NBA – Page 20 – Worldwide Sports News

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown criticized Stephen A. Smith and ESPN for their coverage of his recent comments, calling the network "unethical" as part of an appearance at the Sports Beach Cannes event in France on Wednesday, June 24.

Brown was a featured speaker on a panel called, "The Spiritual Game" during the annual conference, which bills itself as "a global platform connecting brands, athletes and marketers through lived experiences." Footage of his comments, which come in the midst of speculation about his future with the Celtics after being included in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, began to circulate on social media via an incomplete clip.

The initial question, beginning of Brown's answer and the end of his answer are not included. But based on what Brown can be heard saying, his response is related to the "favorite year" comments that raised eyebrows around the league at the end of Boston's 2025-26 campaign in which Brown starred mostly without an injured Jayson Tatum.

"The leader behind that was ESPN. ESPN is unethical, and Stephen A. Smith is the head face of that," Brown said in the viral soundbite of his answer. "But, you know, the organization, the players, they were all in agreeance, they all knew what I meant by that. Our team was basically salary dumped. We lost a lot of players and for us to emerge and still be in the same position, we got to start to understand success doesn't always mean ..."

That's where the clip of Brown's remarks cuts off.

Brown's "favorite year" comments occurred on his Twitch stream after the Celtics were eliminated from the 2026 NBA playoffs by the Philadelphia 76ers. Though Smith has been vocal in his criticism of Brown at times, he did not appear to have a problem with what Brown said during a segment on ESPN's First Take. He called the reference "no big deal" and noted Brown is being "candid with how he feels."

Jaylen Brown in Cannes at Sport Beach today speaking on the situation ❗️ pic.twitter.com/VroszzyV7c
— vic (@CountOnVic) June 24, 2026

"I'm so proud of this group and the way we played," Brown said on the Twitch stream last month. "I wish we trusted that style of play a little bit more, and playoffs kind of shifted our rotations and what we wanted to do. But I'm so proud, and it was my favorite year of my basketball career."

Brown was a 2026 NBA MVP finalist after the best season of his career, but he's now been dangled by the Celtics in prominent trade discussions twice in four years. He was also mentioned as a trade possibility in 2022 when Boston pursued Kevin Durant.

Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens praised Brown when he met with reporters late Tuesday following the end of the 2026 NBA Draft first round, but he declined to discuss the Antetokounmpo negotiations.

Though Stevens noted he met with Brown multiple times this offseason, including before the Celtics star went on his current overseas trip, he hedged when addressing if Brown would be on the team's next season.

"Jaylen Brown's a big part of us," Stevens said. "I'm never going to predict the future, but every indication, everything that I think about over the past few years has been building around those guys, right, and so obviously you never know. But at the same time, the one thing I want to make very clear is how valued he's always been. He's been amazing, he's been an amazing teammate, a great person to be around.

"And whether that run ends 10 years from now when he retires or before," Stevens continued, "there's a lot to celebrate and we have a great relationship and an open relationship, where we talk about everything. But I don't want to predict the future. But I look at it as this is our team."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Celtics' Jaylen Brown blasts Stephen A. Smith, ESPN as 'unethical'

June 24, 2026

NBA Draft, second round: start time, TV, streaming, radio, thread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Kingston Flemings after he is drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Hawks during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who will the Hawks add alongside Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor tonight at 57th overall (barring a trade)?

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, NY

Start Time: 8:00 PM EDT

TV: ABC, ESPN

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

June 24, 2026

NBA Draft 2026 Day 2 discussion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: AJ Dybantsa is drafted first overall by the Washington Wizards during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The second round of the 2026 NBA Draft is tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Washington Wizards hold the No. 51 and No. 60 picks, or at least held them at around 6:40 a.m. ET when I wrote this first thing in the morning.

The Washington Mystics also play the Minnesota Lynx at 7:30 p.m. ET tonight on Monumental Sports Network. I think there will be some Wizards rookie sitting courtside. I just think there will be.

Enjoy chatting about the second round of the draft below!

