The big news in the last couple of days has been players turning down their player options to become free agents. Trae Young was the biggest name (though he is expected to re-sign with Washington), and more are on the way, including the Lakers' Austin Reaves.
However, not everyone is taking that path.
Memphis wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will pick up his $21.6 million player option, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. This was expected because KCP was not going to find an offer that large on the open market.
Caldwell-Pope was a highly sought-after 3&D wing who has a couple of rings for his efforts (2020 Lakers, 2023 Nuggets), but the 33-year-old's game has fallen off over the past couple of seasons, particularly his 3-point shooting. With the Grizzlies last season, he played in 51 games (he had finger surgery in February that ended his season) and averaged 8.4 points per game, shooting 31.6% from beyond the arc.
Because he's on a good-sized expiring contract, expect Caldwell-Pope's name to pop up in a lot of trade rumors this season as the Grizzies make over their roster.
If you don't remember seeing Russell in a Wizards' uniform, that's because you didn't. He came to Washington from Dallas as part of the Anthony Davis trade, but the Wizards told Russell he didn't have to report to the team. So he didn't and, by mutual agreement, sat out the rest of the season.
This move by Russell makes sure he gets paid off his contract, but we may never actually see him suit up for the Wizards — they already have Young and Bub Carrington at the point (and could draft another next week). Russell could end up part of any draft night or free agency trades, and barring that it is possible the sides work out a buyout.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the second quarter against the New York Knicks in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs had a fantastic 2025/26 season that almost resulted in a title, but that doesn’t mean everything was perfect. The downside of having such a talented and stacked roster is that inevitably someone will want more touches or minutes, and it turns out rookie Dylan Harper was that guy, according to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
Harper voiced displeasure earlier in the season about a lack of playing time and his role, but those increased as the season progressed and the rookie gained more experience.
It’s not shocking to hear that the clear-cut No.2 overall pick of a great draft class wasn’t happy with coming off the bench and playing a support role for around 20 minutes a game when he was clearly capable of more. You don’t get to be as good as Harper is at basketball without supreme confidence in your abilities and extreme competitiveness, so no one should blame the rookie for wanting more responsibility, especially on a team that early on wasn’t expected to be a contender.
It’s good to hear that, as his role increased and the Spurs proved to be an elite squad, his displeasure seemingly disappeared, but it’s also hard not to wonder if his great postseason performance will have him once again wanting more. Harper was terrific in the playoffs and especially in the Finals, showing that he’s not just a likely future star but also someone who can contribute on the biggest stage right now. And he clearly knows it, which could put the Spurs in a predicament.
If Harper wants to start, Mitch Johnson will face a tough decision. San Antonio has De’Aaron Fox as one of its starting guards. The veteran is on a maximum contract, and, while arguably not as gifted, he’s more well-rounded than Harper. Stephon Castle is the team’s best point-of-attack defender, and he wouldn’t be able to consistently play off the ball to accommodate Harper as the main ball handler because of his lack of range. Devin Vassell had arguably his best season as a do-it-all swingman who was by far the best shooter on the backcourt. Who gets relegated to the bench? It’s not an easy question to answer.
Now, Harper may be fine with a sixth-man role for now as long as he gets more touches and finishes games. His performance in the postseason was impressive enough to suggest he might be ready for more responsibility than the typical second-year guard, but as the youngest and the one with the shortest track record of production, he could be fine with paying his dues as long as he gets more opportunities to grow his game and to act as the closer at times. It might actually be for the best to bring him along slowly, taking advantage of the depth at guard to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on him.
Hopefully, Harper will see it that way and will be happy starting next season as a super sub and the prohibitive candidate for Sixth Man of the Year. If he is, the Spurs won’t be forced to make any tough decisions. If he isn’t, the possibility of trading Fox to make room for the young guard becomes more realistic. While it doesn’t seem like the best idea to move on from the veteran guard this summer, Harper has looked like a future star, and keeping him happy should be one of the franchise’s biggest priorities.
The Spurs have aced the hardest part of any rebuild: getting enough talent to contend. Now, general manager Brian Wright and coach Mitch Johnson will have to figure out how all the pieces fit and who will need to sacrifice or be sacrificed to optimize how things work on the floor and in the locker room.
3 Feb 2001: The North American team poses for a picture before practice for the NHL All-Star Game at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Captain Mario Lemieux of Pittsburgh sits in the center of the front row. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr/ALLSPORT | Getty Images
The past thirty years of Avalanche hockey have featured incredible highs, and some very, very dismal lows.
As an avid fan of The Simpsons, I’ve witnessed plenty of “best of times” moments, but also been subjected to a smattering of unpleasant “blursts” of times. In this first of an ongoing off-season series, I take a look back through the past thirty years, highlighting one moment that stands among the best, and comparatively, the worst (or blurst, if you will) each season.
Here are the best and blurst moments from the second five years of Colorado Avalanche history.
2000-2001
The Best: Mission Accomplished (June 9, 2001)
The Avs knew the clock was ticking coming into the 2000-2001 season, and they didn’t let a second of it go to waste. They set franchise records in regular season wins (52) and points (118), clinched their second Presidents Trophy, and secured the top seed in the playoffs.
