The LeBron James free agency saga has been drawn out for weeks now. If James does sign with the Warriors, what does that mean for forward Moses Moody and his future with the franchise?
Moody suffered a torn left patellar tendon in March, which required surgery and caused him to miss the rest of the 2025-26 NBA season.
A potential LeBron signing would confirm the agenda for Golden State is to win right away. With a timetable uncertain for Moody’s return to the floor, a trade is possible to maximize the Warriors’ potential during the 2026-27 season.
Another factor is that Moody and James are represented by the same agent: Rich Paul. Paul has been active in the media recently since James announced his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I don’t call Rich every day,” Moody said. “I’m not in it like that, because I ain’t got nothing to do with how it’s gonna go down. So I’m just watching. … Whenever something needs to be talked about, it will.”
Some of the top potential suitors for James include the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Warriors. James recently spent some time with Draymond Green, who couldn’t help but try to recruit LeBron to the Bay. Green shared how the experience went on “The Draymond Green Show.”
Draymond on hanging out with LeBron James
"I'd be remissed if I don't take the opportunity to throw my pitch in there, I'd be crazy if we're together for x amount of days and at no point am I like 'yo, we need to chop it up, what the hell going on? what we doing?' of course I… pic.twitter.com/C5GBVyw6Fy
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) July 12, 2026
LeBron’s decision doesn’t affect just him. Many role players like Moody will have their fate decided by the outcomes of NBA free agency. Once the first domino falls, then the rest will follow in line.
STATELINE, Nev. – Yaxel Lendeborg’s journey from college basketball to the Warriors was long and stellar yet perhaps under appreciated for his ability to adapt to his surroundings. He was a transformer in the purest sense.
The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Lendeborg spent two seasons at University of Alabama-Birmingham, where his dominating play at power forward and center made him the most coveted big man to enter the NCAA transfer portal in April 2025.
Lendeborg chose the University of Michigan, where coach Dusty May scanned his rebuilt roster and opted to move Lendeborg to small forward. Alongside fellow transfer students Aday Mara and Morez Johnson Jr., Lendeborg became a super-size wing.
After moving from the paint to the perimeter in his final college season, Lendeborg was the best player on a Wolverines team that rolled to a national championship.
Jay Bilas, a college basketball analyst at ESPN since 1995, believes Lendeborg’s adaptability was a factor when Golden State selected him with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
“I think it’s difficult for the average player,” Bilas told NBC Sports Bay Area. “But for the star player . . . that’s one of the beautiful things about Yaxel Lendeborg. He’s willing to do what’s asked of him. UAB said ‘Hey, we need you to operate more in the middle and play a 5 spot and guard the 5.’ He essentially played the 3 — or hybrid 3-4 – at Michigan. And he did it. And by all accounts was a great teammate.”
In Lendeborg’s final season at UAB, he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals per game. He was one of only two players in NCAA Division I history finish a season with more than 600 points, 450 rebounds and 150 assists. The other is Larry Bird, who accomplished the feat in 1978-79.
With Lendeborg’s name on the board when the Warriors were on the clock on the night of the draft, he was the obvious choice for a team with many needs and a veteran core desperate for effective support.
“We’ve been following Yax for a few years now,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said after the draft. “And I think the biggest thing that sticks out about him is he’s a winner. Speaks no further than winning the national championship this year at Michigan.
“But at prior levels, focused on winning, multiskilled, versatile player that we think can play both sides of the ball. He’s got tremendous size. He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s a tremendous teammate. We think he’ll fit in really well here.”
The Warriors project Lendeborg, 23, will be no less than a rotation player as a rookie, with the likelihood of earning some starts.
“I felt like it was a perfect match because Yaxel Lendeborg is not only an outstanding player; he’s got tremendous versatility and he’s built like a tank,” Bilas said. “Because of his versatility, people would say he’s a ‘Swiss Army knife.’ He’s a Swiss Army tank. But he’s plug and play.
“He’s going to be 24 before the season starts, so he’ll be he’ll be ready to go on day one.
You don’t have to wait; it’s not like you’re taking an 18- or 19-year-old freshman that might take a little bit of time to develop. He’s ready now. And he’s really smart. And it’s not all about him. He’s a team guy, so he’ll fit in really nicely with Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, the whole crew. Draymond Green. He fits the maturity of that team.”
Lendeborg has appeared in four NBA Summer League games, two in the California Classic at Chase Center and two more in the Las Vegas Summer League. He’s averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game. Moreover, he usually has been the most impressive player on the floor.
Lendeborg is not a perfect player. His athleticism and lateral movement are good but not elite. He’ll turn 24 on Sept. 30, which doesn’t hurt Golden State’s team-building approach, as he’ll still be in his mid-20s when Curry and Green leave the franchise.
The Warriors already know they have a young player who can fill several needs. It’s a plus that he can provide help at every position on the frontcourt.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 28: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits during the national anthem before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on January 28, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LeBron James is 41 years old and still seizes the epicenter of the NBA offseason discourse. He is a gargantuan figure, almost larger, if not bigger, than the sport of basketball itself. Therefore, it is assumed that where LeBron goes, he will be the sun of any team’s solar system.
A common complaint amongst NBA pundits about another potential reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers is that LeBron’s positional fit is, if anything, more awkward than others’. While LeBron will be the biggest name on the roster wherever he lands, at this phase of his career, LeBron cannot be the end-all, be-all of the roster. The good thing for both LeBron and the team is that his game is so versatile it seamlessly integrates into whatever the roster requires of him.
LeBron’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers really took an interesting turn when Luka Dončić arrived. While it definitely extended the window for LA, it left LeBron in a position we hadn’t really seen him in his 23 years in the league: a clear second banana.
Instead of inviting criticism, it actually drew the King more praise — highlighting that this new role was a perfect transition for an aging mega-star. LeBron is one of the smartest players in league history. He knows what the team needs and what leads to winning. Instead of being the focal point, he showed that he can expand his game to help maintain a dependable floor of production while also driving winning through contributions that extend beyond the box score.
LeBron’s greatest offensive strength this past season wasn’t any one skill; it was his capacity to be whatever the Lakers needed on a given night. He could function as the engine of the offense, initiating nearly every action, or recede into a complementary role, leveraging his screening, cutting, spacing, and connective passing to elevate the players around him. Few stars possess that kind of stylistic flexibility without sacrificing their effectiveness.
