“Chat, if y’all know somebody or y’all got somebody for me, y’all let me know,” Brown said, per People. “If y’all got some people in y’all mind, put em in the comments.”
“Coco and Donovan, man, they touched me. It was great to see. It was an amazing event. Two beautiful people coming together, man.”
Brown, 29, was one of many NBA faces to attend the wedding of the Cavaliers star and Grammy-winning singer in Connecticut over the weekend.
Bam Adebayo, James Harden, Dwyane Wade, Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson were also guests — the latter of which Brown had a funny dance floor moment with at the reception.
Brunson stared down Brown, who was taking a video of the Knicks star and 2026 NBA Finals MVP, while swaying to the music on the dance floor with a sly smile on his face before calling to Hart.
The moment went viral on social media with fans saying 76ers-Knicks tension has already started this offseason.
Coco Jones and Donovan Mitchell at their wedding over the weekend. Instagram @gabunion
The former Celtic and five-time All-Star’s last known girlfriend was former-WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick.
The two confirmed their relationship in Aug. 2024 when Gondrezick posted a photo dump on Instagram that featured Brown and even a photo of a piece of cake with his face on it.
The couple was also seen out together at the Celtics NBA championship parade and ESPY Awards that same year.
Brown and Gondrezick reportedly split in early 2025.
Jaylen Brown and Kysre Gondrezick attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images
Last month, Philadelphia acquired Brown for Paul George and two first-round picks and two second-round picks.
Since joining the 76ers, LeBron James has claimed Philly as his new team after agreeing to a two-year, $8 million deal.
James and Brown, who is coming off his best season in the NBA with an average of 28.7 points per game, will link up with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and V.J. Edgecombe to try to push the 76ers towards a title.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Luka Dončić is taking charge of the Lakers this season, and that begins with him organizing the entire roster to attend a mini-camp in Slovenia.
Well, almost everyone.
While the trip has made it out of the group chat and will be happening this August, one notable player will be absent: rookie Cameron Carr. On Monday, Marc Stein reported in his newsletter, “The Stein Line,” that Carr will be missing the event due to his NBA-mandated rookie orientation.
The aforementioned Dončić has chartered a plane and is paying the full bill to fly and host every single Lakers teammate in his native Slovenia later this month. I’m told that 16 of the 17 players on the Lakers’ roster not named Dončić — from Austin Reaves to Walker Kessler to Bronny James to two-way signees Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke –have all committed to attend.
League sources say it would have been 17 of 17 if just drafted swingman Cameron Carr wasn’t required to participate in an official NBA rookie orientation that conflicts with what Dončić is calling a “team bonding trip.”
It’s a bummer that Carr will be the only Laker to miss this event. This is the first opportunity for the entire team to be together and begin bonding.
However, he’s also a rookie, and the NBA has this orientation in place for a reason. Rashad Grove wrote a piece for BET last year about the NBA’s Rookie Transition Program, which included the Executive Vice President of Operations of the National Basketball Players Association, Morgan Cato, explaining the importance of this orientation.
Following the Summer League, the rookies will gather for part two of the program in August to expand upon everything they’ve learned during Summer League. According to Cato, the RTP is an alignment with the Player’s Association’s mission, which is “to protect and advance the rights of our players. They are the game.”
“In late August, all of the players will go a bit deeper into everything from media training and engagement to financial literacy to officiating,” Cato said. “It’s more of an intense exposure where they get to work on team building and communication,” Cato said. “By the time they’re ready for training camp, they know exactly what to expect.”
As good as it’d be for Carr to be in Slovenia with the Lakers, he can’t miss this event. Perhaps he can still remain in touch with his peers and talk with them about what’s going on during his downtime.
But it’s a bummer his first months in the NBA won’t include a trip to Europe.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 17: Damiris Dantas #12 of the Indiana Fever reaches for the ball against Jordan Horston #23 of the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 17, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Indiana Fever center Damiris Dantas is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus on Monday. Dantas, who signed a two-year contract with the Fever in the offseason, has seen inconsistent minutes over the past few months but was nonetheless one of Indiana’s backup frontcourt options.
Now, Indiana will have a more short-handed frontcourt rotation.
