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USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NBA power rankings: How all 30 teams stack up after 2025 NBA Draft
Just because the NBA season just ended — with the Oklahoma City Thunder claiming their first championship since relocating to the city — that doesn't mean that the balance of power across the league hasn't already shifted. The 2025 NBA Draft provided a chance for plenty of teams to infuse young talent into their rosters with the aim, aside from Oklahoma City, to become the eighth different team in as many years to win the title. Free agency, which is right around the corner (beginning Monday, June 30), presents the next chance for teams to add to their rosters. Here are USA TODAY Sports' post-playoffs, post-NBA draft power rankings: 1. Oklahoma City Thunder The NBA champs have their young core in place, players like 2024-25 rookie Nikola Topić — a skilled, 19-year-old guard who didn't step on the court at all this season — and added a skilled big in Thomas Sorber at No. 15 who should develop in the program. 2. Houston Rockets A dynamic young team with an excellent coach in Ime Udoka just took a huge, win-now swing for an elite player in Kevin Durant. The Rockets could become very dangerous. 3. New York Knicks A lot will depend on the head coach they hire, but — given the massive injury ramifications across the East — the Knicks get a boost just because they have their core healthy. 4. Minnesota Timberwolves Their first-round draft pick — mobile big man Joan Beringer — is an 18-year-old project who doesn't help the Timberwolves get past the conference finals hump, but they have a very good core in place. 5. Indiana Pacers It's tough to see the Eastern Conference champs (and a team that pushed the Thunder to seven games) this far down, but Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear is devastating. 6. Cleveland Cavaliers They were bounced out of the playoffs far earlier than they wanted, but in coach Kenny Atkinson's first year, the Cavaliers led the NBA in most shooting and offensive metrics. 7. Denver Nuggets With a full offseason to settle into the job, new coach David Adelman should create a more unified vision for the Nuggets. They'll need more depth, but Nikola Jokić remains a force. 8. Los Angeles Clippers After finishing the regular season strongly, the Clippers took the Nuggets to seven games. The roster is definitely aging so the window to win is right now. 9. Los Angeles Lakers With a full offseason to develop an offense that suits Luka Dončić and LeBron James, coach JJ Redick should get more out of the Lakers, whom the Timberwolves eliminated in five games in the first round. Still, L.A. needs to find a center. 10. Boston Celtics The team is undergoing a transition, with Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday gone in luxury-tax-trimming moves and potentially more on the way out. The Achilles tear to Jayson Tatum, however, is most devastating for Boston's chances to get another title. 11. Golden State Warriors Adding Jimmy Butler certainly made Golden State more competitive, but the Warriors' leaders are 37 (Stephen Curry), and 35 (Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green). 12. Detroit Pistons They broke out last season and played the Knicks very tough in the first round. They should only become more competitive as Detroit's young core continues to develop. 13. Orlando Magic Injuries derailed their season, but adding Desmond Bane should make the defensive-minded Magic a little more consistent with their shooting. 14. Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo may be assessing his future with the Bucks, who have lost three consecutive playoff series and saw Damian Lillard suffer a torn Achilles. 15. San Antonio Spurs All of a sudden, the Spurs have a dynamic and hyper-athletic core. Victor Wembanyama is the obvious centerpiece, but Stephon Castle, No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper and De'Aaron Fox is almost too much talent at one position. 16. Memphis Grizzlies They were able to find their replacement for Desmond Bane on a budget, trading for the rights to Washington State guard Cedric Coward at No. 11. Memphis needs to minimize turnovers. 17. Atlanta Hawks With the additions of Kristaps Porziņģis and forward Asa Newell at No. 23, the Hawks got tremendous value and may be a surprise team in the wide-open East. 18. Dallas Mavericks It's a shame Kyrie Irving will miss time with a torn anterior cruciate ligament because the fit with No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis would be fascinating to watch. 19. Chicago Bulls This feels like a team at a crossroads and one that has been middling in the play-in window. Noa Essengue is an exciting young player, but the Bulls need help now. 20. Miami Heat Having struck out on Kevin Durant and having traded away Jimmy Butler, the Heat seem like a team stuck in the middle and without a clear direction. They needed play-making at guard and Kasparas Jakučionis provides plenty of it, but he's likely a few years away from consistent production. 21. Philadelphia 76ers This placement comes with a massive caveat. The 76ers have plenty of talent — young, mid-career and veterans in decline — but Philadelphia absolutely needs Joel Embiid to stay healthy. Regardless, VJ Edgecombe infuses dynamic athleticism on both ends. 22. Toronto Raptors It will be interesting to see how Brandon Ingram, who didn't play in a single game for Toronto with an ankle injury, incorporates into the offense. Same for rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, taken No. 9 overall. 23. Sacramento Kings Sacramento is a team that may be looking to offload some of its veteran pieces, potentially signaling an impending rebuild. 24. Phoenix Suns They'll be without Kevin Durant and will have a new coach in Jordan Ott. They still need to figure out their Bradley Beal problem. 25. Portland Trail Blazers The Trail Blazers have amassed four centers, three of which are 7-footers (Donovan Clingan, Deandre Ayton, Yang Hansen). The other is Robert Williams (6-foot-9). 