Michael Jordan came out of retirement after three years to play two seasons with the Washington Wizards, from 2001-2003 [Getty Images]
A Michael Jordan jersey from his 'Last Dance' season has sold for $14m (£10.6m), a record for a piece of basketball memorabilia.
Jordan wore the Chicago Bulls jersey during game two of the 1998 NBA Finals and has autographed it too.
He scored a game-high 37 points that evening before ending his last season with the Bulls with a 4-2 series win for his sixth and final NBA Championship. He was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player in all six.
The only item of sports memorabilia that has cost more is the jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth when he "called the shot" during the 1932 World Series, which was sold for $24.1m (£18.2m) in 2024.
The previous high for a basketball item was a card featuring Jordan and Kobe Bryant from 2007-08 which sold for $12.9m (£9.8m) last year.
The previous record for a piece of game-worn Jordan memorabilia was set just two weeks ago when his jersey from game three of the 1998 Finals, which is not autographed, sold via auction for $12.3m (£9.3m).
The latest purchase was made by Miami real estate investor Ron Firman in a private sale through Hunt Auctions.
David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions, said in a statement: "While Michael Jordan's importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established, it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art."
So where is our game? Coventry will want to use their wide attackers to get them up the pitch. Down their left in particular, I’d expect to see Dasilva and Mason-Clark ganging up on Miley, who isn’t a full-back, with Rudoni and Yirkenkyi making late runs to give them presence in the box. I also wonder if Cherif will look to run off Botman, who isn’t the quickest, with Thomas-Asante and Van Ewijk looking to supply him with crosses.
Email! “I say this is a perfect fixture,” writes Mary Waltz. “To get back to semi normal football. We have had a week to focus on the City problem but let’s get real. Whatever happens to them it will probably months before the lawyers get all their billable hours in and we don’t know what the final outcome will be. I for one am tired of speculating when it is pointless untilthe powers that be make up their minds. Let’s play ball.”
VANCOUVER, CANADA - OCTOBER 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors warms up before the game against the Toronto Raptors during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 10, 2026 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Jones/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Raptors have split the outcome of their first two preseason games, but it seems they might have a leg up against their Atlantic division rivals with the first on-court appearance for the Raptors of Kawhi Leonard.
“He went through practice today,” said Rajaković about Leonard at today’s practice. “He’s feeling great. So, yes, he’s gonna be available for game tomorrow.”
The superstar’s status seemed to be somewhat ambiguous before today. When the question was raised about how Jamal Shead felt about facing the New York Knicks alongside Kawhi, he seemed surprised.
“I ain’t know that,” Shead said, with a laugh. “Yeah, I mean, it’s going to be cool… seeing him in that 1st group and see how they start the game and see, you know, where he’s at conditioning wise. I know that was one of his biggest focusses… He’s a talent. He’s who he is.”
The New York Knicks handily defeated the Raptors in all five of their regular season games last year, en route to the championship, but things are different with Kawhi back. Brandon Ingram, while indeed an All-Star and a talented scorer, is not the player Kawhi is from both an offensive and defensive perspective, and Leonard’s addition to the squad could make all the difference.
The Knicks and the Raptors share a love for defensive wings, but this time, Leonard brings a level of experience and offensive prowess that the Knicks’ forwards will be hard pressed to match.
Leonard playing his first game for the Raptors at home will mark the first time he’s played at Scotiabank Arena in a Raptors’ jersey since the 2019 Finals. While it’s possible that he could be held back at the last minute for load management, it’s likely that this matchup and its place on home court will mark the Klaw’s first steps back into the hearts of Raptors fans across the country.
SAN ANTONIO - 1973: George Karl #22 of the San Antonio Spurs of the ABA looks to pass circa 1973 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1973 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s a not a new season without new alternate uniforms in this day and age, and the Spurs have released their new Classic Editions: a retro throwback to their ABA origins in honor of the 50th anniversary of the American Basketball Association’s merger with the National Basketball Association back in 1976.
“Honoring our ABA roots through this Classic Edition uniform gives us an opportunity to celebrate the history that helped shape the Spurs and our city,” said Jordan Mandelkorn, vice president of marketing, creative and retail at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “From the original design worn at HemisFair Arena to the special court with the ABA 50th anniversary logo, this season-long celebration will connect generations of fans to our past while carrying that legacy forward into the future.”
The uniform features a silver base, grounding the team in a core color that reflects the early identity of the franchise. The arched Spurs wordmark returns in its original form on the jersey, worn by the first players to ever represent the city in the early ‘70s and now carrying forward their legacy. Directly above the jock tag, a special ABA anthem tag honors the league that brought the Spurs to the NBA. The shorts will feature the original black diamond backdrop framing the Spurs logo. The team’s patch partner, Ledger, appears on each jersey, symbolizing the commitment they share with the Spurs to build upon past greatness as the next generation forges forward into the future.
Each thread tells a story, and every detail carries us forward.
The Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA first came to San Antonio in 1973. They were initially going to be renamed “The “Gunslingers” before it was changed to the Spurs (probably a good idea), although there is debate as to whether the change was the result of a contest or one of the owners being from the small town of Spur, TX. They soon joined the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and then-New York Nets. The Spurs saw early success in the ABA and NBA, led by George Gervin and James Silas, and although it would take until 1999, they because the first former ABA team to win an NBA title — five, to be specific — and held that distinction until the Nuggets won it all in 2023.