The Fever lose one of their most veteran players in Damiris Dantas
Damiris Dantas has appeared in 12 games this season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists. Her role, albeit limited, meant that Stephanie White had another backup big option at her disposal. Now, an already-limited campaign has been cut short.
Because she was already playing a more limited role than expected, the absence won’t impact Indiana’s day-to-day rotation as much.
Nonetheless, Dantas is one of the most veteran players on the roster; the 33-year-old holds career averages of 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 272 career games in 12 seasons. She’s played for the Fever since 2024, but previously suited up for the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream, and was someone who Stephanie White could turn to in a pinch.
Now, with Dantas out for the season, the burden will continue to fall on Makayla Timpson, who is averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.
Aliyah Boston continues to hold down the fort in the frontcourt
The good news for Indiana is that they have one of the best bigs in the league anchoring the frontcourt: Aliyah Boston, who is averaging 16.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game. Boston has averaged 26.8 minutes per game, and Timpson has played the majority of her backup minutes.
The Fever may look to sign an additional big to bolster the rotation in the wake of Dantas’s absence. While Myisha Hines-Allen and Monique Billings have played significant roles, Indiana may want to sign another center to a rest-of-season contract.
The Fever are 19-11 and coming off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. Next up, they’ll face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, August 6th.
In a feature article, The Athletic’s staff wrote a piece focusing on one jersey each NHL team should bring back, but there were two exceptions. The writers explained that the Utah Mammoth hadn’t had time to wear that many jerseys and the only one they had worn aside from their current one was the “painfully generic” one that had Utah written on the front. They looked just like the PWHL initial jerseys, and it’s quite understandable that nobody wants to bring that back. The other exception? The league’s most storied franchise, the Montreal Canadiens.
Unlike the Mammoth, the Canadiens have worn a lot of different jerseys, but none has come close to their now-regular jersey, which has a classic look and is a sign of respect to the oldest franchise in the league. During their centennial year, the Habs wore six different jerseys: a blue one featuring a simple C, a red and green one which had a C in a maple leaf, the barbershop one, which had red, white and blue stripes, a maple leaf and a C, a red, white and blue one with a C that contained an A, and two more which are closer to the current look.
There were also a few Winter and Heritage classic jerseys; the ones they wore in 2003 against the Edmonton Oilers and in 2011 against the Calgary Flames weren’t special, but their 2016 one against the Boston Bruins was a slick one. It was white with a big blue stripe between two small red stripes, featured a white C with an H inside in a vintage font, and had the planet on the sleeve stripes. Their first game wearing it was a 5-1 domination of the Bruins in Foxboro and will always bring nice memories back to Canadiens’ fans.
Then there was the one the Habs wore for the NHL 100th anniversary and in which they lost 3-0 against the Ottawa Senators. The performance was atrocious, but the jersey was slick, with an added silver stripe on the sleeves featuring the years in which the Habs won the Stanley Cup.
Of course, Montreal took part in the NHL’s retro reverse trend, putting out a bright blue jersey for the first year, which was actually quite pleasing to the eye, but didn’t bring them much joy. As nice as the jerseys were, they had to wait for their fifth game wearing them to finally get a 5-4 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks, and then their last game with the blue jersey had to be postponed because of the COVID protocol.
Finally, last AND least, the famous baby blue jerseys the Canadiens wore in the second year of the retro reverse trend. Those were a tribute to Montreal’s defunct MLB team, the Montreal Expos, but the Habs really struggled to find success wearing them, with Martin St-Louis even saying:
I think the hockey gods- I mean, this is an historical franchise (and) the guys who wore those jerseys 50 years ago, red and white, are looking down and saying: 'What are you guys doing? We probably get what we deserve, based on how historical this franchise is. I don’t know what next year will bring, but I hope it’s not those jerseys.
The coach’s dislike came from the fact that in their first seven games wearing the alternate jersey, the Habs had a 0-6-1 record. They finally managed to break the curse with a 4-3 overtime win over the New York Islanders in their eighth game wearing the powder blue jersey, but nobody in their right mind would want to bring them back; it’s bad enough that second mascot Metal wears one.
