Latest news with #NBA
News18
28 minutes ago
- Sport
- News18
Houston Rockets' Fred VanVleet Elected NBPA President; Vows To Advocate For NBA Players
Last Updated: July 13, 2025, 20:32 IST Rockets' Fred VanVleet (X) Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been elected President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the official labor union representing NBA players, the NBPA announced today. The 31-year-old veteran, chosen by his fellow players, will begin a four-year term effective immediately, taking over leadership of the organization that represents the voices and rights of NBA athletes both on and off the court. 'It's truly an honor to be elected as President of the NBPA by my peers, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the best interest of all the members," said VanVleet in a statement released by the NBPA. 'With a deep appreciation for the complexities and challenges players face on all levels of their NBA journeys, I am committed to approaching this role with the passion, dignity, and dedication every player deserves." As NBPA president, VanVleet will oversee key responsibilities including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, filing player grievances, and educating players on benefits and post-career opportunities. The role places him at the forefront of shaping the future of NBA labor relations and player empowerment. VanVleet succeeds CJ McCollum, who has held the position since 2021. McCollum will remain involved in an advisory capacity. 'It's been a privilege to serve on the NBPA Executive Committee for the past seven years and uniquely shape the business of our game," said McCollum. 'I am encouraged by the future of the PA under Fred's leadership, as he has earned the basketball community's respect and has proven he is ready for this next step. I look forward to supporting him as we continue building a stronger Association that serves past, present, and future generations of players." VanVleet's Journey: From Undrafted to Union Leader VanVleet brings a unique perspective to the presidency, shaped by an unlikely rise in professional basketball. After going undrafted in 2016 out of Wichita State, he signed with the Toronto Raptors and spent time in the G League before earning a permanent role on the main roster. View All Nehal Wadhera Hopes To Make India Call-Up And Excited To Play With Shreyas Iyer | Interview | News South Africa Suffer Huge Setback as David Miller Gets Injured Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 IND vs ENG 3rd T20I: Key Changes India Are Expected to Make in Their Playing XI In Rajkot Yuvraj Singh To Join Delhi Capitals Coaching Staff For IPL 2025: Reports | Indian Premier League BREAKING: ICC Reveals Shocking Ratings of T20 World Cup Pitches View all He eventually played a key role in the Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship run, became an NBA All-Star, and is now the highest-paid undrafted player in league history. Over his nine-year career with Toronto and now Houston, VanVleet has averaged 14.9 points and 5.7 assists per game. Beyond the hardwood, VanVleet has established himself as a leader and advocate. In 2016, he launched the VanVleet Family Foundation, dedicated to increasing access and opportunity for youth through education, athletics, and career development.
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Suns' Devin Booker, Kevin Durant reunite at Drake show in London
The post Suns' Devin Booker, Kevin Durant reunite at Drake show in London appeared first on ClutchPoints. Their time together at the Phoenix Suns may have ended, but Kevin Durant and Devin Booker continue to be close to each other. The two were recently spotted vibing together at a Drake concert in London. Advertisement The American rapper recently performed as part of the Wireless Festival held from July 11-13 at Finsbury Park in London. Among the thousands of fans gathered at the concert were former teammates KD and Booker, who appear to remain strong despite the former's recent trade to the Houston Rockets. The two can be seen enjoying and singing to the music among a sea of fans with Drake performing onstage. Both players have previously featured in multiple Drake songs and are known to be fans of the rapper. The two also won the gold medal together at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and have an obvious mutual respect that has survived the untimely breakup. Their on-court chemistry had blossomed in their first season together when Durant joined from the Brooklyn Nets back in 2023. Booker has spent his entire NBA career with the Suns thus far after being drafted 13th overall at the 2015 draft. The two formed a 'Big 3' alongside Bradley Beal, but the team enjoyed moderate success despite all players producing decent individual numbers. Advertisement The Suns finished 6th in the 2023-24 season, with Durant producing 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and five assists per game and Booker averaging 27.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. However, an injury-affected last campaign saw them finish 11th with a 36-46 record. That resulted in a historic seven-team trade that saw Durant leave for the Houston Rockets earlier this month. Beal is also understood to be close to agreeing a buy-out with multiple teams showing interest. The Suns are now expected to kickstart a rebuild around Devin Booker despite the difficult salary cap situation they are currently traversing through. KD, on the other hand, will attempt to help the Rockets emerge as serious title contenders next season. Related: Suns rumors: Why Bradley Beal hasn't been bought out of contract Advertisement Related: 6 Kevin Durant decisions that tarnished his legacy, ranked
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Division rival's bold claim could spell trouble for Celtics
