Sunsets, sports and suds: See the summer around Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS
Ethan Plumier, assistant property manager at Goose Pond, demonstrates how to use a frog gig Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
A bullfrog sits in the water Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Goose Pond in Linton, Indiana.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
The restored Bell Ford Covered Bridge on Geist Greenway in Fishers.
Supplied By Hamilton County Parks And Recreation
Hole 17, an intimidating Par 3 at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, is nicknamed "Hell's Half Acre."
Purgatory Golf Club
Charlie Noble and his daughter, Kayla, 17, of Noblesville, listen to instructions Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' annual frog gigging night.
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (1) walks off the court Sunday, June 22, 2025, after Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
A fan reacts to the loss Sunday, June 22, 2025, after a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Fans cheer at the end of the second quarter Sunday, June 22, 2025, during a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Fans wait to enter the arena Sunday, June 22, 2025, before a watch party at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 22: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever steals the ball from Kiah Stokes #41 of the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter of their game at T-Mobile Arena on June 22, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images
Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Valparaiso Nathan Simpson (6) celebrates Saturday, June 21, 2025, after the team won the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hoists the trophy Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Valparaiso and Evansville North face off Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Valparaiso Caden Crowell (7) hugs Valparaiso infielder Drayden Wilcox (9) on Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Valparaiso Trent Gill (2) dives into home plate Saturday, June 21, 2025, during the Class 4A state championship game between Valparaiso and Evansville North at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Valparaiso defeated Evansville North, 5-0.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
The Boone Grove Wolves celebrate Saturday, June 21, 2025, after winning the IHSAA class 2A baseball state final in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
The Andrean 59ers celebrate winning the class 3A IHSAA baseball state final Friday, June 20, 2025, in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
The Indianapolis Lutheran Saints celebrate their victory Friday, June 20, 2025, after the class 1A IHSAA baseball state final in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers super fan Michael Hopson poses Thursday, June 19, 2025, ahead of Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Heritage Christian's Tate LaBrune walks to the next hole Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the IHSAA boys golf state final at Prairie View Golf Course in Carmel.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
A tree branch narrowly missed IndyStar Multimedia Journalist Michelle Pemberton while retrieving cameras from her car on Wed. June 18, 2025, in Indianapolis. 'The siren sounded, no rain or wind yet, so I grabbed my cameras from my car and a large gust of hit, so i started running. I heard a large crack I knew was our large tree, so I kept running.'
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Indianapolis International Airport Fire Department aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles douse the aircraft fire fighting simulator Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during a multi-agency emergency training exercise to evaluate airport emergency operations plans at the Indianapolis International Airport.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Emilie Sweet is an interpretive naturalist at Fort Harrison State Park. Photo taken Friday, June 13, 2025.
Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar
Connecticut Sun guard Jacy Sheldon (4) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) express frustration with each other Tuesday, June 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Fans sit during a timeout Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at a game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) hangs his hands on the net Monday, June 16, 2025, ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty, 102-88.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Zach Adamson waves a pride flag with fellow protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
A rider on the Pickled Peddler waves to protesters on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Protesters gather Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Parade participants wave from a float Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
A parade participant shows off their skills with a flowstar as spectators cheer Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis. According to Indianapolis Fire Marshall, Deputy Chief Michael Beard, Indy Pride estimated around 30,000 attended the parade.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Parade participants block protester's religious signs Saturday, June 14, 2025, during the Indy Pride Parade in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Protesters chant and march on Saturday, June 14, 2025, during a 'No Kings' protest at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
A family watches planes come and go at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
An adult takes a child on a pretend airplane ride at the Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
A fan celebrates Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Former Indiana Pacers player Reggie Miller, with son Ryker, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Fans during a timeout Wednesday, June 11, 2025, during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers fan Micheal Hopson watches warms up ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
A graphic is displayed on the JW Marriott on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws the ball Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Indianapolis Colts players gather together Tuesday, June 10, 2025, during NFL Colts mandatory mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
IndyStar Environmental Reporters, Sophie Hartley and Karl Schneider, visit Belmont Beach and it's deadly low head dam on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Indianapolis.
Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Lauren Roberts is removed from the City Council building by sheriff's deputies Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis. Roberts flew to Indianapolis to address the council members regarding the Hogsett administration's handling of the alleged abuse against her by top Hogsett aide Thomas Cook. Council President Vop Osili ordered a sheriff's deputy to escort Roberts out of the council chambers when she refused to stop talking.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Brianna Dines holds a sign calling for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation Monday, June 9, 2025, during a City-County Council meeting in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
South Bend Washington's Adriana Swanson (left) and Pike's Jai Brown race in the 100 meter hurdles Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Carmel's Emily Norris grabs the baton from Carmel's Rebecca Belanger in the 4x100 meter relay Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Indiana All_Star Julius Kirby shoots the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Indiana All-Star Tre Singleton (10) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins (1) goes for the ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky (1) smiles for a photo with Indiana All-Star and Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Northview's Karsyn Buck competes in the high jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis. Buck placed second in the event.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Mishawaka's Tinayja Summers competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Carmel's Emily Norris competes in the long jump Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the IHSAA annual girls state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Indiana All-Star Jaylah Lampley (2) rushes up the court Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Kentucky All-Star and Miss Basketball ZaKiyah Johnson (1) shoots the ball for a three point basket Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Indiana All-Star Brooke Winchester (11) reaches for a loose ball Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Jasper High School players celebrate the win of their number one doubles team during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament against Brebeuf Jesuit High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School.
Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar
Brebeuf Jesuit High School junior Chloe Wendowski during an IHSAA Girls' Tennis State Championship Tournament match against Jasper High School, Saturday, June 7, 2025, at North Central High School.
Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar
Indiana All-Star and Miss Basketball Maya Makalusky shoots the ball against Kentucky All-Star Kenleigh Woods on Saturday, June 7, 2025, during the Indiana vs. Kentucky All-Star gameat Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Athletes run in the 3200 meter relay Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
LaPorte's and Landyn Hunt embrace Friday, June 6, 2025, after competing in the 3200 meter relay during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
Goshen's Daniel Kinsey competes in the long jump Friday, June 6, 2025, during the IHSAA annual boys state track and field finals in Indianapolis.
HG Biggs/IndyStar
The Overgrown Pasture serves attendees Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
Sarah Withrow bakes laugenbrezel, German soft pretzels, on Friday, June 6, 2025, during History on Tap, a beer festival featuring local beverages and restaurants, at Conner Prairie in Fishers.
Grace Smith/IndyStar
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Los Angeles Times
an hour ago
- Los Angeles Times
NBA, the Sequel: Dylan Harper, son of ex-Lakers guard Ron Harper, joins jam-packed second-gen fraternity
Second-generation NBA players are plentiful, and why not? Dads can pass down their height, dedication and athleticism. Dad's handsome compensation can afford a son the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. And Dad's drive can serve as a road map. Dylan Harper, the second pick in the NBA Draft on Wednesday, is the latest budding star whose father was decorated before him. Ron Harper capped a 15-year NBA career by winning five NBA championships in his last six seasons, back-to-back titles with the Lakers in 2000 and 2001 following three with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, '97 and '98. Dylan, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Rutgers, was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. His brother, Ron Harper Jr., also is in the NBA, having played in 11 games for the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors the last three years. In any other sport, the progeny of a former star player ascending to the highest level would be especially noteworthy. That Ron Harper's sons are on the cusp of similar careers as their dad was nothing out of the ordinary. LeBron James and his oldest son Bronny famously became the first father-son duo to take the court at the same time in the Lakers' season opener last October. But that is just one of the many dynamics of a son choosing the same career path to the NBA as his dad. The phenomenon goes back a long way. Two sons of