While the four-time NBA MVP has yet to decide where to end his Hall of Fame career, some people can’t help but play with the “what ifs” of James and Steph Curry joining forces in the NBA.
The answer could go two very different directions, depending if the team can stay healthy or not — perhaps the biggest if of them all.
Sports television host Max Kellerman presented the same question and concern to James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, challenging the idea that age and availability could be an issue.
Paul played it straight.
“I don’t know about the speculation, but if we’re just talking strictly basketball, you don’t want to play them,” Paul said. “You definitely don’t want to play them in a playoff series healthy. You don’t want to get to a trade deadline and have little surface-level, around-the-edges type of moves made. You talk about just basketball brilliance of mind and experience and production — it’s pretty tough, Max.”
Rich Paul on LeBron to the Warriors:
“If we’re talking strictly basketball, you don’t want to play them. You definitely don’t want to play them in a playoff series. You don’t want to get to the trade deadline and have little surface edges type of moves made. You talk about just… https://t.co/86aDEMrJFcpic.twitter.com/LjCccdCv5l
Kellerman also used one of Golden State’s most recent transactions this offseason, the two-year contract extension to Kristaps Porziņģis, who played just 32 games last season, including 15 with the Warriors once he was traded to Golden State in February.
Add that with Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody‘s respective severe injury recoveries, which both players are not expected to return to at least midway through the 2026-27 season, and the aging core of Butler, 36, Draymond Green, 36, and Curry, 38 — Kellerman has his reservations about adding 41-year-old James to that squad.
Both Kellerman and Paul agreed that the league is a “young man’s game,” but Kellerman isn’t so convinced by the “ifs,” agreeing that yes, if they could somehow all stay healthy, the Warriors would be a competitive team in the Western Conference, but he believes the realistic chances of that happening are low.
“I don’t know the odds and I don’t know the answers,” Paul responded. “All I know is when you look at it from a basketball perspective, if you look at all these scenarios, plugging and playing someone of the talent level that he is, just get through the 82 [games] and start the first round of the playoffs healthy. If there’s a capability of identifying in November or December what’s needed and then having the capacity or the expertise to be able to execute and fill those voids, where to come April and you’re looking at it and you’ve got a strong nine, you’ve got to like your chances against everybody.”
Paul added that James is taking his time with his decision and enjoying his free time with his family and friends.
Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) talks to the press during media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
This is the feel good story of the week.
Carter Bryant, who just finished his rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, recently bought him mom a car.
His mom, Sabrina Torres, an American Sign Language interpreter, can often be seen at home games supporting her son. Bryant played in 71 regular season games and 22 postseason competitions as the Spurs fought their way into the NBA Finals.
The former Arizona Wildcat is currently in Las Vegas participating in Summer League as the team’s season vet.
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Summer League basketball might be for the sickos, but if you’re reading this and preparing to watch every Celtics game in Las Vegas, I happily welcome you to the club of unwell basketball enjoyers.
The Celtics project to have one two-way contract up for grabs after Amari Williams signed his deal and Dillion Mitchell got drafted 40th overall, but the possibility for guys to slide into the Maine Celtics system means some of these faces will remain familiar into the season.
For them, it’s a showcase to fight for NBA opportunities. For us, it’s a chance to get out of the offseason headspace for a little bit, and casually enjoy some basketball.
Let’s take a moment to get to know the faces of this year’s Summer League Celtics.
Mohammad Amini
An undrafted international prospect, the Iranian forward spent the last two seasons with SLUC Nancy in the LNB Elite. That’s the top level in France, and Amini carved out a modest role at Nancy, serving up efficient scoring inside the arc.
A 6’7” wing, Amini averaged 8 points on 50% efficiency in 27 games, though he struggled from three (26%) and from the free throw line (62.5%). He’s a composed slasher with the build to power through contact, and his touch around the short mid-range area is sound.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo had the 21-year-old Amini ranked 97th on his draft big board.
Chris Cenac Jr.
We’ve talked at length about Cenac’s game and what brought him to Boston with the 27th pick, so we’ll focus on the things I’d like to see from the latest first round pick:
1) Glass dominance: Cenac’s greatest trait from what we saw in his lone season at Houston was his ability to win on the glass, particularly on the offensive end. He tracks the ball extremely well both because of his 7-foot-5 wingspan and legitimate instincts to get into the right spots. The Summer League Celtics have plenty of creators, I want to see Cenac be a play finisher.
2) Shooting confidence: Cenac was a willing outside shooter last season, shooting three attempts per game from beyond the arc, but was just 33% on those looks. Not an egregious number, but Cenac hasn’t proven to be a reliable threat from distance. This is a chance to see where his progress is at. Pick-and-pops at the top of the arc and spot-ups from the corner are the shots he’s looked most comfortable taking, and those are what I want to see in Vegas.
3) Rim Protection: Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson asked a lot out of Cenac at the 5. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but Cenac was praised for his work ethic and commitment even if he wasn’t always comfortable away from the basket. It wasn’t the best shot-blocking season, but Cenac showed potential to be a fleet-footed 5 with ball-denying instincts. Cenac is the second-tallest player on the Summer League roster behind Amari Williams, so expect plenty of opportunities for Cenac to work as the center defending the rim.
Tucker DeVries
Signing an Exhibit 10 contract along with Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries will have a shot at a two-way contract with opportunities both in Vegas and in training camp.
The 6-foot-7 DeVries was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year at Drake before following his dad and head coach Darian DeVries to West Virginia and, most recently, Indiana.
At Indiana, he averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, though his efficiency dipped from his usual averages, finishing 40% from the field and 33% from three.
Despite a down-year shooting, DeVries has unwavering shooting confidence. He attempted 998 threes in his college career and connected on 36% of them. He’s an active off-ball mover and a strong floor-connecting presence with his ball movement. The potential to work off-ball and as a pick-and-roll threat are there for DeVries. Think Joe Ingles, and you’ll have a good idea of DeVries’ skillset and basketball IQ.
An older rookie, the 23-year-old DeVries is a possible standout among the non-guaranteed Summer League Celtics fighting for their NBA breakthrough.
Hugo Gonzalez
Chances are, it’ll be a brief appearance for Hugo in his second Summer League. He’s primed for a major minutes jump in Year 2 after the Jaylen Brown-Paul George blockbuster, and there really aren’t many question marks with where his game is heading.
Hugo was a jolt of energy every time he stepped on the floor, with the groundwork of his offense mostly coming off catch-and-shoot threes, transition attacks and the occasional drive into his patented euro-step.
Hugo’s Summer League should provide more chances to put the ball in his hands. Unlike last year’s Summer League team, there are more on-ball guards to run offense, but Hugo’s flashed even more on-ball potential this summer with the Spanish national team at the World Cup qualifiers.
