The NBA landscape is constantly shifting, offering a mix of on-court excitement, high-stakes business decisions, and sometimes, sobering realities away from the hardwood. Recent news from the league front brings all three into focus with the official unveiling of the NBA Cup schedule and groups, a blockbuster contract extension, and an unfortunate update regarding a former player`s legal troubles.
The NBA Cup Takes Shape: Schedule and Groups Revealed
The third edition of the NBA Cup, the league`s in-season tournament, is officially taking shape. Fans now have a clear roadmap for the initial phase and the knockout rounds as the group stage draw and schedule have been finalized. This increasingly anticipated early-season competition is set to tip off its group phase on October 31st and will run through November 28th.
Following the group stage, the intensity ratchets up quickly. The single-elimination knockout rounds begin with the Quarterfinals scheduled for December 9th and 10th. The final four teams will then converge on Las Vegas for the Semifinals on December 13th, culminating in the Championship game on December 16th. The Milwaukee Bucks are the reigning champions, while the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the inaugural title two years prior.
The tournament structure remains consistent, featuring all 30 NBA teams divided into six groups of five, split evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences. Progression to the knockout stage is straightforward: the winner of each group advances, joined by one “wild card” team from each conference – the team with the best record in the group stage that did not win their respective group.
Here`s how the teams stack up in the initial groupings:
Eastern Conference Groups:
- Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
- Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
- Group C: Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets
Western Conference Groups:
- Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
- Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans
- Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
The group stage games will be integrated into the regular season schedule, adding an extra layer of competition and meaning to early matchups. Who will navigate these groups and make a run for the trophy in Sin City?
Massive Money in OKC: Chet Holmgren`s Hefty Extension
Transitioning from competition structure to player valuation, the Oklahoma City Thunder have made a significant long-term commitment, agreeing to a substantial contract extension with young center Chet Holmgren. The 23-year-old, who was the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, has reportedly inked a five-year deal that could potentially reach a value of $250 million. Yes, that`s a quarter of a billion dollars.
This move follows closely on the heels of OKC`s other major financial commitment to their franchise cornerstone, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who recently signed a four-year extension worth $285 million through the 2031 season. It`s clear the Thunder ownership is not shy about investing heavily in the core group that drove their successful playoff run last season. The expectation is that guard Jalen Williams will be the next key player in line for a significant pay raise.
Now, a $250 million question naturally arises: is Chet Holmgren, based on his current output, worth that staggering figure right now? Perhaps not strictly on demonstrated value alone, especially considering he missed his entire rookie season due to injury. His playoff averages of 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game are certainly promising for a young big man, but they don`t scream “max contract player” just yet.
Welcome to the modern NBA market, where teams often pay less for what a player *has* done and more for what they believe he *will* do. The potential is undeniably high, and OKC is clearly betting big on Holmgren`s future development as a foundational piece alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams. While some might argue it`s an overpay based purely on current production, the reality is that this is the going rate for high-upside young stars, and the Thunder are determined to keep their promising nucleus together long-term.
Sobering News: Former NBA Player Ben McLemore Sentenced
Away from the courts and contract negotiations, a somber development involves former NBA player Ben McLemore. The 32-year-old, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2013 draft, has been sentenced to over eight years in prison following a rape conviction. The incident in question occurred in October 2021 in Lake Oswego, Oregon, during a gathering at the home of Robert Covington, who was McLemore`s teammate on the Portland Trail Blazers at the time. The victim was a 23-year-old woman.
McLemore played nine seasons in the NBA for five different franchises: the Sacramento Kings (his longest tenure), Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Portland Trail Blazers, concluding his NBA career in 2022. His most productive season came early in his career with the Kings, where he averaged 12.1 points per game in his second year. Following his time in the NBA, he continued his professional career internationally, playing in China, Greece, and Spain.
Despite the court`s ruling, McLemore has maintained his innocence regarding the charges. The sentencing closes a difficult chapter in this case, casting a stark light on serious issues that extend far beyond the sport itself.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham