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Edgecombe stands out and learns, Embiid practices at Sixers training camp

Edgecombe stands out and learns, Embiid practices at Sixers training camp  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Asked about his early impressions of VJ Edgecombe, Andre Drummond didn’t first point to the No. 3 overall pick’s bounce or defensive chops.

“The first day I saw VJ I was instantly impressed, because the first thing he did was just ask me a bunch of questions,” Drummond said Friday at Sixers media day. “He even asked me how my day was. He’s like, ‘What do you think about this, big bro? How do you feel about this?’ 

“He’s a kid that wants to soak up knowledge. And he’s a gifted athlete and he’s very, very good. I think he’s going to be very good for us and I’m excited about what’s to come.”

Day 1 of Edgecombe’s first NBA training camp was Saturday. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse named him and two-way contract player Dominick Barlow as standouts. 

As Drummond noted, Edgecombe is fully aware he has tons of NBA-specific knowledge to gain. The 20-year-old has recently been asking teammates about how to prepare for the Sixers’ upcoming preseason trip to Abu Dhabi. Edgecombe’s watched Tyrese Maxey’s shooting and marveled at his range and “muscle memory.” Over the summer, he was curious about “the fouls and physicality.” 

“What is legal, what is not legal? It’s a different game from college, so I’m just trying to learn the rules,” Edgecombe said Friday. “That’s why I ask a lot of questions, especially if I’m trying to box (Drummond) out on a rebound or something like that. Little things like that … just trying to learn. I ask questions to everybody — literally anyone. I ask Justin (Edwards) questions, Jared (McCain), Tyrese, everybody. I’m just trying to get better.” 

Since draft night, Edgecombe has worked to adapt to various aspects of NBA life. That includes his strength and conditioning habits. The 6-foot-4 guard said he’s gained a bit of muscle and is up to the 195 to 200-pound range. 

“I’m just trying to find a routine and stick to that,” he said. “I’ve been lifting a lot more, lifting a lot of weight. I’m resting a lot. I’ve got to get my eight to 10 hours of sleep now. I’m taking recovery more seriously, to be honest with you.”

Edgecombe has also aimed to improve his outside shooting after going 34 percent behind the college line last season. 

While he wasn’t a poor or unwilling shooter at Baylor, Edgecombe was fully on board with mechanical tweaks. 

“I had a flat shot in college,” he said. “Now my arc is really good compared to where it was a month ago … and just more consistent. It’s crazy that it’s now rare for me to shoot flat. Now I know when my shot is flat.”

In terms of Edgecombe’s rookie role, Nurse said Friday he plans to use him both on and off the ball. Nurse can also envision Edgecombe “playing some three” and generally being a part of guard-heavy lineups that play a high-energy, fast-paced style. 

Whatever the assignment, Edgecombe seems like he’ll roll with it (and ask about anything he needs to know). 

“It’s basketball, at the end of the day,” he said. “I feel like everyone on the court is interchangeable, so whoever’s got the ball can bring it up. We have a lot of versatile guys. Sometimes I’m running, sometimes I’m bringing the ball up, sometimes I’m trailing. But I’m just out there trying to make winning plays.”

Embiid in the mix on Day 1 

Joel Embiid emphasized at media day that his health is a day-by-day matter.

He shot jumpers following Day 1 of camp and Nurse confirmed that he took part in practice. 

“He did participate,” Nurse said. “Everything right from the start was live and he was in there, participating in that stuff. He didn’t do everything, but he did quite a bit.

“I think he’s probably told you how he’s feeling, how he’s looking. He was moving good, playing hard and he had great spirit out there today.”

A Sixers official said Trendon Watford (right hamstring tightness) is day-to-day and that Paul George (left knee surgery) did an individual on-court workout.

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Aaron Judge drives in three, Cam Schlittler tosses gem in Yankees' 6-1 win over Orioles

The Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-1 on Saturday afternoon in the Bronx.

Here are some takeaways...

- It didn't take long for Aaron Judge to continue building on his AL MVP candidacy. The slugger gave the Yanks an early advantage with a two-out solo shot to left-center in the bottom of the first, now giving him 10 in September and a total of 53 on the season. 

Judge would deliver again a few innings later, smacking a two-run bases-loaded single to make it a 5-0 ballgame. A few pitches before that, Aaron Boone was ejected by home plate umpire Ramon De Jesus for a league-leading seventh time for arguing balls and strikes.

The captain finished the day 2-for-4 while driving in three of New York's six runs. 

- Two of New York's other runs also came via early blasts off of Baltimore lefty Tomyoki Sugano. After homering two different times in Friday night's game, Giancarlo Stanton lifted a solo shot leading off the bottom of the second, giving him 453 for his career (the 40th-most all-time).

Stanton reached base two more times on the day with a walk and a 102.5 mph infield single. The big slugger is heating up just in time for the playoffs -- hitting .333 with four home runs, 12 RBI, and a 1.392 OPS over his last seven games. 

- A few batters later, Ryan McMahon followed that up with his 20th homer of the season, fourth as a Yankee. 

- Cam Schlittler took advantage of the early lead and closed his spectacular rookie campaign on a high note. The young right-hander issued a two-out walk in the first, but then retired the next eight batters he faced before allowing a one-out double to Gunnar Henderson in the top of the fourth.

Schlittler got a lineout and strikeout to strand Henderson there. He hit two batters in the fifth to put another man in scoring position, but he was able to get Jackson Holiday to ground out to second to again escape without any damage on his line.

The youngster picked up two more strikeouts as he worked around a two-out single in the top of the sixth, then he put together a 1-2-3 seventh to end his day with just two hits (single, double) and a walk allowed while striking out nine batters across seven scoreless innings. 

Schlittler ends his campaign with a 2.96 ERA, the second-lowest by a Yankees rookie since 1981.

- Paul Blackburn entered and immediately broke up the shutout, allowing a leadoff solo homer to Coby Mayo. The right-hander rebounded to retire the next six hitters in order, securing the Yanks the series victory in their final set of the regular season. 

That earned run was the first one Blackburn has allowed in six appearances this month. 

- Jazz Chisholm left the game in the bottom of the fifth after being hit by a pitch on the left forearm. 

Game MVP: Cam Schlittler

The young right-hander certainly made a strong case for a playoff start, ending his rookie campaign on a high note.

Highlights

What's next

Luis Gil (4-1, 3.29 ERA) takes the mound against Kyle Bradish (1-1, 2.25 ERA) as the Yankees and Orioles close the regular season on Sunday at 3:10 p.m. in the Bronx. 

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Zegras, Michkov make a highlight, youngster has tough play and Flyers fall to Bruins

Zegras, Michkov make a highlight, youngster has tough play and Flyers fall to Bruins originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Flyers dropped to the Bruins, 4-3, in preseason action Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Travis Sanheim, Nikita Grebenkin and Trevor Zegras provided the Flyers’ goals. The markers by Sanheim and Zegras came on the power play.

Matvei Michkov collected two assists. Zegras also had a helper to go along with his goal.

The Flyers are 1-3-0 in the preseason and have three games left.

• Grebenkin and Alex Bump both got another look in their push for a job with the big club.

Grebenkin took advantage of a second-period climb in the lineup, scoring his first goal of the preseason. The 22-year-old winger stood out in the pair of rookie games with a goal and two assists.

He played seven games for the Maple Leafs last season and has a legit shot to win a season-opening roster spot with the Flyers.

“He’s a sticky guy, he comes up with loose pucks, that’s what we need,” Rick Tocchet said. “He finds the pressure and he goes to it, he’s not shy. There are really good parts of his game. We’ve got to clean up some stuff, a lot of turnovers at the center ice he has got to clean up. Other than that, though, I thought he had a good game for us.”

Bump had a costly turnover in the final seconds of the first period.

The 21-year-old winger lost control of the puck right by his own net as he was trying to milk the clock to zero. John Beecher pounced on it and put it past Samuel Ersson with 0.6 seconds left.

“I just tried to settle the puck down,” Bump said. “Funny bounce on me, funny roll. Unfortunate, yeah, but whatever, it’s over now.”

A number of Flyers went up to support Bump before they headed down the tunnel to the locker room. After starting the game with Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny, Bump dropped down the lineup for the second and third periods.

“Listen, everybody has made mistakes like that,” Tocchet said. “You just move on from it, it’s not a big deal. He knows.”

