The Danny Ainge System: Ranking every NBA shot-caller from worst to first (No. 1 is a shocker!)

We have reached the finale of : .500 OBP • .000 SLG • .500 OPS

  • : .818 OBP • 1.000 SLG • 1.818 OPS

  • Draft picks: .636 OBP • .1.250 SLG • 1.886 OPS

  • Free agents: .800 OBP • .667 SLG • 1.467 OPS

  • TOTALS: .741 OBP • 1.056 SLG • 1.797 OPS

  • A shocker at No. 1! Nobody figured Wright, who has been on the job for a few years, to be this high on the list. Some of that has to do with a generous stroke of luck, as his Spurs won the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes in 2023, but a lot of it has to do with what he’s done to build around a 7-foot-5 Frenchman.

    What roster, other than the Thunder, would you prefer to have over the next 10 years? The Spurs feature an All-Star point guard (De’Aaron Fox), an All-Star center (Wembanyama), a ton of young talent, some veteran depth and a cache of draft picks that could help make one final move. Trust Wright to make it.

    Celtics’ reported Amari Williams signing brings clarity to roster

    Celtics’ reported Amari Williams signing brings clarity to roster originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

    The other shoe on the Boston Celtics’ roster has dropped.

    The Celtics have signed rookie big man and 2025 second-round draft pick Amari Williams to a two-way contract, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported Friday.

    Boston had a bit of a two-way logjam after an Aug. 5 trade that sent Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz and brought back two-way guard RJ Luis Jr. Teams can carry up to three two-way players on their roster, and the Celtics had all three slots filled with Luis, 2025 second-round pick Max Shulga and Miles Norris, which left no room for Williams at the time.

    The C’s waived Norris on Sunday, however, which freed up a two-way spot for the team to add Williams.

    While Norris had an intriguing skill set as a rangy sharpshooter, Boston’s decision to keep Williams isn’t surprising. The Celtics invested the 46th overall pick in Williams, and the 6-foot-11 big man showcased impressive court vision during NBA Summer League.

    Boston also lacks depth in the frontcourt — Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher and Luka Garza project as the team’s top three big men — so if Williams can give the Celtics meaningful minutes at some point this season, that would be a very positive development.

    After Williams’ reported signing, the Celtics have all of their two-way slots and 14 of their 15 roster spots filled. The open roster spot gives president of basketball operations Brad Stevens the flexibility to make additional moves before the season begins, with recently-acquired guard Anfernee Simons a potential trade chip as the C’s look to shed more salary.

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    Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire: Bryan Abreu is a must-add for saves with Josh Hader injured for Astros

    There is an abundance of riches in the outfield right now, as most fantasy baseball managers will be able to find multiple outfielders on the waiver wire who can be streamed into their lineup. There is also a surprising source of infield production and a couple hurlers who can make a big difference.

    Jakob Marsee, OF, Marlins, 45%: When Marsee debuted on Aug. 1, he instantly became one of the league’s fastest players. After all, we are talking about someone who stole 47 bases in 98 Triple-A games this year. But Marsee has shown the potential to be much more than a one-category speedster. The 24-year-old is hitting the ball hard (94.1 mph average exit velocity) and showing tremendous plate discipline (9:11 BB:K ratio), and on Wednesday he posted one of the best stat lines of any player this season when he went 4-for-5 with two homers, seven RBI and a steal. He should be rostered in all roto leagues and some points formats.

    Isaac Collins, OF, Brewers, 43%: The Brewers are the hottest team in baseball, which means that fantasy managers should want a piece of their lineup. Adding Collins is the best way to make that happen, as he is regularly hitting second on this high-scoring team, thanks to his outstanding on-base skills (.384 OBP). And with eight homers and 13 steals in 281 at-bats, the 28-year-old has provided some category juice as well. Collins needs to be rostered in both roto and points formats until he or the Brewers cool off.

