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4 Knicks takeaways from 2025 Summer League

The Knicks' 2025 Summer League is now complete following Saturday's 94-85 loss to the Washington Wizards. After the Knicks went 1-4 in five games, there was a lot to think about.

From Tyler Kolek's lackluster showing to Mohamed Diawara's promising debut, here are four takeaways following New York's time in Las Vegas.

Tyler Kolek's struggles

Kolek's second Summer League was a disappointment. The sophomore guard shot just 17.1 percent from deep and only had five more assists than turnovers in five games. It was concerning to see him struggle against extended defensive pressure.

Kolek did respond well to two bad outings by scoring 23 points in the first half of New York's 97-93 win against the Nets this past Tuesday. Another positive to take from the games was Kolek's ability to play with pace off misses or turnovers. There were several times where he made great hit-ahead passes, or moved the ball quickly to set up transition-scoring opportunities for his teammates.

It's difficult to put too much stock into his Summer League, but it does confirm that he still has some work to do on both the offensive and defensive ends to earn trust and minutes as the team's backup point guard.

Uneven run for second-year players

Pacome Dadiet, Kevin McCullar Jr. and Ariel Hukporti were all limited due to injuries, but let's look at what the second-year players did in truncated time.

Dadiet missed three games due to a left foot injury. The Frenchman flashed an ability to score off cuts and in transition in two games. However, three-point shooting remains a question. Dadiet shot 25 percent from deep. If he doesn't improve from long range, it will be hard for the former first-round pick to earn consistent minutes for the Knicks.

Hukporti appeared in three games. Outside of a nine-point, 13-rebound and three-block night against the Boston Celtics, the big man was relatively quiet, averaging 6.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and two blocks. He missed the final two games with a left knee sprain.

McCullar made plays as a slasher and ballhandler, which stood out in his 30-point outing against the Celtics. But like Dadiet, three-point shooting (20 percent on 10 attempts) remains a weakness. McCullar only played for two games due to a nasal contusion. All three players still have room to grow, though, and each did show glimmers of potential.

Rookie surprise

With just seven points and 5.3 rebounds averaged in four games, Diawara's Summer League numbers don't pop, but his presence was felt. The 6-foot-8 second-round pick also has a 7-foot-4 wingspan and 9-foot-2 standing reach. On defense, he is a switchable defender.

Where Diawara was a surprise is on the offensive end. He has a better feel for the game than expected, making several nifty passes, initiating the offense at times and showing an ability to push the ball after securing rebounds.

Diawara's outside shot needs a lot of work. Last season, he shot 31 percent from three in France. In the Summer League, Diawara converted just 2 of 13 threes (15.4 percent).

Roster conundrum

Diawara was just one of several Summer League players vying for roster spots. McCullar, Anton Watson and MarJon Beauchamp are the Knicks' current two-way contract players.

Summer League saw several players worthy of a potential roster spot. Watson led the way Saturday against Washington with 21 points and six rebounds. Beauchamp led the Knicks in scoring in two separate games.

Dink Pate had a solid Summer League showing, averaging 9.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 17.6 minutes. The undrafted 19-year-old wing ended his stint with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks against the Wizards.

The Knicks can still add one veteran-minimum contract and one rookie deal before reaching the second apron. It remains to be seen which of these five players will be on the roster by the start of the season.

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Warriors star Steph Curry reveals his choice for NBA's most athletic player

Warriors star Steph Curry reveals his choice for NBA's most athletic player originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry has faced off against some impressive NBA athletes over the years, but one stands out to the Warriors star in today’s game.

In a recent match with Good Good Golf, Curry revealed who he believes is the league’s most athletic player — and his answer shouldn’t be too surprising.

“Ja Morant,” Curry said (h/t ClutchPoints). “I think pound for pound, he’s the most athletic player in the league. Russell Westbrook when he was in his full prime. John Wall. We always talk about those guys as being the most athletic in the league.”

Curry and Morant have clashed in several high-profile matchups since the Memphis point guard’s debut in 2019, with the Warriors most recently defeating the Grizzlies 121-116 in the NBA play-in tournament on April 15 to secure the No. 7 playoff seed.

Morant injured his ankle during that game but played through it, finishing with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting with two rebounds and two assists over 35 minutes.

The 25-year-old’s electric dunks and scoring prowess have earned him countless accolades already, including 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, 2021-22 Most Improved Player and two All-Star selections in addition to four postseason appearances.

While Morant has stopped dunking as often as he used to to prioritize his health, the Grizzlies star remains one of the game’s most dynamic players thanks to his speed, handles and clutch shooting — something Curry has experienced firsthand. And the respect is mutual, as Morant showcased following Golden State’s 2022 Western Conference semifinals victory over Memphis.

Game recognizes game.

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Marcus Smart reportedly reaches buyout agreement with Wizards, will sign two-year deal with Lakers

This might be the least surprising buyout of the offseason: Marcus Smart and the Washington Wizards have agreed to terms on a buyout, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by multiple other reports.

Once he clears waivers, Smart is expected to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year, $10.5 million contract (for the bi-annual exemption), with the second year of that being a player option (the Lakers have to create a bit of cap space to make that signing, expect them to waive Shake Milton and Jordan Goodwin in the coming days).

Smart, 31, if he can stay healthy and find his rhythm from a couple of seasons ago, would bring much-needed on-ball perimeter defense to the Lakers, as well as some secondary shot creation for the bench when called upon. In 2022, Smart was named Defensive Player of the Year, and two seasons ago he averaged 14.5 points a game on close to league-average efficiency. However, last season, injuries limited him to 34 games, during which he averaged 9 points per game on 39.3% shooting. The Lakers are betting this is a one-off season, that his game hasn't slipped and he can return to form, likely coming off the bench behind Austin Reaves.

