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Oklahoma City Thunder 2024-2025 fantasy basketball season review: The start of a dynasty?

After finishing the 2023-24 season as the top seed in the Western Conference, expectations were high for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024-25. Eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, Oklahoma City made a few key additions during the offseason, signing Isaiah Hartenstein and acquiring Alex Caruso in exchange for Josh Giddey. Even with their lack of experience, Mark Daigneault's team entered this season loaded and had the look of a potential title contender. Sure enough, Oklahoma City took a significant step forward. Once again, they finished atop the Western Conference, winning 68 games during the regular season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his first MVP award and Jalen Williams took another step forward in his development. Boasting one of the deepest squads in the NBA, Oklahoma City won its first NBA title, outlasting the Pacers in a classic, seven-game series. Given the draft capital at lead executive Sam Presti's disposal and the amount of talent that remains under contract for the foreseeable future, did a dynasty begin when Adam Silver handed Oklahoma City the Larry O'Brien trophy?

Oklahoma City Thunder 2024-2025 Season Review

Record: 68-14 (1st, West)

Offensive Rating: 119.2 (3rd)

Defensive Rating: 106.6 (1st)

Net Rating: 12.7 (1st)

Pace: 100.90 (5th)

2025 NBA Draft Picks: 15 (from Miami via LA Clippers), 24 (from LA Clippers), 44 (from Atlanta)

Some questioned whether or not a second-round playoff exit was enough experience for the Thunder to draw on as they looked to win an NBA title this season. However, Hartenstein made multiple playoff appearances in his prior stops, and Caruso was part of the Lakers' championship team in 2020. And while experience can be the best teacher, talent and depth are just as important, especially in an era in which seven different franchises have won the title in the last seven years.

Oklahoma City won its first seven games and never looked back. Daigneault's team would rip off a 15-game win streak in December, which did not include their loss to Milwaukee in the In-Season Tournament final (that game did not impact official records or stats). During the regular season, the Thunder enjoyed five separate win streaks of at least seven games, and they finished atop the Western Conference standings by a staggering 16 games.

After sweeping Memphis in the first round of the playoffs, Oklahoma City needed seven games to dispatch the Nuggets in the second round. Back in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2016, the Thunder eliminated Minnesota in five games to make their first NBA Finals appearance since 2012. While the finals shifted for good when Tyrese Haliburton suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the first quarter of Game 7, this was an elite series filled with high-level performances. Gilgeous-Alexander won series MVP, but Jalen Williams' 40-point Game 5 won't be forgotten by Thunder fans anytime soon.

From a fantasy standpoint, the Thunder roster boasts a lot of quality with SGA and J-Dub leading the way. Chet Holmgren was limited to 32 games this season due to injuries, most notably a fractured hip, but he's a safe bet to provide excellent fantasy value when available. Based on his ADP, Hartenstein exceeded expectations, as did second-year guard Cason Wallace. With the key contributors from Oklahoma City's run to the title all under contract for next season and the team holding two first-round picks in Wednesday's draft, this could be the start of a dynasty in Oklahoma City.

Fantasy Standout: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

After finishing fifth and second in the Most Valuable Player voting the prior two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander took another step forward in 2024-25. He became the first player since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000 to lead the league in scoring while also winning MVP and NBA Finals MVP, and those who drafted SGA certainly reaped the rewards. In 76 regular season games, he averaged 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.1 three-pointers, shooting 51.9 percent from the field and 89.8 percent from the foul line.

Gilgeous-Alexander also shot 37.5 percent from three, his highest percentage since the 2020-21 campaign (40 percent), on a career-high 5.7 attempts per game. He entered the 2024-25 season with a Yahoo! ADP of four, and that number should be higher in 2025-26. Is SGA worthy of consideration for pick 1.1 in fantasy drafts? Nikola Jokić may remain the preferred option of many, but Gilgeous-Alexander's name should come up, especially if San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama remains in the conversation despite being limited to 46 games due to injury.

Fantasy Revelation: Cason Wallace

After recording modest numbers during his rookie season, Wallace was not on the radar for many fantasy managers ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. However, Holmgren's hip injury opened the door for him to provide far greater value than many anticipated. Starting 43 of the 68 games he appeared in, Wallace averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 three-pointers. He would finish the season as a top-100 player in nine-cat formats.

While Wallace was not a player who had to be rostered in standard leagues, due to Holmgren's return and Mark Daigneault's willingness to also use Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, it was easy to justify having him, especially for fantasy managers who needed defensive stats in their weekly matchups. Wallace will likely be a late-round pick in drafts in the fall due to Oklahoma City's plentiful options. But, as seen this season, he's capable of providing greater value than anticipated.

