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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Nets work out Colorado State's Nique Clifford ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
Nets work out Colorado State's Nique Clifford ahead of 2025 NBA Draft The Brooklyn Nets head into the 2025 NBA Draft with five picks to use, including four in the first round that could bring them a massive influx of young talent. From now until the Draft late in June, Brooklyn will be trying to get as much intel as possible on prospects and one of those players was recently brought in for a workout ahead of the Draft. The Nets brought in Colorado State forward Nique Clifford for a predraft workout at some point recently, according to a report from Brian Lewis of the New York Post on Thursday. Some of the other notable names that have worked out for Brooklyn already are Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears and Duke forward Kon Knueppel, two players that the Nets could select with the eighth overall pick. Clifford, listed at 6-foot-5 and 202 pounds, is coming off a senior season in which he rose his draft stock immensely after averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.6% from the field and 37.7% from three-point land. In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, Clifford is being taken by the Miami Heat with the 20th overall pick, one spot after the Nets select Michigan State guard Jase Richardson 19th overall. "Nique Clifford should draw interest from teams that are prioritizing prospects that can provide instant minutes and versatility," Wasserman wrote when discussing Clifford. "A 23-year-old won't be for everyone, but between his age, broad shoulders, shotmaking diversity, playmaking IQ, excellent rebounding numbers and experience playing different roles, Clifford should look like an NBA-ready forward with an adaptable game." As Lewis pointed out in his post on X, Clifford is mocked to go anywhere from the back end of the Lottery to 20th overall, meaning that he could be there for the taking by the Nets with the 19th overall pick, assuming that he impressed Brooklyn in his workout. Clifford is an older prospect, but that doesn't change the fact that he presents like the kind of player who could contribute right away for head coach Jordi Fernandez and company.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Philadelphia 76ers Predicted To Select Supertalented Forward To Team Up With Joel Embiid And Tyrese Maxey
After a disappointing 24-58 season marred by injuries and inconsistency, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to reset and reload. Despite boasting stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and veteran Paul George, the Sixers crumbled in the regular season, finishing as one of the league's bottom dwellers. However, the NBA Draft Lottery offered a silver lining. Philadelphia landed the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and our expert widely predicts that they will use it to select Rutgers forward Ace Bailey. Advertisement Bailey, a 6'10" super-athletic forward, had a breakout season with the Scarlet Knights. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from three. His two-way impact and positional versatility make him an ideal fit for a Sixers team desperate for wing help. According to multiple draft insiders, Bailey is viewed as one of the most NBA-ready players in the 2025 class. His combination of size, agility, and defensive instincts allows him to guard multiple positions, while his emerging perimeter game gives him stretch potential as a modern forward. Offensively, he thrives in transition, can knock down mid-range shots, and has flashed the ability to hit threes off the catch. Defensively, he competes hard and has the tools to switch onto guards and bigs alike. For the 76ers, adding Bailey solves several pressing issues. First, they need youth, energy, and size on the wing. Second, with Paul George likely to be moved this offseason, Bailey becomes a seamless long-term replacement. George, though productive when healthy, struggled to stay on the court, and his age and contract are concerns for a franchise looking to retool around Embiid and Maxey. Advertisement The Sixers also desperately need someone who can help defensively on the perimeter, especially given how much Embiid is asked to anchor the paint. Bailey's high motor, defensive versatility, and rebounding ability mean he could contribute right away as a rookie. From a roster construction standpoint, Bailey also fits nicely between the Sixers' two cornerstone players. Tyrese Maxey is an explosive scorer but undersized defensively. Embiid remains one of the league's best two-way bigs but needs healthy and reliable help around him. Bailey gives the Sixers a much-needed balance, he doesn't need the ball to be effective, can defend multiple positions, and has offensive upside that can be nurtured over time. His youth also provides Philadelphia with a longer-term asset. Maxey is only 24. Embiid, despite health concerns, remains in his prime. With Bailey entering as a 19-year-old potential star, the Sixers could develop a new core trio that bridges their present with their future. Advertisement If all goes according to plan, the addition of Ace Bailey could represent a turning point for the franchise. After years of postseason flameouts and constant turnover, the Sixers may finally be positioning themselves for sustained success and Bailey might just be the missing piece they've been waiting for. Related: Lakers Predicted To Select 7'3", 227-Pound, 18-Year-Old Center In 2025 NBA Draft
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Duke lands top international prospect Dame Sarr, who flashed in front of NBA scouts at Nike Hoop Summit
