June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 87 of 184).

NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The latest first-round projections, plus a trade that could shake up the lottery

As hard as it is to believe, we’re only two weeks out from the 2025 NBA Draft. Trade rumors are starting to get louder and louder, and there are a number of teams that could move picks in the lottery. One of them? The Sixers with the third pick. So in this week’s mock, we simulated how the draft board might fall if they end up moving down.

Let’s get into my first-round mock draft. And for a full second round, plus scouting reports of every player, check out my

TRADE: Pelicans send the seventh pick, a 2026 Pacers 1st (top-4 protected) and Herb Jones to the Sixers for the third pick and Kelly Oubre (player option)

League sources continue to cite the Pelicans as a team aggressively looking to move up in the draft, with most front-office executives believing Bailey is the target of new general manager Joe Dumars. That’s why we’re mocking a trade here for this week’s mock, with Herb Jones and a low-value first in 2026 via the Pacers to move up four spots. Is there a chance Ace would make it all the way to the seventh pick? Sure. But unlikely, and this would assure the Pelicans get their man. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. But his shooting inconsistencies, plus his raw edges as a shot creator and defender, need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star.

Powell has a chiseled frame he uses to barrel into defenders at the rim and to contain opponents when he’s on defense. He’s a switch-everything defender who plays with a high motor, and if his spot-up jumper translates, he checks all the boxes to be a 3-and-D role player at a minimum. These are the precise qualities of the types of wings and forwards the Hawks love to put around Trae Young.

With Myles Turner entering free agency this offseason, the Pacers could be in need of a center. Even if he does return, Raynaud could serve as a backup center or give Indiana a versatile option for a two-big look. Raynaud has leveled up every year at Stanford, turning into a player who pops 3s, slashes to the rim with a smooth handle and makes eye-popping passes. As a talented passer who also offers solid defense, there’s little reason to think the Frenchman won’t carve out an NBA role.

Riley has dynamic driving ability and playmaking instincts that scream upside as a jumbo-sized, shot-creating wing. But his jumper is streaky, and his defense is unreliable since he is so lean physically and lacks fundamentals. The Thunder can be patient, though. With a loaded team that could win the NBA Finals, Riley can spend some time in the G League and develop until he’s ready to shine.

Sure, the Magic gave up a lot to get Bane with four firsts plus a swap. But this team is going for it, and Bane is a perfect fit next to Orlando’s personnel. The amount of dribble-handoffs and pick-and-rolls he’ll be able to run with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner could lead to the greatest production of his career. Plus he fills an obvious hole for a Magic team that ranked 25th in 3-point attempts and last in percentage last season. Still, the Magic need more shooting, so here’s another one in this mock. Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. He has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition, but this would matter less for an Orlando team that would place him in a defined role.

Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project. But it also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. He is a center, but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come. His role in the early years will be to screen and catch lobs, and he could catch a lot of them playing with playmakers like Fears and Demin.

Gonzalez is expected by most executives to keep his name in the draft, but with the withdrawal date on June 15 and his draft status anything but a certainty, there’s always a chance he returns overseas for one more year. Gonzalez is a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. And if his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter. But he barely played off the bench for Real Madrid, so there would be some appeal in proving he’s worth a lottery pick with one more year before making the leap. However, if a team like the Nets comes calling, there’d be plenty of early opportunity for him in the NBA.

Thiero is a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step, but he has severe limitations on offense as a shooter. If he’s able to figure out the shot, then his length and versatility would make him a classic 3-and-D role player. The Celtics have had good success at improving shooters, so he’d be a fair bet at this spot, considering his other strengths are tailor-made for their system.

The Suns could absolutely use a big man, since Nick Richards is merely a backup. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It’s a bit strange he isn’t a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside.

James Harden can’t be the only source of playmaking for the Clippers. They need someone who can allow him to operate off-ball, if he’s willing. Clayton is a fearless shooter with the versatility to take any shot at any moment, as we saw when he led Florida to the national championship. But his limitations as a defender hold him back from being an elite prospect.

For the full second-round mock draft, plus scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide.

