Four-time NBA Champion and 21-time All-NBA selection LeBron James undoubtedly is the biggest name left on the market, and is taking his time to figure out where he might finish his career.
While James’ move surely will have major implications for the league in several ways, current Warriors free agent Draymond Green recently said on the “Draymond Green Show” that people don’t understand just how much things change with James moving around.
“People don’t understand the weight that LeBron James carries,” Green said. “Still, after 24 years, I still think people don’t understand the force, the weight that this guy carries. From an overall standpoint, the economics that he brings to a team, the economic impact that he may have on a city.
“Also, the basketball, any time LeBron James is on the floor, A your team has a chance to win. But B, you have to account for him in a major way.”
There is no timeline on when James will make his decision on his future, but Golden State was among the 10 teams that his agent, Rich Paul, mentioned as contenders for his services.
If the Warriors were able to land James, they would be able to pair him with Steph Curry and form a duo of two of the best players in NBA history. The acquisition might also give Golden State one final chance at pushing for a title.
UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 24: Dink Pate #1 of the Westchester Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Long Island Nets on March 24, 2026 at The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Evan Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2024-25 season was one of the most successful in franchise history for the Westchester Knicks. They won a franchise-record 22 regular-season games, captured a second straight NBA G League Winter Showcase title (the first team ever to repeat), and advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals. The season reinforced Westchester’s reputation as one of the league’s best developmental programs . . . before a step back in 2025-26.
This past season, Westchester stumbled out of the gate, going a painful 1-13 in the G League Tip-Off Tournament. The slow start kept the Knicks out of the Winter Showcase championship bracket, but the early portion of the schedule still gave young players and two-way prospects valuable game reps.
The club finished 14-22 and 13th in the Eastern Conference, ranking near the bottom of the G League in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Westchester averaged 112.9 points per game but allowed 119, resulting in the league’s worst defensive rating and underscoring the organization’s biggest area for improvement heading into 2026-27. The defensive slip was a surprise, considering who their coach is.
Head coach DeSagana Diop has helmed the team since 2022. A former defensive-minded center drafted eighth overall in 2001, he spent 12 seasons in the NBA before beginning his coaching career with the Texas Legends, then serving as an assistant with the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets. He also coaches the Senegal national team.
During his time in White Plains, Diop has emphasized defense, player development, and a strong organizational culture, helping prepare prospects for opportunities with the Knicks. Widely regarded as one of the organization’s rising coaching talents, the big fella has earned recognition for his developmental work and his player-first approach. Given the success he’s had with the club so far, we’re guessing that the stinker last season was just a blip. The W-Knicks will rise again!
Dink Pate, a 20-year-old guard who stands 6’8”, emerged as one of Westchester’s biggest developmental success stories. The young Texan averaged 16 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while making significant strides as a shooter. After entering the season with questions about his perimeter game, Pate knocked down 37% of his three-pointers, earned a spot in the NBA G League Next Up Game, and flashed the versatile two-way potential that once made him one of the nation’s top recruits.
He’s also a front-runner for the best name in the G League. Sometimes I’ll be walking around the house and it just pops into my head: Dink Pate. It sounds like a tiny serving of ground liver. But, I digress. Barring injury, the MSG Knicks are too deep at guard for Pate to get any room, so try to catch this kid in White Plains as often as you can.
Linebacker-sized Trey Jemison III gave Westchester a steady interior presence, averaging eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, and 1.4 blocks across 21 games. The two-way center anchored the paint with his rebounding and rim protection when not waiting in the wings as a break-in-case-of-emergency center for the big league club.
Given that the MSG Knicks are short-handed after losing Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, Jemison has the opportunity to prove he is ready for a bigger role on Mike Brown’s team. If so, that doesn’t mean that you won’t see him in Westchester—Huk played seven games there last season, diving his time between White Plains and Manhattan. Also, TJ3 has a reputation for being a gentle giant, so don’t be shy about asking for his autograph.
Forward Nick Jourdain (6’9”, 220 lbs) quietly emerged as a dependable rotation forward, averaging 7.8 points and 5.2 rebounds while appearing in 32 games. The 25-year-old undrafted rookie brought energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility, giving Westchester another intriguing developmental prospect to monitor.
Check out this half hour long documentary on him, produced by the G League. This is so good, it deserves a second post sometime.
If his age surprises you, note that Jourdain played five years of college ball, with three at Temple and two at Memphis. If his offensive skills (which are not great) catches up with his defense (which is), Jourdain could generate more interest from NBA clubs.
Bryson Warren (G, 6’3”, 175 lbs) emerged as one of Westchester’s breakout performers, averaging 19.8 points and five assists while displaying the shot-making and playmaking. He’s an intriguing prospect who made the most of his G League opportunities and positioned himself as a player worth watching.
Familiar face Pacome Dadiet (15 GMS, 23 PPG) flashed the offensive upside that made him a draft target, Dillon Jones (18 GMS, 15 PPG) showcased his all-around game as a playmaking forward on a two-way contract, and veteran Isaiah Roby (32 GMS, 12.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG) provided steady frontcourt production while earning the NBA G League Community Assist Award for his leadership on and off the court.
Tyler Kolek played just four games with the team, but left a mark. He delivered probably the best performances in franchise history, erupting for a career-high 42 points and 11 assists while knocking down nine three-pointers in a 141-131 win over the Greensboro Swarm. He capped the remarkable day by joining the Knicks that evening and scoring 11 points off the bench, giving him 53 points across two games in a single day.
This should be an important step-forward year for Kolek at MSG, but even so, expect him to get a few reps at White Plains to stay sharp. Whenever you hear that Kolek has been assigned to the Westchester Knicks, buy a ticket.
Stay tuned for a 2026-27 season preview.
Go W-Knicks!
P.S. I wasn’t going to include this because it might stir some feelings for you, but here’s Huk balling out with the Dubs last season:
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: Larry the cat at Number 10 Downing Street on June 21, 2026 in London, England. The prime minister is facing calls to announce a timeline for his departure from office ahead of an expected leadership challenge by Andy Burnham, who is re-entering parliament after his victory in the Makerfield by-election. (Photo by Ben Montgomery/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I’m late to yesterday, so happy 5th of July to those reading me from the United States. Better late than never, ask the Knicks fanbase. On to some links and notes.
Andre Drummond gave his first public comments since joining the Knicks, and he seems to understand he’s joining “something bigger than me.” Speaking with Mika Ortiz, the Big Penguin said he brings “a similar talent, similar energy,” to New York as Mitch did.
The Knicks had an early interest in three-time champ Kevon Looney before landing on Drummond. That’s ancient news, as now we are dealing with reports pointing toward a possible trade for Hornets 24-year-old Moussa Diabate and his $2.5 million expiring deal, per Jake Fischer and Marc Stein.
On the veteran front, Jonas Valanciunas is another name that still won’t fully go away and keeps gaining traction. I have a full post on it coming out later today, but for now, I can tell you that Denver has made him available in trade discussions, with a deadline for waiving him scheduled for Wednesday.
The New York Post’s Zach Braziller discussed three potential Summer League storylines, including a potential trade involving Pacome Dadiet, who seems to have lost his place on this team. If you’ve read me here or the comments section, you already know I’m all in for freeing that cap space by dumping him somewhere, even if it takes a bunch of picks to sweeten the deal. A tease:
“The clock could be ticking on the 6-foot-9 Dadiet. Diawara appears to have passed him. In two years, Dadiet has played in only 47 games as a Knick. Over the next few weeks he has a chance to impress. The better he performs, the better for the Knicks. Dadiet could be a trade chip, with the team looking to avoid the second apron, and with roughly $6.5 million to spare.”
Staying SL, there is some conflicting stuff going on involving rookie Jack Kayil. The German was left off the Knicks roster, but now it looks like his agent is saying he’ll be there in Las Vegas.
Patrick Ewing is leaving his Knicks ambassador role and returning to coaching with the Wizards. More from us on it here. Big Pat coached MJ back in his first stint there, and who knows if he will have the chance to load-manage LBJ there next!
Rich Paul told Forbes that James is not expected to make his free agency decision “anytime soon,” which still means it could happen any day.
It took them a few days, but plugged-in folks out there finally realized they had to include Bronny in the LBJ sweepstakes, somehow, some way. And now, here we are with Cleveland supposedly leaving roster spots open not for James, not even for James Harden, but for Bronny. Savannah must be pissed.
For some reason, I don’t remember including this James Dolan interview with Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post in any of my post-championship Bulletin posts. I found chunks elsewhere, I think, but not the full feature back then. Weird. Still worth the read, even if the subject isn’t the most appreciated people around these places. Dolan discussed the Thibs firing, son Quentin’s magic hands, and a bunch of other stuff. Quote sample:
“The thing is, is to learn. Right? That might be the thing I feel best about is, I felt, I feel, that now after 25 freaking years of doing this, I might actually have learned something.”
Braden Smith shouted out Brunson when discussing undersized guards succeeding in the NBA in a Q&A with Hoopshype. He believes a little dude renaissance is slowly but surely coming to the league, even though the free-agent market has gone wild the other way, with one particular team doing stupid things to land one.
Our friends from MeridianSports reported on Saturday that UCLA has offered Serbian prospect Nikola Kusturica (currently at FC Barcelona) a $12 million NIL deal for two seasons. He’s 17 years old. AJ Dybantsa is 19 and will earn around $15 per year the next two seasons in the NBA. Sheesh…
Ever since the Lamelo Ball trade (which remains yet to be completed), Timberwolves fans have been focused on one question:
Will LeBron James be coming to Minnesota?
The answer is obviously yes, as he will inevitably play either for or against the Wolves at some point in the coming season, his record-setting 24th (how?) season. Whether LeBron is on the way or not, the Wolves have a massive hole at power forward.
James on a minimum deal would undoubtedly be the best solution to that problem (and arguably the most valuable contract the league has ever seen). Let’s go through the other options, inspired by the tweet by Wolves Wire.
Power Forwards that are attainable (money-wise) via trade, assuming that Josh Green, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Julian Phillips are the only players on the table: pic.twitter.com/LetVSDQkii
Before we hop into that, let’s start with the on-roster options.
It seems like the Wolves plan on playing Jaden McDaniels at the four, despite the fact that the majority of his career has been at the three. This would leave an open spot on the wing, instead of in the front court, which can be filled by trade throw-in Josh Green or an unexpected leap from one of TJ Shannon or (the more likely option in my opinion) Jaylen Clark.
The depth behind this stack would still be abysmal, with Ayo Dosumnu and Joan Beringer, the assumed sixth and seventh men off the bench, being either too small or too big to fill in at that other forward position.
If we discard the idea of playing Jaden out of his most common position, then the options become far crazier and weirder.
Some have been comparing TJ Shannon’s athletic profile to former Ball teammate (and forever hatewatch member) Miles Bridges, although Shannon was last listed 20 lbs below Bridges and does not have the same burly body type that has allowed the undersized swingman to feast off of Lamelo’s creation abilities.
There was also a report that prompted the question of whether Beringer could play alongside Gobert. I would pretty decidedly say no, and that any question that returns a team with two of the best off the dribble volume three point shooters to a world in which that is their *only* option must be rejected wholeheartedly.
That leaves just yesterday’s signee, Trey Lyles, which… You know what, man, never say never.
That leaves us with the three categories of the aforementioned tweet. Julian Phillips’ option was declined, which means the only options are rerouting Green or attaching Shannon to Green’s 14.6 million dollar deal to reach a slightly larger 17.4 million, with an enticing, admittedly older prospect on the hook.
Three of those remaining options have been moved already, with Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale both headed to Charlotte and Santi Aldama in Dallas. With that glut of forwards on the Mavericks, maybe they are the most logical partner if a deal ends up getting done.
However, that leaves just Naji Marshall as the odd man out. Lucky enough for the Wolves, he probably provides the best skill set for what Minnesota needs. The 28-year-old experienced a bit of a breakout for an understaffed, overasked Mavericks team. He acted as a secondary creator off the bench, shot a high percentage from the field, and scored a career high 15.2 points per game in an expanded role.
Nov 17, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) dribbles the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
He may only be 6’6, the same height as Anthony Edwards or TJ Shannon, but he has the strength and build to hold up as a full-time four. His ability as a perimeter stopper would also push Jaden McDaniels to a more natural defensive role as a help-side shot blocker.
While many fans have also been excited about the idea of trading for the Dallas Mavericks’ other forward, PJ Washington, that option seems impossible without a surprise Rudy Gobert trade. While it may make sense to move Gobert into two serviceable pieces, the defensive support system that Rudy provides is likely more valuable than ever with Lamelo in tow.
Additionally, any two-for-one move would take the Wolves out of the LeBron sweepstakes, as they only have one open roster slot right now.
Of the forward options listed in the original post, neither Nikola Jović nor Obi Toppin seem worth moving Shannon for. However, there are other younger second draft options that could be available to the Wolves.
Maybe former sixth overall pick Jarace Walker can turn his career around and become the player many anticipated he would be coming out of Houston: a fluid, connective piece, a playmaking forward with a defensive and rebounding focus.
Or maybe that could come in the form of Taylor Hendricks, the oft-injured ninth overall pick that the Utah Jazz dumped to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, now on an expiring deal.
Is there any universe in which the Wolves can find their way into the Herb Jones conversation, using TJ Shannon, who has one of the two rumored first-round picks? Unlikely, but the fit is near ideal.
Ultimately, in the words of the iconic Jonny K, this is not a problem that needs to be solved now, or even before the season starts. The Wolves have a hole, but so do many championship teams. Jose Alvarado was vital for the New York Knicks’ championship run this year. He was acquired for two seconds and a bad contract.
Minnesota needs to make moves, but there is no agency to make them.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: New Orleans assistant coach Joe Boylan before the New Orleans Pelicans versus Los Angeles Lakers game on February 27, 2019, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Icon Sportswire) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Another hire for Dusty May's first NBA coaching staff: Joe Boylan.
After stints with five other NBA teams, including Memphis, Boylan was initially expected to reunite with Taylor Jenkins on his new Milwaukee staff. But l’m told Boylan is now Dallas-bound along with Willie Green. https://t.co/KPdMGnEddB
Boylan’s resume is somewhat sparse compared to someone like Green, with a start in 2013-2014 as an assistant coach involved in player development with the Golden State Warriors. His next coaching stint came in the same role for the New Orleans Pelicans beginning in 2018 and lasting two seasons before another brief hiatus. He joined the Minnesota Timberwolves staff as an assistant from 2022-2024 and then landed with the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2024-2025 season, also as an assistant.