This is just another chance to foster excitement for what should be a very strong sophomore season.
Caleb Grill
It’ll be a bit of a reunion trip for Caleb Grill when he plays at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center. Grill, 26 years old, played one year of college at UNLV, along with seasons at Iowa State and Missouri.
In his last season at Missouri, Grill was named SEC Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 14 points off the bench and shooting 40% from three.
Last year, Grill’s first season as a pro was spent between spots with the Greensboro Swarm and Windy City Bulls, and in 27 games, he averaged 10 points and 3.5 rebounds on 44/38/71 shooting splits.
Grill’s calling card is his off-ball shooting. A 6’3” guard, he’s a plus-athlete that can really burst into space and leave defenders in the dust. His production stayed consistent between college and the G League, and he’ll come into the Vegas showcase looking to fire away to show off his shooting marksmanship for another pro opportunity.
Curtis Jones
An undrafted rookie out of Iowa State last year, Curtis Jones was, essentially, a Summer League star last July. He averaged 26 points in 20 minutes for the Nuggets, shot 55% from the field and 47% from three, and grabbed 8 rebounds with 7 assists and 1.4 steals.
He was a beast, and it earned him a two-way contract in Denver, which offered him 10 appearances with the top squad and 41 with the Grand Rapids Gold. He was a 21-point scorer on 40/36/84 splits with the Gold, while also grabbing 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Rookie season highlights include a 40-point, 8-rebound game against the Capital City Go-Go, and a 13-point game on perfect 4-for-4 3-point shooting in Denver’s regular season finale against the Spurs.
A good shooter with a multi-faceted skillset and defensive upside, Jones is likely going to be a favorite for that third two-way spot, and another great Summer League will go a long way in keeping him around Boston.
Kyle Mangas
Like Curtis Jones, Kyle Mangas is also in search of his second two-way contract.
Mangas’ journey to pro basketball is truly interesting. He played NAIA Division II hoops at Indiana Wesleyan, earning player of the year honors twice, then made pro-league stops in Czech, Lithuanian and Canadian leagues before a two-way opportunity opened up with the Spurs. That opportunity lasted just nine days before he was waived.
He’s played 100 G League games dating back to 2023, and has proven to be a very solid scoring threat at that level. Last year with the Austin Spurs, he averaged 17 points on 45/40/76 splits along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game.
For a good time, watch his 45-point career high against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. It’s an impressive shooting display, and for what it’s worth, he accounted for 42% of his team’s scoring total.
The 27-year-old, 6-foot-4 guard can light it up on the G League stage, so the opportunity to do the same in the Summer League isn’t far-fetched.
Dillon Mitchell
Mitchell is essentially a lock for a two-way spot after getting selected early in the second round and being showered in praise by Mike Zarren in his post-draft press conference.
This will be an exciting opportunity for unfamiliar fans to see just how dynamic Mitchell can be on defense. He is all over the court making plays, pairing a developed build with high-level athleticism to turn defense into offense.
His open-floor speed and intelligent glue-guy tendencies should also flash. Paired with Hugo Gonzalez, the perimeter defense will be in good hands.
Don’t expect huge numbers from Mitchell, but prepare to be wowed by his energy, his shot-blocking, his rebounding, all the little things that can turn a second round pick into a fan favorite.
Hank Morgan
I wrote a story on Hank Morgan’s journey to the Maine Celtics last season that you can find here, but to summarize, he was the G League’s only Division III player last season, joining with the Celtics not long after the trade deadline after spending a portion of the season with the Salt Lake City Stars along with John Tonje (who we’ll get to in a minute).
A 6-foot-5 forward with a sharpshooter’s touch from deep, Morgan was a 40% 3-point shooter and 47% shooter in 24 G League games. While not a high-volume player, Morgan took advantage of the looks that came his way, and it must’ve reflected well on the Celtics staff, as he’ll get an additional look from the organization this summer.
His claim to G League fame was against the Osceola Magic, when he hit 6-of-7 threes for a 22-point outing in March. It was that game where the Maine social media team affectionately began referring to him as “No Dip Hank.”
It’s pretty miraculous for any DIII athlete to earn a professional opportunity, but Morgan was a unique case last year, standing alone amongst college stars, first round picks, and career G Leaguers hoping to earn that NBA promotion.
Nick Pringle
A 6-foot-10 power forward that had five college stops, including a JUCO stint at Dodge City Community College, Nick Pringle finished with 33 starts at Arkansas alongside draftees Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas in a season that ended in the Sweet Sixteen.
Though never a stat-stuffer in any of his college years, averaging 5 points and 4 rebounds this past season, Pringle flashes exciting athletic upside. He’s got strength, post-up finesse, and serious above-the-rim finishing. His face-up game is also respectable.
Above all though, Pringle is a tough rebounder that owns his space and really battles to come down with the ball. If there’s an area to watch out for in Vegas, it’s this one.
Day Day Thomas
After two years of JUCO hoops and three at Cincinnati, Day Day Thomas enters the pro game with a background as a reliable 3-point shooter and defensive ace.
His 61 steals in his first year with the Bearcats ranks fourth in a single season in program history, and he finished his college career averaging 1.5 steals per game. Despite being an undersized 6-foot-1 guard, he made up for this with constant on-ball pressure, quick hands, and the speed to recover on help and around screens.
As a shooter, he jumped up from 28% 3-point shooting to 40% on the same volume in his first two years before ending his college career converting at a 38% clip as a graduate student.
Cincinnati’s lead guard, Thomas was a pretty balanced showrunner. He flashed good passing vision (3.5 assists to 1.7 turnovers last year), rebounding effort (3 rebounds) and the ability to create his own shot, particularly from deep. He was a double-figure scorer in all three seasons with the Bearcats, averaging 10.7 points for his Division I career.
Feeding in passes to Clippers rookie Baba Miller, Cincinnati could really run the floor and push the pace. Perhaps we’ll see the same next to Cenac.
John Tonje
We weren’t quite sure if John Tonje would be back after the Celtics didn’t pick up his qualifying offer, but now that we know he’s Summer League-bound, it’s good to see him return.
Tonje split time as a two-way between the Celtics and the Jazz last season, moving over to Boston at the deadline through the Chris Boucher trade and impressing in Maine with averages of 18 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal. He was a 44% shooter from the field and 35% from three, mostly getting his buckets by slashing inside.
The 53rd pick of the 2025 draft out of Wisconsin, Tonje’s slashing ability has been his trademark for some time, blending downhill physicality with an impressive first step. He always has an attacking mindset, and it transitioned smoothly in the G League.
He earned a standard contract late in the season with Boston, featuring in six games, including a 13-point effort in the season finale against Orlando where he hit three of his eight 3-pointers.
He’ll have to really impress to compete for that final two-way roster spot, but Tonje is a familiar face that’s already proven he can be a bucket at the G League level. At 25 years old, he’s less of a developmental pick for that final contract and more of a Ron Harper Jr. pick as someone you want to see dominate at the lower level while seamlessly sliding into a complimentary role if called upon in Boston.
Milos Uzan
The first undrafted signee for Boston from this year’s draft, Milos Uzan was one of the bigger names to not get called, and there’s certainly a reason to get excited about his opportunity on an Exhibit 10 contract.
A starter for 133 of his 141 games between Oklahoma and Houston, Uzan was a key contributor in Houston’s run to the NCAA Championship in 2025, averaging 11 points, 4 assists and a steal on efficient 45/43/78 splits. He showcases maturity running offense, great body control through contact, and a reliable float game, on top of his efficient outside shooting and playmaking vision.
The ball wasn’t in his hands quite as much this past year due to the arrival of Kingston Flemings, though Uzan still averaged 11 points and 4 assists, albeit on lower efficiency with slightly higher shooting volume (38/34/74 splits).
The 6’4” guard has NBA traits and a balanced skillset. The ability to run offense, operate in the pick-and-roll, and find his own shot is going to be on full display in the Summer League, and with a good enough showing and Boston likely riding into the season with a need for more backcourt depth, Uzan has a real chance to stick around and find his place on the roster.
Chauncey Wiggins
A 6’10” stretch big from Florida State and Clemson, Chauncey Wiggins’ primary skill is his ability to cash in from deep.
Wiggins has been an excellent outside shooter for all four of his college seasons, finishing his career as a 37.5% shooter, most recently connecting on 39% of his triples (5.8 attempts per game) in his lone season with the Seminoles. This past season was also his best on 2-point attempts, finishing 62% on 2s and 81% at the rim. As a pick-and-pop threat, Florida State wisely used that to their advantage, utilizing him as a roller more often to open things up. With a career-high 13 points per game, he was second on the team in scoring.
For his size, Wiggins never really proved to be much of a rebounding threat (2.5 rebounds over his career) or a shot-blocker (27 blocked shots in 129 games), making him a true shooting specialist.
Alondes Williams
Alondes Williams might be one of the more recognizable additions to the roster.
At 27 years old, he’s played 13 NBA games between stops with the Pistons, Wizards, Heat and Nets, he was the G League’s Most Improved Player in 2024, and at Wake Forest, he was the ACC Player of the Year in 2022.
He’s had three two-way contracts over his career and has mostly found himself in that zone of “too good for the G, but not quite there for the NBA,” but with the Wizards last year, he got three games of 27 or more minutes, highlighted by a 25-point outing against the Pacers where he shot 9-of-11 from the field with 10 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
He does a little bit of everything. Defensively he shows really strong instincts and the ability to time his slap-downs as shooters get into their motion. On his drives he can really spring up and rock the rim. There’s playmaking chops, rebounding effort, consistent outside shooting. Alondes Williams can really hoop.
In 25 games with the Capital City Go-Go, he scored 23 points on 47/42/78 splits to go with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. At that level, he can simply take over games. It should be no different in the Summer League.
Amari Williams
Another young buck we know pretty well by this point, Williams wasn’t crushing it in his first Summer League, but I certainly expect it this time around.
His passing vision has been on display in every level of the game he’s played in, including spot opportunities with Boston. He recorded multiple triple-doubles in the G League last year, and was one of their biggest highlights on that roster.
He’s back on a two-way contract for a second season, and with the Celtics now locked into a three-big lineup of Mitchell Robinson, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza, it seems like Williams will again spend the majority of his time in Maine, though it’s clear from what we’ve seen in his NBA minutes he is capable of holding his own against increased competition.
Mark Pope recently appeared on Kentucky Sports Radio and was interviewed by Matt Jones. We received tons of noteworthy insights from the interview, but he also highlighted a guy on this upcoming roster when asked how the team was looking in summer workouts.
“I like our gym. Our gym feels good. We set out with some very clear intentions as we worked through the portal trying to put this particular team together, and I think I like where we are,” said Pope. I think we have a ton of creator vibe, and we’re seeing that on the practice floor, we’ve got a ton of length, a ton of shooting, and some really fun, different levels.”
Overall, those are the things you want to hear about the team at this point, some cliché things, but some are necessary things that this fanbase was hoping to hear.
Big Blue Nation has some curiosity about the players, specifically, though, who is standing out?
Mason Williams
When asked about freshman point guard Mason Williams standing out in summer workouts, Pope had this to say:
“Mason has got to grow for sure, but he’s coming in with a college-ready body. And he is a voracious worker. He is just relentless in the gym. He’s shooting the ball at an elite level. He’s one of those guys right now that is a young player that I’m trying to get him to stop deferring, and actually go hunt possessions. He’s a great playmaker. He’s got to learn how to play us. He’s going to learn all the freshman stuff, but I’m telling you what, I have high hopes for him and his trajectory. I think he’s got a chance to be a very good player.”
One of the many talking points among the fanbase this offseason has been the backcourt of Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins, two elite creators on offense, but Williams has not been given the respect he seems to deserve. There is a clear role for him as a backup point guard on this team right away. Get in there, shoot when open, take care of the ball, and steady the ship while the starters are out.
Williams was a 4-star guard from Tennessee Collegiate Academy in Millington, Tennessee, and committed to Kentucky on March 27. His Father, Mo Williams, joined the staff three days after his son committed to Kentucky. Some fans speculated that Kentucky just picked up his son to get him on staff, but the incoming guard looks like he may very well crack the rotation this year.
Trent Noah
It’s no secret that junior forward Trent Noah shined bright in offseason workouts last year but failed to live up to that promise once the games got real.
When asked if Noah is finally taking the next step in his development, here is what Pope had to say:
“Trent Noah man, he’s been the best player on our roster in the first four weeks of camp. He tweaked a hamstring, which is nothing, but he’s actually leading in the defensive impact metric right now on this roster. And the thing is, we talk about growing players, Trent is in his third year here. He is completely devoted and dedicated to Kentucky Basketball, and getting better, and we’ll see the fruits of that growth.
“It’s players like Trent Noah, and you watch them rise up, that you build a relationship over the years, he’s going to be really special this year. I am super proud of him. So he is going to have an impact on this roster for sure.
INGLEWOOD, CA - 1972: Jerry Lucas #32 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay-up as Wilt Chamberlain #13 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for the block as Jerry West #44 looks on during an NBA game circa 1972 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Martin Mills/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Wilt Chamberlain is still all over the NBA record book, with about 72 records, including 68 he holds alone. For a couple of easy examples, in 1961-62, he averaged 48.5 minutes per game, due in part to overtimes. For another, in a career that stretched from 1959-1973, he never fouled out.
