2008

In a response to the recent draft eligibility rule instituted by the NBA, Brandon Jennings signs a contract with Virtus Roma from the Italian Lega Basket Serie A, becoming the first American to join a European pro team straight out of high school. Though his playing time overseas was limited, Jennings was drafted #11 overall by the Bucks in 2009 and he set a precedent that was later followed by #1 overall pick LaMelo Ball.

1955

Ron Brewer is born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He led Fort Smith High School to the 1974 Arkansas state title.

1965

NCAA All-American Charles D. Smith is born in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

1981

Zach Randolph is born in Marion, Indiana. In 2000, he finished second in Indiana Mr. Basketball voting behind future Knicks teammate Jared Jeffries.

1986

Timofey Mozgov is born in St. Petersburg, Russia (then Soviet Union). He was part of the Russian national team when they earned bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London.

2001

Lisa Leslie earns her second All-Star MVP award, as she finishes with 20 points in an 80-72 west victory at the WNBA All-Star Game in Orlando. Dawn Staley and Lauren Jackson make their All-Star debuts.

2003

Looking to make one last run at a title with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers sign a 40-year-old Karl Malone and a 35-year-old Gary Payton as free agents.

2019

Chris Paul is traded by the Rockets, along with four first round picks, to the Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook.