Latest news with #SummerLeagueMVP
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets announce roster for 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League
The Brooklyn Nets are less than one week away from seeing what some of the youngest players on the team are ready to do at the next level. Following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn only has to wait until July 10 when the 2025 NBA Las Vegas Summer League tips off and now, Nets fans know who will be playing during that time. The Nets announced on Saturday their roster for the Las Vegas Summer League as the team is gearing up for a 2025-26 season that is hopefully better than 2024-25. For starters, Brooklyn assistant coach Steve Hetzel will once again be leading the Nets during the event as he looks to improve from last year's 3-2 record to hopefully guide the team to the league championship. When the Nets begin play at 5:30PM ET on July 10 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, they will be led on the court by players like guard Egor Demin, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and guard Nolan Traore, the 19th overall pick. The Nets' other three draft picks, forward Drake Powell (22nd overall pick), guard Ben Saraf (26th), and forward Danny Wolf (27th) will be playing as well. In addition to the youngest players taking the floor for Brooklyn, they will have some veterans on the court as well with players like forward Tosan Evbuomwan, center Drew Timme, and guard Tyson Etienne on the roster. All three veterans played for the Nets last season and as it stands, Evbuomwan and Etienne are set to spend time in Brooklyn and in Long Island since they are currently signed to Two-Way contracts. This will be Brooklyn's 11th time competing in the Las Vegas Summer League for the 11th time. Last season, under the guidance of Hetzel, Jalen Wilson played arguably the best basketball of his career as he averaged 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game on 47.3/55.0/89.5/ shooting splits. Wilson's performance earned the Summer League MVP award so it will be interesting to see if someone on the Nets can do something similar this time around.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Lonzo Ball was supposed to revive the Los Angeles Lakers but something went wrong
(Image Source - Getty Images) Lonzo Ball, picked second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, came to the Los Angeles Lakers with a lot of potential: a local hero dubbed "the new face of the Lakers," known for his flashy assists, strong defense, and a confident style. But what started as a bright future quickly turned into a sad story as injuries piled up, games were lost, and hope faded away. Instead of sparking excitement at Staples Center, it became a cautionary tale of unmet expectations—and unanswered questions. How a dazzling draft-night dream spiraled into Lakers draft history regret In 2017, the Lakers picked Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick, following two consecutive lottery selections, as they looked to him to shape their future with his diverse skill set. He quickly made a name for himself, snagging Summer League MVP with some incredible triple-doubles—an exhilarating preview of what many expected to be a groundbreaking rookie season. Unfortunately, Ball's rookie year was cut short by persistent shoulder and knee issues, limiting him to only 52 games. In his second season, he managed just 47 appearances as ankle and knee troubles continued to hold him back. His numbers—10.2 PPG, 7.2 APG, 6.9 RPG—were respectable, but for a No. 2 pick meant for greatness, it felt lacking. By 2019, the Lakers were craving reliable help for LeBron James, so they made a bold move sending Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart in a major trade to acquire Anthony Davis. This deal redefined the Lakers' championship plan around a proven star—but it also meant sacrificing Ball's opportunity to thrive in purple and gold. Once he left LA, Ball established a strong presence in New Orleans and Chicago, hitting his career highs before more knee surgeries put him on the sidelines for 1,006 days. However, back in Los Angeles, he's still on ClutchPoints' list of the franchise's 10 most regrettable draft picks, not because he wasn't talented, but because he didn't achieve the superstar path that was anticipated in 2017. The Lakers chapter of Lonzo Ball's career is filled with bright moments dimmed by the weight of expectations and injuries. Picked as a transformative player, he provided glimpses—spectacular assists, strong defense—but never fully realized his potential while in Los Angeles. Also Read: Ime Udoka's rise in Houston Rockets just triggered one of the boldest moves this offseason The blockbuster trade for Davis definitely benefited the Lakers, but Ball's legacy is a tale of what might have been: a local talent whose potential faded before it could fully blossom, reminding everyone that even the most promising players can dim before their prime. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