Luka Doncic recruited Smart personally, according to The Athletic.

With the buyout, the Wizards will save about $6.8 million this season. More importantly, it removes an impediment to more playing time for the Wizards' many young guards, including Bub Carrington, Tre Johnson, Cam Whitmore, and others. The Wizards are going to play their youth big minutes this season and be thinking long term (and about having a high lottery pick in 2026, which is considered a very good draft at the top).

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Marcus Smart plans to join Lakers after Wizards buy out contract

Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) looks to pass the ball while being defended by Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Marcus Smart (36), looking to pass the ball while defended by Jazz guard Johnny Juzang during a game last season, has agreed to a contract buyout with the Wizards. He plans to join the Lakers after he clears waivers. (Terrance Williams / Associated Press)

The Lakers have found their point-of-attack, defensive-mind wing defender in guard Marcus Smart, who has agreed to a buyout with the Washington Wizards and plans to sign a two-year, $11-million deal with Los Angeles, people not authorized to speak publicly on the matter confirmed to The Times on Saturday.

Smart, the 2022 defensive player of the year when he played for the Boston Celtics, will sign his deal contract after when he clears waivers. He has a player option after the 2025-26 season, meaning he can become a free agent next summer.

The Lakers were in need of a defensive wing after defensive ace Dorian Finney-Smith signed with the Houston Rockets.

Smart played in only 34 games last season, splitting time between Memphis and Washington. He dealt with a finger injury on his shooting hand last season. He averaged 9.0 points, 3.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 39.3% from the field.

Smart, 31, played in only 20 games during the 2023-24 season with the Grizzlies, his time limited by a finger injury and left foot sprain. During his time on the court, Smart averaged 14.4 points per game and shot 43% from the field, 31.3% from three-point range.

Smart was at his best during his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, making the playoffs each year. He missed the playoffs the last two seasons in Memphis and Washington.

Read more:Newest Laker Deandre Ayton is ready to prove the doubters wrong

He started a career-high 71 games during the 2021-22 season, when he averaged 32.3 minutes per game, 12.1 points and shot 41.8% from the field, 33.1% from three-point range.

That was the same season Smart was the defensive player of the year. He’s also a three-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive first team.

With a starting backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, two players not known for their defense, the Lakers really needed a defensive-minded player like Smart.

The 6-foot-3 Smart has the size, strength (220 pounds) and athleticism to defend three positions — point guards, shooting guards and small forwards.

His soon-to-be addition, along with that of center Deandre Ayton and forward Jake LaRavia, gives the Lakers depth and talent to hopefully contend in the uber-tough Western Conference.

Smart was the sixth overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Celtics.

He has been a starter and reserve over his career, having started 387 out of 635 games in an 11-year career.

During that time, Smart averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds, a sign of his all-around talents. He shot 38.8% from the field, 32.4% from three-point range and 77.6% from the free-throw line in his career.

But Smart is at his best on defense. His career defensive rating is 107.9.

He has the ability to move his feet and stay in front of his man. He’s a very good one-on-one defender, and that’s exactly what the Lakers need.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Clippers continue to 'strongly' consider signing Chris Paul

Los Angeles Clippers' Chris Paul plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Chris Paul could be returning to the Clippers, who are "strongly" considering re-acquiring the free agent point guard. (Jim Mone / Associated Press)

As Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank conducted his Zoom with the media Saturday from the team’s practice facility, he looked to his right and mentioned how James Harden was in the gym working out and how Harden played a pivotal role in the team signing free-agent guard Bradley Beal.

But Frank is not done building a roster to compete in the rugged Western Conference, indicating that signing former Clippers guard Chris Paul is high on their list.

There have been so many rumors about Paul wanting to play for the Clippers in the upcoming season, about how he wanted to be close to his family in the Los Angeles area, and how the Clippers had interest in him returning to the franchise.

Frank didn’t shy away from how the Clippers view having Paul on the roster.

“He obviously possesses some of the qualities we just referenced about and of course we’re strongly, strongly considering him,” Frank said.

Paul, 40, played in all 82 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs. He averaged 28.0 minutes per game, 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and shot 42.7% from the field.

Read more:It's official: The Clippers sign Bradley Beal

He spent six years with the Clippers, from 2011-12 until the 2016-17 season, and ushered in the “Lob City” era with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan.

“What I’d say about Chris is he’s a great player,” Frank said. “He’s a great Clipper.”

Paul was traded in June of 2017 to the Houston Rockets, where he became a teammate of Harden.

Over the course of his 20-year career, Paul averaged 17.0 points, 9.2 assists and shot 47% from the field and 37% from three-point range.

If the Clippers do sign him, they will have three point guards — Harden, Kris Dunn and Paul.

Frank said the Clippers want to “lean into the ballhandling and playmaking” as they look to complete the roster.

“What we've seen is sometimes the problem of having too many guys and how that can impact the team,” Frank said. “So, we've learned from those lessons and I think the conversations that we have with anyone who's going to join the Clippers next, they understand it's a reserve role. They understand that kind of going into camp exactly what it looks like. So there's no preconceived misconceptions yet.”

Adding Paul would give the Clippers five veteran guards — Harden, Beal, Paul, Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanonic — on a team that typically rotates 10 players during a game under coach Tyronn Lue’s system.

