On a balmy South African autumn afternoon in March of 2009, a parochial home crowd in Durban witnessed something extraordinary.
Ellis Likely To See First Action Against Minnesota
The Buffalo Sabres have a five-game homestand to start the season, which began with a 4-3 comeback victory over Chicago on Saturday. Head coach Lindy Ruff started Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in both games, but with veteran Alex Lyon on the mend, he indicated that he would be looking to get third-stringer Colten Ellis a game in short order.
That appears to the Sabres next game against Minnesota on Tuesday, which is the one-year anniversary of the St. Louis Blues draftee being claimed by the Sabres off of waivers. Ellis, who turned 26 on Monday, practiced in the starter’s net at KeyBank Center on Monday morning and is likely to get the start against the Wild, who are a 2-0 to start the season.
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"It's what you worked for all summer, to finally get to showcase what you worked on, and i'm super excited to play for everybody in here and I'm really looking forward to it." Ellis said. “"Looking back a year ago , it's pretty crazy. With all that's happened in the past year. I'm super grateful for the opportunity, and not that I was expecting it or anything, but to be able to get picked up and play the whole season here was a dream come true, and you're just kind of living the dream and doing it day in and day out."
The club made a few line combo changes on Monday, swapping Jiri Kulich from the fourth to third line, where he centered Peyton Krebs and Konsta Helenius, while shifting Ryan McLeod down to play center Beck Malenstyn and Sam Carrick. Ruff also tinkered with the struggling power play, moving Josh Doan off of the top unit in favor of Noah Ostlund.
In ex-Sabres news, the family matter that resulted in Bowen Byram missing his return to Buffalo on Saturday was finally explained, as the blueliner’s wife gave birth to twin baby girls on Saturday afternoon.
Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo
Hurricanes Recall Reinforcement From AHL Chicago
The Carolina Hurricanes have recalled defenseman Juuso Valimaki from the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.
The 27 year old was one of the final cuts from Canes training camp and has been one of Chicago's top defenders since joining the organization back in January.
Valimaki has 271 games of NHL experience, recording 11 goals and 72 points in that span. Charles Alexis Legault was reassigned by the Hurricanes on Saturday, leaving the team with only six defensemen as Mike Reilly slotted in against the Flyers.
Carolina is in Montreal on Tuesday to take on the Canadiens and so the 6-foot-2 Finnish lefty could potentially make his team debut then, or he might just have been recalled for depth purposes.
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Rangers Place Matthew Robertson On Waivers After Šmits' Emergence And Veleno Injury
The New York Rangers have placed Matthew Robertson on waivers.
Robertson was held out of practice on Monday due to roster management reasons, as it was quickly revealed that he was waived by the team.
Selected in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft by the Blueshirts, Robertson spent multiple seasons playing in the American Hockey League for the Hartford Wolf Pack before finally getting his NHL chance during the 2025-26 season.
The 25-year-old played in 72 games for the Rangers last season, as he finally seemed to cave out a consistent role.
However, 2026 fifth-overall pick Alberts Šmits stood out throughout training camp and took over Robertson’s position as the Rangers’ third-pair left-handed defensemen.
Robertson made the Rangers’ opening-night roster out of training camp, but he has been scratched for all four of New York’s games to kick off the 2026-27 campaign.
With Robertson waived, it’s safe to say that the Rangers have confidence continuing to use Šmits moving forward and he’ll remain in the NHL barring any major regression in his play.
Joe Veleno also suffered a lower-body injury during the Rangers’ Sunday night game against the Utah Mammoth, which may have led to Robertson’s waiving since Veleno’s availability is in jeopardy and the Blueshirts only have three active centers on the roster.
Canucks Forward Paul Cotter Named NHL’s Third Star Of The Week
After a strong start to the 2026–27 season that saw him register four goals and two assists in his first four games as part of the Vancouver Canucks, Paul Cotter has been named the NHL’s third star of the week. He currently leads the NHL in goals scored alongside Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard and Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz.