Fantasy Disappointment: Chet Holmgren

Holmgren being a fantasy disappointment has nothing to do with his production and everything to do with the availability. A fractured hip suffered during a November 10 loss to the Warriors sidelined the second-year forward/center for nearly three months. With the Thunder taking a measured approach to Holmgren's return, and rightfully so, fantasy managers had to craft their rosters with the expectation that minutes would be limited and he would not be available for both games of back-to-backs. The good news is that Chet had solid availability during the fantasy playoff weeks, especially in leagues that ran into early April.

Limited to 32 games, he averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 three-pointers, shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 75.4 percent from the foul line. A top-50 player in nine-cat formats, Holmgren was a sixth-round player in eight-cat, per-game value. Unfortunately, the hip injury torpedoed his value in points leagues. Sandwiched in between a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022-23 campaign and this championship season was a 2023-24 in which Holmgren played all 82 games. Fantasy managers certainly hope his availability in 2025-26 will align more with that season than the other two.

Fantasy Recaps/Look-Aheads

Jalen Williams

Based on his Yahoo! ADP of 36, many fantasy managers expected Williams to be a top-50 player at minimum. In nine-cat formats, he exceeded those expectations, finishing the season ranked 24th according to Basketball Monster. Williams appeared in 69 games, averaging 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 78.9 percent from the foul line. And J-Dub's versatility was on full display, with point guard being the only position that he was ineligible for in Yahoo! leagues. Due to the injuries suffered by Holmgren and Hartenstein, there were times when Oklahoma City employed Williams as a small-ball center, and he held his own defensively.

Williams finished the regular season with career-high averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and three-pointers, earning third-team All-NBA honors. He scored at least 30 points in seven games, headlined by a 41-point effort in a March 2 win over the Spurs. During Oklahoma City's run to the championship, Williams had three games of at least 32 points, including the 40-point night he enjoyed in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. A third-round pick in most drafts ahead of this season, Williams may not be on the board at that point going into the 2025-26 campaign.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Given the Knicks' limitations in what they could offer Hartenstein in free agency last summer, it was unsurprising that Oklahoma City swooped in to sign the 27-year-old center. While limited to 57 regular-season games due to injury, iHart enjoyed the most productive season of his NBA career to date. Making 53 starts, he averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks in nearly 28 minutes per game, shooting 58.1 percent from the field and 67.5 percent from the foul line. Hartenstein recorded career-best averages in points, rebounds and assists, providing excellent value in his first season with the Thunder. A sixth-round player in eight- and nine-cat per-game formats, iHart exceeded his Yahoo! ADP (82) by a safe distance.

A non-displaced fracture in his left hand delayed Hartenstein's official Thunder debut until November 20, and there would be a five-game absence in January due to a left soleus strain. Outside of those absences, there would not be another instance in which Hartenstein missed more than two games in a row until Oklahoma City's final three games of the regular season. During the playoffs, he would start all but the first three games of the NBA Finals, with Daigneault going back to his usual starting five ahead of Game 4. Hartenstein's ADP entering this season was fair, but he's likely to go a bit earlier in drafts after a stellar debut season in Oklahoma City.

Alex Caruso

When Caruso was acquired from the Bulls last June in exchange for Josh Giddey and a trade exception, most of the basketball world was stunned that Oklahoma City did not have to give up any of its plentiful draft capital. While injuries limited Caruso to 54 appearances during the regular season, it was evident during the postseason that the Thunder made out like bandits in the trade. The combination of athleticism, strength and toughness makes Caruso a player who can be used in a variety of roles defensively, as evidenced by him taking on the challenge of guarding Denver's Nikola Jokić during Oklahoma City's Game 7 rout in the second round.

Coming off the best offensive season of his career, Caruso's scoring dipped in 2024-25, an unsurprising development due to Oklahoma City's depth and his minutes being managed. He averaged 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.1 three-pointers in 19.3 minutes, shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 82.4 percent from the foul line. That production was good for 10th-round value in nine-cat formats and 12th-round value in eight-cat formats, according to Basketball Monster. Caruso did not meet or exceed his Yahoo! ADP (103), but no one would consider him a fantasy liability. Having agreed to an extension in December, he's under contract through the 2028-29 season. The key for Caruso will be to remain healthy, as he's capable of providing top-100 value when available.

Luguentz Dort

One of the NBA's best defenders, Dort has made notable strides as a perimeter shooter. This season, he shot a career-high 41.2 percent from three on 5.8 attempts per game after making 39.4 percent of his attempts in 2023-24. While there can still be moments when Dort struggles, he's been far more consistent the last two years. In 71 games, all starts, he averaged 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 43.5 percent from the field and 71.7 percent from the foul line.

The improved three-point production has boosted Dort's fantasy value, as he was a 10th-round player in nine-cat formats while his eight-cat value aligned with his Yahoo! ADP of 142. In addition to the three-point production, Dort recorded a career-high average in steals. As good as he is defensively, that does not always result in steals and blocked shots, which may limit Dort's fantasy ceiling. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, he should remain a player who's targeted in the later rounds of standard league drafts.