That versatility became especially valuable as the Lakers’ personnel shifted throughout the year. Rather than forcing the offense to conform to him, James continually reshaped his game to fit the roster at hand, ensuring the team retained its identity regardless of who was available.
By the time the playoffs arrived and injuries thrust him back into the spotlight, he effortlessly expanded his responsibilities, controlling tempo, diagnosing coverages, and creating advantages wherever they presented themselves. His ability to toggle between superstar creator and elite complementary piece wasn’t simply a luxury; it was the foundation that kept the Lakers competitive under constantly changing circumstances.
In Cleveland, LeBron would be able to continue this role on a greater scale, as Cleveland’s roster is more balanced. With James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, they would carry the bulk of time on-ball, allowing LeBron to choose his spots. The presence of dynamic bigs in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen allows LeBron to have plentiful options while also having elite lob threats and, in the case of Allen, an excellent screener. Knockdown shooters like Sam Merrill and Max Strus are archetypes that have always had success with LeBron throughout all iterations of his career.
The basketball concerns floating around about LeBron being an awkward fit with the Cavaliers are underselling the fact that the Lakers have asked him to be the ultimate basketball chameleon over the last season and a half. LeBron can insert himself into any offense in the league and find his best way to ingratiate himself with any roster. Cleveland offers him the most coverage of responsibility to be the guy of any of the realistic options out there. It already is apparent that Cleveland’s stars are welcoming and not daunted by the prospect of the King joining the Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers aren’t desperate for the 2010’s version of LeBron James; this isn’t 2014 when he brought with him a level of competency that the franchise was lacking. This team has been a constant postseason presence since 2022, having just made their first non-LeBron run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The potential reunion is one where LeBron can insert himself into the Cavaliers lineup, and it’s not like the messiah arrived. It instead feels like the ultimate complementary piece that completes the Cavaliers roster.
The LeBron James sweepstakes have continued into a new week, and the timeline for a final decision remains unclear.
Likewise, James’ camp hasn’t dropped many explicit hints as to who has the best chance of landing the 22-time NBA All-Star.
The Warriors still do appear to be in the running, though, as ESPN insider Shams Charania joined “NBA Today” on Monday to share the latest news around James’ decision and when it might come.
“Every day, LeBron James inches closer and closer to a decision,” Charania explained from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. “It’s decision time for LeBron James because all the information, for the most part, is in. [General managers], presidents, owners — they’ve all been heard from. They’re continuing to have conversations with agent Rich Paul here this week as well. Players have also reached out to LeBron James to recruit him, and yes, all the voice notes have also been listened to, and rosters have been set around the league. The decks have been set.
“And the leading suitors have been Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Minnesota. And what we know definitively is LeBron James has made it clear privately that he wants to go somewhere where he can compete for a championship, somewhere where he feels like he finds that happiness from a team environment and culture that he feels he can uplift. And the big thing here is, this is not going to be a financially driven decision, so that gives LeBron James the ability to hear from teams that have the minimum, have other exceptions, have salary-cap space as well, and also be allowed to take his time through this decision.”
None of this news is particularly new, but perhaps Golden State continuing to be one of the “leading suitors,” according to Charania, is a good sign. After all, several reports last week suggested the Warriors were falling behind in the race to sign James.
Who knows, maybe Draymond Green’s pitch to his good friend in Puerto Rico last week has made James lean more in the Warriors’ direction.
Johni Broome turns 24 years old next week. The reality is that players of Broome’s age don’t have a lot of time to prove their worth in the NBA. When you’re an older draft pick, you either quickly assimilate to life in the association, or you’re quickly phased out. There will always be veterans available for at or near league-minimum prices that can round out a roster and play serviceable minutes in the regular season at the very least. Most teams will quickly move on from a recent draft pick who is approaching his mid 20s if that player is nothing more than a G Leaguer who occasionally sneaks his way into the bottom of their NBA rotation.
The cold reality for players like Broome who play (at least) four years of college basketball is that they’re not given as many chances in the NBA players who were drafted at 19 or 20. That makes what was essentially a non-existent rookie season for Broome in the NBA to be that much more concerning. It’s also resulted in this year’s NBA Summer League being the beginning of a pivotal 2026-27 for Philadelphia’s second-round pick one year ago.
Broome had 19 points and 13 rebounds this past Thursday against Detroit. He then posted 23 points and 11 boards on Saturday against Indiana, despite a disappointing fourth quarter vs. the Pacers. His combined plus/minus rating in the two games is a +18. The obvious takeaway here is this is exactly what Broome should be doing in these games, as should any player that’s playing in the NBA Summer League for the second time.
Time will tell if these are significant improvements for Broome or if he just isn’t an NBA player. Broome was a high-level achiever in college so the fact that he’s performing at a high level against similar competition shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise. Despite some good statistical performances, it should also be pointed out that Broome is 2-of-12 from the three-point line in two games so far in this year’s Summer League. For a player who lacks top-end athleticism, his offensive ability was going to have to be aided by some good outside shooting and that hasn’t looked good so far this summer for the second-year player out of Auburn.
So where does Broome go from here? Well, at the bare minimum, he’ll need to churn out more good performances this week as Summer League continues. Then the real test for Broome will come in training camp in September and the handful of preseason games Philadelphia will play in October. If he can crack the rotation for Philly early in the season after that, how is that going to change? Once the regular season starts and the games start counting for real, developing a 24-year-old recent second-round pick isn’t going to be a priority.
Broome’s time to show the Sixers’ coaching staff he belongs in the NBA is now and in September and October. Should he earn his way into a bench role for Philadelphia this season, perhaps the leash will get a little bit longer and he could perhaps stabilize himself as an eighth or ninth man in a rotation. We’ve all known about the Sixers’ struggles to rebound well and maybe being a good rebounder becomes the best path to playing time for Broome come the fall, especially if his jump shot never gets better.
Right now, it just feels like Broome is meeting the minimum standard of what he should be doing. But can at least some of it carry over into a regular role with the Sixers in 2026-27? The clock’s ticking.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Ebuka Okorie #23 of the Detroit Pistons plays defense during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2026 NBA Summer League on July 12, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
While we saw Okorie struggle in his second game by shooting 5-for-17 from the field, he was still able to find ways to impact the game with 14 points, three rebounds, six assists, and seven steals.