Cotter joined the Canucks via free-agency signing during the 2026 off-season, coming to Vancouver after two seasons with the New Jersey Devils and three with the Vegas Golden Knights before that. He scored a career-high of 16 goals in his first season with the Devils back in 2024–25.
Two of the four goals Cotter has scored so far came in Vancouver’s first game of the regular season, a 6–5 overtime win against the Oilers on September 29. He is one of only six players in Canucks history to record a multi-goal game in their debut.
Also named to the NHL’s Stars of the Week list are New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who scored a goal and posted a 1.67 GAA, and Bouchard, who has scored four goals and four assists in Edmonton’s first four games of the year.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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Atlanta Braves NLDS Game 3 eve chat and discussion, October 5
Happy Monday, all. How are we faring after last night’s split?
The National League Division Series has had its fair share of drama. While we were hand-wringing about Chris Sale and the prospect of a bullpen game (where we need not have worried, because Ray Kerr is a hero?), Brewers/Padres has been unreal. A potential game-tying home run in Game 1 foiled by… the closed roof (but maybe not, as the analytics say it only would’ve been a homer in Houston).
And a two-out, two-strike, two-RBI walkoff single off Mason Miller to bring the series back to San Diego with the Friars down 0-2. Gut punches, for sure. There truly isn’t anything like postseason baseball stress.
The AL is back in action tonight with the White Sox up 1-0 over the Cleveland Guardians. The Rays one-hit the Yankees and only needed a Jonathan Aranda home run to take their lead in the series.
I will leave you with this interview Brent Suter did with former Brave Kevin Pillar and co-host Cody Allen. He chats about the team, the “ace of all aces” in Chris Sale, how underratedness of Matt Olson, and much more.
The comments are yours. Have at it!
Aaron Boone instills faith in Schlittler ahead of ALDS Game 2 start
Aaron Boone is sure Cam Schlittler is built for moments like getting the start against the Rays in the ALDS.
During his conversation with the media ahead of Game 2 on Monday, the Yankees’ skipper responded to comments about Schlittler’s confidence when the lights are brightest. The Division Series was a bit bumpier for him in 2025 than the Wild Card Series showdown with Boston, so he’ll look to put that behind him. The 25-year-old righty will be making his second career ALDS start and will look to continue his current postseason hot streak as New York faces Tampa Bay.
“You never know a result is going to be in a given game, but he’s certainly equipped to handle it,” Boone stated. “He’s got a ton of confidence and is fearless in these spots.”
During his previous postseason outing, Schlittler barred the Red Sox offense from gaining an edge in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, throwing six and a third scoreless innings and racking up 10 strikeouts. It’s no surprise that he showed up and shelled out, following the discourse behind his rivalry with New England fans and media outlets.
The Yankees will have the opportunity to head back to the Bronx, with hopes of a split series, and have Max Fried take the mound for the Game 3 start against Tampa Bay. Boone also announced that Carlos Rodón would get the nod in a possible Game 4 at Yankee Stadium, which New York would very much like to force tonight rather than waiting until Wednesday.
You won’t want to miss a second of Schlittler’s outing as the Yankees face off against the Rays in Game 2 of the Division Series Monday at 8 p.m. EST.
Flyers Game Preview vs. Lightning: Key Road Trip Gets Underway
Heading into their fourth game of the young 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia Flyers are in desperate need of getting back in the win column, and things aren't getting any easier for them with a road matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7 p.m. Monday night at Benchmark International Arena.
The Flyers have put themselves in a tough position to start this campaign, barely looking like a hockey team while earning just two of a possible six points, both through overtime losses, against divisional opponents in Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Carolina.
With their goals against Carolina, Owen Tippett and Matvei Michkov became the first two Flyers forwards to score a goal this season... in the third game.
Moral victories are hardly helpful, especially against division rivals, but it is something to build off of if nothing else.
Newcomer Joseph Woll has been nothing short of amazing in net for the Flyers, saving 78 of the first 84 shots (.929) he's faced wearing the Orange and Black, though he's 0-0-2 for his efforts after facing 40+ shots on goal in each of his first two starts for the club.
At some point, the Flyers will not be able to rely on goaltending to keep them in games, and what better time to start than the present?
