NBA free agency live updates: Latest signings rumors trades and more - USA TODAY

Editor's note: NBA free agency opened Friday at 6 p.m. ET. See what trades and moves were made before the deadline in our Thursday tracker.

The Houston Rockets had salary cap space and wanted to spend — and they did, agreeing to a max contract with Fred VanVleet. The Phoenix Suns still want to add more high-level talent but don’t have the salary cap space to do that without another major trade. The Los Angeles Lakers had their eyes on Bruce Brown; they didn't get him, but have made a number of interesting moves.

Free agency opened Friday at 6 p.m. ET, with several teams looking to improve their roster in hopes of elevating to playoff contender or championship contender. Some may have to do that via trade, as may be the case for James Harden, who opted into the final season of his Philadelphia contract with the idea the Sixers will trade him.

Who will make the right moves? That will unfold during free agency via signings or trades.

Let’s take a look at free agent news as USA TODAY Sports keeps you updated:

Fred VanVleet, who turned into an All-Star caliber guard and won a title with Toronto in 2019, came to terms with the Houston Rockets on a three-year, $130 million deal, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. The Rockets had money to spend in free agency and lured VanVleet to Houston with a huge payday.

All-Star guard Kyrie Irving will return to the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million contract, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.

Forward Draymond Green, one of the best defenders in the league and a four-time All-Star, plans to sign a four-year, $100 million contract with the Golden State Warriors, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.

Khris Middleton will return to the Milwaukee Bucks on a three-year, $102 million contract, his agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.

Kyle Kuzma is returning to Washington. Kuzma agreed to a four-year, $102 million deal Friday to remain with the Wizards, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. Kuzma averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists last season on the Wizards, a team that appeared to be in rebuild mode after offloading several players this offseason, including Bradley Beal. But Kuzma will not be one of them.

Derrick Rose agreed to a two-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN. The 34-year-old veteran averaged 5.6 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 27 games for the New York Knicks last season.

After Fred VanVleet agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets, Dennis Schroder and the Toronto Raptors agreed to a two-year, $26 million contract, according to ESPN. Schroder, who averaged 12.6 points per game with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, helps fill the Raptors' need at point guard.

Power forward Kevin Love is returning to the Miami Heat on a two-year deal, with the second year being a player option, The Associated Press reports. Love signed with the Heat after the Cleveland Cavaliers bought out his contract last season. The five-time All-Star started 18 games in the playoffs as the Heat advanced to the NBA Finals.

Guard Seth Curry has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN. Curry spent last season with the Brooklyn Nets, but has already had two separate stints in Dallas, where he's averaged 12.6 points per game and shot 43.9% from deep.

Forward Rui Hachimura has agreed to a three-year, $51 million deal to return to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to The Athletic. Hachimura averaged 12.2 points per game in the Lakers' Western Conference finals run last season after being traded midseason from the Washington Wizards.

Bruce Brown, who played a pivotal role in Denver’s championship run, agreed to a two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. The Nuggets couldn’t offer Brown that much and other teams who wanted to sign him, such as the Lakers, only had the mid-level exception at $12.4 million per season to offer Brown.

Gabe Vincent is headed to Los Angeles after agreeing to a three-year, $33 million deal with the Lakers, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. Vincent averaged a career-high 9.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists during the regular season for the Miami Heat and averaged 11.4 points during the 2023 NBA Finals.

Cam Johnson is staying put in Brooklyn. Johnson and the Nets agreed to a four-year, $108 million deal, according to ESPN. Johnson averaged a career-high 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assist in 25 games for Brooklyn last season after the Phoenix Suns dealt Johnson to the Nets in February in the Kevin Durant trade.

Joe Ingles has agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal with the Orlando Magic that includes a team option on the second year of the deal, a person familiar with the deal told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity.

The NBA Friday announced the salary cap and luxury tax thresholds for the 2023-24 season. The salary cap has been set at $136.021 million.

Center Jakob Poeltl is staying in Toronto, agreeing to a four-year, $80 million contract with the Raptors, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. Poeltl, whose new deal includes a player option, averaged 13.1 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season after he was traded back to the Raptors by the Spurs.

Forward Herb Jones is returning to New Orleans, agreeing to a four-year, $52 million deal with Pelicans, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The 6-foot-8 wing is entering his third season and has averaged 9 points per game in each of his first two years while playing strong defense.

Cam Reddish is on the move again. He agreed to a two-year deal to join the Los Angeles Lakers, according to The Athletic. Reddish averaged 11 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 20 games for the Portland Trail Blazers after being dealt by the New York Knicks midseason.

Forward Josh Richardson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Miami Heat, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports. The Heat drafted Richardson in 2015 and he averaged 12.1 points per game for them across four seasons before he was sent to Philadelphia in the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to Miami.

Shake Milton agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN, following five seasons in Philadelphia. Milton averaged 8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season for the 76ers.

Limited in what they could do with their salary cap situation, the Suns agreed to a number of smaller deals with role players, according to multiple reports. They have agreed to contracts with Yuta Watanabe, Keita Bates-Diop (two years, $5 million), Drew Eubanks (two-year minimum), Damion Lee (two years), Josh Okogie and Chimezie Metu (one year).

Guard Tre Jones is returning to San Antonio, agreeing to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Spurs, according to ESPN. Jones averaged career highs in points (12.9) and assists (6.6) per game last season.

Guard Jevon Carter has agreed to a three-year, $20 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. Carter averaged a career-high 8 points with the Milwaukee Bucks last season.

Georges Niang is headed to Cleveland. Niang agreed to a three-year, $26 million contract with the Cavaliers, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity. Niang spent the last two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 8.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1 assist last season.

