INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 17: Damiris Dantas #12 of the Indiana Fever reaches for the ball against Jordan Horston #23 of the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 17, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Indiana Fever center Damiris Dantas is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus on Monday. Dantas, who signed a two-year contract with the Fever in the offseason, has seen inconsistent minutes over the past few months but was nonetheless one of Indiana’s backup frontcourt options.
Now, Indiana will have a more short-handed frontcourt rotation.
The Fever lose one of their most veteran players in Damiris Dantas
Damiris Dantas has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another backup big option at her disposal. Now, an already-limited campaign has been cut short.
Because she was already playing a more limited role than expected, the absence won’t impact Indiana’s day-to-day rotation as much.
Nonetheless, Dantas is one of the most veteran players on the roster; the 33-year-old holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 272 career games in 12 seasons. She’s played for the Fever since 2024, but previously suited up for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream, and was someone who Stephanie White could turn to in a pinch.
Now, with Dantas out for the season, the burden will continue to fall on Makayla Timpson, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.
Aliyah Boston continues to hold down the fort in the frontcourt
The good news for Indiana is that they have one of the best bigs in the league anchoring the frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Boston has averaged 26.8 minutes per game, and Timpson has played the majority of her backup minutes.
The Fever may look to sign an additional big to bolster the rotation in the wake of Dantas’s absence. While Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant roles, Indiana may want to sign another center to a rest-of-season contract.
The Fever are 19-11 and coming off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Next up, they’ll face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, August 6th.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: The sneakers worn by Basheer Jihad #48 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When LeBron James made his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, it quickly made them one of the NBA’s newest superteams. The revamped roster now features James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, giving Philadelphia one of the most star-studded lineups in the league.
Of course, whenever high-profile team-ups occur, fans naturally point back to when Kevin Durant “broke the NBA” by joining a Golden State Warriors team in 2016 featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala all in their Warriors primes.
So, when Durant took the conversation to Instagram, his comments about James’ new-look 76ers being more talented on paper than the Warriors team he joined quickly went viral and attracted attention from both of his former Golden State teammates, Thompson and Green.
Klay Thompson responds after KD said he was "never an MVP candidate in nothing" 👀 pic.twitter.com/yy4XEtI3zk
Draymond reacts to KD's comments on LeBron joining the Sixers
"You have to understand the way KD view basketball, the way KD view basketball is very Uncle Drew-ish, this game will and always will be about buckets… so he's going to mention the 25-point scorers… He also said… pic.twitter.com/YC3yru9gEG
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) August 4, 2026
While the exchange appeared to be all in good fun, it serves as another reminder of the legacy of Golden State’s dynasty. Nearly a decade later, the Durant-era Warriors remain the benchmark for every NBA superteam, and any comparison to that historic roster is almost guaranteed to spark some debate.
Kevin Durant argued the current 76ers roster is 'more dominant on paper' than the 2017-18 Warriors 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4DO7SKxU30
“Ain’t close,” Durant wrote in reply to an Instagram comment comparing the talent level of the newly formed 76ers with the 2016-17 Warriors team he left Oklahoma City to join. “Joel [Embiid] MVP, recently. Jaylen Brown, recent Finals MVP, Tyrese Maxey, All-Star in the last 3 years. We all know what Bron does.
“Klay Thompson never an MVP candidate in nothing, 22 (points per game).”
It is the latest example of Durant seemingly using James’ decision to form a superteam in Philadelphia in pursuit of another championship to validate his own much-criticized move to the 73-win Warriors after Golden State eliminated his Thunder in the previous Western Conference finals.
“This was a great opportunity for me to find my voice on the team,” Richard told reporters. “That’s not just talking and all that but leading by example. Making sure I’m coming here doing the right things and being a voice where the coaches can connect to the players.”
Instead of going outside of himself throughout summer league, Richard expanded on his role and jumped into bigger shoes after a year of learning from all-time greats. His services will be needed even more in Year 2, and the Warriors should be able to rely on him even more with confidence in his game and his communication.
Bosh is cautioning Wembanyama not to take his health and quick return for granted. In February, Bosh had a clotting emergency that nearly killed him.
“Yeah, I had an episode in January. I almost dropped dead, pretty much, and came back to life. I’m not joking. I had another pulmonary embolism,” he told HoopsHype.com. “You just got to deal with it for the rest of your life. I thought I was past it. I am not.”
