Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman, former Gonzaga Bulldogs guards, are set to showcase their skills together at the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks. Nembhard recently signed a two-way contract with the Mavs, while Hickman is expected to join him in Las Vegas. Both players will debut alongside several notable new talents, including top draft pick Cooper Flagg.

While Nembhard has secured his position, Hickman's journey is more precarious. Despite his impressive 44.5% shooting from beyond the arc last season, his size and skill set left him undrafted, pushing him to prove himself at the summer league. Alongside them, other Zags like Drew Timme and Anton Watson are also looking to carve out their NBA futures, making this a pivotal time for the Gonzaga alumni.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have made significant moves in recent years, focusing on roster construction to keep their star player satisfied. After trading for Jrue Holiday in 2020, which led to a championship in 2021, they repeated a similar strategy with Damian Lillard in 2023. However, the pairing didn’t yield the expected success as injuries plagued both players.

In a bold move to support Antetokounmpo, the Bucks decided to waive and stretch Lillard, allowing them to acquire Myles Turner. This addition aims to enhance the team's dynamics, particularly with Turner’s shooting ability complementing Antetokounmpo’s style. Yet, concerns remain about the overall roster depth and the need for consistent scoring guards as the Bucks strive for championship contention again.

The Denver Nuggets are making significant offseason moves to enhance their roster, starting by trading Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson. They also re-signed Bruce Brown, a key contributor during their championship run last season. A trade with the Sacramento Kings brought Jonas Valanciunas to strengthen their frontcourt depth behind superstar Nikola Jokic. Additionally, the Nuggets have signed Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year deal, boosting their bench scoring options. With these strategic acquisitions, the Nuggets are poised for another title run.

The New York Knicks are intensifying their head coaching search, with Mike Brown emerging as a leading candidate. Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, is set for a second interview after a solid first round that also included candidates like former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Brown's impressive coaching record and ability to cultivate young talent make him a strong fit for a Knicks team seeking championship aspirations.

Brown is recognized for his tenure with the Sacramento Kings, where he revitalized the franchise, and previously coached legends such as LeBron James. His success hinges on the development of players like Domantas Sabonis, whose performances peaked under his guidance. If hired, Brown's offensive creativity could maximize the potential of current Knicks players including Karl-Anthony Towns.

Jakob Poeltl has secured a four-year, $104 million contract extension with the Toronto Raptors, solidifying his role with the team through the 2029-30 season. The center, who opted into his 2026-27 player option worth $19.5 million, will continue to provide stability for the franchise. Last season, Poeltl posted career highs in several categories, averaging 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, while boasting a remarkable 63% shooting percentage from the field.

This contract allows the Raptors some breathing room, as it was structured with an opt-in-and-extend agreement. Poeltl's shooting efficiency ranks him among the league's elite, as he is one of only three players in NBA history to maintain a shooting percentage above 60% for eight consecutive seasons.