That’s 1,205 games. And in those games, he averaged 46 minutes per game. It really is astonishing to think that he played that many minutes and never once fouled out.
He factors in a number of things, including a knee injury that Chamberlain suffered in November, 1969, when his shotblocking fell sharply. He tries to account for both his youth and age.
He cites a number of statistical sources to get a workable number, uses several models to approximate what he did in his peak and later years, and the numbers are truly astounding.
In one newspaper article, the reporter said Chamberlain blocked 23 shots in one game. Alonzo Mourning blocked 28 in high school, but 23? In an NBA game?
Ultimately, his best estimate worked out to 8.7 blocks per game over Chamberlain’s career, and a total of 9,058.
To put that in perspective, the official NBA record is held by Hakeem Olajuwon, with 3,830 over 20 years.
Chamberlain did his damage in 14 years, and he missed 70 games due to his knee injury.
Really, his stats are almost cartoonish, including 55 rebounds in a single game.
Quite simply, he was certainly the most gifted big man in NBA history, and is on a very short list of the finest athletes to ever play in the league. His vertical is estimated to have been between 48-50 inches. Here’s a good example from later in his career.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 10: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on December 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You hear weird rumors when you work in basketball. That seems to be especially true if you cover the Cleveland Cavaliers and the subject of those rumors is LeBron James.
Back in March, I had a friend tell me that LeBron was coming back because he heard from someone, who knows a dentist, and that dentist said the James family booked appointments for later that winter. That friend swears on the story, but there’s obviously no way to actually back that up.
I’ve also heard from someone that is supposedly four people removed from LeBron that he is returning to Cleveland, but is waiting until the end of the month for the right moon phase to announce it.
These rumors certainly aren’t ones to put any stock in. Yet, it’s the type of thing you hear repeated around Northeast Ohio. LeBron has just been in the community for too long to avoid things like this. Everyone seems to know someone who knows someone else who claims to know what’s actually happening. None of it is worth reporting or believing from serious basketball insiders. But maybe there is a kernel of truth in some of them.
Let’s get into some of what people on the streets are saying in this massive game of telephone.
First, we have the baker from Cleveland’s Little Italy who told everyone back in May that LeBron was coming back because Charles Oakley told him that’s what Maverick Carter told him.
WE HAVE FAN SOURCES SAYING LEBRON IS 95% COMING BACK!!!!
The next one isn’t from Northeast Ohio. A New York Jets podcaster, Tony Vegas, said that his brother-in-law golfed with Bronny and told him LeBron was coming back to Cleveland. Vegas has since taken the tweets down due to being “yelled at.”
Returning to Northeast Ohio, someone told Emmett Golden of ESPN Cleveland that James was coming back. This person also told Golden of LeBron’s broken hand in the 2018 Finals, so maybe they actually are connected.
🚨🚨🚨The streets are talking and they're telling @egoldie80 that LeBron and Bronny are coming home 👀👀👀
"Someone who reached out to me in the past and was right… reached out to me yesterday, late last night… Bron and Bronny back to Cleveland" 😯😯😯 pic.twitter.com/7ZF0W3Dnlc
Then there was the infamous Cupcake Lady from 2014. Now they run Poke Fresh Ohio in Canton. They said LeBron was coming back, but with Bronny and Draymond Green as well. However, they then walked it back, saying they were just joking.
These aren’t the only ones that are floating around out there. I’ve heard stuff about local golf club pros confirming the return, rumblings from the local youth sports scene, and rumors from other local media members.
The main thread in these rumors is that they’re unreliable and probably shouldn’t be believed. Yet, here they are circulating and being published once again on the internet.
The lack of concrete noise, due to the tight operation LeBron and Rich Paul are running in free agency, has left a vacuum. Almost by design, fans are left to track Instagram photos, planes, and who’s playing golf with who. If the reporters aren’t able to get any actual updates, people are left to try to find out for themselves or create their own narratives.
We’ll find out soon enough what James is planning. All we can say now is either LeBron’s potential second return to Cleveland is the worst-kept secret in the world, or everyone is lying.
This week’s Mavericks-centric poll was about the NBA Summer League, which kicked off last night with a Dallas loss to the Golden State Warriors. We asked what player Dallas fans would be following the most closely.
Nearly six in ten fans will be keeping the closest eye on point guard Sergio De Larrea. This surprised me a little but given how Dallas needs guards who can actualy play at an NBA level. If you read my review, you see he played okay at best, but I feel confident in his game. If you’re a true sicko like me and you’re watching all this Summer League mess, there are things you can bet on with our partner at FanDuel.
The national poll also had some fun questions and responses.
Jaylen Brown is an obvious answer since the Sixers, at least on paper, look really interesting. Giannis being second makes sense but I think the Miami Heat are going to be bleak.
The next question was about the NBA Finals.
The top two teams being the Western Conference Finals teams makes some sense, but I think the Spurs are not the gamble to repeat the path that this poll would suggest. Injury luck plays a big part in all this and they had it good this last time around.
The last two questions were LeBron James centric.
I wonder how people would define an “early playoff exit”? I suppose it depends which team he’s on.
Folks are over the LeBron James experience. It’s been going on for a very, very long time.
Boston, MA - July 1: Boston Celtics draft picks Amari Williams, Hugo González, and Max Shulga leave the Huntington Avenue YMCA on July 1, 2025. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Forget about last year’s playoff exit. Forget about the New York Knicks winning the Finals. Forget about all the Jaylen Brown trade drama.
Boston Celtics basketball is almost back, baby!
The 2026 NBA Summer League is set to kickoff on Thursday, July 9, in Las Vegas, and the Celtics’ last two draft classes are expected to play under assistant coach Amile Jefferson. That includes 2025 draftees Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams, as well as rookies Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell.
While Summer League is never the most meaningful stage for young prospects, it gives rooks a chance to show their stuff for the first time on the professional level, recent draftees an opportunity to show growth, and fringe NBA players a shot at proving their worth to the league.
Sometimes Summer League performances clearly exemplify a young player’s potential on the NBA level. Think Damian Lillard in 2012. Over four games, Lillard displayed immediate signs of superstardom, as he posted 26.5 points per game on solid shooting efficiency while creating for himself and his team at a dominant level. He won the Las Vegas Summer League’s co-MVP award for his play.
Most of the time, the opposite is true. Going back to 2012, does anyone remember who the other co-MVP was? It was the Memphis Grizzlies’ second-round draft pick from the year before, Josh Selby. He put up 24.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game that summer. Selby ended up playing 38 total games in the NBA and averaged 2.2 points per game.
