Denver’s offseason pivot reshapes its path to dethrone Oklahoma City. Porter Jr. was shipped to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson, freeing cap space to re-sign Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Johnson adds shooting punch and length, while Brown and Hardaway Jr. supply secondary scoring and two-way versatility off the bench. The move tightens Denver’s championship window and sharpens its depth ahead of a tougher West race. A hypothetical Kings-Market trade for Keon Ellis underscores Denver’s pursuit of backcourt defense, though Sacramento has shown little interest in parting with Ellis this offseason. All signs point to a Nuggets squad that aims to elevate its bench, keep Jokic and Murray at the center, and push a July thunder toward real contendership.

The discussion centers on how these moves affect Denver’s ceiling and fantasy landscape. Ellis would bring versatile defense to the second unit, pairing with Brown as two multi-positional wings who can guard multiple positions. The 25-year-old Ellis has career-season improvements and shooting efficiency, especially from three, which would help with spacing around Jokic. If the Ellis trade doesn’t materialize, Denver still has a revamped backcourt and a deeper bench, with Johnson’s shooting and Hardaway Jr.’s scoring ensuring that Murray can play off-ball more often. Either way, the Nuggets push toward the throne with a versatile, high-IQ lineup designed to maximize Jokic’s playmaking and sustain pace down the stretch.

Las Vegas Summer League serves as a unique platform showcasing the NBA's next generation, blending competition with celebration of emerging talent. The standout player in this year's event is Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 draft pick, who demonstrated both defensive prowess and offensive potential despite some shooting struggles. He followed a challenging debut with an impressive 31-point performance in his second game. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper, the No. 2 pick, showcased his athleticism and playmaking ability, averaging 16 points but needing to improve his shooting accuracy.

Other players making waves include VJ Edgecombe, who rebounded from a tough start to finish strong, and Yang Hansen, whose infectious style energized the Portland Trail Blazers. Bronny James marked his growth as a player by improving his court vision and decision-making. Noteworthy performances also came from Matas Buzelis and Kyle Filipowski, both of whom proved their readiness for the NBA with exceptional scoring and versatility. The Summer League highlights the potential of these rookies and gives fans a glimpse of what they might expect in the upcoming season.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a strategic move by securing Adou Thiero, a forward from the University of Arkansas, as their No. 55 pick in the recent NBA draft. Thiero's contract is a three-year deal worth $5.95 million, with the third year as a player option. His skill set includes strong athleticism and defensive prowess, although his offensive game is still developing. Notably, he averaged 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds last season, showcasing significant potential, despite a knee injury sidelining him from summer league play.

The Orlando Magic began the 2024-2025 NBA season with a promising 3-1 record, largely due to standout performances from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Banchero notably scored 50 points in just his fourth game of the season, showcasing his potential as a future star. However, a torn abdominal muscle sidelined him for two crucial months. Wagner also faced injuries, contributing to a challenging season for the team. Despite these setbacks, the Magic managed to finish with a .500 record (41-41) and made a late surge into playoff contention, closing the season with a 10-3 run. Banchero expressed disappointment over his injury but remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of listening to his body and preparing for the long season ahead.

In a thrilling playoff showdown, the Orlando Magic emerged victorious against the Boston Celtics with a narrow 95-93 win at the Kia Center. Franz Wagner's standout performance included multiple crucial buckets, notably a late three-pointer that contributed to the team's triumph. His athleticism was complemented by Anthony Black's explosive dunks, which excited the home crowd. Boston's Kristaps Porzingis posed significant challenges under the basket but ultimately fell short as Orlando's defense held strong.

Despite Jaylen Brown's efforts to lead Boston, including key free throws, the Magic's collective resilience shone through. Paolo Banchero's versatile playmaking helped Orlando maintain momentum, ensuring they secured the critical win that keeps their championship hopes alive. The game's tight finish, marked by strategic plays from both coaches, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.