Chicago Sky star Angel Reese named NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover athlete

Chicago Sky star Angel Reese named NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover athlete originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Angel Reese isn’t just a WNBA All-Star — she’s a NBA 2K cover star.

The Chicago Sky forward was named the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition video game coming out in September.

Reese joins NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and future Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony as cover stars for this year’s NBA 2K slate. Gilgeous-Alexander is the cover athlete for the Standard Edition of the game, while Anthony is the face of the Superstar Edition. Reese, Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony stand together on the Leave No Doubt Edition.

2K
Standard, WNBA, Superstar and Leave No Doubt Editions of the NBA 2K26 video game. (2K Games)

As part of the announcement, Reese also announced her first signature shoe with Reebok, the Reese 1.

“Being on the cover of NBA 2K26 and debuting my first-ever signature shoe with Reebok on that cover, the Angel Reese 1, is more than a milestone — it’s a statement,” Reese said in a press release. “It’s about representation and showing young girls they can be confident, bold, and take up space unapologetically.

Reese, now a two-time WNBA All-Star in just her second season, joins a list of illustrious WNBA players to be featured on an NBA 2K cover.

NBA 2K20 was the first edition of the game to include the full list of WNBA teams. Two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion Candace Parker was the first woman to grace an NBA 2K cover with the NBA 2K22 WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition. Diana Taurasi (NBA 2K23), Sue Bird (NBA 2K23), Sabrina Ionescu (NBA 2K24) and A’ja Wilson (NBA 2K25) have since starred on the WNBA Edition covers.

“To be cemented in NBA 2K history is a special honor that reflects not only my journey, but also all the veteran WNBA players who have paved the way before me and the growing impact of the league as a whole,” Reese said. “I’m proud to be part of a game that continues to elevate women’s basketball and can’t wait for fans to see how NBA 2K26 brings our game to life like never before.”

2K Games announced that NBA 2K26 will be released on Sept. 5. The Standard Edition will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The other editions will be exclusive to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

The WNBA Edition will be exclusively available at GameStop in the U.S.

Derrick White reacts to Celtics trade rumors, ‘tough' offseason moves

Derrick White reacts to Celtics trade rumors, ‘tough' offseason moves originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Derrick White has been key to the Boston Celtics’ success since joining the team in 2022, and he’s expected to take on an even more significant role this upcoming season.

White and Jaylen Brown will likely lead a new-look Celtics squad that parted ways with multiple members of its 2024 championship roster. Jrue Holiday (trade), Kristaps Porzingis (trade), and Luke Kornet (free agency) will play for new teams in 2025-26, and free agent Al Horford will likely follow suit or retire. Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum could miss the entire season after rupturing his Achilles in the playoffs.

Even White and Brown haven’t been safe from trade rumors this summer with the Celtics shedding salary to get under the second apron of the luxury tax. Boston reportedly was open to trade offers for any player on its roster except Tatum, though both White and Brown would command a massive haul.

Nonetheless, they remain on the roster as the Celtics enter unfamiliar territory as underdogs in the Eastern Conference. Although White is sad to see his fellow NBA champions leave, he’s optimistic about what’s next for Boston.

He spoke about the transition during an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics insider Chris Forsberg.

🔊 Celtics Talk: Derrick White tackles trade rumors, a new-look Celtics roster and excitement to prove doubters wrong | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube

“It’s always tough to see guys leave, especially people that you won a championship with and had so many great battles with,” White said. “Obviously, seeing KP and Jrue get traded, it was tough to see. And then Luke (Kornet) signs somewhere else.

“Having a different team and having those guys leave is kind of difficult, but it’s part of the business and I’m confident the guys that we have coming in and the guys that we still have returning. So it’s gonna be a lot of fun, and it’s gonna be a different challenge, but I think that’s just the great thing about basketball.”

White also shared his reaction to being mentioned as a potential trade chip.

“I think every summer is pretty crazy, especially nowadays,” he said. “But I didn’t feel too worried about anything. My agent and Brad had been talking and all the other rumors and stuff, I wasn’t really too worried about.

