Luka Doncic has made waves as he prepares for EuroBasket competition, joining the Slovenian national team with two notable new faces. After a challenging 2024-25 NBA season, where he battled a calf injury limiting him to 50 games, Doncic averaged an impressive 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Following his midseason trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, he demonstrated stellar performance, and now he looks to sustain this momentum while representing Slovenia.

Additionally, former Dallas Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson, who orchestrated Doncic's draft rights acquisition, will serve as a special advisor for the Slovenians. Greg St. Jean, an assistant coach with the Lakers, will also join the national team, providing continuity in Doncic's support as he explores contract negotiations with the Lakers this offseason. The expectation is high for Doncic to secure a lucrative four-year contract extension, emphasizing the significance of his upcoming performance in EuroBasket.

The Boston Celtics have a rich history with jersey numbers, having had 68 different numbers worn by over 500 players since their inception. Among these, jersey No. 26 is notable, worn by Toby Kimball during the 1966-67 season. Drafted 29th overall in 1965 after playing for UConn, Kimball played his rookie year with the Celtics before being selected by the San Diego Rockets in the 1967 expansion draft. He recorded an average of 2.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game with Boston.

Kon Knueppel, the 4th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is ready to make his mark in the league with a unique and effective playing style. He embraces a grounded approach, utilizing a two-footed style that he believes balances against more athletic opponents. His shooting prowess is noteworthy, boasting a stellar 40% from three-point range and a near-perfect 91.4% from the charity stripe during his time at Duke.

Not only does Knueppel excel in shooting, but he also demonstrates exceptional finishing skills at the rim, achieving over 60% success due to his intelligent shot selection and body control. This all-around game makes him a fundamental asset for the Charlotte Hornets, as he prioritizes winning basketball through smart plays and consistent performance.

Cuttino Mobley's journey from a promising college player to an NBA star is a testament to resilience and passion. Despite being overlooked early in his career, Mobley’s determination led him to achieve his dream of playing professionally. Selected in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, he was welcomed with a call from his idol, Scottie Pippen, who saw potential in him. Mobley's rookie season was highlighted by a game-winning three-pointer in his first game, showcasing his talent amid a team featuring legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley.

His rookie year laid the foundation for Mobley's career, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie Team and illustrating the significant role Pippen played in his development. Mobley’s story resonates in the fantasy sports realm, particularly for those tracking the rise of underappreciated players who defy expectations.

Paul Pierce, known as 'The Truth,' made provocative comments regarding his scoring prowess on FS1's 'Speak,' claiming he was the best pure scorer in NBA history. His remarks came during a discussion about LeBron James calling Kevin Durant the 'most equipped' scorer ever. While some fans found humor in Pierce's bold assertion, many criticized him, suggesting he should not be taken seriously and even called for his replacement on the show.

Despite averaging 19.7 points per game over his 19-year NBA career, earning 10 All-Star selections, Pierce's confidence in challenging the legacies of legends like Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant raised eyebrows. His statement seems designed to stir controversy and generate views, as many social media users expressed disdain, claiming it was one of the more ridiculous statements heard on sports television.