Already 33, limited, and with an extensive injury history, Payton only further solidifies Golden State’s attempt to run it back with the 37-win 2025-26 roster. A perplexing approach given the team’s struggles and age. Nevertheless, Payton is a favorite of head coach Steve Kerr and face of the franchise Steph Curry.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat of their 2026 California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center on July 05, 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 Thien-An Truong/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country.
While youth is ideal, as it means players are closer to their prime and better able to withstand the grueling NBA season, it also comes with drawbacks. Plenty of Lakers are unproven, especially on the back end of the roster.
The four names that come to mind are Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Zaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. The upside for LA is that all are low-risk and high-reward.
Realistically, none are currently being counted on to play major minutes, and the player with the biggest contract from this quartet is Carr, who is making $3.3 million this year. If any of them can outpace their deals, then LA could not only gain a rotation player but have one at a bargain.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, which player is most likely to outperform their contract?
As a member of Carr Island before he was even on the Lakers, I feel like he has to be the top choice. He’s a three-level scorer and displayed that throughout at Baylor, averaging 18.9 points while shooting 49.4% from the field, 37.4% from deep and 80.1% from the free throw line.
While he hasn’t played in an NBA game yet, he was elite in the Las Vegas Summer League. Carr looked too good for that level of competition, averaging 18 points per game. While Summer League isn’t the best indicator of how one will play at the next level, how he scored mattered.
Carr showed that he can handle the ball a bit and create. He scored off-ball from the wing as well, which is likely the role he’ll play with the main team. His defensive play was equally encouraging. Carr has good size and used it well, averaging 0.8 blocks per game.
While Carr has no NBA experience yet, that also makes him a huge x-factor. No one knows how good he’ll be. So far, he’s played well in the moments he’s gotten this summer and has said all the right things.
If what little we’ve seen from Carr translates well, then he can absolutely find himself having a role in the rotation as a rookie. With how difficult it is to build rosters under the apron restrictions, having players like that is huge for teams.
But Thiero, Williams and Thybulle will also get their chances to step up. So, if you think they are more likely to outperform their deals, cast your vote that way. And as always, feel free to explain your rationale in the comment section below.
The Kings used their No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on who they hope will be their point guard of the future in Darius Acuff Jr. The question, however, has been what kind of players Sacramento will place around the rookie.
The Kings waived 36-year-old DeMar DeRozan with one year left on his contract, which made it seem like the team was embracing the youth movement.
However, Sacramento is “weighing the prospect” of bringing back Russell Westbrook or signing Victor Oladipo as a veteran point guard to mentor Acuff, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Monday, citing a league source.
Westbrook reveled in a leadership role for the Kings during the 2025-26 NBA season. After signing a one-year contract and expected to be the team’s backup, the 37-year-old eventually turned into Sacramento’s starting point guard.
The 18-year veteran played 64 games with Sacramento (58 starts) and averaged 15.2 points on 42.7-percent shooting, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game.
At his end-of-season press conference, Westbrook said he wouldn’t mind rejoining Sacramento if the opportunity presented itself.
As for Oladipo, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft hasn’t played a game in the pros since the 2022-23 season and hasn’t played more than 42 games in a season since 2017-18, when he was a member of the Indiana Pacers.
Whether the Kings decide to bring Westbrook back or add Oladipo, it seems the team is focused on not only putting Acuff in position to lead the team, but also to receive some knowledge from veteran guards along the way.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Ron Harper Jr. #13 of the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 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. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Ron Harper Jr. vividly remembers what it was like to be a little kid attending basketball camps and hoping to meet an NBA player. So, on Tuesday afternoon, when he was the guest of honor at the Junior Celtics Academy, it was a full-circle moment.
The 26-year-old Celtic guard answered a litany of questions from the kids in attendance, competed in knockout games, and partook in drills.
All of it came just a few weeks after he signed his first multi-year NBA contract, a 4-year, $14 million extension that gave him his first long-term assurance he’ll be in the league.
“It was great,” Harper Jr. said. “It just felt really rewarding — a team that I have a lot of respect for, a team that I want to play for for a long time. So, for that to be able to happen in a city like this, playing for a team like the Boston Celtics, I’m honored, and I’m ready to put the work in.”
It was a long journey to get here: Harper Jr. joined the Celtics for the 2024 and 2025 training camps, and began last year on a training camp deal with Boston. He was one of five players competing for the team’s final two-way spot, a battle he ultimately won. On the Maine Celtics, he quickly established himself as one of the G-League’s best all-around players. By February, he was spending nearly all of his time with the parent club.
