Latest news with #Carlson
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
What former Utes star Branden Carlson learned about becoming a champion from the OKC Thunder
Branden Carlson went from undrafted free agent in June 2024 to NBA champion in June 2025. That's quite a year for the former Runnin' Utes standout, though he downplays the accomplishment when it's brought up. 'It was a lot of fun and it's a great team to be a part of,' Carlson said of the Oklahoma City Thunder. 'Obviously, winning is always the goal, and so being a part of a winning team, and winning your last game of the season feels great.' Carlson wasn't on the court during the Thunder's playoff run to an NBA title — as a two-way player, he isn't eligible for postseason play — but he certainly helped the Thunder as they worked to maintain the No. 1 overall regular-season record and secure home-court advantage for the playoffs. When the Thunder ran into a rash of injuries to their frontcourt players, they brought in Carlson, who had been playing for the Toronto Raptors' G League team. After a short stint and consecutive 10-day deals, the Thunder offered Carlson a two-way contract. Then, while in Utah this past week for Salt Lake City Summer League, despite not playing in the summer showcase because of an ankle sprain, he agreed to return to the Thunder for the 2025-26 season on another two-way deal. It's not hard to see the reason that both sides are happy about this union. Carlson is learning from some of the very best players in the NBA, including the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and he's seen that the Thunder deeply care about developing from within and giving players opportunities. Look no further than Lu Dort, who was also an undrafted two-way player for the Thunder before becoming the team's lead defender and a starter in every single game of its championship run. From OKC's side, Carlson is a tenacious center who plays a modern style of basketball with quick feet and the ability to stretch the floor. Frankly, he fits the bill for how the Thunder play now and want to continue to play in the future. And it doesn't matter to Carlson that two-way players aren't able to play in the playoffs, because he can't put a price tag on the lessons he's learned just being a part of a team that has been to the absolute peak of professional basketball. 'You just learn the adversity that a team can face and individuals can face and how to overcome that,' he told the Deseret News. 'You learn more about yourself and how to be a teammate. There's just so many things you can take away from just watching it and being around guys who have been there and made it happen.' Last summer, when Carlson was playing for the Raptors during Las Vegas Summer League, he'd been a little disappointed that he didn't end up on one of the four teams that played in the SLC Summer League. This summer, he was overjoyed to return to the Huntsman Center and as an NBA champion. 'I thought about it a lot last year when I was at summer league,' he said. 'So it's fun to be, part of a team that is back here, and obviously see some family and friends and be back in this arena. It's just really great.'
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Epstein Files: What is the Mossad agent conspiracy theory and why Israel's ex-PM Naftali Bennett strongly denies it
Jeffrey Epstein's life and mysterious death have long fueled speculation, but recent claims by Tucker Carlson have reignited one of the most explosive conspiracy theories: that Epstein was working for Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad. The theory, rooted in Epstein's sudden wealth, elite ties, and links to former Israeli leaders, has gone viral, prompting a forceful denial from ex-Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. While Carlson insists the theory is about seeking truth, Israeli officials say it's part of a slanderous campaign. Here's a breakdown of where the theory began, why it's resurfaced, and how it's being challenged. The origins of Jeffrey Epstein's Mossad agent theory The conspiracy hinges on Epstein's unexplained wealth and international connections. He had no college degree, started as a math teacher, yet owned private jets, a Caribbean island, and Manhattan's largest townhouse. In July 2025, during a speech at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit, Tucker Carlson claimed Epstein's lifestyle couldn't be explained by any public-facing business activity. Carlson suggested Epstein's rise was possible only through covert backing, implying Mossad's involvement. He also cited Epstein's close relationship with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, pointing to dozens of meetings between the two from 2013 to 2017. Why Carlson's claims gained traction Carlson framed the Mossad theory as an issue of public accountability, insisting it wasn't antisemitic to ask whether Epstein worked for a foreign intelligence agency. His comments resonated with audiences already frustrated by the U.S. government's lack of transparency in the Epstein case, especially regarding the so-called 'client list.' Epstein's light sentencing in earlier