Fourth in the series.Today we look at the Cubs’recently-acquired backup DH/First Baseman.
Tyler Austin is a 34-year-old journeyman, drafted by the Yankees in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft. His lifetime 0.9 bWAR is inflated by his reasonable 2018-2019 seasons.
After 2019, he journeyed to NPB, where he did well for six years, and also played for the US team during the last Olympics. The Cubs seem to be banking on some transferable improvements from those experiences. Austin right now is penciled in as a backup to first baseman Michael Busch and DH Moises Ballesteros. It’s unclear if he’ll open the season on the major-league roster, given the Cubs’ needed bench improvement, but if he provides a big RH bat off the bench, he very well could break camp bound for Wrigley.
Most projections have him in that spot, and slashing something like .240/.315/.430, with 10-ish homers and 30-ish RBI in 200+ plate appearances. Austin has good power and isn’t a butcher at first, but that and DH are his only spots, and the Cubs need positional versatility. He’ll have to hit his way to Chicago.
After 13 consecutive years of making the postseason, a run that included six American League pennants and four World Series titles, 2008 marked the first season in some time that the Yankees failed to play for keeps in October. It was still an 89-win campaign, but given their historic run, it was a disappointing way to end their tenure in that iteration of Yankee Stadium.
2009 was a new chapter for a the franchise, with a fancy new stadium to call home. Clearly, they had intentions of making some noise that year, and began that process with a historically active offseason. Many of their important moves will be covered in this series, but the first free agent domino to fall, which helped fuel the Yankees to their 27th World Series win, was veteran pitcher A.J. Burnett.
A.J. Burnett Signing Date: December 13, 2008 Contract: Five years, $82.5 million
Allan James Burnett, born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, was drafted by the Mets in the 8th round of the 1995 draft. Prior to breaking into the big leagues, the 6-foot-4 right-hander was sent off to the Marlins, in exchange primarily for Al Leiter. A season later, Burnett would be making his Major League debut for Florida.
This began a seven-season run with the Marlins, which was largely successful for Burnett and his club. His time in South Florida was not without his highlights — in May of 2001, Burnett tossed a no-hitter against the Padres, and later that season made blooper reels with a warm-up pitch that “accidentally” hit a promotional pickup truck driving behind the plate.
The following season featured some of Burnett’s finest work on the mound, as he managed a 3.30 ERA in over 200 innings of work, while topping 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career. He missed most of the ‘03 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, and had to watch from the dugout as his squad went on to beat the Yankees in the World Series that year. He would return, however, posting two more solid seasons with the Fish, throwing as hard as ever post-procedure.
Burnett would test free agency for the first time following the 2005 season, and landed in Toronto, where he would continue his solid work as a hard-throwing strikeout-heavy big league starter. In 2008, the righty pitched a career-high 221.1 innings and was the AL’s premier strikeout artist, amassing 231 of them. For the 31-year-old, it was among the ideal ways to enter free agency once again.
Burnett’s strong performance in Toronto, his free agency (via opt out), and the aforementioned Yankee desire to build a contender after a disappointing ‘08 season seemed to make for a good match. Hank Steinbrenner had made the Yankees’ interest in the veteran righty clear, and the club unsurprisingly inked Burnett to a five-year deal worth over $80 million.
A.J. Burnett’s time in New York started out quite well. Across 33 starts in 2009, he topped 200 innings once again, and despite a league-leading 97 walks, the hard-throwing righty racked up just shy of 200 Ks, and managed a respectable 4.04 ERA (114 ERA+). In terms of bWAR, it was actually Burnett’s most valuable season in the Majors – not a bad way to ring in the new contract.
On top of the solid regular season, Burnett made his mark in the Yankees’ successful postseason run as well. He started five games in the playoffs, including two in each of the Championship Series against the Angels, and the World Series against the Phillies. This stretch was highlighted by his performance in Game 2 of the Fall Classic, when he pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out nine Phillies to help New York quickly even the series in wake of a bumpy Game 1.
He wasn’t the Yankees premier starter that year, as they had signed CC Sabathia later in the offseason to fill that role, but Burnett, along with Sabathia and Andy Pettitte, formed a more-than-suitable front of the rotation — one that was clearly good enough to help win them a ring.
Unfortunately, the ‘09 season would be the best of Burnett in pinstripes, as he struggled to maintain nearly the same level of success over the following seasons. He continued to go out there every fifth day, making 33 and 32 starts respectively, between 2010-11, but with much diminished performance. In 2010, over 186.2 innings, the righty sported a much less palatable 5.26 ERA (82 ERA+), with a lower strikeout rate that he hadn’t seen since his early days as a starter. He struggled in the postseason too, allowing five runs in his lone start that October.
