The Los Angeles Clippers' decision to sign Kai Jones to a multi-year contract adds an intriguing dynamic to their roster as they gear up for the playoffs. Jones, a big man who was previously waived by the Charlotte Hornets before the start of the season, brings a blend of athleticism and versatility to the team's frontcourt rotation.
While Jones had a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers on a 10-day deal in March, his time on the court was limited. However, he did showcase his potential in two G League games, where he displayed his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. Averaging 11 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and a block per game in the G League, Jones demonstrated his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
The Clippers' decision to sign Jones comes at the expense of waiving Joshua Primo, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Primo, the 12th overall pick in the 2021 draft, had appeared in two games with the Clippers this season after being waived by the San Antonio Spurs.
Jones' signing provides the Clippers with additional depth and flexibility heading into the postseason. As a former first-round pick with untapped potential, Jones could emerge as a valuable asset for the team as they navigate the challenges of playoff basketball.
Despite Jones' unconventional journey to the Clippers, which included unusual social media posts and a brief stint with the Sixers, the team sees potential in the young forward. With his athleticism, defensive versatility, and improving skill set, Jones could provide a spark off the bench and contribute in various ways on both ends of the floor.
As the Clippers prepare for the playoffs, Jones' addition adds another intriguing element to their roster composition. With his energy, athleticism, and potential to impact games, Jones could play a significant role in the team's postseason aspirations.
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Markelle Fultz played 21 games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 season. The former Washington star had averages of 2.9 points, 1.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest while shooting 41.8%. This summer, Fultz became a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the league. On July 27, he still remains unsigned. One team who I believe should consider signing Fultz is the Boston Celtics. They are not expected to be a contender for the title (due to Jayson Tatum's injury), so they can use the year to take chances on other players. At this point in the summer, it's likely that Fultz could be signed for a minimum (or non-guaranteed deal). Fultz was initially the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. The longest tenure of his eight-year career came with the Orlando Magic (five seasons). During the 2023 season, Fultz had averages of 14.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 51.4% from the field and 31.0% from the three-point range in 60 games. The Celtics have a long history of getting the most out of their players. Fultz could end up thriving with stable orginzation such as the Celtics. He will be a name to keep an eye on before the start of training camp. Via The Orlando Magic (on March 18, 2023): "Markelle Fultz in March: 17.0 PTS 4.4 REB 6.3 AST 1.5 STL 55% FG"
The Cleveland Browns are giving Shedeur Sanders special treatment in training camp, but it's not the type of favoritism the fifth-round pick would necessarily want. Per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN, Sanders is the only Browns quarterback who has not been taking reps with the first-team offense during OTAs or the first two practices of training camp. Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Kenny Pickett, veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel have all split reps with the first team. Despite being asked to throw passes to members of the equipment staff amid a shortage of professional pass-catchers for a four-quarterback roster, Sanders said he's thankful for the opportunity to show the Browns coaching staff his talents. "I feel like that it's not in my control, so I'm not going to think about that or even have that in my thought process of why it is," Sanders said to a question as to why he's not getting first-team reps. "There's a lot of people who want to have the opportunity to be at this level, and I'm here and I'm thankful to have the opportunity. So, whenever that is, that is." Sanders, 23, believes that he can contribute more to the Browns than what the coaching staff is asking of him. "It doesn't make me feel down or left out because I know who I am as a person," Sanders said. "I know who I am as an individual and I know what I could bring to this team. So, I can never feel less than any circumstance." The Browns selected Sanders with the No. 144 pick in April's draft. As a player whom many draft analysts thought was a first-round talent, Cleveland took what could be the steal of the draft in the fifth round. It's curious why the Browns aren't giving Sanders a shot with the first team early in training camp before the quarterback race becomes more serious. Cleveland should see what Sanders has to offer this summer. Flacco, 40, isn't a long-term solution at the position. Pickett failed in Pittsburgh. The Browns need to gauge what rookies Gabriel and Sanders can do with the first team. Having Sanders throw balls to the equipment staff is a waste of everyone's time. But then again, Cleveland has wasted plenty of quarterbacks.
The New York Rangers are adding to their forward depth ahead of their upcoming training camp. The Rangers are entering a new chapter of their organization under new head coach Mike Sullivan. After missing the postseason last year, the organization is trying to rebound and respond accordingly in 2025 and 2026. Former Stanley Cup champion forward Conor Sheary is the latest player to join the new-look Rangers. The veteran forward agreed to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the club and will look to earn an NHL deal with his performance in training camp and the preseason. Sheary is a veteran of 593 NHL games. Originally an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins after completing his collegiate career. Following a year with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, he forced his way onto the NHL squad after posting 36 points in his first 30 games of the 2015-2016 season at the AHL level. His debut NHL season went better than ever expected, and he was a key part of the Penguins' lineup that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sheary's coach at the time, both at the AHL and NHL levels, was Mike Sullivan. Now, he'll get the chance to reunite with the coach under whom he won two championships. In addition to playing for the Penguins, Sheary has played for three other NHL franchises. The Pens dealt him to the Buffalo Sabres before the 2018-2019 campaign, but he would return to Pittsburgh the following season at the trade deadline. After his second stint with the Penguins, he joined the Washington Capitals. He played three seasons in Washington, D.C. before landing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he spent the past two years. Over his 593 career games, he's compiled 124 goals and 143 assists for 267 points. His best NHL season came during the 2016-2017 campaign, his second in the league. He scored 23 goals and added 30 assists for 53 points in 61 regular-season games.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
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