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1959

The Harlem Globetrotters begin a series of exhibition games in Moscow against one of their traveling opponent teams, the San Francisco Basketeers. The summit was sponsored and funded by the U.S.S.R. Cultural Committee and during their visit, the Globetrotters (which included Wilt Chamberlain at the time) met with Soviet premier Nikita Kruschev, who awarded them the Athletic Order of Lenin.

1980

Pau Gasol is born in Barcelona, Spain. Amongst Spanish born players, he is the all-time NBA leader in points, rebounds, and blocks.

1989

Doug Collins is fired as head coach of the Bulls after three seasons. Four days later, he is replaced by Phil Jackson.

1990

Jae Crowder is born in Villa Rica, Georgia. His father, Corey, had a 15-year pro basketball career, including two seasons in the NBA.

1997

Tournament MVP Sasa Dordevic leads Yugoslavia to a 61-49 victory over Italy 61-49 in the EuroBasket Final in Barcelona. Russia defeats Greece in the bronze medal game.

2000

Zion Williamson is born in Salisbury, North Carolina. In 2021, he became the first player born in the 21st century to be named an NBA All-Star,

2017

Paul George îs traded from the Pacers to the Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

2019

Anthony Davis is traded from the Pelicans to the Lakers in a massive, three-team deal that also involves the Wizards and includes Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, DeAndre Hunter, Brandon Ingram, Moritz Wagner, three first round picks, and cash considerations.

After two tumultuous seasons with the Celtics, Kyrie Irving signs a free agent contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

As part of a four-team trade, Jimmy Butler is dealt from the 76ers to the Heat. The 76ers receive only Josh Richardson in return.

2020

WNBA players report to the “Wubble” (a portmanteau of “women” and “bubble”) on the campus of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, to play out the 2020 season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous high profile players, including Kelsey Plum, Elena Delle Donne, and Breanna Stewart opted out for medical or other reasons. The season got underway as scheduled on July 25.

2024

Klay Thompson signs as a free agent with the Mavericks. The first 13 years of Thompson’s career had been spent with the Warriors, and he leaves the franchise second in history in three-point field goals, fourth in games played, and sixth in points.

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