The Los Angeles Lakers plan to offer restricted free agent Austin Reaves a four-year, $52 million contract, according to ESPN. Other teams can offer Reaves as much as $100 million, but, since he is a restricted free agent, the Lakers can match any offer to retain the guard, who broke out during L.A.'s Western Conference finals run last season.

Forward Taurean Prince has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN. Prince spent the past two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he averaged 8.1 points per game.

Forward Troy Brown Jr. has agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to ESPN. Brown averaged 7.1 points per game last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Forward Jerami Grant reached a deal to return to the Portland Trail Blazers on a five-year, $160 million contract, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity.

Forward Trey Lyles will return to the Sacramento Kings on a two-year, $16 million deal, a person familiar with the agreement told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity so that they could speak freely before the deal is official.

Guard Caris LeVert is staying in Cleveland after agreeing to a two-year, $32 million contract with the Cavaliers, a person familiar with the terms told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity.

Guard Coby White has agreed to a three-year, $40 million contract to stay with the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN.

The Detroit Pistons acquired guard Joe Harris from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade, a person familiar with the details told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official. The Pistons will also acquire two second-round picks (2027 and 2029) in a deal that removes the final season of Harris’ deal at $19.9 million from Brooklyn’s books. Harris will be an unrestricted free agent following next season. The Nets created a $19.9 million trade exception to use in the offseason or next season.

James Harden will not become a free agent

Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden will opt into the final season of his $35.6 million contract with the idea that the Sixers will trade Harden, a person familiar with the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until there is a resolution. Harden, the 2017-18 regular-season NBA MVP, was expected to become a free agent with the possibility of re-signing with Philadelphia or returning to Houston.

Harrison Barnes, Kings agree to extension

Forward Harrison Barnes reached a three-year, $54 million extension to remain with the Sacramento Kings. Barnes averaged 15 points and 4.5 rebounds and shot 47.3% from the field last season. The 31-year-old Barnes started every game last season – one of only three NBA players to do so – and helped the Kings reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

Josh Hart commits to Knicks for 2023-24

New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, who had a productive season, including some strong games in the playoffs, picked up the option year on his contract for $12.9 million, ESPN and The Athletic reported. Hart averaged 10.4 points and 7.4 rebounds and shot 47.9% from the field in 11 playoff games.

Which teams have considerable salary cap space?

Houston Rockets

San Antonio Spurs

Orlando Magic

Oklahoma City Thunder

Detroit Pistons

What is an unrestricted free agent?

The most common free agent is an unrestricted one. Simply put, an unrestricted free agent can sign with any team they wish. Once that contract is officially signed, the player is part of the new team.

What is a restricted free agent?

This is where it gets a little complicated. A restricted free agent can sign an offer sheet with any team, but the player’s original team has the chance to retain the player by matching the offer.

For example, if restricted free agent Austin Reaves is offered a contract by the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Lakers have the right to match the offer and retain Reaves. The NBA says the original team has the “right of first refusal.”

Restricted free agents exist in these situations: following the fourth year of a rookie contract for former first-round picks; veteran free agents who have three seasons or less of experience; and a player coming off a two-way contract who previously spent at least 15 days on an NBA roster the prior season. (A two-way contract allows a player to suit up for an NBA team or its G League affiliate).

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Blu Boys fail to make finals but can still earn World Cup berth - The Manila Times

After opening the tournament with back-to-back victories on Sunday, the Philippine team suffered twin losses on Monday at the 12th Men's Softball Asia Cup in Kochi, Japan.

The Blu Boys started the day with a 5-9 setback against Singapore and then bowed to eight-time defending champion Japan, 0-7, in the afternoon.

"While it was, undoubtedly, a challenging turn of events for us and the team, we remain hopeful and are now more determined than ever to bounce back from these setbacks and secure victories in our upcoming matches," said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asaphil) president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Blu Boys pitcher Leo Barredo ASIASOFTBALL PHOTO

Blu Boys pitcher Leo Barredo ASIASOFTBALL PHOTO

The Filipinos faltered right from the start against the Singaporeans who posted a 7-0 lead in the first inning. The Philippines answered with four runs in the second inning but Singapore scored two more runs in the third and gave up one more run in the sixth to secure the victory and a place in the finals.

"We just gave away seven runs in the first inning because of poor pitching. Leo Barredo is an experienced pitcher, but he was not well since arriving three days ago. But he recovered and we fielded him," said Blu Boys coach Jasper Cabrera, who sent in Melvin De Castro to replace Barredo in the third inning..

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Unbeaten Japan, which fielded its under-23 team in the tournament, proved too strong for the Blu Boys who failed to score against the host country.

Japan finished the game with 14 hits and no errors, while the Philippines had three hits and one error.

The Philippines' string of nine straight Asia Cup finals appearances also ended on Monday but will still have a chance to claim a World Cup berth if it wins the bronze medal on Wednesday.

"At this stage, our priority is that we qualify for the World Cup which means at worst we have to win the bronze. At least there are three slots available now as compared to two last year," said Cabrera.

Japan (4-0) and Singapore (3-1) have already secured slots to the World Cup for reaching the Asia Cup final.

The Philippines, which scored victories against India and Chinese-Taipei on Sunday, will close its elimination round schedule against Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The Philippines captured its third and last Asian title in 1990 but made the finals eight straight times since then. For eight consecutive finals, however, the Blu Boys bowed to the Japanese.

The Philippine team is composed of Barredo, John Israel Antonio, Jerome Bacarisas, Denmark Bathan, Melvin De Castro, Lyonas De Leon, Juliuz Dela Cruz, Mark Janzen Gaspi, Francis Generoso, John Norwen Lucas, Efril Ian Mercado, Micheal Pagkaliwagan, Reagan Parco, Gerone Riparir, Justine John Rosales, and Kenneth Torres with Cabrera and Isidro Abella as coaches.