A February 4th game between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets served as an inflection point in Harper’s season; he started for the first time in his career, guarded Rockets star Kevin Durant, and showed himself — and the world — he belonged. It’s a game that Joe Mazzulla has pointed to as well in that it showcased Harper’s readiness and preparation.
“The first time I really played meaningful minutes was when I started in Houston, and that kind of came to be because of the Anfernee trade, and it happened all really fast,” Harper said. “But I feel like after that game where I started and I played all those minutes, and I played well, I felt like after that point I felt like I’d be a real contributor to this team and a part of bringing this team back to the championship. So, that’s something I look forward to doing next year.”
Notably, he also got a surprise start in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, something that meant a lot: “It shows that they believe in me at the highest level, with it all on the line.”
Still, he entered the offseason a free agent, uncertain about whether he’d get a long-term commitment from Boston.
But on June 27th, he officially agreed to a contract that served as the culmination of years of hard work.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity; that they believe in me, that they want me here long-term,” Harper said. “It’s just motivation to keep on getting better and keep proving them right. So that’s something I look forward to doing.”
Ron Harper Jr on signing a 4-year extension with the Celtics this summer:
“It was great. It just felt really rewarding.”
“Playing for a team like the Boston Celtics — I'm honored and I'm ready to put the work in.” pic.twitter.com/W6PyHnnHEy
It will be an uphill climb for rotation minutes in Boston
Ron Harper Jr. will be one of several Celtics wings competing for minutes next season, a list that includes Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and Sam Hauser.
He emphasized that the healthy competition for on-court opportunities never gets in the way of the players’ support for one another.
“That’s the beautiful thing about being on the Celtics,” he said. “We all care about each other. We all want each other to succeed, no matter what it looks like. It’s a lot of guys competing for minutes, but also pushing each other to get better. So we’re just worried about being great teammates, pushing each other to get better, and going about it in the right way.”
Next year, Harper’s training camp experience will start a bit differently than it has the previous two Octobers. That’s because Jaylen Brown, who grew to be one of Harper’s mentors, will no longer be on the roster.
“Obviously sad to see him go — a guy that I’ve grown close to in my time at the Celtics across two training camps and a full season, a guy that I have a lot of respect for, and a guy that still trusted me when I was still on an Exhibit-10,” he said. “So I remember the message he’s sharing with me, the motivation he’s given me, and the advice he’s given me. And it sucks to see him go. This is a business more than anything, so I wish him luck in the future — except when he plays us.”
Though Brown is gone, Harper will get to team up with Paul George, a player whom he grew up watching on TV. He hasn’t yet crossed paths with George in Boston, but the two are already bound by the fact that Harper gave George jersey No. 13, which he wore last year. Harper will wear instead No. 8, and he said that the number swap benefited “both parties.”
“We don’t got to get into the exact details,” Harper Jr said with a smile. “About an hour after the trade, I got a phone call saying he wanted the number, so me and him were able to work it out. We’ll have some funny conversations about that for sure. But I’m happy that he’s able to get back to his number, get back to PG-13 for sure.”
In the meantime, the former Rutgers star is spending most of his summer at the facility, where he and many of his teammates are already preparing for the year ahead.
“Just the easiest place for me to work out, stay around the coaches,” Harper said. “I feel like they have a really good plan for me. So just sticking with what they got, they got prepared for me, just showing up every day. And I’ve been here, whether it’s been an optional week or mandatory week — I try to be in Boston the most as I possibly could.”
He knows the Celtics believe in him, and he’s working tirelessly to show the world why.
“They like my versatility on the offensive and defensive end, my ability to play on and off the ball, my ability to guard — so just looking forward to showcasing all those talents.”
Jaylen Brown gave Sixers fans even more to celebrate in his Twitch stream on Monday evening.
The former Celtics forward discussed his trade to Philadelphia, what he thinks of the Sixers’ roster and how he’s approaching the next chapter in his career.
What’s paramount for the 2024 Finals MVP? Winning.
“At this point in my career, I would say I want to win more than I ever have,” he said. “I’m more inspired to win than anything. I’ve been a little disrespected in this process for whatever reason.
“I want to win more than anything. So, I’m looking forward to that journey, the approach, the leadership, the sacrifice and whatever it’s going to take.”