The Spurs will sport their new Classic Edition uniforms and court nine times during the 2026-27 regular season, beginning on November 4 when they fittingly host the Dallas Mavericks. What do you think of the new unis, Pounders? It’s far from their first grey/silver uniform, but these are pretty slick, and the extra meaning behind them definitely adds some significance. Plus, there couldn’t be a more rad duo for rolling them out than Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 22: Isaiah Collier #8 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After splitting their first two preseason games against the Nuggets, a new opponent is rolling into Salt Lake City. The San Antonio Spurs, runner-ups from last season and my pick for the eventual 2027 NBA champion, are coming to town, and will bring match-up problems that I can’t wait for the Jazz to try to solve. If Victor Wembanyama plays (and that is a big “if”), this preseason game will give us a unique opportunity to watch the Jazz, in a low-stakes environment, attempt to solve the player who seems destined to rule the West for the foreseeable future.
I’m particularly interested to see how what lineups the Jazz roll out in this one. Preseason is a time for experimentation, so I would not be shocked to see a starting lineup against the Spurs that Will Hardy has no intention of starting once the regular season comes around. Will Josh Okogie get his chance with the starters? Will Keyonte sit, giving Darryn Peterson some point guard reps? Will Hardy give Blake Hinson a shot with more established players? If ever he wanted to try these scenarios out, now is the time.
Once again, all eyes will be on Darryn Peterson. After he struggled in game 1 against the Nuggets, his shotmaking popped in the rematch. How will he fare against the notoriously physical Spurs backcourt? This is, once again, assuming that he plays – I would not be surprised if the injury report before this game looks eerily similar to what we became accustomed to during March and April of last season.
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs—How to Watch:
Who: Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
When: 7pm Mountain Daylight Time
How to Watch: KJZZ, Jazz+ (in market) or NBA League Pass (out of market)
Green Bay Packers DE Micah Parsons (knee) is not expected to return to practice this week, according to sources. The team hopes that Parsons will be able to return at some point this month but there is no definite timetable.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: (L-R) Scott Soshnick, Editor-in-Chief, Sportico, and Joe Lacob, Co-Executive Chairman & CEO, Golden State Warriors & Golden State Valkyries, speak onstage during Sportico Invest West at Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse & Terrace on May 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Sportico via Getty Images) | Sportico via Getty Images
It’s only been 16 years since Joe Lacob led an investment group that, using an exploding offer, shockingly purchased the Golden State Warriors for $450 million.
And now, less than two decades later, Lacob and Co. have seen their investment not double, not triple, but … 32uple? I’m not sure there’s a word for that.
Sportico recently released their valuations of the major sports franchises, and the Warriors topped the NBA at a staggering $14.5 billion, more than 32.2 times larger than the figure that Lacob, Peter Guber, and a group of investors gave to Chris Cohan in July of 2010.
Which brings us to an intriguing question: how much higher can they go?
The Warriors have, it seems, utilized every tool to max out their valuation. They employ one of the most popular players on the planet, Steph Curry, who recently signed an extension. With a dynasty still fresh in everyone’s minds, they remain supremely popular with a loyal fanbase, and led the NBA with nearly $900 million in revenue last season. And then there’s the big kicker: the state of the art arena, the Chase Center, that the ownership group erected in 2019, and the other supremely popular basketball team that plays there.
Just two years into their existence, the Golden State Valkyries top Sportico’s WNBA valuations at a whopping $850 million. While the Valkyries are also owned by Lacob and his team of investors, they are a separate entity from both the Warriors and the Chase Center. Which means that when calculating the value of the Warriors, one has to delve into the highly unlikely hypothetical that Lacob sells the Warriors but not the Valkyries. In that case, the new owner would be purchasing the Dubs and the Chase Center (which was privately funded), knowing that the Valkyries are a money-printing tenant at the arena.
The Valkyries, of course, aren’t the only outside entity bringing money to the ownership group via the Chase Center. By building a high-end arena in a trendy part of town, the Warriors have become the landlords to the biggest concerts in the Bay Area. Just in the next few weeks, the Chase Center will play home to Doja Cat, Phoebe Bridgers, the Jonas Brothers, and Journey, among others.
It’s hard to imagine how the Warriors could maximize their franchise valuation any more than they already have, which brings us to a final point: when will the NBA bubble burst? In 2014, Steve Ballmer purchased the LA Clippers for what was, at the time, considered an outrageous price of $2 billion. Fast forward 12 years and the least valuable team in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies, is valued at $4.2 billion. The market is, quite simply, exploding. Curry is a year older and the Dubs are a year further removed from their dynasty, and yet their valuation rose by 28% year-over-year.
For now, there’s no end in sight, but eventually the bubble will pop. Until that happens, we’re left to wonder just how high it can climb.
Then again, I’m reminded of a quote that Lacob had the first time the Warriors’ valuation surpassed the 10-figure mark. When asked how he felt about the team being valued at that figure he said, in essence, that the number was false, because there’s no chance he would sell the team for that figure. All these years later, that remains true. Offer Lacob $14.5 billion for the Warriors and the Chase Center and he’ll say no in a heartbeat; offer him $850 million for the Valkyries and he’ll say no just as quickly.
But everyone has a price. I wonder what Lacob’s is?
There apparently is no ceiling on what people will pay for Michael Jordan memorabilia.
The game-worn, autographed red Chicago Bulls jersey Michael Jordan wore for Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals in Utah was sold, through a private treaty sale, for $14 million, a record for any piece of basketball memorabilia, announced Hunt Auctions, which arranged the sale.