Rodrigo Abols, a big forward who can play center or winger, suited up again. He’s the only skater to have played in all four preseason games so far. And he has earned it. The 29-year-old could be in the Flyers’ bottom six on opening night.

• Zegras gave the Flyers what they probably envisioned when they acquired him this summer in a trade with the Ducks.

In the second period, the 24-year-old center teamed up with Michkov for an impressive power play goal.

It was high-level playmaking that the Flyers have desperately needed on the man advantage. Michkov’s vision on his pass was excellent.

“He’s a guy that if we get people moving in the right areas, he’s going to find them,” Tocchet said.

More: How Zegras has bonded with Michkov over a game of ‘crossbar’

• Ersson started in net for the Flyers and played the full game, stopping 23 of 27 shots.

Jeffrey Viel snapped a 3-3 tie in the third period by waiting out Ersson on a move in close.

Ersson has made 30 saves on 36 shots through four periods of exhibition play.

• Jamie Drysdale looked confident and creative with the puck on his stick.

“He has been real assertive,” Tocchet said. “He’s trying to do stuff we want on the blue line. He’s doing some spin-o-ramas, he’s holding onto pucks, he’s doing some good stuff. … There’s a lot there, he’s a good player. He’s only going to get better.”

• The Flyers sent prospects Spencer Gill and Jack Nesbitt back to their respective junior clubs.

The club’s roster is down to 40, which includes injured players.

• Lou Nolan, the Flyers’ longtime public address announcer, paid tribute to the late Bernie Parent before the game.

The Flyers held a moment of silence for their all-time great goaltender, who died last Sunday at the age of 80.

• The Flyers and Bruins meet again Monday in preseason action at TD Garden (7 p.m. ET).

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Former Panthers Goaltender Returns To Toronto On PTO

Former Florida Panthers goaltender James Reimer is returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout. 

Reimer's NHL career began in Toronto, with the Leafs selecting him in the fourth round of the 2006 NHL Draft. Now 37 years old, Reimer played six seasons with the Leafs, recording a .914 save percentage and a 2.83 goals-against average in 207 games. 

"I haven't had that much fun in a long time. And so it's been a special experience to be back here," Reimer said one day after signing with the Leafs on a professional tryout. "A lot of memories and a lot of good emotions. And really enjoying the moment and just enjoying being back. It's a lot of fun."

Reimer was brought in on a PTO because Joseph Woll is away from the team for personal reasons. The Leafs have not revealed why he needed to leave and have asked to respect his privacy. 

'I Haven't Had That Much Fun In A Long Time': James Reimer Reflects On First Maple Leafs Practice in 9 Years And When He May Play'I Haven't Had That Much Fun In A Long Time': James Reimer Reflects On First Maple Leafs Practice in 9 Years And When He May PlayJames Reimer stepped onto the ice in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey for the first time in over nine years on Saturday and the veteran NHL goaltender couldn't stop smiling from ear-to-ear.

The Panthers are the team Reimer has played the second most games with, recording a .912 SP and 2.85 GAA in 123 games.

Reimer spent three seasons with the Panthers from 2016 to 2019. Reimer has bounced around the NHL quite a bit as a veteran, spending time with the Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and the Buffalo Sabres. 

It's unknown if the Leafs will sign Reimer to an NHL contract, but it's a feel-good story for both Reimer and the Leafs fans.

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Ducks And McTavish Finally Come To Terms On A Six-Year Deal

The Anaheim Ducks and Mason McTavish finally came to terms on a contract extension after missing a chunk of training camp and several weeks of negotiations and stalemates.

Anaheim signed McTavish to a six-year extension worth a total of $42 million. The center will earn $7 million in average annual value. His contract will kick in immediately as he's been an RFA since July 1.

This new contract will expire after the 2030-31 campaign, when McTavish will be entering his prime years at the age of 28. This extension also eats up two years of UFA eligibility.

Some concerns began to surface that McTavish would miss a bit of the regular season because of the contract dispute. At one point, the 22-year-old began practising with the OHL's Ottawa 67's.

However, now that the team has locked him up for the next six years, he can return to the Ducks to finish off the rest of training camp and pre-season.

