Posts

Posted on

Three Utah stars to sit out Summer League game on Tuesday

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks 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

In a recent news break by Sarah Todd, the Utah Jazz plan to sit Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, and Cody Williams on Tuesday’s Salt Lake Summer League matchup against Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Ace Bailey has been sidelined with back spasms and is currently listed as day-to-day, though Todd insists the team plans to keep him active for the Las Vegas leg of the Summer League slate, beginning on July 9th. Cody Williams and Darryn Peterson will likewise participate in Vegas, as the team’s star trio hopes to build on an early foundation of on-court chemistry.

Peterson was absurd in his first appearance in SLC, notching a head-spinning 28 points in the Jazz’s first Summer League game. Matching up against one of the best-defending guards in the draft class of 2026, Kingston Flemings out of Kelvin Sampson’s Houston house of horrors (I mean that in the best possible way), the second-overall pick confirmed exactly why the Jazz believe he could be the star to lead their franchise to basketball’s pantheon.

Ace Bailey and Cody Williams are participating not out of necessity — their roster spots are secure — but in an effort to show their young teammate the ropes and help him establish a solid foundation for his impending rookie season. Bailey racked up 10 points in 20 minutes, and Williams gathered an efficient 17 points plus six rebounds in his starting role.

The Summer League serves as a launch pad for young stars like Darryn Peterson — a player who may someday contend for MVP votes — and a showcase for offseason growth that had gone unseen in the public eye.

The Jazz will take their foot off the gas in SLC on Tuesday, but they’ll be back in Las Vegas. Here’s to hoping they stick to this original plan and keep their finger away from the bright red “abort” switch in fear of injury.

Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.

Posted on

How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Toronto Blue Jays

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 25: General sky view of Oracle Park before a MLB game between the Athletics and the San Francisco Giants on June 25, 2026 at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Trinity Machan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants welcome the Toronto Blue Jays to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series.

Taking the mound for the Blue Jays will be right-handed former-and-Forever-Giant Kevin Gausman, who enters tonight’s game with a 4.19 ERA, 3.80 FIP, with 100 strikeouts to 24 walks in 101 innings pitched. His last start was in the Blue Jays’ 3-0 loss to the New York Mets on Tuesday, in which he allowed one run on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks in six innings.

Taking the mound for the Giants will be right-hander Landen Roupp (who I wish was already a former-Giant). He’s rocking a 4.55 ERA and 3.21 FIP, with 99 strikeouts to 40 walks in 89 innings pitched. His last start was in the Giants’ 8-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks last Tuesday, in which he allowed six runs on five hits with four strikeouts and six walks in two and two thirds innings.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Game #90

Who: San Francisco Giants (37-52) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (42-48)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 6:45 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Posted on

Cam Schlittler stars, José Caballero delivers as Yankees avoid skid in series-opening win at Rays

The Yankees avoided a three-game skid Monday when they started their four-game series at the Tampa Bay Rays with a 5-1 win.

Takeaways

  1. Cam Schlittler sure did rebound from last Tuesday's 9-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers. The Yankees' right-handed starting pitcher allowed one run on four hits in a season-high-tying eight innings, striking out eight and throwing 101 pitches with 72 strikes. Not only did Schlittler (9-5, 2.01 ERA) bounce back from surrendering a career-high six runs in his season-low four innings against the sub-.500 Tigers, but he delivered one of his best outings as a Yankee. Entering next Saturday's penultimate start of the first half as the projected starter for the 4:05 p.m. game at the Washington Nationals, Schlittler has returned to form.

  2. What would the Yankees do without José Caballero? New York's seventh-batting shortstop homered twice to almost singlehandedly support Schlitter's gem, a 2-for-3 effort that drove home four runs with the fifth inning's three-run shot to end Griffin Jax's no-hit bid and give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Caballero's eighth-inning-starting solo shot, his 10th homer of the season, gave New York a bit more cushion before Schlittler's scoreless bottom half. Caballero was the hero as he improved to slashing .249/.304/.407 with 16 RBI through 77 games this year.

  3. For good measure, Ben Rice's ninth-inning-starting solo shot was the Yankees' third hit and added breathing room. While New York's only hits were home runs, will Rice following Caballero wake the bats up? New York struck out 17 times. Rice, who batted second and was the Yankees' designated hitter, is slashing .267/.360/.565 with 25 homers and 57 RBI through 85 games.

