Category: NBA

3 observations after summer Sixers drop to 0-2 without Edgecombe  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2025 summer Sixers remain in search of their first victory.

They dropped to 0-2 on Monday night, falling to an 89-78 loss to the Thunder. 

VJ Edgecombe sat out with a thumb contusion and is day to day, per The Athletic’s Tony Jones.

The Sixers’ top scorers were Judah Mintz (21 points on 7-for-12 shooting) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (17 points on 6-for-10 shooting). 

The team’s final game in Utah before heading to the Las Vegas summer league will be Tuesday night vs. the Grizzlies. Here are observations on the Sixers’ loss to OKC: 

Hood-Schifino starts hot 

The Sixers started Mintz, Hood-Schifino, Justin Edwards, Johni Broome and Adem Bona. 

Hood-Schifino had a much stronger, more self-assured start than in the Sixers’ loss Saturday to the Jazz. The 22-year-old guard made his first three shots, including a confident top-of-the-key three-pointer. 

Though Hood-Schifino’s overall shooting numbers were subpar in his 13-game Sixers stint last year — 37.1 percent from the floor, 30.4 percent from three-point range — he did have a couple of nights that hinted at potential to handle the ball and knock down pull-up jumpers in the NBA. 

In terms of passing, Hood-Schifino’s decision-making was uneven. He threw a couple of cross-court passes into trouble and wound up with two assists and six turnovers.

Hood-Schifino’s backcourt mate had a nice night, too. Mintz again hustled defensively, drew fouls savvily and got to his spots in the mid-range.

Broome’s final stat line wasn’t sparkling — six points on 2-for-7 shooting, four rebounds, two steals — but his outside shooting was a positive for the Sixers. The lefty big man canned an early corner three and is 4 for 9 beyond the arc so far this summer.

Edwards not on his A-game yet 

While he’s already established himself as a rotation-quality NBA player, Edwards has not yet shined at summer league.

As was the case Saturday, Edwards had a cold, somewhat shaky start offensively. He posted 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting, six rebounds, five assists and five turnovers. 

Of course, there’s no need for concern with Edwards. It’s been two games and he may very well be the kind of player who’s much better with greater talent and structure around him. 

Fouls aplenty 

There were tons of fouls and missed jump shots on both sides. Smooth offense was sparse and overzealous defense was everywhere you looked. 

OKC shot 32 for 38 at the foul line in the 40-minute game. The Sixers went 23 for 34.

Bona’s been whistled for 14 fouls over the Sixers’ first two summer games. Jalen Slawson picked up six fouls Monday in 18 minutes off the bench. 

After missing the Sixers’ summer league opener with an ankle sprain, rookie Hunter Sallis played on the second unit and had three points and three rebounds in 16 minutes. All of his points came on free throws.

Forsberg, O'Connor share bold predictions for 2025-26 Celtics season originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It has been a while since the Boston Celtics entered a season as an underdog in the Eastern Conference, but that’s exactly what they are heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

The Celtics parted ways with multiple key players from their 2024 NBA championship core this offseason to shed salary and get under the second apron of the luxury tax. Jrue Holiday (trade), Kristaps Porzingis (trade), and Luke Kornet (free agency) will don new uniforms next season, and Al Horford is likely to either follow suit or retire.

In addition, the Celtics will be without their superstar Jayson Tatum while he recovers from a ruptured Achilles. That will leave Jaylen Brown and Derrick White as the leaders of a new-look Boston team that will have to lean more than usual on its complementary pieces.

Although some consider 2025-26 to be a bridge year for the C’s, NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg and Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor are entering the new season with optimism. They preached positivity while sharing their bold predictions for the Celtics’ upcoming campaign during the latest episode of NBC Sports Boston’s The Off C’season.

Forsberg: Celtics will remain competitive in the Eastern Conference

“I think at Christmas, the Boston Celtics will be a top-four team in the Eastern Conference,” Forsberg said. “I don’t know what happens from there. You’re one Jaylen Brown twisted ankle, one bad hamstring for Derrick White away from things being very difficult to stay up there. When you’re without your superstar, the margin for error gets just all that much slimmer. But I still think the Celtics are gonna just outkick expectations. We’re all gonna sit here and go, ‘Whoa, wait, I thought this was a gap year. I thought this was a soft tank. What’s happening?’