Personally, I wouldn’t be against bringing back the 2016 Winter Classic jersey, and the first retro reverse might have been a close second had it not been for all the losses it led the Canadiens to.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: The sneakers worn by Basheer Jihad #48 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Choi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 28: Draymond Green #23, Kevin Durant #35, and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors look on in Game Seven of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When LeBron James made his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason, it quickly made them one of the NBA’s newest superteams. The revamped roster now features James alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown, giving Philadelphia one of the most star-studded lineups in the league.
Of course, whenever high-profile team-ups occur, fans naturally point back to when Kevin Durant “broke the NBA” by joining a Golden State Warriors team in 2016 featuring Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala all in their Warriors primes.
So, when Durant took the conversation to Instagram, his comments about James’ new-look 76ers being more talented on paper than the Warriors team he joined quickly went viral and attracted attention from both of his former Golden State teammates, Thompson and Green.
Klay Thompson responds after KD said he was "never an MVP candidate in nothing" 👀 pic.twitter.com/yy4XEtI3zk
Draymond reacts to KD's comments on LeBron joining the Sixers
"You have to understand the way KD view basketball, the way KD view basketball is very Uncle Drew-ish, this game will and always will be about buckets… so he's going to mention the 25-point scorers… He also said… pic.twitter.com/YC3yru9gEG
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) August 4, 2026
While the exchange appeared to be all in good fun, it serves as another reminder of the legacy of Golden State’s dynasty. Nearly a decade later, the Durant-era Warriors remain the benchmark for every NBA superteam, and any comparison to that historic roster is almost guaranteed to spark some debate.
Kevin Durant argued the current 76ers roster is 'more dominant on paper' than the 2017-18 Warriors 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4DO7SKxU30
“Ain’t close,” Durant wrote in reply to an Instagram comment comparing the talent level of the newly formed 76ers with the 2016-17 Warriors team he left Oklahoma City to join. “Joel [Embiid] MVP, recently. Jaylen Brown, recent Finals MVP, Tyrese Maxey, All-Star in the last 3 years. We all know what Bron does.
“Klay Thompson never an MVP candidate in nothing, 22 (points per game).”
It is the latest example of Durant seemingly using James’ decision to form a superteam in Philadelphia in pursuit of another championship to validate his own much-criticized move to the 73-win Warriors after Golden State eliminated his Thunder in the previous Western Conference finals.
“This was a great opportunity for me to find my voice on the team,” Richard told reporters. “That’s not just talking and all that but leading by example. Making sure I’m coming here doing the right things and being a voice where the coaches can connect to the players.”
Instead of going outside of himself throughout summer league, Richard expanded on his role and jumped into bigger shoes after a year of learning from all-time greats. His services will be needed even more in Year 2, and the Warriors should be able to rely on him even more with confidence in his game and his communication.
Bosh is cautioning Wembanyama not to take his health and quick return for granted. In February, Bosh had a clotting emergency that nearly killed him.
“Yeah, I had an episode in January. I almost dropped dead, pretty much, and came back to life. I’m not joking. I had another pulmonary embolism,” he told HoopsHype.com. “You just got to deal with it for the rest of your life. I thought I was past it. I am not.”
Already 33, limited, and with an extensive injury history, Payton only further solidifies Golden State’s attempt to run it back with the 37-win 2025-26 roster. A perplexing approach given the team’s struggles and age. Nevertheless, Payton is a favorite of head coach Steve Kerr and face of the franchise Steph Curry.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
What England’s former captain did – and didn’t – say in two-hour podcast interview with his old teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler
Over the course of two hours chatting to his old friends Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler on their podcast, Ben Stokes sounded at peace with his decision to retire from England duty five weeks ago. Dare we say it, refreshed and ready to go again.
Beyond playing for Durham and in franchise cricket, Stokes is “definitely” retired, however, and there was not even a hint of a possible U-turn when the home Ashes rolls around next summer. Nor, given his character, was this first interview since calling it a day ever going to be one stuffed with regret.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 05: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat of their 2026 California Classic Summer League game at Chase Center on July 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country.
While youth is ideal, as it means players are closer to their prime and better able to withstand the grueling NBA season, it also comes with drawbacks. Plenty of Lakers are unproven, especially on the back end of the roster.