In his age-34 season, 2011, both he and the Yankees likely hoped for a rebound on the mound. Unfortunately, the story was much the same for the veteran. His 83 ERA+ marked little improvement, as more concerns started to pile up, as he also allowed a career-high 31 home runs in his third season with the Yankees. Burnett had become more inconsistent than anything following 2009, and despite still having good stuff on the mound, the Yankees appeared to have had enough after a second straight disappointment in 2011. He at least had enough to conjure up one last bit of playoff magic in the much-memed “I Believe in A.J.” start, Game 4 of the ALDS when the Yankees’ backs were up against the wall. Burnett was the benefactor of greatdefense in center from Curtis Granderson, but he still tossed 5.2 innings of one-run ball for the win. (The Yankees were eliminated the next day.)
After shopping Burnett’s services, the Yanks eventually struck a deal with the Pirates, sending the veteran starter to Pittsburgh for the final two years of his contract. The Yankees would eat more than half of the remaining money owed to him.
Burnett would pitch the next two seasons as a member of the Pirates (and eventually finish there), and despite beginning the 2012 season with a freak injury, would play some of his best baseball as well. Between 2012-13, in nearly 400 innings of work, Burnett posted a 3.41 ERA and impressive 3.17 FIP, figures he hadn’t touched since his days with the Marlins. On top of that, the 2013 season saw him remarkably post a career-best 26.1 percent strikeout rate at the age of 36.
Burnett made a brief and unsuccessful detour to the Phillies for the 2014 season, before returning to Pittsburgh to even more success. In 2015, his final season, Burnett posted a career-low ERA, walked fewer batters than he had in a decade, and for the first time, at 38-years-old, made an All-Star team.
Although his time in New York was shorter than what he or the organization envisioned when he signed his five-year deal, it would be hard to call his contract a failure. His success was mostly contained to just one season, but when that one season is spent as a critical part of a championship team, other warts can reasonably be overlooked.
His time in pinstripes was brief, in the span of a 17-year career in the Major Leagues, a very good one at that, but A.J. Burnett did his part when it mattered for the Yankees, making his signing all the more significant.
See more of the “50 Most Notable Yankees Free Agent Signings in 50 Years” series here.
“Meet the Mets, meet the Mets, step right up and greet the Mets.” As their theme song would suggest, the Mets have done a pretty good job of introducing brand new players to fans over the years. While the Amazins’ may not have an excess of World Series rings to show for their 64-year history, they boast six Rookie of the Year winners, and are one of just three franchises with at least four ROTY-winning pitchers (along with the Yankees and Dodgers). It’s been eleven years since the Mets had multiple rookies put up at least 2.0 bWAR in the same season, but that streak seems likely to end this year. Even after trading Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to Milwaukee, the Mets enter 2026 with top prospects once again projected to get significant time in the spotlight — especially Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Carson Benge. Only time will tell which of these three players might blossom into stars by the season’s end, but all three should have the opportunity to make a mark.
In light of these exciting prospects waiting in the wings, this edition of Tuesday Top Ten will take a look back at some of the most memorable rookies who have worn orange and blue. As with all editions, this ranking is completely subjective, based on a healthy mix of stats, historical significance, and personal preference. So with all that out of the way, let’s count down the greatest rookie seasons in Mets history…
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Gary Gentry (1969)
The third starter on the Miracle Mets, Gentry pitched to a respectable 3.43 ERA and earned the win in the first World Series game at Shea Stadium.
Juan Lagares (2013)
Despite holding an 80 OPS+, Juan Lagares played stellar centerfield defense and recorded 3.4 bWAR, the second-highest mark for a position player rookie in Mets history.
Noah Syndergaard (2015)
Thor’s total of 166 strikeouts ranks sixth among Mets rookies, and his mark of 26 postseason strikeouts is tied for 5th among rookies in baseball history.
Jeff McNeil (2018)
Jeff McNeil impressed in limited playing time during his first season in the majors, putting up 3.0 bWAR and recording 74 hits in just 63 games.
THE LIST
10.Steve Henderson (1977)
Steve Henderson’s rookie season began in the wake of a massacre. In the final hours of June 15, 1977, the Mets did the unthinkable, trading Tom Seaver — a Met so iconic that his nickname was simply “The Franchise” — to the Cincinnati Reds. The stunning deal would soon be dubbed “The Midnight Massacre,” and is still widely regarded as the most infamous event in Mets history. In return for Seaver, the Mets received a quartet of young players, two of whom (Dan Norman and Henderson) had yet to make their major league debuts. Norman made his debut three months after the trade. Henderson made his debut the very next day.