On a team with four ball-dominant stars, there will reasonably be an adjustment period. Brown (35.1%), Embiid (33.6%), Tyrese Maxey (28.6%) and LeBron James (26.2%) were all among the top 50 players with the highest usage rates in the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
“It’s going to take a lot of kind of feeling things out with each other, everybody getting on the same page, constant communication,” Brown said.
He also mentioned that he’s lost roughly seven pounds this offseason in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
“Just to be a little more fast and nimble. I’ve got to keep up with Maxey and Edgecombe and LeBron this year,” Brown said. “I feel great. I’m jumping higher and running faster.”
Playing with that group clearly excites Brown. Playing with James especially. He emphasized that he’s eager to learn from the league’s all-time scoring leader.
“We got Bron. What an opportunity that is,” Brown said. “To have the opportunity to learn from one of if not the greatest player of all time. I get an opportunity to, on the court, off the court, learn and gather experiences that can accumulate to my own knowledge base.”
Brown referenced the story of his recent skydiving adventure in Egypt. He even revealed that he texted James, Edgecombe, Maxey and Embiid to say that, if the Sixers win the 2026-27 NBA championship, they’re all going skydiving.
James’ response?
“Boy, hell no.”
James wasn’t the only new teammate Brown spoke about.
“It’s also other guys you get the opportunity to learn from. Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe, even vets like [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope], Anfernee [Simons]. It’s a fun time.”
Simons and Brown will reunite in Philadelphia after playing together in Boston for part of the 2025-26 season.
“When he was there, he added to winning, he played defense,” Brown said. “He did exactly what the team needed [him] to do.”
Brown put on a Sixers jersey for the first time on the stream, sporting the team’s black Hardwood Classic Edition Uniform that throws back to Allen Iverson and the 2000-01 NBA Finals team. It’s a jersey Brown’s admired since playing against the Sixers when they wore it last year.
He was also struck by the element of change. Brown noted that it was the first time in his 10-year career when he’s worn another team’s jersey.
“I feel like we just jumped into an alternate timeline,” he said. “We’re in a different dimension. We’re in a parallel universe or something. Whatever universe we’re on, whatever team I’m on, my mindset is to win. So, I’m looking forward to that.”
Brown was also surprised that Iverson was already wearing Brown’s Sixers jersey just 11 days after he was traded.
“How’d the OG get the jersey?” he asked. “I just got traded yesterday, OG already wearing the jersey.”
Brown will make his way to Philadelphia for the first time since being traded to the Sixers this week. His introductory press conference takes place Thursday at 2 p.m. ET before he’ll throw out the first pitch at the Phillies’ game against the Nationals later that evening.
“Looking forward to that, looking forward to going to the Phillies game,” Brown said. “It’s definitely a major transition in my career, a major transition in my life.
“I’m super excited. Philadelphia, let’s get it. Throw the ball up.”
Kevin Durant’s latest attempt to praise the Philadelphia 76ers has reopened some old Golden State Warriors wounds.
Durant argued on social media that Philadelphia’s new core of LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey compares favorably with the Warriors team he joined in 2016. When a fan claimed the 76ers were not close to that historically dominant group, Durant pushed back by listing their individual accolades.
In making his case, however, Durant singled out former teammate Klay Thompson.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, from left, guard Stephen Curry and forward Kevin Durant celebrate after Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Thompson has provided a steadying hand for the reigning champions as they work to find their groove again after winning their second trophy in three years. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) AP
“Klay Thompson, never a MVP candidate in nothing, 22ppg,” Durant wrote, while contrasting Thompson’s résumé with Embiid’s MVP, Brown’s Finals MVP and Maxey’s recent All-Star selections.
Thompson, typically one of the NBA’s more laid-back personalities, took exception to being dragged into the debate. The former Warriors guard shared Durant’s comment on his Instagram Story and tagged him directly.
“Aye man u good?” Thompson wrote. “What u using my full government for??”
Draymond Green then entered the exchange with a shot referencing Durant’s history of using anonymous social-media accounts.
“Slim thought he was on his burner?” Green wrote on Threads.
The jab recalled Durant’s infamous 2017 mistake, when he defended himself in the third person from his verified account after apparently forgetting to switch profiles. It also carried added bite because of Green and Durant’s turbulent history, including their heated 2018 argument that contributed to tension during Durant’s final Warriors season.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors reacts after a foul call in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals on Friday, June 9, 2017, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. (2017 Getty Images) Getty Images
Durant’s broader comparison is not entirely without merit. Philadelphia can field four players capable of producing at an All-Star level, including an MVP center and one of basketball’s greatest players.