June 24, 2026

LIVE DISCUSSION: the 2026 NBA Draft, Second Round

Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr.after he was selected by the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The second round of the NBA Draft is on tap. A night after the Nets took Mikel Brown Jr. of Louisville at No. 6 and Joshua Jefferson at No. 28, they have the No. 43 pick Wednesday night

KEY INFO

WHO: The NBA

WHEN: 8:00 p.m. ET

WATCH: ESPN/ABC

Other than that Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum will do the honors at the podium, things are fluid. It’s uncertain what Brooklyn will do with the pick or if they will even use it or move up. Latest reports, as of 6:00 p.m. ET, is that as many as three of the top five picks in the second could be available as teams close to the cap, the first or second apron try to conserve cap space. If the Nets do wait til No. 43, the player they take may very well wind up as a two-way with the Long Island Nets.

Something else to look for tonight as the second round comes to an end: Teams start calling undrafted players and offer them non-guaranteed Summer League and/or training camp deals. Teams don’t usually announce those offers on Draft Night, but agents do!

June 24, 2026

Jalen Brunson isn't ready to say if he'll join Knicks at the White House

James Dolan is ready to take the NBA champion New York Knicks to the White House. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson isn't ready to say whether he'll be on that trip.

The Knicks owner, and longtime friend of President Donald Trump, said that the team has accepted an invitation to the White House. Brunson told New York Magazine the players had not even gotten to the conversation about it.

"We haven't discussed it," Brunson said. "But as a team, we'll discuss it and we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Dolan was pretty definitive on WFAN, the day before the championship parade.

"We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted," Dolan said. "We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course. Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I've known him for 30 years and I'm very proud to bring the team to the White House."

Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game when he joined Dolan for Game 3. He sat in Dolan's suite and was booed the only time he was shown on the Jumbotron before the game. The Knicks lost that night, falling 115-111 to the San Antonio Spurs, snapping a 13-game winning streak. They went on to finish off the Spurs in five games and end a 53-year title drought.

Afterward, Trump congratulated the team on Truth Social, singled out Brunson and called the title maybe the greatest in basketball history.

Several champions skipped the traditional White House visit during Trump's first term, including the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Last year, the Oklahoma City Thunder passed as well, citing timing. In 2017, Trump withdrew the Warriors' invitation after Stephen Curry said he was reluctant to go and several players across those teams cited disagreements with Trump's politics.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Brunson noncommittal on Knicks' White House visit with Trump

June 24, 2026

NBA Draft Day 2: Live Updates from the Barclays Center

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 26: DaRon Holmes II celebrates after being drafted 22nd overall by the Phoenix Suns during the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 26, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s time for the second round of the NBA Draft. Follow along this thread and on @BrightSideSun on X/Twitter for the latest updates and insights on all things Phoenix Suns and the NBA Draft with staff writer Holden Sherman at the Barclays Center covering the event.

9:49 PM EST: Lot of trades, nothing Suns

Draft picks are flying left and right from city to city, but the Phoenix Suns are not involved in any of the deals. The Toronto Raptors are the only team who has their original second rounder.

9:06 PM EST: First big trade of the night

After acquiring five second rounders last night, the Grizzlies acquire Detroit’s backup big. Stewart infamously got into an altercation with former Sun Drue Eubanks during the 2023-2024 season.

Just in: The Detroit Pistons are trading C/F Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Pistons clear Stewart's salary and pick up assets while Grizzlies acquire a 25-year-old as a rugged frontcourt piece. pic.twitter.com/V8zbaI5OXr
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 25, 2026

8:28 PM EST: Second round has started

Houston, Memphis and Brooklyn make their selections with the the first three picks.

7:57 PM EST: Suns did not host Koa Peat for a workout

John Gambadoro has the scoop. Peat was establishing relationships with Phoenix even though they didn’t work him out.

The Suns did not host Koa Peat for a workout due to their draft slot, but they hosted the prospect for a visit on Sunday as they looked to move up, @Gambo987 reports.

Phoenix traded up to draft Peat out of Arizona in the first round on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/2zCruxHM89
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) June 24, 2026

6:56 PM EST: Sites from the podium

Getting ready for the second round pic.twitter.com/WwD9VHPyO4
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) June 24, 2026

5:47 PM EST: Don’t expect any Suns picks tonight

After giving up the 47th pick as part of a deal to draft Koa Peat with the 30th pick last night, Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro does not expect the Suns to make a trade into the second round. Phoenix selected Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea last year with the 31st and 41st picks respectively. This is set to be the first time since 2022 the Suns don’t make a selection in the second round.

