Blazers Fire New Play-By-Play Announcers Braiden Bell
The Portland Trail Blazers fired new play-by-play announcer Braiden Bell on Thursday night after racist and sexist tweets were uncovered from when he was a teenager. Bell, who posted the tweets in 2012 and 2013, was hired for the role earlier on Thursday.
Real GM
A’ja Wilson again proves she’s on another level as the Las Vegas Aces eliminate the Indiana Fever to return to the WNBA semifinals
Led by an undeniable A’ja Wilson, the Aces eliminate the Fever to advance to back to the semifinals.
Swish Appeal
Jalen Duren accepts 5-year, $200M deal from Pistons
All-NBA center Jalen Duren agreed to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract to return to the Detroit Pistons, agent Chafie Fields of THE•TEAM told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Thursday night.
ESPN.com
Victor Wembanyama slams players promoting sports betting weeks after LeBron James announces Polymarket deal
Victor Wembanyama made his stance on sports betting very clear. On Thursday, the Spurs superstar spoke to reporters at training camp and answered whether he’d ever sign a deal with a sports betting company.
NY Post
Adam Silver: “I did not know” Mark Walter was selling Lakers
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he was surprised to learn that Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner Mark Walter was preparing to sell the franchise, with the deal ultimately setting a record $12.5 billion valuation.
Talk Basket
Bub Carrington admits Wizards were held back for AJ Dybantsa
Bub Carrington says the Washington Wizards deliberately held themselves back during the 2025-26 season with the goal of securing the No. 1 pick and selecting AJ Dybantsa. “We haven’t been told to be the best version of ourselves. We were held back because we were trying to get AJ Dybantsa.
Talk Basket
Angel Reese elevated into the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in her first season with the Atlanta Dream
In her first season with the Dream, Angel Reese earned the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Swish Appeal
Vegas first? Seattle on hold? Where NBA expansion stands ahead of the 2026-27 season
As NBA training camps begin for 30 teams, here’s the latest intel on the potential for the 31st and 32nd teams.
ESPN
Fantasy basketball draft guide: All you need to win your league this season
We’ve got everything you need to help you prepare for and execute a successful draft, all in one place.
ESPN
Heat vibes, Alpha Sixers, Doncic domination? Top storylines for NBA preseason
Following a dramatic and intriguing offseason, the NBA returns to the hardwood. Here are five storylines we’re tracking as the preseason begins.
Yahoo
Bill Simmons Concerned About Stephen A. Smith’s ESPN Role as Pat McAfee’s Popularity Surges
Former ESPN employees Bill Simmons and Kirk Goldsberry were quite surprised at how things have changed at their former employer. Ringer founder Simmons raised concerns over the changing power dynamics at ESPN during a recent episode of his podcast alongside analyst Goldsberry.
Essentially Sports
Mikel Brown Jr. has no timetable as Nets prioritize full recovery
Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. has returned to limited practice after a left ankle injury, but he is not yet cleared for contact.
Yahoo
Warriors’ Stephen Curry names Jrue Holiday, another guard as toughest defenders he’s faced
There are a number of reasons why both fans and critics believe Stephen Curry has brought about a tremendous change in the way basketball is played.
Clutch Points
Draymond Green Shuts Down Charles Barkley Replacement Talk
Draymond Green has become a familiar face on Inside the NBA, but he has no interest in being labeled Charles Barkley’s replacement. With Barkley maintaining that the 2026-27 season will be his final year on the show, Green has naturally been mentioned as a potential successor.
Basketball Forever
Knicks’ OG Anunoby has better shot to get All-Star respect after playoff heroics
OG Anunoby’s powerful performances in the playoffs were just the tip of the iceberg.
NY Post