cases, his vast network of elite contacts, and his sudden death in jail all contribute to ongoing suspicions. On social media and within certain conservative circles, Carlson's theory has found new life, with believers demanding deeper investigations. Ehud Barak's Epstein connection A major element fueling the theory is Epstein's documented relationship with Ehud Barak. Barak flew on Epstein's private jet and visited his homes even after Epstein's 2008 sex crime conviction. These interactions, involving other high-profile figures, scientists, and philanthropists, are often cited by conspiracy theorists as evidence of Israeli intelligence ties. However, Barak has consistently maintained that his meetings with Epstein were limited to legitimate business discussions and that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal behavior at the time. Naftali Bennett's forceful response Naftali Bennett, Israel's former Prime Minister, directly addressed Carlson's accusations in a social media post, calling them 'categorically and totally false.' He stated that during his leadership, Mossad reported directly to him, and he could say with '100% certainty' that Epstein had no ties to Israel's intelligence services. Bennett warned that such claims were not only baseless but also dangerous, adding that 'a vicious wave of slander and lies' was being spread against Israel and the Jewish people. He also criticized public figures like Carlson for pushing falsehoods with confidence, knowing they would gain traction. The Epstein–Mossad theory taps into deep anxieties about hidden power, government secrecy, and elite manipulation, but it also risks spreading antisemitic tropes under the guise of investigation. Israeli officials argue that these accusations threaten to erode trust in international alliances and vilify a nation without proof. At the same time, Carlson's comments reflect a broader public demand for clarity in the Epstein case, especially from institutions seen as opaque or compromised. As the debate intensifies, separating speculation from fact remains critical in a story where misinformation spreads easily and reputations are on the line.
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Player grades: Thunder still undefeated in Vegas with 92-75 Summer League win over Magic
Receiving a catch-and-shoot look from Nikola Topic, Branden Carlson didn't take long to make up for lost time as he swished in a top-of-the-key look. Usually, at this juncture of the Summer League, not much interest is left. All the top players and most fans have left. But flexing its ridiculous depth, OKC is an exception. The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 92-75 Summer League win over the Orlando Magic. They remain undefeated at Las Vegas with a 3-0 record and have a chance to clinch a playoff spot. As the gyms get emptier with each passing day in Vegas, this is where the basketball sickos show out. The Magic were without Tristan da Silva and Jase Richardson, but the Thunder saw Carlson suit up for the first time. OKC held a 17-15 lead after the first quarter. Orlando struggled to score without a true top option. Carlson continued a hot start in the second quarter. He knocked down an early outside bucket to give the Thunder momentum. They built some distance on the scoreboard, but the Magic slowly chipped away. OKC scored the last nine points of the half as Nikola Topic feathered in a floater. The Thunder scored 25 points in the second frame and entered halftime with a 42-34 lead. The short break didn't disrupt their flow. Carlson was fouled on a corner 3-pointer he swished in. That helped them get up by 52-37 less than two minutes into the third frame. Backed by Ajay Mitchell's relentless drives to the basket, the Thunder scored 31 points in the third quarter. They held a 73-61 lead over the Magic. The fourth quarter turned skippable as OKC scored 19 points. Broadcast member Isiah Thomas couldn't stop gushing over Carlson and how he landed on the NBA champion's lap. The Thunder shot 44% from the field and went 7-of-26 (26.9%) from 3. They shot 15-of-16 on free throws. They had 18 assists on 35 baskets. Three Thunder players scored double-digit points. Mitchell led the way with 27 points and seven rebounds. Carlson had 23 points and seven rebounds. Topic finished with eight points and six assists. Malevy Leons had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench. Meanwhile, the Magic shot 32% from the field and went 9-of-36 (25%) from 3. They shot 24-of-26 on free throws. They had 15 assists on 21 baskets. Five Magic players scored double-digit points. Ethan Thompson had 16 points and four rebounds. Wendell Moore Jr. finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Nate Santos had 11 points. Skal Labissiere and Johnell Davis each scored 10 points to round up Orlando's top scorers. The deeper the Thunder get into the Summer League, the more fun their games get. They remain undefeated in Las Vegas and have a legitimate shot at making the four-team knockout playoff. This time, Carlson's return after being out for the entire July event was worth watching. Mitchell and Topic also had their moments as the