Latest news with #Rockets
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rockets vs. Timberwolves, July 19: NBA summer league lineups, rosters, broadcast info
The Rockets (0-4) will wrap up 2025 NBA summer-league action with Saturday's difficult matchup against the unbeaten Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0). 2025 #NBASummerLeague roster for the @HoustonRockets Still in search of their first win, the Houston Rockets will wrap up a five-game schedule at the NBA's 2025 summer league when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday afternoon. Both teams will be playing their final summer-league game in the league's ongoing showcase at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion. With a win-now roster centered around star players such as Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets were always light on proven NBA talent for their summer-league roster — and that became even more pronounced when second-year guard Reed Sheppard was shut down after two games with a minor calf injury. Meanwhile, Minnesota's roster features more quality players with NBA pedigree such as Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Leonard Miller, Jaylen Clark, and Tristen Newton. With those types of prospects in featured roles, the Timberwolves are a perfect 4-0 in Las Vegas. For Saturday, here's our look at broadcast details and potential lineups. The Rockets did not have a first-round selection in the recent 2025 NBA draft, whereas Minnesota's squad also features Joan Beringer, the No. 17 overall selection. When and How to Watch Potential Starting Lineups Houston Rockets (0-4) Minnesota Timberwolves (4-0) Injury/Status Reports The NBA does not require official injury reports to be issued before summer league games, but Sheppard and two-way center N'Faly Dante (ankle sprain) are both expected to be out for the Rockets. For Minnesota, Shannon didn't play in the fourth game. Rockets, Timberwolves Complete Rosters 2025 NBA summer league rosters and statistics for all teams Summer League Coaches Rockets' 2025 Summer League Schedule, Results More: After two games, Rockets shutting down Reed Sheppard at 2025 NBA summer league The NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule for July 19-20:
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
NBA power rankings 2025-26: Where do teams stand after NBA offseason? Rockets, Nuggets chase Thunder at top
While there is still some offseason business to get done — where does Jonathan Kuminga land? Will Luka Doncic sign an extension with the Lakers? — the majority of rosters are now settled. We have seen the rookies at NBA Summer League. Which means, it's time for a summer edition of our NBA Power Rankings. TRUE TITLE CONTENDERS (Last season 68-14) The defending champions are the team everyone else is chasing — they locked up their core three (Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren) with extensions and are running it back pretty much the same roster that just won 68 games and a ring. At Summer League, Ajay Mitchell looked ready for more minutes and Nikola Topic looked ready for some. This team just gets deeper and better. (Last season 52-30) It's obvious to say Kevin Durant fills in the missing piece of the puzzle in the half court that Houston lacked, that doesn't make it any less correct. That, plus the growth of their young players, makes the Rockets title contenders. Adding Dorian Finney-Smith to the rotation was one of the sneaky best pickups of the offseason, which makes the Rockets' defense and depth that much better. (Last season 50-32) With days left in the last season, the Nuggets fired coach Michael Malone, then this offseason went out and did what he had been begging the franchise to do for years — acquire quality veterans. Jonas Valanciunas is the best backup big of the Jokic era and it's not close. Cam Johnson will be an upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. (especially defensively), and Tim Hardaway Jr. and the return of Bruce Brown are exactly what this team needed. Denver took OKC 7 in the last playoffs and improved this offseason. (Last season 64-18) I'm higher on the Cavaliers next season than a lot of people, partially because I don't put as much stock in their playoff exit as most. Darius Garland is critical to this team's success, and his trying to play through turf toe changed everything. If healthy, and with Evan Mobley taking another step forward, this team is a legit contender with Donovan Mitchell as the go-to star. SECOND CIRCLE CONTENDERS (Last season 49-33) They have been to back-to-back Western Conference Finals and Anthony Edwards is still improving — do not sleep on this team. The Timberwolves locked up Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker is going to sting. A lot. (Last season 51-31) The question isn't, 'Is Mike Brown a better coach than Tom Thibodeau?' The question is, 'Does having a different voice in Mike Brown and going deeper into the bench during the regular season make a difference?' We shall see. Brown takes over a job with more pressure than any other coach in the league. PLAYOFFS OR BUST (Last season 50-32) The Clippers have a stacked regular-season lineup. They locked up James Harden coming off an All-NBA season, and they