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Stephen A. Smith: Jalen Brunson saved NBA from Wemby evolution


Stephen A. Smith is calling Jalen Brunson a hero. 

On a segment of the “Stephen A. Smith Show” on Thursday, the ESPN talking head said Brunson “saved the NBA” by winning a championship, and that if the Spurs won, the league would’ve focused solely on how to stop Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama

“He [Brunson] literally saved the NBA because if Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs had captured an NBA championship, everybody would be evolving their game planning, their drafting, their analysis and everything that come with it,” Smith said.


SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 5: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Two of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 5, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Jalen Brunson shoots a free throw during the Knicks’ win over the Spurs in Game 2 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. NBAE via Getty Images

“Everything would have been evolving around ‘How we do knock off the [7-foot-4] alien from France?’” 

“You would’ve seen cats who might’ve been inferior talent, but they would’ve still turned around and drafted them anyway just because they were 6-foot-10 or 6-foot-11 or 7-feet tall because you need height when you’re going up against Wemby,” he added. 

Smith wants everyone to truly appreciate what Brunson’s title did for the NBA, and said teams could now look at smaller guards in the draft and not be fazed by their height. 

The analyst specifically pointed to Darius Acuff Jr. and Darryn Peterson, two projected top-10 picks and smaller guards in the upcoming NBA draft, as players who could be looked at differently after Brunson’s heroics. 

“To see him [Brunson] play and to use his marvelous footwork, basketball IQ, poise, seasoning and fearlessness… to see him do that, just think about what that would mean to everybody. Think about what that does for the game of basketball,” Smith said. 


SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Victor Wembanyama looks on during the Spurs’ season-ending
Game 5 loss to the Knicks. NBAE via Getty Images

“Without him winning this title, our default position would’ve been ‘How are we going to deal with the [7-foot-4] alien’?” 

Even with critics calling him “too small” and not a “1A player”, Brunson rose to the occasion and won Finals MVP, guiding the Knicks to their first title in 53 years. 

Brunson averaged 32.6 points per game across the series and scored 45 points in a closeout Game 5

Though Wembanyama still averaged 26 points in the Finals, he shot just 9-for-25 in Game 4 and 7-for-19 in Game 5 to seal the Spurs’ fate.





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A long-awaited Knicks title was simply an excuse for fans eager to cause mayhem




But here, there and everywhere these are the “butcher’s bill” prices we all must pay.



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Phillies need right-handed hitting but they have options



The Phillies need a righty bat. “They need two,” one rival GM says.

Outfield is the positional need. But Bryce Harper is said to be willing to move from first base, giving them more options. Two 1Bs, Willson Contreras and Christian Walker, look like potential fits — that’s if Boston or Houston, respectively, will part with them.

Matt Chapman might make sense, too, as Alec Bohm could move from third to first, if the Phillies are willing to take on $100M-plus owed and Chapman waives his no-trade clause.

Center fielder Byron Buxton might be the best fit if he waives his no-trade clause. Buxton loves Minnesota and said he wouldn’t waive it last year, but if the Twins don’t start winning more, he might consider it.



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Michelle Obama raises eyebrows when describing her next chapter



Former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, both appear to have dramatically different priorities for the next chapter of their lives.

While the 44th president described his aspirations for the future as “fun,” his wife had a more inward-looking plan — something that prompted conservative social media to recoil.

“Me,” Michelle told ABC News’ “Good Morning America” when asked to give a one-word description of her next chapter.

The former first lady smiled her husband poked at ABC News host Robin Roberts for appearing to rate her answer higher than his.

Conservative critics were stunned at the former first lady’s self-oriented take.

The former first lady made clear she wants to put more focus on herself going forward. REUTERS
Former President Barack Obama plans to have “fun” in his next chapter. REUTERS

“What a selfish and entitled person,” conservative operative Steve Guest remarked on X.

“First time I’ve felt bad for Barack,” X user Anthony Dohrmann sniped.

“She is so miserable,” another user chided.

“It’s remarkable that she has the same ego as her husband,” another user wrote.

Michelle has publicly complained about Barack not prioritizing her enough during his presidency, lamenting at one point in 2013 that she felt like a single mother.

She also raised eyebrows for skipping late President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Trump’s inauguration in early 2025, leaving her husband to go solo. Michelle was reportedly on an extended stay in Hawaii during the funeral.

The Obamas have alluded to tensions in their marriage over Barack’s political career. REUTERS

“It started with not having anything to wear,” she later explained on a podcast about her forgoing the inauguration last year. “I don’t even want to have a dress ready,’ right? Because it’s so easy to just say ‘let me do the right thing.’”

“People couldn’t believe that I was saying no for any other reason. They had to assume that my marriage was falling apart,” she added at another point.

Barack has admitted that his wanting to remain more active in politics has created “a genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her.”

On Thursday, she paid tribute to his presidency and brought him to tears with emphatic praise of him during the ceremonial opening of his presidential library.

“You never fell for the temptation of a quick fix or an easy payday. You never changed from that idealistic summer associate who showed up on that rainy day when we first met without an umbrella,” she said.