“I mean, I feel like it’s cool to be wanted by other teams, but I wanted to stay in Boston, and I was glad they wanted to keep me.”

White also shared his perspective on the Celtics’ retooled roster, playing with a chip on his shoulder, talking with Jayson Tatum amid his recovery and more. Check out the full episode here or on YouTube.

Darius Bazley, Dalton Knecht help Lakers rally for California Classic win over Spurs

Lakers celebrate with Darius Bazley after he hit the game-winning dunk against the Spurs Tuesday night.
Lakers celebrate with Darius Bazley after he made the game-winning dunk against the Spurs on Tuesday night during the California Classic at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Noah Graham / NBAE via Getty Images)

The Lakers rallied from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter, closing the three-game California Classic with a win over the San Antonio Spurs Tuesday night at Chase Center.

Lakers forward Darius Bazley led all players in scoring with 27 points on seven-for-nine shooting, hitting the game-sealing dunk. Bazley also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds.

Dalton Knecht was also pivotal in the Lakers' comeback win, scoring 25 points and collecting eight rebounds on 50% shooting, including four three-pointers.

Read more:Bronny James, Dalton Knecht ready for second summer with Lakers

The Lakers got off to a slow start, shooting less than 40% in the first half, but they found their rhythm when it mattered.

Bronny James, still working on getting his conditioning back to game level, played just over five minutes and scored two points.

The Lakers will travel to Las Vegas and will play the Dallas Mavericks, led by No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg, on Thursday.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Wizards reportedly trading Kelly Olynyk to Spurs for Branham, Wesley, second-round pick

San Antonio starts Victor Wembanyama at center, but after the 21-year-old superstar, the talent level dropped off sharply last season.

No longer. Days after landing Luke Kornet, the Spurs have added a stretch five in Kelly Olynyk in a trade with the Wizards, sending Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley and a 2026 second-round pick to Washington, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN and confirmed by multiple other reports.

Olynyk (and Kornet) can play with Wembanyama in certain lineups and also hold down the fort when Wembanyama is on the bench. Olynyk, 34, remains a quality stretch big who averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game last season, splitting time between Toronto and New Orleans, although he played in just 44 games due to injury. Most importantly, he shot 41.8% from 3 and was a better defender for the Pelicans than his reputation would suggest. (Olynyk was traded two days ago from the Pelicans to the Wizards as part of the three-team Jordan Poole trade.)

The Wizards get two former first-round picks at guard in Branham and Wesley who did not develop, or at least as fast as hoped, and with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper drafted in front of them, there was not going to be a lot of daylight for them to grow in San Antonio. Things may not be a whole lot better in Washington — another team stacked with guards, including veterans like Marcus Smart and CJ McCollum — but it is a fresh start. Additionally, the Wizards save approximately $5 million (a figure that could increase depending on exactly how the trade is structured).

The Spurs are now about $12.5 million below the luxury tax line with at least two roster spots still to fill, something they can easily do while staying out of the tax. The Wizards are running into the opposite roster problem, they now have 15 guaranteed contracts on the books and that's not counting Justin Champagnie or Anthony Gill, whom are expected to re-sign with the team. That could be a bad sign for Branham and Wesley.

Newest Laker Deandre Ayton is ready to prove the doubters wrong

Deandre Ayton, left, and Jake LaRavia, right, were introduced to the media on Tuesday as the neweset members of the Lakers.
Deandre Ayton, left, and Jake LaRavia, right, were introduced to the media on Tuesday as the newest members of the Lakers. (Photos from Getty Images)

Deandre Ayton stood with his hands in his pockets, his all-black attire — from the suit to tie, shirt and shoes — a measured look for the newest member of the Lakers. His eyes were mostly down as he answered questions about how he’ll fit with the team and how he’s driven to prove his naysayers wrong.

In many ways, Ayton fell to the Lakers after he was bought out of his contract from the Portland Trail Blazers, opening the door for him to agree to a two-year, $16.6-million deal.

The two seasons he spent with the Trail Blazers were not as good as the time he was in Phoenix. His production dropped. The number of games he played dropped.