The four names that come to mind are Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Zaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. The upside for LA is that all are low-risk and high-reward.
Realistically, none are currently being counted on to play major minutes, and the player with the biggest contract from this quartet is Carr, who is making $3.3 million this year. If any of them can outpace their deals, then LA could not only gain a rotation player but have one at a bargain.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask, which player is most likely to outperform their contract?
As a member of Carr Island before he was even on the Lakers, I feel like he has to be the top choice. He’s a three-level scorer and displayed that throughout at Baylor, averaging 18.9 points while shooting 49.4% from the field, 37.4% from deep and 80.1% from the free throw line.
While he hasn’t played in an NBA game yet, he was elite in the Las Vegas Summer League. Carr looked too good for that level of competition, averaging 18 points per game. While Summer League isn’t the best indicator of how one will play at the next level, how he scored mattered.
Carr showed that he can handle the ball a bit and create. He scored off-ball from the wing as well, which is likely the role he’ll play with the main team. His defensive play was equally encouraging. Carr has good size and used it well, averaging 0.8 blocks per game.
While Carr has no NBA experience yet, that also makes him a huge x-factor. No one knows how good he’ll be. So far, he’s played well in the moments he’s gotten this summer and has said all the right things.
If what little we’ve seen from Carr translates well, then he can absolutely find himself having a role in the rotation as a rookie. With how difficult it is to build rosters under the apron restrictions, having players like that is huge for teams.
But Thiero, Williams and Thybulle will also get their chances to step up. So, if you think they are more likely to outperform their deals, cast your vote that way. And as always, feel free to explain your rationale in the comment section below.
The Kings used their No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on who they hope will be their point guard of the future in Darius Acuff Jr. The question, however, has been what kind of players Sacramento will place around the rookie.
The Kings waived 36-year-old DeMar DeRozan with one year left on his contract, which made it seem like the team was embracing the youth movement.
However, Sacramento is “weighing the prospect” of bringing back Russell Westbrook or signing Victor Oladipo as a veteran point guard to mentor Acuff, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Monday, citing a league source.
Westbrook reveled in a leadership role for the Kings during the 2025-26 NBA season. After signing a one-year contract and expected to be the team’s backup, the 37-year-old eventually turned into Sacramento’s starting point guard.
The 18-year veteran played 64 games with Sacramento (58 starts) and averaged 15.2 points on 42.7-percent shooting, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 29.0 minutes per game.
At his end-of-season press conference, Westbrook said he wouldn’t mind rejoining Sacramento if the opportunity presented itself.
As for Oladipo, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft hasn’t played a game in the pros since the 2022-23 season and hasn’t played more than 42 games in a season since 2017-18, when he was a member of the Indiana Pacers.
Whether the Kings decide to bring Westbrook back or add Oladipo, it seems the team is focused on not only putting Acuff in position to lead the team, but also to receive some knowledge from veteran guards along the way.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 3: First baseman Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a two-RBI home run during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on August 3, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bill Streicher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In baseball, we talk about the grind of a 162 game season, and how you can never get too high or too low. Those words usually ring true across a long season. However, seasons can still crumble very quickly, and that is exactly what happened to the Nats last week.
Last Monday, the Nats were coming off a monster series win against a fellow Wild Card contender in the D-Backs. Now, it was on to the last place Blue Jays. The best offense in baseball would be facing the best pitcher in Nats history in Max Scherzer, but a very diminished version of Mad Max. It was supposed to be a passing of the torch night. However, since the Nats let a laboring Scherzer off the hook, things have gone off the rails.
Max Scherzer received a standing ovation in his return to Nationals Park 👏
Since last Monday, the Nats are 1-7, going from one game back of the NL Wild Card to 5.5 games back. Such a promising season has gone so wrong so very quickly. Even if this is the beginning of a limp towards the finish line, it is important to remember that this season is still very likely to be a success. Key pieces such as CJ Abrams, James Wood and Cade Cavalli took major steps. They also got great production out of Curtis Mead, Luis Garcia Jr. and Foster Griffin before selling high on that trio.