The Warriors, however, had already won a championship and recorded 73 regular-season victories before Durant arrived. That group paired established chemistry with Stephen Curry’s shooting, Thompson’s two-way play and Green’s versatility before adding another MVP.
The new 76ers may possess comparable individual credentials on paper, but they have yet to play a game together. Durant’s argument will ultimately be decided on the court.
For now, it has only succeeded in uniting Thompson and Green against their former teammate.
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A spokesperson for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office told the California Post on Monday that the three-time NBA champion died from hypertensive cardiovascular disease — an issue caused by long-term high blood pressure.
Obesity was a contributing factor and the manner was natural, the rep added.
Stacey King #34 of the Chicago Bulls runs on the court during a game in the 1991 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers circa May, 1991 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images
King, who turned into a beloved Bulls broadcaster following his NBA career, died on June 7 at his home in River Forest, Ill., and in announcing his passing, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called him “a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history.”
Stacy King of the Chicago Bulls receives his championship ring from NBA Commissioner David Stern before a game against the Miami Heat on Nov. 6, 1993, at Chicago Stadium in Chicago. (NBAE) NBAE via Getty Images
“We will miss him deeply,” Reinsdorf said, “and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor, and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts, and our fans every day.”
King joined the Bulls in 1989 after he was selected with the sixth overall pick in the draft.
Playing alongside Michael Jordan, the 6-foot-11, 230-pound power forward won rings in three of his first four seasons as a Bull.
Stacey King, Jesser, and Adam Amin commentate during the game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls on March 1, 2026, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (NBAE) NBAE via Getty Images
King’s time as a player in Chicago ended in 1994 when he was traded to the Timberwolves in a deal that included Luc Longley. He went on to play in the league until 1997, logging minutes for the Heat, Mavericks and Celtics.
Stacey King receives his commemorative plaque during the celebration of the Chicago Bulls 20th anniversary of their first NBA Championship during a special halftime program on Saturday, March 12, 2011, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (NBAE) NBAE via Getty Images
In retirement, he stepped into the Bulls’ broadcast booth, and quickly became a fan favorite, coining phrases like “gimme the hot sauce!” and “sriracha!”
“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Jerry Reinsdorf’s son, Michael, said in a statement at the time of his passing. “You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans.
“He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team. Whether it was through a broadcast, a conversation or a photo with a fan, Stacey made people feel seen and valued.”
King was 59 years old.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 28, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Kevin Durant is still in his feelings about his legacy on the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors already won the 2015 championship, and had just blown a 3-1 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals following a record-breaking 73-win regular season when Durant hit free agency. Durant signed with the Warriors, which was only possible through a one-time salary cap spike in addition to Stephen Curry being signed to a cheap rookie extension. Golden State would win the championship the next two seasons with Durant being named NBA Finals MVP both years, but his rings never got the respect they deserved as fans accused him of taking the easy way out.
Now 10 years later, Durant turned a question about the Philadelphia 76ers’ offseason additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown into a defense of his decision to join the Warriors. Durant said “The last time three 20+ point scorers were together on a team, they said it was unfair.” Durant also said next season’s Sixers are better than the 2017 Warriors on paper.
As fans continued the debate in the comments section on social media, Durant chimed in again to rip his former Golden State teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Green immediately responded by saying Durant forgot he wasn’t on his burner account, which he has a long history of using to defend himself and criticize his teammates.
Thompson posted a screenshot of Durant’s Instagram comment, and asked why he used his full name to take a shot at him.
Green came over the top on Threads, and said Durant must have thought he was on his burner.
I fully believe that Draymond is right here. Durant probably thought he was on his burner when he left this comment. Would he really bash Klay and Draymond like that in public? It’s such a bad look.
Why is Durant equating prime Steph Curry with broken down Joel Embiid? Why is he compared his prime self to 42-year-old LeBron James? Why does he only care about offense? Honestly, no one is buying KD’s argument.
KD gotta relax. That Sixers squad is not better on paper than the GS squad he joined. He went to GS and we thought the NBA was cooked for the next 5 years. We’re not even all the way sold on if PHI can beat NY to win the East.