That led to the narrative that Ayton hasn’t lived up to his potential. That he played consistently enough at a high level. That he doesn’t give his best effort all the time.

When Ayton was introduced to the media Tuesday, he didn’t shy away from the criticism.

He’s a 7-foot center who the Lakers need to be at his best at all times this season.

Read more:Hernández: Can LeBron James help maddening Deandre Ayton transform into a reliable center?

“Most definitely. It fuels me,” Ayton said about criticism. “It fuels me up completely. And it’s a different type of drive that I’ve been wanting to express for a long time. I think this is the perfect timing, here in the purple and gold. And it’s a platform that I cannot run from.

“I can show what I really am and just be around some greats to really emphasize that for me as well. It is a lot of fuel in me to prove to the whole world.”

Ayton played only 40 games last season for the Trail Blazers, missing a lot of those because of a calf injury. He averaged 14.4 points per game. During the 2023-24 season with Portland, he averaged 16.7 points over 55 games.

Both of those seasons were short of what Ayton did while with the Suns in 2022-23, when he averaged 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds.

Ayon was asked if the questions were fair about his motor.

“I feel like at the end of the day, I’m on the court and I’m supposed to perform,” he said. “It’s just different routes with organizations, whether you want to win or not. I just took my route where I want to win. When it comes to wins, you play hard when you know everybody’s goal is to win. You do everything you’re supposed to do or can do to win. …

Read more:Lakers agree to terms to bring back Jaxson Hayes

“I’ve just been trying to put in as much work as I possibly can. When I’m on the floor, I want to really just show the world and prove to everybody that I am a winner. Any position I’m in, I just want to really win and sacrifice the way I did coming into this league.”

Ayton will have Luka Doncic and LeBron James to help push him along and hopefully tap more out of his potential.

Doncic averaged 8.1 assists per game last season and James averaged 7.8 assists.

“They both average about nine assists over their career span, and just the type of players they create with their teammates,” Ayton said. “They turn them into superstars, they make them bigger than their roles, they make them very important on the floor. Just seeing that and finally getting the chance to go in and experience that would be big for me. Just getting me back to my full form of how I used to play, you know, coming up and being a part of the [NBA] Finals. It’s those playmakers I’m used to having around me that’s leading to wins.”

The Lakers also introduced Jake LaRavia to the media. He played a season with the Sacramento Kings, averaging 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 47.5% from the field and 42.3% from three-point range.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Nikola Jokic reportedly tells Nuggets he will not sign extension this summer

The headline can raise eyebrows, but the reality is this is what was expected all along.

Jokic is eligible for a three-year, $206.4 million extension as of July 8 — and Nuggets management has said they would offer it — but he told the Denver Nuggets that he is not going to sign it this summer, waiting to discuss a contract with the team next summer, reports Bennett Durando of the Denver Post.

The reason: He can get nearly $80 million more in a max extension next summer. The projected max he could sign at that time is $285.4 million.

It is in Jokic's interest to wait. Jokic, 30, is not an older player or one with an injury history where there is an added motivation to grab the money on the table now because it might not be there in a year. It will be. Jokic is widely considered the best player in the world and is at the peak of his powers, coming off a season where he averaged a triple-double — 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game — and finished in the top two in MVP voting for the fifth consecutive season.

Jokic returns next fall to a team that is going to be different. David Addelman is now the full-time head coach, having taken over for Michael Malone late in the season and leading the Nuggets to the second round and a Game 7 against the eventual champion Thunder. Michael Porter Jr. is gone, replaced by an equally good shooter but better defender and more consistent player in Cameron Johnson. There is more depth on the bench in the form of Tim Hardaway Jr. and the return of Bruce Brown. These Nuggets enter the season as legitimate title contenders.

And after what should be another impressive season, a max extension for Jokic will be on the table next summer.

3 observations after Mintz shines in Sixers' 1st win of 2025 summer

3 observations after Mintz shines in Sixers' 1st win of 2025 summer  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers notched their first summer win of 2025 on Tuesday night thanks largely to Judah Mintz.

They earned a 91-90 victory over the Grizzlies to wrap up their Salt Lake City summer league at 1-2.

