Luka Garza moves from Minnesota to Boston after carving out a reliable bench role, and his mindset is clear: apply the blueprint he learned from Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Garza wants to be a constructive teammate in Boston and translate his practice floor lessons into real rotation minutes.

The Timberwolves remain led by Anthony Edwards and under Chris Finch, with new role players ready to step in. Reid and Alexander-Walker showed how a bench path can become a rotation cornerstone, a template Garza now studies as he hits a Boston roster that needs versatile frontcourt depth.

Garza notes that Reid and Alexander-Walker started as DNPs but climbed into meaningful roles, a path he hopes to mirror in Boston. Minnesota, meanwhile, leans on Terrence Shannon Jr. and rookie Joan Beringer to fill the slots Garza left, signaling a still competitive floor for fantasy rosters.

In Boston, Garza will be asked to maximize energy and spacing, a skill set that could unlock mismatches for Boston on offense. For fantasy and betting, the key names to monitor in Minnesota are Terrence Shannon Jr. and Beringer, as they absorb larger roles in a roster that still contends in a deep Western Conference.

Overall, the storyline centers on bench players turning into reliable contributors and a new chapter for Garza. The blueprint from Reid and Alexander-Walker provides a concrete lens for evaluating Garza and the Wolves, while Boston tests Garza as a potential spark plug off the bench.

Serbia enters EuroBasket 2025 as a frontrunner, led by Nikola Jokic and a 깊 depth roster that includes Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic, Nikola Topic, Tristan Vukcevic and Vasilije Micic. Jokic’s inside-out mix, plus Micic’s EuroLeague savvy, keep Serbia ahead of the pack as they chase a title. France’s own NBA edge is thinning with Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert sidelined, opening the door for a healthier field that also features Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece. Bogdanovic speaks about embracing the pressure while staying focused on the tournament’s climb. Serbia aims to peak at the right moment, balancing hype with execution.

Shaquille O’Neal has reignited his feud with Rudy Gobert, asserting that he would wear a dress to the Hall of Fame ceremony if Gobert is inducted. While some fans may share Shaq's skepticism, Gobert’s credentials paint a different picture. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert has made a significant impact since entering the NBA in 2013, even earning his latest award with the Minnesota Timberwolves after previously achieving the accolade with the Utah Jazz. Critics that question his offensive game fail to recognize his defensive prowess, which stands as a hallmark of his career.

Despite Shaq's comments, Gobert’s résumé, which aligns him with Hall of Fame legends like Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace, speaks for itself. He has proven his worth not only in the NBA but also as a national icon for France. As he continues to play at 33, his role as a defensive anchor for the Timberwolves is pivotal for the team's success and development of younger talents like Joan Beringer. The future may hold a Hall of Fame induction for Gobert, quieting his critics once and for all.

Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, has proven to be a transformative presence in the NBA, particularly during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite his defensive prowess, he faces persistent criticism, especially from former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who labels Gobert as underwhelming for his hefty contract. O’Neal's critique stems from a belief that Gobert's offensive limitations render him one-dimensional, contradicting the expectations placed on a player with such a lucrative deal.

Gobert's journey began with the Utah Jazz, where he emerged as a key figure post-Karl Malone and John Stockton, leading the team to significant success. His transition to Minnesota has been equally impactful, helping the Timberwolves reach the Western Conference Finals multiple times. Though his offense may not dazzle, Gobert's dedication to defense is integral to the Timberwolves' competitive edge as they prepare for a promising season ahead.

The excitement of basketball continues to thrive even as the Las Vegas Summer League wraps up. EuroBasket 2025, the prestigious tournament featuring 24 national teams, is set to take place from August 27 to September 14 in various host countries including Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. As the event approaches, several NBA stars have confirmed their participation. Giannis Antetokounmpo will represent Greece, solidifying his intention expressed earlier this year. Luka Dončić also expressed eagerness to play for Slovenia, reiterating the pride and joy he feels representing his country. However, not all stars will be participating; Victor Wembanyama is sidelined due to health concerns and Rudy Gobert has opted for personal time off. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokić's participation remains uncertain as he weighs his options. As the teams finalize their rosters, fans can expect a thrilling showcase of talent in EuroBasket 2025.