    Mickey Moniak, OF, Rockies, 15%: This is the perfect time to add Moniak, as the Rockies opened an eight-game homestand on Thursday. Their next six contests will come against right-handed starters, which is great news for Moniak, who has logged an .857 OPS against righties and a .975 OPS at Coors Field this season. Colorado plays 16 of the next 22 games at home, before playing 13 of the final 19 games on the road. The smart move with Moniak and his lineup mates is to roster them until Sept. 7 before shipping them to waivers for the rest of the season.

    Blaze Alexander, 2B/3B/SS, Diamondbacks, 29%: Managers who need a boost this weekend should add Alexander, who has hit the cover off the ball (1.111 OPS) during August while serving as the third base replacement for traded slugger Eugenio Suarez. Arizona is playing at Coors Field until Sunday, which should lead to plenty of runs against a pitching staff that has logged a 6.64 ERA at their home park. And with three eligible positions, Alexander is easy to fit into a lineup.

    Drake Baldwin, C, Braves, 28%: The low roster rate of Baldwin looks worse each week. The Braves are putting the 24-year-old in the lineup on a regular basis, and they will continue to do so down the stretch as they prepare their roster for 2026. Baldwin has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball this season, and he now ranks 10th among fantasy catchers. More importantly, in the past 30 days, he places sixth at his premium position. In every league, there are at least three managers who need to replace their catcher with Baldwin.

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    Jacob Lopez, SP, Athletics, 52%: Lopez is on his second hot streak of the season, and during this one he has tossed 26 scoreless innings across his past four starts. And the lefty hasn’t been lucky during those scoreless frames, as he has logged an outstanding 28:6 K:BB ratio. Those in weekly leagues should be willing to cut a key roster member to add Lopez for next week, as he lines up for two starts (Twins, Mariners). After all, this is the time of year when streaming becomes crucial to victory.

    Jack Leiter, SP, Rangers, 33%: I’m much less excited about Leiter than Lopez, but those who need to stash a two-start pitcher for next week should consider Leiter as well. The right-hander has struggled with his control of late, which has led to some short starts. But he has still allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his past eight outings, and he struck out at least five batters in six of those starts. Leiter has favorable matchups next week against the Royals (28th in runs scored) and Guardians (26th in runs scored).

    Nolan McLean, SP, Mets, 15%: McLean is someone to add in deep leagues and monitor in 12-team formats. The 24-year-old will be called up for his MLB debut on Saturday, when he will face the Mariners. McLean has logged a 2.45 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while striking out 127 batters in 113.2 innings this season. Like many young pitchers, he will need to focus on limiting walks, but there is an opportunity to stay in New York’s rotation for the remainder of the season.

    Bryan Abreu, RP, Astros, 47%: Josh Hader was placed on the injured list on Tuesday, and is expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days. Hader’s absence opens the door for Abreu, who is one of the best relievers in baseball, to work the ninth inning. To compare Abreu to the current group of closers, his 81 strikeouts are more than anyone who has more than one save, and his 1.64 ERA trails only Edwin Díaz, Aroldis Chapman and Andrés Muñoz among those who rank within the top 20 in saves. Abreu earned a save on Wednesday and could be a top-10 reliever while Hader is out.

    Justin Topa, RP, Twins, 4%: Managers in deep leagues can target Topa as a saves source. He has earned the Twins’ past two saves, while Cole Sands, who was expected to serve as closer after the trade deadline, has yet to get a ninth-inning opportunity. Topa has a solid 44:13 K:BB ratio and 2.72 FIP, and should be effective enough to hold the role.

    Steph Curry teases interactive ‘CurryCon’ experience ahead of China tour

    Steph Curry teases interactive ‘CurryCon’ experience ahead of China tour originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

    Superstar Warriors guard Steph Curry teased a major event to come during his Curry Brand tour in China when talking to reporters Thursday at his Curry Camp in Menlo Park.

    In addition to taking his Curry Camp to China for the first time, the four-time NBA champion said fans will be able to participate in an interactive convention dedicated to Curry’s basketball career.

    “We’re taking Curry Camp to China; we’re doing something called ‘CurryCon,’ which is kind of wild to think about — an interactive experience based on my journey,” Curry said. “I’m excited about it.”