That does not make this collapse out of playoff contention any less painful though. The most ironic thing is that the Nats greatest strength was the thing that did them in this weekend. Sure, the pitching and defense has not been stellar, but the biggest reason for this collapse has been the lack of offense, particularly with runners in scoring position.
They have been truly dreadful with ducks on the pond lately and it is why this offense has only scored more than 4 runs once in the last 8 games. Guys like James Wood and Keibert Ruiz picked bad times to start slumping. The offense has also really felt the loss of Curtis Mead, who was arguably the best clutch hitter on the team.
The slide started against the Blue Jays, but it was the Braves series that really did them in. These Nats have been a great road team all season, but they laid an egg in the 4 game set at Truist Park. The experienced Braves totally outplayed the Nats, who did not look ready for the moment. It was a comprehensive beatdown.
Man, the Braves just buried the Nationals this weekend. Four game sweep. Goodnight
As the noise surrounding the trade deadline grew, this Nats team just seemed to shrink. The now departed Griffin basically admitted that the past week has been tough on him with the trade rumors surrounding him. It sure seemed like he was not the only one struggling with that pressure.
When the Nats needed to rise to the occasion, they buckled. That is why Paul Toboni ended up selling. He can talk all he wants about how he believes in this team, but he threw in the towel at the deadline. With how the last week went, it is tough to blame him. For Toboni to buy, this team needed to show something and they did not.
Paul Toboni just did a call with reporters about the deadline. After he repeatedly said he believes in this team still, I asked how him how he would explain to fans the tension of believing in the team but trading away its best pitcher with two months to play.
Based on this quote, this was clearly a tough decision for Toboni, and he wanted to wait as long as he could to see which direction he would go. However, this past week made the decision less difficult. It was clear that Toboni knew that this organization needed more pitching depth and with the team falling out of the race, selling off pieces was the way to accomplish this.
I do think Toboni envisions this team competing for the playoffs next season (assuming there is one). Most of the pieces he got back in these returns are players that can contribute in 2027. A lot of them are role players, especially in the bullpen, but that is exactly what the Nats need. People have been asking what this season would be like if the Nats had an average bullpen. With this stockpile of arms, Toboni is trying to build that average, and eventually very good bullpen.
When the dust settled, the Nats got a lot deeper on the mound as an organization. However, they lost several of the main drivers of what made them great this season. Abrams and Wood remain, but that supporting cast is very diminished. Toboni is betting that he can continue to develop bats the way he did with Garcia and Mead.
The first game after the deadline showed us what the reality of the rest of this year may look like. This offense is not as explosive, but the bullpen sure is leaky. Derek Hill’s grand slam was the final nail in the coffin of the Nats playoff hopes. It was another bullpen meltdown combined with a lack of fight after they fell behind, as well as plenty of missed chances.
This season was a step in the right direction, but the Nats are going to have to build off this. That means ownership and the front office will need to be aggressive this offseason. With ownership, I am not that confident in this. Hopefully they spend, but I will have to see it to believe it.
It has been a mostly fun season, but we got a real reality check last week. This team still needs to make plenty of improvements and the core players still need another year to mature. Hopefully this season was just the start of something special because it has been the best season of Nats baseball in a while.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Ron Harper Jr. #13 of the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Ron Harper Jr. vividly remembers what it was like to be a little kid attending basketball camps and hoping to meet an NBA player. So, on Tuesday afternoon, when he was the guest of honor at the Junior Celtics Academy, it was a full-circle moment.
The 26-year-old Celtic guard answered a litany of questions from the kids in attendance, competed in knockout games, and partook in drills.
All of it came just a few weeks after he signed his first multi-year NBA contract, a 4-year, $14 million extension that gave him his first long-term assurance he’ll be in the league.
“It was great,” Harper Jr. said. “It just felt really rewarding — a team that I have a lot of respect for, a team that I want to play for for a long time. So, for that to be able to happen in a city like this, playing for a team like the Boston Celtics, I’m honored, and I’m ready to put the work in.”
It was a long journey to get here: Harper Jr. joined the Celtics for the 2024 and 2025 training camps, and began last year on a training camp deal with Boston. He was one of five players competing for the team’s final two-way spot, a battle he ultimately won. On the Maine Celtics, he quickly established himself as one of the G-League’s best all-around players. By February, he was spending nearly all of his time with the parent club.