Scoring
If he has the ball in transition, good luck stopping Okorie. He was able to get into the paint plenty yesterday, including knocking down multiple and-one layups.
Okorie struggled finishing around the rim yesterday. Some were tough looks that didn’t fall and others were well-defended by Cleveland. He got stuffed at the rim on this possession, but still ended up finding Brice Williams for an open trailing three.
Here’s another where the opportunity to get a shot up vanished in front of his eyes. A couple of his drives and shots at the rim, like this one, looked forced – his shot selection should improve as he adjusts to the NBA game.
Cleveland prevented him from getting all the way to the rim on this possession, so instead of forcing up a tough shot, he was able to find an open Lanier for the knockdown three.
Laker legend Derek Fisher believes LeBron James wasn’t as beloved by the franchise’s fans as he should’ve been.
“It’s hard to tell fans exactly what they should or shouldn’t do,” Fisher told the California Post. “I just think the celebration of his departure is a little bit much. I don’t know what the expectations were, short of winning multiple championships, which no NBA team has done since 2018 basically other than the Warriors.”
Lakers legend Derek Fisher revealed why he believes LeBron James wasn’t as beloved as other Lakers legends. NBAE via Getty Images
James joined the Lakers as a free agent in 2018 after winning two championships with the Heat (2012 and 2013) and one with the Cavaliers (2016). He helped dig the Lakers out of their lowest point in franchise history after they missed the playoffs six straight seasons, leading them to their first championship in a decade in 2020 in just his second season with the team.
When the 41-year-old James decided to leave the Lakers earlier this month after eight seasons, his longest consecutive stretch with any franchise over his 23-season career, Fisher was taken aback by the reaction from Lakers fans, which he deemed as “celebrating.”
“I don’t know what he was supposed to fulfill that he didn’t fulfill,” Fisher told The Post. “He took us to the playoffs [six] seasons, an NBA title, a trip to the Western Conference Finals in 2023, the relevance, national television. The brand didn’t suffer. The Lakers are still world famous for great reasons. So, that part is a little confusing to me.”
Fisher believes James was never fully embraced like other Lakers legends such as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. Noah K. Murray-NY Post
As for why there’s an apparent disconnect between James and Laker fans?
Fisher believes it’s because the superstar is being unfairly compared to franchise legends, such as Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, who each won five championships with the Lakers and spent their entire careers (20 seasons and 13 seasons, respectively) with the team.
James never belonged to the Lakers in the same way.
He didn’t grow up in the organization. He spent the first 15 seasons of his career in the Eastern Conference. He was already considered one of the greatest players of all-time when he joined the Lakers at age 33.
“He’s not supposed to be compared to Kobe,” Fisher told The Post. “He’s not supposed to be compared to Magic. Those are very different guys that started their careers here and ended their careers here. It’s apples to oranges as far as that part goes. I just think that considering where the organization was when he arrived, I just think we should be more appreciative.”
Fisher, who played with Bryant, believes that James wasn’t viewed in the same light as Bryant and Johnson because he wasn’t in Los Angeles to start his career. Getty Images
Things began shifting for James after the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade in February 2025. Doncic immediately became the Lakers’ top priority.
When asked whether Fisher believes the Lakers’ organization treated James with the respect he deserves, he shrugged.
“I’m not sure,” Fisher told The Post. “We don’t know whether he actually was actually frustrated by anything or, you know, [he thought] I’ve been here eight seasons, it’s been a great run. There’s now a new franchise player here the team wants to build around, so I’m going to go do something else. We don’t have to attach any other narratives or reasons to it.
“…I don’t necessarily think it was this negative falling out kind of thing. I just think sometimes your time is up and you can move on.”
Fisher played for the Lakers 13 seasons, winning five championships. Getty Images
James, who’s an unrestricted free agent, is still deciding where he’s going to play next season, but the frontrunners are Cleveland, Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Minnesota.
Fisher didn’t hesitate when asked where he hopes James chooses.
“Personally as a basketball fan, I want to see him and Steph [Curry] play basketball together for a whole season [on the Warriors],” Fisher told The Post. “I just want to see it. I don’t know if it’s even possible. But I just think they’d both enjoy what they’d create and do for each other. And then I think with Draymond [Green] and Al Horford, they’d just have a team for the guys that just drink wine and have fun.
“Whether they win 60 games, 40 games, who cares. I think it would just be a fun basketball team to watch.”
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 7: Blake Hinson #25 and Justin Harmon #44 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League on July 7, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Jazz, in fact, did not get to see Darryn Peterson and the Jazz come out with a dominant second game in Las Vegas. Quite the contrary; they were completely overwhelmed and throttled. Now the Jazz have officially been eliminated from Summer League Championship play. The roster, thus far, hasn’t shown many standouts that make their case for training camp deals.
But now they’ll have more eyes on them than ever. Utah continues to shuffle along the Las Vegas mess, finishing the end of a back-to-back against the 0-1 Chicago Bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center. It was after the conclusion of Sunday night’s game that it was announced Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey and Cody Williams have been ruled out of today’s matchup. I doubt we’ll see any of them against San Antonio on Wednesday, nor their consolidation game once the Summer League Playoffs begin.
It truly was a shame for the NBA, which continued to rack up the top of the draft’s prospects against Peterson. Caleb Wilson was next on the slate following gladiator battles with Cam Boozer, AJ Dybantsa and Keaton Wagler. Wilson himself had a historic debut in a 97-96 loss against the aforementioned Boozer and Memphis. He racked up 35 points and 5 stocks while shooting 12-21 from the field that included 7-11 from beyond the arc. This set an NBA Summer League debut scoring record and is the second-most points in a Vegas debut since the event began in 2004. We’ve all been riveted about Peterson over at Jazz Nation, but anyone in the top four has felt ‘Giddey’ about how their prospects have played thus far.
Kennedy Chandler, who the Jazz brought in on two separate 10-day deals last season, is also on the Bulls G League roster. He opened up with 11 points and 5 assists going into his debut. Noa Essengue may be the laughing stock after being the victim of a devastating tomahawk poster, but he’s quickly knocking off cobwebs after missing nearly the entirety of his rookie season. His defensive versatility posed a challenge against Cam Boozer in the paint.
