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Basketball
40 updates01BasketballBen Simmons handed NBA lifeline in one-year deal with Sacramento KingsAustralian returns on AU$4.9m contract after season on sidelinesFormer No 1 pick hopes to reignite basketball career with fourth clubAustralian former No 1 overall draft pick Ben Simmons has taken a significant step towards resurrecting his NBA career, agreeing a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings.The Melbourne-born guard returns on a US$3.5m (AU$4.9m) contract after sitting out the entire 2025-26 campaign while rehabilitating back and leg injuries that have hampered him in recent years. Continue reading...02BasketballCathy Engelbert’s WNBA tenure: the wins and losses that defined her seven yearsFrom record growth and a landmark media deal to expansion, labor battles and a fractured relationship with players, Engelbert’s tenure was rarely quietWNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire from the role on 31 December, bringing an end to a tenure that began with her appointment as the league’s first commissioner in 2019.“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” Engelbert said in a statement shared by the league. “In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.” Continue reading...03BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball programme because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.04BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball programme because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.05BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball programme because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.06BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball programme because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.07BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball program because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.08BasketballUkrainian quits college team over Russian signingUkrainian Kate Koval says she left Louisiana State University's basketball program because of the team's decision to sign a Russian player.09BasketballWill the Clippers’ $30m fine tame the NBA’s billionaire class? We’re about to find outThe league is awash with ultra-wealthy owners. Adam Silver is hoping a hefty punishment for the Clippers will send them a message about who is in chargeWhen Steve Ballmer bought the Los Angeles Clippers for $2bn in 2014, it was widely regarded as a coup for the NBA.Not only is Ballmer one of the richest men in the world – worth an estimated $152.7bn – but his passion and enthusiasm for the sport stood in stark contrast to the team’s embattled former owner. Donald Sterling, who bought the Clippers for $12.5m in 1981, was forced to sell after being handed a lifetime ban by the NBA in response to a series of racist comments. Continue reading...10BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m over Leonard pay scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.11BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m over Leonard pay scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.12BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m over Leonard pay scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.13BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m over Leonard pay scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.14BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m over Leonard pay scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m by the NBA for violating salary rules in order to funnel millions of dollars to star player Kawhi Leonard.15BasketballLA Clippers fined $30m by NBA over Leonard scandalThe LA Clippers are fined $30m (£22.2m) by the NBA for violating salary rules over the acquisition of star player Kawhi Leonard.16BasketballClippers fined $30m and owner suspended after Leonard scandalThe Los Angeles Clippers have been fined $30m and star player Kawhi Leonard has been hit with a $700,000 penalty for violating salary cap circumvention rules.17BasketballClippers docked five first-round draft picks and fined $30m over Kawhi Leonard scandalTeam circumvented salary cap rules to sign starOwner Steve Ballmer lands one-year banThe NBA has handed down one of the biggest punishments in the history of the league to the Los Angeles Clippers after finding that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules when it courted Kawhi Leonard as a free agent.The league has stripped the team of five first-round draft picks, giving the team no natural pick in the draft from 2029 through 2033. Continue reading...18BasketballA newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statementNaomi Osaka has proved she knows how to make a grand entrance at Grand Slams - and has done it again at the US Open.19BasketballA newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statementNaomi Osaka has proved she knows how to make a grand entrance at Grand Slams - and has done it again at the US Open.20BasketballA newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statementNaomi Osaka has proved she knows how to make a grand entrance at Grand Slams - and has done it again at the US Open.21BasketballA newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statementNaomi Osaka has proved she knows how to make a grand entrance at Grand Slams - and has done it again at the US Open.22BasketballA newspaper gown and an NBA tribute - Osaka's US Open fashion statementNaomi Osaka has proved she knows how to make a grand entrance at Grand Slams - and has done it again at the US Open.23BasketballOsaka's look inspired by NBA legend Iverson in opening US Open winNaomi Osaka made her usual fashionable entrance as she channelled former NBA superstar Allen Iverson at the US Open.24BasketballOsaka channels NBA legend Iverson inspired look in opening US Open winNaomi Osaka made her usual fashionable entrance as she channelled former NBA superstar Allen Iverson as part of her US Open debut.25BasketballThree-point dunks and mid-court shots worth four: how Australia’s NBL is seeking to shake up traditional rulesBasketball Australia refers proposed rule changes to FibaIdea aimed at delivering more highlights met with mixed reactionsThe slam dunk has long been a staple of basketball, its biggest billboard, showcasing the athleticism and ferocity of its athletes. Now, some within the game want more.The Australian men’s professional league, the NBL, has lodged a request with the sport’s rule-makers about trialling a way to deliver more of these highlights in a proposal that threatens to alter the game’s fine balance. Continue reading...26BasketballEvbuomwan impresses as GB cruise past SwitzerlandGreat Britain start their pre-qualifying campaign for the 2029 EuroBasket tournament with a convincing win over Switzerland.27BasketballEvbuomwan impresses as GB cruise past SwitzerlandGreat Britain start their pre-qualifying campaign for the 2029 EuroBasket tournament with a convincing win over Switzerland.28BasketballWNBA star Brink launches withering attack on Kanter Freedom over anti-trans stuntLA star brands stunts as attempts to ‘stay relevant’Brink defends trans community in face of attacksOpinion: Kanter is using his freedom to punch downLos Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink has called former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom a “stupid piece of shit” who is “trying to stay relevant”, in the most vocal statement by an active player about Kanter Freedom’s recent actions involving the WNBA.Brink, the No 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, spoke this week to the Mirror about the controversies that have surrounded the league this summer. Continue reading...29BasketballAngel Reese is turning trolls and talk of ‘mebounds’ into fuel for a breakthroughThe star known as Bayou Barbie is shining in Atlanta. The longer her haters dwell on her lowlights, the more they miss her transformation into an all-around forceOn 16 August, the Atlanta Dream faced the Indiana Fever in the WNBA’s showcase matchup, and Angel Reese had a chance to don the cape. Tied at 81, the Dream had possession with five seconds left in regulation when Rhyne Howard launched a deep three-pointer. Reese was perfectly positioned under the basket, snagging Howard’s air ball with an outstretched hand. But in the rush to win the game, Reese forced a shot off the backboard that caromed off the front rim – and Naz Hillmon’s putback fizzled as the buzzer sounded. After Indiana escaped with a 95-91 overtime victory, Reese beat herself up over the loss.“I didn’t sleep,” she told reporters days later. “The competitor in me wanted to win that game so bad. I replayed that play so many times.” Reese vowed to shrug the game off and do better. Damned if she hasn’t proved herself to be a woman of her word. Continue reading...30BasketballNBA recruits boost GB bid for EuroBasket successGreat Britain have managed to land three current, former and future NBA players for their EuroBasket qualifying double-header this week.31BasketballNBA recruits boost GB bid for EuroBasket successGreat Britain have managed to land three current, former and future NBA players for their EuroBasket qualifying double-header this week.32BasketballNBA recruits boost GB bid for EuroBasket successGreat Britain have managed to land three current, former and future NBA players for their EuroBasket qualifying double-header this week.33BasketballNBA recruits boost GB bid for EuroBasket successGreat Britain have managed to land three current, former and future NBA players for their EuroBasket qualifying double-header this week.34BasketballUkrainian star leaves LSU women’s basketball team after signing of Russian recruitCenter Kate Koval departs after one season with TigersAnna Minaeva of Russia joined team earlier this monthKim Mulkey hoped two could be ‘ambassadors’ for peaceUkrainian center Kate Koval is leaving LSU less than two weeks after the Tigers brought in a player from Russia.LSU coach Kim Mulkey said Monday night that Koval was leaving for “personal reasons”, adding that the program will “respect her privacy on her decision”. Continue reading...35BasketballAngel Reese breaks two WNBA rebounding records in one night during Dream win24-year-old breaks single game and single season recordReese’s 26 rebounds help Atlanta to win over Los AngelesAngel Reese rebounded her way into the record books not once, but twice in one night. Reese set a WNBA record with 26 rebounds in the Atlanta Dream’s 78-71 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday, pushing her past the season record in the same game.“Last time I was here, I didn’t miss any shots. Tonight I couldn’t hit [anything] so I knew I was going be able to get them on the rebounding side,” Reese said after the game. “I just want to be there for my team. Offensively, defensively, whatever it takes to win.” Continue reading...36BasketballI once saw Enes Kanter speak truth to power. Now he only punches down | Bryan Armen GrahamNearly a decade after I watched him defy Erdoğan at great personal cost, the ex-NBA player is using his hard-won freedom to turn transgender people into a punchlineNine years ago, I watched Enes Kanter ask America to take him in. It was May 2017, inside the National Basketball Players Association’s offices in midtown Manhattan. Kanter had just returned from a frightening detention at Bucharest airport, where Romanian border police told him Turkey had canceled his passport. He’d just turned 25, an NBA center with a green card and no country he could safely call home.“I’m open for adoption,” he joked from the head of a table in a nondescript conference room, addressing a dozen reporters hastily summoned by his manager. Then he turned serious: “My next move is to just become an American citizen.” Continue reading...37BasketballKanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game over player rowFormer NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is ejected from the Women's NBA match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.38BasketballKanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game over player rowFormer NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is ejected from the Women's NBA match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.39BasketballKanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game over player rowFormer NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is ejected from the Women's NBA match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.40BasketballKanter Freedom ejected from WNBA game over player rowFormer NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom is ejected from the Women's NBA match between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever after becoming involved in a verbal altercation with Sky guard Natasha Cloud.