starting backcourt. Let's look at Thunder player grades: Branden Carlson: A-plus Running a pick-and-roll with Topic, Carlson showed off his hops when he jumped in the air and threw down the alley-oop. Everybody has talked about how much better the former would look with a seven-footer. The latter showed why those talks were right as they cosplayed as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Carlson finished with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting and seven rebounds. He shot 4-of-6 from 3 and went 1-of-1 on free throws. He also had two blocks. An ankle injury cost Carlson the beginning of the Summer League. He sat out the Thunder's first five games but was productive when he signed a two-way deal in that absence. The 26-year-old showed off why they were so determined to keep him on their roster when they tendered a qualifying offer. Against a short-handed Magic squad, Carlson made up for lost time. He dominated at every spot on the floor. The stretch big was a textbook kick-out option and the seven-footer's size helped him finish through a packed paint with dunks. The Thunder have given fans reasons to watch these final Summer League games. Carlson flashed throughout last season and dominated in the G League. His combination of size and shooting caused the broadcast to spend most of the second half wondering why nobody else saw his talent as a 2024 undrafted player. Ajay Mitchell: A-plus Battling through several defenders, Mitchell banked his layup in and heard a whistle. An and-one bucket caused the 23-year-old to celebrate the move as he turned in another efficient scoring performance to lead the Thunder. Mitchell finished with 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, seven rebounds and four assists. He shot 1-of-2 from 3 and went 8-of-9 on free throws. He also had two steals and one block. Hearing all Summer League long that he was simply too good to participate in the two-week event, Mitchell saved his best performance for his possible last game. The drive-heavy scorer found lanes to the basket. He muscled his way past traffic and had enough touch to score or draw a whistle. That's been a theme in the Thunder's Summer League. Mitchell has grown as a scorer. He entered the event as the undisputed best player and took advantage of the extra on-ball reps to look eerily similar to his teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The high free-throw attempt numbers have been consistent enough to hope it translates over to next season. Not much else is left to prove for Mitchell in this environment. Maybe he keeps playing just because. The Thunder could earn a playoff nod and be one of the four teams that advance to the knockout stage. But this is already a successful July. Nikola Topic: B-minus Helping swing the ball around, Topic has darted the ball to outside shooters in skinny passing lanes. He was also as surgical as the pick-and-roll handler with a couple of connections. As he gains more confidence, it shouldn't be a shocker to see OKC's offense look better with the 19-year-old calling the shots. Topic finished with eight points on 4-of-12 shooting, six assists and five rebounds. He shot 0-of-2 from 3. He also had two steals. Because of Mitchell and Carlson, the Thunder didn't need Topic to step up as a scorer. Instead, he kept the ball moving and played within the flow. He had five turnovers, but you'll eat that if it means the 2024 lottery pick flexes his passing skills. What Topic did here can easily be replicated in the regular season. Playing with a seven-footer further unlocked what he could do as a playmaker. Now, imagine those rolls being run by Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein. He showed off some of his scoring touch with his floater and picked his spots to score. We'll see how much longer Topic plays in the Summer League, but this has been a successful trip. He was the Thunder's most important player after he missed the last year with a partially torn ACL. After some initial rust, the 19-year-old looked more comfortable with some miles on his legs. Brooks Barnhizer: C After another stop, Barnhizer threw down a transition dunk in the final minutes that forced the Magic to call a timeout. Both teams cleared their benches as the jam was the punctuation mark. Barnhizer finished with eight points on 2-of-5 shooting, three assists and two rebounds. He shot 4-of-4 on free throws. He also had a steal. The Thunder locked down the short-handed Magic. Barnhizer played a role in that. He will make his name on that side of the ball. Besides that, not a whole ton else to write about the two-way player's performance. He remained in the starting lineup despite some changes and showed why he can play with any combination of players. It's been a solid Summer League for Barnhizer. His best games were in Las Vegas. He's racked up a historic number of steals and has shown some off-ball saviness to make up for his lack of shot. The 23-year-old will likely spend most of his rookie year in the G League. Highlights:
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Bill Ackman net worth: How rich is the Trump ally and hedge fund manager?
