I’m old enough to remember when Oso Ighodaro wasn’t good enough to get minutes on a team that got their coach fired. | Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images
With the start of the 2026-27 NBA season right around the corner — NBC has a tripleheader on Tuesday! — it’s the time of the year where teams start nailing down the details of contract extensions as deadlines to file rapidly approach. That has benefited a former Marquette Golden Eagle, as Oso Ighodaro has agreed to terms on a three year extension with the Phoenix Suns, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Suns are picking up Ighodaro's $2.5M team option for 2027-28, so the extension starts in 2028 and runs through 2031 for the franchise's second-round find who has established into a reliable center. https://t.co/wPhFMCxiZm
When Ighodaro was drafted #40 overall in 2024, he signed a deal for three years with a team option for a fourth. The 2026-27 season is the third and final full year of the deal, which the Suns guaranteed for the former Marquette center back in June. Part of the process of agreeing to this extension is Phoenix already picking up the option for the 2027-28 season and thus guaranteeing Ighodaro his nearly $2.5 million salary for that season.
The three year extension then kicks in after that, guaranteeing Ighodaro a paycheck through the end of the 2030-31 season. Spotrac’s breakdown of the deal has him making just under $9 million in 2028-29, $9.7 million in Year Two, and then $10.3 million in Year 3. Oso Ighodaro is a $10 million a year player in the NBA, what a time to be alive.
Ighodaro played in 61 games as a rookie for the Suns, starting six times and averaging 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and just over an assist per game in 17 minutes a night. Last season, he played in all 82 games, getting 24 starts for Phoenix. He averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22 minutes per game overall, but as a starter, that was up to 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in nearly 27 minutes per game. Ighodaro started all four games of Phoenix’s first round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder last spring, putting up 7.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in more than 32 minutes. That’s, uh, not too shabby for a former second round pick, so you can see why the team is enthused about locking him up on a deal that’s worth roughly 5% of the salary cap through 2031.
Phoenix opens their season on Wednesday, October 21st, with a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
That noise you hear is a huge sigh of relief coming out of the Bay Area.
Warriors fans' hearts were in their throats on Sunday when Curry limped off the court at an open practice, as Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area recorded.
Steph Curry limps off the court at open practice and he just went back to the locker room @NBCSWarriors
Curry limped straight back to the locker room, and there were concerns he had done something to his knee.
However, after practice, coach Steve Kerr told reporters that the 12-time All-Star just tweaked his ankle. Kerr downplayed what happened, saying, "He's fine."
The Warriors open the season on Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the new-look Lakers.
The Warriors will take the court for that game already missing key players, with Jimmy Butler (ACL) and Moses Moody (left patellar tendon) both expected to return midseason. Center Kristaps Porzingis remains away from the team with an undisclosed medical issue but says he is improving and working toward a return.
Even when those players return, the Warriors are built around Stephen Curry, both his scoring and the gravity he provides, which creates spacing and opportunities for others. Kerr already said this week that they need to rest the 38-year-old Hall of Famer in some situations, particularly back-to-backs.
"But to be really frank, every year we run into this (situation) where, if we have a bunch of games stacked together..." Kerr told reporters, via Nick Friedell at The Athletic. "So, I would just come out and tell the fans out there to be mindful when you're buying the tickets, of the schedule. Take a look. Because we've got not just Steph but multiple vets we are going to try and manage, because it's the only way we can do this."
Sacramento's Ben Simmons has suffered a torn right Achilles and will soon undergo surgery to repair it, the Kings have announced. While no official timetable was given, he will undoubtedly miss the entire 2026-27 season.
This is a devastating blow for Simmons, who had been out of the league for a year getting his body right and his mind in a good place. For years, Simmons had been dealing with a back issue that limited him physically, caused him to miss a lot of games, and that shook his confidence.