  4. After losing nine of their past 10 games, the Yankees got a much-needed win that directly helps them in the American League East. They improve to 50-40 and three games behind the AL East-leading Rays (52-36) with three more chances. For New York to gain further ground, though, it will need better performances beyond its starting pitcher and one batter.

Who's the MVP?

Caballero. If it were not for him, the Yankees likely would have suffered a painful loss and completely changed the narrative of this one.

Highlights

What's next

New York and Tampa Bay continue their series with Tuesday's 6:40 p.m. game.

Yankees right-handed pitcher Will Warren (7-3, 3.73 ERA) is set to start.

Posted on

Cam Schlittler dazzles, leads Yankees to win over Rays

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 06: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 06, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Baseball is beautiful, but more importantly it is extremely weird. With how poorly the Yankees have played over the last fortnight, if I had told you they would only manage three hits in Monday’s series opener with the Rays, many of you would have skipped tomorrow’s game out of disgust. They did only get three hits, but that’s the thing about home runs. Four men crossed the plate on two José Caballero swings, and Cam Schlittler did the rest. Ben Rice added a final insurance run and New York takes the first round of this big series, 5-1 your final.

I was starting to get just a little worried the Yankees were going to be on the downside of a perfect game. Griffin Jax looked great and the Yankees looked terrible in their first 13 at-bats — I could be wrong but I believe Austin Wells was the only player to get the ball out of the infield. And then came the fifth inning, and a repudiation of Michael Zeno’s earlier proclamation: The Yankees have stopped walking.

Tell that to Jasson Domínguez and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who both worked their way aboard to ensure we wouldn’t see perfection tonight. Then, former Ray José Caballero stepped in to deliver what felt like the biggest hit the club’s had in a month:

View Link

I’ve never consciously felt a fever actually break — generally I fall asleep sick and wake up feeling a little better. This is what I imagine it must feel like though, the venting of an incredible amount of pressure, the knowledge that yes, actually, we can turn things around. This was the first time the Yankees had a three-run lead since June 19. It would remain the only hit Jax gave up, while striking out 10 in five innings, but boy was it a needed one.

Cam Schlittler nearly matched Jax, with his trio of fastballs able to get through four innings without the Rays posing much of a threat. He did surprisingly not manage a shutdown inning in the fifth after getting those three runs of support, where Chandler Simpson hit a worm killer that Ryan McMahon couldn’t barehand. Two batters later baseball’s fastest man came home to score on a single, but that would be the extent of the damage done against Cam.

It took the Yankee ace 76 pitches to get through 6.0 innings, setting him up for a seventh inning that felt significant given how little faith we all have in the bullpen these days. It took him 11 chucks to get through the seventh, and while the leadoff man did reach in the eighth, Taylor Walls’ inexplicable decision to bunt with two strikes led to a foul ball and a key out before the lineup turned over. Cam’s eight inning, one run, 8:0 K:BB performance wasn’t a perfect game but it was pretty perfectly what the club needed.

It felt like this one was personal for the young ace too, after getting his teeth kicked in against Detroit last week. Cam’s been in the majors one year less three days, what an anniversary present to himself.

We gotta show that second Cabby swing:

View Link

And Ben Rice notched the third hit, and third homer of the game in the ninth:

View Link

Rice gets into slumps when he doesn’t elevate the ball. Getting it in the air is the key to getting him back into form. Let’s hope that swing brings something back, indeed, let’s hope this entire game brings something back to the whole team. We saw this on Friday, the Yankees won against the Twins, everyone felt ok, and then the rest of the series happened. There’s positive mojo around this team for the first time in a while after tonight, they can’t afford to waste it.

Will Warren is the man tapped to follow Schlittler’s performance with one of his own tomorrow, against an as-of-yet-unknown Rays starter (update: it’ll be lefty Ian Seymour). The next Biggest Game of the Year kicks off at 6:40 Tampa time on Tuesday.

Box Score

Posted on

Giannis Antetokounmpo posts emotional Bucks tribute video after Heat trade becomes official

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Giannis Antetokounmpo, wearing a

Bucks fans may shed a tear. 

After the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Heat became official Monday, the Greek Freak posted an emotional video to his social media accounts, thanking the Bucks and expressing his love for the city of Milwaukee. 

“I hope bringing a trophy to this city meant something to them because it meant so much to me,” Antetokounmpo said in the video. “I want you to hear it from my mouth: The city of Milwaukee will always be in my heart. This is my home.” 

