Dorian Finney-Smith, a significant name in the NBA, recently signed a lucrative four-year, $53 million contract with the Houston Rockets, joining forces with Kevin Durant. At 32, Finney-Smith has proven that being undrafted in 2016 hasn’t hindered his career, as he has morphed into one of the most resilient wings in the game. His journey highlights the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft, casting a shadow on the reliability of draft analyses. Meanwhile, basketball programs across Virginia and North Carolina continue to bolster their teams by recruiting international players, further complicating the college sports landscape.

In a slightly different sphere, the Washington Commanders' stadium project is facing scrutiny after reports of council members being wined and dined by the franchise's management, raising ethical questions. On the tennis front, Wimbledon serves as a reminder of the U.S. men's tennis drought since Andy Roddick's 2003 title, while the NBA and NFL seasons loom, with notable players like LeBron James and Justin Tucker facing varying narratives around their performance and personal conduct.

The Philadelphia 76ers are making strategic signings as they prepare for the upcoming NBA summer league, focusing on undrafted talent. Following the 2025 NBA draft, the team secured Hunter Sallis from Wake Forest on a two-way deal, aiming to bolster their roster with fresh, overlooked prospects. Additionally, the Sixers will sign Igor Milicic Jr. from Tennessee to an Exhibit 10 contract. Milicic, who averaged 9.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his final collegiate season, showcased potential as a versatile big man, shooting 47.2% overall and 31.4% from three-point range.

Milicic’s signing reflects the Sixers’ commitment to developing young talent, as they hope he can impact the upcoming summer league and prove his worth at the NBA level. With a history of finding undrafted players who make significant contributions, the franchise is optimistic about Milicic's prospects alongside Sallis as they build depth for future seasons.

The Philadelphia 76ers' draft history showcases key acquisitions, particularly the notable move in 2007 when they traded for Jason Smith, a big man from Colorado State. Following their first-round selection of Thaddeus Young, the Sixers sent Daequan Cook and a future second-round pick to the Miami Heat to get Smith, who contributed immediately, playing 76 games and helping the team reach the playoffs in his rookie season.

Smith's journey included a setback from injury that caused him to miss an entire season. However, he returned to play a significant role in the following years. Ultimately, he spent 11 seasons in the league, showcasing a solid career with averages of 6.1 points and 3.4 rebounds, leaving a lasting impact on multiple franchises.

As the NBA draft approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers' draft history draws attention, particularly the 2006 draft. The Sixers selected Thabo Sefolosha with the 13th pick but traded him to the Chicago Bulls for Rodney Carney, chosen at 16. Carney, after a productive college career at Memphis, had two stints with the Sixers, contributing in a supporting role during his time. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds over three years in Philadelphia, playing a total of five seasons in the NBA with various teams.

This draft marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, showcasing their strategy of prioritizing immediate contributions over potential long-term gains.

LeBron James has once again etched his name in NBA history by being selected as an All-Star for the 21st consecutive year. The NBA unveiled its All-Star starters, with James joined by notable players such as Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell from the Eastern Conference, while in the West, Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stand out. The revamped format will feature 24 All-Stars divided into three teams, each competing in a tournament format.

The All-Star Game is set to take place on February 16 in San Francisco, and 14 additional All-Stars will be announced later. The fan voting has led to some competitive matchups, especially with candidates like Anthony Davis and Trae Young vying for reserve positions. James is expected to become only the third player to participate in the All-Star Game at 40 years of age, highlighting his longevity and impact on the league.