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Opals score century in Asia Cup opener - ESPN - ESPN Australia

Jun 26, 2023, 10:33 PM

Australia have made an impressive start to their FIBA women's Asia Cup basketball campaign with a massive 105-34 win over the Philippines in Sydney.

Despite fielding just three of the squad that won a bronze medal at last year's World Cup at the same venue, the Opals displayed their depth with a dominant performance against undersized opposition.

The Philippines shot just 19 per cent from the field and were held to seven points or less in three of the four quarters.

They were monstered on the boards 64-22, and notched just three assists to Australia's 31.

"We haven't had a lot of time, together so to be able to put that sort of performance together straight off to start the tournament, I'm really proud of the girls," Opals coach Shannon Seebohm said.

The Opals spread their scoring load with Darcee Garbin (18 points in as many minutes) and Lauren Scherf (17 in 21) scoring inside and outside.

Chloe Bibby added 11 and fellow debutante Chantel Horvat tallied 10, as did Kelly Froling and Alice Kunek

All 12 Opals got on the scoresheet, with Seebohm blooding all three of his debutantes, Bibby, Horvat and Amy Atwell, before halftime.

Australia shot 52 per cent from the field and Duke University guard Vanessa de Jesus was the only Philippines player to generate offence for her team scoring 18 at 58 per cent from the field .

None of her teammates made more than one field goal and between them scored from just 10 of 50 tries.

Sparked by Garbin's eight points and four boards inside the first five minutes, Australia galloped to a 16-2 lead on the back of a 14-0 run.

A run of 20 unanswered points either side of quarter-time, when Australia led 30-7, propelled the host nation to a 36-7 advantage.

The Philippines' only passage of joy came in the second quarter when guard de Jesus poured in 11 points In a 13-2 run that got the deficit down to 18.

The Australians reasserted themselves for the remainder of the quarter, enjoying an 18-3 advantage to lead 56-23 at the half.

The Opals continued to dominate in the second half, scoring15 of the first 16 points to expand their lead to 47.

Australia didn't overlook their defensive duties, with the Philippines taking seven minutes to hit their first field goal of the third quarter and down by 50 at three-quarter time, ultimately losing by 71.

Also in Australia's group, champions Japan commenced their quest for a sixth straight Asia Cup title with a 94-53 win over Taiwan.

In group B, New Zealand squandered a 23-point first-half lead, but Penina Davidson capped a a 24-point, 10 rebound game with the winning basket 25 seconds from the end in the Tall Ferns 66-64 win over higher-ranked South Korea.

World ranked No.2 China swamped Lebanon 80-44 in the other group B clash taking control with a 22-2 third quarter.

Australia plays Taiwan on Tuesday.

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Reports: Hawks trade John Collins to Jazz - NBA.com

John Collins is reportedly headed to the Jazz in a trade.

The Utah Jazz are busy once again in the offseason, agreeing to a reported frontcourt swap. Per multiple reports, the Atlanta Hawks are sending forward/center John Collins to Utah for swingman Rudy Gay and a second-round pick. The trade won’t be finalized until July 6 at the earliest.

Full ESPN story on the Jazz landing the Hawks’ John Collins in a trade: https://t.co/nEggMD20kY

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023

John Collins has been traded to the Utah Jazz, sources confirm to @JeffSchultzATL and @Tjonesonthenba.

The Hawks will receive Rudy Gay and a second-round pick in return. https://t.co/YupBa0KH6A pic.twitter.com/yMUFOEXZ1L

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 26, 2023

Can confirm that the Hawks have dealt John Collins to the Jazz for Rudy Gay. https://t.co/uiZ97mjy3J

— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) June 26, 2023

Rudy Gay exercised his $6.4M option for the 2023-2024 season, his agent Sam Permut of @Rocnationsports tells ESPN — and that cleared the way for the trade that can’t be formalized until July 6.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2023

Hawks receive: 

• Rudy Gay
• Future second-round pick

Jazz receive: 

• John Collins

Last summer, the Jazz dealt All-Star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves and guard Donovan Mitchell to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a part of that trade, the Jazz got back Lauri Markkanen from the Cavs, who blossomed into an All-Star in 2022-23.

Collins is entering his seventh NBA season and averaged 13.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 blocks per game in 30 minutes per game with the Hawks last season. However, his stats have declined since the 2019-20 season in which he averaged a career-best 21.6 ppg and 10.1 rpg.

In Utah, Collins will join a frontcourt that boasts Markkanen (25.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.9 apg last season), second-year center Walker Kessler (9.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.3 bpg) and rookie Taylor Hendricks (the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft). Markkanen was the Kia Most Improved Player, while Kessler — a player Utah landed in the Gobert deal — became an All-Rookie first team selection and ranked fourth in the league in blocks per game.

After dealing away Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz were considered an afterthought in the Western Conference as last season began. However, the team was competitive early, starting 10-3 and hovering around .500 until about the All-Star break. The midseason trades of Mike Conley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley sapped Utah of some scoring punch and a late-season injury to Markkanen brought Utah’s playoff and AT&T Play-In Tournament hopes to an end by early April.

Collins signed a five-year, $125 million contract in 2021 and still has two seasons left (along with a player option in 2025-26) on his deal. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the trade creates a $25.3 million trade exception, which is the largest in the NBA, and something Atlanta has a year to potentially use.

The deal also gives Atlanta flexibility to explore possible contract extensions for Dejounte Murray, Onyeka Okongwu and Saddiq Bey. Collins’ departure opens up playing time for Okongwu as well as talented frontcourt youngsters such as AJ Griffin and Jalen Johnson, both of whom showed flashes of development at various times last season.