Mintz starred, tallying 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting, three assists and three steals. Tyler Burton’s 23 points led Memphis.

The Sixers were without VJ Edgecombe (left thumb contusion), Adem Bona (rest) and Alex Reese (Achilles soreness).

The team’s first game in the Las Vegas summer league is scheduled for Thursday night vs. the Spurs. Here are observations on the Sixers’ win Tuesday:

Big-time Sallis slam 

Jalen Slawson provided an early highlight with a pump fake, drive and slam.

Hunter Sallis hammered in a huge dunk late in the first quarter, too. He sliced through the lane and jammed in a one-handed flush over 6-foot-10 Ante Brzovic. 

Sallis maintained his momentum with a nice stretch in the second quarter that included a wing three-pointer. As his college credentials indicate — 18.3 points per game last year at Wake Forest — Sallis is a multi-dimensional scorer. He recorded 11 points vs. the Grizzlies on 4-for-9 shooting, two assists and two rebounds. 

Outside shooting will be an obvious area to monitor after Sallis shot just 27.7 percent from three-point range as a senior. He said at the Sixers’ summer league minicamp last week that he’s “really confident in how I’m shooting the ball right now” and doesn’t “think there’s too much to worry about.” 

Mintz shines 

The Sixers kept the same starting backcourt of Mintz and Jalen Hood-Schifino (seven points, seven assists).

Mintz’s shiftiness popped again. He had a tricky and-one leaner during an extended Sixers run in the second period. The 6-foot-3 guard’s fakes, footwork and body control enable him to do damage in and around the paint.

Mintz is truly excellent at drawing free throws, which helped him post 21.2 points per game last G League regular season for the Delaware Blue Coats. The Syracuse product was among the top players at getting to the foul line in Salt Lake City, going 21 for 23 over the Sixers’ three games. 

Sixers sweat out a win

Justin Edwards sunk a three on his first shot. The second-year wing had his most efficient game in Utah, scoring 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting. 

However, Edwards was scoreless in the fourth quarter and Memphis made a comeback surge.

Johni Broome (eight points, 12 rebounds) fell to 0 for 5 from three-point range with a late miss that thudded off the backboard. Burton hit a three with a little over a minute remaining to give the Grizzlies an 87-86 lead.

Mintz then delivered down the stretch, banking in a tough runner and scoring a clutch and-one layup with 8.2 seconds left. He was easily the best player on the court Tuesday night.

Speed of NBA game tests Warriors draft pick Alex Toohey in summer league debut

Speed of NBA game tests Warriors draft pick Alex Toohey in summer league debut originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – After days of waiting to make his NBA summer league debut at the California Classic, Alex Toohey certainly didn’t envision wearing a Warriors jersey for the first time to be in a nearly empty Chase Center. 

“First of all, it was obviously nice to be out there and not watch for once,” Toohey said Tuesday night. “It was definitely weird with no fans, but I mean, just got to play no matter what. I’ve probably played in more games with empty gyms than full gyms. 

“Kind of used to it, but definitely hard.” 

Fans were not allowed in the arena Tuesday. The final day of the California Classic always is reserved for the media, team personnel and family. 

Warriors fans didn’t miss much. The Warriors lost 93-79 against the Miami Heat to conclude their three games on their home court, going 1-2 overall. Their first Las Vegas Summer League game is Friday at 8 p.m. PT against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Toohey, the No. 52 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, played 24 minutes against the Heat and finished the loss with six points, six rebounds, four turnovers and three fouls. He went 1 of 5 from the field and missed all three of his 3-point attempts but was a perfect 4 of 4 at the free throw line. 

His one made shot was a layup at the rim after being rewarded for constant movement without the ball. 

“He played pretty hard and he’s just taking time to adapt to the game and whatnot,” coach Lainn Wilson said. “For his first showing, from an effort standpoint is everything we asked for. Then we just got to take a look and see for him adapting to the game and such. 

“It’s normal for a guy in his position.” 

Watching from the bench is far different than playing the game. Toohey, in the Warriors’ first two games, had a front-row view of the speed and physicality of summer league after spending the last two years playing professionally in Australia. He admitted the size and length of his competition will take some time getting used to.

There were times that he had a step on his man, only to see a hand in the lane obstruct his play. 

“I think it’s definitely a jump,” Toohey said. “The athletes here are the best of the best. It’ll definitely take some adjusting to, but I think overall, as long as you get better each day you’re trending in the right direction.” 

Summer league can be extremely physical, often resulting in sloppy showings without much flow to the game. Players have 10 fouls to work with instead of fouling out at six. The extra fouls usually lead to a whole lot of hacking, making it unfair to judge players off one game or multiple exhibitions that won’t count in the long run. 

Warriors scouts and front office executives traveled twice to Australia during the NBL’s season to watch Toohey and other prospects. The reasons they were intrigued by him then are the same reasons they believe in him going forward. 

The size, versatility and intelligence of the 21-year-old were seen Tuesday, despite an unkind box score. Toohey, who plays both forward positions, began the game guarding point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, the player the Heat took in the first round with the pick they received from the Warriors in February’s Jimmy Butler trade at No. 20 overall. He also spent time on forward Keshad Johnson, as well as guards Pelle Larsson and Kira Lewis Jr. 

Toohey forced a backcourt violation on Larsson near the end of the first half, and he also was beat off the dribble a couple of times by the 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 14.2 minutes per game as a rookie last season. Both instances are experiences he can grow from. 

While Toohey only made one shot, the ball never stuck to his hands. And his feet constantly were moving. Team basketball, offensively and defensively, appears to come naturally to him. 

There’s a lot Toohey can take from his summer league debut, and he’ll look to build off the positives and negatives in Las Vegas starting Friday night.

“I thought I struggled,” Toohey admitted. “I was good in patches, but overall probably wasn’t as consistent as I’d like to see. Kind of adjusting to that next level of play, and I think it’s just going to get better each time.”

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Kings guard Dennis Schröder praises ‘unique' All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis

Kings guard Dennis Schröder praises ‘unique' All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

“He’s unique.”

That’s what the Kings’ newest free-agent signee Dennis Schröder had to say about Sacramento’s All-NBA center, Domantas Sabonis when the point guard met with the media in Sacramento on Tuesday during his introduction press conference.

“How he pushes the pace when he gets the rebound, gluing everybody together, getting people backdoor cuts,” Schröder told reporters. “Great passes, really physical big, set screens, great in the pocket, can shoot it. You know, I mean, he’s unique.”

Schröder became the Kings’ biggest 2025 NBA free-agency acquisition once the team’s sign-and-trade deal with the Detroit Pistons became official Monday.

Schröder, a 12-year NBA veteran, will get his first taste of playing with Sabonis, who finished first in the league in rebounds per game and 18th in assists per game this past season. In 2023-24, Sabonis joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player in NBA history to have more than 1,000 total points, 1,000 total rebounds and 600 total assists in a season.

“I’m looking forward to compete with him,” Schröder said. “We had a couple of battles in Europe, as well, so now he’s on my side. We’re on the same side so really looking forward to compete with him.”

Schröder and Sabonis look to be a formidable one-two punch for Sacramento as the team hopes to reach the playoffs this upcoming season after falling in the play-in games the past two years.

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Mavericks' Anthony Davis undergoes surgery to repair detached retina, expected to be ready to start season

Anthony Davis missed a healthy chunk of last season due to an abdominal injury, but that was not the only thing he was playing through, we have come to learn.

Davis underwent a procedure to "repair a detached retina that he suffered during the season," Shams Charania of ESPN reports. He adds that "Davis played through multiple hits to the face" and should be ready to go at the start of next season.

While the report uses the term "retinal detachment," this phrase can also often refer to a retinal tear (which can lead to detachment and is a condition treatable by laser surgery) or even retinal bruising. Regardless of the actual injury, this is something considered highly treatable.

Davis averaged 24.7 points and 11.6 rebounds a game while playing elite defense in the 51 games he did play. This season, a healthy Davis joins No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg as well as Derrick Lively II in what should be one of the best front lines in the NBA.