The slightly spotty coaching history lends an air of mystery to Boylan and what he brings to the staff, but a deeper look shows those gaps were filled with roles in the G League. It should also be noted that his various stints have paired him with generally accomplished coaches Mark Jackson, Alvin Gentry, Chris Finch and Taylor Jenkins, the latter of whom is at the helm in Milwaukee. Despite familiarity with Jenkins, it seems Boylan is choosing Dallas, despite reports to the contrary. Multiple sites, including our friends at Brew Hoops previously reported that Boylan was reuniting with Jenkins, but that no longer appears to be the case.
Getting back to what he brings to the staff, Boylan is known as a player development guru and founder of Cognition Coach. This is a cerebral person that is skilled at getting the best out of players by way of teaching player how to self-organize and pivot around game situations to problem-solve their way through a variety of scenarios. In short, it simulates game like scenarios and is more spontaneous and chaotic than rote drills that typically take place in a vacuum against token (or outright absent) defenses. Boylan has been quoted as saying:
“I became known as the ‘games coach.’ I was the guy you went to when you wanted a situation with defense and decisions. By that time in my career, I had adopted the CLA [constraints-led approach] as the underpinning of all of my practice design. Jaden McDaniels went from shooting 66 percent at the rim in his rookie year, doing the Mikan Drill, to 68 percent in Year 2, to 72 percent in his third season, to an elite 74 percent by Year 4. We exposed him to situations similar to the game, over and over again. No matter what situation arises, the player knows how to solve it. Maybe it’s a spin move in one scenario but a scoop in another. Maybe changing speed or direction works one time, maybe changing hands the next.”
Assistant coaching hires are rarely the exciting news of the offseason, but Boylan and his particular style are certainly intriguing. With a two core rookies in Cooper Flagg and Morez Johnson, Jr., along with newcomers Sergio de Larrea, Tobi Lawal and others, Boylan could prove to be a major boon to a young developing team.
I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boozer played 24 minutes, and scored 15 points, pulled down 4 rebounds, and also passed out 4 assists.
It was a successful debut in general, obviously, but stats don’t tell the whole story.
As we saw at Duke, one of Boozer’s best talents is that he makes his teammates better. You could probably cobble together a way to measure that from analytics, but eyeballing the game?
You know it when you see it.
What no one really thought about though is that in the NBA, Boozer has a bigger canvas to work with.
In the NBA, the lane is 16 feet, as opposed to 12 in college, and the three-point line is about 1 foot and 7 1/4 inches further back.
Both of these factors are going to work in Boozer’s favor, as it will spread the court. For that matter, so will the 24 second clock.
We got a hint Saturday when Boozer worked the court for passes, tip-ins, and threes. It’s nothing new to Duke fans, as we said, but the way the NBA court is laid out is going to really work to his advantage.
It’s going to be really interesting to see how things work out for him going forward. One thing that’s possible soon is that Memphis may decide they’ve seen enough and shut him down early like Dallas did last July with Cooper Flagg, pulling him from Summer League play after just two games.
LeBron James once sported a throwback Jim Brown jersey before a 2003 high school game that pitted St. Vincent-St. Mary against Walsh. | Phil Masturzo/Beacon Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This is a Cleveland Browns site, as the somewhat inside joke in the comments will remind us. If we are being honest, we are also a site full of sports fans who like a lot of different things. Whether that is the World Cup and Olympics every four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Guardians, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Crew, The Ohio State Buckeyes, or one of the many other colleges in the state, Ohio is full of sports.
With July 4th in the rearview mirror, it seems that James might indeed return to Northeast Ohio. According to reporting and a few sources I still have around the Cavs and LeBron (I covered the team for a while, including during the 2016 NBA championship), we could hear leaks that James will be signing with his home state team on a contract that could last two seasons (one year plus a player option).
As a Browns site, that means we have to ask the question about what reunion fans would want to see on Cleveland’s football team this year or next. There are a myriad of former Browns players around the league, but few have the type of cache to be worthy of being included here.
Looking at active players, not which former Cleveland great would you want to teleport onto this team from their prime, just three came to mind:
RB Nick Chubb
One of the best to do it, Chubb is a free agent after spending last season with the Houston Texans. Chubb had 122 carries last season for just over 500 yards and three touchdowns. Major injuries have significantly impacted Chubb’s explosiveness, as his yards per carry number fell from over five yards a carry in his first six seasons to 3.3 and 4.1 the last two.
Chubb could sign as Cleveland’s third-down back and provide Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson a veteran mentor in 2026, perhaps his final season. The veteran back could also wait to see if a contender has an injury that leads to a phone call.