Gay is a 17-year NBA veteran and spent the last two seasons with the Jazz as a reserve. Last season, he posted 5.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 14.6 mpg as he average career lows in practically every category. He held a player option for next season, which he reportedly exercised to allow the trade to happen.

The Hawks showed no real improvement after coach Quin Snyder took over in late February, going 10-11 over the final 21 games of the regular season to complete a maddening year at 41-41. They claimed the No. 7 seed with a play-in victory at Miami, only to fall to the second-seeded Celtics — their second straight one round-and-done showing in the NBA Playoffs.

After years of struggling to fill the seats, the Hawks averaged a team-record 17,555 per game and sold out State Farm Arena for nearly every game. But the team rarely gave its fans a lot to cheer about.

“I want to be looked at as a team that should come in and win a championship, not just be in the picture, not just be in the running,” Hawks star Trae Young said in April. “I want to come into the season as a team that people look at it and say they can win, they’ve got a chance. That’s my whole focus and my whole mindset.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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De Jesus among the must-see players in Women's Asia Cup - ABS-CBN News

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1. De Jesus among the must-see players in Women's Asia Cup  ABS-CBN News
2. Gilas Women lose big to Australia in Fiba Asia Cup, Vanessa de Jesus scores 18 in debut  INQUIRER.net
3. 4 reasons Japan can bounce back for sixth straight title  FIBA
4. China announce 12-person roster for Women's Basketball Asia Cup  CGTN
5. Gilas women open ‘we belong’ tour against Aussies  INQUIRER.net
6. View Full Coverage on Google News

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Jayson Davids heroics push Ginebra past Rain or Shine in PBA On Tour - INQUIRER.net

Jayson David. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines-Barangay Ginebra dealt Rain or Shine its first defeat in the PBA On Tour as Jayson David’s late heroics completed a stunning 108-107 victory before a big Sunday crowd at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

David scored back-to-back baskets, including the go-ahead layup with 2.4 seconds to go as the Gin Kings pulled off an escape act when the Elasto Painters were heading towards extending their unbeaten record in the exhibition series.

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Nick Demusis’ attempt with a fraction of a second left before the horn went off and Ginebra picked up a third straight win after three straight losses to begin the On Tour.

David's back2back buckets FTW!

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Final: Ginebra beats Rain or Shine, 108-107. #PBAGameTayoDito #PBAOnTour pic.twitter.com/D7pRGQ9uYs

— PBA (@pbaconnect) June 25, 2023

“Very happy that the players didn’t give up again,” said acting coach Richard del Rosario, whose team came off a thrilling overtime win over Blackwater last Wednesday.

Von Pessumal was red-hot for Ginebra with 29 points while Jeremiah Gray had 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.

Rain or Shine lost for the first time after winning its first four matches in the series, squandering a 107-101 lead with under two minutes to go.

Gray drained a three, then David scored a layup to cut Ginebra’s deficit to a single point. Andrei Caracut missed a short jumper, which led to a transition play and David’s basket.

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Six Rain or Shine players scored in double figures, with Demusis and Gian Mamuyac making 16 points apiece.

The scores:

GINEBRA 108—Pessumal 29, Gray 19, Pinto 14, Mariano 13, Aguilar R. 9, Salcedo 8, Onwubere 7, David 6, Dillinger 3, Gumaru 0, Aurin 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 107—Mamuyac 16, Demusis 16, Caracut 13, Nambatac 12, Santillan 11, Belga 10, Asistio 8, Borboran 8, Belo 5, Ildefonso 4, Clarito 4.

Quarters: 25-22, 47-46, 79-84, 108-107.

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NBA draft 2023: Could one of these six sleepers be next Nikola Jokic? - USA TODAY

The NBA draft is Thursday and while all the attention is (rightfully) focused on Victor Wembanyama, the generational talent from France, we’re interested in others. Specifically, we’re curious about sleepers. 

It’s easy to make predictions about lottery picks and what they will bring to a team in the immediate future. But there’s nothing like drafting a guy most people have either not heard of or already have been written off, and having that guy become a superstar. 

We’re not saying any of the guys below are the next Nikola Jokic − the newly minted NBA champ and two-time MVP was drafted in the second round, No. 41 overall, in 2014 − but we’re also not not saying that, if you catch our drift. 

Six sleeper picks for the 2023 NBA draft:

Bilal Coulibaly

6-foot-8 forward, France, 18 years old

Best known as Wembanyama’s teammate with the Metropolitans 92, Coulibaly is moving up draft boards as NBA scouts fall hard for his athleticism and 7-foot-2 wingspan. Though his 2022-23 stats aren’t anything to write home about − 5.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists − Coulibaly’s long, bouncy frame makes him the ideal 3-and-D prospect, and he’s known for making some spectacular above-the-rim plays. He didn’t make it to the draft combine because his team was in the playoffs overseas, so NBA scouts didn’t get to closely examine his shot: though he made 45% of his three-pointers last season, he only took one long-distance attempt per game, and the thinking is he’ll need to quicken his release in order to get his shot off at the next level. 

Gregory 'GG' Jackson

6-foot-9 forward, South Carolina, 18 years old 

Jackson might be the most intriguing prospect in this year’s draft class. The top player in the 2023 recruiting class according to 247 Sports, Jackson reclassified last July to become a college freshman and join the class of 2022 at South Carolina. In Columbia he started 29 of 32 games and averaged 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds. He has a big, athletic frame and a 7-foot wingspan. But there are major questions about his maturity (he won’t turn 19 until December). His shot selection and efficiency leave much to be desired, and it was clear sometimes last season that he had no idea what he was doing. He’s the epitome of high risk, high reward. 