Taking a year off seemed to have worked. All the buzz coming out of Sacramento had been overwhelmingly positive, and Simmons, 30, was expected to be a starter on opening night. While it's just the preseason, Simmons was moving well and playing a more attacking style, averaging 10.5 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 17.4 minutes per preseason game.
Two seasons ago, the former No. 1 pick played 51 games between the Nets and Clippers, averaging 5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 52%, all from inside the arc. He showed flashes of what he could be as a floor general and leader.
This injury also leaves the Kings and coach Doug Christie scrambling to fill a big hole in his rotation. Don't be surprised if Precious Achiuwa gets a lot of run with the starters, a group expected to include rookie Darius Acuff Jr., Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray.
SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Kings were excited to enter the 2026-27 regular-season relatively injury-free but the team received a massive just a few days ahead of the regular-season opener.
Recently signed forward Ben Simmons sustained a torn right Achilles tendon during a live drill in practice on Sunday, Oct. 18, the Kings announced.
"An MRI revealed the torn right Achilles tendon and Simmons will undergo surgery. Further updates will be provided as appropriate," the Kings said.
ESPN reported that the injury is suspected to be a season-ending one for Simmons.
"I've faced challenges before that tested me mentally, physically and emotionally, and I've found a way through every single one of them. This injury is another chapter in my journey, not the end of my story," Simmons wrote on his Instagram story.
"It's never easy being away from the game I love, especially after everything it took to get back here. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that adversity doesn't define you. How your respond to it does.
"I've been knocked down before, and I've always found a way to get back up. This time will be no different."
Simmons' deal with Sacramento gave him a fresh start in the league as he worked his way back into the feel, and conditioning, of the game.
"Coming to work hard, play the game I know how to play," Simmons told USA TODAY during training camp on what he brings to the Kings. "Communicate, and just lead. Lead how I know how to. So it's been good. We're locked in, focused."
Simmons has missed time throughout his career due to chronic back problems and a series of leg injuries. He took time off last year, missing the entire 2025-26 season to rehabilitate his body from his lingering injuries. He has also battled through mental adversity throughout his career.
Simmons, 30, was entering his eighth NBA season and his first season with the Kings. He was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2017-18 season and was twice named to the NBA's All-Defensive first team (in 2019-20 and 2020-21) as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers. He was also named third team All-NBA in 2019-20.
He has career averages of 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.9 blocks per game.
There were shades of the three-time NBA All-Star during the Kings preseason games. Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game in the preseason.
He was projected to make his way into the starting lineup, playing alongside Darius Acuff, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Zach LaVine. The team felt that his acquisition would add versatility to their roster where Simmons could defend every position on the floor, making Sacramento a bigger team.
However, he won't be back on the court in the immediate future and may miss his second consecutive season.
ESPN just featured Simmons in an E60 documentary titled "Being Ben" that premiered Sunday afternoon. The documentary, hosted by ESPN senior writer Marc Spears, follows Simmons, going behind-the-scenes and discussing in-depth Simmons' thoughts and emotions upon his return to the NBA.
Health has been a major concern for Simmons throughout his NBA tenure.
He came into the NBA as a bonafide star, coming out of LSU where he averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, two steals and nearly a block per game as a freshman in 2015-2016.
He always has been looked at as a guy who can do a little bit of anything and everything on the floor. After the 76ers selected him with the No. 1 overall pick the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons missed the entire 2016-17 season after rolling his ankle in his first practice, fracturing in his right foot and ankle – which did not heal throughout the season.
Simmons then played nearly every game for Philadelphia in his next two seasons earning three consecutive All-Star nods before injuries began to mount again after the 2020-21 season.
First was the fiasco when the Sixers lost a 2021 Eastern Conference semifinal series to Atlanta Hawks in seven games that was infamous for Simmons passing up a wide open layup or a dunk under the basket with 3:30 remaining in the game as Philadelphia trailed 88-86.
During the offseason, Simmons asked for a trade, held out from the team and didn't appear for training camp, stating he was away dealing with his mental health. He ended up missing the entire 2021-22 with a back injury in addition to the mental health hurdles and trade holdout.