Minneapolis Lakers legend George Mikan — a five-time All-NBA center in the early 1950s — were drafted into the NBA, with one, Larry, playing 53 games in 1970-71. During a 15-year career that ended in 1964, Hall of Fame center Dolph Shayes averaged 18.5 points and 12.1 rebounds a game. His son, Danny Shayes, outdid dad in career longevity, playing 18 years through 1999 for seven teams, including a short stint with the Lakers. Butch Van Breda Kolff played four seasons in the 1940s and in 1976 his son, Jan, became the first player to face a team coached by his father when Jan played for the New York Nets while Butch coached the New Orleans Jazz. Butch also coached the Lakers to the NBA Finals in 1968 and '69, where they lost to the Boston Celtics both times. Other sons who faced teams coached by their fathers — who also played in the NBA — include Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Sr., Coby and George Karl, and Austin and Doc Rivers. Austin Rivers also became the first to play for his father in an NBA game when he was traded to the Clippers in 2015. At first, he wasn't thrilled when his dad called to alert him of the proposed deal. 'He called me up and he asked me if 'this was something you might be interested in because we need you,' ' Austin said at his introductory news conference. 'When I heard that, it was one of those things where I just kind of had to think, take a day to myself and be like, 'Could this work?' 'And it does, just because of the relationship I have with him. It's already kind of basketball oriented … It's not so much like father-son. It's just kind of like coach-player and then off the court, we deal with that a different way.' Sons who achieved more than their father abound. Dell Curry was no slouch, averaging 11.7 points and earning $19.8 million over a 16-year NBA career that ended in 2002. One son, Seth, is in his 11th season, having averaged 10 points while earning $45 million. Dell's other son, Stephen, is a certain Hall of Famer, recognized as perhaps the best pure shooter in history. He's led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA titles while averaging 24.4 points and earning $357.8 million over 16 seasons. Klay Thompson was a teammate of Steph Curry on all four Warriors championship teams, and he's averaged 19.1 points while earning $268.8 million over 12 seasons. That easily eclipses the exploits of his loquacious father, Mychal Thompson, who won two titles with the Lakers before becoming a broadcaster with the team as well as a radio personality. The list of father-son duos is too long to mention them all. Here are a handful. Three sons of Hall of Fame guard Rick Barry played in the NBA, with Brent enjoying the most success. UCLA product Mike Bibby outdid his dad by playing 14 years to Henry's nine. Kevin Love outplayed his father, but Stan Love's association with the Beach Boys stood out. The father-son combos include a host of juniors in addition to the Harpers and Dunleavys, among them the Larry Drews, the Patrick Ewings, the Rich Dumases, the Matt Guokases, the Tim Hardaways, the Gerald Hendersons, the Jaren Jacksons, the John Lucases, the Wes Matthews, the Larry Nances, the Gary Paytons, the James Paxsons, the Scottie Pippins, Glen Rice, Glenn Robinson, the Wally Szczerbiaks, the Gary Trents and the Duane Washingtons. And, of course, there are more Lakers ties. Luke Walton matched his father with two NBA championships and also coached the Lakers, but couldn't attain the cult status of Bill Walton, a UCLA legend whose quirky, outsized personality transcended his achievements on the court. The former Laker who did indeed transcend not only his father's career but that of nearly every player who lived was Kobe Bryant. His father, Joe (Jellybean) Bryant, died last July, four years after his son tragically died in a helicopter crash that also took the lives of his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The fractious relationship between Kobe and his father is well-chronicled, and they rarely spoke after Kobe married his wife, Vanessa. Dylan Harper's relationship with his father is stronger, although Ron Harper divorced Dylan's mother in 2012. She raised her two sons and a daughter as a single mom who also happened to coach high school basketball and run a travel program. Maria Harper, a former Division I player at the University of New Orleans, was an assistant boys' coach when her sons played at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. 'She was hard but loving,' Dylan told the Athletic in 2023. 'She wasn't just tough on me, either. Everyone got a little bit of it.' Ron Sr. moved near his ex-wife in 2007. Yet he pointed recruiters to Maria when Dylan was being wooed by colleges, he pointed recruiters to Maria. 'Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of him, but I don't want this to be about me,' he said at the time. Yet like any father, Ron Sr. was proud of his son's accomplishments. 'When Dylan was 5 years old, I told people he was going to be really good,' he said. 'He reminded me of me.' Dylan Harper might exceed his father's accomplishments in the way that Bryant and Curry did, or fail to do so. In addition to winning five titles, Ron Harper averaged 13.8 points and 3.9 assists in 1,009 NBA games. Either way, Dylan is about to join a lengthy list of players whose fathers blazed a trail they followed.
