Rumors

Before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, the league was wrapped up in multiple controversies. For one, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were among those arrested for alleged involvement in gambling schemes. But in September, reporting from "Pablo Torre Finds Out" also revealed another scandal: potential cap circumvention by the Los Angeles Clippers involving Kawhi Leonard. Pablo Torre, a journalist and podcaster also previously known for his time at ESPN, revealed the details of the potential cap circumvention involving the company Aspiration — and now, the team at "Pablo Torre Finds Out" is being rewarded for that story with the most prestigious honor in journalism, a Pulitzer Prize.

Sporting News

NBA top rookie Cooper Flagg got a fast ride on the track Sunday before the NASCAR race in Texas with another 19-year-old, Cup Series rookie Connor Zilisch. A week after being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, the Dallas Mavericks' 6-foot-9 forward was the honorary pace car driver for the race in Texas. But several hours before leading the 38-car field to the green flag at the 1 1/2-mile track, Flagg was the passenger in that 2026 Chevrolet Corvette. It was driven then by Zilisch, who is in his first full Cup season with Trackhouse Racing after winning 10 races in NASCAR's second-tier series last year. "We got going pretty fast, and I think half the ride I was more scared of what was going on," Flagg said. "I've never been in a car going that fast, so it was pretty cool."

spectrumlocalnews.com

Cooper Flagg: “Right before the Rookie of the Year press conference, the person I wanted to FaceTime was Mammie. She’s been there for everything. She keeps me grounded and reminds me that moments like this mean more when you share them with the people who’ve had your back from day one. Awards are cool, but that connection with my family, that’s what really matters to me.”

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Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté has been named the winner of the 2025-26 Kia NBA Hustle Award, the league announced on Thursday. The Kia NBA Hustle Award honors players who make effort plays that do not often appear in the traditional box score but impact winning on a nightly basis. The award is based on a statistical formula rather than a media vote, utilizing a variety of hustle stats.

NBA.com

NBA Courtside: Dirk on Cooper Flagg winning ROY: "I watched Cooper all year long. The stuff he had to deal with early with all the negativity around and the booing. There was a lot happening that whole season... Started at PG at 6'9 something he's never done.... Historic numbers as a teenager. Well deserved Cooper, we're proud of you"

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NBA Communications: New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan has been named the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year. Presented annually since 2012-13, the award recognizes the player deemed the league’s best teammate, based on selfless play, leadership and commitment to the team.

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NBA Communications: The voting panel for the 2025-26 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year Award consisted of basketball executives from NBA teams. Complete voting results ⬇️

Twitter

Jason Kidd: Thrilled to see @Cooper_Flagg recognized with the @NBA Rookie of the Year award. Your feel for and commitment to the game are truly special. Congratulations and enjoy this moment. This is just the beginning.

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‪Mark Followill‬: Looking at the past winners and it appears to me that Cooper Flagg is the first ever to win: National HS Basketball Player of the Year (based on Naismith and/or Gatorade Prep POY Awards given out since the mid 80s and Cooper won both), NCAA Basketball Player of the Year, And NBA Rookie of the Year!

bsky.app

Grant Afseth: Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

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NBA Communications: The 2025-26 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner will be revealed tonight at 7 PM ET on Peacock and NBCSN. The three finalists: ▪️VJ Edgecombe, @sixers ▪️Cooper Flagg, @dallasmavs ▪️Kon Knueppel, @hornets

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Olympiacos forward Sasha Vezenkov has been named the EuroLeague’s Most Valuable Player for the 2025/26 season, per a press release. Vezenkov, who also claimed EuroLeague MVP in ’22/23, joins Anthony Parker as the only players who have won the award two times. Parker, a former NBA shooting guard, is currently the general manager of the Magic.

Hoops Rumors

NBA Communications: Four more awards honoring top achievements during the 2025-26 NBA season will be announced next week. MON, 4/27: Kia NBA Rookie of the Year TUE, 4/28: Basketball Executive of the Year WED, 4/29: Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year THU, 4/30: Hustle Award

Twitter

Brad Rowland: Nickeil Alexander-Walker received 66 out of 100 first place votes for MIP. Jalen Johnson finished 6th. Full voting results here:

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