“No matter where I am, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team, my family.” 

Giannis Antetokounmpo, wearing a “Champions” hat, looks up as fans cheer in the background. @giannis_an34 on IG
Giannis Antetokounmpo interacting with children on a basketball court. @giannis_an34 on IG

Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis were traded to the Heat June 22 in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis and the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which was Nate Ament. 

Antetokounmpo accomplished everything to his NBA resume in the green and white.

Two MVPs. An NBA title and Finals MVP in 2021. Ten All-Star selections. Seven All-NBA First Team selections. 

Despite missing the playoffs in his final season with the team, he cemented his legacy as one of greatest Bucks ever. 

Mural of Giannis Antetokounmpo in a green jersey in Milwaukee. @giannis_an34 on IG

“I believe the city of Milwaukee is blue collar,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s people that work extremely hard every single day, and give all their hard-earned money to come watch the Milwaukee Bucks. To come and feel something, to come be a part of us.

“I hope that I was able to represent them the best that I could. And I was like them. I showed up to work. Did everything that I was willing to do, all the dirty work, just like them.” 

With the trade, it’s clear the Bucks are ushering in a youth movement. 

But at the same time, Bucks general manager Jon Horst remained eternally grateful for the stability Antetokounmpo brought the organization. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbling a basketball. AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis had transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way – on the court, in our locker room and throughout the community,” Horst wrote in a statement to Bucks fans. “Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate and representative of this city, and one of the defining players of his generation.”

“The standard he set will continue here.”

Posted on

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game discussion: Kyle Freeland vs. Eric Lauer

DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on July 1, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The last time the Rockies were in Los Angeles to face the Dodgers, it didn’t go so well.

The Dodgers swept Colorado 3-0 and outscored the Rockies 24-10. It also capped off a 2-8 stretch during a challenging stretch in May.

Even though Monday night marks a matchup between the National League-leading Dodgers (59-32) and the last-place Rockies (37-54), Colorado enters the series having won four of its last five and is no longer the worst team in MLB.

They are still the Dodgers, though, and Monday’s matchup is a repeat of the May 26 showdown when Kyle Freeland and Eric Lauer when L.A. came out on top 15-6. Freeland (2-7, 7.25 ERA) has been performing better on the mound, helping the Rockies win his last three starts. In his last start, he held Miami to two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in five innings in a 6-3 win on July 1.

Lauer (4-5, 4.84 ERA) has bounced back and forth between relief and starting roles for L.A. this year, but this will be his 11th start in 14 appearances this season. The 31-year-old lefty is 3-3 with a 4.77 ERA as a starter.

The Dodgers lead the 2026 season series with the Rockies 5-2.

First Pitch: 8:10 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)

Dodgers SB Nation Site:True Blue LA

Lineups:

For the Rockies:

For the Dodgers:

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Posted on

SB Nation Reacts: The Kristaps Porzingis extension

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors walks on the court during the first half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors have secured center Kristaps Porzingis on a two-year, $40 million contract extension, keeping “The Unicorn” in the Bay Area through the 2027–28 season. The deal includes a player option for the second year.

​While the $20 million annual average value reflects Porzingis’s elite floor-spacing ability, the underlying structure highlights a masterclass in front-office flexibility. Only $3 million of his 2027–28 salary is guaranteed before late June 2027. Crucially, because this deal was executed as an extension rather than a free-agent re-signing, the 7-foot-2 big man remains immediately eligible to be traded.

As such, SB Nation conducted a poll among Warriors fans, asking them to grade the Porzingis extension. Here are the results:

​Porzingis only appeared in 15 games for Golden State last season due to injury, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. Whether he serves as a critical pick-and-pop anchor for Steph Curry or functions as a highly movable salary bridge for an offseason blockbuster, this extension gives the Warriors immense strategic optionality.

Will this extension help the Warriors compete next season? Or will they continue to be a mediocre team built around an aging star and pieces that won’t move the needle? Head on over to https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba to test your luck.

