been No. 1, analysts predicted. Eleven guards were taken before Carr, who was named third-team All-Big 12 last season after averaging 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists with 45 blocks.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla estimated that Carr could be the best athlete out of the entire draft class.
His 7-foot wingspan was the best among guards at the NBA combine, and his 38-inch standing vertical and 10.46-second lane agility test ranked first for his position.
The length and athleticism make Carr the type of rookie who could make an immediate impact on defense, Lakers summer league coach Ty Abbott said.
“He’s got an ability to read the game,” Abbott said. “He’s not out there and completely lost. He kind of understands, and if he does make a mistake, he recognizes it pretty early. ... So for him, it’ll just be about probably adding some strength, maybe some weight, and then just getting the reps. ... You just got to go out there and do it. There’s no better way to learn how to guard good players than to guard good players.”
Carr said his top objective is to put on weight. Weighing 184 pounds at the combine, Carr would have been the third-lightest 6-5 player in the league last year, ahead of only Sacramento’s Nique Clifford (175 pounds) and Dallas’ AJ Johnson (160 pounds). Carr may be joining the Lakers at the exact right moment as the team — with the investment and guidance from big brother organization the Dodgers — will expand weight room, treatment and sports science resources in its facility. Carr plans to make the weight room his new home.
Building up his strength to handle the NBA will be critical for Carr as he hopes to show “that I’m the best defender here,” he told reporters last week. Adding another defender became even more important after guard Marcus Smart signed with Western Conference rival Houston.
The Lakers, after agreeing to trade center Deandre Ayton to Washington for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks on Friday, could look for a backup center and wing defender to round out their roster, which stands at 13.
“I’ll be honest,” Carr said with a bashful smile. “It still doesn’t feel real.”
Lakers re-sign Chris Mañon
The Lakers re-signed guard Chris Mañon to a two-way contract. The second-year guard appeared in nine games for them last season and also played 33 G League games for the South Bay Lakers, averaging 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists. With a team-high 1.9 steals per game, Mañon was named to the G League all-defensive team and finished second in defensive player of the year voting.