Aaron Wiggins

In his fourth NBA season, Wiggins took a considerable leap forward in his production. Starting 26 of the 76 games he played, Wiggins averaged 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.7 three-pointers, recording career-best marks in each of those categories. He shot 48.8 percent from the field and 83.1 percent from the foul line and was especially valuable to fantasy managers when Oklahoma City was without Holmgren.

Along with Wallace and Isaiah Joe, Wiggins was one of the options consistently considered by Daigneault to help fill the void. While this led to some maddening times for managers hoping to see one option rise above the rest, all three being capable streamers at various points was a fitting outcome for the eventual NBA champions. Like Wallace, Wiggins will likely be a player who's viewed as being worthy of a late-round roll of the dice in drafts next fall.

Isaiah Joe

Like Wallace and Wiggins, Joe also enjoyed the most productive season of his NBA career in 2024-25. In 74 appearances, 16 being starts, he averaged 10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.6 three-pointers in 21.7 minutes. Joe shot 41.2 percent from three on 6.3 attempts per game, and there were ten games in which he made at least five triples. Joe also recorded three 30-point games during the regular season, including a January 10 win over the Knicks in which he shot 8-of-11 from beyond the arc.

His best performance was an April 11 win over the Jazz in which he tallied 32 points, five rebounds, nine assists, two steals and 10 three-pointers, but the season was finished for most fantasy managers by that point. While Wallace and Wiggins were superior options this season, Joe was no slouch, either. Even if he is not selected in standard drafts in the fall, there will be points during the 2025-26 season when Joe will be worth picking up off the waiver wire.

Jaylin Williams

Among the players who received consistent rotation minutes during the regular season, Williams may be the lone question mark for the Thunder heading into the summer as the team holds an option on his contract. However, it's worth a little under $2.2 million, and Jay Will provides another option behind Holmgren and Hartenstein when needed, which should bode well for a return. Due to a strained hamstring, Williams did not make his season debut until just before Christmas. The good news is that he would not miss more than two games in a row again until April, when a sprained left ankle sidelined Williams for four contests.

In 47 games, he averaged 5.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.3 three-pointers, recording career-best marks in points, rebounds, assists, blocks and three-pointers. While Williams won't be worth selecting in most fantasy drafts, there should be points when he's useful as a streamer.

Restricted Free Agents: Branden Carlson, Alex Ducas, Adam Flagler

Team Option: Jaylin Williams, Ajay Mitchell

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Hockey Legend Joe Thornton Becomes First-Ballot Hall Of Famer After 24 NHL Seasons, Including Maple Leafs Stint

Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

The 45-year-old joins a list of 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, which include Jennifer Botterill, Zdeno Chara, Brianna Decker, Duncan Keith, and former Maple Leaf Alexander Mogilny. Two builders will be inducted: Jack Parker and Danielle Sauvageau.

"Holy doodle, I can’t believe that I am receiving this honor," Joe Thornton said via San Jose Sharks beat reporter Curtis Pashelka. "There are so many people I need to thank because I certainly couldn’t have done this alone."

According to Pashelka, Thornton didn't pick up the phone on the first ring. He's travelling back home to St. Thomas, Ontario, after spending a few days with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews in his home of Arizona.

'It's Great To Have Him With Us': Joe Thornton Attends Maple Leafs' Game As Auston Matthews' Guest For Club's Upcoming Mentors Trip'It's Great To Have Him With Us': Joe Thornton Attends Maple Leafs' Game As Auston Matthews' Guest For Club's Upcoming Mentors TripThe mentors trip for the Leafs started in February of the 2019-20 season.

Although Thornton did not win anything during his time with the Maple Leafs, his tenure in Toronto will certainly be recalled by many.

Signing a one-year deal, $700,000 contract ahead of the NHL’s bubble season, Thornton was revered by his teammates before even arriving in the city. Due to Canada’s COVID-19 restrictions, he, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and former Maple Leafs Rasmus Sandin and Mac Hollowell quarantined together for two weeks before joining the team for training camp.

"Just being around this youthful energy just gets me excited," Thornton said during Toronto’s training camp in January 2021. "I feel like I’m young again, and it’s a good feeling to be in."

Report: Clubs View Vegas Golden Knights As 'Team To Beat' In Mitch Marner Sweepstakes As Maple Leafs Free Agent Hits MarketReport: Clubs View Vegas Golden Knights As 'Team To Beat' In Mitch Marner Sweepstakes As Maple Leafs Free Agent Hits MarketWith the NHL Draft and free agency fast approaching, the league is buzzing with activity, and no name is generating more speculation than Mitch Marner. While teams prepare for the draft, there is widespread debate about where the top free agent will end up.