James Nnaji

6-foot-11 center, Nigeria, 18 years old 

A potential late first-rounder or early sound-rounder, Nnaji played in Spain last season. Though he averaged only six minutes a game during the EuroLeague season, NBA scouts are intrigued by his 7-foot-5 wingspan and potential. Nnaji didn’t start playing basketball until 2016, and moved to Hungary to train at an academy after some of his highlights went viral. He’s raw, to say the least. But his stats hint at potential domination if he can get in the regular rotation: In just 8.7 minutes per game last season, Nnaji averaged 3.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.5 blocks. That breaks down to a block about every seven minutes, which is a stat any NBA team would love. 

Brice Sensabaugh

6-foot-6 forward, Ohio State, 19 years old 

A likely late first-rounder, Sensabaugh is a versatile scorer who has been praised as one of the more skilled prospects in this year’s draft class. As a freshman for the Buckeyes last season he led the team in scoring (16.3 points) and second in rebounding (5.4). He was the nation’s third-leading scorer among all freshmen, and connected on 40.5% of his 3-point attempts, making a team-high 60. Though he’s shaky as a defender and slightly undersized, scouts like Sensabaugh because of his strength: He excels at finishing through contact and can use his strong frame to can create space for his shot.

Ben Sheppard

6-foot-6 guard, Belmont, 21 years old

Everyone wants a knock-down shooter, and Sheppard just might be the best pure shooter in this year’s draft. Though his thin frame − he’s only 190 pounds − could scare off some teams, his ability to connect from deep will intrigue others. Sheppard shot 41.5% from 3 and 47.5% from the field overall, averaging 18.8 points for Belmont. He also has improved tremendously as a passer, nearly doubling his assists per game from his junior to senior year (1.6 to 2.9). If he’s drafted, it likely will be late in the second round. He needs to bulk up, but he could be a steal. 

Dariq Whitehead

6-foot-7 guard/forward, Duke, 18 years old

What could have been if he hadn’t been injured: A former top five recruit from Newark, Whitehead broke his right foot during August practice and missed the first couple weeks of the season. That injury never healed quite right, and Whitehead needed a second surgery on it earlier this month. In January, he missed time after a lower left leg injury. All of this resulted in some underwhelming stats from his freshman year: 8.3 points and 2.4 rebounds in just 20.6 minutes per game (he only played in 28 contests, starting seven). But he shot 42.9% from long-distance, and was long considered an elite shooter in his class. Bottom line, he has the talent of a lottery pick tons of upside — if he can stay healthy. 

Follow Lindsay Schnell on Twitter at @Lindsay_Schnell

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Wizards' Kyle Kuzma opts out to become free agent - Rappler

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma declined his $13 million player option and will hit the free-agent market, ESPN reported Tuesday, June 20.

The move was expected. A return to the Wizards on a new deal also is a possibility, per the report.

Regardless, Kuzma will be one of hottest free agents on the market. The 27-year-old averaged a career-high 21.2 points in 64 starts this past season, his second in D.C. He also pulled down 7.2 rebounds per game and collected 3.7 assists.

He averages 16.5 points and 6.4 boards in 406 career games (276 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers (2017-21) and Wizards.

Kuzma was selected No. 27 overall in 2017 and then dealt to the Lakers in a draft-night trade that saw D’Angelo Russell go to the Brooklyn Nets.

He was dealt to the Wizards in August 2021 in the five-team trade that was highlighted by Russell Westbrook going to the Lakers.

The Wizards are evolving under the direction of new president Michael Winger, who just dealt Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. – Rappler.com

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Franco Atienza has PBA head coaching debut to savor as Converge FiberXers sees off San Miguel Beermen - ESPN - ESPN

• Sid Ventura

Jun 19, 2023, 04:00 PM

Franco Atienza made the most of his PBA head coaching debut on Sunday night, piloting Converge FiberXers to a thrilling 113-111 overtime win over San Miguel Beermen in the PBA On Tour.

With head coach Aldin Ayo skipping the game due to a personal matter and first assistant McJour Luib suiting up as a back-up point guard for the injury-riddled FiberXers, Atienza -- a holdover from the now-defunct Alaska Aces backroom staff -- was thrust into the limelight against the PBA's winningest team.

He didn't disappoint, helping Converge overcome an early double-digit deficit and calling the right defensive play in the last seconds of overtime that led to Jerrick Balanza's game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds left.

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With Ayo set to return to the sidelines on Wednesday, Atienza joked that he'll retire as a PBA head coach with a 100% winning record.

If that happens, he'll join his former boss in elite company.

"The other coach who's 100%, I think, is boss Fred (Uytengsu)," said Atienza, referring to the former Alaska team owner who took over the coaching reins of the team in the 1980s for one game.

Even though Ayo was absent, Atienza said the head coach made his presence felt.

"For sure, he was monitoring us," he clarified. "During the game, during halftime, he was with the team.

"It just so happens that he can't be here physically. But he's on top of everything."

Atienza was quick to deflect the credit for the stirring win as merely carrying out the team's system, stating: "It's a group effort. First of all, this is still coach Aldin's team.

"Whatever you saw here, it's his system. We just executed it. We been doing this for less than one year, and the players have been putting in the work in practice.

"We just executed our schemes. You saw the 'mayhem' -- we executed that. We picked the pieces up together. Credit to the players, credit to our coaching staff.

"It's not the same San Miguel team. But again, we want to do what we know and we want to improve on what we know and what we do best, which is defense."

While all that may be true, it was Atienza's correct call on a defensive play that set up the win.

With the Beermen in possession with 14 seconds left and the score tied at 111, he guessed correctly what SMB would do next.

"It's really just making plays down the stretch," said point guard Alec Stockton, who came up with a big steal off Mo Tautuaa and assist to Balanza.

"Coach Franco told us if ever Mo gets the ball down low, because that's their advantage, try to get a steal. Fortunately, we got a steal, we got it down the stretch and Jerrick got the layup."

