At long last, Penn State has announced that it will stage its annual "white out" spectacle Oct. 10 against USC.
NBC will broadcast the matchup at 7:30 p.m. from Beaver Stadium, where fans will be asked to dress in as much white clothing as possible and turn the venue's typically raucous home environment up a notch.
Fans have long had the game circled as the likely choice to be the next installment of one of the most visually striking traditions in the sport. The Trojans are the highest-ranked opponent on the Nittany Lions' home slate at No. 14 in the LBM Coaches Poll, so it made sense the leverage the environment against them.
However, the TV networks waited until this week to confirm the game's network and - most importantly - the time. Fox gets the first pick of Big Ten games weekly for its "Big Noon Saturday" package. Penn State has historically bristled at the notion of staging the white out in the early afternoon, preferring the contrast of the dark night sky with the sea of white for what's become its principal marketing event as a school.
Had Fox chosen the game, Penn State was leaving the option open to pivot the white out to a different opponent. Now, however, it appears they won't have to use that contingency plan and will instead get its biggest home game in primetime as desired.
This will mark the first white out game for the renovated west side of the stadium, which will debut alongside new coach Matt Campbell on Sept. 5 for the season opener against Marshall. Penn State has not yet announced the stadium's new capacity, but athletic director Pat Kraft has said in interviews that it could surpass 108,000 or 109,000 to become the largest stadium in college football.
If that happens, the USC game could set a new attendance record for the building and flirt with some of the largest on-campus crowds ever on a national level.
The Lions beat the Trojans, 33-30, in their most recent matchup two years ago in Los Angeles. Ryan Barker's 36-yard field goal in overtime completed a comeback from a 20-6 halftime deficit.
Also Monday, Penn State announced it will stage its annual homecoming weekend Sept. 26 against Wisconsin.
Steph Curry is the greatest shooter in NBA history, holding the record for most 3-pointers ever made at over 4,200. And this fall, Curry fans can watch the Warriors star’s journey to the record on the big screen with a documentary coming to IMAX in October.
The film, which will focus on Curry becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in threes while also exploring the hard work and skillset that goes into his shooting, was directed by sports documentarian Gotham Chopra and produced by Religion of Sports. Curry changed the game of basketball with how he shoots, and now fans can really see what goes behind his greatness.
Curry was selected by the Warriors No. 7 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, and despite injury issues early in his career, particularly with his ankles, he evolved into the face of the Warriors’ franchise. The focal point of all four of Golden State’s championship teams, Curry is a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA selection and a two-time NBA MVP Award recipient, among several other accolades. A member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, Curry’s legacy as a legend is cemented.
Curry is 38 years old and nearing the end of his career, but playing at a high level still, he hopes that he can lead the Warriors on a deep playoff run this season and surprise the rest of the NBA. The Warriors enter the 2026-27 season with an older roster, but as long as Curry keeps doing his thing, they should be just fine.
For the second time in three years, Klay Thompson is on the move. But this time, Thompson is taking his talents to South Beach to join the Miami Heat on a two-year, $11.5 million contract. Thompson is the second big-name player the Heat have acquired this offseason, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thompson held his introductory press conference on Tuesday and shared why he chose to join Miami, emphasizing his desire to play for head coach Erik Spoelstra even with no prior relationship.
“Not really, but I know Coach Spo’s story,” Thompson told the media. “I know the respect he commands in the world of basketball is very high. We’re from the same city, so I’ve heard great things. He went to Jesuit just like my brother did and they got a lot of family friends who have known him for a long time. And nothing but great things have been said. I know him and Steve Kerr worked together for a couple of stints with Team USA and Steve had nothing but great things to say and so did my friends who have played for the Miami Heat.
“I know it’s a demanding atmosphere and it’s one that’s really competitive and that’s what attracted me to being here. That’s something that I think reflects my mindset to a tee, so that was an easy choice for me.”
Thompson was set to enter the final year of a three-year, $50 million contract that he signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024, but after agreeing to a buy-out, he agreed very early on to join Miami. Thompson left money on the table when he signed with the Heat, instead choosing a destination where he could compete for another NBA championship.
