A volatile week off the court grabbed headlines. Kawhi Leonard (Los Angeles Clippers) drew fire over a large Aspiration endorsement as the NBA opened a separate probe into the Clippers’ cap practices. San Antonio’s optimism dimmed after another major injury note before camp. Jonathan Kuminga’s (Golden State Warriors) contract standoff hardened while Cam Thomas chose a one-year prove-it path with Brooklyn. Ben Simmons weighed retirement as health setbacks persisted. Boston talk turned bleak after a run of losses and exits. New Orleans faced fresh concern after Jose Alvarado’s AmeriCup injury. The game also paused to honor Hall of Famer George Raveling, a giant of hoops history and athlete endorsements.

Kawhi and the Clippers under scrutiny
What happened: Kawhi Leonard’s $48m Aspiration tie-up drew criticism. The league also opened an investigation into a separate $28m Aspiration arrangement tied to the Clippers.
Why it matters: Reputation risk for a star and compliance risk for a franchise. Outcomes could affect picks, fines, and suspensions.
What’s next: Monitor league findings and any Department of Justice movement.

Spurs hit by another untimely injury note
What happened: A San Antonio starter picked up a major injury before camp after last season’s setbacks for Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
Why it matters: Rotation continuity and playoff ambition take a hit.
What’s next: Medical timeline, next-man-up minutes, and early load management plans.

Kuminga’s contract decision clock
What happened: Jonathan Kuminga and Golden State remained apart on terms. He is weighing a two-year $45m deal with a team option against a one-year $7.9m qualifying offer.
Why it matters: The choice defines trade flexibility and the Warriors’ wing depth.
What’s next: Decision window through 1 October. Watch for leverage plays and camp posture.

Cam Thomas bets on himself
What happened: Cam Thomas accepted Brooklyn’s one-year, $6m qualifying offer after passing on longer deals.
Why it matters: Short-term cap clarity for the Nets and a path to 2026 unrestricted free agency for the player.
What’s next: Role, usage, and efficiency targets in preseason and opening month.

Simmons weighs retirement at 29
What happened: Ben Simmons considered stepping away after years of back and nerve problems and declining usage.
Why it matters: A former All-NBA defender could exit early, highlighting the toll of injuries and pressure.
What’s next: Clarity from player camp, and roster contingency for teams that might have called.

Celtics face calls to pivot
What happened: Pundits urged Boston to reset after injuries and exits eroded a champion-level core.
Why it matters: Narrative pressure meets long-term planning.
What’s next: Front office messaging and early-season performance will set direction.

Alvarado stretchered at AmeriCup
What happened: Jose Alvarado (New Orleans Pelicans) left Puerto Rico’s quarterfinal on a stretcher after a foul in overtime.
Why it matters: New Orleans guard depth and on-ball pressure hinge on his availability.
What’s next: Scan results, timeline, and who absorbs point-of-attack reps.

What’s next
• Clippers: League findings on the Aspiration arrangements and potential penalties.
• Spurs: Injury diagnosis and how Gregg Popovich reshapes guard and wing minutes.
• Warriors: Kuminga’s contract call before 1 October and any trade chatter.
• Nets: Cam Thomas usage, closing lineups, and efficiency benchmarks.
• Pelicans: Jose Alvarado medical update and rotation cover.

Winners
• Cam Thomas — Maintains leverage and a path to 2026 free agency.
• Jeremy Lin — Retires with a celebrated legacy and lasting cultural impact.
• George Raveling’s legacy — The sport paused to honor a true builder.

Losers
• Clippers optics — Fresh scrutiny on compliance and partnerships.
• Spurs momentum — Injury clouds a promising camp.
• Boston outlook — Roster attrition fueled tank talk.
• Pelicans backcourt — Alvarado injury fear hurts continuity.

• Pierce blames Celtics process, not Knicks rise.
• Mike Miller hails Banchero as the next superstar.
• EuroBasket semifinal highlights with star turns and big finishes.
• Doncic scores 42 with a brief leg scare, then returns to close.
• Windhorst: LeBron evaluating retirement year to year.
• Carmelo Anthony inducted into the Hall of Fame.
• Tatum recovery update offers cautious optimism.
• Ben Simmons future uncertain after agent split and retirement talk.
• Top plays reel from EuroBasket 2025 on September 12 featured marquee names.