The Boston Celtics are in the middle of a transformative offseason, and it could spell trouble for them next season. Over the course of the past few months, the Celtics have been one of the most active teams around the league. After being upset in the second round of the playoffs, all of the noise about Boston having to break up its title team for financial reasons began to come true. Advertisement With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis being traded and Luke Kornet and likely Al Horford on the way out, Boston is set to lose half of its rotation from last season, along with Jayson Tatum recovering from injury. That has left many to believe that the Celtics will essentially be taking a gap year in 2026. With Tatum out, the team's hopes of competing for a title are on hold for a year. Still, the Celtics would like to compete for a playoff spot and give themselves a chance with Jaylen Brown and Derrick White leading the way. Considering their situation, it might be difficult to secure a playoff spot, especially as other teams become more confident. In a recent story from The Athletic's Eric Koreen, Toronto Raptors star Brandon Ingram showed off some of that confidence. 'We're making the playoffs next year, for sure,' Ingram said. Advertisement Toronto hasn't made the playoffs since 2022, but with some solid moves over the past couple of years, the Raptors are in a position to return to the East's top eight. If they do, the Celtics might just be one of the teams on the outside looking in.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers' Offseason Drawing Harsh Reaction From NBA Executive
Lakers' Offseason Drawing Harsh Reaction From NBA Executive originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers have had a slow offseason thus far. Rob Pelinka has made just two outside moves to bring in more talent, signing both Jake LaRavia and Deandre Ayton. Advertisement While those two moves both offer the potential of improvement for the team, the Lakers also lost Dorian Finney-Smith to begin the NBA free agency period. There is still more work to be done if the team wants to compete for a championship. Ayton will be a big upgrade at the center position for Los Angeles. That was a major need heading into the offseason. However, that move alone will not make the Lakers a contender in the Western Conference. LeBron James has started dominating the NBA offseason headlines. His future with the team is very much in question. Amid all of the questions surrounding his future, trade chatter has begun picking up. Amid what has been a decent, but not great offseason, one NBA executive spoke out with major criticism for Los Angeles. Advertisement As shared by Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire, an NBA executive did not hold back his thoughts about what the Lakers have done this offseason. 'Yeah, usually when a star player like LeBron opts into his contract, the team announces the move,' the executive said. 'I find this very strange. Something is definitely going on behind the scenes. I mean, the odds of LeBron getting traded are very, very low. His salary is just too high." He continued on, ripping into Los Angeles for what it has done this offseason. 'But I think LeBron and the Lakers' front office are butting heads. They haven't had an impressive offseason at all and then there are rumors that Rob (Pelinka) is saving cap space for 2027. That's just idiotic when you have LeBron and Luka," he concluded. Advertisement There are still many questions that need to be answered. It's possible that the Lakers could have more moves up their sleeve this offseason, but for now fans are scratching their heads waiting to see what comes next. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'I don't think you're worth it'- Kyrie Irving explosively reacts to Stephen A. Smith's $100 million deal with the ESPN
Kyrie Irving and Stephen A. Smit, Images via Getty Kyrie Irving is one of the most outspoken NBA stars. From talking about the current condition of global basketball fraternity to criticizing an athlete due to his poor performance, Irving never minces his words. Currently, while recovering from a torn ACL, the Dallas Mavericks star started streaming on Twitch. He has not only given a sneak peek into the tales from basketball world, but also criticized prominent NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith during streaming. Kyrie Irving pointed out the double standards prevalent in NBA. Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving slams Stephen A. Smith for his $100 million deal with the ESPN From leading the Dallas Mavericks since 2023, Kyrie Irving has never hesitated from speaking his mind on current issues in NBA. Recently, Irving took a dig at ESPN's Stephen A. Smith while talking about the double standards in NBA currently. The Mavericks star revealed his thoughts on Stephen A. Smith's $100 million deal with ESPN. The Dallas Mavericks' guard said- 'Obviously, Stephen A., this is for an [example]. I'm going to discuss his contract. I'm going to discuss Stephen A.'s contract. I'm gonna say, 'I don't think you're worth it.'" As it is NBA analysts and insiders do not think once before criticizing athletes after one bad performance or a lost game. ESPN's notable figure Stephen A. Smith, is one of those NBA analysts who is quick to call out the athletes during his podcast appearance or showtime. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Online MBA with in-demand specializations SRM Online Learn More Undo Smith has hardly left anyone from the political, entertainment and NBA world when it comes to his fiery and feisty takes. Reportedly, he had signed a $25 million contract with ESPN during the initial months of 2025. The $100 million contract between Stephen A. Smith and ESPN have increased the NBA analysts' salary above San Antonio Spurs' star Victor Wembanyama, who has been raking in $13.7 million. Also Read: 'I don't get paid to talk to you'- Stephen A. Smith claps back at Tyrese Haliburton for his controversial comment after Game 3 victory For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