QB Baker Mayfield
As noted in the piece linked above, Mayfield is set to hit free agency after the end of this season and has been unable to come to terms on an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Browns fans will probably argue about how good Mayfield actually is, something the Bucs might be doing internally as well, he’s clearly better than the quarterback play Cleveland saw last year and is expecting in 2026. Mayfield is somewhere between ‘better than terrible’ and Top 10 as a quarterback.
Should the Browns make a play to bring him back in ‘27 because he’s significantly better than what they have and more certain than anyone they can draft, or should they continue to shoot for a Top 10-level quarterback? Mayfield may not want to return, but Kevin Stefanski’s departure might help.
TE David Njoku
Focused on players that Cleveland fans have loved in the past (which excluded Odell Beckham Jr.), Njoku fills out the list. The former first-round pick signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason after saying goodbye to Browns fans and the city. Njoku’s production never lived up to his physical gifts or contract, but he gave a lot of effort and endeared himself to the fans during his time in Cleveland.
Turning 30 years old in early July, Njoku could have a number of seasons left in the league. While it may only be in a backup role, a return to help a young, growing team could make sense for the infection Chief.
Which, if any, of the three do you want to return? Which do you think is most realistic?
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 03: Tarris Reed Jr. #10 of the San Antonio Spurs dribbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Chase Center on July 03, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I finally got an opportunity to watch the Spurs first Summer League at the California Classic. It’s exciting to see the new guys come together. It was also interesting to learn the league is testing out a free throw rule that has been in place for the G-League.
The one free throw rule will be tested at the upcoming NBA summer leagues.
With this rule, any foul that would typically result in one, two or three free throws under standard NBA rules will instead result in a single free throw attempt. That attempt will be worth the same… pic.twitter.com/tFiOpJLnQW
The “One Free Throw” rule is substituted for any foul resulting in a shot whether it be an “and one,” or a two or three-point value. It’s all or nothing, you get all the available points or nothing at all. The caveat is that the standard free throw rules kick in at the two-minute mark of the fourth quarter and continue through any subsequent overtime.
The G-League has utilized this format since the 2019-2020 season and it has been said to improve game flow. The commentators for the Spurs/Heat Summer League game estimated a 5-6 minute subtracting in game length.
Personally, I don’t like it, but then I am always resistant to change. My big “I remember when” harkens back to when players had five fouls before having to sit out the remainder of the game. I accept and evolve, but still remind folks of how it used to be.
So like any adjustment to the game, I eventually come around. That said, I question the use of the rule for timing. Couldn’t the game be shortened by five or six minutes (or more) if they simply reversed the Coach’s Challenge? For me, that kills two birds with one stone. Lose the last big new change while simultaneously canceling the new one.
Another good point was brought up during the game — what is the hit to revenue? When players shoot free throws, they generally get a quick spot in for Frost Bank, Beldon Roofing, or Thomas J. Henry. Does the loss of those ad buys make a significant impact?
Also, how will this affect free throw averages? Do the makes/misses could as one shot of the amount of free throws the shot is worth?
I realize we’re only one game in. There’s still time to get used to it. And nothing official is happening in regular season NBA games.
What about you, Pounders, any initial thoughts on the free throw rule?
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NEW YORK, UNITED STATES: Famed basketball center Patrick Ewing, who spent 15 years with the New York Knicks, reaches out to great friends from the NBA along with Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (R) after announcing his retirement at a news conference in New York 17 September, 2002 . Ewing also announced that he will join the Washington Wizards as an assistant coach. AFP PHOTO Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Today is July 5. The fireworks are over. The barbecues are over. NBA Free Agency still exists. And the Washington Wizards made a lot of coaching news yesterday. And no, Brian Keefe wasn’t fired. The biggest news is that Patrick Ewing is going full circle. He’s back in DC, and back with the Wizards, the first team he was a coach on.
As you may be aware, there are some NBA Summer League games going on in the West Coast and Utah. But they are separate from the Vegas Summer League which everyone participates in. The Vegas League is later this week.
These smaller summer leagues in Utah and California began play last Friday and there are some games going on today. But the Wizards aren’t participating and never have historically. You can chat about those games below as well.
This is also going to be the last day of these discussion posts that are on free agency, but also trades and anything else on your mind.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: A Summer league logo is shown on center court during a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets during the 2021 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on August 8, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rockets defeated the Cavaliers 84-76. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Several former Kentucky Wildcats will be suiting up in the NBA Summer League.
More than a dozen former Wildcats will look to make a name for themselves on the summer league circuit in hopes of earning an NBA contract.
Looking at some former players who are grinding it out in the summer circuit, recently-drafted Otega Oweh is playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the summer league. Playing in the Salt Lake City league, Oweh had a nice sequence showing his two-way ability.