Simmons was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022. He returned the next season but was limited playing only 43 games as he dealt with a number of knee injuries and lingering back issues.
His back issues continued into the next season in 2023-24, where he appeared in 15 games with the Nets before being shut down with continued back pain, eventually required surgery.
During the 2024-25 season, Simmons played 33 games with the Nets before he was waived. He signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2025 but appeared in only 18 games as he struggled with his physical health and athletic mobility. He became a free agent after that season and sat out the entire 2025-26 season to rehab his body.
He felt like he was back, signing with Sacramento in the offseason amid optimism his injuries were behind him.
With Simmons' now out indefinitely, the Kings have a decision to make ahead of their season opener regarding their starting lineup. Sacramento begins the 2026-27 regular season with a game against the Clippers in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Here is their projected starting lineup following Simmons' injury:
The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres in overtime by a 5-4 final score in their most recent game on Saturday.
Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc contributed in Montreal's win, as he scored a power-play goal at the 11:45 mark of the first period to tie the game up at 1-1.
With this goal, Bolduc now has four goals to go along with six points in eight games so far this season with the Canadiens. He is also on a hot streak right now, as he has recorded a point in each of his last three games.
With the way Bolduc is playing right now, he is showing clear signs of being ready to break out for the Canadiens. The young forward putting up strong offensive numbers like this at the start of the season is very encouraging. Now, he will be aiming to keep it from here for Montreal.
If Bolduc can continue to chip in offensively while making an impact with his physicality, it would be huge for the Canadiens. At just 23 years old, there is reason to believe that he has not hit his full ceiling yet. Due to this, he will be a very interesting player to keep watching as the season carries on.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter in a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena on October 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Injuries not only robbed Adou Thiero of his rookie season, but also the Lakers of getting a chance to really integrate him into their team.
As a team that lacked athleticism on the wing last season, Thiero was the ready-made solution already on the roster. However, most of his season was spent either rehabbing and recovering from various injuries or getting up to speed in the G League.
However, that hasn’t dampened the team’s excitement for Thiero entering his sophomore campaign. Evidenced by his playing time this preseason, the team still has a lot of belief in him.
If you read between the lines, they’re also signaling some of that belief as well. On a recent episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” Dan Woike of The Athletic spoke about the Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga this summer. In doing so, he also expressed how high the team is on Thiero.
“Another ceiling raiser for them is Adou Thiero. Part of the reason, I think, why they weren’t totally bent out of shape about losing out on Jonathan Kuminga, I mean they were interested but it wasn’t a full-press recruitment, I would say…The version of Kuminga they wanted, they didn’t want the ‘I think I can be T-Mac’ version. They wanted, like, ‘Is there a way I can be some sort of discount Aaron Gordon?’ Hyper athlete who can space the floor a little bit and defend and run in transition and be a monster.
Adou Thiero is one of the best athletes in the NBA. Adou Thiero didn’t play a lot last season because of a knee issue. A knee issue that kept him out of the NCAA Tournament in college. A knee issue that pushed him down a lot of draft boards. A lot of teams had him red-flagged. He’s been healthy for most this preseason…He’s a guy that gives them a level of pop and athleticism that, really, no one else does.”
Seeing how much more controlled and impactful Thiero has been this preseason should give the Lakers even more hope that Thiero can be a meaningful piece of the team this season. It certainly seems like he’s going to get the opportunity to do so once the season starts.
On a team with plenty of wings, Thiero’s incredible athleticism sets him apart. If he can add some of the other skills along the way this season, then the Lakers could be looking at a new, young piece of their core.
One of the three teams left standing in the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the Cleveland Guardians have the game's smallest payroll at $74.2 million.
Ranking 30th out of MLB's 30 teams in payroll, the Guardians are in the postseason for the third year in a row and making a second trip to the American League Championship Series in three years. In this ALCS, they're facing the Tampa Bay Rays – whose $98.3 million is 25th.