added quality size up front in Brook Lopez and John Collins. Bradley Beal steps right into the Norman Powell role (and the team may not miss a beat). This is a big and deep roster that can rest Kawhi Leonard a fair amount during the regular season and still win a lot of games (trust Harden in the playoffs at your own peril). (Last season 41-41) Orlando had as good an offseason as any team in the league — Desmond Bane is a perfect fit for this roster. Tyus Jones is exactly what this team needs behind Jalen Suggs at the point. Keep Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner healthy, and this team is a threat in the East. I have them as the No. 3 seed at the moment. (Last season 50-32) There is always drama swirling around LeBron James and the Lakers, but don't buy into the trade talk — LeBron will be with the team when training camp opens. So will skinny Luka Doncic, and if that duo can prod Deandre Ayton to care and play hard the majority of the time, this Lakers team is a playoff threat. They are going to miss Dorian Finney-Smith and his shooting (and perimeter defense). (Last season 48-34) If the Stephen Curry/Jimmy Butler/Draymond Green core can stay healthy and everything breaks their way, the Warriors could make a nice postseason run. Not to state the obvious, but the health of the Curry/Butler/Green core is a legit concern. The Golden State Warriors receive an incomplete grade for their offseason until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved (they currently only have nine players on the roster for next season; there is work to be done here). (Last season 48-34) Giannis Antetokounmpo said he would 'probably' return to the Bucks, which feels like an understatement (he added, 'I love Milwaukee'). It doesn't matter how many teams are monitoring the situation if he doesn't force his way out, and it doesn't appear he will this summer. Myles Turner is an upgrade over Brook Lopez at this point in their careers. However, the Bucks need another ball handler and shot creator at the two/three slot, or there is a serious ceiling on this team. (Last season 40-42) No team had a better offseason than Atlanta, which is why they jump in these rankings to what would be the fifth seed in the East. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is a fantastic fit at guard, bringing needed shooting and defense, while Luke Kennard adds more shooting. If he's healthy, Kristaps Porzingis brings the shot-blocking presence this team needs, plus he will be a great pick-and-pop partner with Trae Young. The biggest Atlanta addition: Getting Jalen Johnson healthy. Throw in the expected growth from Zaccharie Risacher and Atlanta looks like a team that could make some noise in the East. (Last season 44-38) This ranking almost feels too low for a team that announced its arrival last season, but did they do enough to move up? Despite rumors, there were no big, bold moves by the Pistons this offseason — the team has no Robin to Cade Cunningham's Batman — but Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson will fit in well as role players. (Last season 24-58) This ranking is either way too low or way too high. If Joel Embiid and Paul George are healthy next season, the 76ers are title contenders; if it's another season of them looking older and injured, the lottery is in their future. VJ Edgecombe showcased his athleticism at Summer League, and he, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain form an impressive young trio that could be the future in Philly. But first, the present needs to play out. (Last season 34-48) Victor Wembanyama is healthy and cleared following the resolution of the blood clot issue in his shoulder. If the Spurs' 'problem' is figuring out how to fit De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle together in the same backcourt, that's a good problem to have. We'll get a feel for what the Spurs think of their future direction next month when it's time for Fox to receive a contract extension. (Last season 48-34) The Grizzlies will miss Desmond Bane, but if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope finds his rhythm again in Memphis he can help mitigate a lot of that. Memphis locked up Jaren Jackson Jr. and they made a quality pickup in Ty Jerome. If Ja Morant can stay healthy and find a little more efficiency, this ranking may prove too low. (Last season 61-21). Jayson Tatum may be sidelined for most (if not all) of next season, and Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are gone, but there is still talent on this roster. Jaylen Brown is poised for a big season with a larger shot creation role, Derrick White is still out there knocking down clutch shots, plus Anfernee Simons is going to get them some buckets. This team is not a contender, but it's also not a pushover this season. (Last season 39-43) Cooper Flagg lived up to the hype at Summer League, and what impressed most is that it wasn't just his scoring — that was up and down in terms of efficiency, which is to be expected in his first year — but it was his defense and playmaking that stood out. With D'Angelo Russell at the point, and if Anthony Davis can stay healthy, this is a solid team that should improve as the year goes on. Mavericks' Cooper Flagg with the monster help side