“The opportunity to play high-level basketball throughout the season and a chance to make a deep postseason run,” Thompson said. “Those things were so attractive to me. Obviously, you want to maximize your earning potential as an athlete, but I’ve tasted winning before and there’s really nothing like it. Even getting there and failing is better than not even having a shot at it. I’m not saying that’s gonna happen, I’m just saying the opportunity to win again at a very high level was attractive to me. Looking at the roster, it looked like a great fit as far as me being able to space the floor and attack from the perimeter and have great help defenders behind me.
“And especially at this stage in my career, I get to play a specific role and my voice will go a long way hopefully with this team and lead by example.”
Thompson, a four-time champion with the Warriors who spent the first 13 seasons of his career with the franchise, developed into one of the NBA’s best shooters and formed the Splash Brothers with Steph Curry. A five-time All-Star and a multi time All-Defensive team selection, Thompson’s career in Golden State was a legendary one. But after missing both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons with injuries, Thompson’s performance slowly declined and the Warriors chose not to re-sign him following 2023-24.
Thompson is 36 years old and in the twilight of his career, but the Bay Area legend is eager for one last ride with one of the NBA’s most historic franchises.
This deep in the summer, the NBA rumor mill slows way down, but it never stops. Here are some of the rumors and reports floating around the league.
Teams eye Kyrie Irving
Dallas has made it clear to any team that calls they intend to start the season with Kyrie Irving as its point guard. The Mavericks need playmaking and want to see how he and Cooper Flagg mesh.
However, Irving is not the long-term answer at the point in Dallas, which is why teams around the league think the Mavericks may change their mind about holding onto Irving once the season gets underway, Marc Stein of The Stein Line Substack.
"Rival teams, however, continue to wonder aloud about how firmly Dallas will stick to that stance once the season begins and the next in-season trade deadline on Feb. 11 gradually approaches."
There's a simple logic to this: Irving, 34, is 14 years older than Flagg. Trading Irving at the deadline will be challenging, he makes $39.5 million this season (with a player option for $42.4 million next season) and Dallas is going to want a young players or picks back in that deal. They want to land players more on Flagg's timeline.
He's one of several name players — Anthony Davis, Myles Turner, Michael Porter Jr. — who are not changing teams before the season, but that could change around the deadline.
Miami Heat moves
Stein also confirms what has been reported here and elsewhere: The Heat are likely to sign Nick Richards as a backup big man before training camp opens. He continues to work out in Miami and would be their 14th player under contract.
However, because Klay Thompson signed for less than many expected, including a $5.6 million salary this season, the Heat have the cap space to fill the 15th spot on the roster with a veteran minimum deal. Two former Heat players — guard Gabe Vincent and wing Keshad Johnson — are being considered, Stein reports. It's worth noting that Johnson still has eligibility to be signed to a two-way deal.
Other NBA news, notes
• If you like reading detailed finance stories about how top sports stars gain access to capital, check out this story at Bloomberg: LeBron James Borrowed $300 Million From Insurers Arranged by Guggenheim. The story is largely about how top athletes and artists use future earnings to structure deals that help them unlock immediate capital. In this case, LeBron formed a limited liability company that borrowed almost $300 million from two Midwestern life insurers advised by Guggenheim Partners in 2018, Bloomberg reports.
• While we're talking LeBron, he has partnered with the PGA Tour to bring a two-day event to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, next July 6 and 7. According to the press release, the "inaugural LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational at Firestone Country Club... [will be] a series of integrated initiatives that will combine professional golf with youth engagement and fundraising to create community impact."
"We didn't even consider the idea of returning to Europe this summer. So I don't even know — we didn't go looking for any offers. When this opportunity in Miami came along, I just accepted it."
• One name to watch once the season starts and the trade deadline approaches: Dejounte Murray. Teams will want to see how he looks coming off a torn Achilles, but if he looks good, expect the teams to call the Pelicans and kick the tires on a trade. Maybe Joe Dumars will actually make a trade at some point, anything is possible.
Their trip to Doncic’s home country — which featured working out, playing pick-up games, golfing and exploring Ljubljana — was evidently a fun time. So much so, that Jarred Vanderbilt is considering getting a Slovenian passport.
