The NBA offseason continues to deliver significant news, ranging from the structured planning of future competitions to blockbuster player contracts and unfortunate legal outcomes. The league recently revealed the group stage details for the 2025 NBA Cup, while teams are busy securing key talent for the long term, and grim news regarding a former player underscores the complexities of life outside the game.
The 2025 NBA Cup: Groups, Schedule, and Format
The third edition of the NBA Cup, officially known as the In-Season Tournament, is taking shape. While it may be too early to predict a champion, the pathway through the initial phase is now clear following the official group stage draw for the 2025 season.
The group stage is set to tip off on October 31st, running through November 28th. Following the preliminary rounds, the single-elimination knockout stage will commence. The Quarterfinals are scheduled for December 9th and 10th, leading into the decisive Final Four. As in previous years, the semi-finals and championship game will be held at a neutral site, Las Vegas, often dubbed “Sin City” for its vibrant atmosphere, which seems fitting for the high-stakes tournament climax.
The Semifinals will take place on December 13th, with the Final showdown scheduled for December 16th.
The tournament structure features six groups, three in each conference (Eastern and Western), with five teams per group. Out of the initial 30 contenders, eight will advance: the winner of each of the six groups, plus the best second-place team from each conference.
Here are the group breakdowns for the 2025 NBA Cup:
- Eastern Conference Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
- Eastern Conference Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
- Eastern Conference Group C: Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets
- Western Conference Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
- Western Conference Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans
- Western Conference Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers were the inaugural champions two years ago, while the Milwaukee Bucks currently hold the title, winning the tournament last season.
Chet Holmgren`s Lucrative Extension with OKC
In player contract news, Oklahoma City Thunder`s 23-year-old forward Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 draft, has reportedly agreed to a significant contract extension. The deal is for five years and could be worth up to $250 million under favorable conditions.
This substantial commitment follows closely on the heels of OKC`s other massive extension for franchise cornerstone, Canadian guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who inked a four-year, $285 million extension through 2031. The Thunder, fresh off a strong playoff run, are clearly prioritizing locking up their promising young core. Jalen Williams is expected to be next in line for a new deal.
Is $250 million too much for Holmgren based on his production to date? From a purely statistical standpoint, perhaps. His playoff averages of 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game are solid but don`t scream quarter-billion-dollar player… yet. However, this is the price the market currently dictates, and frankly, worse contracts have been signed for players with less potential. OKC is investing in Holmgren`s future, what they *believe* he will become, as much as what he is now. He missed his entire rookie season due to injury but possesses undeniable talent and physical tools. The best is likely yet to come for Holmgren, and the Thunder are placing a huge bet on that potential.
Ben McLemore Sentenced to Prison
In somber news, former NBA guard Ben McLemore, a 32-year-old lottery pick from the 2013 draft (7th overall), has been sentenced to over eight years in prison. The sentence stems from a conviction for rape.
The incident in question occurred in October 2021 in Lake Oswego, Oregon, during a party held at the residence of Robert Covington, who was McLemore`s teammate on the Portland Trail Blazers at the time. The victim was reportedly a 23-year-old woman.
McLemore, a shooting guard out of Kansas University, played nine seasons in the NBA for five different teams. He spent the majority of his career with the Sacramento Kings (2013-2019), where he averaged a career-high 12.1 points in his second season. He also had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Portland Trail Blazers, with whom he finished his NBA tenure in 2022. After leaving the NBA, McLemore played professionally in China, Greece, and Spain.
Despite the conviction and sentencing, McLemore has maintained his innocence regarding the charges.
Murray Blackwood