Atienza, though, still gave credit to the system.

"Basketball is putting the ball into the hoop," he added. "So we just have to do the other thing, which is stopping them from putting it into the hoop.

"With the system that we have, coach Aldin's team is known to be tough on defense. And it's just nice that we won that game on defense."

It was a much-needed win for the FiberXers, who had lost three of their first four games on the tour.

"Whatever game we play, if we have a choice for overtime in a close game, we always choose overtime because that's where you learn," Atienza added, on the team's need for a game like this to test their composure.

"Whatever we do in practice, we cannot replicate the pressure of an overtime game against a champion team like San Miguel. And we want that learning.

"We want to get something out of this. And we want our young team to benefit from the pressure and defending end games like this.

"And I think we passed the test for this game. We will move forward and continue improving for the coming conference."

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PH U15 softball team bags bronze World Cup berth in Taiwan tourney - Manila Bulletin

The Philippine women’s softball team blanked Korea, 10-0, to bag the bronze medal in the U15 Asia Cup in Puli, Taiwan.

The Philippine women's U15 softball team.

The victory also earned them a berth to the World Cup U15 in Tokyo, Japan this year, becoming the third squad to earn world cup berths after the Blu Girls and the co-ed slow pitch teams in their respective leagues.

Composed of a selection of players from ILLAM Manila, Pasig and Bulacan, the PH team finished the eliminations with a 4-2 win-loss record.

They first walloped India, 6-0, then South Korea, 2-1, before absorbing back-to-back defeats from Japan, 14-0, and host Taiwan, 5-2.

The Filipina batters regained their bearings with triumphs over Singapore (10-1) and Hong Kong (10-0), before falling prey to the Koreans.

“Their performance in the games was nothing short of amazing. Their passion and teamwork are truly inspirational. We wish them the best and we will continue to support them as they face stiffer competition in Japan,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines President Jean Henri Lhuillier.

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Martin wins in Germany after thrilling duel with Bagnaia - Reuters.com

• Summary
• Companies

• Martin takes his first full MotoGP win since 2021
• Spaniard completes sprint and race double
• Bagnaia second, Zarco third
• Ducati dominant with eight bikes in top nine

HOHENSTEIN-ERNSTTHAL, Germany, June 18 (Reuters) - Spaniard Jorge Martin won the German Grand Prix for Pramac Racing on Sunday after a thrilling duel with Ducati's reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia that reignited the title battle.

The pair crossed the line 0.064 of a second apart, their Ducatis so close that they touched on the penultimate lap as Italian Bagnaia threw everything at his rival in a bid to get back in front.

Martin's French team mate Johann Zarco completed the podium at the Sachsenring circuit, after KTM's Brad Binder crashed out of third on lap 19, as Ducati riders filled the top five places and eight of the top nine.

Bagnaia's championship lead was cut to 16 points as Martin, winner of the Saturday sprint, celebrated a weekend double and his first grand prix victory since the Styrian round at Austria's Red Bull Ring in August 2021.

"After almost two years fighting for it, finally it arrived," said an emotional Martin, who started on the second row of the grid. "It was a tough race, Pecco (Bagnaia) was pushing so hard.

"This is only a first step hopefully, we are getting there and closer."

Bagnaia started on pole position but lost out immediately as Jack Miller, third on the grid for KTM, shot into the lead.

The Australian's time at the front was brief with Bagnaia swiftly taking over but Martin then coming through two laps later and pulling away in the hot and greasy conditions.

The battle really got spicy on the 21st of 30 laps when Bagnaia took the lead back only for Martin to surge ahead again three laps later.

The pair crossed the line for the last time almost side by side.

"At the middle of the race I just tried to think about the end, think about managing the tyres, about the strategy and how to defend myself," said Martin.

"And when Pecco overtook me, it changed a little bit my plans. I had to improvise a little bit. I didn't realise the touch but we arrived at the last corner together again."

Only three Japanese bikes were on the grid, after Honda's six-time MotoGP winner Marc Marquez withdrew on the morning of the race after crashing in the warm-up, and none finished inside the top 10.

Italian Marco Bezzecchi was fourth for the VR46 team with team mate and compatriot Luca Marini fifth.

Miller was the highest non-Ducati rider in sixth with Gresini Ducati's Alex Marquez seventh and factory Ducati rider Enea Bastianini eighth.

Gresini's Fabio Di Giannantonio was ninth and RNF Aprilia's Miguel Oliveira completed the top 10.

Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, Editing by Hugh Lawson and Ken Ferris

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Nike sides with Ja Morant after NBA suspends Grizzlies star for 25 games - Marca English

Nike released a statement Friday in response to the NBA suspending Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for 25 games of the upcoming season, siding with the high-flying star "on and off the court."

Morant, 23, received the hefty suspension due to brandishing a firearm on social media a second time despite an eight-game punishment after the first video.

Ja Morant filmed with another gun

"Nike is pleased that Morant is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court," the shoe company said in a statement.

Five days after the second video of Morant's gun hit the Internet, Nike quietly removed all of his signature sneakers from its website, so many expected him to receive the Kyrie Irving treatment.

Less than two weeks later, however, the 'Hunger' edition of Morant's Ja 1 exclusive shoe went on sale as scheduled. It sold out in just a few minutes.

Ja Morant once again apologizes

Morant apologized after the first incident, which took place at a Denver strip club, and once again after his initial suspension.

The second apology seemed to have been written by Chat GPT. Morant doubled down on his promise to work on himself, much like when he briefly attended a counseling program after the original video.

His most recent statement, released on Twitter via Adrian Wojnarowski, promises he will continue to become a better man.

"I'm spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making... I hope you'll give me the chance to prove to you over time I'm a better man than what I've been showing you," Morant's statement read.