No Darryn Peterson. No Ace Bailey. Wait, Cody was playing? Who on God’s green Earth will be on the floor for the shorthanded Jazz? The good thing is, we’ve already seen it. In Salt Lake City Summer League, at least, when that same Jazz team completely annihilated the equally shorthanded OKC Thunder 103-69.
Blake Hinson has already earned himself a two-way spot on the Jazz, but he’s likely to have the ball coming in his hands a whole lot more if he continues to play. Slimming down 25 to 29 pounds has completely revamped his conditioning and speed on the court. It’s become completely apparent that the Jazz found a hidden gem in Hinson, enough to keep him over Elijah Harkless this summer. He quietly finished yesterday with 16 points on 4-8 shooting, sinking 2-3 three-pointers from downtown. Expect him to get an extended number of touches tonight.
Tamar Bates was another under-the-radar signing for the Jazz this offseason. He originally signed a deal with the Denver Nuggets last season, but was cut that same season due to a fractured foot. So far for the Jazz, Bates has proved to be a highly energetic player. He operates as a catch-and-shoot player who has the potential to be a scrappy off-ball defender. You won’t see his performance show up on the stat sheet all that often, but make no mistake, Bates has an impact if you watch him play.
If anyone were to earn themselves any sort of preseason deal, Jonas Aidoo has put together the best resume. The 6’11 big’s skillset is anchored by elite rim protection, mobility, and efficient paint-scoring. It’s unsurprising, considering he’s a reigning G League Champion who started for the Greensboro Swarm. He’s followed that with an insane Summer League run that can persuade me into thinking he’s a solid third center for the main Jazz roster. Aidoo’s best performance this July by far has been his game against OKC, where he posted 16 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Now against Chicago, he’s likely got a massive Caleb Wilson assignment on his hands to prove he belongs in this league.
In philosophy, possibility is the study of what could be true, what is necessary, and what is impossible. For instance, it is entirely coherent to imagine Bez Mbeng outscoring Caleb Wilson without creating a logical contradiction. Does the fact that Bez Mbeng has never actually outscored Caleb Wilson in a game yet only exists as an abstract concept in an alternate possible world, or does his real-world triple-double in April prove that the condition of possibility was already fully active in our actual universe? The power of possibility is not found in what we fail to reach, but in the frameworks that allow us to aim for it in the first place.
Is it coherent for you, the viewer, to turn on your television screen and watch sicko Summer League Hoops? It is all in the realm of possibility, my friend.
The balance of power in the NBA flipped dramatically this offseason, after a flurry of big acquisitions turned the Eastern Conference into a hotbed of contenders.
With so many players changing homes, let’s rank the top 10 teams in the East based on likelihood to represent the conference in the 2027 NBA Finals...
10: Magic
A team that was largely quiet, the biggest thing going for Orlando is a bet on better health and their new head coach, Sean Sweeney. They have some of the best on-paper talent in the East that’s failed to unlock its full potential in recent years. Could this be the one?
9: Hawks
The Hawks are banking on the back half of last season not being a fluke, doubling down on smart guard additions in Devin Carter and Aaron Wiggins, plus drafting Kingston Flemings. They can easily sneak their way into a high seed while the rest of the East works through new teammates and injury concerns.
8: Pistons
All-Star center Jalen Duren still hasn’t re-signed, but even if he does, the Pistons needed a stronger summer to push themselves to new heights. With their spacing and secondary creation sticking out as major weaknesses in the playoffs, their one needle-mover was trading for Isaiah Joe, and otherwise swapping one middling power forward for another and trading away Caris LeVert.
7: Heat
Pat Riley made the biggest splash of the summer in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, forming a dynamic duo with center Bam Adebayo. The talent speaks for itself, but the fit and supporting cast aren’t saying anything pretty.
Their current starting backcourt is Davion Mitchell and Tim Hardaway Jr., and they’ll be relying on a thin bench to help fill out the rotation. What’s more is their spacing will be a big question mark, especially in the postseason.
6: Cavaliers
The Cavs, like a few teams on this list, can vault a few spots if one particular pending free agent decides to sign here. In the meantime, they’re returning about the same roster from their Conference Finals run last year, hoping a James Harden training camp and the drafting of Meleek Thomas gives them an edge.
May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) drives the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. / David Butler II-Imagn Images
5: Celtics
As we saw last season, Boston has the depth and system to power through the regular season despite any on-paper talent they might be lacking. They can now double down on that system with a cleaner fit in Paul George, and a bolstered rotation thanks to the acquisitions of Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley.
4: 76ers
Adding a top talent and capable innings-eater like Jaylen Brown will do wonders for Philadelphia's regular season record and ultimate postseason ceiling, but plenty of questions remain. A Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid-centric offense now has a 1A guy thrown in the middle -- one who can’t drift into a supporting role for stretches as seamlessly as the previous player in his position.
The spacing and defense with Brown in the rotation is just the tip of the iceberg. Their depth is still questionable and while we’re assuming full health, we haven’t seen Embiid play 40 regular season games in three seasons, and his postseason impact is slowly degrading as well.
3: Pacers
Everybody seems to be sleeping on the 2025 Finals runner-up after an injury-riddled and Tyrese Haliburton-less 2026 season. Perhaps that’s because they were quiet this summer relative to the rest of the East, or because they’re replacing a spread five with paint-centric Ivica Zubac.
But if Haliburton is back and healthy, and they can avoid another avalanche of bad luck, Indiana will be in prime position to take advantage. Teams will be adjusting to new players and systems while the Pacers can pick up on the fast-paced chemistry they already built between their two All-Stars and strong supporting cast.
2: Raptors
Assuming the Kawhi Leonard trade goes through without a hitch, Toronto becomes the biggest threat to New York, pairing Scottie Barnes and his talented group with a legitimate alpha and postseason killer. The Raptors took the Cavs to seven games in last year’s first round without Immanuel Quickley, and are banking on improvements from Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamal Shead, plus whatever contributions they get from rookie Allen Graves.
Fans may point to Leonard’s availability, but if he’s healthy enough to get them to the postseason and suit up at that level, they could beat anybody in the East. Toronto's defense will be near flawless and adding an efficient 28 points per game scorer materially changes their offense.