The motto for the Avs entering the postseason was as sharp as a skate blade: Mission 16W.
A four-game sweep of the Vancouver Canucks set the stage for a dramatic seven game series against Los Angeles. The Avs would emerge victorious, but at a significant cost (more on this later). An overtime victory over the St. Louis Blues in Game Five sent the Avs to the Stanley Cup Final, where they would face the defending champion New Jersey Devils, who finished as the Eastern Conference’s top seed.
The Avs certainly didn’t make things easy for themselves. Trailing in the series 3-2, they won a pivotal Game Six in New Jersey to tie the series and set the stage for a dramatic Game Seven back in Denver.
Alex Tanguay became a household name for Avs fans everywhere upon scoring the first two goals of the game. Joe Sakic added an insurance goal on the power play, and that was all the Avs needed to complete their mission, defeating New Jersey by a 3-1 decision to claim the franchise’s second Stanley Cup.
After being summoned by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Sakic paused for the traditional pose, then without missing a beat, made the finest pass of his career, handing the Stanley Cup to Bourque.
All of you reading this are probably hearing ESPN’s Gary Thorne’s legendary call in your head right now: “And after twenty-two years…Raymond Bourque!”
Patrick Roy would win his fourth Stanley Cup (and a record-setting third Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP), but the fondest memories of this Stanley Cup Final—and the undisputed best moment of the season—are of the one player who waited twenty-two years to win his first.
The Blurst: Peter Forsberg Ruptures Spleen (May 4, 2001)
The Avs seemingly exorcised their Game Seven demons by clinching a berth in the Western Conference Final after being taken to the limit by Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the euphoria of this victory would soon evaporate, as news broke that Peter Forsberg had ruptured his spleen and was rushed into emergency surgery mere hours after the game.
According to ESPN, Forsberg had begun noticing a mark near his ribs after the Avs lost Game Five in Denver, but it would take an additional six days before feeling any pain. He was bleeding internally and the procedure to remove his spleen was performed. As a result, he would not return for the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The loss of Forsberg was certainly a major blow to the Avs, especially after their second round victory. Avs fans began to wonder if Forsberg’s absence could derail yet another shot at the Stanley Cup. These worries would eventually subside, as the Avs cruised past the St. Louis Blues and emerged victorious over New Jersey in the Stanley Cup Final.
Although he didn’t play another game in the postseason, the now-spleenless Forsberg returned for the postgame ceremony after the series-clinching victory to raise the Stanley Cup with his teammates.
It’s not often that a blurst has a happy ending. This is one of them.
2001-2002
The Best: The Return of Peter the Great (April 18, 2002)
The news that Peter Forsberg would miss the entire season cast a major pall over the Avs as they began another defense of the Stanley Cup. However, on the cusp of the 2002 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the news that Forsberg would be activated in time for start of the Western Conference Quarterfinals immediately boosted the Avs’ hopes for another extended playoff run, one that could produce a second straight title.
After an absence stretching over eleven months, Forsberg returned to action against the very team the he last faced in the playoffs a year earlier: the Los Angeles Kings. Both teams would again go the distance, with the Avs emerging victorious in another Game Seven finish.
In the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Jose Sharks, both teams traded victories through the first six games, but Forsberg proved to be the difference-maker in Game Seven, scoring the game’s only goal to send the Avs back to the Western Conference Final, where they would meet the Detroit Red Wings.
Despite coming up short against Detroit, Forsberg’s return cannot be understated. In twenty postseason games, he led all skaters in assists (18) and points (27)—both career highs—while finishing second in goals scored (9, tying Joe Sakic). Only Brett Hull scored more goals (10) than Forsberg during that postseason.
Peter the Great’s best, unfortunately, wasn’t enough for the Avs to defend their Stanley Cup title.
The Blurst: Patrick Roy’s Statue of Liberty Gaffe (May 29, 2002)
The Avs led their Western Conference Final series 3-2 over Detroit going into Game Six, and had a chance to clinch their second straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. With time winding down in the first period, Detroit pressed hard offensively, but had not yet broken through Roy.
Roy, who was notorious for his “Statue of Liberty” pose after making an emphatic save, pulled out the trademark maneuver after making a point blank save on Yzerman. However, Roy failed to secure the puck in his glove, and unknowingly dropped it to the ice. Brendan Shanahan immediately pounced on the puck, jamming it into the unguarded net behind Roy.
The gaffe was not just the turning point in the game, but of the entire series. The Avs would lose Game Six by a 2-0 decision, following this effort with an utterly humiliating 7-0 loss to Detroit at Joe Louis Arena in Game Seven.
Plenty of fingers can be pointed to a lack of scoring (how does a team this talented go scoreless for two whole games, especially against your most hated rival?), but Roy’s baffling blurst is where the series was truly lost.
2002-2003
The Best: Patrick Roy Plays 1000th Regular Season Game (January 20, 2003)
Whether it’s scoring fifty goals in a season, iron man streaks, or breaking franchise records, milestone moments in a player’s career deserve recognition.
Reaching a milestone that no one has ever achieved before? Now, that’s special.
Patrick Roy accomplished that feat in this game, as he became the first goaltender in League history to appear in 1000 career games. The Avs hosted a special pregame ceremony celebrating Roy’s achievement prior to facing off against the Dallas Stars. He received a silver stick and a commemorative gift, with his children on hand at ice level for the occasion.
As for the game itself, the contest ended in a 1-1 draw (remember those?), snapping a five game home losing streak.
Three other goaltenders (Martin Brodeur, Marc-Andre Fleury, and Roberto Luongo) have since eclipsed the 1000 game mark, but St. Patrick will forever be known for reaching it first.
The Blurst: A Game 7 Meltdown Against Minnesota (April 22, 2003)
Haven’t we seen this movie before? (Yes, five years earlier.)
The powerhouse Avs, poised for another deep run in the Stanley Cup, held a 3-1 series lead against an upstart Minnesota Wild club who had reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
The Avs hosted Game Five with their eyes on a second round appearance. Minnesota, however, took the fight to the Avs, having scored the first three goals of the contest. Despite battling back, the Avs would lose by a 3-2 decision, sending the series to St. Paul for Game Six.
Both teams didn’t budge for the first two periods, but Minnesota scored a pair of goals to take the lead in the third period. Colorado rallied to force overtime, but Minnesota scored the game-winner in the overtime session, winning by another 3-2 decision.
In Game Seven, both teams traded goals in the second and third period, but this game wouldn’t be decided in regulation. With just under five minutes played in overtime, Andrew Brunette had room to make a move on Patrick Roy uncontested, and his backhand effort in the crease eluded Roy, giving Minnesota its third straight 3-2 victory to win the series.
This blurst sent Patrick Roy into retirement, and with him, the Avs’ halcyon days were now in short supply.
2003-2004
The Best: Paul Kariya and Teemu Selänne Flock to Colorado (July 4, 2003)
This one might be a bit of a reach, since this technically took place prior to the season.
When news broke that both Paul Kariya and Teemu Selänne had negotiated sweetheart contracts to play together in Colorado, the buzz was as high as ever leading up to the first game of the 2003-2004 season. The Avs were immediately christened as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
After the signings were announced, Avs GM Pierre Lacroix told the Associated Press, “Over the last 36 hours, these two athletes expressed their strong desire to come to Denver and play for the Avalanche,” Lacroix said. “Obviously, we were stunned.
“We were able to do all of this without changing any of the (salary) structure that we have for the coming season.”
The hype machine was in full swing, as the Avs prepared for one last hurrah in the final season under the then-current collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players Association, and both had very different viewpoints on what the future would hold (spoilers).
Unfortunately, neither Kariya or Selänne were able to provide the offensive impact that many expected when the contracts were announced. Injuries hampered Kariya’s production, as he mustered a paltry 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 51 games with the Avs. Despite playing with nagging knee issues, Selänne scored 16 goals and added 16 assists for 32 points over 78 games, all while his role was diminished by head coach Tony Granato. The pair mustered four assists combined (Kariya had three, Selänne only one) during the Avs first round loss to the Nashville Predators.
While the signings definitely gave off vibes of being a best, they may as well have been a blurst, had something much worse never taken place that season.
The Blurst: A Violent Night in Vancouver (March 8, 2004)
March 8, 2004, is one of the darkest dates in franchise history.
When the Vancouver Canucks hosted the Avs that night at GM Place (now Rogers Arena), all pretense of gamesmanship one comes to expect during a hockey game were dropped, showcasing something far more perverse.
After Steve Moore had injured Canucks captain Markus Näslund three weeks earlier on February 16, comments of retribution from members of the Vancouver roster were aimed at Moore, vowing to even the score with him. No penalty was assessed to Moore for his hit on Näslund, which incensed Canucks head coach Mark Crawford.
“That was a cheap shot by a young kid on a captain, leading scorer in the League, and we get no call. We get no call! That is ridiculous!” Crawford said in postgame comments that night.
Other, more inflammatory remarks were directed at Moore. Brad May bluntly said, “There’s definitely on [Moore’s] head,” while assistant captain Todd Bertuzzi said, “That kid is a piece of shit.”
The rhetoric grew to such incendiary levels that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman personally attended the next meeting between the Avs and Canucks at Pepsi Center on March 3. Playing to a 5-5 draw, both teams made nice in front of Bettman. careful not to draw any unwanted attention.
Five days later in Vancouver, all niceties were left at the door.
In front of packed house, Steve Moore and Matt Cooke fought each other early in the first period. The bout was brief, with Moore getting the better of Cooke. Both received fighting majors.
The “code” had been upheld, and that’s where this tale should have ended. It didn’t.
After Moore’s fight with Cooke, the Avs would score five consecutive goals—four on goaltender Dan Cloutier, and another on Johan Hedberg—in the balance of the period. Moore scored the fifth and final goal in that period.
It would be the final goal of his professional career.
With the Avs holding a commanding 8-2 lead in the third period, Bertuzzi skated behind Moore, pulled on the back of his sweater, then unleashed a hard punch to the back of Moore’s head. The blow sent Moore face first to the ice, defenseless, with Bertuzzi still holding onto him.
Bedlam ensued. Avs forward Andrei Nikolishin immediately raced to Moore’s defense, punching Bertuzzi and attempting to pull him off the defenseless Moore. Canucks forward Sean Pronger and defenseman Mattias Öhlund entered the picture to go after Nikolishin. May fought with Avs defenseman Kurt Sauer. Hedberg beckoned to Avs goaltender David Aebischer, who refused to indulge him. Meanwhile, Avs head coach Tony Granato unleashed a verbal tirade against Crawford, who ignored him while smirking behind the Vancouver bench.
The damage had already been done. Moore was unconscious and bleeding on the ice, requiring medical intervention. He would later be taken to a local hospital, where he would be diagnosed with three cervical vertebrae fractures, facial cuts, and a concussion. The injuries stemming from Bertuzzi’s attack eventually forced him to retire.
“The Vancouver Canucks vowed they were going to get Moore,” the late Peter McNab said on the Avalanche broadcast that night, shock and anger in his voice, to stunned viewers who watched the attack unfold in real time. “They got him.”
As for Bertuzzi, he offered a public apology to Moore in a press conference held in Vancouver on March 10. The next day, the NHL suspended Bertuzzi indefinitely. The IIHF followed suit, effectively banning Bertuzzi during the lockout that wiped out the 2004-2005 season (spoilers). Upon the NHL’s return to action for the 2005-2006 season, Bertuzzi was reinstated. He would play another ten years in the NHL before retiring.
A settlement was reached between Moore and Bertuzzi in 2014. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.
A courtroom may have seen a settlement, but this sordid situation will always feel unsettling.
This event deserves to be called something infintely more damning than a blurst.
2004-2005
The Best: The 2004 World Cup of Hockey (August 30-September 14, 2004)
After an eight year hiatus, the World Cup of Hockey returned to the international stage. While this technically didn’t occur during the course of a standard NHL season (the reason why is below), it is the brightest spot in an otherwise bleak hockey landscape that year.
Eight countries participated in the event. Canada, Slovakia, Russia, and the United States made up the North American group, while the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Sweden comprised the European group.
Several pre-match games were played prior to the preliminary rounds for both groups. Canada won the North American preliminary round, while Finland narrowly edged out Sweden for the top spot in the European preliminary round.
In quarterfinals play, Finland and the United States advanced to a semifinal match by eliminating Germany and Russia, respectively. Canada shut out Slovakia to face the Czech Republic, who handily defeated Sweden. Finland and Canada would meet in the final at Air Canada Centre (now Scotiabank Arenea) in Toronto on September 14. Joe Sakic would score the opening goal for Canada, and Adam Foote would assist on Shane Doan’s game-winning goal, defeating Finland by a 3-2 score.
Seven players for the Avs participated in the event: Foote (Canada), Sakic (Canada), Milan Hejduk (Czech Republic), Ossi Väänänen (Finland), Peter Forsberg (Sweden), Steve Konowalchuk (United States), John-Michael Liles (United States).
Unfortunately, this would be the best that hockey would get as summer began to wind down.
The Blurst: Bettman Cancels Season (February 16, 2005)
Two days after Canada’s victory at the World Cup of Hockey, and one day after the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players Association, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the League’s Board of Governors unanimously voted to lock out the players, citing the Players’ Association unwillingness to come to terms on a finanical framework for a new collective bargaining agreement.
Both sides would continue negotiating throughout the work stoppage, but were unable to find any common ground. As months ticked by, the prospect of saving the season grew more and more remote. The lockout forced players to sign contracts in other professional leagues across Europe and Russia. Finally, in a press conference held on February 16, Bettman announced the cancellation of the 2004-2005 NHL season. In the wake of the cancellation, the Stanley Cup would not be awarded for the first time since 1919.
On July 13, nearly five months after the season was cancelled, both parties agreed on a new contract, ending the stalemate. The new bargaining agreement, which saw the implementation of a $38 million dollar salary cap, was signed on July 22. Now with cost certainty in place, difficult decisions loomed on the horizon for many teams throughout the League, and the Avs were no exception.
Changes were about to sweep across the roster, some more shocking than others.
Was there a best (or blurst) from the second five years of Avalanche hockey that was overloooked? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is officially one week away.
Whatever occurs at this year’s draft will heavily dictate the trajectory of the Vancouver Canucks organization moving forward. The team has already voiced their commitment to rebuilding, meaning whoever they’ll end up selecting with the third-overall pick will be a cornerstone in Vancouver’s future.
Plenty of high-end talent will still be available at third-overall, though it’s still unknown who the Toronto Maple Leafs (1) and San Jose Sharks (2) will select with their prior picks. The potential options available to Vancouver include the following:
- Caleb Malhotra: Energetic two-way centre who scored 29 goals and 55 assists in 67 games with the Brantford Bulldogs in 2025–26, son of new Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra.
- Chase Reid: Puck-moving right-shot defender who has averaged over a point-per-game with the Soo Greyhounds his past two seasons in the OHL.
- Ivar Stenberg: Highly-skilled offensive winger whose performance both for Frölunda HC and Sweden on international levels have put him in contention for going first-overall by some scouts.
