The Stop and Pop: Weekly Update July 8th-July 14th
Welcome back to The Stop and Pop, your weekly recap of what’s happening across the NBA and WNBA. Let’s get into the biggest stories, the best performances, and the moments you might’ve missed.
🔥 Top 3 Stories of the Week
Norman Powell to the Heat | John Collins to the Clippers
A major three-team deal shook things up on July 7: Norman Powell, coming off a career-high 21.8 PPG and near-All-Star buzz, lands in Miami; John Collins heads to the Clippers, while Utah picks up veterans Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and a future second-rounder.
Why It Matters
🔥 Miami: Adds a proven scorer to team up with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Powell’s elite catch-and-shoot ability (.418 3‑PT%) and efficiency (.633 TS%) give them an another offensive weapon.
🚢 Clippers: Get athletic stretch‑4 Collins (19 pts and eight rbs per game), giving them size next to Ivica Zubac and balance alongside their stars. I like the fit of Collins alongside James Harden. Another lob threat who can also stretch the floor (.399 3P% last season).
🎺 Utah: Picks up salary space and flexibility—something they clearly prioritize
Deandre Ayton Signs with Lakers
Following a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, former #1 overall pick Deandre Ayton will join the Lakers on a 2-year, $16.6M deal, with a player option.
Why L.A. signed Ayton
A glaring need: since trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic, the Lakers were in a shortage of big men. Ayton offers scoring and rebounding (14.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG last year). Ayton also improved defense as he was second in the league in perimeter isolation defense amongst bigs.
Ayton called his pairing with Doncic “like a video game” which is high praise for a duo Lakers fans can rally behind (Deandre Ayton excited to play with 'ripped' Luka Doncic after signing with Lakers: 'Feels like a video game' - CBSSports.com).
Kiki Iriafen sets the Mystics franchise record for double-doubles by a rookie!
Iriafen is already making a name for herself in her rookie season. She was named an All-Star, helping her team to push for a playoff berth, and already holds the record for most double-doubles by a rookie in the franchise. As good as she already is, Special K is just scratching the surface. She is currently averaging 12.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The 21-year-old will be competing in the 2025 All-Star game on Team Clark with her Mystics teammate, Sonia Citron.
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Got takes? Disagree with my picks? Hit the comment section or tag me on Threads “@JL_On_Hoops and let’s talk.
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Thanks for reading The Stop and Pop. See you next week—and until then, keep your dribble tight and your release smooth.
Because Ayton isn’t necessarily a post-up big or a floor-running lob threat guy, what do you think playing with Doncic will make of his offensive game — especially considering how easy Luka makes the game for bigs?