More than likely the Suns are done with the NBA draft -they got the player they highly coveted in Koa Peat. They do have some cash left like a little over a million so could poke around but I do NOT see them using any assets to get a second-round pick today.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 24, 2026

5:40 PM EST: On site

Almost two hours until the second round starts. Catch the action on ESPN.

Bright Side back for day two pic.twitter.com/JVAPWUxfSC
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

Yaxel Lendeborg kicks off a friendly intrastate rivalry with Draymond Green

Yaxel Lendeborg yelling with excitement with a Michigan State player behind him. — ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - MARCH 08: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Michigan State Spartans at Crisler Arena on March 08, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Draymond Green and Yaxel Lendeborg are different in so many ways. The former is 36 years old, has completed 14 seasons in the NBA, and is putting the finishing touches on a Hall of Fame career; the latter is 23, and just beginning an NBA journey that began on Tuesday, when the Golden State Warriors used the 11th overall pick in the 2026 Draft on him. Green is a basketball lifer who was an All-American in high school and heavily recruited by countless big-name colleges; Lendeborg took to the sport as a teenager, played in junior college, and spent four years at small-name institutions before breaking into the ranks of a big-time D1 school. One chose the Lansing segment of a Michigan rivalry; the other chose the Ann Arbor option.

But for those stock differences, Green and Lendeborg are alike in many ways beyond being employed by the Warriors. They’re both versatile forwards who can do a little bit of everything on the court. Each can pass far better than a player of their size usually does. Both bring a bulldog mentality to the defensive end of the court, where they’re comfortable guarding any player of any size at any position.

And they both can talk a little trash.

Lendeborg, who spent his super senior season at Michigan (where he won the 2026 NCAA championship), has worn No. 23 throughout his career. Green, who spent four seasons at Michigan State, also wears No. 23 (the number has since been retired at his college, and one day will be by the Warriors).

After getting drafted, Lendeborg wasted no time taking a shot at his new teammate and mentor. At his introductory presser, Lendeborg (who will wear No. 1 with the Dubs) was asked if he would be willing to wear his collegiate rival’s gear all year if it meant getting to keep his jersey number.

“Nah. Nah.” the consensus first-team All-American said with a laugh. “I’m not doing that, man. I hate those guys. I only been there for one year, but I definitely hate those guys.”

Lendeborg not only showed his disdain for Michigan State, but got in some smack talk as well, saying, “They can’t really say much, because I went 2-0 against them this year. They’re gonna be little brother to me forever, and I’m not gonna represent the losers ever.”

Yaxel Lendeborg on Michigan State:

“I hate those guys. I went 2-0 against them this year. They’re going to be little brother to me forever” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/YrpVUSuEkL
— uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) June 24, 2026

While those are fighting words, it was clear from Lendeborg’s demeanor that it was some light-hearted trash talk. He kept the playful pokes coming when he liked an Instagram post of someone throwing a punch with the caption, “Draymond Green when he realizes Yaxel went to the same college as Jordan Poole.”

It’s impossible to know how locker room dynamics will play out until we get to see them in action, but this certainly has the makings of a hilarious, good-natured rivalry between Lendeborg and the veteran that he’ll try to emulate on the court. Green, for all his controversies over the year, can (usually) get it as good as he gives it, as his frequent banters with Charles Barkley have proven. Something tells me this isn’t the last we hear from the intrastate rivalry … and something tells me these two are going to get along just fine.

June 24, 2026

Karim Lopez’s emotional response to making NBA draft history as Mexican-born player goes viral

Karim Lopez, a 6-foot-9 forward from Hermosillo, Mexico, was selected with the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 23. Lopez became the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round.

Mexico has sustained a big fan base for basketball for decades now but never had its own homegrown star to latch on to. That is, until Lopez, 19, caught attention while playing with the New Zealand Breakers in Australia’s NBL over the past two seasons, essentially guaranteeing that he would be taken in this year’s draft.