Read more:Clippers rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauser showing growth in Summer League

Harden played in 79 games last season and he averaged 35.3 minutes per game, ranking him 16th in the NBA. He averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, 5.8 rebounds and shot 41% from the field and 35.3% from three-point range.

He’ll be 36 in August and having more playmaking guards like Paul will relieve some of the pressure off Harden.

“The reality is for any NBA team, the amount of times you have your top 10 all available, it's usually 21 to 25 times throughout the course of a year,” Frank said. “So, you literally need everyone on your roster to be able to contribute. But to your point, because we do have a lot of versatility. …

"So, Brad Beal could give us more playmaking with the ball. … Kris Dunn can be the backup point guard. Bogdan can handle along with James. You just want to put everything on the table and then find the best person who can have total role acceptance and awareness and still if needed to play can play.”

Beal, 32, signed a two-year, $11-million deal with the Clippers, with a player option after next season. He averaged 17.0 points last season with the Phoenix Suns and shot 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.

Beal probably will be the starting two guard next to Harden.

“As you guys know, Brad is a gifted two-way player who's a three-level scorer who can create offense for himself and others,” Frank said. “He brings additional ball-handling, play-making and shooting to the group areas we wanted to upgrade.”

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Frustrated Cam Thomas rants against perception as 'empty calories ball hog'

Cam Thomas is one of four restricted free agents without a contract for next season, and the latest reports out of Brooklyn suggest that his representatives and the Nets have yet to seriously engage in contract talks. Thomas reportedly is seeking around $30 million a season, the Nets are thinking significantly less.

Perhaps that has Thomas a little on edge, because he went on an NSFW rant on X recently. It started with Zach Lowe of The Ringer saying on his podcast that Thomas is viewed around the league as an "empty calorie ball hog." That set Thomas off.

Two thoughts here.

First, Thomas can be as mad at Lowe as he wants, if Thomas doesn't realize that absolutely is the consensus thinking about him in league circles — and we're talking about how many people in front offices view him — then people around Thomas are not being upfront with him. That is how Thomas is viewed, fair or not — a guy who can get buckets but doesn't necessarily contribute the other things that go into winning (he's a negative defender, for example).

Second, Thomas has a point in that he does bring value, and he was near the top of the Nets' scouting report the past couple of seasons. That, however, says as much about the Nets roster as Thomas. He averaged 24 points a game last season (in just 25 games due to injury, but he played 66 games the season before), with a .575 true shooting percentage that is right about the league average (he shot 34.9% on 3-pointers last season, right about his career average). He's a player who can get buckets and create shots, but isn't particularly efficient in doing so. There is a role for him, and perhaps on a team that doesn't need him to rack up buckets like the Nets do, we would see more aspects of his game.

For now, Thomas remains in a stalemate with the Nets. He'll sign a deal with them one way or another before training camp starts, but don't expect anything quickly.

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Bettor reportedly placed 30 wagers on Terry Rozier prop bet unders for one 2023 game

The game in question was March 23, 2023: Charlotte's Terry Rozier started the game that Thursday night against the Pelicans, but played just 9:34 before leaving the game with a foot issue. Rozier finished with five points, four rebounds and two assists, all well below his season averages. He would not play in any of the Hornets' remaining eight games that season, but a team missing the playoffs being cautious with a player at the end of the season did not raise many eyebrows.

However, what happened that night did raise the eyebrows of federal investigators who saw unusual betting activity on Rozier prop bet unders that game — specifically 30 bets from one person at a Mississippi casino, all of which is detailed in a fantastic story by ESPN’s David Purdum on what is being investigated in that case.

On the morning of March 23, 2023, a bettor at a sportsbook in Biloxi, Mississippi, placed $13,759 in bets on the unders on Rozier's statistics in a game that night between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans, according to the documents, which ESPN acquired through an open records request... In all, at least six sportsbooks in multiple states detected suspicious betting on Rozier props that day, with the bulk of the activity occurring in Louisiana and Mississippi, according to sources familiar with a report issued by U.S. Integrity, a firm that monitors the betting market for abnormalities.

The NBA investigated the situation at the time but determined no league rules were violated in this case. Rozier had not been on the injury report for the game. Rozier is not a target of the investigation, his attorney, Jim Trusty, told ESPN.

Trusty said Rozier met with NBA and FBI officials multiple times in 2023 and that the initial investigation determined that he had done nothing wrong.

"It's unfortunate that he's a big name in sports and is having to endure all this," Trusty told ESPN. "My hope and expectation is that at some point that they'll be done with their investigation and will be professional enough to let us know that it's 100% over and that they reached the same conclusion that was reached in 2023."

This betting investigation is linked to the betting scandal surrounding the Toronto Raptors' Jontay Porter, which led to his banishment from the NBA. According to the report, some of the betting accounts involved in the Porter prop betting case were also involved in betting on prop bet unders in the Rozier situation.

The casino paid out the bettor who placed 30 bets in Mississippi because those were legal bets and nobody, as of yet, has been able to prove any wrongdoing on anyone's part.

This is unrelated to the ongoing betting scandal surrounding Michael Beasley.

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Why Warriors' Moses Moody believes ex-teammate Kevon Looney is irreplaceable

Why Warriors' Moses Moody believes ex-teammate Kevon Looney is irreplaceable originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Some people just can’t be replaced.

Moses Moody believes that’s the case for Kevon Looney, who left the Warriors in NBA free agency after 10 years with the organization.

