Basketball News
The Washington Wizards play the Utah Jazz in the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas at 9 p.m. ET tonight. Watch it on ESPN or Monumenal Sports Network. Kevin has the preview (yes, he previews games too!) here.
Go Wizards.
The Sixers won their opening game of the 2026 Summer League campaign in Las Vegas by a score of 101-93 over the Detroit Pistons. More importantly, a few young players really shined for Philadelphia in the seasonal debut.
This was the first of four scheduled Summer League contests for the Sixers, with a fifth yet to be scheduled (determined by standings). It was our first glimpse at a post-college Labaron Philon, selected No. 22 overall in the recent NBA Draft. And the recent draftee got right to work, sinking the first bucket of the evening for the Sixers on a step-back triple. He showed off impressive handles and a silky smooth shot on more than one occasion in this one.
Some other names that you may not be familiar with (I wasn’t) but looked damn good in this one were Isaac Johnson with 20 points off the bench as well as Dante Maddox Jr., who led the Sixers with 21 points on 7-for-13 field goal and 4-for-6 three-point shooting.
Johni Broome filled the stat sheet with 19 points and 13 rebounds (eight offensive) as well as two assists, one steal and two blocks. Though, admittedly, I have some reservations about how many of those numbers would truly transfer to NBA-level play in his current form.
Labaron Philon: 18 PTS (6-for-19 FG, 4-for-10 3PT), 3 REB, 7 AST, 1 STL
Dante Maddox Jr.: 21 PTS (7-for-13 FG, 4-for-6 3PT), 3 REB, 1 STL
Isaac Johnson: 20 PTS (6-for-10 FG, 4-for-6 3PT), 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 BLK
Johni Broome: 19 PTS (9-for-18 FG, 1-for-5 3PT), 13 REB (8 OFF), 2 AST, 1 STL, 2 BLK
The Los Angeles Lakers have settled in for the upcoming NBA Summer League series in Las Vegas.
The Lakers have set up a new custom-designed practice court in a ballroom and were seen by reporters practicing on it Thursday, July 9.
The Lakers’ practice setup at a resort ballroom in Vegas. The team is testing out a new court design for the summer session. pic.twitter.com/DUcrjiYDZo
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) July 9, 2026
The Lakers had played on a custom court during the NBA Cup, but it was met with some negative feedback from players. Lakers star Luka Doncic in particular had an issue with the court, slipping on it during the team's 135-118 victory over the L.A. Clippers on Nov. 25, 2025.
"It's just slippery. It's dangerous," Doncic said. "I slipped. I slipped a lot, and you could see many players slip. And that's dangerous."
The NBA provided an alternate court for each team in the league as a promotional tool for this past season's tournament games.
The Lakers’ alternate court was not used in the 129-119 home victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 29. That court was returned to the creator for repairs.
It remains to be seen if the practice court is similar to, or an upgrade of, the one used during the NBA Cup.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Check out Lakers' awesome practice court setup in Las Vegas ballroom
Like much of the NBA world, Charles Barkley was shocked by the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers for Paul George and four draft picks last week.
The NBA legend and “Inside the NBA” analyst made an appearance on “Unfiltered with Ricky Bo and Bill Colarulo” this week and shared his first reaction to the blockbuster trade.
“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.’”
Barkley continued: “[The 76ers] were dead in the water, to be honest with you. Because Paul’s contract and Joel’s inability to stay healthy, they were going to be out the running for the next three or four or five years. And now, all of a sudden, they’re a legit contender.”
With Brown in the mix, Philadelphia has a strong core for the future, with budding stars Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe alongside one of the best centers in the league, when healthy, in Joel Embiid.
“I mean, [Brown] and Maxey and Edgecombe and whatever they get out of Joel, they’re going to be a really good team. [Nick] Nurse is a hell of a coach, and Jaylen’s a hell of a player,” Barkley noted.
“The Sixers just became a contender in the East. You go from being irrelevant to being a serious contender in the Eastern Conference for the next three years. It’s pretty good for Philadelphia right now,” Barkley said.
Last season, the Sixers finished seventh in the East with a record of 45-37. They were swept by the eventual champion Knicks in the conference semifinals.
Welcome back to basketball, folks!
While Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings fans got the California Classic, and a bunch of different teams got the Salt Lake City Summer League, the Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their season — Summer League or otherwise — with a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, who have not won a Summer League game since 2023.
That did not change today.
Before I drag on about the players that performed well, let’s immediately get to the things that most of you are likely here to read about. Of course, I’m talking about the pair of sophomore bigs, the international duo of Rocco Zikarsky and Joan Beringer.
Despite less than impressive finishing to start out the game (with the exception of a soaring lob finish off an inbound), during which he missed four hook shots, Joan Beringer was impressive as a rebounder and shot blocker. It makes a ton of sense that the Wolves have been so high on him internally.
Possibly most encouraging was the weight and muscle Joan has clearly put on, and the improvements to his handle that enabled him to attack and dominate Pelicans big Hunter Dickinson.
I’m sure people will be talking about this play for the next few days.
Much of the conversation surrounding the Frenchman will be about how soon he can be a contributing piece to a team that got decidedly younger this offseason while still aiming for title hopes (however unrealistic that is).
Still, his partnership with Rudy Gobert should certainly leave him with a guide that the mentorship system in 2K would drool over.
We also got some confirmation from head coach Chris Finch that the Wolves will use Beringer at the four beyond just this summer in defensively focused lineups. Finch highlighted Joan’s ability to switch onto guards as a swing factor in that regard.
Zikarsky was, unfortunately, not as exciting. While the towering Aussie was not awful, he also seems to lack the required movement abilities that an NBA player needs, but that will not be decided in Summer League. He got off to a very slow start, missing his first four shots, but bounced back to have moments as an under-the-rim finisher.
For those of us (myself included) who were excited to watch Rocco as a passer and shooter, he disappointed there with four turnovers, two assists, and 1/3 shooting from deep.
With those two big pillars covered, the rest of this recap falls at the feet of the guy who may have been the Wolves’ best player this afternoon: Zyon Pullin.
The starting point guard had a near triple-double with 24 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. The 6’4 product out of Florida did it with no threes, instead constantly slashing to the rim, and finishing with some impressive layups and floaters.
Pullin lit up the G-League last year and is a likely candidate for one of the Wolves’ two-way spots. While there may only be one left alongside Enrique Freeman and Zikarsky, I’d be shocked to see anyone but Pullin in that role.
There should be some credit given to Nate Santos and Donovan Williams as well, who both had the definition of “great in their role” performances, with Santos in particular flashing as a full-court player and finisher.
That leaves just the recent 2nd round pick, Trey Kaufman-Renn, who did little with sparing playing time, participating largely just as a rebounder.
For any fans excited to see the early of the two second-rounders the Wolves took during the draft, Duke wing Isaiah Evans, he is still in NBA purgatory while Minnesota waits on Charlotte and Brooklyn to finalize the details of the Lamelo Ball – Naz Reid – Julius Randle trade.
The Wolves will be back in action on Saturday against a Nuggets team that should be less strapped for cash than their NBA equivalent. Who knows? Maybe we’ll add another funny chapter to that rivalry in the halls of the Pavilion in Vegas.
Brooklyn made history in the 2025 NBA Draft by securing five first-round picks, the most ever selected by a single team in one round. After one full season and a look at the California Classic, we asked the simple question: Who out of the “Flatbush Five” has the most to prove?
The results are in, and the responses paint a clear picture of how fans view the current trajectories of these five prospects. While Egor Dëmin has solidified himself as the undisputed star and leader of the group, expectations vary wildly for the rest of the pack. The good news? The “top” pick from this survey is only 20. Patience…
Here is the full results:
When we first asked, roughly 18 Nets fans commented their thoughts. Here’s a quick look:
Thanks to everybody who voted and/or participated.
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The Golden State Warriors’ Plan B may already have a name.
As the franchise waits to see whether LeBron James becomes a realistic option, DeMar DeRozan has emerged as a veteran fallback worth watching. According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Golden State is expected to have internal conversations about pursuing DeRozan after his release from the Sacramento Kings.
“DeRozan’s kind of a 1B plan right now for some of these teams that are looking at LeBron James,” Siegel said on “Clutch Scoops.” “The Golden State Warriors are a team that is going to have internal conversations about pursuing DeMar DeRozan.”