Flyers lines (projected) vs. Lightning
Travis Konecny - Christian Dvorak - Matvei Michkov
Carl Grundstrom - Trevor Zegras - Owen Tippett
Tyson Foerster - Noah Cates - Porter Martone
Denver Barkey - Sean Couturier - Noel Acciari
Cam York - Travis Sanheim
Nick Seeler - Jamie Drysdale
Simon Benoit - David Jiricek
Dan Vladar (S), Joseph Woll
Rasmus Ristolainen is reportedly a game-time decision, and Denver Barkey was activated from injured reserve with Nikita Grebenkin going on injured reserve to make room for his return. Barkey figures to replace Alex Bump, who has played very little to start the year, in the lineup, at least for now.
Veteran Garrett Wilson is expected to serve as the undressed extra forward.
Lightning lines (projected) for Flyers game
Gage Goncalves - Brayden Point - Nikita Kucherov
Jake Guentzel - Anthony Cirelli - Brandon Hagel
Pontus Holmberg - Zemgus Girgensons - Ilya Mikheyev
Jeff Viel - Conor Geekie - Scott Sabourin
J.J. Moser - John Carlson
Victor Hedman - Erik Cernak
Ryan McDonagh - Max Crozier
Andrei Vasilevskiy (S), Dennis Hildeby
How to watch Flyers game vs. Lightning
Monday night's Flyers game against the Lightning will be broadcast on The Spot, NHL Network, and NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Flyers player to watch
Starting goalie Dan Vladar is my Flyers player to watch tonight. Last year's breakout star is looking to shake off a season-opening 7-0 loss to Pittsburgh, and while that game wasn't his fault, Vladar now has competition from Woll for starts and ice time.
In his career, Vladar is 2-3-0 in five games against the Lightning with a 4.23 GAA and .851 save percentage.
Crosby, Malkin React To Ovechkin Retirement News
Washington Capitals forward and longtime Pittsburgh Penguins nemesis Alex Ovechkin announced on Monday that the 2026-27 NHL season will be his last.
Ovechkin has played in a lot of iconic games against the Penguins, both in the regular season and the playoffs, and has compiled 44 goals and 80 points in 83 regular season games against the Penguins.
Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have played against Ovechkin throughout their careers and reacted to the news to the Pittsburgh media after the morning skate.
"He's done everything," Malkin said. "He's played, what, 22 years? He understands the league really good. It's not easy; same like myself, maybe it's my last year too. I still love his game, but again, it's not easy to play every game every night. It's hard because he’s legend, fans love him. He’s done everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game."
Crosby echoed those comments when he was asked about it.
"Definitely have had some great battles over the years, and obviously, when you get to our age, it's something you have to make decisions on, and for him, as long as he's happy and enjoying it, that's the biggest thing," Crosby said.
The Penguins will play the Capitals four times this season, including this Wednesday in D.C. Ovechkin's final game in Pittsburgh will be on Mar. 13.
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Owner Christopher Ilitch responds to Detroit Red Wings fan outrage
Days after an opening night beset by booing and "Sell the team!" chants, Detroit Red Wings owner Christopher Ilitch responded via social media.
In a message posted on his LinkedIn page, Ilitch addressed the fan disenchantment with the franchise, made vocal on the evening of Friday, Oct. 2 – and then again, two days later – during games at Little Caesars Arena.
"I recognize fan frustrations," Ilitch wrote. "I get it and certainly feel the same. Like our city, the Red Wings have experienced incredible triumphs and faced difficult challenges but have always met them with grit and determination.
"As the franchise begins its 101st season, I remain focused on building the championship-level organization that our Red Wings family and fans deserve."
Ilitch began his missive with a nod to the franchise's history – it was in fall of 1926 a hockey club, then named the Cougars, arrived in Detroit. (They were eventually renamed the Red Wings after being purchased by James E. Norris in 1932.)