- Keaton Verhoeff: 6’4 right-shot defenceman who captained Canada’s U-18 squad at the U-18 World Junior Championship, put together six goals and 14 assists in his first 36 games in the NCAA with the University of North Dakota.
Third-overall is only one of a few intriguing picks the Canucks have. Vancouver also owns the 24th selection in this year’s draft thanks to the Quinn Hughes trade conducted with the Minnesota Wild. Some of the notable prospects projected to be available by this pick are:
- Liam Ruck: Offensively-talented forward who put up 45 goals and 59 assists in 68 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL alongside twin brother Markus.
- Mathis Preston: Board-battler forward with a strong shot who played for both the Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Giants, racking up a season total of 18 goals and 26 assists.
- William Håkansson: 6’4 left-shot defenceman who is best known for the defensive side of the game, utilizes his size and skating stride to help defend.
- Egor Shilov: Offensive centreman who scored 32 goals and 50 assists in his first season in the QMJHL with the Victoriaville Tigers, drives play and makes offence happen.
Vancouver also holds two other picks within the first two-round of the draft: 33rd-overall (own pick) and 41st-overall (from the San Jose Sharks). The players available around that point will vary, but generally-speaking, these prospects are expected to be drafted sometime during the second round.
- Maddox Dagenais: 6’4 centre who averaged a point-per-game pace in the QMJHL this season with 30 goals and 32 assists, strong in the faceoff dot.
- Markus Ruck: CHL’s points-leader in 2025–26 with 21 goals and 87 assists in 68 games, can create offence as a playmaker while maintaining a solid defensive presence as a winger.
- Casey Mutryn: Two-way power-forward who spent the season with the U.S. National Team Development Program, set to play for Boston College for the 2026–27 season.
- Jaxon Cover: High-motor, no-quit winger who scored 20 goals and 32 assists in his first full OHL season with the London Knights.
- Alexander Bilecki: Left-shot defenceman who performs well in the O-zone, scored nine goals and 20 assists in his sophomore OHL season with the Memorial Cup-champion Kitchener Rangers.
The first round of the 2026 NHL Draft begins on June 26 at 4:00 pm PT. Rounds 2–7 will take place on June 27, starting at 8:00 am PT.
Jun 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The video board shows the 20th overall pick for the Columbus Blue Jackets is about to be announced in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft at Peacock Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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43-year-old led French side to Conference League semis
Burnley pushing to bring in Craig Bellamy as head coach
Gary O’Neil is poised to become Ipswich’s new head coach, with the 43-year-old expected to return to England from Ligue 1 Strasbourg.
There are only minor details to sort with O’Neil primed to succeed Kieran McKenna, who announced his wish to depart Ipswich after leading them to the top flight for a second time.
Reports are now beginning to trickle out that the interest in Peterson is not one-sided, as one “well-placed insider” told Marc Stein that the Wizards are giving the Kansas guard “increased consideration.”
Peterson is a highly polarizing prospect in the NBA Draft, as he consistently pulled himself out of games while playing for Kansas, initially described as having cramping issues.
Darryn Peterson will only meet with the Washington Wizards. NBAE via Getty Images
He later said that the cramping was due to excessive creatine usage and was so bad that he was begging team staff to call 9-1-1 while dealing with extremely painful cramping.
Peterson said he believes that creatine usage is the underlying issue that created the problems.
Stein added that multiple draft experts believe that the Wizards are legitimately considering Peterson as the No. 1 draft pick on Tuesday’s NBA Draft.
Peterson was originally the No. 1 high school prospect according to 247 Sports before his standing began to shift due to cramping issues and pulling himself out of key moments in games.
If Peterson does go No. 1, the Utah Jazz would surely be thrilled to snag AJ Dybantsa at No. 2 overall, considering Dybantsa played just 45 miles south of Salt Lake City for BYU.
Dybantsa’s family has been in Utah since his senior year in high school at Utah Prep, where he was the No. 2 overall player in the class of 2025.
AJ Dybantsa is very familiar with Utah. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
There had been some more buzz surrounding Cameron Boozer as the top pick after a strong first year at Duke.
Boozer was one of the best players in college and the No. 3-ranked prospect.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The question of whether the Spurs should try to trade De’Aaron Fox this summer is one of the most interesting ones of the entire offseason. A portion of the fanbase, along with some talking heads and analysts, would say the answer should be a resounding “yes,” but it doesn’t seem like the front office agrees, according to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright.
“Internally,” Wright writes, “the Spurs remain committed to Fox as their franchise starting point guard. Sources called Fox a calming presence and the team’s closer for most of the season, adding that one rough series essentially playing on one leg doesn’t change that.“
The Spurs are going to have to trade Fox before his contract expires, and if there’s an opportunity to do so this summer, they might as well get it over with and rip the bandage off now.
Now, the two quotes might appear contradictory, but that’s not necessarily the case. The Spurs might not shop Fox, at least not aggressively, and could be happy to bring him back while also listening to offers and potentially pulling the trigger if something makes sense for both parties.
So we know from trustworthy sources that San Antonio is committed to Fox, but moving him if they find an opportunity to do so doesn’t seem out of the question. But should they trade him this summer? While the answer is complex, it seems like it wouldn’t be the best idea, for several interconnected reasons. Let’s list them from least to most potentially harmful.