Brooklyn Nets jersey history No. 18 – Ben Uzoh (2010-11)

The Brooklyn Nets have 52 jersey numbers worn by over 600 different players over the course of their history since the franchise was founded in 1967 as a charter member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), when the team was known as the “New Jersey Americans”.

Since then, that league has been absorbed by the NBA with the team that would later become the New York Nets and New Jersey Nets before settling on the name by which they are known today, bringing their rich player and jersey history with them to the league of today.

To commemorate the players who played for the Nets over the decades wearing those 52 different jersey numbers, Nets Wire is covering the entire history of the franchise’s jersey numbers and the players who sported them since the founding of the team. The 20th of those 52 different numbers is jersey No. 18, which has has had a total of two players wear the number in the history of the team.

The first of those players wearing No. 18 played in the (then) New Jersey (now, Brooklyn) Nets era, guard alum Ben Uzoh. After ending his college career at Tulsa, Uzoh would go unselected in the 2010 NBA draft, instead signing with the Nets.

The Houston, Texas native would play the first season of his pro career with New Jersey, coming to an end when he left the team to sign with the (then) Charlotte Bobcats (now, Hornets) in 2011.

During his time suiting up for the Nets, Uzoh wore only jersey No. 18 and put up 3.8 points, 1.5 rebounds per game, and 1.6 assists per game.

All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets jersey history No. 18 – Ben Uzoh (2010-11)

Jim Bob Cooter weighs in on progress this offseason from Indianapolis Colts WR AD Mitchell

By all accounts, Indianapolis Colts’ second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell has had a very strong showing throughout the team’s offseason programs.

“AD’s had an exciting start to the offseason,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter. “He’s really been playing good football out there. Getting open, making catches.”

Even through the ups and downs that Mitchell experienced as a rookie, what also stood out was his ability to get open and create separation, particularly against man coverage. With Mitchell’s combination of speed and route-running abilities, he can be a very difficult matchup.

However, overshadowing that playmaking potential in Year 1 were the miscues. Dropped passes, wrong or mistimed routes, and not being on the same page with the quarterback were all too prevalent.

This resulted in Mitchell catching just 45% of his 51 targets and a lack of playing time and opportunities as well. There were some weeks where, by snap count, he was the fifth wideout on the Colts‘ depth chart.

So the big thing for Mitchell as he enters Year 2 is finding that consistency.

“It’s a consistency thing,” Cooter added. “Like Shane’s talked about with our offense, with our team, with a lot of our guys. Attacking each day with consistency, going out there if you’re AD Mitchell and you have some really good ability to go get open and make great catches, well, that’s going to be the expectation, day in and day out.”

Year 2 is often when we see NFL players make the biggest developmental jump. For one, there is the comfort and confidence that comes with having an NFL season under their belt, but they also have a full offseason to work on their craft, rather than focusing on the pre-draft process.

Even in a crowded Colts’ receiver room that also includes Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, if Mitchell can take a step forward this season and find that consistency, more opportunities will come–in snaps, targets, and in the type of routes he’s asked to run–because his skill set, and how he can stress various levels of the field, can add another element to this Colts’ passing game.

“He’s done a really nice job,” Cooter added. “He’s had a great attitude attacking this spring. He’s had some opportunities in practice, and he’s made the most of those things, and those will keep coming.”

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts WR AD Mitchell with ‘exciting start’ to offseason programs

Spartans pick up surprise commitment of 3-star in-state OL Tristan Comer

Michigan State football continued its hot stretch on the recruiting trail on Monday night with its second commitment of the day coming from an in-state offensive line prospect.

Tristan Comer of Freeland, Mich. announced his commitment to the Spartans on Monday evening, joining three-star wide receiver Zachary Washington who committed to Michigan State few hours earlier in the day. Comer made his commitment known via a post on his social media X account.

Comer committed to Michigan State over notable offers from Cincinnati, West Virginia, Northwestern and Oregon State. Comer’s commitment comes as somewhat of a surprise as he didn’t show as having an offer from the Spartans on 247Sports prior to his announcement on Monday night.

Comer is a three-star prospect with a recruiting rating of 86 on 247Sports. Comer ranks as the No. 105 offensive tackle and No. 21 player from Michigan in 247Sports’ rankings for the 2026 class.