Durant joined a team that won a championship and had just broken the league’s all-time wins record. The Sixers haven’t reached the conference finals since 2001. I put Philly at No. 5 in my preseason power rankings, and even that felt like a little bit of an optimistic placement. When KD went to the Warriors, it felt like no other team had a chance to even compete.
Draymond then used his podcast to keep the conversation going, saying Durant thinks basketball is only about buckets.
Draymond reacts to KD's comments on LeBron joining the Sixers
"You have to understand the way KD view basketball, the way KD view basketball is very Uncle Drew-ish, this game will and always will be about buckets… so he's going to mention the 25-point scorers… He also said… pic.twitter.com/YC3yru9gEG
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) August 4, 2026
Say what you will about KD, but the man loves getting into hoop debates online. I think that’s cool even if it often feels like he crosses the line. You can talk ball without ripping your teammates, and this has now been a problem for Durant at multiple stops. He essentially threw his Rockets teammates under the bus in a Twitter group chat last season with no real consequences. Now he’s trying to diminish the greatness of two players who helped him win the only rings of his career.
Durant is in a tough position. The Warriors won championships both before he signed with the team, and then after he left to join the Brooklyn Nets. He still hasn’t won a ring outside of Golden State, and now he’s about to enter his age-38 season. KD is still an excellent scorer, but at this point it feels more likely than not that he retires with only two championships, both with the Warriors.
Durant needs to throw his phone in the ocean, and just enjoy being a super rich, super awesome basketball player who is still performing at a high level in his late 30s. The burner accounts are ugly, and in this case, it’s even worse when you forget which account you’re using. At a certain point, the relationships become the best part of championship runs. It sure seems like KD might not have a great relationship with Draymond and Klay.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 06: Trey Jemison III #55 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket defended by Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As per Chris Haynes, the Toronto-New York pipeline continues with the Raptors’ acquisition of third year centre Trey Jemison, bolstering both the Raptors’ and Raptors 905’s frontcourt. Jemison himself has seemingly confirmed this with a post on his Instagram, showcasing a Raptors’ practice jersey emblazoned with the number 50.
Jemison has played for five teams throughout his NBA career, with his most notable tenure coming as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, where he started fourteen games in the 2023-24 season. Jemison averaged about ten minutes for the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans, though his usage slipped after joining the Knicks for their championship campaign.
NEWS: Free agent center Trey Jemison and Toronto Raptors have reached an agreement on a two-way contract, league sources tell me. The NBA champ finds a new home. pic.twitter.com/8RbPbsb2LL
Jemison is a non-shooting big man capable of some rim deterrence while delivering monstrous dunks at his opponent’s basket. At 6’10, the big man has a 7’2” wingspan, and makes use of that length when getting to the rim. The lob threat potential certainly seems here, as Jemison is athletic enough to get every bit out of his giant body, and could make for a great tandem working with Scottie Barnes. The lack of a jumper is, of course, unfortunate for a team that already struggles with spacing, which is something that fans see as the central need the Raptors have to address.
In many respects, Jemison looks on paper to be the antithesis of all of the struggles the Raptors have faced with Jakob Poeltl as their starting centre. Jemison is young, athletic, and looks ready to go. Of course, he will not be slotting into that starting job, and will have to earn his chops developmentally while deep on the depth chart. The Raptors seem to believe in their abilities to develop project centres, however, and I’m excited to see what the training staff does with him throughout the upcoming season.
LAS VEGAS – Just like how waiting on LeBron James’ latest and presumably last decision in free agency affected the upcoming NBA schedule, so does the draft for the summer’s biggest showcase.
Summer league schedules for Las Vegas aren’t made until after the NBA draft to ensure the biggest matchups can face off for our first peek into the future. Look at the first day of summer league this year as an example.
AJ Dybantsa vs. Darryn Peterson. Darius Acuff Jr. vs. Keaton Wagler. Labaron Philon Jr. vs. Ebuka Okorie. Yaxel Lendeborg vs. Morez Johnson Jr. It was all there on Day 1.
On Day 2, Cameron Boozer vs. Caleb Wilson was the main attraction.
It also was the first game Warriors coach Steve Kerr attended this summer. Kerr, sitting next to Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy and new associate head coach Frank Vogel, was engaged all game watching new and familiar faces. His eyes were all over Lendeborg cranking the volume on competitiveness and taking his battle against Boozer personally.