block, transition push and assist for go-ahead jumper in final minute vs. Lakers Play-In Hopefuls (Last season 37-45) Trading for Norman Powell from the Clippers was a steal, he is exactly what Miami needs as a secondary shot creator next to Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. That said, this was a middle-of-the-pack Heat team last season that made no bold moves, no massive upgrades, leaving them in the same spot they were a year ago. (Last season 30-52) This team certainly has talent — Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickly, RJ Barrett — but that talent overlaps more than fits together. This just feels like an oddly constructed team. And among all that good talent, is there a true No. 1 option on a playoff team? The Jakob Poeltl re-signing makes sense on the court, but it felt like an overpay. (Last season 36-46) Damian Lillard's return home is heartwarming, but it doesn't help the team on the court this season. However, that team is interesting, potentially good, and may make this ranking look too low. Their starting five opening night could be Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant and Donovan Clingan, with Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara and maybe some Yang Hansen off the bench (his passing is infectious for a team's offense, but his defense and strength need work to get serious NBA rotation minutes). We'll see if the post All-Star Game run from last season can extend into this one. (Last season 39-43) What exactly is the plan in Chicago? Still trying to figure that out. Turning Lonzo Ball into Isaac Okoro isn't exactly an upgrade. At least the Bulls are negotiating with Josh Giddey and not just handing him the bag (ala Patrick Williams). The Bulls and Giddey remain about $6-$10 million a season apart on reaching a new deal (Giddey is seeking $30 million a season, the Bulls are thinking low $20 millions). No. 12 pick Noa Essengue had a rough first game at the Las Vegas Summer League but looked better getting to his shot as he played more games. Despite all those questions, this ranking might be too low for a team that should more likely hover around .500. (Last season 40-42) It's just a matter of fit. Bringing in veteran Dennis Schroder to run the point is a solid move on one level — he's a quality NBA rotation one — but he's not a feared shooter. Play him with DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis, and teams can just pack the paint and dare the Kings to beat them from 3. This is another team where the long-term plan is unclear, despite having some talent on the roster. What's the vision? On the bright side, rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford have looked pretty good at Summer League. (Last season 50-32) This will be the Andrew Nembhard team for a season (while Tyrese Haliburton recovers from his torn Achilles, the ball will be in his hands). Pascal Siakam will also be asked to do more shot creation, and with that, he should see a bump in his stats. Jay Huff is a solid signing at center, but this team lacks a defensive presence in the paint. It's going to be a rough year in Indy after such a magical run a year ago. (Last season 19-63) Charlotte had a good offseason, that doesn't mean they are a good team yet — although they could well be a play-in or maybe playoff team if LaMelo Ball can stay healthy for 65+ games. At least there seems to be a plan under new ownership and a new front office. Collin Sexton was a solid pickup for next to nothing. No. 4 pick Kon Knueppel's shooting is needed and he can slot next to Ball and Brandon Miller. I like just drafted center Ryan Kalkbrenner, he impressed me at Summer League with his defense. Dreaming of Lottery Luck (already) (Last season 18-64) There are some interesting young players on this roster: Bub Carrington, Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Cam Whitmore, Keyshawn George, and the just-drafted Tre Johnson (who is fun to watch because he has yet to meet a shot he doesn't like). The concern: At one point at the Las Vegas Summer League, the Wizards rolled out a five-man lineup of guys who will get minutes on the team this fall, and they got run out of the building by the summer Suns (not exactly a powerhouse squad). It's concerning. Still, this is a team with a plan and making better decisions than it did a couple of years ago. (Last season 21-61) There are so many inconsistent players on this roster, but if everything clicks this ranking will be WAY too low. That starts with Zion Williamson staying healthy, which remains the pivot point with this team. Then there's the need for a good Jordan Poole season, both Trey Murphy II and Herb Jones staying healthy and playing well on the wings, and rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen contributing. That's a lot of 'if' that have to come together this season, and don't get started on the long term. (Last season 36-46) Phoenix had a relatively good offseason considering they reset the roster and started to retool around Devin Booker. That doesn't mean they got better. Kevin Durant is in Houston, Bradley Beal will be an anchor on their books for five years but is in Los Angeles, and Booker is now locked up for another two years. Jalen Green is going to get a lot of