The payroll figures obtained by USA TODAY Sports are the MLB Labor Relations Department's present-day salary calculation. The LRD numbers include the player’s actual salary plus his pro-rated signing bonus options – and the Dodgers' heavy use of deferrals and bonuses is why the New York Mets have the highest payroll according to these metrics.
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 07: Dalen Terry #21 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 07, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. 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. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was always going to be a longshot for Dalen Terry to make the Golden State Warriors roster. After Saturday’s roster moves, his best chance might be a spot on the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Terry was waived, along with 26-year-old forward Tyler Burton, and Australian Alex Toohey, a Warriors second-round pick from 2025. All three are candidates for the G League squad.
Burton played 12 games at the end of the season for the injury-decimated Memphis Grizzlies. Toohey played just two games for Santa Cruz last season before undergoing knee surgery in December, a procedure he’s still recovering from. Terry had a big preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up 23 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals while most of the team didn’t make the trip. However, he has too much NBA experience to sign a two-way contract, so there’s really no spot for him on the roster.
The last spots on the roster still belong to Georges Niang and Brandon Williams, who will have his contract partially-guaranteed when he’s on the opening night roster. Niang and Charles Bassey each have partially-guaranteed deals, though waiving them wouldn’t open up much money to sign a replacement. Bassey figures to be a necessary part of the rotation, particularly while Kristaps Porzingis remains out.
It didn’t appear that there was a real competition for roster spots during training camp, though Williams impressed by scoring in double digits in his first four games, before sitting out the final game with back soreness. The Warriors remain quite close to the salary cap apron, which limits their options, and the team seems focused on staying afloat until Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler can come back from their own knee injuries.
Could there be a change in the team’s two-way contracts, which currently belong to Graham Ike, LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons? It really depends on who might become available during league-wide roster cuts, but the Warriors tend to value continuity, which favors Cryer and Leons. Like Bassey, Ike might play a lot out of sheer necessity, given the fragile center rotation.
The roster appears set. Santa Cruz looks like they have a nice roster as well. Dalen Terry, we’ll always have Portland.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 16, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In this week’s Utah Jazz Reacts survey, I asked Jazz fans who they would prefer starting: Ace Bailey or Jaxson Hayes. That assumes Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. are locked into the starting unit. Here’s what Jazz fans said:
It’s pretty clear that a majority of Jazz fans want to see Ace Bailey starting over Jaxson Hayes. Obviously, this changes the starting lineup dynamics, but from what we’ve seen in Preseason, it is probably a better dynamic with Bailey starting.
So what are those dynamics? Well, the philosophy of starting a big next to Jaren Jackson Jr. is that it will help with his lack of rebounding and his high foul rate. It should also help defensively by adding size. At least that’s what I assume after listening to Will Hardy’s latest comments about what Tony Bradley brings to the table (“a lot of size”).
My only issue with that is that we’ve seen Jaren Jackson in foul trouble all preseason while playing next to Jaxson Hayes. On top of that, the Jazz also lost the rebounding battle in their latest preseason game against the Suns, where both teams played their main rotations through three quarters, one of the longest stretches of the season.
We’ve also seen what looks like a leap from Ace Bailey. He’s shooting 45% from the field, but that would be higher if he wasn’t shooting just 27% from three, something we know should improve. But it’s far from just the shooting that Bailey brings. Bailey is playing 23 minutes per game at the 3 and averaging 5.3 rebounds per game. He’s also averaging 1.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 9.5 points, with a 14.1 net rating, the clear best among the Jazz’s main rotation players. The next closest are Svi Mykhailiuk at 9.8, Lauri Markkanen at 5.2, and Keyonte George at 1.5.
Something is working!
At this point, Utah hasn’t seen a center like Hayes play next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and either improve his deficiencies or help the team win more. So it’s time to run Ace Bailey at the three and let Hayes come off the bench if Jaren Jackson gets into foul trouble, which he likely will.
