The Bounce Newsletter
Your go-to daily source for all things NBA. Subscribe here to have The Bounce delivered straight to your inbox.
Celebrating Rod Strickland
Today, we celebrate Rod Strickland on his 59th birthday. Often overlooked in discussions of legendary point guards, Strickland ranks 14th in career assists and is known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, dynamic finishes, and creative playmaking. Watching his highlight reel offers a glimpse into the artistry he brought to the game, making it a perfect way to kick off your Friday. Happy birthday, Rod!
Cooper Flagg’s Summer League Debut
Turning our attention to the Summer League debut of top draft pick Cooper Flagg, the stats from his first game may not impress at first glance. Over 31 minutes of play, he managed 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block, but his shooting struggles were evident, with a dismal shooting line of 5-of-21, including no 3-pointers made and a missed free throw. However, the Summer League is more about progression and flashes of potential rather than just box scores.
Flagg showed aggression on both ends of the court, striving to make an impact with each possession and never hesitating to assert himself. His attempt to execute a highlight dunk against Christian Koloko nearly brought the house down at the Thomas & Mack Center, though it ultimately fell short. That missed dunk would have been a significant moment in Summer League history, illustrating Flagg’s fearless attitude.
Despite his shooting woes, it’s clear he has room to enhance his ball-handling skills, which will be vital for shot creation. Nevertheless, his passing ability stood out, and he demonstrated strength in transition. One of his standout moments was a crucial block in the fourth quarter that helped lead the Summer Mavericks to victory against the Summer Lakers, featuring Bronny James.
League Updates and Speculations
In unrelated notes from Day 1 of the Summer League: speculation suggests Bradley Beal could find a new home with the Clippers if he is bought out. Moving on to the world of gaming, NBA 2K26 has revealed its cover athletes, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Angel Reese, and LaMelo Ball. Caitlin Clark took inspiration from legends Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson in her journey, and Amazon’s revamped NBA coverage has also caught fans’ attention with the addition of Kevin Harlan and Brent Barry.
Basketball Card Collecting
On a different note, I recently waded back into the world of basketball card collecting, focusing on nostalgic packs from the early ’90s. While I enjoy the thrill of discovering potentially rare cards, I remain unenthusiastic about the rigorous grading process often associated with modern collectibles. In the vein of card-related humor, a recent Bronny James card has emerged as a contender for the all-time funniest trading card due to a clumsy jersey patch misprint—a patch meant to read “leave a legacy” instead humorously suggesting his exit.
Contract Extensions and Financial Commitments
In terms of surprising contracts in the league, the Suns made headlines by extending Devin Booker with a staggering two-year, $145 million deal, maintaining his position as a core franchise player. This secures his presence in Phoenix through the 2029-30 season, raising important concerns about the team’s salary cap management moving forward, especially given their existing commitment to Bradley Beal.
Additionally, the Oklahoma City Thunder have also made a splash by extending star players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren on lucrative deals—SGA for four years worth $285 million, while Holmgren’s five-year extension could reach $250 million. With additional extensions for Jalen Williams potentially bringing his deal up to $287 million, the Thunder are set for considerable financial commitments that will test their roster construction strategy under the NBA’s financial constraints.
Film Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth
In light of all the recent league developments, I’ve also engaged with the latest film installments in the Jurassic franchise. While the JURASSIC WORLD series has had its ups and downs, the new release, “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” has moments where it plays to the dinosaurs’ strengths, evoking the original thrill of the franchise, although it still relies too heavily on human narratives. While it entertains, the focus on dinosaurs is where it truly shines, making it a solid cinematic experience in theaters despite some cartoonish elements. Bounce Movie Rating: 7.5/10.