Karim Lopez shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver during the 2026 NBA Draft. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

Lopez speaks with ESPN after being taken in the 2026 NBA Draft. NBAE via Getty Images

He and his family’s reaction to being selected by the Pistons (who then traded Lopez’s draft rights to the Grizzlies) was one of the best moments from Tuesday’s first round. One moment during his post-draft interview segment with ESPN went viral.

When asked what it meant to be the first Mexican-born player to be selected in the first round of an NBA draft, Lopez, who was sitting with his family, had to collect his emotions for a moment before saying, “Well, it’s just super special honestly to be here. I’m blessed. And, yeah. I have no words,” per an X post from “SportsCenter.” He was visibly emotional and wiping away tears while trying to get what little words he had out.

Karim Lopez wiping away tears while speaking with ESPN after being taken in the 2026 NBA Draft. X/@SportsCenter

Karim Lopez shows off the inside of his jacket after becoming the first Mexican-born player to be taken in the first round of an NBA draft. X/@SportsCenter

Lopez then showed the inside of his jacket, which included the Mexican flag and several other homages to Mexican culture.

He was then asked why he wanted to include the Mexican flag on his jacket and said, “I just wanted to represent my culture, represent where I’m from, represent my faith. And just represent myself, basically. Show the people who I am.”

Even though Lopez has his entire NBA career ahead of him, he’s already seen as a hero by his home country. And while that will create some pressure, it also means Lopez will have a huge support system as he embarks on this journey.

June 24, 2026

Meet Melvin Ajinca, the 21-year-old Euro stash Knicks got in massive draft trade

Melvin Ajinca, #8 of LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne in action during the EuroLeague Regular Season Round 38 match between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul at LDLC Arena on April 16, 2026 in Lyon, France. — The Knicks own the right to Melvin Ajinca again.

The Knicks are taking a swing on another French wing.

As part of a wide-ranging four-team deal involving the Mavericks, Suns and Lakers that sent New York’s No. 24 pick to Los Angeles, the Knicks acquired the rights to Melvin Ajinca from Dallas.

The 6-foot-8 forward was selected No. 51 overall by the Knicks in 2024 before being dealt to the Mavericks on draft night as part of the trade that brought Ariel Hukporti to the Big Apple.

Now, after two more years overseas, Ajinca, who turns 22 on Friday, is a part of the franchise again.

Melvin Ajinca, of LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne in action during the EuroLeague Regular Season on April 10, 2026 in Villeurbanne, France. Euroleague Basketball via Getty

Ajinca, who was touted for his shooting and 3-and-D potential during the draft process, averaged 6.0 points in 17.6 minutes per game during EuroLeague play last season for LDLC Asvel.

He first jumped onto the NBA radar during the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup, where he averaged 19.3 points and helped lead France to the gold medal game.

In the deal for Ajinca, the Knicks also acquired the No. 47 pick in this week’s draft and four additional future second-round picks.

The Lakers used the No. 24 pick on Baylor guard Cameron Carr.

The Ajinca acquisition adds to what has become a growing collection of young French players for the Knicks.

In 2024, the Knicks selected Pacôme Dadiet with the 25th overall pick out of France. Dadiet has appeared in 47 games over two seasons as a developmental wing.

The Knicks own the right to Melvin Ajinca again. Euroleague Basketball via Getty

During last year’s draft, the Knicks took Mohamed Diawara in the late second round, a move that quickly paid dividends with the Paris native logging 69 games while averaging 3.6 points and shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc.

Diawara’s play earned him a multiyear deal worth more than $10 million with the Knicks earlier this week.

The Knicks’ main goal during draft was to trade off their draft picks to avoid going over the second apron with additional salaries for rookies.

So, there is no guarantee Ajinca will ever join the team but he has now appeared on their draft radar twice in three years.

June 24, 2026

Austin Reaves chose the Lakers, and now he cashes in with richest undrafted contract in NBA history

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers player Austin Reaves dribbles the ball down the court during a game against the Detroit Pistons, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Lakers player Austin Reaves in a black jersey and shorts looks toward the right side of the frame with a slight smirk, Image 3 shows Lakers player Austin Reaves (15) yells with clenched fists, while Oklahoma City Thunder player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks on

Austin Reaves is the ultimate homegrown success story in a city that loves Hollywood narratives.