So, regardless of how the young Celtics play this summer, don’t put too much stock into anything, good or bad.
Nevertheless, what can we reasonably hope to see out of the young guns this summer?
Hugo Gonzalez: all-around excellence
BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Now you might be saying, Ryan, how can you ask what can we “reasonably” hope for, then say “all-around excellence” for Hugo Gonzalez?
Well, if you know, you know.
Despite averaging less than 15 minutes and 4 points per game over his rookie season, Gonzalez displayed starter-level potential for the Celtics last year and should be the best player on this year’s Summer League squad.
The 20-year-old, 6’6″ wing has an endless motor, the athleticism to match it, excellent defensive versatility, a solid understanding of the game, and a decent shot to top it all off.
While Gonzalez didn’t get a chance to shine in the playoffs, he should get plenty of opportunities in the Summer League. Last year, he averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists over four games, but shot about 30% from both the field and three-point range.
This year, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him average 15+ points per game as he assumes a larger role as a second-year player, all while maintaining his overwhelming, energetic presence on the defensive end. Gonzalez will likely be asked to serve as more of an offensive creator than ever, given his “veteran” role on the squad, so it will be interesting to see if that aspect of his game developed over his rookie season. Young players often struggle with maintaining efficiency in an expanded offensive role, but I think Gonzalez’s shooting numbers will land closer to last season’s (47.6% from the field and 36.2% from three) than last Summer League’s.
All in all, Gonzalez should be Boston’s best player on the court this summer, serve as a major contributor on offense and defense, and have a chance to show off more of the tantalizing potential he displayed as a rookie.
Amari Williams: recreate his G-League success
ATLANTA, GA – MARCH 30: Amari Williams #77 of the Boston Celtics shoots a free throw during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Williams, a 6’11” big drafted in the second round last year, didn’t get nearly as much run as Gonzalez in his rookie season. He played in only 22 games at the NBA level (compared to 74 for Gonzalez) and averaged 6.6 minutes per game when he did.
Nevertheless, Williams displayed promising upside during his time in Maine. Over 18 games played in the G-League, he averaged 17.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. With impressive size and length (including a freaky 7’6″ wingspan), as well as strong court vision and passing from the post, Williams could be the next solid big man to come out of Maine.
This summer, I want to see Williams bring some of that G-League production to Las Vegas. Last year, he averaged only 6.3 points, 5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, and was overshadowed by Charles Bassey. While he is likely to start alongside rookie big man Chris Cenac Jr., Williams will be in a prime position to play major minutes in Boston’s frontcourt and serve as an offensive lynchpin in the post due to his playmaking talent.
Williams will have a chance to show that he deserves a bigger role in the Celtics’ frontcourt in 2026-27 but, realistically, he may still be a year or two away from earning one — especially if the Celtics do acquire an additional big in the offseason. However, if he finishes Summer League averaging a double-double in points and rebounds while dishing out 3-4 assists per game, his growth as a player may be difficult for Coach Joe Mazzulla to ignore.
Chris Cenac Jr.: display elite athletic tools, offensive versatility
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Chris Cenac Jr. smiles during the 2026 NBA Draft – Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Laura June Kirsch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics’ latest first-round draft pick is a 19-year-old, 6’10” big man out of the University of Houston, where he averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.3 stocks over 24.8 minutes per game.
Like Williams, Cenac is an athletic big who sports an impressive wingspan (7’5″) but, unlike the 24-year-old Williams, he slots in as more of a power forward than a center. That’s due to his ability to shoot from the perimeter (even though he only shot 33% on 3 attempts per game in college), blow by slower big men with a quick first step, and pull up for jumpers in the mid-range. At the same time, he’s a lob and putback threat who demands attention beneath the basket.
With that kind of offensive versatility, one of the most interesting things to keep track of this summer will be how Jefferson utilizes Cenac on the offensive end. Will he be seated in the dunker spot and asked to clean up offensive boards, or be stationed on the perimeter or at the elbow to stretch opposing defenses?
On defense, Cenac has the athletic tools to become a plus defender in the NBA despite an unimpressive 2.6% block percentage during his time in college. He’s got the length and bounciness to deter shots down low, as well as the lateral agility to stick with many perimeter players, resulting in exciting switchability. While he’s still got a ways to go in learning how to best utilize his athleticism defensively, the tools he displayed in college should translate well to the NBA.
Overall, Cenac is still very raw as a prospect, so I don’t expect him to excel in his first go at Summer League. But if he can show A) that he can operate outside of the dunker’s spot, and B) that his athletic tools remain high-quality even amongst NBA talent, I think that’d count as a successful showing.
Dillon Mitchell: cause CHAOS
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 22: Dillon Mitchell #1 of the St. John's Red Storm dribbles during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mitchell, the 40th overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, is an athletic wrecking ball of a 22-year-old.
The 6’7″ wing has absolutely zero shooting touch, as he shot only 6.7% on 0.4 attempts per game from three-point range and 49.4% on free throws during his time at St. Johns. Regardless, Mitchell is an explosive athlete with outstanding speed, strength, and leaping ability, which he leveraged to score 8.3 points per game on 55.9% shooting from the field, as well as tally an solid 7 rebounds per game as a wing.
The vast majority of his points at St. Johns came in the paint as a result of backdoor cuts and athletic slashes to the basket, as well as in transition. He also displayed a respectable passing game, averaging 3 assists during his final year in college, with many coming off of kickouts to perimeter players after breaking into the paint.
However, his athleticism is best displayed in his defense. Lauded by Celtics’ Vice President of Basketball Operations Mike Zarren as “one of the best perimeter defenders in college basketball”, Mitchell should be able to make an immediate impact on the defensive end of the court in Summer League.
So, Mitchell’s numbers may not be pretty this summer, but if he can use his athleticism to cause chaos defensively and drive into the heart of opposing defenses to generate rim looks and kickouts on offense, he could be a positive contributor despite his lack of shooting.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA â" JULY 09: A Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana), a medium-sized primate belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, is seen inside its enclosure at the Moscow Zoo in Moscow, Russia on July 09, 2026. Characterized by their striking white beard, crescent-shaped brow, and elegant deep-chestnut back, these highly active and vocal arboreal animals are among the popular exotic attractions for visitors during the summer season. (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The Knicks last played a game in mid-June. The Knicks are back in action later today. Well, at least part of them. In any case, you better be there. Here are today’s links and notes.
T.J. Saint will coach the SummerKnicks in Las Vegas, starting on Friday at 6 p.m. EST, and the New York Post’s Jared Schwartz made the case that this could be a real gateway opportunity for the former Mercer University standout. Saint is entering his second season with the Knicks after joining under Mike Brown, specializes in offensive strategy, and is replacing Jordan Brink at the Summer League.