The reigning champs still hold the crown, despite the improvements to their competition and the loss of Mitchell Robinson. They signed Andre Drummond in Robinson's place and re-signed the rest of their championship core, setting the stage for a repeat attempt.
LAS VEGAS — The No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft looked exactly like that on Sunday.
AJ Dybantsa had 23 points on 6-of-15 shooting with seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks in 24 minutes to help the Washington Wizards defeat the Kings and remain undefeated in NBA Summer League action.
Dybantsa had 27 points in his NBA Summer League debut Thursday.
The Kings haven’t had that type of consistent offensive production from their rookies — yet.
Darius Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, already has shown flashes of his superstar potential and the readiness and willingness to be the future face of the franchise in Sacramento.
But his efficiency hasn’t been up to his standards by any means, and he’s made that known.
“I got to be better, though,” Acuff said after scoring 19 points in Sacramento’s win Thursday. “I’m playing terrible. Too inefficient. I got to make more shots in a row and get my teammates involved more.”
The efficiency didn’t get any better in Sunday’s loss, as Acuff finished with 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field, missing all four of his 3-point attempts, with four assists and five turnovers in 28 minutes.
The concerns about his defense also have shown in glimpses, but the hope is that there is time for growth in that department.
Alex Karaban, the Kings’ No. 29 pick, finally scored his first points of summer league on Sunday.
The former UConn forward missed all three games of the California Classic as he recovered from an ankle sprain, making his official debut with the team on Thursday.
Karaban went scoreless in 24 minutes, shooting 0 of 6 from the field and 0 of 4 from downtown and adding two rebounds, one assist, three turnovers and one block.
He attempted just three shots in Sunday’s loss, making one 3-pointer in 23 minutes.
The Kings aren’t worried about the scoring, however, as they expect that to come. He still has made a lot of good defensive plays and is a smart player overall.
“I’m happy that he got his first summer league points today,” Maxime Raynaud said after the loss. “He also makes a lot of winning plays. Obviously, I don’t know if he shows in the box score, but his activity on the offensive board, I think that’s what opened some rebounds for Dylan [Cardwell] and I, even for himself, actually, He communicates a lot, and I mean, he’s able to be a good shooter to get down here as well.
“We’ve only been together for like what five, six days. Me, personally, only two. But I’m pretty sure it’s like you know, as we spend more time together, it’s gonna be good fun.”
Kings summer league coach Chris Darnell shared what his conversations with Karaban have been like.
“I’m just trying to tell him to play his game,” Darnell said. “Like, hey, maybe last game we didn’t make shots, but we know he’s a high-level shot maker. He’s a high-level connector, and one of those guys that created damages from this. … He’s a guy that doesn’t need a play called for him. He doesn’t need a certain action. Like he’s really good at reading the floor, reading the spacing on the floor. Very smart defender. It’s probably on me that I can put him in spots to be more aggressive.
“But overall, I think he’s a guy that just impacts the game again without any direct action. He’s just almost like a coach on the floor, just from the way he sees the game, the spacing.”
Emanuel Sharp also struggled shooting the ball Sunday, finishing with seven points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field and 1 of 6 from 3-point range in 22 minutes, but the Kings’ second-round draft pick has been the most consistently impressive rookie on both ends of the floor thus far.
Summer league is all about going through the ups and downs, learning and getting a feel for the game at the NBA level.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Liam McNeeley #33 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas opened with a bang for multiple former Huskies. Liam McNeeley put on a show for Charlotte in their win over Orlando, putting up 28 points on 7-for-8 from downtown.
“I mean, a little nerves early on and they’re a team (Orlando) that’s got a little bit older guys, if you will, for summer league,” he explained. “So just kind of getting our feet settled into the game and responding to that physicality,” said McNeeley.
After being drafted late in the first round of the 2025 draft, McNeeley had a slower start to his NBA career, averaging 4.3 points in 31 games played for the Hornets. Year two for the soon-to-be 21-year-old could see him making the rotation after Charlotte moved off of star guard LaMelo Ball. McNeeley’s performance in this year’s Summer League can be the key reason McNeeley will get more looks during his sophomore season.
Liam McNeeley (28 PTS, 7-8 3PM) shot the LIGHTS OUT from deep 🔥
Looking over this season’s rookie class, Alex Karaban missed the California Classic due to a right ankle sprain during team practice on July 2. Karaban was cleared to play Thursday against the Clippers as he finished scoreless in 24 minutes, picking up 2 rebounds and an assist.
Tarris Reed made his debut in the California Classic earlier this week. The Kodiak Bear picked up right where he left off back in March as he put up a pair of double-doubles against the Lakers and Hawks. Reed scored 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting in his first game against Los Angeles as he hauled in 12 rebounds and 1 assist. In his second game, we saw more of the same, as he made his presence known by dominating the glass and making shots down low, putting up 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Dan Hurley made an appearance on the broadcast during the Houston vs Denver game and had much praise for his center.
Dan Hurley talked about Tarris Reed Jr.'s transformation into a first-round pick for the Spurs:
"Getting that guy to play with an identity, a dominance around the basket, becoming a great screener, rim protector, rebounder. Getting him to do things that aren't very sexy at a… pic.twitter.com/YTTaMkLJTN
Tristen Newton, who was a key benefactor in the back-to-back National Championships, was on the floor for Houston with Hurley in attendance. Newton finished the night with 13 points and 3 steals, making a smooth and-one finish as Hurley shouted “Gimme that!” as he saw the ball fall through the basket.
Tristen Newton grabs a tough and-one score in front of Coach Dan Hurley
Hurley made it clear that Newton can be a rotational player. Newton was named to the All-NBA G League First Team for the 2025-26 season, averaging 25.6 points for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Houston’s affiliate. Just like McNeeley, the Summer League may turn some coaches’ heads and get some Huskies NBA minutes.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fittingly, Tyler Herro used the song ‘Coming Home’ in his farewell video to the Miami Heat. On the same day, he also posted a drenched Bucks workout singlet to his Instagram story, along with a Twitter post reading “414” when the trade was announced in principle a few weeks ago. Whether he gets traded to another location or not between now and the start of the season, this is a man who is genuinely excited about the prospect of playing in his home state, which, like it or not, is not something pro athletes often say about Wisconsin.
I’m starting to come around.