Posted on

D-backs @ Padres Discussion

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 2: General view of downtown San Diego prior to a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 2, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

DIAMONDBACKSPADRES
Ketel Marte – 2BFernando Tatis – RF
Geraldo Perdomo – SSJake Cronenworth – 2B
Corbin Carroll – RFManny Machado – 3B
Gabriel Moreno – CGavin Sheets – 1B
Lourdes Gurriel – DHTy France – DH
Max Kepler – LFJackson Merrill – CF
Nolan Arenado – 3BSamad Taylor – LF
Ildemaro Vargas – 1BSung-Mun Song – SS
Tommy Troy – CFRodolfo Duran – C
Brandon Pfaadt – RHPWalker Buehler – RHP

Roster moves

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves. The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 40.

  • Reinstated from the 10-day injured list: C James McCann (strained right quad)
  • Optioned to Triple-A Reno following yesterday’s game: C Adrian Del Castillo

This is a bit of a surprise, if only because I’d kinda forgotten about McCann. His last appearance was back on May 18, and when he went on the IL the following day, the estimated timeline was 4-6 weeks. It’s been a little longer than the upper end of that – about seven weeks or so. But when you are dealing with a) a catcher, and b) a player who turned 36 while on the injured list, caution is probably no bad thing. Just hope nobody is exactly expecting much offensively. Over 22 games and 62 PA before the injury, McCann hit a paltry .203/.217/.254, with a K:BB of 17:1 and an OPS of .471. That’s somehow below the .555 OPS Del Castillo has posted for the Diamondbacks this season.

The end of the homestand yesterday would make it a good time to check in on the D-backs attendance. In late May, Jack looked at the numbers and found the team’s drop, year-to-year to that point was a massive 5,413 per game – worst in MLB and more than twice the next biggest decline. There were some schedule-related reasons, such as two “home” games in a small stadium in Mexico City, and a preponderance of weekday contests, which will typically draw lower. President Derrick Hall said, “We are right on pace with our projections,” expecting an overall tally around the same as they had in 2025.

The numbers since then do seem to bear that optimism out. With 46 home games now in the book, the D-backs are still behind the numbers from last season. But the previous deficit has been slashed by fifty-nine percent in about six weeks. It’s now 2,194 per game, ahead of three teams. So there has been some progress, although there is still work to be done. The numbers were helped by a weekday four-pack against the Dodgers, which averaged over 35,000 per game, including 42,000 for the finale. Discounting Opening Days, that’s the highest figure for any Thursday contest at Chase since April 2023. Something to keep an eye on, as we progress through the season.

Posted on

Red Wings' Simon Edvinsson Named Potential Offer Sheet Candidate By NHL Insider

Follow Michael Whitaker On X

The hockey world was stunned with the mammoth offer sheet that was made public over the weekend from the Philadelphia Flyers, who targeted Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson.

The offer sheet, which Carlsson signed, is for five years and a whopping $90 million, carrying a salary cap hit of $18 million. It would make Carlsson the highest paid player in NHL history per season if the Ducks don't match it. 

Speaking of offer sheets, could the Detroit Red Wings be victimized by one? 

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson was tendered a qualifying offer by the Red Wings, meaning they retain his RFA rights, but that he's still eligible to be extended an offer sheet from an opposition NHL club. 

During his recent "32 Thoughts" podcast, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman openly wondered if the Carolina Hurricanes, who are the current defending Stanley Cup champions, could make such a move - especially if they were to lose RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

"I'll tell you, the other player that I heard in conjunction with them was Simon Edvinsson from the Red Wings," Friedman said. "He's a really good player, and - if they lose Nikishin, they're gonna need a defenseman, right? And I think Edvinsson would be excellent for their system.

So, I've kind of wondered if they're eying him up and down, too." 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Image

Friedman continued: 

"Carolina has earned that, sort of - you'd better think of creative things they can do, and they're not afraid to try them," he said.

Selected by the Red Wings with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Edvinsson has quickly developed into one of Detroit's most valuable blueliners, trailing only Moritz Seider in terms of overall importance on the back end.

During the season, he skated in 72 games and established a new career high with nine goals while contributing 16 assists for 25 points.

After re-aggravating a lingering injury in a game late in January, Edvinsson underwent surgery but successfully worked his way back into the lineup before the end of February.

Edvinsson has appeared in 175 career NHL games, and has scored 19 goals with 41 assists. He's averaged 21:09 of ice time per game, and is a plus-17. 

Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!

Image

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

Twins’ Buxton relishes the most fun he’s ‘ever had in baseball’ after he’s voted an All-Star starter

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Each of the three All-Star selections of Byron Buxton’s major league career has naturally brought him a deep sense of appreciation.

This one was undoubtedly the most satisfying.