This tops the $12.5 million paid for Jordan's Game 3 jersey from that same "Last Dance" NBA Finals. Hunt Auctions identified the buyer as Ron Firman, a Miami real estate investor.
"In our opinion, and 36 years of market experience, Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan stand above all others in the history of American sports..." said David Hunt, President of Hunt Auctions, in announcing the sale. "While Michael Jordan's importance within the sports memorabilia marketplace has long been established, it has now escalated to an elite asset class more typically reserved for iconic works of art. We are very pleased to have been able to facilitate this historic sale, which serves as another benchmark for our industry."
"Michael Jordan was an incredibly talented player who is admired around the world," Firman said in a statement released by Hunt Auctions. "I'm very excited about the purchase."
Anything Jordan — and especially tied to the 1998 "Last Dance" season — is red hot on the memorabilia market. Jordan and the Bulls beat the Jazz in the 1998 NBA Finals, ending on Jordan's iconic pull-up jumper.
This Jordan jersey is the most ever paid for any NBA jersey and the second most ever paid for a game-worn jersey (a Babe Ruth 1932 World Series Yankees jersey sold for $24.1 million two years ago). Hunt Auctions detailed the Jordan jersey's chain of custody, which changed hands only once, in 2003, from the original purchaser.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 03: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the third inning in game one of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 03, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the first time in nearly twenty years, the League Championship series is back at Tropicana Field.
Over the past two decades, the Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the best franchises in all of baseball. Since the start of the 2008 season, the Rays have the 3rd highest winning percentage in the game and have been to the playoffs 10 times. They have won two pennants, falling just short of winning the World Series both times.
There have been two Cy Youngs (Blake Snell and David Price), four Rookie of the Year winners (Randy Arozarena, Wil Myers, Jeremy Hellickson, and Evan Longoria), and numberous Silver Sluggers and Gold Glovers as well Managers of the Year (Joe Maddon and Kevin Cash both winning two).
Factually speaking, this is the team’s third time making it past the Division Series but the 2020 season muddles things as it was only 60 games and each postseason game past the Wild Card rounds were moved to a central locations to try and keep the players safe from COVID (well sort of safe, thanks Justin Turner). The Rays defeated the Houston Astros in seven games in San Diego to move onto the World Series and face the Los Angeles Dodgers in Texas.
So with all their successes, it’s crazy that the Rays will be just playing in their second ALCS at Tropicana Field.
Cleveland’s pitching staff was taxed during their five game series against the Chicago White Sox but the Guardians were able to win out in the end. It was a bittersweet situation for Cleveland during the final two games of the ALDS as they were able to start those games with their two best starting pitchers but that leaves them at a disadvantage with the bottom end of their rotation going against the Rays ace.
So on Monday night at Tropicana Field, instead of Gavin Williams or Parker Messick taking the mound, Cleveland will instead call upon 31-year old southpaw, Foster Griffin.
It’s been a whirlwind of a career for Griffin as he was originally a first round draft pick, selected at 28th overall by the Kansas City Royals way back in 2014 ranking as one of the top high school arms in the country. He and an up-and-down prospectdom with some years appearing as an ace and others as a neverwill. Eventually, the Royals gave Griffin a cameo in the big leagues as a reliever but ultimately he would only toss 6 innings for his drafting team before being traded to the Blue Jays ahead of the 2022 deadline; Griffin would only throw two innings for Toronto and was released in November.
Following his release, Griffin ventured overseas and pitched for the Yomiuri Giants from 2023 through 2025 and performed quite well, regaining his status as a starting pitcher. Over those three seasons, Griffin compiled a 2.57 ERA spread across 315.2 IP.
The Washington Nationals signed Griffin to a one year, $5.5M deal ahead of the 2026 campaign and the changes Griffin made to achieve success in Japan easily transferred state side as he excelled with Washington. Over the first several months of the season, Griffin compiled a 3.06 ERA | 4.10 FUP with a 22.1 K% & 5.7 BB% over 129.1 IP. In need of pitching for their playoff aspirations, that Guardians acquired Grffin from the Nationals at the trade deadline.
The results for Griffin have been inconsistent since landing in Cleveland. There are a couple of outings that heavily skew his 5.19 ERA and his 3.54 FIP suggests that he has been unlucky. Griffin made 9 regular season starts for Cleveland and allowed 3 runs or less in seven of them but also only compelted six innings, three times.
Going to the mound for the Rays in game one will be Drew Rasmussen.
The 31-year old hurler was nearly perfect the last time he toed the rubber for the Rays back on Saturday, October 3rd, during the first game of the ALDS against the Yankees. Rasmussen delivered eight innings of dominance against New York, striking out ten hitters and walking just two; he was just four outs away from a no-hitter when Austin Wells drilled a ball into the right field corner. This looked like a possible turning point in a 1-0 game, but a questionable baserunning decision and elite Rays defense resulted in Wells being thrown at third to record the final out of Rasmussen’s brilliant 8 inning outing.
According to Baseball-Reference’s GameScore (developed by Bill James), this start was the best of Rasmussen’s career as he registered an 88 GameScore. Rasmussen’s previous high (85) was an outing from earlier this season in which he struck out 13, allowing just two hits over 7 scoreless innings against Boston. It was easily the best postseason performance from a Rays starting pitcher, surpassing Matt Moore’s (77) stellar postseason debut in 2011 and Matt Garza’s (75) 2008 ALCS game 7 performance.