The former president opened the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on Thursday. REUTERS

“You always gave us the very best within you, and in doing so, you reminded the rest of us that we could too. Barack, there are no words to express how proud I am of the way you showed up.”

“It has been an honor to be by your side. You have made me a better person.”





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Collection of ‘ifs’ that could make or break Jets’ 2026 season



Aaron Glenn surprised the Jets players at their 8 a.m. meeting Thursday by canceling their final practice of the spring and sending them on their way for six weeks off before training camp begins.

This was a clear sign that Glenn feels good about where his team is entering his second season in charge. Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey made massive changes to the roster, and Glenn revamped his coaching staff.

Will it work?

We’ll find out in the fall. For now, there is optimism around the Jets … just like there is with 31 other teams.



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Yankees should not consider targeting Aroldis Chapman



Closer extraordinaire Aroldis Chapman always struck me as a pretty smart cat, but he seems to have things backward this time. He recently suggested the Yankees would need to apologize to him if they’re going to acquire him via trade when he probably should still be thanking them for helping him revive his once-endangered career. 

Before we compare and contrast the conflicting stories about a missed workout leading to Chapman’s alleged, apparent upset, let’s put his mind mostly at ease. My guess is he said what he said to kill any chance the Yankees might bring him back via trade, and I do hear they have no interest in a reunion. (The team responses, which are below, couldn’t be much stronger.) 

Chapman is a borderline Hall of Fame case who’s four strikeouts from the all-time record for relievers that belongs to Hoyt Wilhelm and currently carries an 0.83 ERA. So he makes sense on the most basic level. 

The Yankees seek at this trade deadline to upgrade a bullpen that is solid but something less than overwhelming (they’re fifth in ERA at 3.35 but 24th in strikeouts with 237). As of today, he looks likely to be easily the best reliever to hit the market. 



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Dodgers Post podcast: Shohei Ohtani plays through knee injury, blister


Is Shohei Ohtani pushing himself a little bit too hard now?

That’s what California Post baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris are discussing on the latest episode of the Dodgers Post podcast, coming off Ohtani’s six-inning, four-run start against the Rays on Wednesday.


Shohei Ohtani carrying his glove and cap while walking next to another Dodgers player.
Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani has been playing through a knee injury and a blister. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After Ohtani pitched through a knee injury and a blister in the outing, Jack wonders whether the two-way star could use a more extended break between outings now, while Dylan counters by noting the value of his innings and his ability to manage a grueling workload.

Later, the two analyze Mookie Betts’ season, what has made him the unluckiest hitter in baseball and why they remain bullish on him turning things around.

Finally, they look ahead to the Dodgers’ upcoming series against the Orioles, which will include a pivotal start from Roki Sasaki.

As always, they wrap with predictions and trivia. Dylan also remembers the time he learned of Manny Ramirez’s PED suspension.


Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yency Almonte throws a pitch.
Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani has battled a blister in some recent starts. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

All that and more, on the latest episode of Dodgers Post.



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Brazen thief’s astonishing heist targeting entire street in one night



North Hollywood residents woke up Thursday to a costly mess after a brazen thief tore through a neighborhood street overnight, smashing windows and rifling through vehicles in a crime spree that left nearly 20 parked cars damaged.

The overnight rampage unfolded along Erwin Street near Cahuenga Boulevard, where shattered glass covered sidewalks and vehicle interiors by sunrise.

A long row of cars appeared to have been targeted, leaving frustrated residents to assess the damage.

North Hollywood residents woke up Thursday to a costly mess after a brazen thief tore through a neighborhood street overnight. NCB LA
The overnight rampage unfolded along Erwin Street near Cahuenga Boulevard, where shattered glass covered sidewalks and vehicle interiors by sunrise. NCB LA

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers received a report around 5 a.m. of someone breaking into vehicles in the area.

One victim told NBCLA that every vehicle hit appeared to have its passenger-side window shattered.

The woman said thieves rummaged through her car, stealing items from the glove compartment, seat pocket and other storage compartments before moving on.

The spree left residents facing expensive repair bills and stolen property. As of Thursday, no arrests had been reported.

The California Post has reached out to the LAPD for comment.

For many residents, the latest smash-and-grab spree is another reminder of a persistent problem in North Hollywood, where vehicle-related property crime remains among the most frequently reported offenses.


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Historically, LAPD data has identified the North Hollywood Division as one of Los Angeles’ leading hotspots for vehicle break-ins and grand theft auto.

Auto burglaries are particularly common in heavily trafficked areas such as the NoHo Arts District, near the NoHo Metro Station and on residential streets where apartment dwellers often rely on curbside parking.

News of the overnight crime spree quickly sparked outrage on social media, where commenters voiced frustration over what they see as a lack of accountability for repeat offenders and ongoing concerns about public safety.

For many residents, the latest smash-and-grab spree is another reminder of a persistent problem in North Hollywood, where vehicle-related property crime remains among the most frequently reported offenses. Shutterstock / trekandshoot

Among the reactions were posts reading, “Had enough ‘criminal justice reform’ yet?” and “Keep voting democrat.”