Comer measures out at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, which gives him the size to be molded into a strong Big Ten offensive lineman. Spartan Tailgate of 247Sports considered Comer as a “developmental gem” following his commitment to Michigan State.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.

This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: MSU beats out Cincy, WVU for surprise 3-star in-state OL commitment

Dodgers explain how Shohei Ohtani pitching debut came together so quickly

LOS ANGELES — The day everyone in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization has waited for arrived quickly.

More than 14 months after he made his team debut, Shohei Ohtani will make his Dodgers pitching debutMonday, June 16, hoping to return to the elite arm Los Angeles envisioned when they signed him and continue to be the ultimate unicorn of baseball.

Pitching wasn’t a thought in 2024 since Ohtani spent it recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. It wasn’t a concern as he slugged his way to the 50-50 club, won his third MVP and the 2024 World Series. 

When the season started, it was a matter of when, not if Ohtani would pitch.

The plans formed quickly. Prior to the Sunday, June 15 game against the San Francisco Giants, manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani would likely pitch one more simulated game during the week before making his debut. After the 5-4 victory, Roberts told reporters around 7:15 p.m. local time Ohtani would pitch at some point during the series against San Diego.

At 7:30 p.m., the team made it official that he’d start in just under 24 hours.

It’s a much different tone than a few weeks ago when the assumption was Ohtani would be pitching after the All-Star break in mid-July.

General manager Brandon Gomes said the idea came out a few days prior to Monday, and it was finalized within the past 24-48 hours. It not only stunned fans, but the players in the clubhouse too, reliever Alex Vesia told USA TODAY Sports.

“I had no idea that today was going to be today,” he said. “It was news to me.”

Gomes said conversations have been fluid throughout the rehab process, and after seeing how Ohtani looked in simulated games, it became clearer to get him in. This could be viewed like a rehab assignment, since his bat is too valuable to send him down to the minors. 

“It got to the point where, hey, it feels like we should take that next step and almost look to finish the rehab at the major league level,” Gomes said. “There is no playbook for this, so it has to be an ongoing conversation.”

Gomes didn’t say how much injuries played a role in the decision, but it sure forced the team’s hand. It started the season with arguably one of the top rotations in baseball, but before April ended, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell were put on the injured list. They haven’t pitched since, and the timetable for their return is unknown.

The injuries only continued from there. Rookie Roki Sasaki went down in May and the rest of his season is unclear, while Tony Gonsolin went on the injured list June 7. That doesn’t include the key bullpen arms out, such as Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol, plus Evan Phillips is done for the season.

Luckily, the team got Clayton Kershaw back for his 18th big league season and he has looked solid, but he is the only solidified rotation arm alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Dustin May.

Gomes said the amount of injuries likely had Ohtani “chomping at the bit,” but reiterated the team wanted to be smart and not jeopardize his future. Roberts did add Ohtani felt like he had done what was needed to pitch and was ready for the role.

“It’s more like, ‘well, I don’t think there’s anything else to do. I’m ready to go. What else do I need to do to get on a major league mound?’” Roberts recalled.

Is Shohei Ohtani on a pitch count?

The expectation was that Ohtani would pitch one inning against the San Diego Padres. Roberts said he expects extra adrenaline, but his focus will be on Ohtani’s command, delivery and stress. 

The day will also serve as a starting point for how he feels after outings, and they will talk about his pitching duties on a day-by-day basis. 

While the plan is to get him stretched out as a starter by the time October rolls around, Roberts doesn’t expect him to pitch every five days. The Dodgers skipper thought about moving him off the leadoff spot, but Ohtani said he has no issues with coming straight off the mound and into the batter’s box.

“We’ll see how it responds, and we’re still gathering information. I think that going forward, it’ll be helpful to what decisions we have” Roberts said.

Given how eager Ohtani was to pitch, Roberts expects Ohtani to test how short his leash is. Not just in his pitching debut, but in subsequent starts. No matter what Ohtani wants, the team is going to be careful with him and likely leave him wanting more.

“We’re going to still be cautious going forward with, obviously, his value and importance to the organization, and most importantly, his health too,” Roberts said. 