The Lakers visited several tourist spots in Ljubljana throughout their four-day minicamp in Slovenia. REUTERS
“The trip was great,” Vanderbilt said. “Not gonna lie, didn’t know much about [Slovenia] before I came here, but it’s definitely a spot I will revisit.
“I’m looking to get Slovenian passport. We’ll see. Might be part Slovenian.”
Jarred Vanderbilt:
“I'm looking to get a Slovenian passport. We'll see. Might be part Slovenian.”
The minicamp was an opportunity for the new-look Lakers to get a chance to build a rapport with one another, on and off the court. Chemistry is an important aspect of any championship team and the Lakers will have a different feel after LeBron James left for the 76ers in free agency.
The Lakers also added star center Walker Kessler, swing man Quentin Grimes and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The Lakers’ overseas trip came also as the franchise was sold by Mark Walter for $12.5 billion to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner.
Jarred Vanderbilt enjoyed his time visiting Slovenia during the Lakers’ minicamp. REUTERSJarred Vanderbilt has emerged as a trade candidate for the Lakers, but no deal has transpired. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The Lakers are looking for Doncic to lead the team to glory, a tall task for any player under the bright lights of Hollywood.
But the 27-year-old’s leadership is already on display with the four-day minicamp in Slovenia and it’ll have to continue at training camp next month.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: Joel Embiid #21, VJ Edgecombe #77 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles after the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We’ve finally, mercifully reached the quiet part of the NBA calendar, James Harden’s latest eye-popping contract notwithstanding. That triggered a fresh batch of power rankings and standings projections across the basketball internet in recent days.
On Monday, Law Murray of The Athletic put the Sixers fourth in his latest power rankings, trailing only the reigning champion New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. Right after LeBron James signed with the Sixers, he had them fifth, behind those three teams and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although I anticipate a slow start for the 76ers, like all LeBron James teams, I am already doing what I said I would not do last month: raising expectations for Philly. Why? If nothing else, because they have their team in place.
While James was the player the broadcast partners wanted, Brown was an All-NBA selection last season. It’s Brown replacing George in the salary bracket, and it’s Brown who must show he can defend at the level that helped him earn the 2024 NBA Finals MVP. James should be the kind of connector who makes Philadelphia’s offense easy for everyone else, especially Tyrese Maxey. More succinctly, James replaces Kelly Oubre Jr.
The bench ensures Philadelphia’s depth will be strong. Wade replaces Watford, Simons supplants Grimes, Caldwell-Pope is in for Terry and Philon is an upgrade for the recently retired Lowry. Philadelphia still has significant vulnerabilities, and many of them trace back to whether Joel Embiid is playing and how often he is available. Head coach Nick Nurse has some things to figure out. But the 76ers have more talent, and that’s after being good enough to win a playoff series last spring.
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell is similarly bullish on the Sixers’ prospects this year. He put them fifth in his latest power rankings, trailing the Thunder, Spurs, Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
I’m favoring the Timberwolves here because of their playoff upside. I don’t expect them to be the NBA’s fourth-best regular season team this season, but I like their ability to advance in the postseason more than some of the other contenders for that spot. I’m always been a bit LaMelo Ball guy, and he’s quietly turned into a borderline top-20 player when he’s healthy. Obviously LaMelo’s health is a big if, but you can same thing for Aaron Gordon in Denver and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. Ball is at least the youngest of that trio.
Notably, Ricky has the Cavaliers at 11th even after their acquisition of Peyton Watson. On a related note, Ricky knows ball.
You know who doesn’t know ball? ESPN, apparently. Their “NBA insiders” joined together to project the full Eastern Conference standings on Monday, and they had the Sixers finishing fourth in the East at 50-32. That’s just behind the Knicks (53-29), Detroit Pistons (53-29) and Cavaliers (51-31), although they’re notably ahead of the Boston Celtics (48-34), whose roster is “s–t,” according to none other than Jayson Tatum’s father. (Did that playoff series create a rift in the space-time continuum? That is the only logical explanation for what’s happened over the ensuing three months.)
ESPN noted “health and cohesion will be among Philly’s biggest concerns”—you think?—but added that “the 76ers have by far the biggest upside of any team in the East.”