The comments reflected growing anger from some residents as vehicle break-ins continue to plague parts of the neighborhood.

Authorities and safety experts advise motorists not to leave bags, sunglasses, phone chargers or even loose change visible inside their vehicles, as thieves often target cars that appear to contain valuables.

Drivers who need to store belongings in a trunk are encouraged to do so before arriving at their destination, rather than while parked.

Parking in secure garages or well-lit areas monitored by security cameras can also help reduce the risk of becoming a target.





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Stefon Diggs not ruling out playing for hometown Commanders


Don’t rule out the possibility of Stefon Diggs playing for his hometown team.

Diggs, who grew up and went to school in Maryland, said playing for the Commanders in 2026 isn’t out of the question.

“100 percent,” he told FOX 5 when asked if he thought about joining the Commanders. “That’s one of the first things I thought about like, damn, if I wanted to come back and play for my hometown team. I just had that same kind of energy when I chose to go to the University of Maryland. So I was just like, damn, it would be a thing. It definitely would be a thing if that kind of worked out. So, we’ll see, we’ll see. We’re not ruling it out.”

“I never realized how many fans [there] was back home until I was a free agent and people are like ‘Are you going to come back home? Especially when they see me back [here],” Diggs said.


A New England Patriots player in uniform running with the football during a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Stefon Diggs runs with the ball after a catch against the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg for The New York Post

Diggs was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland and attended the University of Maryland from 2012-2014. Through three years, he racked up 2,227 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns while reaching two bowl games.

He then joined the Vikings as a fifth-round pick in 2015, spending five years with the team while tallying over 4,500 receiving yards. Diggs made his mark in Minnesota during the 2018 Divisional Round with a game-winning touchdown known as the “Minneapolis Miracle.”

The 32-year-old then spent four years with Josh Allen on the Bills, and earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2020. He reeled in 37 touchdowns from 2020-23 in Buffalo.

Diggs has bounced since Buffalo, spending 2024 with the Texans and 2025 with the Patriots before legal issues surfaced in the middle of the season.

But after pleading not guilty on battery charges earlier this offseason and the NFL not giving the receiver a punishment, Diggs signing with the Commanders as a free agent could make sense.


Jayden Daniels and Dyami Brown touching fists.
Jayden Daniels and Dyami Brown greet each other during a practice. AP Photo/Nick Wass

Terry McLaurin remains the Commanders No. 1 receiver for third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, but questions surrounding the rest of the group with Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Jaylin Lane.

49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk has been linked to the Commanders all offseason and is a close friend of Daniels, but nothing has gained much traction.

Aiyuk hasn’t played since Week 7 of 2024, while Diggs posted 1,013 yards and four touchdowns with the AFC Champion Patriots in 2025.

The Commanders are coming off a 5-12 season and open 2026 on Sept. 13 at the Eagles.



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Woman, 45, arrested after over two dozen animals, including dead dog, found living in filth in NYC apartment



A Brooklyn woman was arrested after two dozen animals — including a dead dog — were discovered in her deplorable Brooklyn apartment, according to authorities.

Jessica Styles, 45, was hit with a slew of charges after rescuers and cops discovered 27 neglected animals in an apartment on Herkimer Street in Ocean Hill on Wednesday, according to the NYPD and the ASPCA.

Jessica Styles, 45, was arrested after 21 dogs, four cats, and one pigeon were found living in her Ocean Hill apartment. Courtesy of the ASPCA

Authorities were executing a search warrant at the property after a complaint about animals living in poor conditions was filed last week regarding a strong smell and barking from the house of horrors.

Many of the animals, including 22 dogs, four cats, and one pigeon, were found housed in crates throughout the residence. One dead puppy was also discovered in the horror apartment, the ASPCA said.

The animals were all taken to the ASPCA Animal Recovery Center in Manhattan and the organization’s recovery and rehabilitation center in the Hudson Valley, for further treatment, officials said.

Many of the dogs rescued were covered in urine and feces and had severe flea infestations. Courtesy of the ASPCA

Many of the fidos rescued from the home were covered in urine and feces and had severe flea infestations. Some of the younger pups were also underweight, and the older dogs had untreated dental diseases.

The horde of adorable pets will receive more medical and behavioral care to recover, animal rescuers added.

Styles was charged with one count of aggressive cruelty to animals and 27 counts of torture, injure, and not feeding an animal, cops said.

“Keeping animals in horrid living conditions and failing to provide their needs is a crime, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone in Brooklyn who’s heartless enough to do that,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement.

Styles was charged with one count of aggressive cruelty to animals and 27 counts of torture, injure, and not feeding an animal, cops said. Courtesy of the ASPCA

“I’m grateful for those who reported this alleged large-scale abuse and for the ASPCA for rescuing and rehabilitating these maltreated pets.”   

The ASPCA will continue to assist the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office with their criminal investigation into the alleged

The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for further comment.



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