“It’s going to be tough losing Loon in so many ways,” Moody said Friday on 95.7 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs.” “He’s been here since I got here. The person he’s been for the team and for me is immeasurable. He definitely can’t be replaced in any way — including the yoga room.”

Not only were Moody and Looney teammates for the past four seasons, but they also bonded over non-basketball activities such as yoga and their faith.

“The way he looked out for me and brought [yoga] to my attention and made it accessible to me. He even paid for me to do it in my first year,” Moody said. “So just extending that out to guys coming in the way he did for me. And he didn’t put pressure on me to do it. Same thing with Chapel. Going to Chapel before the games. He told me he was going and it was up to me to go if I wanted to or not.

“The mindset now is to just keep that legacy going.”

Over the past decade, Looney has served as the Warriors’ Iron Man. He was dependable, reliable and always had a positive attitude.

Looney signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans worth a reported $16 million.

Meanwhile, Golden State is left with a tall task trying to fill the void.

One Moody believes can’t be replaced.

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It's official: The Clippers sign Bradley Beal

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) drives past Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Former Suns guard Bradley Beal (3), driving past new teammate Kawhi Leonard during a game in March, has signed a two-year, $11-million contract to join the Clippers. (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

The Clippers signed guard Bradley Beal on Friday after the final two years of his contract were bought out by the Phoenix Suns earlier this week and he cleared waivers.

Beal, 32, is a three-time All-Star and 13-year NBA veteran. He signed a two-year contract worth $11 million, with a player option for 2026-27, according to his agent, Mark Bartelstein.

Beal averaged 17 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 32.1 minutes while starting 38 of 53 games for the Suns last season. Beal shot 50% from the floor, 39% from 3-point range and 80% from the foul line.

Beal joins a veteran Clippers roster led by Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Beal will get a chance to move past his two disappointing, injury-riddled seasons in Phoenix.

“Players of this caliber are very rare, and they’re hard to come by,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said in a statement. “He's been the best player on his team. You can put him in so many different spots and he’ll find ways to score: out of pick-and-roll, coming off screens, catch-and-shoot. He can create his own or he can play off the ball. He’s a great cutter. He’s also a great playmaker who is going to make everybody else better.”

First loss of summer for the Clippers

The Clippers' bid to remain unbeaten in NBA Summer League play was derailed by a slow start Thursday night against the Denver Nuggets.

After scoring only 11 points in the first quarter while falling behind by double digits, the Clippers eventually trailed by 25 late in the third quarter only to see a furious fourth-quarter rally fall short in an 81-76 loss.

Jordan Miller had a game-high 23 points with 14 rebounds for the Clippers. Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Cam Christie each scored 16 while Trentyn Flowers had 12 points for L.A.

The Clippers (3-1) shot only 36% from the field and 23.7% from three-point range. Christie and Flowers shot a combined four of 21 from deep.

The Nuggets (1-3) did not fare much better, shooting 38.7% from the field and 30% from three-point range.

DaRon Holmes III led the Nuggets with 19 points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Spencer Jones contributed 17 points and six rebounds in the win.

The Clippers will play in a consolation game against the Memphis Grizzlies at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Lakers fall to Celtics

Bronny James scored a game-high 18 points and had five assists in an 87-78 loss to the Boston Celtics on Thursday night in Las Vegas.

The Lakers (1-3), who led 26-21 after the first quarter, committed 21 turnovers that led to 24 points for the Celtics, who outscored L.A. 19-9 in the second quarter. Boston opened a 15-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.

DJ Steward contributed 14 points and five assists for the Lakers while Christian Koloko and Cole Swider each scored 12.

Boston was led by Jordan Walsh's 17 points and six rebounds. Hugo Gonzalez scored 13 for the Celtics.

The Lakers shot 44.3% from the field but only 21.4% (six of 28) from three-point range. The Nuggets shot 38.7% from the field and 31.8% from deep.

The Lakers completed Summer League play against the Denver Nuggets in the Friday nightcap.

Tournament time

Six teams went unbeaten in four games in Las Vegas, with the Toronto Raptors, Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Hornets and Sacramento Kings advancing to a two-day tournament to determine a champion.

The Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves also went unbeaten but did not advance to the tournament based on tiebreakers, the first of which is point differential.

Toronto was seeded first and will play No. 4 Sacramento at 1 p.m. Saturday in the first semifinal while No. 2 Oklahoma City plays No. 3 Charlotte at 4 p.m. The winners will play at 7 p.m. Sunday for the title.

Etc.

New Orleans rookie Derik Queen is likely to miss at least the start of training camp after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist. He was injured Tuesday during a Summer League game and the team said he will be evaluated again in approximately 12 weeks.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Scott Perry reveals Kings' expectations for 2025-26 NBA season

Scott Perry reveals Kings' expectations for 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

New Kings general manager Scott Perry sat down with NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan and revealed his expectations for Sacramento’s 2025-26 NBA season on the “Deuce and Mo” podcast.

“I’m not going to put a numerical wins expectation on this group,” Perry told Mason and Ragan. “My expectation is in defining that identity of who we’re going to be [and] how we’re going to play.

“I want you to be able to look at the end of the season and say, ‘OK, I see the competitive; I see the tough; I see the team-oriented; I see the discipline; I see the professionalism and accountability.’ If we can do that, and we’re playing hard every night like that, we’re going to give ourselves a chance to win. So let’s see where that takes us.”

The Kings are coming off a disappointing 40-42 season and find themselves looking for top-to-bottom stability after parting ways with franchise icons De’Aaron Fox and Mike Brown within the last eight months.

Sacramento now is two campaigns removed from its iconic “Beam Team,” which snapped the franchise’s 16-season playoff drought.