Voted in as a starter by fan balloting for the first time, Buxton reveled in the fact that he landed on the American League squad with Minnesota Twins teammate Joe Ryan for the second straight summer.

Playing on market-value contracts for a team in transition with a bottom-third payroll that conducted a big selloff before the deadline last year, Buxton and Ryan have been prominently included on just about every baseball pundit’s list of trade candidates for months on end.

Yet they’re both still wearing Twins uniforms and going back to the All-Star Game this season while representing a plucky club that has shown plenty of competitiveness for all of its roster imperfections.

Buxton, a two-time Gold Glove award winner in center field, ranks fifth in the majors with 25 home runs with a robust .904 OPS mark that’s his best since 2021. Ryan, one of the pitchers elected by the players, leads baseball with 19 starts and is seventh in strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“It means a lot to be able to represent the Twins but also to be able to start out the season good,” Buxton said in New York on Saturday when MLB unveiled the All-Star teams. “To be able to run it back with Joe is a little bit more special to me.”

The second overall pick in the 2012 draft, Buxton has deftly persevered through his well-documented history of injuries to become not only the five-tool player the Twins long envisioned but a vital leader in a clubhouse of mostly younger players who revere him.

Despite a threadbare bullpen and a series of injuries that have diluted a strong group of starting pitchers, the Twins have so far hung around in both an AL Central division that’s there for the taking and a wide-open race for three wild-card spots. They won a road series against the Yankees over the weekend for the first time in 12 years.

“I truly think this is the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball,” Buxton said. “With the support that we have in here, the resilience that the team has, everything that makes this group us. I know I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Buxton was removed from the game on Sunday as a precaution after feeling discomfort in the right hip that has given him problems from time to time this season, putting his All-Star Game appearance in question with the event approaching on July 14. The Twins were off on Monday, giving him a bonus day to rest before starting a three-game series against division rival Cleveland on Tuesday. But so far, Buxton has not had to go on the injured list at all this year, another point of pride for the 32-year-old.

“I don’t want to set myself back farther, just in case I was trying to push through it or whatever the situation was,” Buxton said after the game on Sunday. “I don’t want to put the team in a bad spot by me trying to go out there and be Superman by trying to play one game and I end up missing a month.”

During the team’s most recent homestand, general manager Jeremy Zoll began an interview session, unprompted, by declaring that Buxton has never been on the trade block and won’t be now. Buxton, for his part, has a no-trade clause that he has consistently and emphatically alluded to anytime his status comes up with reporters. Buxton’s contract, which pays him a little more than $15 million per year, expires after the 2028 season.

“We have no plans to trade Byron,” Zoll said. “It’s not something we’re exploring. It’s not something we plan to explore.”

Posted on

Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 05: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres safely slides into second base during an MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 5, 2026 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Fiore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Arizona Diamondbacks (44-45) at San Diego Padres (44-45), July 6, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!
Posted on

What we learned from the Spurs Summer League loss to the Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 5: Maliq Brown #15 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the California Classic Game on July 5, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Every year, Summer League teaches us the same lessons. Without high-level NBA talent on the floor, defense typically has the advantage. The more physical and aggressive team can completely stifle an opposing offense that hasn’t played much together and doesn’t have the offensive weapons to counter the defensive force. The San Antonio Spurs Summer League squad learned that the hard way on Sunday in a 69-98 loss to the Golden State Warriors Gold squad.

From tip-off, it was clear that the summer Spurs were outmatched by Golden State. The Warriors were pressuring the ball on the perimeter, not allowing San Antonio to get into an easy offensive flow. When the Spurs did manage to get to the paint, the Warriors had the rim protectors to stop them from scoring. Overall, Golden State looked like the more physical and mature team. That played out on the stat sheet as well, as the Spurs had 19 turnovers, shot just 38% from the field, and were outrebounded 47-30.

Without Tarris Reed Jr. and Carter Bryant, the summer Spurs were missing two key contributors who could have brought some offensive firepower. Through two games, it’s clear that San Antonio’s summer team was designed for Bryant to be a key offensive force, as there aren’t many offensive creators on the roster. When he comes back in San Antonio’s first Las Vegas Summer League game, we should see more of what this team was designed to do.