After finally getting anchored in Toronto, the veteran playmaker started the year skating beside Matthews and Mitch Marner on the team’s top line. As the season continued, though, his ice time shrank, beginning the year with 17:10 in his debut, to 13:18 in his final regular-season game.

Thornton scored five goals and 15 assists in his lone season with the Maple Leafs. He followed that up with one goal in seven games against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, before Toronto was eliminated.

There’ll be moments during Thornton’s tenure to remember, like his jousting match with Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers. Thornton was mic’d up during that moment by Amazon, which was filming the ‘All or Nothing’ docu-series the entire season.

How The Maple Leafs Can Add A Center This Summer To Fix Their Depth ProblemHow The Maple Leafs Can Add A Center This Summer To Fix Their Depth ProblemWhen the Toronto Maple Leafs glance into the free agency cupboard on July 1, they may only be left with a few choices at center.

You cannot forget the moment when Matthews and Marner congratulated former Maple Leaf Patrick Marleau on reaching the most games played by an NHLer milestone. Thornton, partially clothed with a stick in hand, stood behind Matthews and Marner and wished his former San Jose Sharks teammate well.

Aside from the moments that made Thornton one of hockey’s true enigmas, he’s one of the sport’s most decorated players. One World Junior gold medal, two World Cup golds, one Olympic gold, an Art Ross Trophy, a Hart Trophy, and countless other honors.

The only trophy he didn’t capture: The Stanley Cup.

'The People Wanna See It???' Is Brad Marchand Teasing Maple Leafs Or Panthers? NHL Star Plays Both Sides Of Free Agency Speculation'The People Wanna See It???' Is Brad Marchand Teasing Maple Leafs Or Panthers? NHL Star Plays Both Sides Of Free Agency SpeculationFresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers, Brad Marchand is already stirring the pot, and his latest target appears to be the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Thornton formally retired in late October 2023. His career finished with 430 goals and 1,109 assists in 1,714 games, split between the Boston Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers. The Sharks retired Thornton’s jersey in November, culminating the forward’s legacy in San Jose and beyond.

"I appreciate you guys so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What a tremendous honor. Incredible," Thornton told Lanny McDonald and Ron Francis, Chair of the selection committee, after receiving the phone call. "Oh my god, I don't know what to say. This is incredible."

(Top photo: Sergei Belski / Imagn Images)

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Mariners at Twins Prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends and stats for June 24

It's Tuesday, June 24 and the Mariners (40-37) are in Minneapolis to take on the Twins (37-41). Luis Castillo is slated to take the mound for Seattle against Chris Paddack for Minnesota.

The talk of the MLB is all about Cal Raleigh. He became the third catcher in MLB history to score eight runs in a three-game series.

Raleigh has 31 homers already. His 31 homers are the third most before the All-Star Break in Mariners history. Only behind Ken Griffey Jr, who had 35 and 33 home runs.

Let's dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Mariners at Twins

  • Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
  • Time: 7:40PM EST
  • Site: Target Field
  • City: Minneapolis, MN
  • Network/Streaming: Twins.TV, ROOTNW

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Mariners at the Twins

The latest odds as of Tuesday:

  • Moneyline: Mariners (-105), Twins (-114)
  • Spread:  Twins 1.5
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable starting pitchers for Mariners at Twins

  • Pitching matchup for June 24, 2025: Luis Castillo vs. Chris Paddack
    • Mariners: Luis Castillo, (4-5, 3.38 ERA)
      Last outing (Boston Red Sox, 6/18): 6.0 Innings Pitched, 3 Earned Runs Allowed, 3 Hits Allowed, 2 Walks, and 5 Strikeouts
    • Twins: Chris Paddack, (3-6, 4.48 ERA)
      Last outing (Cincinnati Reds, 6/19): 5.0 Innings Pitched, 4 Earned Runs Allowed, 6 Hits Allowed, 0 Walks, and 3 Strikeouts

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries, and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions, and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Mariners at Twins

  • The Mariners have won seven of their last 10 games
  • Each of the Mariners' last four games at the Twins have gone over the Total
  • The Twins have failed to cover the Run Line in five of their last six games

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline, and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Mariners and the Twins

Rotoworld Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread, and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information, and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Mariners and the Twins:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Seattle Mariners on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Seattle Mariners at +1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the over on the Game Total of 8.0.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Former Devil Alexander Mogilny To Be Inducted Into Hockey Hall of Fame

Alexander Mogilny finally received the call. 

The former New Jersey Devils forward is being inducted into the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class, as announced by the selection committee on Tuesday. 

Mogilny joins the class, which includes Joe Thornton, Zdeno Chara, Duncan Keith, Brianna Decker, Jennifer Botterill, Danièle Sauvageau, and Jack Parker. 

“I am happy to be part of a great organization like the Hockey Hall of Fame,” Mogilny said. “I want to thank both my Russian and NHL teammates for helping me achieve this honor.”