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Iga Swiatek Delivers Keynote Speech At Rafa Nadal Academy Graduation - ATP Tour

Fresh off her fourth major title at Roland Garros, Iga Swiatek was the guest of honour at the graduation ceremony at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in Mallorca, Spain on Wednesday. The WTA World No. 1 was invited to give a speech to this year's graduating class.

Addressing the Class of 2023, Swiatek paid tribute to her idol, 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal.

"For the last few weeks, I've been looking at one quote at Roland Garros in Paris," Swiatek said. "On Court Philippe-Chatrier it's written, 'The victory belongs to the most tenacious'."

Nadal also spoke and had kind remarks for Swiatek, "Honestly, for us it's a huge privilege to have you here today. I know that everybody here at the Academy, the students especially, appreciate your efforts, that after winning Roland Garros you are here inspiring all the kids."

^{Rafa Nadal Academy Class of 2023 students celebrate their graduation. Credit: Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar}

Swiatek stated that Nadal's example has impacted her version of "tenacity," sharing that the Spaniard has been a constant reminder of how persevering and never giving up can make a difference in life.

"I often have the feeling that sometimes when I'm playing or when I'm doing things off court, that I should do them better or I should seek perfection," Swiatek said. "But this shouldn't be the sense. We should all focus on the process and giving 100 percent, no matter what you can give, because every day is different."

Swiatek told those in attendance her admiration for Nadal grew steadily as she watched more of his matches, particularly during those moments when he was not at his best, when he struggled on the court and still managed to overcome the obstacles.

"These are the matches that inspired me," she said. "So I hope you will be tenacious."

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LIVE UPDATES: Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat, Game 4 – NBA Finals 2023 - Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Back in the driver’s seat.

After absorbing a stunning 111-108 Game 2 loss, the Denver Nuggets regained control of the 2023 NBA Finals following a convincing 109-94 bounce-back victory against the Miami Heat in Game 3 of their best-of-seven series.

Now up 2-1, the Nuggets aim to move on the cusp of their first NBA title in franchise history, while the Heat gun for another equalizer when they clash in Game 4 on Friday, June 9 (Saturday, June 10, Manila time) at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

History was made in Game 3 as Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic became the first ever player to drop a 30-20-10 in an NBA Finals game with his massive stat line of 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Jokic and Denver’s spitfire guard Jamal Murray also became the first teammates in NBA history to both produce 30+ point triple-doubles in the same game as the latter put up 34 markers, 10 boards, and 10 dimes.

In order to avoid the brink of elimination and level the series at 2-2, the Heat must search for ways to limit the two-time NBA MVP Jokic, who is averaging 33.3 points, 14 rebounds, and 9.3 assists in this year’s finals.

Miami must also come up with a total team effort and need its starters Gabe Vincent and Max Strus to rediscover their touch after the duo failed to show up in the Heat’s uninspired Game 3 home loss. 

Vincent and Strus, who scored 23 and 14 points, respectively, in their Game 2 win, combined for just 10 points in Game 3 on an awful 3-of-17 shooting.

All-Star center Bam Adebayo has been the only consistent scorer for the Heat in this series, breaching the 20-point territory in all three games and averaging a team-high 23 points.

Game time is 8:30 am.

– Rappler.com 

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Sources - Nuggets get package of picks in deal with Thunder - ESPN - ESPN

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  Adrian Wojnarowski, Senior NBA InsiderJun 9, 2023, 12:21 PM ET

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  • Host of The Woj Pod
  • Joined ESPN in 2017

In a rare trade involving an NBA Finals participant, the Denver Nuggets are acquiring a 2024 first- and second-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick in a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder for a protected 2029 first-round pick, sources told ESPN on Friday.

As the Nuggets try to maximize this championship window, they'll get the least favorable of Oklahoma City's first-round picks in the 2024 draft, and the 37th pick in the June 22 draft, sources told ESPN.

Denver will have the 37th and 40th pick in this draft, and the deal gives Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth additional opportunities to acquire low-cost contracts and create some trade tools as the franchise navigates the luxury tax with this star-laden team built around Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. The league's new collective bargaining agreement will make it more difficult for tax teams to add veteran talent, and there will be a greater premium on drafting and developing young players.

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Oklahoma City still owns Denver's top-five-protected 2027 first-round pick from the JaMychal Green trade last year.

The Thunder had a glut of picks in the next few years and now spread those out with a protected first-round pick in 2029. Oklahoma City has one of the deepest rosters of young talent in the league and owns 15 first-round picks through the 2029 NBA draft.

ESPN's Bobby Marks contributed to this report.

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Kyrie Irving recruiting LeBron James to the Dallas Mavericks - report - Rappler

Kyrie Irving has reached out to LeBron James to gauge the latter’s interest in coming to Dallas, The Athletic reported Monday (Tuesday, June 6, Manila time).

Irving played 20 games for the Mavericks after a midseason trade from Brooklyn and is currently a free agent.

James has two years and $97 million remaining on his contract but the second year is voidable. James, who reportedly played the last few months with a torn tendon in his foot, said he has “a lot to think about” about his future.

“Just for me personally going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about,” James said after the Lakers were swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.

James, 38, reportedly needs surgery on his foot this summer.

Irving and James won an NBA title together with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

Irving, 31, just finished off the final year of a four-year, $136.5 million deal he signed with Brooklyn in July 2019, which included a player option for the 2022-23 season. – Rappler.com

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2023 ISA World Surfing Games: Day 4 results, highlights, and livestream from the Olympic qualifier event - Olympics

Losing a board just before the end of his heat turned out to be the motivation Mexico’s Alan Cleland needed to execute the most impressive comeback of the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games.