You can always adjust again if you need to, but at this point we’ve seen enough of what we get with Jaxson Hayes starting and Ace Bailey playing off the bench that it’s time to give Bailey a chance to start. It might be what unlocks everything for the Jazz this season.
Throughout their history, the Vegas Golden Knights have earned a reputation as a team willing to do whatever it takes in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The organization prioritizes winning above all, and they’re unafraid to sacrifice futures to accomplish their goals.
In nine years, the Golden Knights have won one Stanley Cup and reached two additional Stanley Cup Finals. However, that perpetual excellence came with a cost; they sacrificed almost all of their futures to remain in win-now mode.
Only one notable prospect remained in the organization as the Golden Knights mortgaged their future: Trevor Connelly, the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Very few players in the league are truly untouchable, but the organization never hid how highly they valued Connelly, a California-born playmaking winger with talent for days. They saw something special in him, and their belief never wavered.
“Trevor is different from any player in our organization,” said Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon at the start of training camp. “Elite hockey sense, elite talent. What he did last year in the American Hockey League as a 19-year-old… his ceiling is tremendously high.”
Now, their belief is paying off. The 20-year-old rookie scored just 15:22 into his NHL debut— a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks— and never looked back.
After 10 games, Connelly is emerging as a potential dark horse for the Calder Trophy. He leads all rookies in goals (4) and points (7), all while averaging just 13 minutes and 45 seconds of ice time a night. Connelly is a regular on the third line with Tomáš Hertl and Raphael Lavoie, and was recently elevated to the top power play unit.
It’s still early in the season, and Connelly could come back down to earth. He is a first-year player, and the NHL’s grueling schedule and constant physicality have worn rookies down in the past.
However, nothing about Connelly’s game suggests that his hot start is unsustainable. His defensive game improves every game, and he’s not cheating for offense. He has a great shot, and he’s shown he can drive play. He can even score against some of the greatest players in the game– on Saturday, he read and intercepted Sidney Crosby’s pass, went back the other way, and scored an unassisted goal.
Penguins have a rush, but Trevor Connelly reads Sidney Crosby like a book, picks him off, takes it back the other way, and goes top-shelf with Kaedan Korczak draped all over him.
Connelly is a rare talent, and everyone can see it. His teammates have nothing but great things to say about the talented young rookie.
“I have such confidence in him,” said Mitch Marner. “He’s such a good player. You see it daily, just the plays he makes, those little three-foot plays… You see his hockey sense out there. He just reads the plays so well. He makes so many great offensive plays, and he’s really building his defensive game as well.”
“I think he’s got incredible edge work and high-end skill,” said Golden Knights captain Mark Stone. “He’s done a really good job adapting to the game. He’s a competitive little guy. He’s only gonna get bigger as time moves on as well, so he’s just gonna be more and more effective.”
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 06: Josh Minott #00 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket while guarded by Pat Connaughton #21 of the Charlotte Hornets during their preseason game at Spectrum Center on October 06, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While NBA pundits and others, including fans of the New York Knicks, either ignore the Brooklyn Nets or alternatively dismiss any chances of success, the players and their coaches legitimately believe they can, as Julius Randle said, “shock the world.” Some might roll their eyes at that prediction or the more specific one that Brooklyn can win 50 games this season and think it’s ill-conceived optimism at best, maybe a casual comment at the least. It is not. It’s the driving force, the mantra, for the youngest roster in the NBA at 24.3 years of age. They believe it!
Now that Las Vegas sportsbooks put their season win total at 24.5, only four more than last season, and ESPN predicted they’d win 18 games, two fewer than last season, the reporters who cover the team day in and day out have their opportunity. The New York Post’s Brian Lewis and the New York Daily News’s C.J. Holmes published their season previews this weekend, the Post as part of a 20-page NBA supplement dominated by their take on whether Jalen Brunson and his Knicks can repeat. We should have ND’s annual reporter’s roundtable ready to go before Wednesday night’s opener at Barclays Center.