From obscurity to celebrity: The come-up
As most Wisconsinites are aware, Tyler Herro grew up in Greenfield, just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Milwaukee. He starred at Whitnall High School, committing early to attend the University of Wisconsin. Later, though, Herro decommitted from UW to accept an offer from the University of Kentucky, which, it must be said, upset a few folks back home. It’s worth mentioning that Herro was not some automatic one-and-done prospect coming into his freshman season at Lexington, like so many Wildcat recruits are. The risky decision to step away from the comfort of Wisconsin into the firestorm of Kentucky took, as Kobe would say, “cajones” and, looking back, was a microcosm of the fearless mindset that would set Herro apart in the coming years.
Before long, the (wild)cat was out of the bag. Coach Cal injected Herro into his starting lineup from the jump, and he did not disappoint. His slick scoring and feel led him to average 14.0 PPG, 4.50 RPG, and 2.50 APG, and he went on to be named the SEC’s Rookie of the Year. Herro later declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, where he was selected 13th by the Miami Heat.
Feet to the Heat
The kid known as “Boy Wonder” experienced a baptism-by-fire in his rookie season—on multiple levels. I mean, his rookie year was quite literally interrupted by a worldwide pandemic; yet and still, though, his numbers in the shortened regular season were phenomenal, averaging 13.5 PPG on nearly 40% shooting from deep while playing on a team that was trying to compete for the title (which they did, of course, downing our very own Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 2019-20 NBA Playoffs). Herro was one of the headline stories to come out of those playoffs, announcing himself, at that time, as a near-untouchable piece of the Heat’s future.
Durability issues aside, Herro has been among the NBA’s upper echelon of players since that point. From year two to year three, he dramatically upped his PPG average from 15.1 to 20.7—a mark he has spent the rest of his career around. Herro won Sixth Man of the Year for the 2021-22 season and was selected as an All-Star three years later. Frankly, for all the issues people might have with the 26-year-old—and I’ve been a skeptic, to be sure—you look at the stats and have to concede that, when healthy, this is a damn good player who can contribute to winning basketball in the right situation. Over the last five seasons, Herro has averaged 21.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.5 APG while shooting 38.4% from three on a whopping 7.7 attempts per contest. He’s good!
Herro’s offensive game is built on the back of his three-point shooting ability. I mentioned his raw shooting stats above, but looking at the advanced tracking, there is no drop-off even when you differentiate his catch-and-shoot threes (37.3%) from his pull-ups (38.7%)—both on high volume, mind you. For whatever he lacks in explosiveness, he makes up for with craft. The Bucks will have touches to soak up (to some extent), and Herro is comfortable operating with a high usage, as evidenced by his shooting 50.3% on all shots taken off 3-6 dribbles, which, aside from off 0 dribbles, easily accounts for his most frequent shot taken. Yes, Herro will need to be insulated on defence, but I also think he’ll be highly motivated to shed the “poor defender” tag that has dogged him for his entire career.
Boy Wonder’s future in the Cream City
Look, is Herro a top option on a champion team? No way. But his reputation in the league simply doesn’t do justice to the player he has become. Behind the loud bravado and ostentatiousness lies an extremely talented hooper who is clearly motivated to prove the doubters wrong; trust me, this man is keenly aware that Pat Riley has attempted to trade him multiple times. And let me tell you something else: with nothing in the way of draft picks to play for this year, I am very down for a revenge-fuelled season powered by healthy levels of spite and pettiness, with none other than Herro leading that charge.
Now, would it be a smart choice for the Bucks to invest in Herro as a franchise pillar for the next 5-10 years? Probably not. Investing in him long-term may well be like choosing to satisfy your hunger with candy: it’ll have you feeling a buzz in the moment, but it’s not sustainable in the long run. At the same time, the Bucks don’t necessarily have to know what the “long run” looks like for a few years yet, and I’m not opposed to a sugar rush.
Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State’s first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, joined Bleacher Report’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer from NBA Summer League on Sunday in Las Vegas, where he was asked to offer a pitch to James.
“My pitch is, man, I know you don’t like rookies that much, man, but I’m not the average rookie, you know, and I would love to learn under you, man,” Lendeborg stated. “So I mean, if you’re looking to play with one of the greatest — the greatest shooter of all time and a close friend of yours, Draymond, it’ll be great to come to the Warriors, and we’ll be glad to have you.”
Yaxel Lendeborg recruitment pitch to LeBron James
“I know you don't like rookies that much, but I'm not the average rookie… if you're looking to play with the greatest shooter of all time and Draymond, we'll be glad to have you". pic.twitter.com/eGh0NW6XoR
While the 41-year-old James likely won’t want to join a team that relies too heavily on unproven rookies, Lendeborg, 23, should be able to contribute more immediately than most first-year players.
After all, if his play so far during summer league is any indication, Lendeborg could provide a needed all-around boost to an older Warriors squad.
Of course, as the rookie mentioned, the opportunity to play with the greatest shooter of all time doesn’t need much explanation, either.
The Warriors must remain in wait-and-see mode, though, as James’ eventual decision should be a major factor in determining how the rest of the NBA offseason plays out.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Dillon Mitchell #20 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
#1 2-for-2
The Summer League Celtics are undefeated! It hasn’t been pretty; in fact, at times, it’s been downright gritty. Nevertheless, Amile Jefferson’s squad has found ways to win, and that’s a skill in itself.
Securing a dub against a Charlotte Hornets team that boasted Ryan Kalkbrenner, Liam McNeeley, Tidjane Salaun and Sion James — four players with a collective total of 279 NBA games worth of experience, all within the Hornets’ system, is no easy feat.
The most impressive thing to me about yesterday's win is that Charlotte had four players in its starting lineup who boasted a combined 279 NBA games.
In terms of experience and development time, they had a huge advantage.
The Celtics still found ways to take care of business
You’ve got to give credit to the Summer League C’s for rising to the level of their more experienced opposition.
#2 Dillon Mitchell is doing it all
Would it be Summer League if we didn’t have at least one player we collectively began to get behind in their battle for an NBA contract? Currently, Dillon Mitchell, Boston’s second-round draft pick, is without a contract. Based on his performances over the first two Summer League games, things won’t stay that way for too long. The question is, will he fill Boston’s 15th and final roster spot, or land on a two-way next to Amari Williams?