Yet for how mindful the Dodgers will be, it’s an exciting day at Dodger Stadium. TickPick stated there was a 174% increase in the get-in price for the game, and there’s a rush of fans ensuring they’re in their seats to see Ohtani’s highly anticipated first pitch.  

The Dodgers hope it’s the start of another MVP-caliber role. 

“We signed him to be a two-way player,” Gomes said. “He’s very much of the mindset that he wants to do that for a very long time.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers explain why Shohei Ohtani pitching debut is tonight vs. Padres

Ex-Patriots Super Bowl champion makes bold 2025 prediction for team

Former New England Patriots defensive tackle Lawrence Guy thinks the Patriots will do more than just improve upon their ugly, four-win 2024 season.

He believes New England will be a playoff team.

The team has made sweeping changes, including firing Jerod Mayo as the head coach and hiring Mike Vrabel as the replacement. Vrabel headed up free agency and the 2025 NFL draft, along with lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf. That work included the Patriots being heavy spenders in free agency and selecting 11 players on the draft board.

“I think they’re going to be in the playoffs just because of what they have done in this offseason with [Morgan] Moses being hired, with their first-round draft pick on a left tackle, the energy they’re bringing in, Mike [Vrabel] coming in,” Guy said on The Jim Rome Show. “I’ve been in training camp with Mike when he was at Tennessee, and I loved the energy. I know what he’s bringing. That’s something that New England needs.”

Guy’s prediction isn’t as outlandish as some might think when considering the Patriots have one of the easiest schedules in the league in 2025. Things also aren’t nearly as scary in the AFC East division this time around.

The New York Jets appear to be retooling after moving on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the Miami Dolphins don’t look as strong on paper as they did a year ago. That leaves the Buffalo Bills as the only juggernaut in New England’s path.

The fate of the Patriots will ultimately come down to Drake Maye’s progression in Year 2. Jayden Daniels was the reason the Washington Commanders went from a perennial loser to a serious playoff contender.

Maye will have to be the reason the Patriots do the same.

Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Ex-Patriots Super Bowl champion makes bold 2025 prediction for team

Video: UFC legend Demetrious Johnson submits KSI in 17 seconds

Yeah, KSI never stood a chance.

The popular streamer hit the mat with former UFC flyweight champion Demetrius Johnson, challenging him to submit him in less than one minute. KSI got to choose the position in which they would start, and went with full mount – one of the most dominant positions in jiu-jitsu. Yet, despite the positional and weight advantage, KSI only lasted 17 seconds against the flyweight GOAT.

You can watch the video of their quick grappling match in the video below:

Johnson, 38, is regarded as the greatest flyweight of all time. He defended the 125-pound title 11 consecutive times, setting and maintaining the record for the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history. “Mighty Mouse” announced his retirement from MMA last September, putting an end to a legendary 15-year-career in MMA.

KSI, one of the word’s most popular streamers, turned to the combat sports world in recent years. He’s specifically been fighting professionally in boxing, and owns his own promotion – Misfits Boxing, which streams on DAZN.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Video: UFC legend Demetrious Johnson submits KSI in 17 seconds

Why FBS Quarterbacks Are Turning to HBCUs For a Second Act

Why FBS Quarterbacks Are Turning to HBCUs For a Second Act originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

There’s a quiet revolution happening under center and it’s unfolding at HBCUs.

Long considered an afterthought for elite quarterback talent, historically Black colleges and universities are fast becoming a new frontier for former FBS signal-callers in search of opportunity and redemption. In today’s transfer-portal era, it’s no longer just about where you start. It’s about where you reset. Four former FBS quarterbacks transferred to HBCU programs this spring, each betting on themselves in a system that’s been too often overlooked.

Jack Brandon, a 6’3″, 209-pound Boston College transfer, heads to Tennessee State. While he never saw the field in the ACC, Brandon was a standout at Cheshire Academy. Now, he joins a TSU program coming off a 9–4 campaign and an OVC/Big South co-championship. Under new head coach Reggie Barlow, Brandon brings size, pedigree, and a chance to lead a post–Eddie George era in Nashville.

