The upcoming pro-am basketball game known as the "Battle Across Borders" is set to showcase talent from Memphis and Birmingham on August 7 at 7 p.m., held at P7 Sports Academy in Cordova. The event, organized by Nick Tuggle and Orlando Coleman, aims to foster community involvement through competitive basketball, featuring top players from both cities. Notable participants include former Memphis Tigers Alex Lomax and Dedric Lawson, as well as Arkansas standout Jaylen Barford, who currently plays in Italy. The game will adhere to pro-am rules, promising an exciting atmosphere with plenty of action.

On this date in Celtics history, James Young signed his rookie contract in 2014, drafted 17th overall from Kentucky. Despite high expectations, he struggled to make an impact, averaging only 2.3 points across three seasons.

The same day marks Jermaine O'Neal's signing in 2010, meant to bolster Boston's aging frontcourt. However, injury issues limited him to 49 games, with modest averages of 5.2 points and 4.6 rebounds.

This date also commemorates the 2014 trade that brought Tyler Zeller to Boston from Cleveland, where he had a decent run with the Celtics, averaging 7.1 points and 4 rebounds. Additionally, today is the birthday of Johnny Bach, a brief Celtics player from 1948-49 and their former coach.

Lastly, we remember Al Brightman, who played during Boston's inaugural season, averaging 9.8 points. He later transitioned into coaching, contributing to various leagues.

The Golden State Warriors have successfully acquired Alex Toohey, an Australian forward initially drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft. At 6 feet 8 and 223 pounds, Toohey brings additional length and depth to the Warriors. After three seasons with the Sydney Kings in the NBL, he averaged 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a solid contributor. His pre-draft performance raised concerns, but he has expressed gratitude for the Warriors' scouting efforts.

With strong shooting splits of 45/31/73, Toohey has potential to develop his three-point shooting and playmaking abilities akin to international talents like Josh Giddey and Franz Wagner. Comparisons to established role players such as Doug McDermott and Max Strus suggest the Warriors see Toohey as a fitting addition to their roster. This trade, which involved the 41st overall pick, reflects the Warriors' commitment to building a diverse and competitive team.

Oregon Ducks guard TJ Bamba will participate in the 2025 NBA Summer League with the Brooklyn Nets, despite not being selected in the recent NBA Draft. During his final college season, Bamba started all 35 games for Oregon, averaging 10.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Notably, he showcased significant defensive prowess with 1.8 steals per game, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive team and being a finalist for the Lefty Driesell Award.

Bamba’s transition to the Nets comes at a competitive time as the roster is expected to include four first-round draft picks. His defensive skills and competitive nature are seen as key assets to his performance in the Summer League and beyond.

The Golden State Warriors are feeling confident as they advance through their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, eyeing another title. However, their hesitation to acquire Jimmy Butler earlier in the season has left them in a precarious financial position. With the Boston Celtics undergoing ownership changes and a hefty salary cap burden, rumors swirl about potential roster shakeups in the offseason.

ESPN's Sham Charania indicates the Celtics are looking to make moves, particularly due to their record-high salary commitments. This situation could open doors for the Warriors, who might be interested in a player like Kristaps Porzingis. The Warriors' front office must weigh the risks of parting with key assets like Moses Moody or Brandin Podziemski while considering how to enhance their championship window.