All jokes aside, the Sixers’ placement in these latest power rankings and standings projections feel relatively fair. The youth of the Spurs and Thunder should propel them to a better regular-season record than the Sixers, who will need time to gel, especially early on. The Knicks are getting the defending-champion bump because apparently everyone memory-holed how up-and-down their regular season was before they touched God in the playoffs, but that’s beside the point.
The Sixers didn’t assemble this roster to win 60-plus regular-season games, though. They have their eyes on April, May and June. And as ESPN noted, if everything breaks right for the Sixers, no team in the East has more upside than them.
They just need to make it there in one piece first, preferably sans egos.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets after being asked to leave the game for arguing during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Reaves/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 Rockets fans and fans across the country.
Russell Westbrook recently retired. He spent a season as a Houston Rocket, where he averaged 27.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game on 47.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from deep. The Rockets finished 44-28 and lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the West Semis of the bubble playoffs. The Rockets then collapsed into a rebuild the following season. The Rockets have dealt with the fallout from that lopsided trade since then.
The Rockets initially sent Chris Paul, two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Thunder, then dealt him away the following season for John Wall.
What we want to know is, do you consider the Westbrook deal the worst in Rockets history? The numbers look good, but Russ was a terrible fit for Houston’s system because he couldn’t shoot.
Some other bad deals were Charles Barkley being sent to Houston from Phoenix for fan favorites Sam Cassell, Robery Horry, and Chucky Brown. The Rockets then lost all their depth and never made it back to the Finals.
Reigning MVP Moses Malone was sent from Houston to Philly for a first-round pick and center Caldwell Jones in 1982. Jones averaged 9 points per night the following season, while Malone won another MVP and led Philly to a title.
There was also the Ty Lawson deal in 2015 where the Rockets sent four bench players and first round pick to Denver, only to have Lawson wash out immediately.
There are others, but we want you to decide. Was Russ the worst or someone else?
Cast your vote, tell us in the comments, and we’ll be back soon with the results!
Lonzo Ball has played seven seasons in the NBA, but his career hasn’t panned out how the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft likely envisioned it.
“I think he had a huge influence on it, bro,” Ball said of Lavar’s involvement on the “Curious Mike” podcast with Michael Porter Jr. “To be honest… I think he damn near made it to where they had to pick me. Really, to a point, I really do feel like that.”
The Lakers passed on drafting Jayson Tatum, who went No. 3 to the Boston Celtics that year. Fans have not forgotten the Lakers missing out on Tatum, but the team eventually used Ball along with Brandon Ingram as key assets in the trade that brought Anthony Davis to LA.
Ball’s two seasons with the Lakers were tainted by Lavar’s antics, including public criticism of then-head coach Luke Walton.
The guard — older brother to LiAngelo and recently traded All-Star point guard LaMelo — was also forced to wear basketball shoes from Lavar’s Big Baller Brand’s, which Lonzo felt were not ready to be used for competitive play.
Lonzo Ball regrets how much control his father, Lavar, had of his early NBA career. Getty Images
“It wasn’t a basketball shoe, bro. It wasn’t ready to be used. So I tried to play in it, but they would rip and pop out like every quarter,” Ball said on Porter’s podcast.
“DMo [Darren Moore, Ball’s manager] had backup shoes in his backpack that he would give me right over the bench if they would blow out. I’m like, ‘I can’t play like this, bro.’ And right when I changed my shoes, I started playing great again.
“I didn’t like the shoes. I addressed it. I didn’t like the shoes. But then we would get into an argument and it would be like, damn, if you don’t wear the shoes, then you going against the family type s–t.”
Ball suggested the shoes might have played a role in his early knee injuries, which have been irreversible setbacks throughout his NBA career.
Lavar Ball prioritized growing the family’s Big Baller Brand over his son’s success in the NBA. Getty Images
“I literally was just hooping and following my pops, listening to my pops…I was just doing what I was told really,” Ball said. “I guess that would be my one regret, like taking control of my career earlier.
“The way I was raised was like a blessing and a curse.”