“They might ultimately crawl back a little bit, but they’re just too good for everyone to sit here and be all, the Celtics are just gonna be like an eight seed or a play-in or in the lottery. Again, that might happen based on circumstances and injuries, but I really believe that this team, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard are healthy, they’re gonna be so much better than people expect them to be, and it’s gonna be a fun year.”

O’Connor: Payton Pritchard will look like an All-Star

“My bold prediction is that you’re gonna see Payton Pritchard put up borderline All-Star numbers,” O’Connor said. “If you look at his numbers last year with Tatum off the floor, he averaged 22 (points), six (rebounds), and five (assists) per 75 possessions in minutes without Jayson Tatum. I think Pritchard has shown so much with the opportunities given that this undoubtedly will be fun. It’s going to be a fun year, and it’s gonna create opportunities for guys to grow.”

O’Connor also sees Derrick White as a candidate to take another step forward with Tatum out.

“Maybe Derrick White takes a little bit of a leap,” he said. “This is a guy who’s gotten better every single season of his entire career, especially since he got to Boston. Maybe more pick and rolls, more on-ball stuff leads to Derrick White having an All-Star caliber season, and undoubtedly Payton Pritchard will put up bigger numbers, arguably borderline All-Star type numbers depending on his usage.”

Watch the full episode of The Off C’Season featuring O’Connor, Forsberg, and Drew Carter below:

O'Connor: Why Jazz could be perfect trade partner for Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have made significant progress toward getting under the second apron of the luxury tax this offseason, but president of basketball operations Brad Stevens still has work to do.

With $208.5 million currently committed in salary for the 2025-26 season, the Celtics are still just under $1 million over the second apron. They already cut costs by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, but they would need to make additional noteworthy moves to get under the first apron ($195.9 million) or out of the luxury tax entirely ($187.9 million).

Anfernee Simons, acquired from Portland in the Holiday deal, is set to make $27.7 million in 2025-26 on an expiring contract. Simons, Sam Hauser ($10 million), and Georges Niang ($8.2 million) stand out as potential trade candidates if Stevens looks to shed more salary.

If Stevens is looking for a trade partner, he should give old friends Danny and Austin Ainge a call. The former Celtics executives now run the Utah Jazz, who shed payroll and created a $26.6 million traded player exception (TPE) in Monday’s three-team deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat. A TPE allows a team to acquire a player via trade even if it pushes them over the salary cap.

Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports explored the possibility during Monday’s episode of NBC Sports Boston’s The Off C’season.

“I wonder if Brad Stevens, his savior here getting under the second apron, could be Austin and Danny Ainge,” O’Connor said. “Because they made a three-way deal today which cuts more salary for them, gives them more cap flexibility.

“They can open space if necessary, they have a big traded player exception now. I wonder if maybe Utah could be a team that’s absorbing Anfernee Simons (into the TPE) or absorbing Sam Hauser, giving something back in return.”

Along with their financial situation, the Celtics’ uneven roster suggests more moves are coming. Their frontcourt is thin following the departures of Kristaps Porzingis (trade) and Luke Kornet (free agency). Trading Simons, Hauser, and/or Niang could give the C’s financial flexibility while bringing a much-needed big man into the fold.

The Holiday and Porzingis trades were made official on Monday, as were the Celtics’ free-agent signings of Luka Garza and Josh Minott.

Watch the full episode of The Off C’season featuring O’Connor, Chris Forsberg, and Drew Carter below:

The Knicks kick off NBA Summer League play later this week.

On Monday, the team released the 17-player squad they'll be taking to the showcase in Las Vegas.

Some of the top young talent they'll have on display comes from last year's draft class, as first-round pick Pacome Dadiet, and second-rounder's Tyler Kolek and Ariel Hukporti will all be in attendance.

Kevin McCullar Jr., who was injured for most of his rookie campaign, will also participate.

While new head coach Mike Brown won't be behind the bench, all four players will be looking to make a positive impression with hopes of carving out more of a role during their sophomore season.

This year's second-round pick, Mohamed Diawara, is also on the roster.

Diawara is a 20-year-old big man who averaged 5.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in France last year.

New York kicks off their action on Friday at 6 p.m. against the Detroit Pistons.

Here's a look at the rest of the roster that'll be coached by Jordan Brink:

your knicks summer league roster 👀 pic.twitter.com/W3ZWMEd573

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 7, 2025

Report: Lowry returning to Sixers on 1-year contract  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Kyle Lowry’s giving it another go with the Sixers.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday that the 39-year-old point guard has agreed to return to the team on a one-year contract.

Lowry said at his April 13 exit interview that he planned to play one more NBA season and hoped it would be with his hometown Sixers. 