But the most animated Kerr got was for someone on a two-way contract, not the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Malevy Leons earned a fist pump, some happy claps and verbal praise for two very similar plays during the second quarter of an eventual blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Leons took one shot in the first quarter, missing a three. He took three shots in the second quarter, again missing a three. His two makes, however, both came off non-stop motion that finished with a cut to the basket and converting a tough layup, with the second coming on Boozer. Those are the types of plays that translate to Golden State for Leons, and bring happiness to his NBA coach.
“I love Malevy’s cutting and his crashing,” Warriors summer league coach Khalid Robinson said after the loss. “Last game, I think he had like five or six offensive rebounds. That is who he has to be in this league: An elite crasher and cutter, and then if he has an open shot, take it and make it.”
The number of offensive rebounds that Leons engulfed the previous game was six, to be precise.
That game was supposed to be all about Lendeborg facing another former Michigan teammate in Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara, who was taken one pick after him in the draft. And it mostly was in ugly game where the Warriors won by 25 points. Lendeborg scored a game-high 14 points, and Mara had 10.
They combined for the same amount of rebounds as Leons (11). He didn’t stop moving, and his nose for the ball sniffed out rebounds every which way. Leons grabbed five rebounds on the defensive glass and six on offense, which was one fewer than the Thunder had as a team.
“It’s very contagious,” LJ Cryer of Leons’ rebounding after the win. “Offensive rebounds in the game are backbreakers, especially in a game where we didn’t really have it going for a little while. When the game is slow and ugly like that, it can kind of break the other team’s spirit. He’s big for us.”
Leons’ six offensive rebounds led to an extra six points for the Warriors against the Thunder, and a much bigger number of extra chances.
Tenacity is a word Leons has to live by on the court. The possession battle is top of the pyramid in basketball, making Leons’ play style important for a variety of reasons.
“It’s really important, because crashing is a big role in the NBA right now, and if you can do that consistently with a lot of energy it helps you when you’re trying to get a spot in the league,” Robinson said.
The Warriors signed Leons from the Thunder’s G League system in December. He had played six NBA games previously and played 25 for the Warriors while spending 19 in Santa Cruz. The Warriors would love for Leons to at least be a threat to make wide-open 3-pointers after going 4 of 16 last season (25 percent) and 5 of 19 (26.3 percent) over the summer, but that would be getting greedy for what Golden State is going to ask of him.
Leons can be a Minutes Eater. For the Warriors, that can be called a Star Saver. Or maybe even a Volunteer for Vets. Call it what you want, the description is the same: Provide energy and activity whenever you’re on the floor, be reliable when the vets need a rest and be trusted upon over an 82-game season to have those games saved equal meaningful basketball at the end of the season.
At 27 years old before the regular season begins, and at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and a never-ending battery, Leons fits the bill of what the Warriors need from the end of the bench on certain nights. His role doesn’t have to expand past its purpose, he just has to execute it.
PLAYA VISTA, CA — Los Angeles will remain the place to be for NBA players during the summer moving forward.
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) unveiled a 24/7 Performance Center for the league’s players that will be made available during the season and offseason.
The NBPA stated that nearly 200 players spend part of their offseason in the area and the hub will help some of them come together during the practice and prepare for the upcoming season.
PLYRS UNTD, the commercial and fan-facing brand of the NBPA, will also attempt to coordinate runs twice a week during the offseason.
The player’s association has similar facilities like the one located at its New York headquarters and The Sanctuary, which serves as an offseason performance retreat for NBA players in Spain.
The new hub is the latest facility in one of the league’s biggest markets but is the only one strictly made available for NBA players.
Players such as Chet Holmgren, Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving and NBPA president Fred VanVleet all provided feedback that helped bring the renovated space together.
“I’m excited to be a part of shaping the PLYRS UNTD Performance Center to meet the unique demands of the brotherhood,” said Holmgren, a forward/center for the Oklahoma City Thunder. “As professional athletes, there is so much work and preparation that goes on behind the scenes to perform at our best. Our new LA facility is equipped with the wellness, recovery, and training resources we need in the offseason and beyond.”
Holmgren has already made multiple visits to the facility and seen the benefits.
“It’s literally an NBA practice facility,” Holmgren said. “It has all the bells and whistles that pretty much any other NBA practice facility has. When I walk in here, I don't see anything in here that we don't have at OKC.”
Holmgren emphasized how he had to go to several different places across Los Angeles previously to get all that he needed to get done prior to the NBPA putting the new space together.