John Fanta is bringing his colorful commentary and immutable energy to multiple NBC Sports properties. Fanta will continue to cover live games as a play-by-play announcer, reporter and studio analyst while adding his own show under the NBC Sports umbrella. See below for more information on how to watch/live stream John Fanta's content.
John Fanta’s new weekly show Fanta in 60 on NBC and Peacock
Fanta in 60 is a 60-minute Monday show hosted by Fanta and NBC Sports betting analyst Jay Croucher. The two will cover a combination of sports and pop culture conversations, speak with guests, and take viewer voicemails.
The show will cover multiple sports, betting, and fantasy analysis. Guests will include talent from across the NBC Sports and entertainment roster, current and former athletes and coaches.
What sports does John Fanta call for NBC and Peacock?
Fanta handles play-by-play for men's and women's college basketball games on NBC and Peacock, calling matchups in the Big Ten, Big East and Big 12. He also served as both a play-by-play announcer and reporter for NBC Sports' NBA coverage.
In addition, Fanta is part of the college football studio team covering the Big Ten and Notre Dame. He has also worked MLB games for NBC Sports as both an announcer and a reporter.
Golden State was looking for some scoring punch with their final roster spot.
They found it in Brandon Williams, who has agreed to join the Warriors on a one-year, $2.6 million minimum contract, Williams' agents Derek Lafayette and Curtis Lawrence told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Williams looked good in an increased role in Dallas last season, where Kyrie Irving was out for the season recovering from a torn ACL, and his short-term replacement, D'Angelo Russell, did not mesh with then-head coach Jason Kidd.
Williams, who plays with the kind of up-tempo pace the Warriors need, averaged 13 points and 3.9 assists per game last season. He's never been a reliable 3-point shooter, 23.2% last season in Dallas, but he's a quality bench guard.
This is a quality addition for the Warriors at the minimum late in the summer. Stephen Curry will start at the point and get the bulk of the minutes, with Williams splitting time with De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II at the one.
This puts the Warriors at 14 guaranteed contracts heading into training camp, and they are expected to keep that 15th slot open in the short term.
Williams averaged a career-high 13 points, 3.9 assists and 22.2 minutes across 66 games for the Dallas Mavericks last season. He shot 47.2% from the field and 23.2% from 3-point range.
Free agent guard Brandon Williams signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images
The Warriors needed perimeter bench scoring as well as speed. Williams fits the bill.
Throughout his four-year NBA career, Williams has averaged 10.7 points in 19.3 minutes across 140 games (34 starts).
He began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers after going undrafted in 2021. The 26-year-old signed a two-way deal with the Mavericks in December 2023. Williams has gotten most of his exposure to the NBA with Dallas after the deal was converted to a standard NBA contract in April 2025.
Brandon Williams averaged a career-high 13 points last season with the Mavericks. NBAE via Getty ImagesBrandon Williams provides depth and speed to the Warriors roster. NBAE via Getty Images
The Warriors will be without starting guard Moses Moody for the beginning of the 2026-27 season after he suffered a torn left patellar tendon last March.
There were reports earlier this month the Warriors were interested in adding Williams to their roster in an effort to add depth following an injury-plagued season last year.
Golden State has done just that as it rounds out the rest of the roster ahead of training camp in September.
It’s a busy Tuesday for the Warriors, who have added another player in NBA free agency.
Veteran forward Georges Niang and Golden State have agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract, his agents Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Free agent forward Georges Niang has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, Mark Bartelstein and Andy Shiffman of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. Niang — a career 40% 3-point shooter — enters his 11th NBA season after missing 2025-26 due to injury. pic.twitter.com/XFD2t1XKNm
After a quiet offseason in which they added no new players to the roster, Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy changed that with the additions of Niang and guard Brandon Williams earlier in the day.
Niang, who fills the Warriors’ final roster spot, has 32 starts across his nine-year NBA career, which began after a record-breaking tenure with Iowa State.
Georges Niang completes the Warriors' 15- man roster @NBCSWarriors
Curry Melton Lendeborg Green Porzingis Williams Podziemski Richard Santos Horford Payton II Bassey Niang *Jimmy Butler *Moses Moody
A career 40-percent shooter from 3-point range, Niang last played for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2024-25 NBA season before he was traded to the Utah Jazz and then the Memphis Grizzlies before missing the entire 2025-26 campaign with a foot injury.