A week of sharp takes, big-stage performances, and legacy notes. Paul Pierce put Boston’s exit on Boston, not New York. Paolo Banchero drew superstar backing from Mike Miller. Luka Doncic owned another EuroBasket night. LeBron James stayed non-committal on his timeline. Carmelo Anthony joined the Hall. Boston’s Jayson Tatum recovery update offered a little hope.

Pierce on the Celtics collapse
What happened: Paul Pierce said Boston blew the Knicks series with game management and cold shooting.
Why it matters: It reframes the loss as self-inflicted. It puts focus on late-game process, not roster talent.
What’s next: Bench patterns, timeout usage, and shot selection will be under the microscope in early season tests.

Banchero hype from a champion voice
What happened: Mike Miller called Paolo Banchero the next superstar and praised his love for the game.
Why it matters: Validation from a ring winner supports Orlando’s build around a two-way centerpiece.
What’s next: Free throw volume, off-ball defense, and clutch usage are the growth checkpoints.

Doncic drops 42 at EuroBasket
What happened: Luka Doncic posted 42 and 10 with a brief leg scare, then returned to finish the job.
Why it matters: Slovenia go as he goes. His form sets the tone for both country and club.
What’s next: Workload management and defensive coverage tweaks teams will throw at him.

LeBron stays year to year
What happened: Brian Windhorst said LeBron is evaluating retirement each season.
Why it matters: The Lakers need optionality. Roster moves must fit both a title push and a flexible future.
What’s next: Early form and health will guide any midseason additions.

Carmelo’s Hall of Fame moment
What happened: Carmelo Anthony was inducted with tributes from peers and family.
Why it matters: It anchors his legacy as an elite scorer and cultural touchstone.
What’s next: Jersey honors and a continuing voice around the league.

Tatum recovery note
What happened: A teammate said Jayson Tatum is moving better in Achilles rehab.
Why it matters: Any acceleration would change Boston’s ceiling when he returns.
What’s next: No timeline shift yet. Boston still needs reliable creation by committee.

EuroBasket spotlight
What happened: Semifinal highlights featured star turns and physical defense in winning time.
Why it matters: Form now often carries into preseason camps.
What’s next: Late-tournament execution sets scouting cues for October.

What’s next
• Boston: Crunch-time structure and early offensive diversity.
• Orlando: Banchero’s efficiency and defensive impact targets.
• Lakers: Rotation clarity while LeBron stays year to year.
• Slovenia: Managing Doncic minutes and pace control.
• Leaguewide: Health updates from national-team duty.

Winners
• Paolo Banchero: Public backing meets rising production.
• Luka Doncic: Dominant form with resilience after a scare.
• Carmelo Anthony: Hall induction locks in legacy.
• Knicks fans: Pierce’s critique validates their defensive pressure nights.

Losers
• Celtics late-game habits: Process questions back on the table.
• Opponents’ scouting edge on Doncic: He keeps solving coverages.
• Patience in Los Angeles: Year-to-year LeBron demands front-office agility.

• Kawhi Leonard scrutiny: $48m Aspiration deal criticism and a separate league probe into a $28m arrangement.
• NBA opens investigation: Possible fines, picks, and suspensions on the table for the Clippers.
• Spurs injury concern: Another major setback before camp for a roster led by Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
• Kuminga standoff: Two-year $45m offer versus one-year $7.9m qualifying offer.
• Cam Thomas decision: One-year $6m qualifying offer accepted with eyes on 2026.
• Ben Simmons update: Retirement considered as health issues linger.
• Celtics debate: Analysts urge a reset after heavy attrition.
• Jose Alvarado injury: Stretchered off in AmeriCup overtime for Puerto Rico.
• George Raveling: Hall of Fame coach and endorsement pioneer died at 88.
• Tyronn Lue on Knicks: Criticized the Tom Thibodeau firing after a 51-win season.
• DeMarcus Cousins on CP3: Said Chris Paul is outside the all-time top five at point guard.
• Jeremy Lin: Announced retirement after a 15-year pro career.