Michael Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba also were seen in the facility going through their offseason process. NBA players have even brought in some of their famous friends, including actor Timothée Chalamet and rapper 2 Chainz for workouts.
NBPA Los Angeles facility features
The center features two full-sized basketball courts built to official league specifications, along with a fully equipped athletic training room for treatment and rehabilitation. The facility also includes a weight room, recovery amenities and turf space for both indoor and outdoor training.
“The one thing that I added was a turf space and they added an indoor outdoor turf space to be able to do some more kind of dynamic workouts that aren't quite weightlifting,” Holmgren said. “There's that, and then, just small equipment things to make sure we have this recovery tool and make sure we have this in the weight room.”
While family takes priority for many NBA players during the offseason, the facility offers a family room and a conference room for family members to be while their loved one continues their training.
Can NBPA facility be used during NBA season?
The training facility also provides a space for visiting NBA teams during the season to practice when they are in town for multiple days to take on the Los Angeles Lakers and L.A Clippers.
“Similar to our New York facility during the season, we have two teams in New York, so any teams that come through, they come through for practices,” said David Kelly, the NBPA Executive Director and PLYRS UNTD CEO. “Guys can get shots up, have the same thing experience. Obviously, out here, you got two teams inside of the market, so you got a lot of ability for this to be used year round.
There was a lot of talk about Achilles tears in the NBA a year ago after a season that saw a spike to seven of them, a few of them high-profile moments during the playoffs (most famously the Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, but also Boston's Jayson Tatum and Portland's Damian Lillard). There was a lot of speculation around what might have caused that spike (there were none the season before and just one last season, Donte DiVincenzo).
A study released last month in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine, conducted by doctors with the University of California, San Francisco, concluded that there was a correlation between a spike in workloads for veteran players 10-15 days before they tore their Achilles (hat tip Mike Vorkunov at The Athletic). From the study:
"Significant workload spikes were found in the 10 to 15 games preceding Achilles ruptures for NBA players. Veteran players carried heavier cumulative workloads, whereas younger players ruptured tendons under lighter use."
It's interesting, not definitive, but interesting. While this is small-sample-size theater, it kind of tracks logically: Older players are more prone to injury after an increase in usage.
The NBA pushed back on this. Here is a statement given to NBC Sports from Dr. John DiFiori, the NBA's Director of Sports Medicine:
"Over the past year, we have worked to better understand Achilles tendon injuries through a tendon health working group and additional research. While we welcome continued learnings, we believe the recent paper on this topic has important methodological limitations. Our own extensive review of league data to date, conducted with independent epidemiologists and consultants, spanned the 2012-13 season to the present and found no relationship between Achilles tendon injuries and minutes played before injury. We remain committed to advancing research that informs player health, performance, and injury prevention."
This kind of echoes something NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said a year ago, after the season with the spike (again, hat tip to Vorkunov at The Athletic).
"When we look back at the last 10 years, the majority of the Achilles injuries have happened before the All-Star break. So, it's not clear it's the number of games. And as you know, modern NBA players, even when they're not playing games sometimes in the summer they're working harder than they are during the season when they're playing three games a week."
The human mind seeks out simple, clear connections, even amongst what can be a complex web of reasons for something. This is a complex situation. There is no easy answer to how to reduce the number of Achilles injuries in the NBA and to avoid future spikes during the most visible time of the season. Any added information is good, not definitive.
But the NBA pushing back on this study, which had gained a little interest online but was not as hot a topic as where DeMar DeRozan might sign, felt like an overreaction.
Feb 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives past Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Once the Sixers officially sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they’ll have 14 players under standard contracts. Since they’re hard-capped at the first apron, they don’t have adequate money to sign a player to the veteran minimum. They could look to sign players on prorated contracts starting in December and using 10-days in January.
All this to say, this is likely the Sixers’ roster for opening night (though they do still have one more two-way spot they can fill).
Also, to get ahead of all of this — no, Jrue Holiday is not getting bought out from the $70M~ he’s owed over the next two seasons. And I strongly doubt the Sixers would waive Jabari Walker, a Klutch client, to bring back Ben Simmons, who hasn’t played basketball in a year.
Mike Gansey will certainly keep his eyes and ears open for any trade possibilities, but chances are, these are your 2026-27 Sixers (to start the season, at least). So, hit me with your questions below about where players fit, rotation thoughts or anything else on your mind!