In general, Lewis and Holmes are not as pessimistic as the national writers, but no where near as optimistic as the Nets players. In different ways, they look at a 30-win season as something reasonable.
For Lewis, the more intriguing questions are how much further will the team travel on its path to contention … and what the roster looks like after 3:15 p.m., Eastern time on February 11, the trade deadline.
He recites what Sean Marks said back on Media Day on September 28,
“Yeah, it’s exciting that we’ve been able to add this youth to this team, watch these guys develop,” the Nets GM for the last decade said. “We’ve always said over the course of the last couple of years, we’re looking for the next Nets. Who are those guys? So we have a training camp and another year to figure this out as we build.
“We’ve kept flexibility over the last couple of years and know that we’re poised when the time is right. [It’s about] having a foundation. There’s certainly some players here on this roster that will be Nets long term. That’s exciting. … [To] see how they develop over the course of this next year is going to be really important. And it’s not just the young guys; it’s everybody we brought in. Jordi [Fernández] has always harped on developing a 28-year-old or developing a 31-year-old, it doesn’t matter. They’ve all got to show that this is an opportunity they’re going to be given, and how can they develop and take their games to the next level.”
There’s no numerical goal in Marks assessment. The tank may be over but the rebuild clearly is not … and while the GM may be setting goals internally, he’s not providing them publicly. His mantra remains development and that’s not limited to just the eight players on rookie deals, the second rounder on a tw0-way but also the 31-year-old Randle and the 28-year-old Porter Jr. (On two occasions when he’s discussed MPJ’s contract extension, Marks pointedly credited Fernandez’s role in putting MPJ in the right place within the Nets offense.)
Randle is both the most senior Net player at 32 (on November 29, six days after his return to Minnesota) and easily the most accomplished — three NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA teams plus Most Improved Player while playing for the Knicks.) He also said recently that he is at the peak of his game.
“Yeah, I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been in my career. And I’m in a perfect situation to play my best under Jordi,” Randle told Lewis. “I think accumulation of wisdom and continuing to improve every single year, I feel like I’m at my best version of myself that I’ve been in my career, and I’m excited to be able to utilize that under Jordi and help this team the best way I can.
“Sean brought me here because of that, because it was time to win. … That’s what it is. … I’m not here to lose. I don’t think anybody’s here to lose this year,” Randle told The Post. “We’re playing to win. That’s as simple as I can put it.”
Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., of course, are what the average Nets fan is most excited by. They’re not only the highest ranking Nets draft picks in back-to-back drafts since Ed O’Bannon and Kerry Kittles in 1995-96. They’re also symbolic of the Nets overall strategy: build organically through the draft. As Lewis writes of Brown Jr., he is a rare combination…
As a Louisville freshman last season, Brown joined stars Steph Curry and Trae Young as the only college players since 2008 to have a 30 percent assist rate, 84 percent foul shooting, 35 percent free-throw rate, and high 3-point volume (over 14 attempts per 100 possessions). That rare intersection of elite passing, volume shooting, and on-ball juice teases a potential All-Star. But there are going to be turnovers and rookie growing pains. Brown is going to have to get bigger, stronger, hone his shot selection, and learn when to settle for safe rather than the high-risk home run pass.
Marks adds that MBJ doesn’t play or act like a rookie.
Demin too presents something new and interesting. After proving that he can shoot the three despite the preseason narrative that he couldn’t, his job now is proving he can go for the more traditional two, testing the lane and going to the line.
The lithe Russian wasn’t just a poor driver as a teenaged rookie, but an unwilling one. But added muscle and a more aggressive mindset have put Dëmin in a position to level up. He’s bigger, stronger, and getting downhill more. After going just 1-for-4 on 2-point baskets in summer league as a rookie, Dëmin came back a year later and went 22-for-29. The disclaimer is that it was just Summer League. Dëmin got extended looks at point guard in camp with Brown sidelined, and attacked the paint, but, again, that’s only preseason.