Germany’s außergewöhnlich Jack Kayil is officially (h/t NYP’s Stefan Bondy) on the Knicks’ Summer League roster after a few days of paperwork weirdness. However, he’s still likely bound for his native country once the Sin City festivities are over. Kayil will wear No. 77 in Vegas.
While researching Kayil’s situation, I found that Knicks legend Rokas Jokubaitis was such a Summer League addict that he wore two different numbers (No. 0 and No. 32) for the organization.
Jeremy Sochan got a baby for winning the championship (h/t The Strickland)
Jonas Valanciunas is officially out there after Denver waived him on Wednesday, and the Knicks are among the teams monitoring him, per SNY’s Ian Begley. Emphasis mine:
“NYK was interested in Jonas Valanciunas in ‘24 offseason. ‘We had a lot of talks with different teams. New York (was) one of them,’ (Valanciunas) said then. NYK will have solid depth at center if Valanciunas, a former client of Leon Rose, chooses Knicks in his current free agency. He is among centers on their radar.“
If Valanciunas chooses another path, one of them goes through Lithuania.
If the Knicks choose another player to fill one of their two open roster spots, perhaps Nick Richards is the man. A awful lot of y’all in the comments section have mentioned him, and Sports Illustrated’s Joseph Randazzo made a case for it yesterday.
Josh Hart is all jokes and/but he is already over the Mitchell Robinson Celtics era.
Mitch, meanwhile, responded in a way that I’m not sure if it’s a joke or not… but at least I’m glad he hasn’t lost the little Knick inside of him.
Mitchell Robinson and a Celtics fan interact on Instagram
Fan: "He better be great…"
Mitch: "That's cool still sent that ass home remember that"
The Kawhi Leonard-to-Toronto trade is on hold until the NBA finishes investigating the Clippers’ alleged salary-cap circumvention tied to Aspiration. It’s gonna happen.
Jaylen Brown is literally still “processing” being shipped to Philadelphia, telling IShowSpeed during yesterday’s World Cup watch that Boston “packed me up” and that there is “no loyalty” and “no love.”
Charles Barkley joined Unfiltered on Wednesday and had a hilarious yet very real take on the Sixers-Celtics trade. He said Philadelphia. Part of it:
“I was like, ‘This can’t be a true story.’ There’s so much fake stuff on the internet now, I’m like, ‘Nah, they didn’t trade him to the Sixers,’” Barkley said. “Number one, you’re like ‘Wow.’ Secondly, you’re like, ‘Well, what’d they give up?’ They gave up Paul George and some draft picks. I says, ‘Man, the Sixers just got away with murder, man.’”
Boston Sports Guy Bill Simmons wants you to believe he knows more than he actually does.
In reality, nobody knows anything about what’s next for LeBron James. ESPN’s very own Shams Charania revealed that franchises in the race have only been allowed to send LBJ voice memos through Rich Paul.
OAKAAK Landry Fields has joined Project B, not to be confused with Project X.
Cam Reddish (yes, another member of the OAKAAK fraternity!) is back in Summer League with Orlando, seven years after being drafted No. 10 overall and hooping in Vegas at age 26.
LAS VEGAS — Fans filled the Thomas & Mack Center wanting a show. No. 1 vs. No. 2 — AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson — from the most heralded draft class in a decade (at least), going head to head. Fans wanted to see if these two were worth the hype.
The fans got what they wanted.
The No. 1 and No. 2 picks battled in Las Vegas tonight...
It wasn't always efficient — they shot a combined 13-of-36 — and both showed things they needed to work on (Peterson had eight turnovers, Dybantsa was 0-of-5 from 3-point range). However, fans who came to see if these guys could live up to the hype were not disappointed.
Dybantsa was the best player on the floor and finished with a game-high 27 points. However, what stood out — what will translate to the NBA and make him a force — is his fluid athleticism. He's graceful, but he was blowing past guys, and his ability to get downhill at his size is impressive — he just glides. It's not to say he can't be physical, but this isn't like watching a Jalen Brunson drive. This feels effortless.
He also had some impressive finishes at the rim — he is a tough shot maker, and it showed.
What was new, the part of his game that was not there a year ago, was Dybants's passing skills.
Dybantsa was comfortable with the ball in his hands, and for large parts of the game he was bringing the ball up and initiating the offense. It was effective; however, how much he will get to do that during the regular season is a question when they have Trae Young running the point.
Peterson had a rougher night. In the Salt Lake Summer League, he was completely under control when Memphis blitzed him and upped its ball pressure, but the Wizards' ball pressure threw Peterson off his game.
“We lost (92-88 Washington win), so it probably worked a little bit, but I'm expecting it," Peterson said. "Good to get used to it now, play against it now, and just growth."
Peterson seemed to be pressing a little in a showdown game, which led to a slow start, but he eventually found his rhythm. Ultimately, he showed his potential.
No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson's first NBA Summer League bucket comes via the sidestep triple
Peterson's young Sacramento running mate Ace Bailey remained out with a slight calf strain suffered in the first game of the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Dybantsa's young Washington running mate was there, last season's No. 6 pick Tre Johnson. He lived up to his reputation as a player who never saw a shot he didn't like, scoring 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting and taking very few passes. When Johnson got the ball he was looking to go up.
Never read too much into a Summer League game, but in the end Dybantsa and Peterson gave the fans what they wanted — a show. And flashes of the players they can be in a few years.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Morez Johnson #14 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 9, 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
Our in-season Grades coverage typically does not apply for Summer League games, but getting to see the Dallas Mavericks take on the Golden State Warriors in person alongside other members of the Mavs Moneyball staff makes for a special exception.
The vibe and atmosphere of Summer League games are definitely unique and special, and simply put, a lot of fun. Getting a glimpse of players that will certainly see playing time next season, as well as some potential diamond-in-the-rough members of the roster is a fun experience.
Grading someone like Ryan Nembhard with 60 games of NBA experience, against someone like Sergio De Larrea with zero games of NBA experience doesn’t quite jibe, so we’ll take a different approach this time around.
Let’s get to the grades!
Ryan Nembhard: Satisfactory
15 PTS / 3 REB / 11 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 35 MIN
Nembhard did what you would expect from him after watching him play on the big stage last year. His shot was a little rusty with a 6-for-15 showing, pulled down largely by a 1-for-6 from beyond the arc. To his credit, he was the only Maverick to post a double-double and he managed to dish a team high (by far)11 assists for a team that only shot 43% overall.