"Opening night in the NHL is always something special," Ilitch wrote. "And Friday night, as our Detroit Red Wings began a new season at Little Caesars Arena, Hockeytown showed up," Ilitch wrote. "A century of hockey, and more Stanley Cup wins than any other American NHL team, only happens with dedication and resilience. That Red Wings spirit is a constant through the seasons, from the coaches and players to the arena staff —like our incredible Ice Crew and broadcasters — and of course, generations of fans. I enjoyed visiting with many of them before the game to thank them for their part in our story and continuing it forward."
The "Sell the team!" chants come at a time of turmoil seen by the franchise since Ilitch's parents, Mike and Marian Ilitch, bought the club in 1982 from Bruce Norris (James' son), who had run it into the ground. Even during the pandemic years, when the Red Wings were showing the effects of having used first-round picks to stoke their 25-season playoff streak that lasted from 1991-2016, there was never this level of fan outrage.
It comes after a summer during which then-captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade, Steve Yzerman was ousted in mid-July as general manager, and the 2026-27 season began with restricted free agent Simon Edvinsson unsigned. (He has since indicated he would prefer, like Larkin, to be traded.)
The Red Wings next play at home against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday (7 p.m., Detroit SportsNet), as part of a season-opening stretch that features seven of their first eight games at LCA.
Contact Helene St. James at Hstjames@freepress.com.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Owner Christopher Ilitch responds to Detroit Red Wings fan outrage
Red Wings Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch Addresses Fan Frustration
There has been plenty of angst among Detroit Red Wings fans over the last several months, and it has been on full display during each of their first two games of the 2026-27 NHL season at Little Caesars Arena.
Former captain Dylan Larkin was heavily booed when he was introduced Friday evening alongside the rest of the club's inactive players, while loud "Sell the Team!" chants broke out at multiple points during both Friday's 2-0 loss to the Rangers and Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Jets.
Red Wings Governor and CEO Chris Ilitch has now responded in a LinkedIn post Monday, acknowledging the frustration among fans while once again stating, as he did during an interview with Bob Wojnowski last month, that he remains committed to building a winning hockey club.
"Opening night in the NHL is always something special. And Friday night, as our Detroit Red Wings began a new season at Little Caesars Arena, Hockeytown showed up," his post began.
"A century of hockey, and more Stanley Cup wins than any other American NHL team, only happens with dedication and resilience. That Red Wings spirit is a constant through the seasons, from the coaches and players to the arena staff —like our incredible Ice Crew and broadcasters — and of course, generations of fans. I enjoyed visiting with many of them before the game to thank them for their part in our story and continuing it forward."
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
Ilitch then touched on fan frustration, saying he feels the same way.
"At the same time, I recognize fan frustrations," he said. "I get it and certainly feel the same. Like our city, the Red Wings have experienced incredible triumphs and faced difficult challenges but have always met them with grit and determination."
"We Can't Have That": Penalty Killing Woes Return In Red Wings' 2nd Straight Home Loss While the Detroit Red Wings didn't play poorly five-on-five during Sunday's game, their penalty killing struggles proved to be their undoing. He concluded:
"As the franchise begins its 101st season, I remain focused on building the championship-level organization that our Red Wings family and fans deserve."
The Red Wings will be back on the ice on Tuesday at Little Caesars Arena against the visiting Ottawa Senators.
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The Flames Need a Spark. Could Suniev and Brzustewicz Provide It?
The Calgary Flames have already made some significant roster moves early in the 2026-27 season, and those changes could open the door for a couple of young players waiting in the AHL.
One name in particular stands out.
Could Aydar Suniev be in line for an NHL recall sooner rather than later?
If I were a betting man, I’d say there’s a pretty good chance.
Suniev leading the Flames in preseason goals and still being assigned to the Calgary Wranglers out of camp was certainly a head-scratcher, especially for a team that entered the regular season needing to find more offence.
The decision made sense from a development standpoint. Suniev is still just beginning his second professional season, and there are parts of his game that need work before he becomes a full-time NHL player. His defensive game and play without the puck were areas he identified himself.
“I think playing without the puck and getting the puck back… that’s one of the areas I wanted to focus on,” Suniev told the media after his final preseason appearance when asked what he was focusing on and what the team had asked him to work on.
"I just try to do my best every game."