26. New Orleans Pelicans They actually have a lot of young and dynamic talent, with No. 13 overall pick Derik Queen being the latest piece. The fit is what's questionable. 27. Washington Wizards The trade of Jordan Poole should open up things for No. 6 overall pick Tre Johnson, but the continued development of Alex Sarr is arguably the most important piece for Washington. 28. Brooklyn Nets Brooklyn had an interesting draft, selecting five first rounders, four of which were guards. 29. Utah Jazz Danny Ainge had a tremendous draft, getting great value with wing Ace Bailey at No. 5 and guard Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. 30. Charlotte Hornets Frankly, there's not a whole lot about the Hornets that's exciting. They did, however, add a pair of excellent shooters in the first round of the draft in Kon Knueppel (No. 4) and Liam McNeeley (No. 29). Getting Ryan Kalkbrenner early in the second round was another high-value move.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What role did LeBron James play in Trainwreck? Los Angeles Lakers legend's surprising romantic comedy character explained
Los Angeles Lakers legend has tried acting as well. In 2025, he appeared in Judd Apatow's acclaimed romantic comedy Trainwreck. Many critics and fans believe he was hilarious in the movie, where he portrayed a slightly exaggerated version of himself. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here's what you need to know about the character James played in the comedy starring alongside Bill Hader and Amy Schumer. LeBron James ' Trainwreck character explained LeBron James surprised fans with something entirely different; it was a standout performance in Judd Apatow's 2015 romantic comedy Trainwreck. James' unexpected comedic timing and self-deprecating humor that stole more than a few scenes. His role wasn't just a one-note celebrity cameo; it added depth, surprise, and plenty of laughs to the film. Trainwreck - Official Trailer (HD) In Trainwreck, LeBron James plays the best friend of Aaron Conners, a New York-based sports doctor played by Bill Hader. Also, it's worth noting that his character is a comedic version of himself. What's instantly striking is how willing James is to poke fun at his own fame, fortune, and career controversies. Whether it's joking about his infamous 'Decision' to leave Cleveland or having Aaron foot the bill at lunch because he 'forgot his wallet,' LeBron embraces a version of himself that's charmingly cheap, emotionally sensitive, and surprisingly romantic. This fictional LeBron is deeply invested in Aaron's love life. He helps him craft texts, urges him to commit to Amy (played by Schumer), and even interrogates her with hilarious intensity, asking if she hears Aaron's name. At one point, he sincerely grills her about whether Aaron is her 'Cleveland,' showing off a mix of humor and heartfelt sincerity. LeBron James delivers a scene-stealing performance. What sets James apart in Trainwreck is the authenticity he brings to the screen. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He delivers his lines with a laid-back confidence that makes even the most absurd dialogue land effortlessly. With his emotional openness and comedic deadpan. In a recent chat with the Hollywood Reporter's Tony Maglio, James reflected on the movie and his potential acting career post-NBA retirement. 'I think that all will boil down to the creative writing and to the role. If the role is appropriate and I feel like I can nail it, then I wouldn't mind doing that at all. I feel like I could turn and be someone else that's not LeBron James,' the future Hall of Famer said. James went on to explain, 'In Trainwreck, my name was not LeBron James. But it was a version of me, my typical self, [just] playing Bill Hader's best friend during that movie. But, yeah, I would love to explore, and if the scripts start to roll in and there's an opportunity for me to do some acting and I have the time — obviously, post-career — I don't mind looking at it and seeing if I can make it happen, for sure.' Also Read: Written by Amy Schumer, Trainwreck also features John Cena's cameo. Trainwreck is available to watch on Netflix.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Stephen Curry's dad, Dell Curry, drops retirement update for NBA star
Dell Curry had something interesting to say about Stephen Curry. Source: X Fans of Stephen Curry have spent countless sleepless nights over the topic of his retirement. While he hasn't announced his retirement yet, it's evident that he is contemplating his post-NBA career options. He is still under contract with the Golden State Warriors through the 2026-27 season and may even think about extending it. What did Stephen Curry's dad say about his retirement? However, Stephen's father, Dell Curry, recently addressed the topic of his retirement. In a conversation with DJ Siddiqi, Dell talked about his own experience of nearing retirement and suggested that for Stephen, the decision will likely come down to whether he still has the motivation to keep pace with the demanding preparation that is crucial for the NBA. Dell Curry and Stephen 'I think it'll come down to—not necessarily his skill, or what he can do in a game in the season,' Curry said. 'I think it's a matter of, can he go through the rigours of preparing himself to play in an NBA season? I know when I retired, that was a big factor." "I just didn't feel like I had the energy, the effort to work and train throughout the summer. So I wouldn't short myself, my teammates or the fans and give my all during that season. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo I think that's what it'll come down to.' But Dell also confirmed that he doesn't see a retirement announcement coming from Stephen anytime soon. 'He still loves the game,' Curry said. 'He's a competitive guy. He wants to win another title, so we're not even close to that window yet. But when the time comes, I think he'll make the right decision.'