He most noticably made NHL history by becoming the first player from the Soviet Union to defect for the purpose of playing in the League. Over his 16-season career, he played for the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Devils. 

Mogilny appeared in 121 games as a Devil over three seasons. He put up 114 points (58 goals, 56 assists). He won the Stanley Cup with the Devils in the 1999-2000 season.

At the international level, Mogilny helped the USSR to a gold medal at the Olympics, World Championships, and World Juniors in 1989.

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes

Hischier's Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He's Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied'

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Florida Panthers release full 2025 preseason schedule

Didn’t the Florida Panthers season just end?

It’s been a week since the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in six games to become back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, but the team is already looking toward the future.

On Tuesday, Florida announced their 2025 NHL Preseason schedule.

It begins with their traditional preseason doubleheader, which this year will take place on the road in Nashville on Sept. 21.

There will also be a neutral site game played between Florida and Tampa Bay Lightning on Sept. 30 at Kia Center in Orlando.

The Panthers will play only two preseason games on their home ice in Sunrise.

They will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Sept. 29 at Amerant Bank Arena, then five days later on Oct. 4 Florida will welcome the Lightning to close out the preseason.

While the Panthers will play seven preseason games, they’ll only face three different teams.

The full preseason schedule for the Cats can be seen below:

Image

Florida has not set an official start date for training camp yet, but it will likely be around a week before they begin playing exhibition games.

The NHL has yet to release the 2025-26 regular season schedule, but whenever Florida’s home opener arrives, they’ll be excited to raise another Stanley Cup Championship banner to the rafters.

Enjoy your summer, folks. Once again, it’ll be a shorter one.

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Photo caption: Sep 30, 2024; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Maxim Groshev (52) tips a shot toward Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Jim Rassol-Imagn Images)

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Canadiens: Potential First-Round Pick – Jack Nesbitt

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s final draft ranking, when the Montreal Canadiens finally get to speak at 16th and 17th overall, supersized center Jack Nesbitt could still be available. Chances are that if he is, Kent Hughes and co. will be thanking their lucky star.

The six-foot-five and 186-pound Sarnia, Ontario, native center could certainly help fill one of the Habs’ needs. Not only does he have a large frame that he’s not afraid to enter the dirty areas with, but he also possesses a high hockey IQ and a knack for making opponents forget about him in the offensive zone, creating opportunities for himself.

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He is a real power forward who doesn’t fear puck battles in the corner to retrieve the puck and feeds his teammates at both ends of the ice. He’s a responsible forward who’s well aware of a center’s defensive responsibilities.

On a struggling Windsor Spitfires team in 2023-24, he picked up 18 points in 58 games and was a significant part of the team’s much-improved result this past year, putting up 64 points in 65 games.

Nesbitt possesses a great package of skills, size, and hockey IQ. Still, he’s far from being a finished product and will need time to develop, focusing on both his speed and skating once he has fully developed and added some muscles to his already big frame.

There’s no consensus on where he’s likely to fall, however. While TSN’s Bob McKenzie has him at 17, Craig Button ranks him at 38, THN’s Tony Ferrari at 51, and Ryan Kennedy at 20. McKeen’s Hockey has him at 27, Recruit puts him at 44, and Dobber Prospects places him at 33.

The Canadiens did meet Nesbitt at the Scouting Combine in Buffalo, and the youngster was reported as saying, “It would be cool to go to Montreal, that’s where my father grew up.” The youngster added he felt the Canadiens were interested. According to TVA Sports, Nesbitt had filled out a questionnaire for the Habs and had a meeting as well.

The 18-year-old compares his play to that of Winnipeg Jets captain Adam Lowry, saying he plays a physical game on the 200-foot and can also score essential goals. That’s a profile that’s currently missing in Montreal, and adding Nesbitt would be an excellent investment for the future on the Canadiens’ part.

Photo credit: Michael Augello

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Former Maple Leafs Forward Alexander Mogilny Finally Inducted Into Hockey Hall Of Fame After Years Of Snubs

Finally, after nearly two decades away from the game, former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alexander Mogilny will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The announcement came on Tuesday afternoon, with several others being inducted, including Jennifer Botterill, Zdeno Chara, Brianna Decker, Duncan Keith, and former Maple Leaf Joe Thornton. The two builders being inducted are Jack Parker and Danielle Sauvageau.

We now don’t have to wonder why the forward, who only spent three seasons with the Maple Leafs, wasn’t inducted. Mogilny played 13 seasons — with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and New Jersey Devils, which included a 127 point year and 76 goals in 1992-93 and a Stanley Cup in 2000 — before joining Toronto in 2001.

Aside from Teemu Selanne, who also had 76 goals that year, no player has scored more in a season since Mogilny’s 76 in 1992-93. The two shared the Rocket Richard Trophy that year.