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 25, 2026
Aydar Suniev shares his thoughts on his performances during the preseason and his mindset moving forward. pic.twitter.com/FiC0FPdq0K
That development doesn’t suddenly disappear because the Flames are struggling. But neither does the need for offence.
Calgary has opened the season 0-3, with just three goals scored and a minus-13 goal differential. At some point, the Flames are going to have to look at what they have available internally and determine whether somebody can provide a spark.
Suniev has already shown that he can produce. He scored three goals in two preseason games and also found the back of the net during the rookie NextGen game. He had additional chances that could have easily resulted in more goals if not for the post getting in the way.
Nobody should expect a 21-year-old forward to suddenly fix the Flames, but if the offence continues to struggle, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore a player who has already demonstrated an ability to put the puck in the net.
And the Flames have now created an opening.
The club placed former first-round pick Connor Zary on waivers Monday following a difficult start to the season. Defenceman Brayden Pachal was also placed on waivers, potentially creating another opening on the roster.
That doesn’t mean Suniev is automatically the answer. It does, however, make the possibility of a recall much more interesting.
If Calgary decides it wants to inject some offence and energy into the lineup, Suniev would be one of the more obvious internal candidates.
The same could potentially be said for defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz.
With Pachal now on waivers, there is an opportunity for another young defenceman to potentially rejoin the NHL group.
Brzustewicz became somewhat of an odd-man out after Calgary added veteran Jake Middleton and former second-overall pick Simon Nemec during the offseason. That wasn’t necessarily surprising, but it did leave the 21-year-old back in the AHL after he had already seen NHL action last season.
Brzustewicz appeared in 34 games for Calgary last season, recording two goals and seven points while finishing with an even plus-minus.
There were things he needed to improve, particularly with his speed, decision-making and timing, but there was also enough there to suggest he could eventually become an important part of the Flames’ blueline.
But there’s another part of his game that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Offence.
Brzustewicz produced 92 points, including 13 goals and 79 assists, in his final junior season with the Kitchener Rangers. He followed that up with 32 points in 70 games during his first full professional season with the Wranglers in 2024-25.
We haven’t seen that offensive ability translate consistently at the NHL level yet. But that’s exactly why opportunity matters.
Would putting another young defenceman into a struggling Flames lineup be ideal?
Probably not.
But Brzustewicz has already experienced NHL hockey in Calgary. He knows what the environment looks like, and he handled himself reasonably well despite the chaos surrounding the team last season.
He could potentially provide Calgary with a mobile option on the back end while also giving the Flames another player capable of helping move the puck and contribute offensively.
None of this means Suniev or Brzustewicz is the answer to what is happening in Calgary.
Two young players aren’t going to suddenly turn a struggling team into a contender.
But that’s not really the point.
The Flames need to find something different. They need energy. They need offence. They need players who are hungry for an opportunity. Suniev and Brzustewicz potentially fit that description.
Whether either player gets the call remains to be seen. But with the Flames already making changes to the roster, it wouldn’t be surprising if the conversation inside the organization eventually turns toward the players who are waiting in the wings.
‘Dreaming’: Legend’s savage rant on ‘dog s***’ Test squad call… as shock Plan A revealed
Matthew Hayden has teed off at Australian selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide in an explosive rant following the shock decision to add Nic Maddinson to the Test squad for their series against South Africa.
ALDS Game 2 Preview & lineup breakdown: Schlittler vs. Peralta
Cam Schlittler will look to continue his hot streak in the postseason as he prepares to take the mound for Game 2, with a Yankees lineup that will battle Freddy Peralta to even up the Division Series.
After a disappointing Game 1 performance in the Trop, the Yankees offense will attempt to even the score before heading back to the Bronx for the third meeting in this best-of-five series. Schlittler, who had a dominant performance in the first meeting of the Wild Card Series against Boston, is poised to be efficient from the bump and keep the Rays’ offense at bay with a lights out performance.
Let’s get into the Yankees lineup. Boone decided to leave it unchanged from Game 1, with Ben Rice in the leadoff spot as DH, followed by Cody Bellinger at left field and Luis García Jr. in the hole, starting at first.