Black America Web
2 hours ago
- Black America Web
2025 NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg Heads To The Mavs, Dylan Harper's Mom Has Fans, Collin Murray-Boyles Drops F-Bomb & More
Source: Mike Lawrie / Getty The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is in the books. Check out everything that happened at Brooklyn's Barclays arena, and if your team got lucky with an elite player or a sneaky diamond in the rough for years to come, below. Cooper Flagg Heads To Dallas Mavericks Source: Mike Lawrie / Getty First picks usually go to lowly ranked teams attempting to rebuild, but Duke product Cooper Flagg is going into a solid team with the Dallas Mavericks. He's got a vet in Anthony Davis, a rehabbing Kyrie Irving that will only improve his game as he plans to immediately make a difference on both ends of the court. Just a year removed from an NBA Finals appearance and months from Luka Doncic, Flaggs' hype and scoring will be the beginning of rebuilding fans' trust. Dylan Harper Joins Wemby In San Antonio Rutgers' own Dylan Harper went to the San Antonio Spurs with the second pick in the draft, who loves the pick and roll and is one of the best rim finishers in the draft, which will only be amplified by Victor Wembanyama. The talents in his bloodline are evident, as his brother has spent time with the Detroit Pistons, and his father is a 15-year retired NBA veteran, five-time champion, Ron Harper. Fans didn't care about that lineage and were more focused on his mom, Maria Harper, not because she coached him from kindergarten through high school, but because of her looks. She quickly went viral for her draft day look of a low-cut black leather dress. Philadelphia 76ers select VJ Edgecombe The third pick went to the Philadelphia 76ers, who expectedly picked Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, who's been lauded as the best athlete in the draft. The Bahamian is known for his quickness, jumping out of the gym, and being a very tough defender. He averaged 15 points per game in college, which will serve the 76ers well if they can stay healthy. That sentiment is especially for Joel Embiid, aging Paul George, and Kyle Lowry. But with Tyrese Macey and Jared McClain, they've got the future in mind, too. Kon Knueppel Goes To Charlotte Hornets The Charlotte Hornets' young core, led by LaMelo, just got even younger with the fourth pick being Duke's Kon Knueppel. Known as a catch and shooter with a deep three ball, something he can thank his father —and uncles— for who played in college as well as his mom Cheryl who is still the leading scorer at University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. A Picky Ace Bailey Lands With Utah Jazz Source: Sarah Stier / Getty Turning down workouts left and right didn't affect Ace Bailey's draft stock too much since he still rounded out the top five after he was selected by the Utah Jazz. His preferred landing spots included the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets, and he even refused to work out for the Jazz, but the Jazz's new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, didn't care. As a Big 10 all-freshman, he's known for being a pure shooter and has even earned praise for his ability to score from his favorite player, Kevin Durant. Now, we'll see if he can translate his 17 points a game at Rutgers to help turn around the Jazz's 17-65 record last season. First Drafted Black NBA Players Honored Outside of the top five, one of the most special moments came when Adam Silver honored the 75th anniversary of the 1950 draft, which was the first to allow Black players the opportunity. Atop the stage were relatives of those three Black players, including Chuck Cooper, the first Black player drafted, who was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 13th overall pick 75 years ago. He was followed by Earl Lloyd and Nat 'Sweetwater' Clifton, who Commissioner Silver said all helped lay the foundation for the modern NBA. Also on stage for the honor were legends Oscar Robertson, the first Black president of the NBAPA and a four-time NBA champion, and Executive Director of the Players' Association Andre Iguodala. Collin Murray-Boyles Drops F-Bomb After Raptors Draft Him Bailey wasn't the only player not ecstatic about his new home, and Collin Murray-Boyles seemed to be in the same situation when the Toronto Raptors picked him. When he stood up, he shook his head and appeared to say 'f-ck' under his breath. Fans didn't feel too bad for him, though; instead, they saluted him by thirsting over his girlfriend Chloe Kitts, who plays for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Check out the rest of the night's results below and scroll for fans' reactions to the night. 