The Tampa Bay Rays managed to sweep the New York Yankees in the ALDS despite receiving a less than stellar performance from their offense. As a whole, the offense hit .208/.255/.344 with a .599 OPS which is the second lowest all-time for a team that swept their opponent in the LDS. However, they did have to face one of the toughest pitching staffs in all of baseball so that needs to be taken into consideration as the Yankees led the league in ERA.
The game begins tonight at 8pm with Rays Hall of Famer Carl Crawford tossing out the ceremonial first pitch.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 06: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts while pitching in the first inning during Game Three of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves down 1-0 in the NLCS to the Milwaukee Brewers, unable to muster more than one run. As is so often the case, Monday afternoon they will send Yoshinobu Yamamoto to try to even the series.
The Dodgers are 9-1 in his postseason starts and are undefeated in his six road playoff starts. The last time that Yamamoto faced the Brewers in the NLCS, just last season, he had his first career complete game in a 5-1 victory.
With Yamamoto being a right handed pitcher, expect Christian Yelich to be back in the Brewers lineup.
The Brewers will counter with rookie Logan Henderson, who was 11-3 with a 2.47 era during the regular season, and has only pitched 5.0 innings this postseason, with four strikeouts allowing one run on two hits against the San Diego Padres. He was pulled after five innings at only 71 pitches.
Henderson out-dueled Tarik Skubal in August at Dodger Stadium, going a career high seven innings in a victory that lead to the Brewers having the home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Dodgers got just one against him in that game, a Max Muncy homer in the fourth inning. The Dodgers also faced him in Milwaukee, and did not get any runs. Henderson has 13 K’s in 12 innings against the Dodgers this season.
The Dodgers haven’t had much of an issue getting batters on base, it’s the getting those runners across the plate that continues to plague this team. Only Andy Pages has come through with a key hit that wasn’t a home run. The Dodgers have the pitching, but they need the offense to step up if they want to take this series from the Brewers.
Best values, sleepers and busts are all important when entering your draft. Doing the legwork to prepare for your draft by analyzing mock drafts, stats, projections and preseason rotations are all necessary. But, sometimes, you just have to go get your guy.
That's not to see there isn't any logic or reason behind these selections, because there certainly is. These are the players that we find ourselves drafting most often, sometimes ahead of ADP to ensure they make it on our teams.
In ADP order, here are eight of our favorite players to draft this season.
I’m really excited for the reincarnated version of the De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis two-man game, with Darius Acuff Jr. filling in for Fox. It won’t lead to as much success with a rookie point guard, but Sabonis is going to be heavily involved on offense. He’s still a premier rebounder and one of the best passing bigs in the league. The Kings should be more competitive this season, and Sabonis is going to be a big part of that. He should get back to being a fantasy star. - Noah Rubin
Jalen Williams — F, Oklahoma City Thunder
Following an injury-riddled season, JDub is ready to bounce back. Last year was rough when he was available, but a healthy offseason should allow him to get off to a much better start and get back to stuffing the stat sheet. He wasn’t an impactful defender last year, but he should get back to being elite on that end, and he should shoot the ball much better than he did last year. During his last healthy season, he averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.8 triples per game on efficient shooting splits. - NR
Darius Garland — G, LA Clippers
With the Kawhi Leonard fiasco finally over, Garland has emerged from the wreckage in LA as the current face of the franchise. With Brandon Ingram (Achilles) set to miss some time, Garland should see an insane amount of usage early on. After being traded to the Clippers last season, Garland’s usage rate would’ve been the highest of his career if stretched over the course of a full season. Now, take Kawhi out of that. Garland should be in for the best season of his career, especially now that he has fully recovered from the toe injury that has plagued him in recent years. - NR
After a promising rookie campaign, Garland improved his production in Years 2 and 3, culminating in the best season of his career in 2021-22. That season, Garland averaged career highs in points (21.7), rebounds (3.3), assists (8.6), steals (1.3) and Usage Rate (27.9). He was a second-rounder in fantasy hoops for the first and only time in his career, but his production and Usage took an understandable dip the following season once Donovan Mitchell joined the Cavs. Now in LA, Garland has the upside to reach his pre-Spida numbers and push for a Top-25 season. The Clippers are bereft of go-to scoring options and playmakers, particularly with Brandon Ingram (Achilles) out indefinitely. Garland’s ADP has him going in Rounds 5 or 6, and given his projected boost for the lackluster Clippers, he should blow past that price and finish as one of the season’s best values. Garland is my favorite fantasy pick this season. - Zak Hanshew
Naz Reid — F/C, Charlotte Hornets
Reid has been an elite sixth man throughout his career, averaging 11.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks and 1.5 triples in 406 games off the bench. The stretch big, however, has excelled when inserted into the first unit. In 77 career starts, Reid averaged 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers. With the ability to knock down triples, rack up defensive stats, score, rebound and facilitate, Reid has an elite fantasy skillset. Reid should be a full-time starter for Charlotte after Miles Bridges was dealt to the Suns. Additional usage could be coming Reid’s way as both Coby White (calf) and Kon Knueppel (hamstring) are banged up, and their status for Opening Night are uncertain. - ZH