That matters because the Warriors are still trying to maximize the final years of Stephen Curry’s career. LeBron remains the dream scenario, a late-career partnership between two players who defined an era from opposite sides of the NBA Finals.
But if that pursuit falls short, Golden State cannot afford to leave Curry waiting without reinforcements.
DeRozan would not bring the same kind of star power or playmaking as James. He is not a perfect modern spacing fit, either. But he would bring something the Warriors could use: reliable half-court scoring.
Even at 36, DeRozan remains a proven bucket-getter. He averaged 18.4 points per game last season in Sacramento and has long been one of the league’s most dependable mid-range scorers.
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For a Warriors team that has too often leaned on Curry to create offense from scratch, DeRozan could give Golden State another late-clock option and a veteran who can calm possessions when the system stalls.
His market could also make him attractive. DeRozan is not expected to command a massive deal, which means contenders may view him as a bargain veteran addition.
That could matter for the Warriors, especially if they preserve financial flexibility while waiting on James.
Siegel also mentioned Miami and Cleveland as possible landing spots. The Heat have long been linked to DeRozan, while the Cavaliers could view him as a fallback if they miss on James.
Other reporting has similarly framed DeRozan’s decision as connected to LeBron’s timeline, with several teams potentially waiting to see where the league’s biggest free agent lands first.
For Golden State, the logic is simple.
LeBron would be the swing.
DeRozan could be the pivot.
And with Curry turning 38, the Warriors need something more than waiting.
The Celtics have waived guard Dalano Banton, the team announced on Thursday evening.
We have waived Dalano Banton.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 9, 2026
Banton played in 6 games between the Celtics and Clippers last season, averaging 2.0 points and 1.8 assists per game. He played 36 minutes in the Celtics regular season finale and had 2 points, 7 assists, 6 turnovers while going 0/3 from the field.
Banton’s best stretch of his career came at the end of the 2023-24 season when he averaged 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Portland Trail Blazers.
This move puts the Celtics under the luxury tax and puts the Celtics at 14 players. Boston is allowed to remain at 14 players until the start of the playoffs.
Boston signed Banton to a 10-day contract in February and signed him on the 2nd to last day of the regular season to fill the roster to 15 players.
The Celtics exercised Banton’s team option on June 29th.
STATELINE, Nev. — Steph Curry is looking to lure LeBron James to the Warriors with both basketball and golf — saying the potential pairing would mark a one-of-a-kind moment in sports history.
The Golden State superstar shed light on his recruiting pitch to James while playing in the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe on Thursday, revealing that hoops and fairways have been a part of his conversations with the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
“The pitch is if you want to play good basketball, be around people that know how to play the game, hopefully raise our floor and our competitiveness this year,” Curry said, before adding, “there’s good golf in the Bay.”
“We’re an organization that’s been there. And he knows that,” Curry continued. “It’s self-explanatory. It’s just a matter of where he sees himself fitting. And at the end of the day, that’s up to him.”
Curry made it clear he’d love to play alongside the 22-time All-Star, saying it “would be such a unique story in NBA history — sports history.”
After announcing his split from the Lakers on June 30, James has been linked to a number of teams, including the Warriors.
It’s unclear where exactly Golden State ranks on James’ short list of preferred destinations, and Curry acknowledged he’s been given no indication that the four-time NBA champ plans to play alongside him in 2026.
It’s “a little premature right now to talk about,” Curry said.
Another place Curry would love to see James is on the greens near Lake Tahoe this weekend, as he told The California Post he’d “absolutely” enjoy playing 18 with the former Laker at the tournament.
“If he can get a jet out here for tomorrow,” Curry said, “that’d be awesome.”
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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raptors fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question shines a spotlight on former Raptor legend DeMar DeRozan. The 36-year-old is nearing the end of his career, and as polarizing as he may be to many Raptors fans, there’s a case to be made that he’s one of the best available options left in free agency.
Last season, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points (lowest-mark since 2012-13), 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steal while shooting 49.7 per cent from the field and 32.0 per cent from three. While DeRozan doesn’t fit the defensive identity that carried the Raptors against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs, the veteran would immediately one of the best scorers on the roster.
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with more Reacts.