He went from being a country bumpkin who grew up in Newark, Ark., amid a population of fewer than 2,000 people to becoming a star in a global metropolis.

He went from being undrafted in 2021 to agreeing to a four-year, $185 million deal with the Lakers, the richest contract for a player who went undrafted in NBA history.

Austin Reaves intends to sign a 4-year, $185M maximum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images

It’s a great story. Things have worked out beautifully for Reaves, who’s a rising star and is genuinely as likeable as he appears on TV. But it’s fair to ask … can the Lakers win a championship with over $100 million a season going to him and Luka Doncic for the next several years?

In other words, was it smart for the Lakers to spend that much money when they desperately need to build out their roster?

The answer?

Unequivocally yes.

The Lakers couldn’t risk losing Reaves for a number of reasons.

He’s on the verge of becoming an All-Star-caliber player. When he and Doncic share the court, their chemistry is undeniable. Doncic loves him. And other teams were willing to pay top dollar for him, including Detroit.

Does this mean the Lakers need to spend the rest of the offseason acquiring defenders and shooters around them? Yes. Do they desperately need a rim protector? Yes. But was spending that type of money on Reaves the right call? Yes.

The sticker value is shocking, especially considering Reaves will earn more next season ($41.3 million) than guys like Jalen Brunson ($37.7 million) and Tyrese Maxey ($40.7 million).

But the Lakers made the right call. Not only is Reaves a great player, but he’s the Lakers’ glue.

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Reaves’ contract will be the highest ever for an undrafted NBA player. NBAE via Getty Images

Reaves is coming off a breakout season. He announced his meteoric rise with back-to-back 51- and 41-point performances in the first few games.

He helped the Lakers jump to a 15-4 start while LeBron James missed the first 14 games because of sciatica. He was arguably the best No. 2 offensive option in the league.

He was pivotal in the Lakers’ 16-2 run last spring. One of the biggest highlights of the season happened during that stretch when he purposely missed a free throw, caught his rebound and made a jumper to force overtime in the Lakers’ 127-125 win over the Nuggets on March 14.

Reaves and Doncic looked so good during a three-game stretch over that period that the basketball world even began questioning whether the Lakers were better without James, who’s arguably the greatest player of all-time.

Reaves was one of three players to average at least 20 points, five assists and 1 steal while having a true shooting percentage of at least 62% last season. The others? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic. And Reaves did it while sharing the ball with Doncic and James.

This was a no-brainer for the Lakers. They had no choice. They couldn’t risk losing Reaves.

Reaves is set to make $41.3M in 26-27; $44.6M in 27-28; $47.9M in 28-29; and $51.2M (player option) in 29-30. Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

Not when he skyrocketed into being so reliable on offense. Not when he grew into such a great complement for Doncic. And especially not after it became clear that he’s one of Doncic’s lifelines in Los Angeles.

Aside from the tangibles of how well those two play together, there’s another reason retaining Reaves was of paramount importance.

Reaves makes Doncic feel at home in Los Angeles. They tease each other. They joke with one another. They’ve become brothers who show their affection for one another through loving jabs.

Reaves is a great player. He has what he describes as “delirious confidence.” He’s fearless. But he’s also a chemistry generator in human form.

James loved him as soon as he entered the Lakers’ locker room. Doncic gravitated toward him. Heck, even Steve Kerr saw it when he coached Reaves during the World Cup. “You can tell that everybody loves playing with him,” Kerr said, adding that’s a rare quality.

Reaves played at an All-Star level this past season when he averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game on 36% shooting from deep. NBAE via Getty Images

For the Lakers, retaining Reaves was a must. They needed to do whatever it took. And his monster contract won’t interfere with their cap space. They’ll be able to spend their about $50 million and then go over the cap to re-sign him.

In other words, they can still load the roster with defensive-minded players. They can still get shooters. They can still try to plug their holes to compete with the Thunder and Spurs in the very crowded Western Conference.

For the Lakers, retaining Reaves was their top priority this offseason. He’s a difference-maker on and off the court. He’s essential to what they’re trying to build. Is he the best two-way player in the league? No. But is he an offensive wizard whose impact extends beyond what box scores can measure? Undeniably.