He struggled with a right hip injury for much of last season. The Villanova product appeared in just 35 games, averaged 18.8 minutes and posted 3.9 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds per contest. 

Lowry missed most of February and all of March but returned for two games at the tail end of the Sixers’ 24-58 season.

“It’s always fun to play basketball,” he said on April 1 after a loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “Listen, we’re privileged and we’re honored to play the game of basketball. I love this game at the highest level. It’s provided for me and my family, my friends with everything that I could ask for. 

“So I wanted to try to go out there and play, and just have fun. You don’t know how long this game is going to last for each individual, so just go out there and enjoy the process. Just enjoy being out there and in the game.”

The Sixers have two very experienced guards on their roster in Lowry and 36-year-old Eric Gordon. Everyone else is much younger, including VJ Edgecombe (19), Jared McCain (21), two-way contract player Hunter Sallis (22) and Tyrese Maxey (24). 

Lowry returning to Sixers on 1-year contract  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Kyle Lowry’s giving it another go with the Sixers.

The team announced Monday that it has re-signed the 39-year-old point guard. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Lowry’s contract is a one-year-deal.

Lowry said at his April 13 exit interview that he planned to play one more NBA season and hoped it would be with his hometown Sixers. 

“Kyle’s championship experience and Hall-of-Fame resume speaks for itself,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a team press release. “He is a proven floor general with tremendous knowledge of the game that is a resource to everyone in the organization. It’s only fitting that his 20th NBA season will be right here in Philadelphia, the city he calls home.”

Lowry struggled with a right hip injury for much of last season. The Villanova product appeared in just 35 games, averaged 18.8 minutes and posted 3.9 points, 2.7 assists and 1.9 rebounds per contest. 

Lowry missed most of February and all of March but returned for two games at the tail end of the Sixers’ 24-58 season.

“It’s always fun to play basketball,” he said on April 1 after a loss to the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “Listen, we’re privileged and we’re honored to play the game of basketball. I love this game at the highest level. It’s provided for me and my family, my friends with everything that I could ask for. 

“So I wanted to try to go out there and play, and just have fun. You don’t know how long this game is going to last for each individual, so just go out there and enjoy the process. Just enjoy being out there and in the game.”

The Sixers have two very experienced guards on their roster in Lowry and 36-year-old Eric Gordon. Everyone else is much younger, including VJ Edgecombe (19), Jared McCain (21), two-way contract player Hunter Sallis (22) and Tyrese Maxey (24). 

Kings officially acquire Dennis Schröder from Pistons in sign-and-trade deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings officially have their point guard for the 2025-26 NBA season.

Sacramento acquired Dennis Schröder — and a 2029 second-round pick — in a sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons in exchange for a protected 2026 second-round pick, the Kings announced Monday.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reported last Tuesday, citing league sources, that Schröder’s contract with Sacramento is worth $45 million over three seasons.

Schröder ending up in California’s capital city never appeared to be in doubt. He excitedly reacted to the new partnership in an X post on July 1, the second day of the 2025 NBA free-agent negotiating period, and discussed his new home during a Twitch stream the following day.

Alas, there were no failed physicals or financial hiccups — Schröder’s arrival in Sacramento now is absolute.

The sign-and-trade also officially excluded the involvement of Kings fan-favorite Malik Monk, whom NBA insider Jake Fischer reported last week to be a possible trade chip exchanged for Schröder, citing a league source. It appears, for now, that first-year Sacramento general manager Scott Perry is content with keeping much of the Kings roster he inherited, including Monk, the same as it was during a disappointing playoff-less 2024-25 campaign. 

Perhaps Schröder, though, is the facilitator Sacramento has missed since trading longtime Kings guard De’Aaron Fox in a multi-team deal that brought Zach LaVine to Northern California.

Schröder, entering his 13th NBA season with a ninth different organization, is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he averaged 13.1 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds; that’s not bad at all, considering he was traded twice. Schröder even was averaging career highs in points (18.4) and assists (6.6) for the Brooklyn Nets before being traded the first time in 2024-25, to the Warriors.

The Kings gladly will take anything close to that level of production from Schröder. And, ideally for both parties, remaining committed to each other — as Monday’s official deal reflects — will net the best results.

“I heard the city of Sacramento is pretty nice,” Schröder said on his Twitch stream. “Warm weather, so we’re going to be straight. Heard there’s a family affair over there. Three years. Three big years. Shout out to the Sacramento Kings, man. I appreciate it. That’s big time.”