A February 4th game between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets served as an inflection point in Harper’s season; he started for the first time in his career, guarded Rockets star Kevin Durant, and showed himself — and the world — he belonged. It’s a game that Joe Mazzulla has pointed to as well in that it showcased Harper’s readiness and preparation.
“The first time I really played meaningful minutes was when I started in Houston, and that kind of came to be because of the Anfernee trade, and it happened all really fast,” Harper said. “But I feel like after that game where I started and I played all those minutes, and I played well, I felt like after that point I felt like I’d be a real contributor to this team and a part of bringing this team back to the championship. So, that’s something I look forward to doing next year.”
Notably, he also got a surprise start in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, something that meant a lot: “It shows that they believe in me at the highest level, with it all on the line.”
Still, he entered the offseason a free agent, uncertain about whether he’d get a long-term commitment from Boston.
But on June 27th, he officially agreed to a contract that served as the culmination of years of hard work.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity; that they believe in me, that they want me here long-term,” Harper said. “It’s just motivation to keep on getting better and keep proving them right. So that’s something I look forward to doing.”
Ron Harper Jr on signing a 4-year extension with the Celtics this summer:
“It was great. It just felt really rewarding.”
“Playing for a team like the Boston Celtics — I'm honored and I'm ready to put the work in.” pic.twitter.com/W6PyHnnHEy
It will be an uphill climb for rotation minutes in Boston
Ron Harper Jr. will be one of several Celtics wings competing for minutes next season, a list that includes Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, and Sam Hauser.
He emphasized that the healthy competition for on-court opportunities never gets in the way of the players’ support for one another.
“That’s the beautiful thing about being on the Celtics,” he said. “We all care about each other. We all want each other to succeed, no matter what it looks like. It’s a lot of guys competing for minutes, but also pushing each other to get better. So we’re just worried about being great teammates, pushing each other to get better, and going about it in the right way.”
Next year, Harper’s training camp experience will start a bit differently than it has the previous two Octobers. That’s because Jaylen Brown, who grew to be one of Harper’s mentors, will no longer be on the roster.
“Obviously sad to see him go — a guy that I’ve grown close to in my time at the Celtics across two training camps and a full season, a guy that I have a lot of respect for, and a guy that still trusted me when I was still on an Exhibit-10,” he said. “So I remember the message he’s sharing with me, the motivation he’s given me, and the advice he’s given me. And it sucks to see him go. This is a business more than anything, so I wish him luck in the future — except when he plays us.”
Though Brown is gone, Harper will get to team up with Paul George, a player whom he grew up watching on TV. He hasn’t yet crossed paths with George in Boston, but the two are already bound by the fact that Harper gave George jersey No. 13, which he wore last year. Harper will wear instead No. 8, and he said that the number swap benefited “both parties.”
“We don’t got to get into the exact details,” Harper Jr said with a smile. “About an hour after the trade, I got a phone call saying he wanted the number, so me and him were able to work it out. We’ll have some funny conversations about that for sure. But I’m happy that he’s able to get back to his number, get back to PG-13 for sure.”
In the meantime, the former Rutgers star is spending most of his summer at the facility, where he and many of his teammates are already preparing for the year ahead.
“Just the easiest place for me to work out, stay around the coaches,” Harper said. “I feel like they have a really good plan for me. So just sticking with what they got, they got prepared for me, just showing up every day. And I’ve been here, whether it’s been an optional week or mandatory week — I try to be in Boston the most as I possibly could.”
He knows the Celtics believe in him, and he’s working tirelessly to show the world why.
“They like my versatility on the offensive and defensive end, my ability to play on and off the ball, my ability to guard — so just looking forward to showcasing all those talents.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Juan Uribe #5 of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands at third base with coach Tim Wallach after hitting a triple in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on September 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jonathan Hernández pitched the final two innings of the Dodgers’ loss on Monday night at Wrigley Field, the eighth time in 13 appearances this year he’s finished off a game, most of them lopsided scores.
Skubal adds star power to the number 29 for the Dodgers, something the team hasn’t seen wearing the number since third baseman Adrian Beltré. In between, it’s fun to look back at the most recent numbers 29 with the team, a wonderful collection of remembering some guys.