LeBron James’ free agency has officially moved from the rumor mill to the back nine.
As the NBA waits for James to decide where he will play next season, the four-time MVP was spotted golfing with Draymond Green in Puerto Rico, instantly adding fuel to the Golden State Warriors speculation that has followed him since he left the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month.
The sighting was shared by ESPN Cleveland, which posted that “someone” had spotted James and Green on the course. It is not clear whether the two were discussing basketball, free agency or just trying to keep their drives out of the rough.
But with James, every offseason sighting now feels like a clue.
Someone has spotted LeBron and Draymond golfing in Puerto Rico
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 9, 2026pic.twitter.com/wdMJHXX7Lk
Green and James built part of their legacies by barking at each other through four straight Finals matchups. Now they’re sharing tee times, which makes the recruiting picture a lot more interesting: is Green selling the Warriors, is James selling Green on his next stop, or are two old rivals simply enjoying a few swings while the rest of the sporting world loses its mind?
The idea of James joining Green and Stephen Curry in the Bay Area has gone from impossible fathom to one of the most fascinating possibilities of the summer.
Green’s own free agency has only made the picture more interesting. He declined his $27.7 million player option, a move widely viewed as a way to give the Warriors more flexibility to pursue James.
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But Kevin O’Connor recently raised another possibility: what if Green is not just helping Golden State recruit James, but keeping himself available to follow James somewhere else?
It is speculation, but not outrageous. Green’s defensive IQ, passing and playoff experience would fit almost any contender chasing James, whether that is Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia or Golden State.
Then there is the funniest subplot of all: golf has somehow become central to LeBron’s free agency.
Shams Charania reported that James has been spending time with family and friends, including plenty of golf, while operating without a firm timetable. Curry, speaking at a golf event of his own, even joked that the Bay Area has “good golf” while making Golden State’s pitch around basketball intelligence, competitiveness and the chance to play with people who know the game.
Rich Paul has also framed James’ decision around “complete happiness,” not just money. Paul even joked that market size is not the deciding factor as long as there is access to indoor and outdoor golf.
At this point, that line feels less like a throwaway joke and more like a real campaign plank, especially in light of how the James camp has demanded the league communicate with him at this point.
The Warriors can offer Curry, Green, championship experience and, apparently, a respectable golf scene. Cleveland offers the storybook ending and familiar roots. Miami offers history and a loaded roster. Philadelphia offers another star-heavy path to a ring.
James has earned the right to take his time.
But when he is golfing with Green while the Warriors rumors swirl, the NBA ecosystem is going to notice.
The free agency race may not be decided on a golf course.
It just keeps looking more and more like one.
Zaire Wade, the 24-year-old son of NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, has been charged with a felony following his arrest last month in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident in Burbank.
According to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in Los Angeles, Wade faces one felony domestic violence-related charge stemming from a June 21 altercation involving someone with whom he was in a dating relationship.
Police responded to a home around 5:30 a.m. after a 911 caller reported hearing a woman screaming.
When officers arrived, they found Wade and a woman with lacerations to her face and body.
A spokesperson for the Burbank PD told The California Post on June 26 that Zaire was “booked for domestic violence, criminal threats and false imprisonment.”
Paramedics evaluated the woman at the scene, but she was not taken to a hospital.
Authorities also seized a handgun from the home following the arrest and issued an emergency protective order, NBC reported.
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Wade posted a $50,000 bond and was released later that day.
He is the oldest child of Dwyane Wade, the first-ballot Basketball Hall of Famer whose decorated NBA career included three NBA championships, 13 All-Star selections, the 2010 All-Star Game MVP award, eight All-NBA honors, and the league scoring title in 2009, who has not issued any public comment regarding his son’s arrest.
Years before his arrest, Zaire and Bronny James played together during the 2019–2020 high school basketball season at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth.
The Cleveland Cavaliers tip off Summer League action in Las Vegas on Friday evening. They’ll take on the Indiana Pacers in the first of five guaranteed games.
Summer League debuts are always interesting. It’s the first official look at professional basketball for newly drafted players, but it’s also pretty far removed from the NBA game.
The level of competition can be hit-and-miss from a talent and continuity perspective. Everyone is hoping to show that they belong in the league, but many are more realistically trying to prove that they can be helpful to another professional team — whether that’s a different NBA team, a G League team, or an overseas team.