Perry undoubtedly is inheriting a complex situation riddled with storied NBA All-Stars, valuable role players, eager youngsters and a city that is patient but ready to win. And for those reasons, the new Kings executive isn’t putting any minimums or maximums on what Sacramento can be in the 2025-26 season.

“Obviously, I’d love to win a lot of games. But let’s see,” Perry told Mason and Ragan. “I’m not going to — because I’m still learning the group, too, and learning what we really have. And that will help formulate some decisions moving forward, too.”

Perry wants Kings fans to be patient as the new era takes shape. However, he is well aware of how patient Sacrmaento has been for a long, long time.

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Kings GM Scott Perry issues two-word message to fans before 2025-26 NBA season

Kings GM Scott Perry issues two-word message to fans before 2025-26 NBA season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

“Stay patient.”

That was the answer Kings General Manager Scott Perry gave Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan when asked what his message to Sacramento fans would be on the most recent episode of “The Deuce and Mo Podcast.”

Perry, who took over as GM in April, has had a busy offseason which has included a pair of trades – Jonas Valančiūnas was traded for Dario Šarić and Dennis Schröder was added in a sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons – as well as trading into the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft to select Nique Clifford.

“Trust in what we’re bringing here,” Perry told Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragen. “We are committed to this 24/7, to making this a success story. We want this, I think this community deserves a sustainable winner.

“I just look and I marvel how the fans still embrace the Doug Christies, and the Chris Webbers, and the Vlade Divacs and the Peja Stojakovics and the Bobby Jacksons, Mike Bibby, you know, all those guys for what they did back during their time of playing.”

Those players Perry mentioned were a part of a late-1990’s, early-2000’s stretch in which Sacramento made eight consecutive NBA playoff appearances. Since the 2006-07 season, the Kings have reached the playoffs just once.

Consistency is something else that Perry committed to, stating they won’t trade the future for a one-time winner.

“I want to get to, at minimum, that place one day but again we’re going to do it prudently and in an opportunistic way,” Perry added. “We’re not gonna just do a lot of crazy things just to only make it happen once. That’s what I want the fans to know that we’re going to have a steady hand on the wheel and enjoy the ride.”

Perry and company will have some obstacles ahead of them and an ever-challenging Western Conference to deal with in the coming months and beyond, but a strong start to the 2025-26 NBA season would do wonders for fans trying to “enjoy the ride.”


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3 observations after Sixers top Nets in their summer league finale

3 observations after Sixers top Nets in their summer league finale  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers wrapped up their 2025 summer league on a winning note Friday night.

With an 87-83 victory over the Nets, the Sixers concluded their Las Vegas play at 3-2. The team went 1-2 in the Salt Lake City summer league.

Mark Armstrong scored 23 points and Judah Mintz tallied 20.

Several of the Sixers’ 2025 top summer league players watched from the bench, including VJ Edgecombe, Johni Broome, Adem Bona and Justin Edwards. 

Here are observations on the Sixers’ summer league finale:

The Sixers’ two Vegas constants

The Sixers started a lineup of Mintz, Hunter Salis, Jalen Slawson, Keve Aluma and Izan Almansa. Aluma and Mintz were the only Sixers to play in all five of the team’s Vegas games. 

Mintz drove hard, absorbed contact and converted an and-one layup in the first quarter.

Mintz’s foul drawing is a legitimately impressive skill. He shot 8.0 free throws per game (29 for 40 total) in Las Vegas action. The 22-year-old guard averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds.

Aluma posted 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest.

Stellar finish to Armstrong’s summer

The Nets took a double-digit lead with a run late in the first quarter against the Sixers’ bench. Coming off of a 22-point outing Wednesday night vs. the Mavs, Armstrong forced a few shots and struggled in his opening stint.  

For his first hoop, Armstrong delivered a second-quarter highlight slam. 

The Sixers played effective zone defense in the second period and erased their deficit. Armstrong hit a difficult baseline runner with 13.6 seconds left in the first half to put the Sixers up 43-42. 

He stayed hot in the third quarter and again had a good overall game. Credit to the 21-year-old rookie for closing his summer in strong fashion after an 0-for-7 performance in the Sixers’ Salt Lake City opener.

Defense holds up with three-guard unit

Slawson had a subpar offensive game (1 for 4 from the field, five turnovers), but the 25-year-old forward’s hustle and eagerness to do dirty work stood out.

Slawson grabbed 10 rebounds and had four blocks and three steals. He sunk two late free throws to ice the win, too.

Brooklyn briefly regained the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Sixers’ closing three-guard lineup with Mintz, Armstrong and Sallis defended well. By summer league standards, the Sixers generally left the right players open, helped each other out and showed sound fundamentals.

Armstrong broke an 83-all tie by knocking down two foul shots with 36.0 seconds remaining and the Sixers managed to see their final Vegas victory through.

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3 observations after Sixers top Nets in their summer league finale

3 observations after Sixers top Nets in their summer league finale  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers wrapped up their 2025 summer league on a winning note Friday night.

With an 87-83 victory over the Nets, the Sixers concluded their Las Vegas play at 3-2. The team went 1-2 in the Salt Lake City summer league.

Mark Armstrong scored 23 points and Judah Mintz tallied 20.

Several of the Sixers’ 2025 top summer league players watched from the bench, including VJ Edgecombe, Johni Broome, Adem Bona and Justin Edwards. 