Call me biased, but getting Anunoby at or around his current ADP (68 as of October 11) would be a major steal, regardless of league format. He has been a top-50 player the last two seasons, playing in 74 and 67 games. Availability was an issue in three of the four seasons before this two-year run, and I wonder if fantasy managers are still holding that against Anunoby. Given his play during the postseason, I expect the Knicks forward to build on that and be more aggressive on the offensive end of the floor. - Raphielle Johnson
Immanuel Quickley — G, Toronto Raptors
Quickley is another player I believe is undervalued, with his ADP outside the first 90 picks. This is a guy who was nearly a top-50 player last season. Kawhi Leonard is better than Brandon Ingram, but I don't expect his return to Toronto to hurt Quickley's offensive production. Also, adding a superior defender could benefit Quickley and the other Raptors on the defensive end of the floor. I expect another quality season from IQ, who played 70 regular-season games in 2025-26 after being limited to 33 in 2024-25. - RJ
Mitchell Robinson — C, Boston Celtics
Robinson is going on average at Pick 108, shockingly one spot behind the man who replaced him, Andre Drummond. The former is preposterously undervalued, as Robinson has been a per-minute menace throughout his career. Across eight seasons, Mitch Rob has averaged 11.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.5 blocked shots per-36 minutes. He’s come off the bench behind Karl-Anthony Towns the last two seasons, but Robinson should have the inside track to winning the starting job in Boston ahead of incumbent Neemias Queta. The 2026 NBA champ signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract to join a team in need of an established big man, and Robinson should far exceed his ADP if he can see 25+ minutes per game. He’s got the perfect combination of opportunity and draft-day price, making him a strong value with tremendous upside. - ZH
Yaxel Lendeborg — F, Golden State Warriors
Sure, "it's just preseason," but his performances and the opportunity in front of him have me convinced of his fantasy value. He can create for himself or his teammates, and with Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody both out with knee injuries, the Warriors will need the rookie to hit the ground running. Also, the Warriors don't have Kristaps Porziņǵis, and it's unknown when he'll be cleared to play. That's another reason to go all-in on Lendeborg in fantasy. - RJ
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Justin Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores a run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 27, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Why is it so hard to find good outfield help these days?
Since 2012, the Phillies have struggled mightily to find quality baseball players to man that vast expanse of green. There have been 83 players who played at least 30% of their games in the Phils’ outfield since the 102-win, 2011 season. It’s a fascinating list.
While he’s no longer primarily an outfielder, Bryce Harper unsurprisingly leads the pack with 29.2 WAR and a 143 OPS+, and Kyle Schwarber is No. 2 at 13.4 WAR. Odubel Herrera, despite not playing for the Phillies since being released during the 2022 season, is still at No. 3, with 13.3 WAR. Brandon Marsh is No. 4, at 9.2 WAR and Ben Revere, their starting center fielder from 2013-15, is No. 5, at 4.9.
That’s right. Ben Revere. The 5th-best Phillies outfielder of the last 15 years. Soak it in.
Here are some other highlights from the list:
Johan Rojas (3.4), Marlon Byrd (3.3), Andrew McCutchen (2.8), Aaron Altherr (2.2) and Juan Pierre (2.1) are the only other outfielders to amass more than 2.0 WAR since 2012. Byrd and Pierre compiled theirs in just one season.
Derek Hill, a bench outfielder this year, was tied with former first round bust Adam Haseley for 12th with 1.4 WAR.
Daniel Nava (1.2), who played 80 games as a part-timer with the 2017 Phils, was worth more than Nick Castellanos (1.1).
Just 20 of the 83 players listed was worth at least 1.0 WAR.
Remember Bradley Zimmer? He played nine games for the ‘22 NL champs and put up 0.3 WAR, tied with Pedro Florimon, Peter Bourjos and David Dahl for 30th.
Darin Ruf is 9th on this list in HRs (35), but with a -0.6 WAR.
Corey Dickerson has the 2nd-highest OPS (.886) among outfielders with at least 100 PAs. The player with the lowest is Moniak (.386). Yep, that’s lower than Michael Martinez (.432) and Tony Gwynn Jr. (.455)
Odubel Herrera is 2nd in hits (791), Domonic Brown is 7th (333), Scott Kingery is 9th (239).
Nick Williams is the worst outfielder over the last 15 years in terms of WAR (-1.5). Tyler Goeddel (-1.3) and Cody Asche (-1.0), are the others with at least -1.0 WAR.
These 8 players played less than 10 games in the outfield: Oscar Mercado (1), Steve Susdorf (3), Jordan Danks (4), Steward Berroa (6), Jorge Bonifacio (7), Simon Muzziotti (9), Jason Pridie (9), Zimmer (9).
Remember these guys? Kyle Garlick, Casper Wells, Jose Pirela, Ezequiel Carrera, Brian Bogusevic, Dylan Cozens, Darnell Sweeney, Cameron Perkins, Matt Joyce, Ty kelly, Jimmy Paredes, Tony Gwynn Jr., Phil Gosselin.
The situation isn’t getting any better.
The minor leagues provide little hope of internal improvements. The Phillies tried to promote Felix Reyes and Gabriel Rincones this season and, to their credit, both made a pretty fun initial splash.
Unfortunately, neither proved they could handle big league pitching and were shuttled to Lehigh Valley not long after their arrival. They’re not in the plans for 2027.
The Phillies received just 1.1 fWAR from their outfielders last year. Only two teams got less production from that position: the Rockies (0.7) and Reds (0.4). Harper’s 1.1 fWAR while playing outfield saved them, otherwise Hill’s 0.7 would have led all Phillies outfielders last year. Their .686 OPS ranked 5th-worst and, again, that was only aided by Harper’s inclusion (.867) over the final two months.
