John Tonje, the former Wisconsin basketball standout, has officially joined the Utah Jazz after being selected 53rd overall in the 2025 NBA draft. Despite some projections placing him in the mid-40s for the draft, Tonje expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to play in the NBA. He highlighted his adaptability and experience, crediting his journey from limited college offers to becoming a significant player in his final season at Wisconsin, where he averaged nearly 20 points per game.

Tonje's career has been marked by resilience and growth, transitioning from a bench player to a key contributor at Wisconsin, earning accolades such as Second Team All-American. His skills will be put to the test as he joins the Jazz for their summer league, where he aims to prove his versatility and impact on the court.

On this day in Celtics history, Brad Stevens was hired as the team's head coach after leading Butler University to back-to-back NCAA championship games. He turned the Celtics into Eastern Conference contenders, leading them to the playoffs multiple times and earning accolades such as Eastern Conference Coach of the Month during his tenure. His regular season win-loss record stands at 354-282, with a solid postseason presence. Today also marks the birth of former Celtics point guard Marlon Garnett, who had a brief stint with the team in the late 90s, averaging just over 2 points per game. Additionally, we remember Dick Dickey, a Celtics player from the 1950s, known for initiating the tradition of cutting down nets after a championship win.

The New York Knicks are preparing for a significant coaching change as they reportedly move to hire Mike Brown following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau. While the front office believes Brown, a seasoned coach, could bring stability, fan reactions have been quite mixed. Many are expressing skepticism, questioning Brown's recent coaching success and labeling the decision as a 'desperation hire' after a strong performance under Thibodeau. The Knicks' recent history, including back-to-back seasons with over 50 wins, raises concerns about the effectiveness of this change and whether it truly enhances their championship window.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, along with their predecessor Seattle SuperSonics, have a rich jersey history that spans 51 numbers since their inception in 1967. This article focuses on jersey No. 33, worn by 17 players, notably by guard Hersey Hawkins during his tenure with the SuperSonics from 1995 to 1999. Hawkins, a sixth overall pick in the 1988 NBA draft, had an impactful career with averages of 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while wearing this number.

Hawkins' career began with the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded on draft night, before transitioning to the Hornets and then to Seattle, where he made a significant mark. His time in the NBA was characterized by versatility and scoring ability, contributing to the SuperSonics' competitive squads in the late 90s.

The Los Angeles Clippers kicked off free agency by acquiring Brook Lopez but have otherwise been relatively quiet, only re-signing Nicolas Batum and releasing Drew Eubanks. Rumors suggest they could pursue Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns if he is bought out. Beal's tenure in Phoenix has been tumultuous, characterized by poor fit and injuries, leading to speculation about his future. His hefty contract has limited trade interest, but should he hit free agency, he could significantly bolster the Clippers' scoring options.