To Mitchell’s credit, he’s doing everything possible to show the range and versatility in his game. Against Charlotte, Mitchell ended the game as Boston’s top scorer with 24 points; he led the team in rebounds, was second in blocks and led the team in steals.
In an all-action performance, Mitchell showcased what he can do despite not being a featured part of the offense.
“He was so alive today. He played with such great energy,” Jefferson said of Mitchell after the game. “He crashed every time. He had like three different times where he almost had a tip dunk. When he’s playing with that kind of pop, he’s going to be really good. And then any time he gets an open three, he should shoot it.”
There’s an argument that Mitchell doesn’t bring anything new to Boston’s rotation. After all, Joe Mazzulla can already lean on Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez if he needs a defense-first wing to disrupt the flow of a game. Yet, Mitchell is a more explosive athlete than his more experienced teammates, and can provide a different level of downhill pressure with a sprinkling of vertical spacing.
When watching back through the game this morning, one play that didn’t end in a bucket or even a highlight stood out to me, because it was translatable to the Celtics brand of defense.
There’s nothing spectacular about this play. Yet, you don’t need spectacular moments from your second-round draft picks; you just need them to be a viable fit for your system with a legitimate level of upside. In the video above, you can see Mitchell reading the Hornet’s offense, remaining patient and then rotating over to provide help at the nail. His presence and timing allow him to get his hand on the rock and add a steal (maybe a forced turnover?) to his stat sheet.
Under Mazzulla, the Celtics are a heavy nail-help team. Having an explosive wing who can cover ground quickly and bail out of missed rotation in the rearview is a luxury. The fact that he’s already finding success as a high helper shows that some of his impact will be translatable to the next level.
#3 Hugo is doing just fine
6-of-26. That’s what Hugo Gonzalez is shooting in Summer League so far. Outside of some flashes when working in the pick-and-roll, Hugo’s offense has been patchy at best. I’m ok with that for three reasons.
First, this might be the first time in Hugo’s career that he’s been tasked with carrying this level of offensive usage, not just as a scorer but also in terms of touches and overall creation. As a teenager playing in Real Madrid’s pro system, Hugo likely had an ancillary role similar to the one he played for the Celtics this past season.
Therefore, Hugo is likely facing a new level of defensive attention. His shots are coming from new spots and in new ways. And, of course, the pressure to create for others could be adding a new level of weight to his shoulders, because, at times, he has looked to get off a pass when bullying his way to the rim may have been the better move.
Secondly, this is the Summer League. Thrive, struggle, it doesn’t matter; everything right now is about growth, getting live reps, and finding holes in your game that need to be plugged. Look back to last summer and think about the struggles Baylor Scheierman had in this exact same tournament. Then correlate those struggles to the success he had as the NBA season wore on.
Not only did Baylor find his rhythm from deep to the point where most Celtics fans have become comfortable with the notion of trading Sam Hauser, but he also emerged as a highly reliable defender, both within the system and in isolation.
Finally, Hugo’s only struggle right now is scoring the rock. In two games, he’s registered 14 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals. His defense has been solid, and he’s navigated screens well, closing out with purpose and providing reliable help all over the floor.
“His intensity, how hard he plays, how competitive he is — he embodies the name on the front of that jersey,” Dillon Mitchell said of Hugo after the game.
Summer League is about growth and development. Hugo is working through the hurdles that come with forcing that growth through discomfort.
He’s doing just fine.
#4 Active hands
If you want to play an up-tempo brand of basketball, then finding ways to get out in transition is the first step. The Celtics ended yesterday’s matchup with 11 steals, contributing to 17 fast break buckets. According to NBA Stats, those 17 points accounted for 19.5% of Boston’s overall scoring total.
Jefferson’s team was jumping passing lanes, picking pockets, and rotating on time in order to force some mistakes. Of course, getting the steal or forcing the turnover is only half the battle. The other side of that coin is finishing your food, regardless of how much is on the plate.
Credit to this team, they play hard, fast and with purpose, and that’s why they were such a threat to get out in the open floor and make the most of those opportunities.
#5 Maximizing possessions
I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to be harping on about maximizing possessions all season. From the outside looking in, it certainly seems that it’s going to be a focus for this team (in terms of offensive rebounding and making the most of those additional opportunities), especially with the bigs on the roster. So, it should come as no surprise that the Summer League Cs are dominating in the maximization of their offensive possessions, too.
The out-boarded Charlotte 14-7 on the offensive glass, resulting in an extra 14 points. Mitchell had 7 offensive boards, Amari Williams had 2, John Tonje had 2, and Curtis Jones, Chris Cenac Jr. and Milos Uzan all had one apiece.
Once you factor in those offensive boards, the steals and the forced turnovers, it quickly becomes clear why the Celtics managed to take 14 more shots than the Hornets. Not only are they maximizing the number of bites they’re getting of the apple, but they’re also finding new apples to eat along the way.
If we’re talking about translatable aspects regarding what we’re seeing, the onus on offensive rebounding and possession creation via defensive event making is something I’m expecting to be a feature of the team throughout this season and the years to come. That’s why it’s great to see that focus being placed on the Summer League roster — success starts when you’re building from the ground up.
#6 A battle is emerging
John Tonje and Milos Uzan are both without an NBA contract right now. Tonje has been Boston’s most reliable offensive threat over the first two games. Uzan, on the other hand, has shown flashes of self-creation, playmaking, downhill scoring and a perimeter shooting touch.
Boston currently has two two-way spots available. How Brad Stevens chooses to move forward with Mitchell could mean there’s only one spot left by the time training camp gets underway. There’s a chance that either Tonje or Uzan will take that slot.
Coming into Summer League, Tonje, 23, had a slight edge over Uzan due to his familiarity with the Celtics system. He played in 11 G League games for the Maine Celtics and 6 NBA games under Mazzulla. However, Uzan isn’t going to go away easily. His speed, directional changes and self-creation have all been impressive over the opening two games.
Milos Uzan shows his handles and hits the step back 3 to put the Celtics up 11 (with replays). 13 points for Uzan off the bench, so far. pic.twitter.com/9SXxt4TFS4
The fact that Uzan has earned slightly more playing time (60 minutes and 16 seconds over two games) than Tonje (54 minutes and 47 seconds) hasn’t evaded me. Perhaps Uzan being younger (23) than Tonje (25) will play a role in the Celtics ‘ decision-making when it comes to handing out contracts. Or perhaps they will prefer Tonje’s added experience.