Sergio De Larrea: Needs Improvement
9 PTS / 6 REB / 5 AST / 1 STL / 1 BLK – 29 MIN
This grade may seem a touch harsh for a young player who was in Spain about a week ago, who then came overseas to play with a team full of strangers. In other words, he put up a nice well-rounded stat line under what were surely stressful circumstances. The “Needs Improvement” was largely due to two factors. First, he was 3-for-14 from the field and 1-for-9 from deep, with many misses looking especially bad – but so be it; first game a few days after arriving in the country. Second, his handle does not look NBA-ready. Again, this adjustment for him can’t be understated, but he definitely struggled in this department. The good news is he showed real flashes at different spots during the game.
Morez Johnson, Jr.: Exceptional
27 PTS / 8 REB / 3 AST / 3 STL / 2 BLK – 26 MIN
Johnson was an absolute beast who put together an excellent game. He was arguably the best player on the floor for either team. At one point I turned to fellow Mavs Moneyball staffer, Matt Martinez, and commented that Johnson appeared to be on a slightly different level than most of the other players. You could tell he had a good court sense, positioned himself well, rotated well, and just simply appeared NBA-ready. The only knock on his game was seven fouls (in Summer League, each player is allowed more than six fouls), but even that spoke to his willingness to play defense and help on rotations. I fully expect he will clean that up. Johnson showed up in a big way and Mavs’ fans should be excited for what he can bring.
Tobi Lawal: Meets Expectations
5 PTS / 4 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 1 BLK – 14 MIN
The “Meets Expectations” grade here is a bit loaded, as those very expectations are subjective. He bricked two of the three three-point attempts he took, bringing his overall shooting to 2-for-6, but had a solid game in limited minutes. There is raw talent that can certainly be harnessed into a serviceable (or better?) NBA player. He showed some defensive chops and demonstrated some high-flying freakish athleticism. Whether his ceiling is a player like Moussa Cisse, Dereck Lively, or beyond, is yet to be determined, but there is definitely something there.
John Poulakidas: Satisfactory
14 PTS / 2 REB / 1 AST / 0 STL / 0 BLK – 24 MIN
Poulakidas did what he does, and that is shoot. He didn’t do it especially well (5-for-15 overall; 4-for-12 from deep), but adjusting for Summer League and the squad of unfamiliars he was playing with, we can afford him the benefit of the doubt. There isn’t much to say about his game, but it was at the very least solid as he showed he remains the player he was last season.
Vsevolod Ishchenko: To Be Determined
7 PTS / 3 REB / 1 AST / 1 STL / 0 BLK – 27 MIN
I simply can’t come up with a better grade for Ishchenko, as he was a bit of an enigma. Watching the game live, it felt like he had a much bigger impact than the box score would indicate. He seemed a little less bulky than he appeared to me in photos, and he was a bit timid – like De Larrea, to be expected under the circumstances of having arrived in a new country to play with strangers mere days ago. He definitely did not strike me as a player who is years away from seeing NBA minutes; it seems he will improve simply by way of adjusting to a lot of change, and that leaves me feeling hopeful.
Final Thoughts
This was day one of a squad of guys who have zero NBA minutes under their belt. With all things considered, it was a lot of fun and there were a lot of flashes of what many of these players could become. Where De Larrea may have felt a bit disappointing (again, I think we can afford him a good amount of grace), Johnson was spectacular. There is fun to be had with these guys and we’ll hopefully see more of it on Saturday night.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
While some Lakers teammates, such as Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić, thanked James for the time they shared, other teams and players have begun making their pitch to James.
Several teams interested in signing James have been able to send a voice note to James, via his agent Rich Paul, making their pitch, according to ESPN’s Sham Charania.
Warriors guard Stephen Curry was out at the American Century Championship golf event in Nevada on Thursday, July 9, when he was asked about potentially playing with James.
"The pitch is: Do you want to play good basketball and be around people who know how to play the game? Raise our floor, our competitiveness this year. There’s good golf in the Bay,” Curry said.
James has been seen on social media spending a lot of time on the golf course early this summer.
Steph Curry on the Warriors’ chances at LeBron James: “I don’t have a percentage. It’s kinda up to him.”
“The pitch is: Do you want to play good basketball and be around people who know how to play the game? Raise our floor, competitiveness...There’s good golf in the Bay.” pic.twitter.com/6R4pA28Hbj
Jaylen Brown of the 76ers also mentioned James while making an appearance on IShowSpeed's Twitch live stream while attending the World Cup game between France and Morocco at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Brown was seen telling Speed to pitch James: “You have to tell LeBron that he has to pull up.”
“LeBron, pull up to Philly,” Speed said. “Think about it. LeBron. Jaylen Brown.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: William Hickey #66 and Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers will begin the second leg of their Summer League stint in Las Vegas against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. This will be the first game of a back-to-back as they take on the Dallas Mavericks the following day.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 7 p.m. PT, July 10
Where: Thomas & Mack Center
Watch: Prime Video
The Lakers will be challenged right away in their first game in Las Vegas against the Thunder. Assuming both teams field their complete rosters, Los Angeles will see OKC’s top pick, Aday Mara, as well as Bennett Stirtz, who was taken at No. 16 in this year’s NBA Draft.
While the Thunder remain stacked with talent, the Lakers have quality players as well. Lakers rookie Cameron Carr played very well at the California Classic. This is Carr’s time to shine, and if he plays well in Las Vegas, the entire NBA world will be discussing him this weekend.
LA will also feature other young players, such as Adou Thiero. He didn’t play in Summer League last year since he was recovering from knee surgery, but now he’s healthy and available.
He had an up-and-down California Classic, showing signs of brilliance but also some questionable performances.
Both Carr and Thiero left the California Classic with minor injuries. Thiero was dealing with a wrist injury, and Carr had problems with his toe, but Lakers coach Ty Abbott said both will be ready to go on Friday.
Cameron Carr said he is over the toe issue that limited him in the 3rd Cali Classic game. “It just looked a little weird.” Lakers coach Ty Abbott said that Carr and Adou Thiero (wrist) will play in Vegas Friday, but it hasn’t been determined how much they’ll play in LV overall. pic.twitter.com/bBM9uIjAK2
Beyond this duo, Lakers fans should be keeping an eye on how the two-way players Chris Mañon, AK Okereke and Peter Suder do.
In a competition like this, it’s not at the level of a typical NBA game. But it is a good test for young players.
Ideally, they all play well, no one gets hurt and the Lakers like what they see from their young core. The Thunder should provide a good test for them on Friday night. Here’s hoping they ace it in Las Vegas.
Jun 2, 2026; San Antonio, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara (51) practices during media day for the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The brief hiatus from basketball has ended, and it is time to put on your best basketball-watching attire and enjoy some Knicks Summer League play in Las Vegas.