Entering his fifth NHL season, McTavish has already played 229 NHL games, scoring 60 goals and 140 points. Furthermore, he's coming off a career-high season where he recorded 22 goals and 33 assists for 52 points in 76 appearances. 

With that, the Ducks' star continues to grow and mature as he averaged a career-best 16:53 of ice time last year.

“Mason is a key part of our team, and we’re excited to reach a long-term agreement that reflects his importance to our future,” Ducks GM Pat Verbeek said in a statement upon Saturday's announcement.

“He’s a highly skilled, physical, and competitive player who plays the game the right way. Mason has already made a significant impact at a young age, and we’re confident he’ll continue to grow into a top player as we build toward sustained success.”

It's been seven years since Anaheim were in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Despite that, many are expecting the young Ducks to challenge for a playoff spot or at least make some noise in the Western Conference wild-card race.

“Today is an exciting day for me and my family to commit my long-term future to the Anaheim Ducks,” McTavish said in a statement.

“I believe in the direction of this organization and the group we have in the locker room. We’re building something special and I want to help this team take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff contender and, ultimately, a championship team.”

Securing the services of McTavish is crucial if  Verbeek and the rest of the franchise want his team to sniff around the post-season. 

McTavish wasn't the only player who had lengthy contract negotiations as an RFA. New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes and Nashville Predators right winger Luke Evangelista both require new deals.

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Training Camp: Penguins Make First Wave Of Roster Cuts

With the regular season just 10 days away, the Pittsburgh Penguins are beginning to get a picture of what their NHL roster will look like come Oct. 7, when they face the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden to open the season. 

And that picture includes reducing the training camp roster bit by bit.

On Saturday, the Penguins made the first big round of cuts to the roster, assigning all listed players to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's AHL training camp, which begins on Sept. 29 at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pa.

The following players were re-assigned:

  • F Raivis Ansons
  • D David Breazeale
  • D Tommy Budnick
  • F Kyle Criscuolo
  • F Brayden Edwards
  • F Zach Gallant
  • F Max Graham
  • D Brent Johnson
  • F Jordan Kaplan
  • F Gabe Klassen
  • D Daniel Laatsch
  • F Brett Murray
  • G Maxim Pavlenko
  • D Emil Pieniniemi
  • F Zach Urdahl
Blue Jackets At Penguins Preseason Preview: Marc-Andre Fleury Returns To Pittsburgh Blue Jackets At Penguins Preseason Preview: Marc-Andre Fleury Returns To Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Penguins picked up their first preseason win on Friday night against the Detroit Red Wings. 

After the cuts, the Penguins' training camp roster was reduced to 58 players, which still includes prospects such as Filip Hallander, Ville Koivunen, Ben Kindel, Harrison Brunicke, Owen Pickering, Avery Hayes, and Tristan Broz. Goaltenders Sergei Murashov, Filip Larsson, and Arturs Silovs also remain on the roster.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab  to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!      

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Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. exits Saturday's game vs. Orioles after HBP; X-rays negative

The Yankees are preparing for a postseason run, so they can't afford potential injuries to starters in the final games of the regular season.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited Saturday's tilt with the Orioles after southpaw Grant Wolfram hit the Yankees second baseman in the left forearm with a 97-mph sinker in the fifth inning.

Chisholm dropped his bat, held his arm and immediately went into the dugout to be tended to. After a few moments, Jose Caballero came out to replace Chisholm on the bases and for the rest of the game.

The Yankees infielder finished the day going 0-for-2. 

An initial X-ray revealed there was no damage to Chisholm's forearm, and a later CT scan also came back negative.

“Early signs good," manager Aaron Boone said after the game. "X-rays are negative, going to get more tests just to be sure. We’re hopeful." 

Being hit by a pitch wasn't the only incident for Chisholm in this game. Back in the fourth inning, Tyler O'Neill hit a liner to Cody Bellinger in left field. The Yankees outfielder turned and fired to second base to try and double up Gunnar Henderson, who strayed a bit too far from second base, but overthrew Chisholm. Jazz lept for the ball and landed on a sliding Henderson. 

Both players came away unscathed. 

The Yankees have clinched a playoff spot and are tied for the AL East lead. If they can't capture the division from the Blue Jays, the Yankees will finish the regular season on Sunday and then host Game 1 of their Wild Card round on Tuesday.

This story is still developing...