Either way, it feels like a battle is starting to emerge for a potential spot, and when looking at Boston’s guard rotation, whoever wins that duel may find themselves earning some NBA minutes at points in the season. I’ve got this chalked up as a subplot, both now and heading into training camp.
#7 Cenac’s offense…
…Wasn’t great.
However, one thing that has impressed me over the first two games is how Cenac lets the action come to him. Make or miss, he didn’t force the issue. He didn’t hijack the offense. Instead, he stuck to his role, performed well on defense and provided some upside as a connecting force.
Of course, the one bucket he did score, a one-dribble drive starting at the nail, was impressive and shows the level of athleticism and potential that he possesses.
Still, the most impressive sequence of Cenac’s night came early in the first quarter, where he got a block on defense, ran the floor, worked in the PnR and found a shooter on the weakside with a kick-out pass for three.
Cenac is certainly going to be somewhat of a project. However, his ability to make an impact on defense, his mobility, athleticism and even how he attacks off the bounce are all solid foundations. If he can work on finding a level of consistency from the field, Brad Stevens may have unearthed another late first-round gem.
#8 Hello, Tucker DeVries
We didn’t see Ticker DeVries against Toronto, but he found some playing time against the Hornets, earning 18 minutes off the bench. DeVries was as advertised: a reliable shooter on the perimeter with upside on the glass and solid movement.
He ended the night with three treys, shooting 42.9% on 3-of-7 shooting, and he chipped in with 2 assists and a rebound. If DeVries can have another shooting night like that on Monday, I may begin to wonder whether Jefferson will call his number on some set plays if/when the Celtics need a bucket.
Not a bad Summer League debut, but nothing breathtaking, either.
#9 A piece of the playbook
I’ve spoken quite a bit today about things translating from Summer League to the NBA, so allow me one more.
Much like the Maine Celtics, the Summer League Celtics use Mazzulla’s playbook where possible, ensuring that the Xs and Os are worked on from the jump. So, I wasn’t surprised when I saw the Celtics flow into a chest action midway through the fourth quarter.
Chest actions have been a staple under Joe Mazzulla. Simply put, it’s a read-and-react play where a shooter sets a ghost screen for the ball-handler at the top of the perimeter before running off a flare screen to get open at either the wing or slot. The play works because it forces the cutter’s defender to navigate two screens, often causing them to get caught up on the flare, therefore opening an easy catch-and-shoot opportunity.
In this instance, the Celtics use the chest action as an entry into an angle PnR with Cenac. Credit to the Hornets, they switch the action and take away Cenac’s roll, forcing Uzan to feed the weakside elbow. The ball eventually finds Cenac on the block, but the play doesn’t come to anything.
Nevertheless, it’s fun seeing the Celtics working on actions that translate to their NBA playbook. They don’t need them to work out every time; they just need them to become second nature. That’s when the decisions and overall execution will become sharper.
#10 A back-to-back
Now, we turn our attention toward the Atlanta Hawks, who the Celtics will face on Monday, July 13, on the second night of a back-to-back. It will be interesting to see whether Jefferson’s minutes distribution changes, or at least his substitution patterns.
Still, this is a good opportunity for the younger guys on the roster to get a feel for playing two nights in a row and fighting through the inevitable fatigue that comes with it.
Can Boston make it 3-for-3 in Summer League? Maybe, but the Hawks, who are also 2-0, won’t be an easy out. I guess we’ll find out later today!
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Kobe Bufkin #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket as Koa Peat #18 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game during the 2026 NBA Summer League on July 12, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
You know what Summer League is, as do I. It’s a proving ground for players whose names you’ll know for a week and a half before they disappear into the developmental highway, trying to carve out some semblance of a professional career in this beautiful sport we call basketball. As a result, there’s typically a lack of cohesion on both offense and defense. These players have only been together for a couple of weeks, so chemistry is limited, execution is inconsistent, and quality basketball can be hard to find.
For the second consecutive game, the Phoenix Suns struggled in the opening quarter of Summer League basketball. After scoring only 10 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, they mustered 12 points in the first quarter on Sunday afternoon against the New Orleans Pelicans. This time, there was no second-half comeback. The Pelicans led from wire to wire, never allowing Phoenix to take control of the game before ultimately handing the Suns their first Summer League loss, 81-75.
So what, if anything, can you take away from a game like this?
For me, it was a continuation of what I saw in the first game, which itself was a continuation of what we saw from the Phoenix Suns a season ago. This team is going to play physical, they’re going to play aggressively, and they’re going to make you earn your points. That’s what we’ve seen through two games, and to me, that’s the definition of a cultural focus on executing a specific style of basketball.
How did the Pelicans beat the Suns in a game that didn’t count? They shot the three ball better. New Orleans was +15 from beyond the arc. So what, am I right? Well, here is why I find that important. The reason they were taking so many threes is that the interior became a place the Pelicans didn’t want to live. If they ventured inside, they had to deal with the toughness and physicality Phoenix was dishing out.
The Suns finished with 22 fouls. For the second consecutive game, rookie Koa Peat went over the legal limit, this time committing seven. He now has 15 fouls in two games in Vegas, and that doesn’t concern me. In an environment that allows you to be physical, he’s taking that physicality directly to the opposition. Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach combined for 4 blocks and 2 steals. They also combined for 8 fouls. This is a team that had issues defending the interior last season, and now there are young players in the developmental pipeline who are focused on doing exactly that.
That’s what I take away from this game. The Suns have size on the interior developing within the organization, and eventually, that could change the way Phoenix Suns basketball is played night in and night out. The gritty persona is beginning to combine with a physical presence.
Summer League won’t tell us whether these players will become meaningful NBA contributors, but it can show us what the organization is trying to build. Through two games, that vision is becoming clearer. Phoenix wants length, physicality, and players who make opponents uncomfortable. The results in Vegas will be forgotten by August. The habits being established, and the identity behind them, could stick around much longer.
Summer Bright Side Baller Standings
The 19 and 11 dropped by Khaman Maluach in Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers were easily enough for him to earn the first Bright Side Baller of the Summer League.
Summer Bright Side Baller Nominees
Game 2 against the Pelicans. Here are your nominees:
