We got a healthy amount of awesome and crazy storylines this week. There’s NBA, WNBA, and PBA on deck! Read on!
👍Thumbs Up – VJ Edgecombe’s Summer League Splash
If VJ Edgecombe was out to make a statement in his Summer League debut, consider it delivered – loud and clear. The No. 3 overall pick by the Sixers exploded for 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, looking every bit like a future star. Adding some extra spice: he outshined fellow rookie Ace Bailey, who managed just eight points. Bailey, once projected to go third, famously skipped workouts with Philly because he allegedly didn’t like the fit. One game doesn’t make a career, but the Sixers have to be feeling very good about how things turned out.
👎 Thumbs Down – Paul Pierce’s Wild Scoring Claim
Confidence is great. Delusion? Not so much. Paul Pierce recently called himself the “purest scorer” in the history of basketball, and while he was an elite bucket-getter in his prime, this take is a bit much. We’re talking about a league that’s seen Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, and, you know, Michael Jordan. Pierce deserves respect for his career, but to say he’s at the very top in the scoring department? No, man. Great player, sure. Greatest scorer? ‘The Truth’ just lied.
👍 Thumbs Up – Bill Simmons, Proud Lakers Hater
Say what you will about Bill Simmons, but the man stays on brand. A die-hard Boston sports loyalist through and through, Simmons recently said he’d trade three non-playoff seasons of the Patriots – his beloved Patriots – if it meant Luka Dončić will bolt the Lakers next season. Is it irrational? Absolutely. Is it hilarious? Also absolutely. You don’t have to agree with his fantasy scenarios, but you’ve got to admire the generational-level pettiness. Lakers vs. Celtics might ebb and flow on the court, but Simmons makes sure the rivalry never dies off it.
👍 Thumbs Up – Kevin Quiambao’s Learning Experience
Kevin Quiambao not making the Kings’ Summer League roster might sting for some fans, but let’s be real, it was always going to be an uphill climb. At 6’5”, he’s a college superstar in the Philippines who thrives as a power forward, now trying to reinvent himself as a shooting guard against top-tier global talent. The handles and shooting just aren’t there yet. But don’t consider this a failure – it’s a learning experience, as a certain coach once said. KQ now has a clearer picture of what it takes and the opportunity to grow, adjust, and maybe try again down the line.
👍 Thumbs Up – Angel Reese Finding Her Stride
Early in the season, Angel Reese took plenty of heat – fans were quick to point out her struggles finishing around the rim, and the trolls didn’t hold back. But Reese has kept grinding, and now the work is showing. She’s putting up points and dominating the glass, recently becoming the first player in WNBA history to grab 15+ rebounds in five straight games, which is now up to six. Her confidence is rising, and so is her game. The doubters are quieting, and Angel Reese is just getting started.
👎 Thumbs Down – Carolyn Peck’s Caitlin Clark Take
There are bad takes, and then there’s this: ESPN’s Carolyn Peck watched the Fever win a couple games and the Commissioner’s Cup without Caitlin Clark, and immediately declared they were better without her. What are we doing here? Clark’s impact on the court and off it is undeniable, and this kind of knee-jerk analysis completely ignores context, matchups, and, well, common sense. It’s lazy, reductive, and flat-out wrong. The Fever didn’t suddenly become contenders because one player sat out. Hot takes don’t have to be brainless ones.
👍 Thumbs Up – LA Tenorio’s big shot
After all that LA Tenorio’s been through this couple of years, from health, injuries, struggles, and everything in between, you just have to feel good seeing him bury a clutch shot for the beloved Ginebra squad.
