Tonight is a historic occasion as LeBron James, a National Anthem kneeler and disrespecter, becomes the first male basketball player to carry the flag for Team USA at an Olympic opening ceremony. Meanwhile, Riley Gaines expressed her thoughts on the matter on X: THIS is who was chosen as the U.S. flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Anyone who has ever knelt for the national anthem should be disqualified from this honor ..read more

Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Ricky Council IV feels confident that rookie center Adem Bona will have a productive NBA career. (via Courtside Comparisons): “He’s very hard working, very strong, very athletic. I think it was the first day I worked out with him in Philly, I said, ‘You’re going to make a lot of money one day.’ Just how hard he plays and how athletic he is. And he’s really not that tall to be a center ..read more

Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown doesn’t want 2024 #13 pick Devin Carter to rush back from rehabbing his left shoulder (had successful surgery to repair a torn labrum earlier this month). (via Sacramento Kings): “He’s young enough to where it’s not necessarily going to hurt or harm his career. We’re going to be patient with him. We want this thing to be 100% back to normal, and so, there’s no rush on it right now ..read more

Draymond Green expressed his feelings on Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors. “I’m happy as hell he gone,” Green said regarding Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson left the Warriors after 13 years with the team, signing as a free agent earlier this offseason. Green highlighted Thompson’s discomfort with the Warriors as a reason for his happiness. He stated, “The reason I’m happy he’s gone is because he wasn’t happy no more.” Green emphasized his support for Thompson’s well-being over team interests ..read more

Anthony Gill has re-signed with the Wizards, continuing his tenure with the team. Tim Bontemps reported that Gill will remain with Washington, according to sources. Anthony Gill is re-signing with the Wizards, sources told ESPN. Gill averaged 3.8 points across 50 games last year for Washington, the only team he’s played for in his four-year NBA career. — Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 25, 2024 Gill, a forward, averaged 3.8 points in 50 games last season for the Wizards ..read more

Teams are not showing interest in a Jordan Clarkson trade, according to recent reports. Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune highlighted Clarkson’s need for a bounce-back season after struggling with efficiency last year. Despite averaging 17.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 30.6 minutes per game, there has been no trade interest. Clarkson, 32, is currently in the first year of a two-year, $28.4 million contract with the Utah Jazz ..read more

Luol Deng, President of South Sudan Basketball, responded to Gilbert Arenas’ “disrespectful and cruel” comments. Deng expressed disappointment rather than anger, especially since the remarks came from respected individuals. He emphasized that while he isn’t affected and takes pride in being African, such comments can harm the self-esteem of young African and African American kids who look up to Arenas. Deng highlighted the importance of embracing African history and countering self-hate with pride ..read more

Before signing Chris Paul in free agency, the San Antonio Spurs showed trade interest in Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers and Darius Garland of the Cavaliers, reports Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Nembhard signed a three-year, $59 million extension with the Pacers, while the Cavaliers have rejected all trade inquiries on Garland. The Spurs see Paul as a short-term backcourt solution but will continue strengthening the position around Victor Wembanyama. They picked Stephon Castle at No ..read more

TNT has issued a warning of taking “appropriate action” against the NBA for rejecting their TV rights counter-offer. The NBA announced new media deals with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon starting from the 2025-26 season. The deals ensure that ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video will broadcast NBA games through the 2035-36 season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized that these agreements will maximize the reach and accessibility of NBA games. ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro highlighted the evolution of NBA coverage through these premium rights ..read more

The Utah Jazz have waived forwards Darius Bazley and Kenneth Lofton Jr. NBA insider Michael Scotto tweeted the news, confirming the roster changes. Both Bazley and Lofton Jr. were eligible to receive $400K of their salary guaranteed if they remained with the Jazz through July 25th. Instead, the team decided to waive both players. Darius Bazley and Kenny Lofton Jr. were each eligible to receive $400K of their salary guaranteed if they remained with the Utah Jazz through July 25th ..read more