Of all the areas on the field, this is the area that needs the most improvement but also has the greatest opportunity to see change. That being said, Dave Dombrowski needs to make some tough calls over the next few weeks.
What do they do with Brandon Marsh?
After starting in right field for the NL All Stars, Marsh’s end-of-year numbers ended up being the worst of his career (.260/.304/.408, 0.3 fWAR). His second half struggles have been well-chronicled and he’s due to see a raise in arbitration this year to around $8.3 million, which is a hefty price tag for a player 28-year-old coming off his worst season.
The Phillies have been trying to make a platoon with Marsh work for more than four years now. It’s not working. Time to shake things up.
Is Justin Crawford strictly a platoon player? And is he a long-term plan in center?
Crawford’s rookie season was… fine. He was not a disaster defensively in center field, but his -8 Defensive Runs Saved ranked 16th out of 17 qualified players at that position, and his -2 Outs Above Average was 14th. His 82 wRC+ ranked 37th out of 54 players with at least 100 plate appearances as a center fielder, but his one great attribute (that isn’t likely repeatable) was his ability to hit with runners in scoring position (35-for-100, .350 AVG).
He will never be a productive enough offensive player to shift to a corner spot, unless the Phillies were somehow to acquire an offense-first center fielder. Which means, you have to find major contributors in the corners and platoon Crawford in center, hoping his defense improves.
Bottom line, Crawford is not going to be an impact player, even if he hits his ceiling. He’s Ben Revere. Maybe.
Do they keep Bryan de la Cruz and/or Derek Hill?
If so, what are their rolls? Both played better than expected when called upon last year. De la Cruz actually had better numbers against right-handers (.333/.378/.513, .891 OPS) than he did lefties (.222/.317/.306, .623 OPS). Hill was better against southpaws (.781 OPS) compared to righties (.647), and would make for a decent pairing with Justin Crawford in center next year as a platoon-mate. Hill’s defense is well above average, as we saw on numerous occasions last season. But both could be solid bench contributors.
Surprisingly, there are a couple. Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki checks a lot of the boxes for a corner outfielder. He was worth 5.1 WAR in 143 games his season, with 26 HRs, 31 doubles, 86 RBIs and an .841 OPS. He’s a very disciplined hitter who routinely has one of the lowest chase rates in the Majors. He’ll be 32 next season.
Seattle’s Randy Arozarena had an even better year, in a more difficult park in which to hit. He led the AL in runs scored (113) and piled up 5.7 WAR for the Mariners, putting up an .865 OPS and 148 OPS+, the best season of his career. He will also be 32 in 2027. Both are right-handed hitters, something this Phillies lineup desperately needs.
The most likely landing spot for the veteran shortstop is a shift to second base, which would push Bryson Stott back to shortstop or third base. However, Turner has played center field in the Majors before (10 years ago).
If he turned into a good defensive center fielder, his .675 OPS would be a bit easier to swallow, although it would still fall short of what one would come to expect from a corner outfielder.
That being said, Turner is going to have to play somewhere in 2027, and it’s not going to be shortstop. If the Phillies decide to put him in the outfield, it’s likely you’ll see Marsh traded, Crawford/Hill sharing center, and one of Arozarena/Suzuki in the other corner. If they do put Turner in center, Crawford probably has to be moved. He’s not productive enough to be the strong side of a corner outfield platoon.
Are there any possible solutions in the minors?
Not for 2027. After Aidan Miller, Francisco Renteria, the team’s top international free agent signing this year, is the team’s top position prospect. He’s already a top 100 prospect at just 17 years old, but he’s still at least a couple years away from playing in the Majors. Like, 2029 or 2030. Dante Nori burst onto the scene during last year’s World Baseball Classic for Team Italy, but it turned out to be nothing more than an amusement. Nori dealt with injuries for most of the year, and didn’t play all that well when he was on the field.
Caden Bogenpohl is a 21-year-old outfielder drafted out of Missouri State and put up a .742 OPS in 20 games for Clearwater this year. Griffin Burkholder is a 20-year-old prospect who played for Clearwater and Jersey Shore last year and had a .674 OPS in 87 games. Again, both players, if they ever progress, are a couple years away.
So, no. There are no answers coming from the current prospect pool for 2027, and probably not ‘28 either.
Lots for Dombrowski to work on ahead of the work stoppage on December 1!
TUSCON, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Dominick Reid #11 of the Mesa Solar Sox pitches during the game between the Javelinas and the Solar Sox at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Tuscon, Arizona. (Photo by Jill Weisleder/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
It’s Monday and that means it’s time for another update from the Boys of Autumn on the Mesa Solar Sox in the Arizona Fall League.
In case you’ve forgotten what the AFL is all about, check out last week’s introduction. This year, the Mesa Solar Sox are a team consisting of players from the minor league systems of the Cubs, Athletics, Angels, Blue Jays and Red Sox.
We have a special event later today as Kate Preusser of our sister Mariners site Lookout Landing was down in Arizona and she managed to snag an interview with Cubs outfielder Kade Snell as a favor to us. That interview will run later this afternoon.
The Solar Sox went 1-3-1 this past week, with one tie on Monday. That makes their overall record for the season at 2-4-1 so far. The home team is listed last in these links.
So despite going 1 and 3 (and one!) for the week, all three losses were by one run and the Solar Sox outscored their opponents for the week, 29 to 28.
Here’s how the eight Cubs prospects on the Solar Sox did.