Here are observations on the Sixers’ summer league finale:

The Sixers’ two Vegas constants

The Sixers started a lineup of Mintz, Hunter Salis, Jalen Slawson, Keve Aluma and Izan Almansa. Aluma and Mintz were the only Sixers to play in all five of the team’s Vegas games. 

Mintz drove hard, absorbed contact and converted an and-one layup in the first quarter.

Mintz’s foul drawing is a legitimately impressive skill. He shot 8.0 free throws per game (29 for 40 total) in Las Vegas action. The 22-year-old guard averaged 14.0 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds.

Aluma posted 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest.

Stellar finish to Armstrong’s summer

The Nets took a double-digit lead with a run late in the first quarter against the Sixers’ bench. Coming off of a 22-point outing Wednesday night vs. the Mavs, Armstrong forced a few shots and struggled in his opening stint.

For his first hoop, Armstrong delivered a second-quarter highlight slam. 

The Sixers played effective zone defense in the second period and erased their deficit. Armstrong hit a difficult baseline runner with 13.6 seconds left in the first half to put the Sixers up 43-42. 

He stayed hot in the third quarter and again had a good overall game. Credit to the 21-year-old rookie for closing his summer in strong fashion after an 0-for-7 performance in the Sixers’ Salt Lake City opener.

Defense holds up with three-guard unit

Slawson had a subpar offensive game (1 for 4 from the field, five turnovers), but the 25-year-old forward’s hustle and eagerness to do dirty work stood out.

Slawson grabbed 10 rebounds and had four blocks and three steals. He sunk two late free throws to ice the win, too.

Brooklyn briefly regained the lead in the fourth quarter, but the Sixers’ closing three-guard lineup with Mintz, Armstrong and Sallis defended well. By summer league standards, the Sixers generally left the right players open, helped each other out and showed sound fundamentals.

Armstrong broke an 83-all tie by knocking down two foul shots with 36.0 seconds remaining and the Sixers managed to see their final Vegas victory through.

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Pelicans' No. 13 pick Derik Queen undergoes wrist surgery, will be re-evaluated in three months

Derik Queen — the No. 13 pick that New Orleans gave up a lot to move up and draft — has undergone surgery to repair a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist, the Pelicans have announced.

Queen will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, the team said. That timeline has him being re-evaluated during training camp and potentially near the start of the NBA season. That means he will likely be unable to physically participate in all of his first NBA training camp and could be out until the start of the NBA season, depending on how his healing process goes.

Queen suffered the wrist injury during the Pelicans’ Summer League game against the Trail Blazers on July 15. As noted by Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes, this is the same ligament surgery the Thunder's Jalen Williams had after the season (and championship parade).

The scaphoid ligament, located in the middle of the wrist, connects the scaphoid and lunate bones, playing a critical role in wrist stability. Spraining or tearing the ligament is painful, which is why Williams had more than 20 pain-killing injections to get through the playoffs.

Queen showed off an impressive offensive skill set during NBA Summer League, averaging 14 points and 10.7 rebounds a game, and garnering three double-doubles.

However, Queen had 17 turnovers in those three games; he was passive for stretches and didn't play with much physicality, which led to some real struggles on the defensive end. His recognition and commitment on defense were an issue, and it could limit his playing time once he gets healthy and the season starts. The challenge for Pelicans coach Willie Green is where Queen fits in a frontcourt rotation with Zion Williamson, Yves Missi and Kevon Looney.

Health is going to be critical to the Pelicans' success this season, and they are now heading into training camp with Queen, Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Dejounte Murray all coming off of surgery (Murray will miss a chunk of the season due to a torn Achilles).

The Pelicans traded the No. 23 pick this season and, more importantly, a highly valuable unprotected first-round pick in 2026, to Atlanta to move up to No. 13 and get Queen. If the Pelicans do not make the playoffs — a very distinct possibility in a very deep West, especially if they can't stay healthy — that could be a lottery pick next June, maybe a high one, in what is considered a deep 2026 draft. Around the league, trading away that pick was seen as likely the worst trade of the offseason.

It puts a lot of pressure on General Manager Joe Dumars and the Pelicans' front office for Queen to be worthy of the trade. His missing at least part of training camp is not ideal for this.

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NBA power rankings 2025-26: Where do teams stand after NBA offseason? Rockets, Nuggets chase Thunder at top

While there is still some offseason business to get done — where does Jonathan Kuminga land? Will Luka Doncic sign an extension with the Lakers? — the majority of rosters are now settled. We have seen the rookies at NBA Summer League. Which means, it's time for a summer edition of our NBA Power Rankings.

TRUE TITLE CONTENDERS

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(Last season 68-14)
The defending champions are the team everyone else is chasing — they locked up their core three (Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren) with extensions and are running it back pretty much the same roster that just won 68 games and a ring. At Summer League, Ajay Mitchell looked ready for more minutes and Nikola Topic looked ready for some. This team just gets deeper and better.

2. Houston Rockets

(Last season 52-30)
It's obvious to say Kevin Durant fills in the missing piece of the puzzle in the half court that Houston lacked, that doesn't make it any less correct. That, plus the growth of their young players, makes the Rockets title contenders. Adding Dorian Finney-Smith to the rotation was one of the sneaky best pickups of the offseason, which makes the Rockets' defense and depth that much better.

