Boozer: I wanted to let sons 'sink or swim'
Carlos Boozer catches up with Jordan Cornette at the men's Nike Hoop Summit to discuss how proud he is of his sons Cameron and Cayden, sharing why he can't wait to see them wear a Duke uniform next season.
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Celtics' Jayson Tatum shares Cooper Flagg photo after NBA Draft
The post Celtics' Jayson Tatum shares Cooper Flagg photo after NBA Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints. Following the 2025 NBA Draft, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared a photo on Instagram with newly drafted Cooper Flagg, showcasing a meaningful connection between the NBA veteran and the league's newest top pick, via Noa Dalzell. The photo, which shows Tatum in conversation with Flagg, comes after Flagg publicly named Tatum as his favorite player and the one he most looks forward to facing in the NBA. Advertisement In a draft night interview with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt, when asked who his favorite player is, Flagg responded, 'Maybe Jayson Tatum. That's somebody that I watched a lot at Duke and then watched a lot again as he went on to the Celtics.' Flagg also added during the interview, 'He's had an incredible career.' Flagg was selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the third Duke player since 2019 to go first overall, joining Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero. The 18-year-old standout freshman at Duke averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He shot 48.1% from the field and 38.5% from three across 37 games, leading Duke to the Final Four before falling to Houston. Hailing from Maine, Flagg grew up watching Tatum closely, especially given Tatum's own ties to Duke and his ascension with the nearby Boston Celtics. Tatum has become a model of consistency and excellence for the Celtics. The 27-year-old forward is a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection. He led Boston to the 2024 NBA Championship and followed up with another strong season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. However, Tatum is expected to miss the entire 2025–26 season due to a torn Achilles suffered in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Advertisement Flagg enters the league with sky-high expectations. His rookie contract with Dallas is worth $62.7 million through 2028. If he meets projections, Flagg could become eligible for a $359 million supermax deal in 2029 and a potential $509 million contract in 2034. His potential career earnings could exceed $930 million from NBA contracts alone by age 31. Even with all the excitement, unfortunately, Cooper Flagg will not face his idol on the court during his rookie year due to Tatum's injury. Related: Celtics pull off trade with Magic amid second round of 2025 NBA draft Related: Celtics' trade proposal for Robert Williams brings much-needed depth
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Reactions Pouring in After Hornets Draft Kon Knueppel
Reactions Pouring in After Hornets Draft Kon Knueppel originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As the clock ticked down on the Sixers at No. 3, the writing was on the wall with VJ Edgecombe heading to Philly. And just like that, the Charlotte Hornets were on the clock. The speculation came fast and in real time. Advertisement Would a trade alert flash across the screen? Would Charlotte grab Rutgers star Ace Bailey? The high-flying, polarizing talent many fans said was their guy? Or would they play it safe and go with Duke's Kon Knueppel? Well, safety was paramount for Charlotte. The Hornets passed on the unknown and opted for function. Knueppel, the ACC Tournament Player of the Year, is staying in the Tar Heel State. The Blue Devils standout averaged 14.4 point and 4.0 rebounds per game. Knueppel is not flashy. He's not a social media highlight machine either. He doesn't scream 'Top-five pick energy.' But what he does bring is shooting and a ready-made offensive fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. The two players who desperately need floor spacers and reliable secondary scoring force on any given night. His NBA comparison? Think a shorter Cameron Johnson, giving up a few inches in wingspan but bringing similar three-level scoring mechanics. Advertisement The downside for Charlotte was they passed on upside once again. Hornets head coach Charles Lee is expected to run a motion-heavy offense that leans on movement shooters and basketball IQ. Knueppel checks those boxes. His professionalism, defensive effort, and off-ball movement all scream system fit. And for a franchise that's been riddled with chaos, Kon might just be the stability pick in a sea of volatility. Hornets Fans React: 'These (expletive) Just Like Being in Poverty' The Hornets' fan base had strong opinions and if you were anywhere near the YouTube chat or Facebook group, you witnessed the full rollercoaster. Advertisement 'They Blew It Again…' For many fans, the pick was just more of the same, which was safe and symbolic of a franchise afraid to take risks. 