Report: Clubs View Vegas Golden Knights As 'Team To Beat' In Mitch Marner Sweepstakes As Maple Leafs Free Agent Hits MarketReport: Clubs View Vegas Golden Knights As 'Team To Beat' In Mitch Marner Sweepstakes As Maple Leafs Free Agent Hits MarketWith the NHL Draft and free agency fast approaching, the league is buzzing with activity, and no name is generating more speculation than Mitch Marner. While teams prepare for the draft, there is widespread debate about where the top free agent will end up.

Mogilny spent three seasons with the Maple Leafs and averaged nearly a point per game in his tenure, scoring 166 points (65 goals and 101 assists) in 176 games. He also won the Lady Byng Trophy — given to the player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability” — with Toronto in 2002-03.

After a season plagued by a hip injury in 2003-04, which forced him to miss most of the year, Mogilny became a free agent and signed with the Devils. He played a combined 71 games during the final two seasons of his career, scoring 55 points in that span.

Maple Leafs and John Tavares Reportedly 'Not Close' on Extension Maple Leafs and John Tavares Reportedly 'Not Close' on Extension Will John Tavares remain a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs after his contract expires? According to the latest from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, it’s not looking like a sure thing. In his NHL rumblings column published on Saturday, LeBrun revealed that the two sides are not close on finalizing a contract extension.

His career finished with the Cup, a Lady Byng and the Rocket Richard Trophy, and is a part of the triple-gold club (an Olympic gold medal, a World Cup gold, a World Junior gold). Mogilny’s career finished with 473 goals and 559 assists for 1,032 points in 990 games, plus 86 points (39 goals and 47 assists) in 124 playoff games.

Although his time in Toronto was brief, Mogilny will be remembered for his speed, tenaciousness, and skill, all while helping the Maple Leafs win three playoff rounds from 2002 to 2004.

(Top photo: Lou Capozzola / USA TODAY NETWORK)

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Mike Krukow believes Rafael Devers' plate presence reminiscent of Barry Bonds

Mike Krukow believes Rafael Devers' plate presence reminiscent of Barry Bonds originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

This past weekend’s series between the Giants and Boston Red Sox was an opportunity for Rafael Devers to face his former team and close the door on that nine-year chapter of his baseball life.

Devers, who joined the Giants last Tuesday, started the series going 0-for-5 on Friday night before going 2-for-7 with one home run and two runs scored in the following two games.

Giants broadcaster Mike Krukow on Monday joined KNBR 680’s “Murph & Markus” and gave his and Duane Kuiper’s thoughts on Devers, which surprisingly included a comparison to Giants legend and home run king Barry Bonds.

“Kuip said, ‘You know, after that swing of the bat, I anticipate him hitting a home run every other at-bat,’ ” Krukow said, relaying his broadcast partner’s comments after Devers hit his first home run as a member of the Giants. “And we haven’t felt that way since Barry Bonds.”

Any time someone mentions a player in the same light as Bonds, eyes raise and the fact that the pair of commentators feel that way is incredibly telling.

Krukow says that, as a former big leaguer, analyzing a player who’s so tough to face like Devers can be a challenge for pitchers and that’s something that makes the game of baseball so special.

“Every game I’ve ever watched since [playing], I look at the hitter facing the pitcher, figuring out ‘How the hell am I going to get this guy out?’ ” Krukow said. “To me, that’s just the greatest puzzle in the game of baseball. It’s the essence of the game.”

Devers and his career .278 batting average have proven to be a tough out for opposing pitchers and for Krukow, there’s a word that defines Devers to a T.

“The one word that comes to mind when I watch him hit is threat,” Krukow said. “He’s not an easy guy to pitch to.”

For opposing pitchers, Devers certainly is a threat, but for a Giants lineup that was searching for runs, they’re hoping he can be the offensive boost they desperately needed.

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Harper swings more than he has since injury but Houston return unlikely

Harper swings more than he has since injury but Houston return unlikely originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

HOUSTON — It does not sound like Bryce Harper will be activated in Houston but he went through his full pregame routine Tuesday at Daikin Park, swinging more than he has since being placed on the injured list June 7 with right wrist inflammation.

Harper hit off a tee and did soft toss, swinging about 50 times. He fielded grounders at first base and went through a throwing program.

If the wrist responds well overnight, the Phillies hope to have him take batting practice in the indoor cage Wednesday.

Manager Rob Thomson said he doesn’t think Harper will be activated against the Astros and responded, “I don’t know,” when asked about the Atlanta series this weekend. But the two-time MVP is headed in the right direction.

“Good, a lot better,” Thomson said. “Just keep progressing intensity, volume.”

The Phillies have gone 10-5 since Harper’s injury, averaging 4.9 runs. The offense struggled the weekend he went down but has hummed since, with Trea Turner maintaining a .300 batting average, Kyle Schwarber homering twice a week, Alec Bohm hitting .346 in June and Brandon Marsh — .385 at the bottom of the order during Harper’s injury — finally heating up.