ECHL Teams Announce Qualifying Offers

The ECHL on Tuesday released the list of Players who received a valid qualifying offer from ECHL teams by the July 7 deadline.

Players who had already signed a contract by July 7 did not need to receive a qualifying offer.

Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2025-26 Season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until July 22 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player, or to a goaltender who has played more than 180 regular-season games, will retain the rights to that player until July 22. After July 22, if the veteran player or goaltender is not signed to a contract by the team, the player shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams.

Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by August 8, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

For a complete list of players who received qualifying offers, click here.

(Photo Courtesy of the ECHL)

As Warriors wait for Al Horford, disinterest in Deandre Ayton feels curious

As Warriors wait for Al Horford, disinterest in Deandre Ayton feels curious originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There was a time when the Warriors so trusted their culture they would bet on it. Confident in feel-good vibes, largely arranged by Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry, they were willing to gamble on a player whose “red flags” might deter others.

The Warriors welcomed alleged circus act JaVale McGee, who contributed to two championship teams. Then came certified slacker Nick Young, who picked up a ring. Then came reputed grump DeMarcus Cousins, knowing he’d be sidelined for five months. Once cleared, he made plays for a squad that reached the 2019 NBA Finals, where any chance of winning was crushed by injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson.

When acquiring Andrew Wiggins in February 2020, the Warriors placed faith in their culture to bring out the best in the widely considered underachiever – and were rewarded.

Which brings us to Deandre Ayton, and whether Golden State still believes in its culture.

The Portland Trail Blazers bought out the final year of Ayton’s contract on June 29, after which he cleared waivers and became a free agent. Numerous teams did their homework, with some reaching out to the Blazers. This is typical when a player is cast aside in his prime.

The Warriors, according to multiple league sources, were not among the teams that lined up to gauge Ayton’s interest – despite some reports stating otherwise.

Golden State’s lack of interest is curious because Ayton would have been a clear upgrade at center. The 7-foot, 250-pound Bahamian would address the team’s dearth of interior length. He runs the floor well. His midrange shooting bends defenses. He’s the only active player to average scoring/rebounding double-doubles in each of his first seven seasons, and he has career averages of 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds.

Ayton, who turns 27 this month, brings a blend of youth and experience; he was the starting center for the 2020-21 Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns. Among the Warriors, only Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Curry have more postseason experience.

Maybe Ayton would have brushed the Warriors, fully intent on joining the Los Angeles Lakers. There was no need, according to sources, because Golden State did not actively engage.

Ayton on Sunday officially joined the Lakers, signing a two-year contract worth $16.6 million. LA gets a quality big man on a discount because Portland will pay him about $25 million in the buyout.

Could the Warriors have offered a similar contract? The taxpayer midlevel exception is available for $5.7 million. Coming up with more – with Jonathan Kuminga still on the roster – would have required roster manipulation and shedding salary. General manager Mike Dunleavy has exhibited enough creativity to suggest he probably could have found a way.

Instead, the Lakers addressed their most glaring weakness, a massive void at center. They are considerably better equipped to deal with the prevalence of interior size/length among the deep list of playoff contenders in the West:

Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren with the champion Thunder. Alperen Şengun, Steven Adams and Clint Capela with the Rockets. Nikola Jokić and (maybe) Jonas Valančiūnas with the Nuggets. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle with the Timberwolves. Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez with the Clippers. Zach Edey with the Grizzlies. Domantas Sabonis with the Kings. Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II with the Mavericks. Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs.

That’s 17 big men, all between 6-foot-9 and 7-foot-4, with wingspans as broad as 8 feet. With 6-foot-9, 250-pound Kevon Looney the first man off Golden State’s ship this summer, the team has no veteran center to provide resistance.

As of now, the Warriors are hoping to lure unrestricted free agent Al Horford. He’s skilled, stands 6-foot-9, spreads the floor and plays both ends. He also turned 39 last month and is considering retirement. If he decides to keep playing, Golden State, according to league sources, has a strong chance to sign him.

Horford is, by all accounts, a consummate professional. Low maintenance, and a great teammate. His only red flag is age, and no culture can transform that.

Ayton, by contrast, is said to have been less than professional in Portland, with reports of frequent tardiness and occasional locker-room tantrums. His work ethic has undergone considerable scrutiny. He famously clashed with head coach Monty Williams in Phoenix. There is no doubt the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NBA draft comes with risk.

But the Warriors have recruiters on the premises culture. Buddy Hield is a fellow Bahamian and assistant coach Chris DeMarco – who has served as head coach of the national team – have known Ayton for years. Then, of course, there is Curry and Kerr.

The culture.

That typically has allowed Golden State to browse, and maybe buy. Given the current roster, all reasonable options are on the table. Not “kicking the tires” on Ayton feels like a missed opportunity. One the Warriors can only hope doesn’t haunt them.

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Clippers set roster for Summer League in Las Vegas

Los Angeles Clippers guard Jordan Miller, right, shoots as Houston Rockets center Steven Adams.
Clippers guard Jordan Miller, trying to score last season against Rockets center Steven Adams, is one of the team's returning players who will be on the roster for the NBA2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

The Clippers released their roster for the NBA2K26 Summer League, which opens play Friday and runs through July 20 in Las Vegas.

Rookies on the roster include their draft picks, Yanic Konan Niederhauser (30th overall) and Kobe Sanders (50th). Young players with NBA experience, including Patrick Baldwin Jr., Kobe Brown, Cam Christie, Trentyn Flowers and Jordan Miller, will be joining the rookie class.

Clippers assistant coach Jeremy Castleberry will be in charge of the team in Las Vegas.

The Clippers open play Friday with a game against the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. in Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus.

They will also play:

— Sunday vs. the Milwaukee Bucks (6:30 p.m., Cox Pavilion).

— Monday vs. the Lakers (7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center).

— July 17 vs. the Denver Nuggets (7 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center).

There will be a four-team tournament July 18-20 to decide a champion. Teams not advancing to the tournament will get one consolation game.

ROSTER

No.; Player; Pos.; Ht.; Wt.; Age; Team/Country; Yrs.

23; Patrick Baldwin Jr.; F; 6-9; 220; 22; Wisconsin-Milwaukee / USA; 3

45; Izaiah Brockington; G; 6-4; 196; 25; Iowa State / USA; 2

21; Kobe Brown; F; 6-7; 250; 25; Missouri / USA; 2

12; Cam Christie; G; 6-6; 190; 19; Minnesota / USA; 1

9; Trentyn Flowers; F; 6-9; 185; 20; Adelaide / USA; 1

50; Juwan Gary; F; 6-6; 226; 24; Nebraska / USA; R

14; Yanic Konan Niederhӓuser; C; 6-11; 242; 22; Penn State / Switzerland; R

11; Jordan Miller; F; 6-5; 194; 25; Miami / USA; 2

42; John Poulakidas; G; 6-6; 205; 22; Yale / USA; R

4; Kobe Sanders; G; 6-9; 207; 23; Nevada / USA; R

35; Zavier Simpson; G 6-0; 190; 28; Michigan / USA; 2

51; Jahmyl Telfort; F; 6-7; 225; 24; Butler / Canada; R

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Stevens gives positive injury updates on Tatum, Brown

Stevens gives positive injury updates on Tatum, Brown originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics’ two superstar players are making good progress in their injury rehabs.

Jayson Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles in Game 4 of the Celtics’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks in May. He had surgery the day after getting injured and has been sharing updates on his recovery on social media, including a video this past weekend of him exercising in a pool.

Jaylen Brown played with a right knee injury during the postseason and had surgery to repair it after Boston was eliminated by New York. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported in May that Brown was dealing with a partially torn meniscus.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens gave a positive update on both players during a press conference Tuesday.

“Jayson is working every single day,” Stevens said, as seen in the video player above. “He has literally been here every day, except he took a few days break. When he takes that break, (trainer) Nick (Sang) goes with him, so he’s still working every single day.

“It’s been unique to be here in June and the early part of July and both Jayson and Jaylen are here. We’ve played late in the season, and this is usually a time when guys get away. But coming off each of them having surgery, they’ve both been here.