Then again, in limited action, the two 20-year-olds have displayed a great deal of chemistry. And Nolan Traore, who quite frankly looked like he was the fourth youngest player in the NBA last year, also looked so much better.
Lewis also treats at MPJ departure before or at the trade deadline as a given. After all, if he isn’t extended and the Nets have until June 30 to get it done, he’ll be a free agent days later. Marks & co. certainly don’t want to get noting in return. But on the other hand, this isn’t about helping a team like Detroit or Golden State make a playoff push in return for more picks. The Nets currently have a total of eight firsts in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The Nets’ leading scorer is 28 years old and set for unrestricted free agency, which means he’s going to be a prime trade candidate. The Aug. 11 deadline came and went to extend Porter and still have him eligible to be moved at the trade deadline. General manager Sean Marks has said he wants to see Porter show consistency, leadership, and defense. It also remains to be seen how the Nets perform, and what kind of offers Porter will draw.
The Daily News’ Holmes doesn’t commit to a win prediction, but argues getting from 20 to 50 wins (which would be the second highest total in Nets NBA history) would be extraordinary.
Beating the market would take 25 wins. A meaningful step would look more like 30. Reach the Play-In, and the season gets discussed differently. Getting to 50 would demand all of it at once: the veteran partnership working, the young players growing quickly, and the defense holding up without (Nic) Claxton.
He focuses a lot of his preview on how Randle and MPJ will work together. He thinks they can as do the players.
“We understand each other’s games really well and how we can really complement each other,” Randle told reporters. “We’re two guys that obviously can both really score the ball, but we do it in very different ways.”
Porter has described the same possibility from the perimeter. When Randle pulls a defender into the paint, Porter has room to shoot if the ball comes back out. That one possession obviously can’t account for 30 additional wins, but Brooklyn doesn’t need a historic leap to benefit from it. More paint pressure and higher-percentage looks for its best shooter could lift an offense with plenty of room to grow.
One reason for the optimism, as Holmes writes is that MPJ is as good as it gets in making a 3-pointer while heavily guarded. Just nine percent of Porter’s 3-point attempts were classified as wide open, the lowest share among 307 players who took at least 100 3-pointers. One the other hand, over the past seven seasons, Randle ranks fourth in the NBA in assists leading to 3-pointers, behind only Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić. Heady company.
“We understand each other’s games really well and how we can really complement each other,” Holmes quotes Randle. “We’re two guys that obviously can both really score the ball, but we do it in very different ways.”
There was a little of that in preseason. Who knows, maybe Fernandez was hiding how much he’ll be using said combination. Every smart coach does hide some plays. Despite that, the Nets did lead the league in preseason offensive rating. Over last season with Noah Clowney starting 60 games at power forward, Brooklyn ranked dead last. As Holmes wrote, “Last season gives the Nets little room to pretend the climb is short.”
Still, the optimism is there. “And it’s going to take day by day, step by step,” Brown Jr. said when he first mentioned Randle’s “shock the world” quote to reporters. In the meantime, it’ll be “just getting 1% better every day.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees’ outfield was one of the main topics of discussion heading into this offseason, with a lot of uncertainty about what the future of the center field might look like.
Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer ahead of the 2026 season, held the position throughout the season until he was placed on the injured list during the summer with a hamstring injury. Spencer Jones took over the position in his place, performed well down the stretch, and went on to make his MLB postseason debut in the Wild Card Series against Boston.
After striking out to end the Yankees’ season in Game 3 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay, the free agent Grisham probably won’t be returning for another year in pinstripes. That leaves the position up for consideration ahead of the offseason, and right field likely won’t be an option with Aaron Judge returning to health. With Jones still getting a handle on manning center following some misplays and looking to also develop by solving his consistent strikeout problems at the plate, is it a good idea to bring in another player for center field next season?