6. Wizards draft Tre Johnson (Texas) 7. Pelicans draft Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma) 8. Nets draft Egor Demin (BYU) 9. Raptors draft Collin Murray-Boyles (South Carolina) 10. Rockets draft Khaman Maluach (Duke) – Traded to Suns 11. Trail Blazers draft Cedric Coward (Washington State) – Traded to Grizzlies 12. Bulls draft Noa Essengue (Ratiopharm Ulm) 13. Hawks draft Derik Queen (Maryland) – Traded to Pelicans 14. Spurs draft Carter Bryant (Arizona) 15. Thunder draft Thomas Sorber (Georgetown) 16. Grizzlies draft Yang Hansen (Qingdao) – Traded to Trail Blazers 17. Timberwolves draft Joan Beringer (Cedevita Olimpija) 18. Wizards draft Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida) – Traded to Jazz 19. Nets draft Nolan Traoré (Saint-Quentin BB) 20. Heat draft Kasparas Jakučionis (Illinois) 21. Jazz draft Will Riley (Illinois) – Traded to Wizards 22. Hawks draft Drake Powell (North Carolina) – Traded to Nets 23. Pelicans draft Asa Newell (Georgia) – Traded to Hawks 24. Thunder draft Nique Clifford (Colorado State) – Traded to Kings 25. Magic draft Jase Richardson (Michigan State) 26. Nets draft Ben Saraf (Ratiopharm Ulm) 27. Nets draft Danny Wolf (Michigan) 28. Celtics draft Hugo González (Real Madrid) 29. Suns draft Liam McNeeley (Connecticut) – Traded to Hornets 30. Clippers draft Yanic Konan Niederhauser (Penn State) 2025 NBA Draft: Cooper Flagg Heads To The Mavs, Dylan Harper's Mom Has Fans, Collin Murray-Boyles Drops F-Bomb & More was originally published on
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
What does NBA championship mean for Sam Presti's legacy? Everything
Ain't a thing without the ring. That's the phrase most Sam Presti haters have leaned on over the last two decades. While the Oklahoma City Thunder have been a perennial contender since he took the GM job in 2007, a lack of a championship has been his biggest Achilles heel. Sure, Presti drafted three MVP winners and developed another in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Sure, the Thunder have been a title contender for most years. Sure, OKC is regarded as one of the best drafting organizations. Sure, every NBA player who's played here has mostly enjoyed their time. But being short of a championship has been the ultimate go-to argument used against Presti. Stephen A. Smith has made a living out of it. Anytime Presti has been brought up, he'd repeat his same argument like a toy action figure who only has a limited number of sayings recorded when you press their button. "Sam Presti will finally have an opportunity to win a championship. He's done everything else except that. With the talent he's accumulated, you got to win a 'ship," Smith would repeatedly say across the airwaves. As oversimplified as that might be, there's no denying how popular that thought was about the Thunder and Presti. You have all these team and individual accolades stuffed in your trophy case, but no Larry O'Brien. Well, that finally changed this past Sunday. The Thunder completed one of the greatest seasons ever with a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers to seal the 2025 NBA Finals. With a coinflip chance to end up as one of the best teams ever or biggest disappointments ever, OKC was on the right side of the 50-50 shot. A historic 68-14 regular-season campaign won't go in vain. Gilgeous-Alexander's historic MVP season won't be viewed in the same way as 2007 Dirk Nowitzki. Instead, Brian Windhorst has argued that his 2025 year is up there with 2013 LeBron and 1996 Michael Jordan as some of the greatest individual seasons the NBA has ever seen. The Thunder can thank Presti for that. Some luck was involved for sure. But luck is hard work that meets opportunity. Nobody thought Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams would develop into Gen Z Jordan and Pippen. Same with Mark Daigneault as he ascended into one of the best coaches. Hitting on the margins with second-round and undrafted players like Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe has also helped. Hitting a home run with lottery selections like Cason Wallace is also the lifeblood for the small-market franchise. That doesn't even include having the resources and rapport to pull off last year's offseason additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. The stars aligned for the two veteran pieces to come in and boost OKC's chances to win a title. Once you win a championship, your entire legacy is recontextualized. That goes beyond the players. For Presti, it means he's cemented his spot as one of the greatest NBA GMs ever. Conventional wisdom has caught up to the reality that OKC folks and every smart NBA analyst have known about him for years. And considering the Thunder's runway with Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Chet Holmgren on the verge of being locked down for the foreseeable future, it's easy to see them run off with more deep playoff runs and even more championships. Nobody else is better set up to contend in the short-term and long-term future. Presti has his fingerprints all over this Thunder championship roster. Now that he's reached the NBA's mountaintop, there's nothing left for his biggest doubters to hang onto.