Otega Oweh putting his two-way impact on display 💯
The Thunder’s second round pick is showing off at the Salt Lake City Summer League! pic.twitter.com/zDBmKKSWUj
Former Kentucky Wildcat Jacob Toppin is also playing in the Salt Lake City league with the Atlanta Hawks.
In the California Classic, we’ve seen Brandon Boston Jr. playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Adou Thiero playing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston, in particular, had a strong showing for the Bucks, including this dunk.
The Las Vegas Summer League gets underway beginning on Thursday, July 9 and includes all 30 NBA teams.
Here’s a look at some other former Kentucky players we should expect to see in Vegas.
Amari Williams (Boston Celtics), Jaxson Robinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bryce Hopkins (Denver Nuggets), Ugonna Onyenso (Detroit Pistons), Keion Brooks (Indiana Pacers), Lance Ware (New York Knicks), TyTy Washington (Orlando Magic), Koby Brea and Devin Askew (Phoenix Suns), and Andrew Carr (Portland Trailblazers).
Jayden Quaintance, who was recently drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs, is technically on San Antonio’s summer league roster, but it has been announced that he will not be playing in the summer league due to the knee injury.
The Las Vegas Summer League games will be shown on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and Prime Video.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -JUNE 5: Former New York Knicks player Patrick Ewing appears curtsied before their game against the San Antonio Spurs of 2026 NBA Finals - Game Two at Frost Bank Center on June 5, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Patrick Ewing is leaving the New York Knicks once again… this time to return to the sideline with the Washington Wizards.
SNY’s Ian Begley first reported that Ewing was in talks with Washington to join Brian Keefe’s coaching staff. ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed that Ewing had agreed to become a Wizards assistant coach.
As Charania wrote in another of his never-not-entertaining stories, Washington values Ewing’s “presence and legendary stature,” as well as his “ability to communicate” with veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young and the AJ Dybantsa-led group of neophyte Wiz.
Georgetown and New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing has agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe, sources tell ESPN. Ewing has been in an Ambassador role with the Knicks and now returns on the coaching sidelines in D.C. pic.twitter.com/6Xdz6GrmY0
For Knicks fans, the move comes shortly after Ewing wrapped up his second season back with the franchise as an advisor and basketball ambassador. Ewing has been around the team during the past two years, including joining them both at home and on the road during their championship run and later at the Canyon of Heroes for the title parade, with the Knicks giving one of their GOATs what he always deserved.
When the Knicks announced his return in October 2024, Ewing made clear what the organization still meant to him.
“As I said the day my number 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick, and I will always be a New Yorker,” Ewing said then.
New York infamously drafted Ewing No. 1 overall in the 1985 NBA Draft after his Georgetown career, and three decades later, he remains the Knicks’ all-time leader in games played (1,039), points (23,665), rebounds (10,759), field goals made (9,260), steals (1,061), and blocks (2,758) in a full sweep of the classic statline.
Back to the actual news, the Wizards’ job will bring Ewing back to another familiar place for the Big Fella, as that’s where his NBA coaching career began. Washington hired Ewing shortly after he retired from the NBA in 2001, with Pat becoming an assistant for Michael Jordan of all people during the 2002-03 season before later working with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets.
Steve Clifford is also joining Washington as a coaching advisor, according to ESPN. Clifford coached alongside Ewing in Orlando from 2007-12, then hired him to his staff in Charlotte from 2013-17.
Ewing later returned to Georgetown as head coach from 2017-23, compiling a 75-109 record and leading the Hoyas to the 2021 NCAA Tournament after winning the Big East Tournament.
And now, after watching the Knicks finally win the goddam title, you bet Ewing has also earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants. Shout-out, Big Pat!
Programming note: Kings Draft Review with Deuce Mason debuts at 4 p.m. PT on Sunday on NBC Sports California.
When it comes to performance on the hardwood, Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. proved what he can do. But while he was making history during his freshman season at Arkansas, the 19-year-old also was taking notes on what was to come.
The No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft spoke with NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason and explained how he approaches watching NBA games.
“Just trying to watch certain stuff, watch practices, watch full games,” Acuff told Mason. “Rewind and stuff when I see something. I kind of watch it like that, like I’m studying.”
The one thing that stood out while Acuff was watching film? The speed of the game.
“I was just watching the speed of it for sure,” Acuff said. “Seeing the different schemes, offense and defense. Just trying to learn knowing I’m going to be there a year later.”
But the rookie says the speed of the league fits exactly how he wants to play and how he feels is the optimal style for winning.
“I think that’s the best way to play,” Acuff told Mason. “I think that’s how you score a lot of points. One of those moments can change the entire game. I love pushing the ball, especially when I get a rebound, I love getting out and going.”
The Kings can definitely use a boost to their offensive production; last season, Sacramento was 28th in scoring (111.0) and 20th in assists per game (25.5).