After the wild ride that was the 2026 NBA Playoffs and the ultimate high of the Knicks bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to New York, it is important to reset the evaluators and remember what mid-July basketball means. These games are not about raw shooting percentages or final scores. Sloppy play and chaos become the norm when a roster is put together in a week. Instead, the focus should steer towards processing speed, offensive set execution, and general defensive awareness.
By leading the Knicks to a championship, Mike Brown has solidified his status as a top NBA coach. Earning a spot on Brown’s rotation involves defensive discipline, aggressive closeouts, and making intelligent extra passes.
Here is what to watch for as the Knicks take on their cross-town rivals.
With New York’s veteran core taking the summer to bask in championship glory, Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara should see massive usage. For the summer, this team is theirs. The goal here is clear. The coaching staff needs to see Dadiet’s ability to create his own separation and effectively initiate offense against set defenses. For Diawara, the focus is defense. Coaches will want to see if he can consistently disrupt passing lanes and quickly switch onto smaller guards.
Friday’s game also marks our first look at second-round selections, Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel. Kayil’s addition to the roster is a last-minute surprise, as many of us expected him to remain overseas. For Kayil, the intrigue lives in his physical and intellectual approach to the guard position. Keep an eye on how he uses his solid frame to handle pick-and-roll coverages. Possessing advanced playmaking instincts, the real test will be whether he can find consistency with his outside shot. The key aspects of Nickel’s game to keep an eye on are his off-ball movement, floor spacing, and defensive mechanics. His success shooting the basketball is well documented, but how is he with the other pieces that make a complete player?
Of course, one cannot ignore Tyler Kolek’s absence from the roster. This is a major statement by New York’s front office and coaching staff. Keeping Kolek away from the often-disorganized Summer League play suggests that the staff views him as a finished enough product to enjoy a little more vacation time.
The Nets are bringing a “loaded” young group to Vegas. They are set to feature the 2025 draft selections heavily: Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf. The tactical challenge New York will face immediately is Egor Demin. Demonstrating a bounty of aggressiveness, Demin showcased his ability to attack the paint during the California Classic. If this continues, the Knicks’ interior defensive rotations will be tested right from the beginning. New York will face a different test on the perimeter. Brooklyn’s #6 overall pick, Mikel Brown Jr., should be the focal point of most of the Nets’ offensive sets. Brown should put the Knicks’ perimeter defenders to work early. The wings need to stay glued to him while also collapsing effectively when Demin drives into the paint. If New York can force Brooklyn’s role players to beat them, they are doing their jobs correctly.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 6: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz reacts after getting hit in the jaw against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game at the Jon M Huntsman Center on July 6, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s on nights like these that I’m reminded of the ravine that divides the NBA from all other levels of basketball. This Summer League tilt was sloppy on both sides, and not many fringe players earned an NBA contract tonight, by the looks of it.
This matchup has always been about the number-one pick AJ Dybantsa and the number-two pick Darryn Peterson. Rivals since high school, these two are in an eternal struggle for the designation of being “number-one”. They wanted to be the best in their high school class. They wanted to be the first off the board in the NBA Draft. Rest assured, these two will be battling for Rookie of the Year honors by the season’s end.
Both stars were fully aware of the magnitude of this game, and both wanted to be the first to strike in the Thomas and Mack Center.
Dybantsa took his first touch all the way to the basket and forced up an off-kilter shot that missed everything.
Peterson took the ball the other way and forced up a top-of-the-key three-pointer that missed badly.
Dybantsa quickly picked up the slack, flipping an under-and-around lay-in and following that up with a good leading bounce pass through traffic to find a cutting teammate.
From there, the 1-2 combo settled in and let the game flow around them.
For the first time in a Utah Jazz uniform, Darryn Peterson walked among mortal men as a commoner. He had a very slow start in his Las Vegas debut, opening the night 0-for-3 from the floor and even whiffing on his first all-or-nothing foul shot. His steps were hurried, and he stood unstable before his first trip to the bench. Not quite so infallible outside of the mountain air in Salt Lake City.
AJ claimed the first quarter, dicing up the defense with fadeaways, dribble chains, and this vicious, inhumane slam that will dominate your social media feed for the next day or so.
Washington set the tone for some — should we say physical — defense out on the perimeter, and the officials gave the Wizards liberty to reside in Peterson’s chest for the majority of the game. The number-two pick couldn’t get himself into a rhythm as he’d step out of bounds, dribble off his foot, and sputter under the heat of the Wizards’ aggressive double-team scheme.
They were incredibly handsy from end to end, frustrating Jazz ball handlers as the whistles piled up at the other end.
AJ Dybantsa lives at the foul stripe — that’s his superpower — and he has since his days at BYU, where he led the nation in foul shots taken per game. Perfectly within his idiom, Dybantsa was 6-of-7 from the foul stripe — keeping in mind the experimental do-or-die free throw rule. Considering how much more physical the Wizards played at the defensive end, it’s a mystery how the Wizards managed to reside in the comfort of the bonus for the entire first half.
Neither player was efficient from the floor, but Dybantsa won the first half of this marquee matchup.
Dybantsa finished the first half with 19 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
Peterson lagged behind with 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting and a pair of dimes.
The lead shrank to single digits, and what appeared to be a blowout in the first half — Washington led by as much as 20 — rapidly drew tighter in the second half. It had become a two-possession game before the clock hit 0:00 in the third quarter.
Both stars lived up to the bill in this one, clearly displaying their individual talents despite their efficiency not leaping off the box score.
Peterson’s tendency to cough up possession has to get straightened out. He’ll be a target for his whole career, so learning to handle and exploit on-ball pressure will be critical to maximize his effectiveness and keep his teammates involved.
Cody Williams stole the show a bit for the Jazz, despite a rocky opening to the night. Though he struggled to stop Dybantsa on the defensive end, he notched 16 points on great efficiency (6-11, 2-3 3PT) plus 5 rebounds. He’s not a ball-handler, despite the Jazz’s wishes, but thrived on a newly added stepback mid-range jumper tonight.
Dybantsa had a strong night, finishing with 27 points on 7-for-18 shooting, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Wizards ultimately won this game behind the strength of their NBA guys, Tre Johnson and Will Reily, who combined for 41 to pair with Dybantsa’s 27. They also strongly benefited from Jamir Watkins, Darryn Peterson’s assignment fouling a grand total of 9 times (not a typo).
Peterson likewise fouled 9 times in this one, an ugly blemish on what was an unsteady night for the rookie. He finished with 24 points on 6-18 shooting and 2-7 from three-point land (thanks to a bank-shot heave at the final horn). Dybantsa will be crowned the winner of this head-to-head with Peterson thanks to better highlights and the team win, but neither player dominated, despite what X will likely tell you.
Washington defeats Utah with a final score of 92-88.
Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.