Both Sacramento and Schröder still are working for their first Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

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Steve Kerr thanks Kevon Looney for Warriors impact in heartfelt farewell video originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Get your Kleenex because it’s about to get emotional.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sent a message to Kevon Looney via the team’s ‘X’ account, expressing his gratitude to the big man after the center’s signing with the New Orleans Pelicans became official.

“Just want to say thank you,” Kerr started as he stood in front of greenery recording his farewell message to Looney. “This is a tough one. Ten years, it’s just been an amazing experience for me to coach you.

“Just your professionalism, your dignity, your class, the way you handled yourself, the way you mentor your young teammates and, of course, the championship contributions you made year after year.”

Looney spent 10 seasons with Golden State, playing in 599 regular-season games and 89 postseason contests with the team that selected him No. 30 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

The 29-year-old’s NBA career didn’t begin as planned, however, as he was limited to just five games his rookie season due to having surgery on both hips.

However, Looney made sure to change his narrative. He was able to play all 82 games for the 2021-22 season which earned him the nickname “Iron Man Loon.” He’d go on to play over 200 consecutive regular-season games for the team.

The former UCLA Bruin was a key cog with the Warriors in that 2021-22 season, playing more than 21 minutes per game and averaging over six points and seven rebounds per game, as they marched to their fourth NBA championship of the decade – Looney’s third as a member of the team.

“We can’t thank you enough, I can’t thank you enough,” Kerr added. “Thrilled for you for your opportunity in New Orleans but, wow, we are gonna miss you. So thank you for everything you have done for me, for our staff for The Bay. You are the absolute best, Loon.”

“LOON” definitely will be missed in the Bay Area.

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Spurs get full Kornet experience in ex-Celtic's press conference originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics lost more than just frontcourt depth with Luke Kornet’s departure in free agency. They also lost one of their biggest personalities.

Kornet’s four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs was finalized on Monday. The 7-footer’s deal is fully guaranteed for the first two years, partially guaranteed for Year 3, and non-guaranteed for Year 4. Here’s the full breakdown, via Fred Katz of The Athletic:

• 2025-26: $11 million
• 2026-27: $10.45 million
• 2027-28: $9.9 million ($2.55 million guaranteed)
• 2028-29: $9.35 million (non-guaranteed)

Kornet’s comical interviews and one-of-a-kind celebrations made him a fan favorite in Boston, and judging by his introductory press conference with the Spurs, he’s off to a hot start in San Antonio.

According to Nate Ryan of KENS 5, Kornet told reporters he chose to wear No. 7 because he “hoped to be a third of the player” Spurs legend Tim Duncan (No. 21) was, and because he “loves multiples and factors.”

Spurs fans can count on many more incredible Kornet quotes where that came from over the next four years.

That said, Kornet is more than just an eccentric personality. The soon-to-be 30-year-old developed into a rock-solid backup big man over his last two seasons with the Celtics. He’s coming off a career season in which he averaged 6.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game off of Boston’s bench.

Kornet will serve as 7-foot-3 phenom Victor Wembanyama’s backup in San Antonio. He’ll be counted on to upgrade a Spurs defense that struggled without Wembanyama on the court last season.

Free agent Al Horford ‘assessing offers from multiple teams': Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Most of the top NBA free agents have already signed new contracts, but one notable name still shows up on the “best available” list.

That’s Al Horford.

The Boston Celtics center is an unrestricted free agent after completing a two-year, $19.5 million contract. What’s the latest update on Horford’s status?

Here’s what The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported Monday:

“Horford’s future remains unclear. A league source said Monday that Horford is taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams but added that the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too.”

The Golden State Warriors have been reported as a team with interest in Horford. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported on July 3 that the Warriors were “waiting” on Horford’s decision.

The veteran center would be a good fit in Golden State with his versatility defensively and ability to stretch the floor as a quality 3-point shooter. Horford made 40.9 percent of his 3-pointers over the last three seasons combined.

The Warriors lost longtime center Kevon Looney in free agency, so they need depth in the frontcourt.

The Celtics also have a lack of depth in the frontcourt. They have already lost centers Kristaps Porzingis (trade) and Luke Kornet (free agency) this offseason. If Horford doesn’t return, the C’s might have to start Xavier Tillman Sr. or Neemias Queta at center next season.