SACRAMENTO, CA ― The future looks bright for the Sacramento Kings.
Darius Acuff Jr. shined in his first summer league game at the California Classic, a 79-76 win against the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on July 4.
Acuff had a rough start to the game, going 1-for-8, but he continued to attack downhill. He finished the game going 9-for-29 and scored 25 points and four assists, including the game-winning assist to second-year guard Nique Clifford who knocked down a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left in the game.
"I wasn't nervous," Acuff told USA TODAY Sports. "I wouldn't lie, I'll tell you if I was nervous. But I actually wasn't. I thought I was gonna be nervous. I actually wasn't nervous, I was hyped to play. I got some great sleep. Woke up and a good breakfast. I thought the start I had wasn't going to happen but you know it happens to the best of us. Nah. I wasn't nervous. I was more excited to play with those guys, get on the court and play a game again, that was the best part, for sure."
Something is cooking in Sacramento. It's not just Acuff, it's the entire 2026 class including Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp.
With the No. 45 pick of the second round, the Kings picked Sharp, a 6-foot-3 guard out of Houston who was slept on. But not by Sacramento, who were searching for a two-way guard. They found him.
Sharp scored 11 points and recorded two steals and a block, as he helped to level the Kings who were down early in their summer league game against the Nets.
"I thought he was the guy who set the tone defensively," Kings summer league coach Chris Darnell said. "His ability to take a team out of their offense, just with his ability to guard the ball. He's in his gaps, he's tough, he's physical, he's smart. He does everything you want as a coach on that end of the floor. He just makes winning plays."
He added: "On the offensive end, we as a team didn't shoot the ball well today, but he's aggressive playing close outs and I love that about him. Whether if it's shot or drive, he's gonna make the read. There's no hesitation, there's no pause. So just that .5 basketball decision-making skill of his, I think is gonna make him a great player in this league when, if he's playing off-ball with Darius. Darius is going to command so much attention that he gets to play the close out game, he's going to be tough to guard in those situations."
From day one, Sharp has been committed to a winning culture.
"It starts with winning, that's the first goal," Sharp told USA TODAY Sports in a June 29 interview. "Just seeing, stepping into my role. Getting used to playing with these guys, playing true to my game and getting the chemistry started."
That's the attitude of all their rookies. The energy is different around them. They're embracing the rebuild. They know it starts with them.
"Winning is always number one for me," Karaban told USA TODAY Sports on June 29. "Just want to go out there and win the California Classic, win in Vegas, get the team chemistry going out there with the different players and just try to identify what I can do to help make an impact on this Kings team."
Put stock in them early. That's not an overreaction. Look at their recent draft moves. Obviously, there's the 2025 draft class that sparked the rebuild with Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
Both Clifford and Cardwell, who are in their second season in Sacramento, are on the roster for the California Classic summer league, getting in their reps, while learning tendencies of their new teammates.
Clifford, who hit the go-ahead 3-pointer, scored 16 points on 50% field goal shooting. Cardwell had eight points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while providing his usual, crowd-hyping antics.
"I didn't really have a choice," said a laughing, Clifford who told USA TODAY Sports why he's playing in the California Classic. "I didn't really have much say so."
On a more serious note, Clifford noted the importance to build his game and connect with new teammates.
"For me, I'm definitely taking advantage of it. It's good for me to get back on the court, playing with the new guys that I'm going to be playing with all season long and just start to build that chemistry, like I talked about. So, I'm using it to my advantage. For me, I love to play and compete. So it's helping me elevate my game and work on things that I can be better at going into the season. So it's exciting. I just love to compete."
Keep an eye out for the Kings and what's brewing in California's capital. The California Classic continues July 5 and 6 at Golden 1 Center for the Kings as they face the Golden State Warriors blue team and Milwaukee Bucks, respectively.
The Washington Wizards are hiring Knicks legend Patrick Ewing as an assistant on coach Brian Keefe's staff, according to multipe Saturday reports, following SNY's Ian Begley breaking report that Ewing was "in talks with the Wizards to join the club’s coaching staff."
ESPN's Shams Charania subsequently reported that Ewing "agreed to become an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards and head coach Brian Keefe."
Ewing, 63, has been an advisor and basketball ambassador with the Knicks for the past two seasons.
"As I said the day my number 33 jersey lifted into the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker," Ewing said in a statement when the Knicks announced his October 2024 return.
He has been out of coaching since his stint as Georgetown's coach from 2017-23, going 75-109 with an appearance in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Ewing's coaching career includes stints as an assistant with the Wizards (2002-03), Houston Rockets (2003–07), Orlando Magic (2007-12) and Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets (2013-17).
The Knicks selected Ewing from Georgetown as the 1985 NBA Draft's No. 1 overall pick. Ewing's playing career spanned 17 seasons with the Knicks (1985-00), Seattle SuperSonics (2000-01) and Orlando Magic (2001-02).