3. Denver Nuggets

(Last season 50-32)
With days left in the last season, the Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone, then this offseason went out and did what he had been begging the franchise to do for years — acquire quality veterans. Jonas Valanciunas is the best backup big of the Jokic era and it's not close. Cam Johnson will be an upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. (especially defensively), and Tim Hardaway Jr. and the return of Bruce Brown are exactly what this team needed. Denver took OKC 7 in the last playoffs and improved this offseason.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

(Last season 64-18)
I'm higher on the Cavaliers next season than a lot of people, partially because I don't put as much stock in their playoff exit as most. Darius Garland is critical to this team's success, and his trying to play through turf toe changed everything. If healthy, and with Evan Mobley taking another step forward, this team is a legit contender with Donovan Mitchell as the go-to star.

SECOND CIRCLE CONTENDERS

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

(Last season 49-33)
They have been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals and Anthony Edwards is still improving — do not sleep on this team. The Timberwolves locked up Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker is going to sting. A lot.

6. New York Knicks

(Last season 51-31)
The question isn't, "Is Mike Brown a better coach than Tom Thibodeau?" The question is, "Does having a different voice in Mike Brown and going deeper into the bench during the regular season make a difference?" We shall see. Brown takes over a job with more pressure than any other coach in the league.

PLAYOFFS OR BUST

7. Los Angeles Clippers

(Last season 50-32)
The Clippers have a stacked regular-season lineup. They locked up James Harden coming off an All-NBA season, and they added quality size up front in Brook Lopez and John Collins. Bradley Beal steps right into the Norman Powell role (and the team may not miss a beat). This is a big and deep roster that can rest Kawhi Leonard a fair amount during the regular season and still win a lot of games (trust Harden in the playoffs at your own peril).

8. Orlando Magic

(Last season 41-41)
Orlando had as good an offseason as any team in the league — Desmond Bane is a perfect fit for this roster. Tyus Jones is exactly what this team needs behind Jalen Suggs at the point. Keep Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner healthy, and this team is a threat in the East. I have them as the No. 3 seed at the moment.

9. Los Angeles Lakers

(Last season 50-32)
There is always drama swirling around LeBron James and the Lakers, but don't buy into the trade talk — LeBron will be with the team when training camp opens. So will skinny Luka Doncic, and if that duo can prod Deandre Ayton to care and play hard the majority of the time, this Lakers team is a playoff threat. They are going to miss Dorian Finney-Smith and his shooting (and perimeter defense).

10. Golden State Warriors

(Last season 48-34)
If the Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core can stay healthy and everything breaks their way, the Warriors could make a nice postseason run. Not to state the obvious, but the health of the Curry/Butler/Green core is a legit concern. The Golden State Warriors receive an incomplete grade for their offseason until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved (they currently only have nine players on the roster for next season; there is work to be done here).

11. Milwaukee Bucks

(Last season 48-34)
Giannis Antetokounmpo said he would "probably" return to the Bucks, which feels like an understatement (he added, "I love Milwaukee"). It doesn't matter how many teams are monitoring the situation if he doesn't force his way out, and it doesn't appear he will this summer. Myles Turner is an upgrade over Brook Lopez at this point in their careers. However, the Bucks need another ball handler and shot creator at the two/three slot, or there is a serious ceiling on this team.

12. Atlanta Hawks

(Last season 40-42)
No team had a better offseason than Atlanta, which is why they jump in these rankings to what would be the fifth seed in the East. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a fantastic fit at guard, bringing needed shooting and defense, while Luke Kennard adds more shooting. If he's healthy, Kristaps Porzingis brings the shot-blocking presence this team needs, plus he will be a great pick-and-pop partner with Trae Young. The biggest Atlanta addition: Getting Jalen Johnson healthy. Throw in the expected growth from Zaccharie Risacher and Atlanta looks like a team that could make some noise in the East.

13. Detroit Pistons

(Last season 44-38)
This ranking almost feels too low for a team that announced its arrival last season, but did they do enough to move up? Despite rumors, there were no big, bold moves by the Pistons this offseason — the team has no Robin to Cade Cunningham's Batman — but Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson will fit in well as role players.

14. Philadelphia 76ers

(Last season 24-58)
This ranking is either way too low or way too high. If Joel Embiid and Paul George are healthy next season, the 76ers are title contenders; if it's another season of them looking older and injured, the lottery is in their future. VJ Edgecombe showcased his athleticism at Summer League, and he, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain form an impressive young trio that could be the future in Philly. But first, the present needs to play out.

15. San Antonio Spurs

(Last season 34-48)
Victor Wembanyama is healthy and cleared following the resolution of the blood clot issue in his shoulder. If the Spurs' "problem" is figuring out how to fit De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle together in the same backcourt, that's a good problem to have. We'll get a feel for what the Spurs think of their future direction next month when it's time for Fox to receive a contract extension.

16. Memphis Grizzlies

(Last season 48-34)
The Grizzlies will miss Desmond Bane, but if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finds his rhythm again in Memphis he can help mitigate a lot of that. Memphis locked up Jaren Jackson Jr. and they made a quality pickup in Ty Jerome. If Ja Morant can stay healthy and find a little more efficiency, this ranking may prove too low.

17. Boston Celtics

(Last season 61-21).
Jayson Tatum may be sidelined for most (if not all) of next season, and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are gone, but there is still talent on this roster. Jaylen Brown is poised for a big season with a larger shot creation role, Derrick White is still out there knocking down clutch shots, plus Anfernee Simons is going to get them some buckets. This team is not a contender, but it's also not a pushover this season.

18. Dallas Mavericks

(Last season 39-43)
Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype at Summer League, and what impressed most is that it wasn't just his scoring — that was up and down in terms of efficiency, which is to be expected in his first year — but it was his defense and playmaking that stood out. With D'Angelo Russell at the point, and if Anthony Davis can stay healthy, this is a solid team that should improve as the year goes on.