The Spurs’ reputation as a player-friendly franchise would take a hit
Let’s remember the story of how De’Aaron Fox got to the Spurs. Fox, tired of toiling away in Sacramento playing for a dysfunctional Kings team that only made the playoffs once with him on the roster, forced his way to San Antonio in 2025. His goal was to join Victor Wembanyama, already looking like a future superstar, and a fun, young group that featured then-rookie Stephon Castle in hopes of more success. Because he chose the Silver and Black, they got him for relatively cheap on the trade, mostly sending out backups and one valuable pick.
Flipping him now, after a bad postseason from the All-Star guard in which he played out of position and was injured, could give San Antonio a bad reputation with players who might be interested in joining powers with Wembanyama in the future, as they could think the franchise won’t value them. Granted, Fox got his max extension, which mitigates the damage, but the only way a trade would seem like a win-win for both player and team would be if Fox lands somewhere he wants to be and gets star minutes and touches.
The return on a trade is unlikely to be good
Because the Spurs are not just going to dump Fox just anywhere, as Finger says in his column, they’d be negotiating from a place of weakness. The number of suitors for Fox would be artificially reduced, meaning there wouldn’t be a bidding war. It’s possible that not even in the best of circumstances San Antonio would find a great offer for Fox, who is a good but not transcendent player on a maximum salary, but trading him now, when his value seems at an all-time low, doesn’t seem like a good management of resources.
The good news is that because the Spurs didn’t have to pay much to bring Fox along, not getting a king’s ransom back for him wouldn’t be that painful. And if they do in fact move him, it would be because they think they could be better off either on the court, in the locker room, or both by giving Dylan Harper as many minutes as he can handle. Still, since there is no rush, at least from a financial standpoint, waiting and hoping he could regain some of his value and remaining vigilant for the right suitor to appear feels like the better option.
The Spurs would likely be worse, and the pressure on the young guards would increase severely
Since in the event that Fox is traded it would likely be to a place he picks, and since his value is low at this point, it’s unlikely the Spurs get comparative talent back. Let’s assume they get something similar to what the Hawks got for Trae Young, which would be an aging guard (C.J. McCollum) and a limited role player (Corey Kispert). Unless there’s a serious chemistry issue that would be solved by the transaction, like there seemingly was in Atlanta, such a trade wouldn’t make San Antonio better. If the goal is to get back to the Finals next season, a move like that would make that objective more unlikely than, say, starting all three guards or convincing one to come off the bench.
It would also up the pressure on two extremely young players to make major strides in their game. While immensely talented, both Castle and Harper didn’t look ready to run a team last season. They were good scorers, and Castle clearly developed as a pick-and-roll ball handler, but they were not floor generals. Now, Fox isn’t exactly Chris Paul, and he played off the ball a lot, but on several occasions, he was the one who would settle the troops and run some offense that involved others. Despite his slump in the playoffs, he’s also the best three-point shooter of the three when accounting for volume. Maybe none of that would matter if Castle and Harper spent 2026/27 destroying opponents on simple drives, but until we see either or both of them be able to run a team, getting rid of the one guy who can could backfire.
The Dylan Harper lottery changed things for the Spurs. In a different universe, they land a lower pick, don’t select a guard, and the rumors about a potential Fox trade would not be as loud. In this reality and after how he performed in the postseason, it’s understandable to at least question whether a move should be made to clear a logjam and remove a contract that could eventually become a problem.
When taking the long view, however, almost certainly losing talent in the aggregate while trusting two young players to make a leap to make up for it doesn’t seem as appealing at this juncture, if the goal is to make another deep run in the playoffs. Eventually, the Spurs will almost certainly trade Fox, but since there’s no financial rush, they can afford to be patient and wait for a better opportunity.
It’s officially been 10 years since the words “Cleveland, this is for you” echoed off the walls of Rocket Arena from LeBron James.
Members of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers have been out in the United Kingdom, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the franchise winning their first NBA Championship.
James was joined by Iman Shumpert, Matthew Dellavedova, Richard Jefferson, and more as half of the group was seen driving in a golf cart, on their way to meet up with the rest of the group.
When the two halves finally became complete, the former teammates were filled with excitement as they were seen hugging, dapping one another up, and recreating personalized handshakes that they made back when they were teammates, showing that some good things don’t always end.
It’s officially been 10 years since the words “Cleveland, this is for you” echoed off the walls of Rocket Arena from LeBron James. X/2Cool2BlogMembers of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers have been out in the United Kingdom, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the franchise winning their first NBA Championship. X/2Cool2Blog
Lebron James reunites with Matthew Dellavedova & Iman Shumpert on the 2016 Cavs reunion trip celebrating 10 years pic.twitter.com/OHoGP18IZj
Another video emerged on Jefferson’s Instagram page where James said, “Y’all thought this trip was over?” To which the group ecstatically said, “Sike!”
The group kicked off the festivities earlier this week by playing a round of golf and going sightseeing while they’re out of the country.
Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova spotted in a golf cart in the UK. X/2Cool2Blog
The 2016 Cavaliers were a team of destiny, as they overcame an infamous 3-1 deficit to the Golden State Warriors.