First up: Just how dramatic of an impact will LeBron James make?
To start with the basics: James has remained highly productive into his 40s.
He earned his 22nd consecutive All-Star selection last season, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds. His stats were similar in the playoffs, James closed out the Lakers’ first-round series win over the Rockets by posting 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in Game 6. He is unequivocally still a star player.
Exactly how much will James be on the floor?
He logged 60 games last season and his 33.2 minutes per contest were a career low, although that figure increased to 38.4 per game in the playoffs. James has averaged 59.9 games since the 2017-18 campaign, when he played all 82 in his final season as a Cavalier.
It’s typically difficult to be precise with predictions about availability, but 60 regular-season games would be about par for James. By no means is that a small number, but James presumably won’t be an every-game workhorse.
In terms of his career, James has accumulated more experience than anyone in NBA history. Before he suits up as a Sixer, James has secured the records for games played in both the regular season (1,622) and playoffs (302).
The Sixers appreciate James’ decades of superstar play and four NBA championships as part of the package. Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are former title winners, too.
“We’ve got three guys who have won championships,” Sixers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey said on Aug. 6 after Brown’s introductory press conference. “It’s crazy, we have two Finals MVP and then two regular-season MVPs, too. Having that is invaluable.
“Watching LeBron every day … he’s an everyday guy. There’s obviously going to be a lot of highs and lows throughout the season, but having those three in our locker room — and even (head coach Nick Nurse). People forget Nick won a championship with Toronto, so he’s been through all the wars, he’s been through the big games. Just having that presence and that everyday leadership is going to be valuable for everybody.”
James and Gansey were both Ohio high school basketball standouts the last time the Sixers advanced past the second round of the playoffs, which was 2001. The bottom line of breaking through into deep playoff basketball would certainly count as dramatic change for a franchise accustomed to postseason disappointment.
Opponents tempted to double team Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid should have less luck with James’ passing and problem-solving excellence. Maxey, a combo guard at heart, should play much more off the ball. James should help the Sixers create the mismatches that Brown loves to attack. VJ Edgecombe should have major defensive responsibilities and continued encouragement to grow offensively, all with the ultimate wise veteran in his corner.
The games aren’t played on paper and the Sixers could run into all sorts of troubles throughout the season, but Gansey has built a formidable roster and James is an enormous piece.
However the season unfolds, there will be an intense spotlight on the Sixers and immense interest in the team. If you’re shopping for a James Sixers jersey these days, the line may very well wrap around the corner. He’ll be playing in one soon enough.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 21, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Ahhh, the 2020–21 season. I remember it well. After years as a punchline, the Knicks unexpectedly became competitive under first-year, veteran coach Tom Thibodeau and breakout star Julius Randle. They finished with a winning record, earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, and returned to the postseason.
Randle’s stellar season (24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, six assists, All-Star, second-team All-NBA, Most Improved Player) helped the team go from the butt of jokes to something more competent. He was high-usage, physical, available, and visibly invested in the work ethic Thibs demanded. Randle defined the season on April 21, 2021 when—after scoring 40 points and grabbing 11 boards to beat the Hawks in overtime—he famously told the MSG crowd, “We here.”
We loved it, this weird, slippery feeling he brought back to us called hope. The Knicks lost to the Hawks in the first round, but we were undeterred. For the first time in a long time, the hope felt real.
Randle was taken seventh in the 2014 draft by the Lakers. Take a look at how young and unrefined he was back in 2019, at his first media day as a Knickerbocker. He would come a long way in a short time under the bright lights of NYC.
On August 25, 2021, Randle signed a four-year extension worth a reported $117 million with incentives and a player option in the final year. It was the most the Knicks could offer under CBA rules, but a sight less than Randle might have earned by reaching unrestricted free agency in 2022. Had he maintained something close to his All-NBA production, projections put his next deal near five years and $200 million. (I’d love to know how he explained that to Mrs. Randle.)