Infielder Juan Cabada: At 18, Cabada is the second-youngest player in the AFL this year and as such, it should not come as a surprise if he struggles. Cabada played in four games this week, although on Saturday, he only pinch-ran and went in to third base as a defensive replacement. He did not have a plate appearance in Saturday’s game.
But Cabada played second base on Monday and Tuesday and third base on Friday. He went 1 for 12 with a walk and a stolen base. Cabada was also hit by a pitch. He scored one run and had one run batted in.
On the AFL season, Cabada is hitting .133 with a .278 on-base percentage. He’s scored twice.
Outfielder Harrison Feinberg: Feinberg made his AFL and professional debut on Monday and he went 1 for 4 in that game. He also played on Saturday and Sunday and finished the week going 3 for 9 with three walks and a stolen base. Feinberg scored two runs and had one run batted in. He played left field in all three games.
Outfielder Kade Snell: Snell was the Solar Sox starting right fielder on Monday, Thursday and Friday, but he had a bit of a rough week, going 1 for 10 with a double. He did walk four times, which mitigates the batting average somewhat. He scored one run this past week.
For the young season, Snell is hitting .211/.348/.263 with the one double. He scored twice and drove in one run.
Right-hander Juan Cabral: Cabral just faced two batters this week, relieving his fellow Cub Anhuar Garcia in the fifth inning of Friday’s game with no one on and two outs. Cabral walked the first batter he faced and then got a grounder to first to end the inning.
Cabral has not allowed a run over 1.1 innings and two appearances so far. He has walked two and struck out one.
Right-hander Anhuar Garcia. As noted above, Garcia pitched on Friday, entering the game with one out and one on in the second inning. Garcia pitched 3.1 innings and allowed three runs, two in the third inning and one in the fourth. However, because of an error in the third and a passed ball in the fourth, none of the three runs were earned. Garcia allowed three hits and one walk while striking out two.
Garcia now has thrown five innings over two relief appearances and has an ERA of 7.20. Garcia has walked four and has struck out two.
Right-hander Yohendris Gonzalez: Friday was apparently the Cubs day to pitch as Gonzalez made his only appearance on Friday as well. Gonzalez entered the game in the eighth inning with the Solar Sox leading 6-5.
But Gonzalez had a rough outing. He walked the first two batters he faced but then bounced back to strike out the next two. But then Gonzalez allowed an RBI single to former Cubs farmhand Zyhir Hope to tie the game and then a three-run home run to Giants prospect Dakota Johnson. He left the game right after that.
So the final line on Gonzalez was four runs on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning. Gonzalez struck out two.
Right-hander Dominick Reid: Reid is quickly becoming the ace of the Solar Sox. He started Saturday’s game and got the win after allowing one run on four hits over four innings. Reid’s command of the strike zone wasn’t quite as impressive as in his first game as he walked three and only struck out two on Satyrday.
Over two starts, Reid is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA over eight innings. He’s struck out nine batters and has walked four.
Right-hander Luis Rujano: Rujano was the only Cubs prospect to pitch twice this week, giving the Solar Sox 1.2 innings on Monday and one inning on Saturday. Monday’s appearance was excellent—no runs on one hit over 1.2 innings while striking out three and walking just one.
Friday’s was less excellent but not terrible as Rujano allowed one run on one hit and one walk over one inning. He did not strike anyone out in that game.
Those were Rujano’s first two appearances in the AFL, which gives him an ERA of 3.38 over 2.2 innings.
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Traditionally, the point guard has one job: make everyone better.
Few guards have embraced that role more than James Harden. He’s brought his masterful blend of scoring and playmaking to an 18th season, making it easier for all of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ moving parts to fall into place.
“You don’t have to worry about who is out there with [Harden],” said head coach Kenny Atkinson. “He makes the game look so easy… he makes everyone better, that’s the biggest compliment you can give someone.”
The Cavs look very different than they did a year ago.
In addition to seismic changes at the previous trade deadline, they also added a new member to their starting lineup (Peyton Watson) while pivoting to rely on a handful of unproven role players to fortify their bench. All of this means Atkinson is trying to push the right buttons with different lineup configurations to see what sticks.
“I don’t know if I call it experimenting, but just seeing what stuff looks like,” Atkinson said of his mix-matched rotations during the preseason.
Harden makes that process seamless. Whether it’s building chemistry with new teammates or polishing his relationship with the others. He can do it all.
“He’s one of those players for me; it’s kind of easy to play off him,” said Jaylon Tyson. “Just because [Harden] can make every pass in the book and, obviously, his scoring ability. Everyone is so worried about him offensively that a player like me, catch-and-shoot, just playing off the cut, it makes it so much easier when he’s on the court.”
Having a generational talent, even at 37 years old, is something that unlocks new possibilities for an offense.
Harden, paired with Donovan Mitchell, gives the Cavs two crowned jewels to play off of. Their creativity breeds innovation within an offense that can be hard for defenses to contain.
“Unpredictable,” answered Peyton Watson on how Cleveland’s offense differs from Denver. “In this offense, it’s all about instincts and knowing how to play the game around two elite offensive players — whereas with [Nikola Jokic], I knew every time down he was gonna have the ball… and the play would be for me to do this or that… here, there are more possibilities and things that I can do.”
Finding where you fit is easier when you have a leader like Harden. That’s one aspect of his game that his teammates say goes unnoticed.
“When you’re his teammate, it brings it to a whole new level,” said Donovan Mitchell. “Seeing his influence on the group, seeing his passion and intention behind what he does, it really puts into perspective how BS a lot of the narratives [about Harden] are.”