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
You won't believe how high Florida basketball climbed in ESPN's latest preseason rankings
You won't believe how high Florida basketball climbed in ESPN's latest preseason rankings The final major deadline of college basketball's offseason — the date that players must withdraw their names from the NBA draft if they want to return to college — passed on Wednesday, May 28. With that milestone now in the rearview mirror, the rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign are clearer than ever. The decisions leading up to the deadline resulted in both winners and losers, depending on who departed and who came back to school. Among those in the former category are the Florida Gators, who have already been anointed as overwhelming winners according to a trio of major publications. A little under a week after the big day passed, ESPN's basketball recruiting insider Jeff Borzello updated his men's college basketball preseason top 25 rankings, sending the Orange and Blue on a meteoric rise from No. 18 to No. 2 overall, just behind the Purdue Boilermakers, who held onto their top spot. "The debate over preseason No. 1 intensified with Milos Uzan returning to Houston and Florida adding Boogie Fland while also getting back Alex Condon," Borzello notes. "Both programs are squarely in the conversation alongside Purdue, with UConn and St. John's not far behind." Take a look below at Florida's projected starting lineup as well as ESPN's full updated rankings. Florida's 2025-26 projected starting lineup Boogie Fland (13.5 PPG at Arkansas) Xaivian Lee (16.9 PPG at Princeton) Thomas Haugh (9.8 PPG) Alex Condon (10.6 PPG) Rueben Chinyelu (6.1 PPG) ESPN's post-NBA draft withdrawal rankings Purdue Boilermakers (—) Florida Gators (+16) Houston Cougars (+1) UConn Huskies (-2) St. John's Red Storm (-2) BYU Cougars (+1) Louisville Cardinals (—) Michigan Wolverines (+1) Kentucky Wildcats (+2) Texas Tech Red Raiders (-2) Arkansas Razorbacks (-1) Duke Blue Devils (-6) Arizona Wildcats (-1) Auburn Tigers (+1) UCLA Bruins (-1) Illinois Fighting Illini (+1) Alabama Crimson Tide (+7) Iowa State Cyclones (-5) Gonzaga Bulldogs (+3) Wisconsin Badgers (-4) Kansas Jayhawks (—) Creighton Bluejays (-3) Tennessee Volunteers (-3) NC State Wolfpack (NR) North Carolina Tar Heels (—) Next in line San Diego State Aztecs Michigan State Spartans Ohio State Buckeyes Texas Longhorns USC Trojans Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
USA Today
03-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Alabama rises significantly in early 2025-26 rankings post-NBA draft withdrawal deadline
Alabama rises significantly in early 2025-26 rankings post-NBA draft withdrawal deadline It is no secret that the Alabama Crimson Tide were among the biggest winners from the 2025 NBA draft withdrawal deadline. As to why, Alabama - who were already considered among college basketball's best looking ahead to the 2025-26 season - saw a shocking turns of events as guard Labaron Philon announced right before the deadline that he was withdrawing from the NBA draft to return to the Crimson Tide. Weeks prior, Philon had previously announced that he would be remaining in the 2025 NBA draft, and would not return to Alabama. With the return of Philon however, the re-addition of the talented guard is certainly a boost to Alabama's 2025-26 roster outlook, and as a result, the Crimson Tide are now beginning to skyrocket up early Top 25 rankings, the latest of which came via ESPN's Jeff Borzello. In his updated Top 25 post-deadline, Borzello jumped Alabama seven spots up to No. 17, making the Crimson Tide one of the biggest risers behind only Florida. Borzello also said of the Crimson Tide: "Alabama was one of the big winners of the withdrawal deadline, with Labaron Philon making a late decision to remove his name from the draft and return to Tuscaloosa. The talented guard told reporters at the combine that he had closed the door on going back to college. But Nate Oats was on the hunt for a playmaker on the perimeter and now has Philon back in the fold." "Philon is part of a talented perimeter group that includes returnees Aden Holloway and a healthy Latrell Wrightsell Jr., while former five-star recruit Jalil Bethea will look to bounce back after transferring from Miami." "The frontcourt will likely have to rely on portal additions, namely Bucknell transfer Noah Williamson, who was named 2024-25 Patriot League Player of the Year, and Florida State transfer Taylor Bol Bowen, a skilled forward and former highly touted recruit. Aiden Sherrell needs to take a step forward, too." In addition to ESPN, USA TODAY Sports also recently labeled Alabama among the biggest withdrawal deadline winners due to the return of Philon. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