“Jaylen was in here this morning and did a shooting workout. He looks good. Jayson was in and moving pretty fast on that boot. All indications are they’re both progressing at incredible rates, which is great. But we’re not going to put any pressure on Jayson to get back any time soon. We have no reason to believe that Jaylen won’t be all clear and ready to go fairly shortly.”

With Tatum in the midst of a lengthy recovery, the Celtics will need Brown to step up next season and assume the role of the team’s No. 1 option offensively.

Stevens is confident that Brown will meet any challenge thrown at him.

“There’s no question Jaylen will draw the most attention and that Jaylen will thrive in that,” Stevens said. “You saw him several times — certainly in the few games in the playoffs where we had to play without Tatum, and I thought he did a good job, especially those two home games.

“I think he’s ready for any challenge. He always has been. I’m excited to see all these guys take a step up.”

4 Knicks to watch during 2025 NBA Summer League action

The NBA season never truly ends. The Knicks will kick off their Summer League schedule with a Friday night matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

The Knicks only had one pick in this year’s draft (second-rounder Mohamed Diawara), but the club still has several prospects -- including 2024 first-round pick Pacome Dadiet -- playing this summer. Here’s who to keep an eye on during the action...

Pacome Dadiet

The Knicks’ lone first-round pick over the past two years, Dadiet has potential as a 3-and-D wing. Standing 6-foot-8, Dadiet has an important Summer League ahead of him.

Dadiet barely played for the Knicks during his rookie season, and his stint in the G League was not impressive. He only shot 40.6 percent from the field and 31.9 percent in 14 regular season games with the Westchester Knicks. But Dadiet is only 19 years old, so there’s still room for him to grow.

During Summer League, it will be important to see how Dadiet guards the ball, if he’s in the right places as a help defender, and if he can make an impact on the boards. On offense, the focus for the Frenchman should be knocking down open shots, and making quick reads of when to cut or attack off the dribble.

Tyler Kolek

Kolek had a quiet rookie season, but he did play the most minutes of any of the Knicks’ four rookies (296). Already a strong playmaking point guard, Kolek is a proven passer.

He averaged 8.9 assists in eight G League games with the Westchester Knicks, but scoring should be a focus for Kolek. The guard shot just 32 percent with Westchester and 29.8 percent with the Knicks.

The point guard also needs to grow as a finisher, both in the midrange and in the paint. With Kolek’s lack of size and athleticism, developing a floater would be useful. Also, his point-of-attack defense will be something to watch. With Cameron Payne a free agent, Kolek is currently New York’s only other point guard on the roster outside of Jalen Brunson. There’s a chance he could see some time on the floor next season.

New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) dunks against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) dunks against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden / Vincent Carchietta - Imagn Images

Ariel Hukporti

Hukporti should have a simple role for Summer League: set good screens, roll to the basket, and protect the rim on defense. With Mitchell Robinson’s injury history, Hukporti has the potential to find minutes at center this season.

For Summer League, the Knicks will get a good look at how Hukporti has improved from when they drafted him. It would be nice to see the team throw him the ball in the post occasionally during these games and see what he can do.

In his rookie season, Hukporti showed promise in limited minutes before missing significant time due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. The seven-footer has good touch around the basket. If Hukporti keeps it simple and takes care of his responsibilities as a center, Summer League will be a success.

Kevin McCullar Jr.

There were other intriguing options to look at, such as Diawara -- who is 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan. There’s also former 2023 second-rounder James Nnaji, who is a raw but athletic big with a 7-foot-7 wingspan.

However, let’s go with McCullar. A second-round pick in 2024, McCullar is on a two-way contract. As he rehabbed from a torn ACL suffered in college at Kansas, McCullar was limited to just four games last season.

An older prospect at the age of 24, McCullar will need to prove he can knock down shots from the perimeter to excel in the league. The wing shot only 22.2 percent from three in 13 regular season G League games. McCullar has a good feel for the game and can make an impact in multiple ways, as evidenced by him averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his last collegiate season.