TORONTO, CANADA - AUGUST 16: Former player Garth Iorg #16 of the Toronto Blue Jays acknowledges the fansâ ovation during a ceremony commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Blue Jaysâ first division title before the start of MLB game action against the New York Yankees on August 16, 2015 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today marks Garth Iorg’s 72 birthday. He played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 1978 to 1987.
Born in Arcata, California, Iorg was selected by the Yankees in the eighth round of the 1982 amateur draft, but joined the Blue Jays in the 1976 expansion draft. Over nine seasons with Toronto, he batted .258/.282/.347, hit 20 home runs, and appeared in 931 games.
Iorg wasn’t a standout player. He joined the Jays as a second baseman and hit accordingly, showing little power, few walks, and limited speed (23 career stolen bases).
Iorg is best remembered as the right-handed half of the “Mullinorg” platoon at third base, paired with Rance Mulliniks, generally considered the stronger player. Iorg’s only standout season came in 1985, when he hit .313/.358/.469 with 7 home runs in 288 at-bats—coinciding with Toronto’s first playoff appearance. The Jays lost to the Royals in a seven-game ALCS, where Iorg struggled, batting just .133/.188/.133 in 15 at-bats. Aside from that year, he never truly excelled, even when facing primarily left-handed pitchers.
I recall him as a solid defensive player, though it may be that his lack of offensive production led me to assume he was more reliable with the glove.
The Jays often used platoon systems at third base, catcher, and designated hitter. In recent years, however, the increased number of pitchers on rosters has made platooning more difficult for teams.
Iorg debuted for the Jays in 1978, appearing in 19 games, mostly at second base. The team struggled that year, finishing 59-102, and Iorg hit just .163/.218/.163. He spent all of 1979 in the minors. In 1980, he returned as a utility player, appearing in 80 games at a variety of positions—2B, 3B, LF, 1B, and SS—and hit .248/.286/.329.
During the 1981 strike season, Iorg played 46 games at second base filling in for the injured Damaso Garcia, as well as a few games at third, but hit just .242/.269/.293. With Bobby Cox arriving in 1982, the Mullinorg platoon began. That year, Iorg played 100 games at third base and 30 at second, posting his best numbers to date: .285/.307/.365. The Jays also improved, finishing 78-84 as some future stars emerged.
In 1983, the Jays achieved their first winning season at 89-73, finishing fourth in the AL East. Iorg hit a hollow .275, with a .298 on-base percentage and a .376 slugging. The 1984 Jays finished second in the division, 15 games behind the World Series champion Tigers. That year, Iorg struggled at the plate, batting just .227/.244/.304. Rance Mulliniks arguably deserved the full-time third base job.
As previously noted, Iorg’s 1985 season stood out as his best.
In 1986, the Jays slipped to the middle of the AL East standings, and Iorg’s performance declined to .260/.303/.352. That year, Kelly Gruber was called up and began taking over at third base, while manager Jimmy Williams used Iorg more often at second as Damaso Garcia’s tenure waned.
In 1987, Iorg became the team’s primary second baseman but struggled offensively, hitting just .210/.262/.284. The season ended in disappointment, as Toronto was swept by Detroit in the final series, losing seven straight games and surrendering first place. Iorg made the final out of the deciding game, with the tying and winning runs on base.
That at-bat marked Iorg’s last appearance for the Jays. He became a free agent afterward but drew no interest from other major-league teams, ending his playing career with Toronto.
Following his playing days, Iorg managed at every minor league level in the Blue Jays organization. He also worked as an agent with Sosnick Cobb Sports Agency, representing many young players, and served as a roving instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers. Iorg is the brother of former major leaguer Dane Iorg and is a father of eight children.
Garth is also remembered for his unusual batting stance—standing on the toes of his front foot and leaning back toward the catcher as the pitch was delivered. As Rance Mulliniks succinctly put it: “It’s unique.”
Happy birthday, Garth. Wishing you a great day.
Nolan Reimold is celebrating his 43rd birthday today.
Reimold played 22 games for the Blue Jays in 2014 after being claimed off waivers from the Orioles, as the team hoped he would hit well against left-handed pitching. He posted a .212/.283/.404 line with 2 home runs before being lost on waivers to the Diamondbacks at the end of August.
Over eight major league seasons—seven with the Orioles—Reimold hit .246/.323/.422 with 56 home runs in 480 games.
Happy birthday, Nolan.
Tanyon Sturtze is turning 56 today.
A right-handed pitcher, Sturtze signed with the Blue Jays as a free agent before the 2003 season. He appeared in 40 games (8 starts), posting a 7-6 record and a 5.94 ERA. In 89.1 innings, he allowed 107 hits, 14 home runs, 43 walks, and struck out 54 batters.
Sturtze’s MLB career spanned parts of 12 seasons. He debuted with the Cubs, pitching 13 innings over 1995-1996, then had brief stints with the Rangers and White Sox, appearing in just one game for Chicago in 1999. The Rays acquired him midway through the 2000 season.
He had his best run with the Rays, spending three seasons there and compiling a 19-30 record with a 4.48 ERA in 91 games (65 starts).
Sturtze later spent three seasons in the Yankees’ bullpen, posting a 5.26 ERA in 110 games. He finished his career pitching 2.1 innings for the Dodgers in 2008.
Across 272 games (84 starts) for seven teams, Sturtze recorded a 5.19 ERA and a 40-44 record. I don’t recall much else about his career.