The Phils arrived in Houston with a 47-31 record, 1½ games ahead of the Mets in the NL East and a half-game behind the Dodgers for the top mark in the National League.

Buddy Kennedy started at first base on Tuesday night against Astros left-hander Framber Valdez. The Phillies will see another lefty on Wednesday in Colton Gordon before facing tough right-hander Hunter Brown on Thursday. The Phillies faced David Peterson on Sunday and had Monday off, so it could be four full days between starts for Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler.

“They’re gonna get four days at the All-Star break too,” Thomson said, “so they’ve got to deal with it, keep working and stay sharp.”

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Celtics trading Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in three-team deal: Report

Celtics trading Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in three-team deal: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Boston Celtics have made another significant roster move in what should be an exciting offseason for the NBA.

The Celtics are trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. Porzingis and a second-round draft pick will head to Atlanta in exchange for Georges Niang and a second-rounder. The Hawks sent Terance Mann and their No. 22 overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets.

The C’s entered the offseason as a second apron team. They needed to shed salary, so this trade involving Porzingis isn’t surprising. Porzingis is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $30.7 million salary cap hit, per Spotrac. As a result of this deal and the Jrue Holiday trade, the Celtics are now $4.5 million under the second apron.

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Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range this past season.

Porzingis’ tenure in Boston lasted just two seasons, but it did produce some memorable moments.

His apex with the Celtics was a 60-second stretch in the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks when he made a huge impact at both ends of the court. Porzingis was making his return to the lineup after missing the previous 10 games due to injury.

Porzingis was unable to stay healthy for a good chunk of his career in Boston. He missed 25 games in 2023-24 and 40 games in 2024-25. He played in all 11 of Boston’s 2025 playoff games but was limited in some of them due to a mystery illness. He provided an undeniable spark when on the court, however, and was a fan favorite at TD Garden.

Niang, 32, averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with the Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Massachusetts native has also had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers.

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Celtics trading Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in three-team deal: Report

Celtics trading Kristaps Porzingis to Hawks in three-team deal: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics have made another significant roster move in what should be an exciting offseason for the NBA.

The Celtics are trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday. Porzingis and a second-round draft pick will head to Atlanta in exchange for Georges Niang and a second-rounder. The Hawks sent Terance Mann and their No. 22 overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets.

The C’s entered the offseason as a second apron team. They needed to shed salary, so this trade involving Porzingis isn’t surprising. Porzingis is entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $30.7 million salary cap hit, per Spotrac. As a result of this deal and the Jrue Holiday trade, the Celtics are now $4.5 million under the second apron.

Porzingis averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3-point range this past season.

Porzingis’ tenure in Boston lasted just two seasons, but it did produce some memorable moments.

His apex with the Celtics was a 60-second stretch in the first quarter of Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks when he made a huge impact at both ends of the court. Porzingis was making his return to the lineup after missing the previous 10 games due to injury.

Porzingis was unable to stay healthy for a good chunk of his career in Boston. He missed 25 games in 2023-24 and 40 games in 2024-25. He played in all 11 of Boston’s 2025 playoff games but was limited in some of them due to a mystery illness. He provided an undeniable spark when on the court, however, and was a fan favorite at TD Garden.

Niang, 32, averaged 9.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season with the Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Massachusetts native has also had stints with the Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers.

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Kobe Bryant's words inspire Tyrese Haliburton after 'shock' Achilles injury in Finals

Left, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton moves the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game 4 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Indianapolis. Right, Lakers Kobe Bryant reacts after a turnover against the Raptors in the 2nd quarter at the Staples Center Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times)
Indiana Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton, left, quoted late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in an X post reacting to the Achilles tendon tear he suffered during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Bryant suffered the same injury in 2013. (AP Photo / Michael Conroy, Wally Skalij / The Los Angeles Times)

A day after having to leave the biggest game of his life, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shared his first public comments since tearing his right Achilles tendon early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

"Words cannot express the pain of this letdown," Haliburton wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the tendon. "The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense."

But for the majority of his five-paragraph post, which Haliburton accompanied with a photo of himself smiling and forming a heart with his hands from a hospital bed, the two-time All Star also delivered a message of optimism and determination. And he did so, in part, by quoting late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who overcame the same injury in 2013.

"I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation," Haliburton wrote. “'There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.'

Read more:Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton latest to succumb to torn Achilles during NBA playoffs

"And that’s exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right."

Bryant's words were part of a lengthy Facebook post early in the morning on April 13, 2013, hours after tearing his left Achilles tendon while driving to the basket during a game against the Golden State Warriors the previous night. After suffering the injury, Bryant famously stayed in the game long enough to sink two free throws.

In his post, Bryant describes his raw emotions and even uncharacteristically expresses some self-doubt before his famous Mamba Mentality inevitably surfaces.