Tucker Carlson, American conservative political commentator and former Fox News anchor recently appeared at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit. The 56-year-old who now hosts the Tucker Carlson Show spoke about one of the raging topics in the country- Jeffrey Epstein and people associated with him. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He commented on how the whole constellation of people around him seemed to be getting away with scams because they are useless and rich. He went on to quote the example of Bill Ackman, asking how some of the least impressive and most useless people become billionaires. "How did Bill Ackman get $9 billion? Bill Ackman is well-connected and super aggressive that's it. But if you are accruing $9 billion just because you are willing to do anything? I don't know why we have to pretend that's good?" said Carlson while speaking to the attendees. Carlson's bold claim reached Ackman who took to X to respond to Carlson's claim in a detailed 2000-word post, revealing he had never met Epstein in his life and his first wife had only met him once, even before he knew her. What is Bill Ackman's net worth? Image credits: Getty Images The 59-year-old then went on to explain how he acquired his $9 billion in great detail. He walked through his start in business from college days, how his parents supported him with tuition fees and investments and his own actions that have contributed to his diverse portfolio amounting to $9 billion. His initial investment in the Pershing Square funds has now increased 56 times due to compounding and is now worth about $2.5 billion. He also owns half of the Pershing Square Management Company and his interest in the company is worth about $6.5 billion today. Pershing Square is an American hedge fund owned by Ackman and established by him in 2003. Ackman has also made private investments and is an active investor in various start-ups. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He revealed in the X post how his original $2.5 million in Coupang, an e-commerce company became a billion dollars in 2021. Other companies that he has stakes in include Chipotle Mexican Grill worth $2.4 billion, Hilton Worldwide Holdings worth $1.9 billion, Restaurant Brands International worth $1.7 billion, Alphabet Inc. worth $1.5 billion and $693 million, Howard Hughes Holdings worth $1.2 billion and Canadian Pacific Kansas City worth $1.2 billion. "So, in short, I got a huge start with great parents, and a wonderful education paid for by mom and dad. Despite Tucker's statements to the contrary, there were no scams and a lot of useful activity behind the wealth I have created." added Ackman adding that Carlson owes him an apology and pointing out that "while useless billionaires are bad, harmful millionaires are definitely worse."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Naftali Bennett slams Epstein-Mossad claims: Calls accusation ‘total lie', targets Tucker Carlson for anti-Israeli narrative
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has forcefully rejected claims that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein worked for Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. In a statement posted on X, Bennett called the accusations 'categorically and totally false' and directly targeted prominent figures like Tucker Carlson for spreading conspiracy theories. 'As a former Israeli Prime Minister, with the Mossad having reported directly to me, I say to you with 100% certainty: The accusation that Jeffrey Epstein somehow worked for Israel or the Mossad running a blackmail ring is categorically and totally false,' Bennett wrote. — naftalibennett (@naftalibennett) Bennett's remarks came after Carlson, speaking at a Turning Point USA summit in Florida last week, suggested, without offering evidence, that Epstein might have worked for foreign intelligence services, likely Israeli. Carlson said, 'Now, no one's allowed to say that the foreign government is Israel because we have been somehow cowed into thinking that's naughty. There is nothing wrong with saying that.' In his response, Bennett stressed that Epstein's criminal activities 'had nothing whatsoever to do with the Mossad or the State of Israel.' He accused online personalities like Carlson of inventing such stories and fuelling a 'vicious wave of slander and lies' against Israel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Lifetime Office 365 Download Undo 'They just make things up, say it with confidence, and these lies stick because it's Israel,' Bennett said. Epstein, who died in 2019 under what US authorities ruled as suicide, remains the subject of widespread conspiracy theories, especially after recent public dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in investigations surrounding his network. Bennett's statement marks one of the strongest denials from an Israeli leader on the long-running Epstein-Mossad theory.