On the verge of elimination, James and Irving took their game to another level to help the team overcome the deficit.
Irving had the most important shot of the series when he sank a three-point shot over Steph Curry’s head with less than a minute left in the game. Irving finished the series, averaging 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
James, who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, finally fulfilled his destiny in 2016. By bringing his hometown team an NBA title. He put on a clinic during the series and was crowned MVP after averaging 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 7 assists.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Cameron Boozer shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Back when Tim Duncan was in college at Wake Forest, people would watch him and think, what’s all the fuss about? Then they’d look at the boxscore and see 26 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 5 assists.
In person, he was sort of boring because he never did anything flashy. He was just incredibly sound.
He says “Boozer is so smart, so crafty, and has this super high IQ, where his vision and his IQ make him faster and more athletic than he actually is, because he’s outthinking everybody on the court. And he has such a smart sense of anticipation and angles. Combine that with a workable three-point shot, at least in college, a nasty streak, an ability to handle the ball in the pick-and-roll…I fu**ing love that guy…I think he’s gonna walk in and be a really good NBA player right away.”
That’s what Duke fans were lucky enough to see last season. Like others before him – Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and just last week, Jalen Brunson, Boozer is smart enough to force the game to be played on his terms.
Knicks president Leon Rose shared that he received a meaningful good luck charm from Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the Knicks' championship run.
Knicks president Leon Rose shared that he received a meaningful good luck charm from Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the Knicks’ championship run.
In a video that’s making rounds on social media, Rose displayed a black case with a slate from the city of David in ancient Jerusalem inside and explained that Roseman gave it to him before a Knicks playoff game at the Garden.
“I want to share this with everbody,” Rose said while at MSG. “Howie Roseman, general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles came tonight with his boys and he gave me this gift which is a piece of slate from the city of David in ancient Jerusalem that he got when he was there and he either got it, or it was given to him in 2024.
One of Leon Rose’s Good Luck Charms on this Knicks Championship Run?
A piece of slate from the City of David in Ancient Jerusalem.
Gifted to him by the Philadelphia Eagles GM, Howie Roseman. Also a Jewish exec who won a Championship. pic.twitter.com/iL6maczhTl
“He took it to the Super Bowl and won the super bowl and he gave it to me for good luck tonight before the game. Un-friggen-believable.”
Rose, who did not say which playoff game Roseman attended with his sons, but it was clear that the Knicks won the game.
Philadelphia won the 2025 Super Bowl, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40–22.
The Knicks completed a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers en route to winning four of five against the Spurs to clinch their first championship in 53 years.
Knicks president Leon Rose explained the meaning behind it. XKnicks president Leon Rose shared that he received a gift from Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the Knicks’ championship run. XGeneral manager Howie Roseman and Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on during OTA offseason workouts at Jefferson Health Training Complex on May 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
Rose and Roseman, who are both Jewish, are friends and natives of New Jersey.
Fresh off helping the New York Knicks win their first NBA title since 1973, Jalen Brunson has been interviewed by everyone. Including the youth.
Brunson appeared as a guest on Kids Sports Reporters and was asked who is the most famous person in his phone, to which he hilariously replied by taking a jab at Luka Dončić.
“I don’t know, some basketball player, right?” Brunson said, and then went on to sarcastically joke about Dončić and said, “I would say Luka probably. I’m not a fan of Luka. He’s probably one of the worst teammates I’ve ever had.”
Brunson and the two reporters interviewing him went on to take more shots at Dončić until one of them caught Brunson off guard when he said Dončić doesn’t play defense, which caught Brunson off guard and he abruptly responded saying “Wow!”
After the jab, Brunson was quick to defend his former Dallas Mavericks teammate by saying, “He plays defense. He plays a little defense, he tries.”
Before Brunson arrived with the Knicks in 2022, he was drafted by the Mavericks, alongside Dončić in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Luka Dončić receives a hilarious jab by Jalen Brunson during an interview. Getty ImagesJalen Brunson takes a hilarious jab at Luka Dončić during an interview. NBAE via Getty Images
The two developed a long-lasting friendship that still exists to this day.
Before Team USA took on Slovenia in a warm-up game during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Brunson praised Dončić and called him his brother.
During the NBA Finals, Dončić revealed in an interview with the Spanish YouTube channel Drafteados that he texted Brunson, “Just one more,” as the Knicks were one game away from winning the NBA Finals.
When New York pulled off the 94-90 Game 5 victory over the Spurs, Brunson said Dončić reached out to him again and congratulated him on the championship.
Benhard Janse van Rensburg’s hopes of a try-scoring England debut were dashed by fumbling hands as France emerged conclusive 35-19 winners in their non-cap international in Vannes.
South Africa-born Janse van Rensburg was brought on in the 52nd minute and shortly after he was presented with a routine run-in, only for the ball to slip from his hands. The opportunity was England’s last chance to start reeling in a 28-12 deficit and otherwise the Bristol centre’s involvement was limited.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: D'Angelo Russell #5 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball up court against the Sacramento Kings in the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on December 27, 2025 in Sacramento, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Veteran guard D’Angelo Russell has opted in to his $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Jake Fischer reported Friday.