"All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times!" wrote Bryant, who was 34 at the time. "The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??

"I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not!

Kobe Bryant holds his left leg and grimaces while sitting on the court after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.
Kobe Bryant writhes in pain after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during a game against the Golden State Warriors on April 12, 2013, at Staples Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

"Its 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and Im wide awake. Forgive my Venting but whats the purpose of social media if I wont bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in."

That's where Bryant writes the words that Haliburton quoted.

"We don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run," Bryant wrote later in the post. "We endure and conquer."

True to his word, Bryant returned to the floor with the Lakers on Dec. 8, 2013. He dealt with several other injuries — including a knee injury that ended his 2013-14 season just six games after he returned from the Achilles — before retiring at the end of the 2015-16 season, his 20th in the NBA.

More than a decade later, a 25-year-old star is using Bryant's words as inspiration, days after being unable to help his team in a 103-91 loss to the Thunder with the NBA championship on the line.

Read more:Oklahoma City defeats Indiana in Game 7 to secure franchise's second NBA title

Here is Haliburton's full post:

"Man. Don’t know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I’ve worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.

"Now that I’ve gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I’m going to 'come back stronger'. What a cliche lol, this s— sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what’s hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I’m rambling, but I know this is something I’ll look back on when I’m through this, as something I’m proud I fought through. It feels good to let this s— out without y’all seeing the kid ugly cry.

"At 25, I’ve already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I’ll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don’t regret it. I’d do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special.

Tyrese Haliburton yells out and winces in pain as he lands horizontally on the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leans over him
Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton falls to the court with an injury next to Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22. (Nate Billings / Associated Press)

"Indy, I’m sorry. If any fan base doesn’t deserve this, it’s y’all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don’t doubt for a second that y’all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. 'There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.' And that’s exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right.

"My journey to get to where I am today wasn’t by happenstance, I’ve pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all, is that I’m grateful. I’m grateful for every single experience that’s led me here. I’m grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don’t 'have to' go through this, I get to go through this. I’m grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I’ll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton.

"Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.'"

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Daniel Sprong Waiting On Devils As Free Agency Nears

The New Jersey Devils recently released a video taking fans behind the scenes of an amateur scout meeting ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. In the two-minute video, general manager Tom Fitzgerald stated, "We are not coming back with the same guys. We have got some decisions we have to make." 

One pending unrestricted free agent who is waiting for the Devils to make those decisions is Daniel Sprong. 

New Jersey acquired the 28-year-old from the Seattle Kraken on Mar. 7, 2025, for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. He appeared in 11 games for the Devils, collecting two assists. 

During his end-of-season media availability, Sprong praised Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, "He is my favorite coach I have played for in the NHL so far. He is honest. He says it how it is. That works really well for me." 

To begin the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Keefe put Sprong on the third line with Paul Cotter and Cody Glass. After Game 1, Sprong was taken out of the lineup and served as a healthy scratch for the remaining four postseason games. 

Despite not playing in those final games, he shared that he enjoyed his limited time with the Devils. 

"I loved it here," Sprong said during his exit interview. "A great group of guys (and) great fans. I would say everything before New Jersey (this season) was pretty difficult. Mentally, I had a lot of ups and downs, mostly downs, but when I got to New Jersey, I think I fit in well." 

With free agency fast approaching, The Hockey News contacted the forward's agent to confirm if Sprong was preparing for free agency and was informed that they are "waiting on New Jersey." NHL free agency will begin in one week on Tuesday, July 1, at noon ET. 

Over nine seasons in the NHL, Sprong has also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, and Kraken. He has 166 points in 374 games.

He is one of six unrestricted free agents that the Devils have, along with Nathan Bastian, Justin Dowling, Curtis Lazar, Brian Dumoulin, and Jake Allen. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

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Mets activate Frankie Montas, transfer Jesse Winker to 60-day injured list

The Mets announced a series of roster moves, including reinstating right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, who will make his team debut on Tuesday night against Atlanta.

Additionally, the Mets optioned reliever Chris Devenski to Triple-A Syracuse and transferred outfielder Jesse Winker to the 60-day IL.

Signed to a two-year, $34 million contract that includes a $17 million player option for 2026, Montas suffered a lat injury just as spring training was beginning in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The 32-year-old has had a bit of a rough go while on his rehab assignment, pitching to a 12.05 ERA with eight home runs allowed over 18.2 innings (six starts). Still, the Mets hope Montas can add some stability to a rotation that is currently down Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill, while still awaiting Sean Manaea’s season debut.

Meanwhile, transferring Winker to the 60-day IL is more of a paper move than anything else. Winker, who suffered a right oblique strain on May 4, has been on the IL for 50 days and is still a bit away from being ready to start a rehab assignment.

Devenski, 34, has been back and forth between Triple-A and the majors this season, appearing in four big league games with a 3.60 ERA in 5.0 innings of work.