MLB insider Joel Sherman recently reported that the Yankees expressed some interest in Nationals center fielder Jacob Young, who finished the regular season batting .252 with a .318 OBP and .708 OPS. He only recorded 78 strikeouts this season in 140 games with the Nationals, while Spencer Jones recorded 105 in 86 regular season games (though he did out-produce Young with a .742 OPS). Young also brings a lot of grit to both sides of the ball, stealing 18 bases this season and posting an 11 OAA on defense with a 92-percent success rate per Statcast. He has a solid arm too, reaching a high of 94.2 mph in 334 total throws this season.
Young is eligible for arbitration, and it’s likely that the Nationals will give him an offer. He won’t have the chance to walk because he’s under club control until 2029. If he doesn’t like their pitch, however, Young will be free to submit his own offer and go through the arbitration process. If the Yankees are serious about pursuing Young, they’ll have to come up with a trade package that will attract the Nationals’ interest.
There are several clubs also in need of a steady starting outfielder, including the Astros, Rangers, Reds, Orioles, and Blue Jays. The 27-year-old center fielder may make a good fit in the Bronx to give Jones some more room for development, but the question is: will the Yankees move to secure him this offseason?
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates during Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Rays and Guardians are putting together a very entertaining ALCS. The series is tied 2-2, with the teams alternating wins in each game.
Last night, the game was close until the late innings when the Rays pulled away. The bullpen game didn’t work to well for Cleveland, with five diffrent pitchers allowing at least one run in the game. And their defense didn’t help, either, with two errors. One led to an unearned run.
Drew Rasmussen starts for the Rays tonight against Patrick Messick for the Guardians. Rasmussen started game one of the series and pitched six innings with two runs. Messick allowed three runs in five innings in game two. All three runs were unearned after an error by José Ramírez extended an inning.
Because of the rainout on Friday, there will be no off day after tonight’s game. When it ends, both teams will hop a plane back to Florida for game six tomorrow night.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: A general view of fans prior to game three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game five of the ALCS is an afternoon game, or a late afternoon game. It is going to be about 16 C at game time, so they can’t complain about the temperature.
With the teams tied at two, the winner of game five wins about 65% of the time. I thought the number would be higher. I enjoy last night’s game. I still don’t care who wins, but it was interesting baseball.
Today’s Lineups
RAYS
GUARDIANS
Yandy Diaz – DH
Steven Kwan – LF
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Jose Ramirez – 3B
Ryan Vilade – RF
Chase DeLauter – RF
Junior Caminero – 3B
Jo Adell – DH
Chandler Simpson – LF
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Liam Hicks – C
Patrick Bailey – C
Ben Williamson – 2B
Petey Halpin – CF
Taylor Walls – SS
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Drew Rasmussen – RHP
Parker Messick – LHP
They play again tomorrow and Tuesday.
Feeling so sad for the people and their families effected by the fire in Wainwright.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates after hitting an RBI Double during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game four of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 17, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s a brisk, fall afternoon by the lake in Cleveland, Ohio as the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians continue the fight to punch their ticket for the 2026 World Series.
With a Rays victory last night, this series is guaranteed to go at least six games and return to Florida. The results of this afternoon’s game will determine which team is on the back foot and facing elimination tomorrow night.
On the mound for the Rays is the right-handed Drew Rasmussen, who has been one Tampa Bay’s keys to success this post-season. Starting with a near no-hitter against the Yankees, Rasmussen has anchored the Rays rotation with just two earned runs allowed over 14 innings.
Pitching for the Guardians today is 25-year-old lefty Parker Messick. Messick gave up four earned runs but struck out 11 across 6.2 innings against the Chicago White Sox, but posted his first scoreless start of the post-season against Cleveland in game one of the ALCS.
Tampa Bay Rays (2-2) at Cleveland Guardians (2-2) — 3:08 PM MDT