The top international basketball prospect in the world is heading to Duke. Dame Sarr, who excelled in front of NBA scouts at the Nike Hoop Summit in April, will attend Duke next season in hopes of eventually reaching the NBA, he told ESPN. Sarr, 18, called Duke his dream school, and said there was no better place for him to prepare for the NBA, per ESPN. "My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA," Sarr continued. "There's no better place to prepare you for that than Duke. For me to be as NBA-ready as possible, and become the best version of myself, I needed to have both experiences." Sarr started his professional career at age-16 in the Spanish ACB league in 2023. He played for Barcelona, where he became the second-youngest player to debut for the club. Sarr — who is from Italy — also played for the Italian senior national team last year. In April, Sarr attended the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon. Sarr — who is listed as a 6-foot-8 wing — started for Team World. He turned in a strong performance against star high-school players from the United States, dropping 17 points, four rebounds and a steal in the 124-114 loss to Team USA. The decision to play in the event caused controversy, as Sarr reportedly attended the event without Barcelona's approval. The team reportedly was on board with Sarr attending the event early in the season, but changed course after he emerged as an important player on the roster. Sarr told ESPN he didn't think it was right to pull out of the event, and attended the Nike Hoop Summit anyway. A few days after the event Barcelona and Sarr released a joint statement announcing Sarr would not play for the club the rest of the season. Sarr said it was an amicable decision, telling ESPN, "We ended everything on great terms, and I still love Barcelona."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Duke lands top international prospect Dame Sarr, who flashed in front of NBA scouts at Nike Hoop Summit
The top international basketball prospect in the world is heading to Duke. Dame Sarr, who excelled in front of NBA scouts at the Nike Hoop Summit in April, will attend Duke next season in hopes of eventually reaching the NBA, he told ESPN. Sarr, 18, called Duke his dream school, and said there was no better place for him to prepare for the NBA, per ESPN. "My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA, "Sarr continued. "There's no better place to prepare you for that than Duke. For me to be as NBA-ready as possible, and become the best version of myself, I needed to have both experiences." Advertisement Sarr started his professional career at age-16 in the Spanish ACB league in 2023. He played for Barcelona, where he became the second-youngest player to debut for the club. Sarr — who is from Italy — also played for the Italian senior national team last year. In April, Sarr attended the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon. Sarr — who is listed as a 6-foot-8 wing — started for Team World. He turned in a strong performance against star high-school players from the United States, dropping 17 points, four rebounds and a steal in the 124-114 loss to Team USA. The decision to play in the event caused controversy, as Sarr reportedly attended the event without Barcelona's approval. The team reportedly was on board with Sarr attending the event early in the season, but changed course after he emerged as an important player on the roster. Sarr told ESPN he didn't think it was right to pull out of the event, and attended the Nike Hoop Summit anyway. A few days after the event Barcelona and Sarr released a joint statement announcing Sarr would not play for the club the rest of the season. Sarr said it was an amicable decision, telling ESPN, "We ended everything on great terms, and I still love Barcelona."
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eye Shocking Reaves-for-Jazz Pick Swap in High-Stakes Gamble
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring a bold trade that would send fan-favorite Austin Reaves to the in exchange for a package centered around the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The proposed deal has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some seeing it as a necessary move to balance the roster while others view it as a risky gamble. (Disclaimer: The information and analysis presented in this article are based on current speculations. While the details are sourced from credible insights, it's important to note that these are not confirmed moves or official statements. Readers are encouraged to take this analysis with a grain of salt and stay tuned for official updates as the offseason unfolds.) Why the Los Angeles Lakers Might Trade Austin Reaves According to , the see Reaves as "redundant alongside Dončić," making him expendable in a deal that could bring in much-needed frontcourt help. The trade would allow LA to draft Duke's Khaman Maluach, a 7'2" center who could immediately contribute as a rim-runner and rebounder alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Potential Trade Breakdown Jazz Receive Lakers Receive Austin Reaves No. 5 pick (Khaman Maluach) Jordan Clarkson Kyle Filipowski Key Pieces in the Deal - Khaman Maluach: An 18-year-old athletic big man with NBA-ready skills developed at Duke. His ability to catch lobs, defend the rim, and rebound would fill a glaring need for the Lakers. - Jordan Clarkson: A former Sixth Man of the Year who could bolster LA's bench scoring. His expiring contract also provides future financial flexibility. - Kyle Filipowski: A depth piece who adds frontcourt versatility but is considered more of a secondary asset in this trade. Why This Trade Makes Sense for the Lakers 1. Addressing Roster Imbalance – With Reaves seen as overlapping with Dončić's playmaking, moving him for a true center like Maluach could optimize the lineup. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 2. Short-Term and Long-Term Gains – Clarkson provides immediate scoring punch, while Maluach offers long-term upside as a defensive anchor. 3. Financial Flexibility – Clarkson's expiring deal allows the Lakers to reassess their roster needs in the 2026 offseason. Why Fans Might Hate This Move According to Colin, Reaves has become a beloved figure in LA due to his clutch performances and underdog story. Trading him for an unproven rookie and a veteran scorer could be seen as a step back, especially if Maluach takes time to develop. As Keane notes, "Could the Lakers get a better offer for Reaves? Sure, but not by a lot." While controversial, this trade could give the Lakers a more balanced roster, better suited to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Also read: Would you pull the trigger on this deal? Let us know your thoughts.