Randle justified leaving tens of millions on the table by saying he believed the decision would give the Knicks greater flexibility to build a contender. After earlier career stops with the Lakers and Pelicans, where he had not always been happy, Jules wanted to lock into a situation he believed in. The big fella received security, continuity, and a chance to help shape the franchise. And the fanbase received an encouraging sign that sophomore team president Leon Rose was committed to building around what the Knicks already had rather than waiting for a free-agent savior.
The immediate results were a tad worrying, however. Randle regressed in 2021–22, and the Knicks missed the playoffs. The frustration peaked on January 6, 2022, against Boston at Madison Square Garden. After the Knicks fell behind by 25 and heard boos from the crowd, Randle responded to a fourth-quarter bucket with a thumbs-down gesture. Asked afterward what it meant, he replied, “Shut the f*** up.” He later apologized on Instagram, and the NBA fined him $25,000 for the language.
There are many reasons that season went off the rails, including the gamble on Kemba Walker’s knees and the mixed results from Evan Fournier. Randle’s prominence on the team, his mood swings, and his drop in production made him the most obvious target for fans who, less than a year earlier, had such high hopes. There’s that word hope again, the slippery bastard.
Nevertheless, the organization did not regress into perpetual reconstruction. Thibodeau’s culture of toughness and accountability took root around Randle and holdovers such as RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks had begun to resemble a credible basketball operation again, and that mattered in 2022, when they cleared cap space and signed Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal.
Brunson quickly became the primary creator and eventual face of the franchise (and captain!). Randle adapted to playing alongside him, producing additional All-Star and All-NBA seasons. Success followed.
The Knicks became regular playoff participants while improving the roster through savvy front-office moves. Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and eventually Mikal Bridges joined the group. Then, in October 2024, Randle’s part of the story ended. New York sent him, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a first-round pick to Minnesota in the three-team trade for Karl-Anthony Towns.
The front office publicly thanked Randle for helping establish the foundation and culture, and the trade showed how far the franchise had advanced. New York could exchange one accomplished All-NBA player for another whose skill set better suited the roster around Brunson. Towns brought size, shooting, and secondary creation to a starting five reinforced by Anunoby, Bridges, and Hart.
That group eventually reached the mountaintop Randle never could as a Knick. Thibodeau was replaced by Mike Brown, who coached the 2025–26 squad to 53 wins, an NBA Cup championship, and the franchise’s first NBA title in five decades. Brunson became Finals MVP, while Towns delivered consistently on the biggest stage.
Five years after the extension, the anniversary is bittersweet. Randle never won the big prize in New York, but our appreciation for his contribution has grown in retrospect. He joined a dysfunctional franchise, restored respectability and expectations, embodied its culture of hard work, and ultimately became a valuable enough asset to help acquire the third-best center in the league (according to The Athletic . . . any guesses whom they put ahead of KAT?).
On the timeline from the crappy years to the championship, Randle’s 2021 extension stands as a pivotal moment. The line extends from there through Brunson’s arrival, the Towns trade, and the hanging of the banner (coming soon!). Randle is back in New York these days, about to start a season with the Brooklyn Nets. If you see him around the city, give him a nod and show some respect. The championship we are celebrating now might not have happened without him.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 25: Brandon Williams #10 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on December 25, 2025 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are adding depth to their backcourt, agreeing to a one-year, $2.6 million contract with free agent guard Brandon Williams.
Free agent guard Brandon Williams has agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal to sign with the Golden State Warriors, agents Derek Lafayette and Curtis Lawrence tell ESPN. Williams averaged 13 points, 3.9 assists and 22.2 minutes per night across 66 games for Dallas last season. pic.twitter.com/VcDytjCDKe
Williams, who played for the Dallas Mavericks last season, provided solid rotational production across 66 appearances. During his campaign with Dallas, he averaged 13 points, 3.9 assists, and 22.2 minutes per game, proving to be a reliable spark off the bench.
By bringing in Williams on a manageable one-year deal, Golden State gains an efficient scorer and playmaker capable of stabilizing their second-unit guard rotation. For Williams, the move offers an opportunity to showcase his dynamic playmaking in the Warriors’ motion-heavy system as he looks to build on a breakout year in Dallas.