'There was only 1 wrong decision. We made it.' – Paz Mello 'We were #Konned this draft.' – Bobby Reyes 'I'm done. These front office guys never seem to get it right.' – Laquan Sanders 'This has to be one of the dumbest organizations ever.' – Jonathan BigBear Bridges Some even compared the pick to last year's controversial Tidjane Salaun selection, calling it another reach that might haunt the Hornets in two years' time. 'Not Flashy, But the Right Pick' A vocal minority backed the move, leaning into Knueppel's upside as a reliable contributor and perfect schematic piece. Advertisement 'Kon is a good shooter and a decent defender.' – Sean Teamor Jr. 'This is gonna be a great pick for us and I'll take the heat for now.' – Andrew Epermanis 'That was the right pick. You don't build contenders by rolling with flash.' – Alex Monfreda 'Love it! Perfect fit for the team!' – Davey Boucher Fans pointed out that while Bailey offers more sizzle and Kon offers something Charlotte hasn't had in years, which is reliable shot-making. Safe vs. Upside: The Draft Room Debate At the heart of the reaction is a philosophical split. Should the Hornets swing for star potential with Bailey or Johnson, or take a player ready to contribute right now? Advertisement 'Kon ain't bad at all, but we could've used a later pick for him—reminds me of Salaun all over again.' – Will Jones 'Maybe if Melo can stay healthy and create shots for him it could be a good pick… just unlikely.' – Matthew J. Price Related: Fresh Intel Reveals Hornets Locked on Duke's Kon Knueppel at No. 4 Emotional Boil Over: Exhaustion Setting In Some fans didn't mince words about their frustration with the franchise. 'These (expletive) just like being in poverty.' – Zak Mullins '780 days of losing basketball for this (expletive).' – Skeleton Jack 'We are the dumbest organization.' – Caleb Thurman Advertisement 'Well, I'll see you guys next year in the top 5 again.' – Jordan Foster Related: Hornets Trade Mark Williams to Suns for Two First-Round Picks, per Report Final Verdict: A House Divided Whether Knueppel becomes a core piece in Charlotte's rebuild or just another name in a long list of draft-day debates remains to be seen. What's clear is that this pick didn't ignite hope and cast doubt. The Hornets took the safe road at #4, betting that shooting and intangibles will outweigh raw talent and star power. But in a league driven by superstars, will that approach move the needle? Related: Nike to Release Hornets Inspired Air Jordan 5 Retro 'Grape' Time will tell. But in Charlotte, patience is running out and the noise is getting louder. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Charlotte Hornets Select Kon Knueppel with No. 4 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Charlotte Hornets Select Kon Knueppel with No. 4 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. With Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe off the board in the top three picks of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets faced a tough decision at No. 4. Advertisement Ultimately, they selected Duke freshman Kon Knueppel, a 6-foot-5 small forward known for his elite perimeter shooting and high basketball IQ. While some anticipated Charlotte might take a swing on the higher-upside Ace Bailey or consider trade-down options, the Hornets opted for stability and fit with Knueppel. Knueppel's selection follows a pattern after taking the raw but promising Tidjane Salaun in last year's draft, Charlotte is now adding a more polished, plug-and-play wing to complement their young core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. Knueppel's shooting ability immediately addresses a need for Charlotte. The team was ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage last season. His presence gives the Hornets a dependable floor spacer and secondary playmaker, who can thrive off the ball or initiate momentum when needed. The pick also reflects Charlotte's trust in Knueppel's readiness and leadership. ESPN's Jonathan Givony and other analysts had hinted at Bailey potentially slipping due to fit concerns and lack of pre-draft workouts with certain teams, including the Hornets. That opened the door for Knueppel, whose all-around offensive versatility, mid-range touch, strength on drives, and pick-and-roll vision made him a favorite. Advertisement While not an explosive athlete, Knueppel has a sharp feel for the game, allowing him to make timely decisions and find scoring windows. His average wingspan (6'6') and athleticism may limit his defensive upside, but the Hornets are banking on his fit alongside Ball and Miller to create an efficient, well-spaced offensive attack. Knueppel joins a promising starting five that includes Ball, Miller, Williams, and Miles Bridges. With health and internal development, Charlotte could take a significant leap in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets made a calculated and safe pick in a player who fits their needs and raises their floor. Related: Fresh Intel Reveals Hornets Locked on Duke's Kon Knueppel at No. 4 If Knueppel becomes the reliable sharpshooter, this pick could help stabilize a franchise hungry for success. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