This all creates a unique and interesting environment — and one that isn’t exactly the best for forming too strong opinions. However, that probably won’t stop any of us from doing so anyways.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers
Where: Cox Pavilion – Las Vegas, NV
When: Fri., July 9 at 4 PM
TV: ESPN 2
Point spread: Cavs – 2.5
Cavs notable players: Nae’Qwan Tomlin, Meleek Thomas, Ernest Udeh Jr., Riley Minix, Tristan Enaruna, Malaki Branham
Pacers notable players: Braden Smith, Taelon Peter, Kowacie Reeves Jr., Jalen Slawson, Gabe McGlothan
This will be our first chance to see newly drafted guard Meleek Thomas wear the wine and gold.
Thomas played more off-ball in college, but the Cavs believe he has some capabilities on ball as well. Koby Altman mentioned in his post-draft media availability that we’re going to see Thomas play the point in Summer League. We’ll see how he looks in that role.
The other Cavalier to keep an eye on is Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
Tomlin is the lone player on the summer roster with legitimate NBA experience. He showed that he could be helpful with his rebounding, cutting, and overall energy in 64 appearances last season. The three-ball is what held him back.
Last season, Tomlin went just 23.5% from three and connected on just 24% of his corner triples (0th percentile). That is a problem considering how the Cavs want to use him.
Tomlin can be so dynamic crashing from the corner. That, however, is neutralized if teams dare him to take that shot. One of the top priorities this offseason will be improving that shot. We’ll see if he’s more confident taking and making those looks in Summer League.
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The Summer League Dallas Mavericks kick off their time in Las Vegas by playing the Golden State Warriors. It’s the game before the “big” game (Washington Wizards vs Utah Jazz), but still features quite a cast of players from June’s NBA Draft. The game’s selling point to casual fans is the Michigan match up between number nine overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. and Yaxel Lendeborg, who as selected eleventh. All four Dallas Mavericks draft picks from June should suit up Thursday evening. The game will be on ESPN Here’s the main things you need to know:
Since no one’s played yet for the Mavericks, there aren’t any injyuries to report heading into the game. The Warriors did play in the California Classic, but as of this writing, there aren’t any injuries to be aware of.
Since I won’t admit to being hyperaware of any of the Dallas picks prior to June, the main draw of Johnson vs Lendeborg is a good place to start with this one. The former Michigan frontcourt teammates should spend at least some time guarding one another and I’m pretty excited to see if Johnson can stymie Yaxel’s mature offensive game. Past that, I’m curious to see how Sergio De Larrea looks against NBA-adjacent size and speed. Though the selection of Tobi Lawal didn’t enthuse me, I hope his athleticism translates at this level. I hope Vsevolod Ishchenko gets playing time, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make an appearance. John Poulakidas and Ryan Nembhard should look good in this environment, but you never know how things will pan out with different teammates.
One note: don’t get overly worried about how anyone shoots at Summer League. Part of my early Jalen Brunson disdain was watching him miss everything literally (he shot 23% from the field).
Either way, have fun. I’m going to try to!
It’s time for some basketball!
Summer League 2026 is upon us, and the Philadelphia 76ers begin their seasonal run on Thursday evening with a 5:30 p.m. ET game against the Detroit Pistons. The game will be broadcast on NBC Philadelphia Sports+ as well as Prime Video.
While far from real deal NBA basketball, this is the first opportunity Sixers fans have to see a post-college Labaron Philon Jr. at work. The No. 22 overall pick out of Alabama is the biggest name on the Sixers’ Summer League roster, with the majority of the remaining roster being G Leaguers and unsigned players.
One other name to watch, for better or worse, is going to be Johni Broome. After being selected at the top of 2025’s second round, Broome barely saw NBA action as a rookie before missing time with an injury towards the end of the season. Summer League will be one of the first indications of whether Broome might have an NBA player in him or if he simply is not cut out for the big leagues.
The Sixers’ summer squad, led by coach T.J. Dileo, take the court for the first time Thursday evening.
When: July 9, 5:30 p.m. ET
Where: Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia+, Prime Video
Follow: @LibertyBallers