Takeaways:

  • The standout performer on Sunday was Emmanuel Miller, who has one of the Spurs’ two-way roster spots. He had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, and knocked down two three-pointers. Miller is an awesome athlete who can get downhill quickly in transition. Defensively, he’s disruptive in the passing lanes and has enough size and strength on the wings to make things tough on his opponents. He can often get out of control in half-court settings, driving into a collapsing defense with nowhere to go. But his combination of size, athleticism, and shooting is intriguing. He’s a player to watch for the rest of the summer.
  • I’ve loved Maliq Brown’s defense. With Reed Jr. missing the game for a non-injury reason, Brown slotted in as the team’s starting center. He has shone as a help defender both on the wing and at center in his two Summer League games. He always seems to be in the right spot and has great hands, allowing him to disrupt passes or block shots at the rim. He needs to find an offensive niche if he wants to develop into an NBA rotation player, but his defense is already one of the top skills of any player on San Antonio’s summer roster.
  • Ja’Kobi Gillespie continued to miss shots in his second game, but he is doing a great job getting open. Gillespie had 9 points on 4-12 shooting from the field on Sunday. He’s running a lot of the offense and getting a whole lot of usage, but isn’t seeing the ball go through the hoop. He’s looked really good getting downhill on ball screens and getting into a mid-range pull-up, but the shots just aren’t falling right now. We’ll see if he can find his rhythm as the summer goes on.
  • Hyunjung Lee can shoot. He went 4-7 from the field on the way to 11 points off the bench, including a pair of impressive triples. His defense has not been great despite his size, and he isn’t really a threat to create his own shot. San Antonio’s Summer League coach, Corliss Williamson, has been encouraging Lee to shoot more. Expect to see Lee continue to let it fly as the Spurs head to Vegas.
Posted on

DeMar DeRozan free agency landing spots: Where might 6-time All-Star sign?

DeMar DeRozan has been waived by the Sacramento Kings after spending two seasons with the franchise after joining in 2024.

DeRozan, a 17-year NBA veteran, was drafted in 2009 with the ninth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors. In his career, he's also played for the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. The six-time All-Star was released from the Kings on Monday, July 6, the team announced.

Both, DeRozan and the Kings front office reportedly worked together, collaboratively to waive DeRozan after searching for possible trade destinations, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.

DeRozan was a consummate professional during his time with the Kings. During the 2025-26 season, he led the team in games started and played with 77. He led Sacramento in scoring among players on the team with at least 50 appearances, averaging 18.4 points per contest.

More: Sacramento Kings reshape rebuild with Darius Acuff Jr. and key draft moves

"My whole goal since I been in the league is to try and find ways to come back and be better," DeRozan told USA TODAY Sports during his end-of-season exit interview with the Kings in April.

DeRozan now becomes an unrestricted free agent and one of the remaining highly regarded players available throughout the free agency pool. There are plenty of teams, especially contenders, who can utilize his skillset, veteran leadership and professionalism inside their locker room.

Here are possible free agency landing spots for DeRozan after being waived by the Kings.

DeMar DeRozan landing spots

Here a few options that seem like potential sites on where DeRozan could land:

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat could be a team looking to get in line for DeRozan following his release from Sacramento. According to Miami Herald and Heat beat reporter Barry Jackson, Miami could look to add the All-Star guard to the team following its blocbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis on June 22.

Jackson reported that there has been no contact between the Heat and DeRozan's camp but said that Miami would be among teams of interest. Other players he mentions include Bradley Beal and Gary Trent, but it all depends on what LeBron James plans to do.

"The Heat simply could wait on LeBron decision before deciding what wing player to pursue," Jackson said in a X post. "I expect Heat to try to add another wing; tough call is whether to pounce on one of these players or wait to see if a surprise name shakes free."

Toronto Raptors

Toronto is a team that continues to come up in conversation about landing spots for DeRozan, and there are plenty of reasons to make the connection as well. DeRozan, with more NBA years behind him than in front, can play out the twilight of his career in the city where it all began.

"We're looking at Toronto," NBA Insider Jake Fischer said on DeRozan's potential next team.

To make things even better, maybe he gets to link up with his buddy Kyle Lowry. Lowry signed with Toronto on a one-day deal to officially retire as a Raptor.

If DeRozan were to sign with Toronto, it would mark the the second return this summer of a former star. Kawhi Leonard, who led the Raptors to the the 2019 NBA championship, is back in Toronto after a massive trade with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Golden State Warriors

ESPN's Anthony Slater has linked DeRozan to the Warriors saying the team would look into the six-time All-Star if they are not able to land LeBron James.