    Curry added he’ll be promoting his new Under Armor shoes at the convention, and that his brother and fellow NBA sharpshooter, Seth Curry, will be abroad with him.

    Under Armor shared more details about the convention in its initial press release from July.

    “This dynamic 3-day fest in Chongqing, open to all fans across Asia, will serve as a hub for innovation and fan engagement, fostering a vibrant community around the brand,” Under Armor wrote.

    “Attendees will have the chance to explore interactive exhibits, discover the latest product innovations, engage in sports sessions with athletes, and delve deep into the brand’s rich history, core values, and forward-thinking vision for the future of sport.”

    China holds a special place in Curry’s heart. He has been touring the nation and promoting Curry Brand there since 2014 and has established a connection with his massive Chinese fanbase over his 17-year Warriors career

    “We’ve been going (to China) since 2014 as well,” Curry said. “The reaction, the reception, the fan (and) the energy (are) special. So, I’m looking forward to it.”

    No one should be surprised if “CurryCon” is a major hit and turns into an annual exhibition.

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    Environmental protest in Indonesia denounces Australia’s plastic waste exports

    Friday, August 15, 2025

    AI-generated image depicting environmental activist in Surabaya.
    Image: Badak Ironman.

    Environmental activists staged a demonstration in front of the Australian Consulate General in Surabaya, Indonesia, on Wednesday, calling on the Australian government to stop exporting plastic waste to Indonesia. The protest, organized by the East Java-based non-governmental organization Ecological Study and Wetland Conservation Institute (ECOTON), presented the dangers of microplastic contamination, which the group claimed has been found in the placentas of unborn babies in the region.

    Wearing hazmat suits and holding life-size baby mannequins, protesters demanded stricter waste regulations and an end to what they described as “environmental injustice.” A banner held at the protest read, “Stop poisoning our children”, referencing scientific findings published earlier this year by ECOTON that revealed the presence of microplastics in human biological samples.

    Protesters during a demonstration in front of the Australian Consulate General
    Image: ecoton.

    “This is not just about waste. This is about public health and the future of our children. The fact that we are finding microplastics in fetuses is a wake-up call. Australia needs to take responsibility for the waste it sends abroad,” said Prigi Arisandi, an environmental biologist and one of ECOTON’s founders.

    According to the group, containers of imported plastic waste often arrive labeled as recyclable, but in practice, much of the material is either incinerated or disposed of near rivers and coastal areas, contributing to ocean pollution and harming ecosystems.

    The Australian government has not yet issued a formal response to Wednesday’s protest. A consulate staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the consulate “respects the right to peaceful protest” and would relay the concerns to Canberra. Meanwhile, environmental activists in Indonesia were calling for a regional summit to address transboundary waste and enhance enforcement of the Basel Convention, an international treaty that regulates the movement of hazardous waste.

    The protest came amid growing concern over Indonesia’s role as one of the world’s largest plastic waste importers. Several environmental organizations, including LindungiHutan, have echoed ECOTON’s concerns, emphasizing the impact of plastic pollution on mangrove ecosystems and marine biodiversity.

    Planting conditions on the Bedono Coast, Demak, by LindungiHutan Partner Farmers.
    Image: LindungiHutan.

    “Plastic waste does not just harm humans, it suffocates mangroves, poisons marine life, and weakens coastal resilience. Our mangrove conservation teams have often found plastic tangled in the roots of young mangrove trees in Central Java and Jakarta Bay. We believe community awareness and upstream waste reduction are key,” said Siktiyana, Marketing Manager at LindungiHutan.

    LindungiHutan, which works with local communities and some brands to restore degraded coastal areas, has launched several collaborations education campaigns this year in response to the increasing plastic burden on mangrove forests.

    Australia, like several developed countries, has faced criticism for offshoring its plastic waste to Southeast Asia. Although reforms were introduced in 2021 to restrict plastic exports, loopholes reportedly allow some types of waste to still be shipped abroad under the category of “recyclables.”


    Sources

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