Horford spent the last four seasons in Boston — he also played for the Celtics from 2016-17 through 2018-19 — and played a key role in the franchise winning Banner 18 by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Stevens addresses Holiday and Porzingis trades in statement originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

On Monday, the Boston Celtics officially bid farewell to 2024 NBA champions Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons. Initial reports had Boston also acquiring two second-round draft picks in the deal, but according to The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress, the Blazers removed the picks from the trade after going over Holiday’s medical records.

The Celtics sent Porzingis and a 2026 second-rounder to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang and a 2031 second-rounder. Boston made the franchise-altering moves as part of its effort to get under the second apron of the luxury tax.

As part of Monday’s announcement, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens released a statement on Holiday and Porzingis’ impact since joining the team in 2023.

“We are so thankful for KP and Jrue and the time we had together in Boston,” Stevens said. “They were great Celtics whose impact on our organization went well beyond the court. They were integral parts of two great teams, including one which brought us all a new banner. Their impact on this organization will last a long time, and we look forward to celebrating them when they return to the Garden this season.”

In his debut season with Boston, Holiday earned his sixth career All-Defensive nod while helping the C’s bring Banner 18 to TD Garden. The two-time NBA champion averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over two seasons with the Celtics.

Porzingis battled injuries throughout his two-year Celtics tenure, but he played a critical role in the team’s success. “The Unicorn” averaged 19.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in Boston, and he set the tone in the 2024 NBA Finals with a sensational Game 1 performance against the Dallas Mavericks.

Stevens also shared a brief statement on the Celtics’ acquisitions, Simons and Niang.

“Anfernee is a really good young player who has continuously improved in his seven years in the NBA,” Stevens said. “Georges is no stranger to Boston and has continuously been a winning player over the course of his career. We are excited to add both of them to the team,” said Stevens.

Simons averaged 19.3 points per game in 70 games for the Blazers last season and has shot 38.1 percent from beyond the 3-point arc for his career. Niang, a Massachusetts native, averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with the Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.

With the Celtics still slightly above the second apron, more moves are likely to be made this summer. Simons and Niang are not locks to be on the 2025-26 roster with $27.7 million and $8.2 million salaries, respectively.

The Clippers have traded guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and have acquired forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz in a three-team, multiplayer deal that also includes a draft pick, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak on the matter.

The Clippers will send a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz and the Heat will send Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love to the Jazz as part of the deal.

In Collins, the Clippers get some much-needed size for the frontcourt and youth.

Though Collins, 27, played just 40 games last season for the Jazz, including 31 starts, he averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Read more:Clippers agree to two-year deal with Brook Lopez

A 6-foot-9, 226-pound power forward, Collins improved his outside shooting, making a career-best 39.9% of his three-pointers last season despite dealing with back and ankle injuries.

Over the course of his eight-year career, Collins has averaged 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and shot 54.6% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range and 79.2% from the free-throw line, including a career-best 84.8% last season.

Collins opted into his player option that pays him $26.5 million next season, his last year of that deal.

Powell, 32, was one of the Clippers' top performers last season, averaging a career-high 21.8 points per game, second-best on the team. He was in the final year of a contract that was to pay him $20.4 million next season and was seeking an extension.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Victor Wembanyama shares advice to Kings' Maxime Raynaud on draft night FaceTime originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Victor Wembanyama had some words of wisdom for Kings’ second-round NBA draft pick Maxime Raynaud.

The two Frenchmen played together at a young age in France back in the day, and on draft night, Wembanyama FaceTimed Raynaud to share some advice with the No. 42 overall pick.

“We FaceTimed on draft night. I mean, he wanted to remind me that this is just a start,” Raynaud told NBC Sports California’s Morgan Ragan following his introductory press conference. “Like, you need to keep working, obviously. But then at the same time, he really told me to enjoy [it] because this is also my experience and my journey.

“And there’s no better way to find out how it goes than to be thrown into the fire, really. So, yeah, he was doing that. He’s a special guy.”

Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, surely knows how quickly life changes after the NBA draft.

Sacramento drafted Raynaud out of Stanford with the 12th pick of the second round, adding a 22-year-old Frenchman who is a skilled 7-foot shooter and can hold his own on the glass.

Raynaud was born and raised in Paris, France, before joining the Stanford men’s basketball program, where he earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Most Improved Player honors as a junior. He was chosen to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team member during his final season at Stanford after averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 blocks.

With Wembanyama as a trusted NBA mentor and friend, Raynaud already appears to be in good hands as he embarks on his new journey in Sacramento.

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