DeRozan would be a natural fit for Golden State, given their roster. DeRozan gives them a solid scoring presence and a veteran leader in the locker room, and Golden State wouldn't have to rush Jimmy Butler back to the court after dealing with a torn ACL.

Of course, questions of fit may loom, especially once team is fully healthy. But that could be a good problem to have. They would for sure be versatile with both.

Los Angeles Clippers

DeRozan is from southern California, so going back home could always be an intriguing option for the 17-year NBA veteran. Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto reported the Clippers would have interest in DeRozan. It would be the perfect homecoming. However, you'd have to imagine playing for a sure contender would be top of the priority list for DeRozan.

Teams unlikely to DeRozan

There are teams likely to go after DeRozan and then there are teams who won't be in the sweepstakes for the NBA vet.

Non-contending teams

It is expected that DeRozan will not play for a team that's not a contender. Any franchise not expected to contend for the postseason should not expect to be in the running for Deebo.

Los Angeles Lakers

If the Clippers are on the list for LA-native DeRozan, then surely the Lakers would be too. Except, that's not the case.

ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin said the Lakers are not expected to a potential landing spot for DeRozan, despite having been connected to the guard-forward in 2021, in a post on social media.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: DeMar DeRozan free agency landing spots: Where might 6-time All-Star sign?

Posted on

Nikola Jokic says he wants to stay with Denver Nuggets for rest of career

If there were ever any questions about Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and his loyalty to the team, he has answered them.

Time and time again, he's expressed his desire to remain with Denver for the remainder of his career. Jokic has two seasons remaining on his contract, which includes a player option to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028 when he will turn 33.

The three-time MVP made clear he will not wait until then to ease the minds of Nuggets fans.

"My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career," Jokic told reporters in Serbian after a FIBA World Cup qualifying game Monday.

"My idea and desire is to stay in Denver. I'll probably sign next year ... My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver."

Jokic entered the league in 2014. He was selected by the Nuggets with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He led Denver to a 2023 NBA title and was named Finals MVP.

He could sign the largest contract in NBA history in the summer of 2027. Jokic would be eligible for a five-year, $359.5 million contract as a free agent, according to ESPN.

Jokic averaged a triple-double during the 2025-26 season with 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game in 65 appearances. In 11 NBA seasons, Jokic averages 22.2 points per game, 11.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Nikola Jokic says he wants to stay with Denver Nuggets for rest of career

Posted on

Dodgers activate reliever Evan Phillips from 60-day IL

Evan Phillips wearing a Dodgers uniform and cap, holding a baseball and glove.
Dodgers have called up Evan Phillips

Evan Phillips was activated from the 60-day injured list on Monday, and if he can pitch the way he did before he underwent reconstructive elbow surgery last year, the Dodgers really might not have to do anything in the month leading up to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

“More nervous than I expected,” Phillips said.

Dodgers have activated Evan Phillips from the 60-day IL after reconstructive elbow surgery last year. Getty Images

Phillips, 31, was the Dodgers’ saves leader in both 2023 and 2024. Claimed off waivers in the middle of the 2021 season, Phillips has posted a 2.22 earned-run average in 201 games for the Dodgers.

His return for the start of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies marked the end of a 13-month journey that started when Dr. Neal ElAttrache repaired his ulnar collateral ligament.

“I’m excited to get back out there. I was here for a live BP a month and a half ago and took a moment then to appreciate being back at Dodger Stadium, but it’s gonna be different tonight, getting back out there in a competitive atmosphere,” Phillips said. “So really exited about that. 

The final stage of Phillips’ recovery included a month-long rehabilitation in triple A. Phillips pitched 12 games for the Dodgers’ Oklahoma City-based affiliate, posting a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings.

Phillips pitched on consecutive days for Oklahoma City on June 24 and 25, the latter appearance marking the start of a four-game stretch in which he didn’t give up any runs or walks.

“Feel like probably the last past two weeks or so really took a good turn on my rehab,” he said. “Started bouncing back even better, pitching more like myself, feeling more like myself.”

Paul Gervase was optioned to clear a spot for Phillips on the active roster. Phillips’ place on the 40-man roster came at the expense of left-hander Jake Eder.

In a separate roster move, the Dodgers added right-hander Carlos Duran to the 40-man roster and designated catcher Chuckie Johnson for assignment. Johnson was optioned to triple A after he was 2 for 23 in eight major-league games with the Dodgers.