Spencer Jones, who struck out twice in the ALDS opener, will take the cleanup spot and start at right field over Heliot Ramos.
Here’s the question that lingers in my mind: Has Trent Grisham made enough of an impact to keep starting at center field? Spencer Jones, one of the youngest presences on the Yankees’ postseason roster, has put forth competitive at-bats while also playing the field efficiently. Is it the better move to put Jones in center field and play Heliot Ramos at right field? Boone experimented with this in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, and although Ramos struggled offensively, Jones tallied a hit and brought in two runs. Putting Grisham at right field and keeping Jones at center is also an option worth considering. Grisham was effective offensively in the Wild Card Series, getting the start in Game 2 against Boston, but struggled defensively as he was too slow to chase down a shallow fly from Red Sox fielder Nate Eaton.
Keeping the middle of the order unchanged with Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, George Lombard Jr. at shortstop, and Grisham at center will hopefully work out better for the Yankees this time against Peralta. It would be hard for them to do much worse than they did against Drew Rasmussen two night sago.
Although his decision-making ultimately cost the Yankees a shot at evening the score on Saturday night, Austin Wells remains the starting catcher, the only player to record a hit against Rasmussen, and Ryan McMahon will make the start at third.
It would also be nice to see Giancarlo Stanton in a pinch hitting position against either Peralta or one of the Rays’ relievers, giving him a chance to add to his extensive postseason legend.
Here’s a look at the Rays’ starting lineup, which also remains unchanged from Game 1.
If the Pinstripes can get the win on the road, the path to the ALCS will be much clearer as they return to the Bronx. Hopefully, it will give the Yankees enough momentum to shut down the Rays and make their first return to the Championship Series since 2024.
NBA season 2026-27 Preview: Seven best Duos in the NBA
The NBA moves fast. Just a couple of seasons ago, a list of the top duos would have included Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum on the Celtics, LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers, and Giannis Antetokounmpo was paired with Damian Lillard in Milwaukee. Just a season ago, a similar list would have included James Harden and Ivica Zubac on the Clippers, but by the trade deadline, both were on new teams.
Which is to say, teams need to take advantage of the windows with top duos while they can. Heading into the 2026-27 season, here are the NBA's top seven duos.
1. Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray (Denver)
This is the most tested and reliable elite duo in the NBA — we know how well they play off each other, and we've seen them lift the Nuggets to a title. Both also are coming off monster seasons. Jokic averaged a triple-double of 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game, shot 38% from 3, and finished second in MVP voting. Murray had his best statistical season, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 assists — both career highs — and shooting 43.5% from 3-point range, which earned him All-Star and All-NBA honors.
When Jokic and Murray were on the court together last season, the Nuggets had a +11.6 net rating. This remains one of the league's elite duos. What held back Denver last season — and the concern heading into this one — is health and the depth around Jokic and Murray. But that duo? Nobody is worried. Jokic is making midseason passes in the preseason.
NO-LOOK. CROSSCOURT. BEHIND-THE-BACK DIME.
— NBA (@NBA) October 4, 2026
ARE YOU SERIOUS, JOKER pic.twitter.com/A5upVabWYw
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City)
We didn't see much of this duo last season. While Gilgeous-Alexander was on his way to his second consecutive MVP award, Williams played just 33 regular-season games and five in the playoffs due to injuries. J-Dub was not himself.
Williams is back healthy this season, and he and SGA are ready to resume the form that had the Thunder with a +13.1 net rating when they shared the court two seasons ago — the season they lifted OKC to the title. Gilgeous-Alexander, 29, and Williams, 25, are at their peak, have incredible depth around them (it's really a trio with Chet Holmgren), and will have the Thunder back in title contention again.
3. Victor Wembanyama & Stephon Castle/Dylan Harper (San Antonio)
Wembanyama's standing in the game is unquestioned: He became the first unanimous Defensive Player of the Year last season, and at age 22 was the youngest player in NBA history to both make First Team All-NBA and lead his team to the NBA Finals. He is the MVP betting favorite heading into this season for a reason.