It’s one of the most wild ascensions we’ve seen.

He has gone from being a no-name guy to one of the most important players on the league’s second-winningest franchise with 17 NBA championships to its name.

He has gone from clawing his way into the league to becoming the 30th-highest average paid NBA player.

And he deserves every penny of it.

Reaves averaged 32.0 points per game in six October games (including a 51-point performance against the Kings) and 26.9 points per game in 10 November games. Getty Images

Doncic wants him. The Lakers need him. And they still have enough money to build out their roster.

Reaves, you’ve been in Los Angeles for a while.

But you’ve officially become the ultimate Hollywood tale.

June 24, 2026

Sergio de Larrea must be on the 2026-27 Dallas Mavericks roster

BADALONA, SPAIN - JUNE 14: Sergio de Larrea of Valencia Basket warms up during the Spanish League, Liga ACB Endesa, basketball Semi Final Game 3 match played between Asisa Joventut and Valencia Basket at Olimpic Arena on June 14, 2026 in Badalona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks turned heads Tuesday night when they were part of a four-team trade that gave them the rights to Sergio de Larrea, the 25th overall pick.

De Larrea currently plays for ACB Valencia in Spain and his team just won the Liga ACBC title on Wednesday with a 108-84 victory in the deciding Game 4 against Barcelona for just the second league title in team history.

It’s unclear if De Larrea will play in Summer League early next month after having contributed to a championship so recently, and there’s been speculation over whether Dallas will bring him over to the States this year or use a strategy often used on foreign prospects: draft and stash.

In these scenarios, teams draft players and retain their playing rights but allow them to continue to play in their home countries. This can happen because the team has no roster spots or simply because they see potential in a player but they don’t think they’re ready to compete at the NBA level just yet.

Marc Stein reported Wednesday that all options are “being worked through” regarding De Larrea’s future.

“All being worked through” = It is not yet known if he will be playing summer league. And it is not yet known where he will be playing next season.

It is all being worked through.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2026

*Insert Future voice* whatever that f*cking means.

I don’t think it’s always wrong to draft and stash a player, and I think there are even situations — like Oklahoma City — where draft and stashing makes sense. You don’t want to mess with what you have now but you know you’ll need young players to add to your talent as your core gets older.

But in Dallas’ situation, I see no upside to keeping him overseas and only a downside by not bringing him on board immediately.

We have one of the league’s best young players in recent history in Cooper Flagg, and we need to start building the team that’s going to be around him for the next decade. Do I think de Larrea is going to be an All-Star on day 1? Probably not, but I have no idea, but if you’re going to draft a guy with a first-round pick, I argue you should get him on the court with the future of your franchise as soon as possible.

It’s like Jalen Brunson with Luka Dončić after the 2018 draft. Did we know Brunson was going to be a star one day after we drafted him in the second round? Of course not, but we brought him to the team immediately and he and Dončić built chemistry together that led them to the conference finals just four years later.

(Small side note: ouch, that sucked writing that paragraph knowing what we know now.)

The point is this: de Larrea may not be Jalen Brunson, de Larrea could end up being an MVP. Regardless, we need to see who he is (or who he isn’t) immediately. His lighting up the Euroleague next season does nothing for the Mavericks, and if he comes to the NBA and sucks, he’s another late first-round pick that didn’t pan out — AKA most of them.

Bring the kid over, and let’s see what he can do with the team. He may just be the start of something special in Dallas.

June 24, 2026

Celtics guard Derrick White takes role as president of basketball strategy with alma mater, Colorado

DENVER (AP) — The name of Boston Celtics guard Derrick White surfaced on draft night. Not as part of a trade or anything, just for taking on a new title with a familiar school.

White was announced Tuesday as the president of basketball strategy for his alma mater, Colorado. When he’s not shooting jumpers for the Celtics, he will assist head coach Tad Boyle in mentoring and inspiring future Buffaloes players.

In addition, White, who turns 32 on July 2, and his family are donating $2 million to the men’s basketball program. It’s simply the latest title to add to his list that already includes NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist.

“Everything happens for a reason,” White said in a video posted on the team’s social media account. “I was where I was supposed to be.”