Champ Long, formerly of Maryland, joins North Carolina A&T. The Aggies are trying to bounce back from a 1–11 season, and with injuries piling up in the QB room, Long, whose high school resume includes 4,500+ passing season and a USA Today All-New Jersey nod, may quickly go from benchwarmer to focal point in Shawn Gibbs’ rebuilding project.

Amari Jones has taken the scenic route. FIU to South Carolina State to Bethune-Cookman. Now, he’s the presumptive starter for a Wildcats team that finished near the bottom of the SWAC in every offensive category. His debut? A revenge game against FIU on August 29. You couldn’t script it better.

And then there’s Lawrence Wright IV at Florida A&M, where the quarterback room resembles a revolving door. JUCO standouts, FBS transfers, and sudden de-commitments have created chaos but also opportunity. Wright, an untested walk-on with a storied football lineage, could emerge as the answer for a Rattlers team chasing a return to the Celebration Bowl under new coach James Colzie III.

Related: Fans in Disbelief over EA Sports’ decision on HBCU’s in College Football 26

HBCUs are offering each of them something bigger than depth chart mobility. A clearer path to development than the Power Five ever could. The impact is mutual. Programs gain seasoned competitors. Locker rooms deepen. And young quarterbacks learn that HBCUs are no longer a last resort, they’re a launchpad. A realignment or just overdue recognition?

Either way, the quarterback landscape in college football is shifting. And with the 2025 season looming, don’t be surprised if some of the game’s most electric arms aren’t lighting it up in Tuscaloosa or Columbus—but in Daytona Beach, Tallahassee, Greensboro, and Nashville.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

Ex Jets QB Zach Wilson Reveals Honest Thoughts About Time in New York

Ex Jets QB Zach Wilson Reveals Honest Thoughts About Time in New York originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New York Jets selected BYU quarterback Zach Wilson with the second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and it did not go like they thought it would.

After three seasons with the team, the Jets traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos. He is now with the Miami Dolphins, and seemed to take a bit of a shot at his former team in a recent interview.

“That’s what I’ve tried to do since I went through the entire New York experience, is trying to be more myself and focus on more just enjoying the game, enjoying learning, enjoying the failures, the process, everything that comes with it, not getting too hard on yourself when you make a mistake, just trying to learn and do my best and get better,” Wilson said. 

“Everyone’s just out here trying to help each other get better, especially the coaches. They’re trying to help me be the best player I can be.”

Wilson seemed to indicate that the chemistry with the Dolphins is much better than he experienced in New York, and he said that has led him to love the game more.

In his final season with the Jets in 2023, Wilson finished with 2,271 yards and eight touchdowns on a less-than-impressive 60 percent completion. Now he is on a Jets division rival, where he hopes to revitalize his career.

Meanwhile, the Jets are looking to give another quarterback from the 2021 class a fresh start in Justin Fields.

Related: Can Fields Answer Jets’ QB Question?

Related: Jets ‘Best-Case’ Scenario Revealed For Coach Aaron Glenn

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

Red Sox ‘could not find alignment’ with Rafael Devers, leading to trade, say execs Craig Breslow, Sam Kennedy

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and team president and CEO Sam Kennedy met with reporters over a video call on Monday night to address Sunday’s surprising trade of Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. 

Both executives repeatedly emphasized that the team “couldn’t find alignment” with Devers on his future role and the best direction going forward. 

“We worked at it, we had a different vision for him going forward than he had,” Kennedy said. “What we felt we needed from him that would be in the best interest of the ball club.”

Breslow explained that Devers and his representation did not formally request a trade. But during conversations regarding a move to designated hitter and a possible position change to first base, Devers’ people indicated that perhaps a fresh start elsewhere might be best. 

Additionally, Breslow declined to specify whether or not the Red Sox talked to any other MLB teams about a potential Devers trade. However, he indicated that conversations with various front offices provided an idea of what might be attainable in such a deal.

Yet Breslow acknowledged that he frequently asked himself if the situation with Devers could have gone better if he’d addressed a possible position change during the offseason. He added that he hopes the next time such a situation arises, he can manage it differently before relations deteriorate.

“I need to own the things that I could have done better,” he said.

This story will be updated.