The question is who you pair with him in a duo. A year ago at this time, we would have said De'Aaron Fox, but during the regular season Stephon Castle looked like the better fit with Wemby, averaging 16.7 points and 7.4 assists per game while shooting 35% from 3, and the Spurs had a +17 net rating when they shared the court. Then during the playoffs, Dylan Harper asserted himself — especially in the NBA Finals — and looked like the future No. 2 option for the Spurs.
This season, either Castle or Harper could take over that role — but if you start to look at them as an elite trio, San Antonio becomes that much scarier. And they are all 22 or younger.
4. Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns (New York)
If you want to argue this duo should be higher up the list, I'm not going to push back — the proof comes on opening night when Adam Silver hands them their championship rings.
The stats around this duo are impressive — the Knicks had a ridiculous +20.3 net rating when Towns and Brunson shared the court in the playoffs — but their stories are even better. Jalen Brunson has been dismissed and questioned before he even got to Villanova, and Dallas underestimated him so much he walked out the door. Town faced similar questions about whether he was really a championship big, and Minnesota shipped him out to avoid the second apron of the luxury tax. Together, Brunson and KAT bonded, eventually found a rhythm on the court and became New York legends. The Knicks need to pay up to keep this duo together.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo & Bam Adebayo (Miami)
We haven't seen this duo together yet, but they deserve to be on the list. We may have questions about how smoothly they fit together on offense, and whether there is enough talent around them, but make no mistake, Pat Riley went out this summer and made the Miami Heat must-watch again.
What is this all going to look like?
"You got two front court guys that can dribble, shoot, pass. Who can rebound," Adebayo said on the LeBatard Show recently. "Obviously, the defensive side is what it is. We know how great we want that to be. But you got two guys going downhill that are very mobile. They have high IQ that can pass. People are underappreciating it right now because they haven't seen it, but as the time goes by people will learn to appreciate what we will do."
6. Luka Doncic & Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
Luka Doncic is as elite an offensive player as there is in the game. An MVP-level player just entering his prime at age 27. A six-time All-NBA player who last season averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Doncic also works best with a high-level secondary shot creator next to him, which is why the Lakers paid up this summer to retain Austin Reaves (four years and $184 million). Reaves is coming off a season where he averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game and showed he could run the team when Doncic is out.
When Doncic and Reaves are tight, they have a Jalen Brunson-and-Josh Hart kind of comedy vibe off the court. They also work on the court, where the Lakers had a +8.9 net rating last season when the duo played together. However, Los Angeles needs them to do that in more than 41 games (injuries limited both at times last season), and the Lakers need a lot of other things — their defense, Walker Kessler, depth — to go right as well to get to the level Rob Pelinka likes to talk about.
Anthony Edwards & LaMelo Ball (Minnesota)
Minnesota will be must-watch this season. Anthony Edwards paired with the best passer he's ever played with, LaMelo Ball, will lead to a dynamic, up-tempo offense full of highlights. Whether that leads the Timberwolves back to the Western Conference Finals is a different question, but we're not going to be able to take our eyes off them.
Edwards averaged 28.8 points and five rebounds a game last season, shooting 39.9% from 3-point range. He's going to get some easier looks now, Rudy Gobert is going to be finishing alley-oops and the Timberwolves are going to be entertaining. However, the real key to their season may be whether Jaden McDaniels takes another step forward. That and whether LaMelo Ball is ready for this spotlight and this kind of playoff pressure.
Two duos of note not on this list:
• No Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren from Detroit, who came very close to taking the last spot (from the Timberwolves). To be fair, Cunningham and Duren proved they can lead a 60-win team, but that playoff performance has given me pause (especially since Pistons management didn't fix things this offseason). It really can't be said enough: if Duren and Ausar Thompson both remain non-shooters, playing them together in the postseason is going to be an issue.
• No Philadelphia 76ers are on this list because I don't know what to do with them as a duo: Reach into a hat and pull out the names of two of Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Two of them probably should be on this list, which two is the question. The 76ers may not have the answer to their best duo until around Christmas, so they were not making the cut here before the season tips off.