Play-In Hopefuls

19. Miami Heat

(Last season 37-45)
Trading for Norman Powell from the Clippers was a steal, he is exactly what Miami needs as a secondary shot creator next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. That said, this was a middle-of-the-pack Heat team last season that made no bold moves, no massive upgrades, leaving them in the same spot they were a year ago.

20. Toronto Raptors

(Last season 30-52)
This team certainly has talent — Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickly, RJ Barrett — but that talent overlaps more than fits together. This just feels like an oddly constructed team. And among all that good talent, is there a true No. 1 option on a playoff team? The Jakob Poeltl re-signing makes sense on the court, but it felt like an overpay.

21. Portland Trail Blazers

(Last season 36-46)
Damian Lillard's return home is heartwarming, but it doesn't help the team on the court this season. However, that team is interesting, potentially good, and may make this ranking look too low. Their starting five opening night could be Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan, with Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara and maybe some Yang Hansen off the bench (his passing is infectious for a team's offense, but his defense and strength need work to get serious NBA rotation minutes). We'll see if the post All-Star Game run from last season can extend into this one.

22. Chicago Bulls

(Last season 39-43)
What exactly is the plan in Chicago? Still trying to figure that out. Turning Lonzo Ball into Isaac Okoro isn't exactly an upgrade. At least the Bulls are negotiating with Josh Giddey and not just handing him the bag (ala Patrick Williams). The Bulls and Giddey remain about $6-$10 million a season apart on reaching a new deal (Giddey is seeking $30 million a season, the Bulls are thinking low $20 millions). No. 12 pick Noa Essengue had a rough first game at the Las Vegas Summer League but looked better getting to his shot as he played more games. Despite all those questions, this ranking might be too low for a team that should more likely hover around .500.

23. Sacramento Kings

(Last season 40-42)
It's just a matter of fit. Bringing in veteran Dennis Schroder to run the point is a solid move on one level — he's a quality NBA rotation one — but he's not a feared shooter. Play him with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, and teams can just pack the paint and dare the Kings to beat them from 3. This is another team where the long-term plan is unclear, despite having some talent on the roster. What's the vision? On the bright side, rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford have looked pretty good at Summer League.

24. Indiana Pacers

(Last season 50-32)
This will be the Andrew Nembhard team for a season (while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from his torn Achilles, the ball will be in his hands). Pascal Siakam will also be asked to do more shot creation, and with that, he should see a bump in his stats. Jay Huff is a solid signing at center, but this team lacks a defensive presence in the paint. It's going to be a rough year in Indy after such a magical run a year ago.

25. Charlotte Hornets

(Last season 19-63)
Charlotte had a good offseason, that doesn't mean they are a good team yet — although they could well be a play-in or maybe playoff team if LaMelo Ball can stay healthy for 65+ games. At least there seems to be a plan under new ownership and a new front office. Collin Sexton was a solid pickup for next to nothing. No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel's shooting is needed and he can slot next to Ball and Brandon Miller. I like just drafted center Ryan Kalkbrenner, he impressed me at Summer League with his defense.

Dreaming of Lottery Luck (already)

26. Washington Wizards

(Last season 18-64)
There are some interesting young players on this roster: Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Cam Whitmore, Keyshawn George, and the just-drafted Tre Johnson (who is fun to watch because he has yet to meet a shot he doesn't like). The concern: At one point at the Las Vegas Summer League, the Wizards rolled out a five-man lineup of guys who will get minutes on the team this fall, and they got run out of the building by the summer Suns (not exactly a powerhouse squad). It's concerning. Still, this is a team with a plan and making better decisions than it did a couple of years ago.

27. New Orleans Pelicans

(Last season 21-61)
There are so many inconsistent players on this roster, but if everything clicks this ranking will be WAY too low. That starts with Zion Williamson staying healthy, which remains the pivot point with this team. Then there's the need for a good Jordan Poole season, both Trey Murphy II and Herb Jones staying healthy and playing well on the wings, and rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen contributing. That's a lot of "if" that have to come together this season, and don't get started on the long term.

28. Phoenix Suns

(Last season 36-46)
Phoenix had a relatively good offseason considering they reset the roster and started to retool around Devin Booker. That doesn't mean they got better. Kevin Durant is in Houston, Bradley Beal will be an anchor on their books for five years but is in Los Angeles, and Booker is now locked up for another two years. Jalen Green is going to get a lot of shots. Rookie Khaman Maluach showed promise at Summer League, but also reminded everyone that he is a bit of a project that will take some time to live up to his potential.

29. Brooklyn Nets

(Last season 26-56)
This is what rebuilding should look like, but it's going to be a rough season on the court. The trade to acquire Michael Porter Jr. was a good one — he is going to put up points (inconsistently, but points nonetheless) this season, and that 2032 Denver first-round pick is gold. Egor Demin and especially Nolan Traore impressed with their potential at Summer League, but they are rookies learning the game. Whatever the over is on Cam Thomas' shots, bet it (the sides will work out the restricted free agency before the season begins).

30. Utah Jazz

(Last season 17-65)
This is what a rebuilding team should be doing, but it will likely result in a rough season on the court. Trading away John Collins and Collin Sexton is the latest sign the team will turn the keys over to young players (Lauri Markkanen remains, unless they get blown away by a trade offer). Ace Bailey is a project but immensely talented, while Walter Clayton showed some potential at the Las Vegas Summer League. Kyle Filipowski might have been the best player in Las Vegas and looks ready for a bigger role and minutes this season.