With five minutes left until the buzzer, Cleland was re-attaching his board on shore and paddling back out into the line-up. A few minutes later he performed a massive aerial that earned him a pass to the fourth round, a mere 0.10 points below the score of Olympic silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi.

Cleland’s heroics were not the only moment that captured our eye on the fourth day of competition at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.

Costa Rica’s Leilani Mcgonagle became the first athlete to beat world No.1 Carissa Moore in El Salvador, while Israel’s Uri Uziel defied the rankings when he topped his heat and downgraded world No.3 Filipe Toledo to the repechages.

Dutch teenager Tiara van der Huls also sent a clear message that her massive wave score in the previous round was no accident as she served up another stunning performance.

Read about what you’ve missed in our daily review and watch all the action live on Olympics.com.

As it happened: Board-less Cleland makes massive comeback

Mexico’s surfers have been in top form at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games, but nothing could have prepared Alan Cleland for the challenge he would face in his third-round heat.

Cleland, who currently holds the record for the highest-scoring wave in the men's competition, got detached from his board after catching his second wave.

With less than five points on the board and sitting in third position, Cleland urgently paddled back to the shore. Once there, he caught his board and reattached the leash.

“It was natural instinct, survival mode,” Cleland told Olympics.com. “I felt I lost it when I fell so I went straight out. (My team) had the back-up board ready but I wanted to keep using my magic one.”

Heading straight for the line-up with less than four minutes left on the clock, Cleland caught one of the first waves coming his way and executed a 360 rotation that earned him 7.33 points - the highest wave score in the heat - and a ticket to the next round.

“I knew there was not much time and I had to go big so that’s what I did. Really happy I made it happen,” Cleland said. “I come here to practise a lot so this for me is a bit of a reward that the previous hard work is paying off.”

Mexico's Alan Cleland paddled out after getting detached from his board to land the best-scoring wave of the heat (ISA/Pablo Jimenez)

No Brazilian shadow on Sebastian Hernandez

Cleland’s teammate, Sebastian Hernandez, also had an impressive heat in the third round, holding his own against Brazil’s Gabriel Medina. Hernandez led for most of the heat, though Medina did manage to flip the standings with a last-minute manouver.

Facing the three-time world champion did not daunt the feisty Mexican.

“There are really big names in this event, but I am focused on doing my thing,” Hernandez told Olympics.com. “The pressure is the same no matter who is in your heat.”

While Hernandez wasn’t rattled by Medina’s presence, the Brazilian’s surfing at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games has got the other athletes worried.

Medina is continuing to dominate the event, finishing first in all his heats, all of which scored among the Top 10 totals. His lowest total score so far is set at a hefty 15.27.

Gabriel Medina and Filipe Toledo follow the competition from the Team Brazil area (ISA/Pablo Franco)

Tiara van der Huls: Surfing for chocolate

As for Mexico’s Cleland and Hernandez, not giving it her all was not an option for Tiara van der Huls. But for her, the consequences of that would not only be losing the heat, but also having to eat a hot chilli pepper.

This is the punishment that the Dutch team has devised for the athletes: commit to surfing the hardest part of the wave during the heat and get a chocolate; go safe – eat a chilli pepper.

Van der Huls has earned more than one chocolate with the ground-breaking surfing she has been showing in El Salvador this week.

Only 16 years old and relatively unknown until this year’s World Surfing Games, van der Huls got a big win over Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb in the third round to follow on the massive wave score she got the previous day.

The teenage surfer received 9.03 points, then the highest score on a single wave among men and women, in the second round.

“I felt really comfortable in the water,” van der Huls told Olympics.com. “I never thought it was possible to make the heats with such professional surfers so I’m really happy to pass the rounds.

“I just figured out I have to surf and have fun. It doesn’t really matter for me if I make the heats. It’s just about having fun, and that’s what I think is the most important.”

Ellie Harrison, Erin Brooks: Repechage resilience

While van der Huls celebrated getting into the fourth round, she did lose her wave record shortly after as Australia’s Ellie Harrison earned 9.50 points to send a defiant message from her repechage heat.

Another teenage talent, 15-year-old Erin Brooks, also showed resilience in the repechages. Not discouraged by falling to van der Huls in the second round, the Canadian surfer came back strong in El Sunzal and got the third-highest heat total of the competition, 16.60 points.

Israel's Uri Uziel topped his heat, which also saw Brazil's Filipe Toledo drop into the repechages (ISA/Pablo Jimenez)

Costa Rica catches Carissa Moore off guard

Getting a wildcard for the World Surf League stage in El Salvador later in June seemed to boost Leilani Mcgonagle’s confidence so much that even facing two Olympic medallists in the third round could not dampen her spirits.

The Costa Rican paddled out with Olympic champion Carissa Moore and bronze medallist Amuro Tsuzuki and returned to the shore as the winner.

“I am really stoked. Surfing is a sport that depends on things we can't control like the waves but today things definitely worked out for me,” Mcgonagle told Olympics.com after becoming the first athlete to beat Moore at the 2023 World Surfing Games.

“It was an honour to be in the water with the other surfers who are also friends.”

Team New Zealand watching the competition in La Bocana (ISA/Pablo Franco)

Day 5 action: Repechage marathon

The surfers will back in the waters on Sunday, 5 June as the World Surfing Games go into the fourth round and more athletes are eliminated in the repechages.

The men’s fourth round begins in La Bocana, while some top names will be fighting their way up from the repechages in a day that promises plenty of drama.

World No.1 Griffin Colapinto and world No.2 Joao Chianca will be among the top names surfing to stay in the competition, along with USA’s John John Florence. If they move on, they could face Filipe Toledo and local star Bryan Perez in the repechage fourth round.

Also keep an eye on Erin Brooks and Brazil’s Luana Silva who will surf in the women’s repechage round 3.

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