Houston's hopes for a return to the WNBA have been reignited following recent statements from league commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Although Houston was not included in the latest round of expansion, Engelbert acknowledged the city's rich history in women's basketball and its ownership group led by Tilman Fertitta.

The WNBA has seen significant expansion with new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, alongside plans for Toronto and Portland starting in 2026. Despite missing this opportunity, Engelbert's comments indicate that Houston remains on the league's radar, suggesting future possibilities for the city.

While the WNBA's expansion strategy seems set for now, there are underlying factors to consider, including the potential relocation of struggling franchises like the Connecticut Sun. Fertitta's continued support for the league positions Houston favorably for any future openings.

The 2025 NBA Draft showcased surprising twists, with the Boston Celtics emerging as a dominant force after acquiring Anfernee Simons, a move that could redefine their offensive strategies. The Chicago Bulls also made headlines by selecting rising star Noa Essengue, hinting at a bright future. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets' draft picks could bolster their playoff contention, adding depth to a roster in need of fresh talent. Notably, the Miami Heat secured the night's biggest steal, enhancing their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.

Sam Presti, the Oklahoma City Thunder's executive VP and GM, emphasized the NBA's need for transparency on injury connections to player load and game demands in his end-of-season conference. He criticized the league for its stance on load management, citing three significant Achilles injuries to stars Tyrese Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, and Damian Lillard during the playoffs as critical instances warranting discussion.

Presti argued that the game has evolved, necessitating a reevaluation of data from earlier decades that doesn't reflect today's physical demands. He pointed out that Oklahoma City succeeded in the Finals partly due to effective roster management and reduced player minutes. The NBA's policies are perceived as conflicting, risking star availability in crucial playoff moments. While data from the league suggests no clear link between rest and injury reduction, many believe that the current schedule and its intricacies are detrimental to player health.

Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel has made headlines since being drafted fourth overall, largely due to his impressive freshman year at Duke. He averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc. His solid performance included notable games, like a season-high 28 points against Syracuse. Knueppel credits his success to learning from fellow teammates and adapting his playstyle to contribute to team victories.

Ranked among the top shooters in this year's draft, he believes he offers more than just long-range shooting. Knueppel's skills in ball screens and creating plays put him in a unique position to impact games in multiple ways. As part of a talented draft class for the Hornets—including Liam McNeeley and Ryan Kalkbrenner—Knueppel is eager to start his NBA journey in the Summer League.

The Los Angeles Lakers shook the NBA landscape by trading 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, a move that has set the stage for intriguing dynamics heading into the 2025-26 season. The Mavericks, despite last season's playoff disappointment, have retooled with the addition of rookie Cooper Flagg, selected first overall, along with seasoned stars Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, making them formidable contenders.

Yet, the team's success hinges significantly on health, especially concerning Davis, who suffered an injury in his Mavericks debut. As the Mavericks eye a deeper playoff run, they find themselves in pursuit of a veteran point guard, particularly after Irving's torn ACL. Reports suggest D’Angelo Russell could reunite with Davis in Dallas, potentially reinforcing the Mavericks’ playoff ambitions.