shots. Rookie Khaman Maluach showed promise at Summer League, but also reminded everyone that he is a bit of a project that will take some time to live up to his potential. (Last season 26-56) This is what rebuilding should look like, but it's going to be a rough season on the court. The trade to acquire Michael Porter Jr. was a good one — he is going to put up points (inconsistently, but points nonetheless) this season, and that 2032 Denver first-round pick is gold. Egor Demin and especially Nolan Traore impressed with their potential at Summer League, but they are rookies learning the game. Whatever the over is on Cam Thomas' shots, bet it (the sides will work out the restricted free agency before the season begins). (Last season 17-65) This is what a rebuilding team should be doing, but it will likely result in a rough season on the court. Trading away John Collins and Collin Sexton is the latest sign the team will turn the keys over to young players (Lauri Markkanen remains, unless they get blown away by a trade offer). Ace Bailey is a project but immensely talented, while Walter Clayton showed some potential at the Las Vegas Summer League. Kyle Filipowski might have been the best player in Las Vegas and looks ready for a bigger role and minutes this season.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Amen Thompson shares elite work ethic with new Rockets star Kevin Durant
'I just hear his work ethic is different,' Amen Thompson says of Rockets newcomer Kevin Durant. 'I feel like I have a different work ethic, too.' In his first public comments since Houston's trade for All-Star forward Kevin Durant became official, rising Rockets star Amen Thompson said he expects immediate benefits in the 2025-26 NBA season. 'He's going to make my life a lot easier,' Thompson told Space City Home Network's Vanessa Richardson at the NBA's 2025 summer league in Las Vegas. 'He's one of the greatest players ever, one of the best scorers ever.' As it pertains to on-court play, Thompson — a versatile 6-foot-7 player with elite athleticism — said he expects the attention Durant draws as a scorer to lead to more off-ball opportunities. 'Definitely going to be passing it to him a lot,' Thompson said when asked of the combination of playing styles. 'They're going to be double teaming him, so I'm going to be cutting off the back of it.' But perhaps the most important synergy could come between games. 'I just hear his work ethic is different,' Thompson, 22, said of his 36-year-old co-star. 'I feel like I have a different work ethic, too. Combining that, I think it's gonna be fun.' The complete interview can be viewed below. More: Rockets officially announce trade acquisitions of Kevin Durant, Clint Capela
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jalen Green's model girlfriend, Draya Michele, opens up on blockbuster NBA trade and the ‘scary' part of relationship
Jalen Green wasn't the only one going through their first NBA trade when the Rockets sent the 23-year-old guard to the Suns as part of a seven-team deal in exchange for forward Kevin Durant earlier this month. His girlfriend, Draya Michele, and their 1-year-old daughter, Lyght Green, were by his side as the family spent their offseason in Los Angeles. 'Well this was my first time experiencing a trade,' Michele, 40, told The Post in a wide-ranging interview on behalf of the 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer campaign, WAGS in Wags. 'I just think, you know, as his girlfriend, my main responsibility is to support him wherever we were going. Advertisement 5 Jalen Green and Draya Michele attend Audemars Piguet's special evening with Vogue to celebrate 150th Anniversary on May 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images for Vogue 'I always make the jokes with him and tell him, 'I don't care what city you're in, we could go to hell and play for the hell… and I'll go with you, as long as I have a good SPF… it doesn't matter where we are, if we have each other we'll make the best of it.' It's really just putting families together with their dream cars and making things convenient and also luxurious.' Michele — a model, actress and designer — has two sons, Kniko, born in 2002, and Jru, born in 2016, during her relationship with former NFL player Orlando Scandrick. Advertisement 5 Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 13, 2025 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images The Mint Swim USA founder, who recently became an investor in Sereniby, said she and Green weren't disappointed when they found out they were heading to the Suns after being at the center of trade rumors for weeks. They're currently house hunting in Phoenix and enjoying the city, but 'we haven't yet decided on one,' said Michele. 5 Draya Michele supporting boyfriend Jalen Green in her court side seat at a Rockets game during the 2024 season. Instagram/Draya Michele Advertisement 'Luckily [Phoenix] is an amazing city,' she said. 'We were not disappointed with Phoenix at all. But I just need to be supportive of him and of the change and then just try to make things as smooth of a transition [as possible] for him, and not stressing him out with the worries of moving and all that. 