Feel Good Hoops Roundup

Basketball updates that we swear you’ll care about

• Remembering NBA great Nate Thurmond of the Warriors, one of the game’s best defensive players.

Nate the Great. Image via Cleveland.com

• Plus, a great piece on what makes Tim Duncan’s un-Kobe-like retirement remarkable.

​What makes Tim Duncan's retirement remarkable

Lauren Jackson, one of the WNBA’s best.

• Speaking of retirement: Four years after injuries kept her from returning to the Storm, Seattle gave one of the WNBA’s best to play the game, Lauren Jackson, a proper send-off, retiring her number and celebrating her two championship titles, three MVP awards and spot on the WNBA 20@20 list.
• Last week, there was a celebration of Pat Summitt’s life — including emotional speeches by Robin Roberts, Tamika Catchings, Candace Parker and even longtime friend Peyton Manning. Here, five ways to continue her legacy. And here, a tribute on ABC by Robin Roberts.

• Starting July 23 through August 26, the WNBA takes an Olympic break, with so many players going to Rio to play. (Note: Wondering why baseball isn’t taking a break? It was voted out of the 2012 Olympics along with softball, making way for golf and rugby. There is a movement underway to bring baseball and softball back in 2020. MLB does stage the World Baseball Classic every four years, including in 2017.)

Jeff: Mom said no ball in the house! Image via People

• And finally, Guard Jeff Teague was traded to his hometown Indiana Pacers, and has decided to live with his parents, in the basement, despite his $8.8 million salary. (One side note: He bought the house for his parents to begin with.)

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