Jaylen Brown gave Sixers fans even more to celebrate in his Twitch stream on Monday evening.
The former Celtics forward discussed his trade to Philadelphia, what he thinks of the Sixers’ roster and how he’s approaching the next chapter in his career.
What’s paramount for the 2024 Finals MVP? Winning.
“At this point in my career, I would say I want to win more than I ever have,” he said. “I’m more inspired to win than anything. I’ve been a little disrespected in this process for whatever reason.
“I want to win more than anything. So, I’m looking forward to that journey, the approach, the leadership, the sacrifice and whatever it’s going to take.”
On a team with four ball-dominant stars, there will reasonably be an adjustment period. Brown (35.1%), Embiid (33.6%), Tyrese Maxey (28.6%) and LeBron James (26.2%) were all among the top 50 players with the highest usage rates in the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
“It’s going to take a lot of kind of feeling things out with each other, everybody getting on the same page, constant communication,” Brown said.
He also mentioned that he’s lost roughly seven pounds this offseason in preparation for the 2026-27 season.
“Just to be a little more fast and nimble. I’ve got to keep up with Maxey and Edgecombe and LeBron this year,” Brown said. “I feel great. I’m jumping higher and running faster.”
Playing with that group clearly excites Brown. Playing with James especially. He emphasized that he’s eager to learn from the league’s all-time scoring leader.
“We got Bron. What an opportunity that is,” Brown said. “To have the opportunity to learn from one of if not the greatest player of all time. I get an opportunity to, on the court, off the court, learn and gather experiences that can accumulate to my own knowledge base.”
Brown referenced the story of his recent skydiving adventure in Egypt. He even revealed that he texted James, Edgecombe, Maxey and Embiid to say that, if the Sixers win the 2026-27 NBA championship, they’re all going skydiving.
James’ response?
“Boy, hell no.”
James wasn’t the only new teammate Brown spoke about.
“It’s also other guys you get the opportunity to learn from. Embiid, Maxey, Edgecombe, even vets like [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope], Anfernee [Simons]. It’s a fun time.”
Simons and Brown will reunite in Philadelphia after playing together in Boston for part of the 2025-26 season.
“When he was there, he added to winning, he played defense,” Brown said. “He did exactly what the team needed [him] to do.”
Brown put on a Sixers jersey for the first time on the stream, sporting the team’s black Hardwood Classic Edition Uniform that throws back to Allen Iverson and the 2000-01 NBA Finals team. It’s a jersey Brown’s admired since playing against the Sixers when they wore it last year.
He was also struck by the element of change. Brown noted that it was the first time in his 10-year career when he’s worn another team’s jersey.
“I feel like we just jumped into an alternate timeline,” he said. “We’re in a different dimension. We’re in a parallel universe or something. Whatever universe we’re on, whatever team I’m on, my mindset is to win. So, I’m looking forward to that.”
Brown was also surprised that Iverson was already wearing Brown’s Sixers jersey just 11 days after he was traded.
“How’d the OG get the jersey?” he asked. “I just got traded yesterday, OG already wearing the jersey.”
Brown will make his way to Philadelphia for the first time since being traded to the Sixers this week. His introductory press conference takes place Thursday at 2 p.m. ET before he’ll throw out the first pitch at the Phillies’ game against the Nationals later that evening.
“Looking forward to that, looking forward to going to the Phillies game,” Brown said. “It’s definitely a major transition in my career, a major transition in my life.
“I’m super excited. Philadelphia, let’s get it. Throw the ball up.”
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 29: Brady Singer #51 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park on July 29, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brady Singer is still a part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation, and he won’t have to waste any time in showing himself as a part of this club going forward.
The Reds first game after Monday’s trade deadline will be a home contest against the Athletics, formerly of Oakland, Sacramento, and currently of Las Vegas, and Singer will get the start for the upstart Redlegs. Cincinnati is fresh off taking 3 of 4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend, and they’ve won 4 of 5 series out of the gate since the All Star break in early July.