Per source: D’Angelo Russell has opted in to his 2026-27 player option with the Wizards worth $6 million.
Russell, 30, was acquired by the Wizards on Feb. 5 as part of a trade that sent Anthony Davis, Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy to Washington. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 assists across 26 games with Dallas last season.
Despite the trade, Russell never reported to the Wizards as the sides navigated a buyout agreement that never materialized. Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said the team and Russell spoke following the trade and agreed he wouldn’t report.
“With D’Angelo, we’ve talked to him, talked to his representatives. At the time, he’s not going to report as we try to figure out what’s best for him and us in our future,“ Dawkins said.
It’s possible Russell quickly becomes a trade piece for Washington, as it appears neither side is interested in the former All-Star playing significant, if any, minutes in a Wizards uniform this season.
If the Wizards re-sign Trae Young, which is considered very likely, the roster sits at 12 guaranteed contracts. If you include Jamir Watkins, who has a $2.15M team option that likely gets picked up, and the No. 1 pick, Washington is at 14 standard deals.
The Wizards also hold the No. 51 and No. 60 selections in the 2026 draft.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 04: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats dribbles the ball during the National Semifinal game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors wrapped up another set of pre-draft workouts ahead of next Tuesday’s NBA Draft. Thursday’s crop was one of their most intriguing workouts yet, featuring Arizona guard Brayden Burries, Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr., and Washington big man Hannes Steinbach.
Burries is one of the top guard prospects in the draft and has been a popular name linked to the Warriors throughout the pre-draft process. He is a versatile guard who would add size to Golden State’s backcourt alongside Stephen Curry, measuring 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine. He also provides value as a perimeter shooter, knocking down 39.1% of his three-point attempts during his freshman season at Arizona.
Brayden Burries on his workout with the Warriors, what he wanted to show them and his potential fit if they draft him:
“I feel like as soon as I get here, I'll be able to show that impact winning outside of just scoring, you know, defending, rebounding, playmaking.” pic.twitter.com/z7RWgDzgnX
Philon, meanwhile, offers a different type of fit in the Warriors’ backcourt. The Alabama guard is a more dynamic creator off the dribble, with the ball-handling and scoring ability that helped him average 22 points per game during his sophomore season. However, Philon is considerably smaller than Burries, measuring 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds at the combine.
“My childhood, definitely had a lot of Curry jerseys.”
Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. on who he idolized growing up, his potential fit with the Warriors.
“Just a trustworthy guard that can, play inside the system, get guys open, share the ball, get paint touches.“ pic.twitter.com/yOslkp7kQG
Lastly, Steinbach is widely regarded as the top rebounding prospects in this year’s draft class. The 6-foot-10 freshman big averaged 11.8 rebounds per game last season, the most of any player in the country. He also possesses excellent hands and a high basketball IQ, giving him intriguing upside as a passer despite averaging just 1.6 assists per game.
I asked Hannes Steinbach 🇩🇪 if he thought his footwork and low post moves could translate to the Warriors system.
Steinbach said he thinks he can provide an inside scoring option while being able to pass out of the post. pic.twitter.com/EP7rO64qyk
With the draft now less than a week away, the Warriors will continue to evaluate a wide range of prospects as they weigh their options with the No. 11 overall pick. While Burries, Philon, and Steinbach bring very different skill sets to the table, each fills a potential area of need for a Golden State team set on adding young talent around its veteran core.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, June 19th:
Most teams want to make sure their top pick has at least one elite trait, and Steinbach clearly does. His strong and massive hands help him be the best rebounder in the draft. Steinbach positions his body well and he just has a knack for the ball. He led the country in rebounds per game (11.8) and he also ranked second in the Big Ten with 126 offensive rebounds.
Golden State’s Kristaps Porziņģis is one of those players and league sources say that the sides are indeed progressing in talks on a new deal after the Warriors acquired Porziņģis and his expiring salary of nearly $31 million on Trade Deadline Day in February.
The Celtics have gone to great lengths to avoid the elephant in the room here, but Jaylen Brown would need to be part of any deal for Antetokounmpo. And if Boston had its way, the conversation would start and end there with a one-for-one swap of fellow All-Stars who are still in their respective primes (Antetokounmpo is 31; Brown is 29). Lest anyone forget, Brown is coming off his best season yet, finishing sixth in MVP voting.
During yesterday's @nyknicks Championship Parade, Jalen Brunson thanked the Knicks organization, the fans, and his family in his speech at City Hall!pic.twitter.com/OVAoKFXpcY
Given Golden State’s limited avenues to improve the roster, the depth of guards in this year’s draft class, and a quietly deep free agent crop of guards that could be in the non-taxpayer mid-level exception price range (Quentin Grimes, Ayo Dosunmo, Coby White, Benedict Mathurin, Landry Shamet, Keon Ellis, Norm Powell, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, CJ McCollum, and De’Anthony Melton), the Warriors could be in position to improve their depth by trading Podziemski for another first-round pick, giving Will Richard an expanded role, and adding a proven guard in free agency.
A post to end the week:
Honoring the progress. Recognizing the work ahead.