Among the 11-time NBA All-Star's accomplishments with the Knicks, Ewing is still the franchise's all-time leader in points (23,665), games played (1,039), rebounds (10,759), blocks (2,758), steals (1061) and minutes (37,586).
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket on Nique Clifford #00 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Game One of Summer League, a long way from preseason, then regular season but it’s also been a long time since Brooklyn Nets fans saw their team in action back in April and so the interest level was high on July 4th. There was some disappointments like the Nets lost , 76-76, to the Sacramento Kings, and Mikel Brown Jr., the team’s highest draft pick in 16 years, didn’t play … so the anticipated faceoff between him and Darius Acuff didn’t materialize.
…And according to Summer League coach, Dutch Gaitley, Brown won’t be playing in Game 2 either on Sunday afternoon vs. the Bucks. His NBA Summer League debut will have to wait till Monday night when the Nets meet up with the Golden State Warriors. As Jordi Fernandez
Still, there were positives among those who did play, led by second year rookie, Egor Demin who scored 23 points, grabbed seven boards and handed out one assist in 27 minutes. The big improvement in the 6’9.5” guard’s game was his willingness to touch the paint … and his desire to show leadership, as he told NetsDaily…
Egor Dëmin on his motivation today: "I don't want to say pressure,you know of being a leader,but I'm kind of embracing the role of a guy who spent the year in the NBA already.I want to take that role on myself coming here&lead the team,mentally,on the bench&on the court as well." pic.twitter.com/yCD6NJo2N7
Demin was part of the Nets big first quarter push which saw them amount a 21-1o lead while holding Acuff to 1-of-9 shooting in his Summer League debut. Then in the second quarter, they let the Kings reel off 18 straight, mostly with the second unit on the court, at Golden1 Center. Both Demin and Nets coach Dutch Gaitley lamented the drop-off…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the Nets: "We came out great,but then we had some lows,we battled back,took the lead, & I thought the effort was great.I think we can clean up some of the execution stuff.”
After tying the game at 37-37 at the game’s midway point, the two teams battled back and forth until the end with Acuff finally showing what got him taken at No. 7 in the June draft, his ability to simply take over a game…
In the end, it was Acuff who fed Nique Clifford for what turned out to be the dagger with five seconds left…
Acuff finished with 29 points along with four assists and a rebound. After his slow start shooting, Acuff ultimately finished 9-of-29, but hit only one 3-pointer in nine attempts. Gaitley told ND post-game that he wished his team could have done a “better job” on the Arkansas product…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the Nets’ defense:
"I wish we would have done a better job on Acuff, 25 points. I think we made them inefficient with 9 for 29, but you know he really got going there at the end, but I think defensively, we did a decent job." pic.twitter.com/osEsbIqWvq
Besides Brown Jr., the Nets were also without Danny Wolf, who was kept on the bench by a sore back. His status remains uncertain for the rest of the California Classic, Gaitley said.
Two other members of last year’s draft class — Drake Powell and Ben Saraf — started for Brooklyn and while Saraf had some moments as he finished with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting, none from beyond the arc. to go along with six boards. His defense on Acuff early in the game was a big positive, but Powell did not play well, missing all nine of his shots, including five threes. He did register six rebounds.
Nets returning two-way Chaney Johnson had 10 boards and 10 boards on the game and played a strong defensive game. Johnson, who turned 24 last week, started for Brooklyn.
Finally, the Nets second rounder in the 2026 Draft, 6’9” SF Tyler Bilodeau, had a solid game for his first pro encounter with nine points in 25 minutes. The UCLA product finished 4-of-6 overall, including 1-of-3 from deep while grabbing six boards. He too is Long Island bound, having agreed, like Johnson, to a two-way deal last week.
As noted, the Nets other first rounder, Joshua Jefferson out of Iowa State can’t play until Monday when the three-team trade that will bring his rights and Julius Randle to the Nets is finalized. Also, both Nolan Traore and Grant Nelson, rookies on last year’s team, won’t play in either.
Next Up
The Nets play the Bucks at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday in Game Two of the California Classic. The game will be carried on the same outlets as Game 1, including Prime, NBA TV and League Pass, ESPN+ and Gotham Sports.
Gaitley told ND he fully expects Brown Jr. to play vs. the Warriors Monday after sitting out the first two games of the back-to-back-to-back. Wolf is less certain, said the Brooklyn Nets assistant…
Nets Summer League Head Coach Dutch Gaitley on the reason not to play Mikel Brown Jr. and Danny Wolf:
"He is slated to be ready to play on Monday, that's going to be the goal and then Danny just has lower back soreness and we want to be smart." pic.twitter.com/hbKVXljqqW
After the weekend, the Nets will fly to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League which begins July 9. The Nets will play their first game the next day in Vegas vs. the New York Knicks entry, the first of a guaranteed five games.