'He's not gonna have to lift the finger. I'll handle all of that so that he can just relax and play basketball. Once he gets there, he won't have anything else to worry about. And that's just really what I try to focus on: keeping things convenient and easy for him.' Private life Michele and Green, who were first linked in August 2023, have largely remained private about their relationship. A month after welcoming their daughter last May, Michele told TMZ that they 'block out' negativity online and that it's 'kinda weird' that some people care about their 17-year age gap. Advertisement They revealed their daughter's face publicly for the first time in a Father's Day fashion campaign with Burberry last month. 'I remember we were sitting like in a living room and Jalen goes, 'I just posted [the campaign].' And I was like, 'What? We were supposed to talk about this first,'' Michele said. 'It was scary, it was exciting, but now a big weight off my shoulders because I don't feel like I have to like hide her and be as secretive as much now. The cat's out the bag… and I don't have to worry about if other people are secretly recording her if we're in a restaurant or you know something like that. I'm way more relaxed now as a parent.' 5 Draya Michele modeling one of her Mint Swim USA bikinis. Instagram/Draya Michele Michele rose to fame from reality TV, joining the first season of VH1's 'Basketball Wives LA' in 2011. She left the show at the end of fourth season in 2015 to pursue acting and her swimwear line. The influencer has developed a thick skin with 9.3 million followers on Instagram, and more than 98,000 followers on TikTok. 'I mean, you try to get to that point [where you don't give a f–k], but I mean you're still human and you still have feelings,' Michele said of critics online. 'Sometimes, you know you can read things that are hurtful and you want to just let it roll off, but it doesn't always work like that. It also depends on what type of day you're already having when you read the message… I take it because it comes with it, with the limelight, like I said. But I'm human and I have feelings.' WAG Life Advertisement Many women across multiple sports leagues have attested to the hurdles of being a WAG, saying it requires a lot of sacrifice, living long distance sometimes, traveling and missed milestones, such as holidays and birthdays. Another side of it entails receiving unsolicited opinions from others and scrutiny from the public — especially when their team is losing. 'It's definitely a club,' Michele said of being a WAG. 'It's definitely like very cliquey. … I mean, of course, I'm happy to be part of any women who are into supporting their men because at the end of the day, that's what it's all about — making sure our spouses feel great and they're taken care of.' 5 Draya Michele arrives at the GQ Men of the Year Party 2023 at Bar Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images for GQ Advertisement Michele said she's looking forward to creating more memories in Phoenix, where she will likely be courtside to support Green, just as she did in Houston. Green is one of the best young guards in the league. He will add an offensive footprint to a Suns team that's looking for a new identity after losing Durant and Bradley Beal, who reportedly agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns on Wednesday to sign with the Clippers. Green averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest — while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 35 percent from the 3-point range — in 82 games for the Rockets last season. Advertisement Green, the second overall pick by Houston in the 2021 NBA Draft, entered the league after playing the 2020-21 season with the NBA G League Ignite. The Jeep Wagoneer WAGS in Wags campaign celebrates the intersection of iconic vehicles and renowned women featuring the premium SUV lineup alongside wives and girlfriends of superstar athletes.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
‘Texas strong': Rockets, Spurs, Mavs team up to support flood relief efforts
In a showing of unity, the Mavericks, Rockets, and San Spurs are teaming up to support those affected by recent flooding in Central Texas. All proceeds from T-shirt sales will benefit relief efforts. In a showing of unity, the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs are teaming up to support those affected by the recent flooding in the Texas Hill Country. A limited-edition 'Texas Strong' T-shirt is being worn by all three teams during warmups at the NBA's ongoing 2025 summer league in Las Vegas. The idea, according to the teams and the league, is to symbolize 'the strength, solidarity, and compassion shown across the Lone Star State.' The design features a bold 'Texas Strong' script set within a rope outline of the state — a heartfelt nod to Camp Mystic's iconic logo — to emphasize Texas pride and resilience. Below, the team logos of the Mavs, Rockets, and Spurs stand united, with a heart at the state's center to represent hope and healing. According to the league, 100% of proceeds will benefit the Texas Sport for Healing Fund, which is providing critical support to Central Texas communities recovering from the floods. The shirt can be purchased from More: Rockets join NBA entities in donating over $2 million to Texas flood relief efforts