They are still pretty buried in the standings at the moment, sitting in last place in the NL Central and still 6 games back of the final NL Wild Card game (with 6 teams to jump to earn their way in). Still, Nick Krall & Co. thought it fit to hold on to several veterans who are due to reach free agency at season’s end, and that crew will get at leats a moderate opportunity to make a push towards season’s end and see if they can drum up a miracle.
Righty JT Ginn will start for the A’s in Tuesday’s series opener opposite Singer, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. Top Reds prospect Hector Rodriguez was called up earlier on Tuesday to make his MLB debut, taking over the roster spot from the recently traded Nathaniel Lowe.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 13: Chicago White Sox outfielder Derek Hill (25), center fielder Tristan Peters (29) and right fielder Jarred Kelenic (24) celebrate their victory over the Kansas City Royals as mascot Southpaw runs with the flag after an MLB game on May 13, 2026, at Rate Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Major League Baseball’s trade deadline came and went with excitement for nearly every team as either a seller or a buyer (maybe not the Reds). There was activity all over the league. And some of it will be relevant in the very first series after the deadline for the Red Sox. However there are a couple weeks remaining before we see a big upgrade at catcher. Adley Rutschman looms.
When the Red Sox were in Chicago a few weeks ago, during the winning streak, they swept the series. Since then Boston has largely continued to win. At home. On the road. Day. Night. East, West, and Central. Boston has passed the AL Central division leaders in wins entering this series at 60-51 vs the White Sox 59-52 record. Who saw that coming a month ago?
Davis Martin faced the Red Sox in June and allowed 5 runs in 4.0 innings. He followed that up with a strong start against the Blue Jays (5.2, 1 run) and struggles against the Astros (5.0, 4 runs) and Yankees (6.0, 4 runs). While the White Sox beat the Yankees, this run was mostly a good start against a weaker Toronto offense and lesser performance against the better offensive teams. Boston waited a season and a half to see Patrick Sandoval and as injuries gutted the rotation depth he’s now a permanent fixture. Sandoval will be facing the White Sox for the second time since coming off the IL. The first was a 4.1-inning surprise where he allowed a single run.
The Red Sox missed Sean Burke on the road and it’s probably good they did. He had an incredible July while allowing just 5 runs total (4 earned) over 31.2 innings. A righty who has held both same-side hitters and lefties to mid-.600 OPS totals, he was far more effective in July than June and has more or less gotten better as the season’s gone along. He’s struck out double digit batters in three of his last five starts and recorded 9 Ks in another. This could be a quiet night for the bats if he’s on his game. Sonny Gray had a rough start against Toronto but bounced back with a solid outing against the A’s. He allowed four runs but also tossed 7.0 innings. He’s been everything the Red Sox wanted this season, especially as he’s had to replace rather than support Garret Crochet. He missed the White Sox on the road trip so this will be a fresh team for him on the season.
The Mariners didn’t exactly sell high on Luis Castillo. This whole year has been a downward slide. Lefties are putting up an OPS of nearly .900 against the righty. The strikeouts are down to their lowest level (7.8/9) and he’s allowing hits at the highest rate of his career (9.7/9). Ranger Suarez is making his third start since landing on the IL. The Sox had him on a short leash against the Blue Jays (4.0 innings) and he stuck around a little longer against the Dodgers (4.2 innings) but had given up four runs. He’s tossed exactly one inning against the White Sox in his career way back in 2019, the 6th inning of a game on August 4th. He didn’t allow a hit and recorded one K. That game was started for the Phillies by Drew Smyly.
Munetaka Murakami is off the IL and up to his old tricks. He’s up to 24 home runs on the season.
Old friend Chase Meidroth continues to have a fine season slashing .273/.348/.391.
Another old friend, Andrew Benintendi, had a .957 OPS in June to get his season on track but a lesser July.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Tuesday, August 4: Davis Martin (3.52 ERA / 3.11 FIP) vs. Patrick Sandoval (3.32 ERA /4.15 FIP)
Wednesday, August 5: Sean Burke (3.04 ERA / 3.29 FIP) vs. Sonny Gray (2.93 ERA / 3.62 FIP)
Thursday, August 6: Luis Castillo (5.06 ERA / 4.57 FIP) vs. Ranger Suarez (3.15 ERA / 2.55 FIP)