White averaged 18.1 points and 4.4 assists in 2016-17 — his one and only season with the Buffaloes. He earned honors such as Pac-12 all-conference first team, all-defensive team and all-tournament squad. He was also the team’s MVP.

He was taken by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in 2017 and traded to the Celtics as part of a deal in February 2022. He helped Boston to the NBA title in 2024. Later that summer, White was part of the Team USA squad that earned gold at the Paris Games.

Before joining Colorado, White attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. He’s from Parker, Colorado.

June 24, 2026

Celtics select Dillon Mitchell with 40th pick in NBA Draft

Celtics select Dillon Mitchell with 40th pick in NBA Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

With the 40th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics selected forward Dillon Mitchell out of St. John’s.

Mitchell averaged 8.3 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 55.9 percent from the floor in 37 games for the Red Storm. The 6-foot-8, 205-pounder is a strong finisher and lob threat who can also make a significant impact on the defensive end. His jump shot is very much a work in progress.

A five-star recruit out of Montverde Academy in Florida, Mitchell spent his first two collegiate seasons at Texas before transferring to Cincinnati in 2024. The 22-year-old played just one season for the Bearcats and transferred again to St. John’s, where he was named to the All-Big East Third Team, All-Defensive Team, and All-Tournament Team.

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The Celtics used their first-round pick (No. 27) on Houston big man Chris Cenac Jr. Like Cenac, Mitchell is a great rebounder, especially for his size. He’s an impressive athlete with huge upside if Boston can help him develop his shot.

Watch Chris Forsberg and Tom Giles’ instant reaction to the Celtics’ pick of Mitchell below:

June 24, 2026

Knicks' Leon Rose on 'tough' decision to fire Tom Thibodeau after 2025 season: 'We were right on the doorstep'

After leading the Knicks for five seasons, including back-to-back 50-win seasons and their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, Tom Thibodeau was surprisingly fired by team president Leon Rose at the end of the 2025 season.

The move raised many questions about New York's direction as it felt like Thibodeau was a driving factor in the team's growth and success.

Firing Thibodeau was critiqued even more after Rose decided on hiring longtime coach Mike Brown, who's best season came back in 2007 when a young LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals (which they lost 4-0 to the San Antonio Spurs).

Fast forward 12 months, Rose's hire of Brown proved to be a major difference maker as he was able to guide the Knicks over the hump to their first NBA title since 1973.

Speaking with 2026 NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and teammate Josh Hart on an episode of their Roommates Show podcast, Rose opened up about the "tough" decision to fire Thibodeau after the team lost to the Indiana Pacers in the ECF and the choice to hire Brown.

"It was tough. Thibs is a great coach. Did so much for the organization," Rose said. "We were right on the doorstep. Just felt that, just needed a change in voice, a change in philosophy. It was a tough move.

"Mike is a guy that really fit what we were looking for. He’s somebody that I’ve known for a long time. I represented LeBron when he coached him in Cleveland. Knew him and kind of followed him through his career. Didn’t know him that well but he always was a guy that was a good guy, that you could talk to, that you really felt good about. That was just your gut."

Rose went on to explain what made Brown an attractive hire over other candidates, mainly pointing to his open-minded approach.

"First of all, just his openness and his willingness to share ideas," Rose said. "And share ideas with the front office, his staff and the inclusion of everyone. I think you guys probably saw that. He really was open to things, open to people’s suggestions, open to ideas.

"I believe that’s what led to some of the changes that were made throughout the season. We started out a certain way, he may have had an idea about how something was gonna work and how he wanted it to work, but he kind of evolved throughout the season, as did our team. I think that all went into the fact that we went into another gear in the playoffs."

It's clear the players and rest of the organization adapted and worked well with Brown in his first season with the team. By winning the Finals, he became just the sixth head coach since the NBA/ABA merger (1976) to win a title in their first year with a team (the Toronto Raptors' Nick Nurse in 2019, Cavaliers' Tyronn Lue in 2016, Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr in 2015, Los Angeles Lakers' Pat Riley in 1982, and Lakers' Paul Westhead in 1980).

While it may have been hard for Rose to move on from Thibodeau after helping get the Knicks back on the winning track, it worked, and will go down as one of the best in his tenure as team president.