In just 99 games, Henderson put up 2.7 bWAR, the third-most among position players on the 1977 Mets. The left fielder hit .297/.372/.480, setting a new record for Mets rookies in each sector of that slash line (min. 300 PA) throughout the team’s 16-year history up to that point. Had he played for a full season, Henderson might have been named the N.L. Rookie of the Year, but he was ultimately voted as runner-up to the Expos’ Andre Dawson. Over the course of his twelve-year MLB career, Henderson never again put up a bWAR total as high as his rookie season’s in 1977. Over the course of his four-year Mets career, Henderson put up 9.4 total bWAR, the highest among the quartet of players the Mets acquired in the Midnight Massacre.
9. Jason Isringhausen(1995)
Better known for his time with the Cardinals (or even his short stint with the A’s), right-hander Jason Isringhausen began his professional career as a 44th-round draft pick by the Mets. As a 22-year-old rookie in 1995, Isringhausen served in the role of starting pitcher. In 93.0 IP, Isringhausen posted a 2.81 ERA (that mark was good for a 144 ERA+ back at the start of the steroid era) while winning nine of his 14 starts. Despite only debuting in mid-July, Isringhausen’s performance was enough to earn him fourth place in that season’s N.L. Rookie of the Year voting, behind Hideo Nomo, Chipper Jones, and Quilvio Veras.
When the Mets traded Isringhausen to Oakland at the deadline in 1998, he had just one career save: a three-inning performance in a blowout, 10-0 victory over Montreal. When the Mets signed Isringhausen again in 2011, he had 293 saves. On August 15, 2011 at Petco Park, the 38-year-old became just the third player to record his 300th save in a Mets uniform, joining John Franco and Billy Wagner. With exactly 300 career saves, Isringhausen currently ranks 30th on the all-time saves leaderboard — the fourth-highest placement for a homegrown Met behind Jeff Reardon, Randy Myers, and Rick Aguilera.
8. Kodai Senga(2023)
As a 30-year-old who entered the majors with eleven years of professional baseball experience in Japan, Kodai Senga’s rookie season stands out from the other entries on this list. Instead of watching a top prospect deliver on high expectations or an unknown youngster rise to stardom, Mets fans in 2023 were treated to the story of a battle-tested veteran fighting to prove himself in a new league.
During a year when things came chaotically crashing down around the Mets and their postseason aspirations, Senga was a steady presence, posting a 2.98 ERA and making 29 starts (the most on the team). In just 166.1 IP, Senga struck out 202 batters, a mark which is rarely reached anymore by major league rookies. Since 2000, only four rookies have collected 200 strikeouts: Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2007, Yu Darvish in 2012, Spencer Strider in 2022, and Senga in 2023. It’s no coincidence that three of those four players came over from Japan, giving them more high-pressure experience while also ensuring a full season of rookie eligibility (most rookies are called up from the minor leagues midseason, while Japanese players debuting in MLB are typically signed before the regular season starts). Senga did not become the seventh Met to win the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award, as that honor was unanimously bestowed upon Corbin Carroll, but Senga ran away with the runner-up position, becoming the tenth (and most recent) Met to finish first or second in ROTY voting.
7. Darryl Strawberry(1983)
A rookie season which long stood as the greatest by a Mets position player, Darryl Strawberry’s 1983 was the first sign of better things ahead for a fledgling franchise. After making his debut in early May, the 21-year-old and former first-overall pick put up a 134 OPS+ over 122 games, clubbing 26 homers and stealing 19 bases. Strawberry was the first rookie in baseball history to put up those home run and stolen base totals despite missing a month of the season, and only four other players in baseball history have matched them since: Nomar Garciaparra, Chris Young, Mike Trout, and Julio Rodríguez.
Strawberry got off to a relatively slow start. At the end of June, he was hitting .180/.245/.317, with only four homers to his name. But over the next 82 games, he hit .295/.379/.609 with 22 homers. At the time, Strawberry set new franchise rookie records in home runs and RBI, both of which would hold until a certain Polar Bear broke them in 2019. Strawberry also won the N.L. Rookie of the Year, and was the only Mets position player to achieve that accolade…until 2019.
6. Jacob deGrom(2014)
If you had told ten Mets fans on May 15, 2014 that a right-handed starting pitcher making his major league debut that week against the Yankees would go on to win Rookie of the Year, all ten fans would have bought Rafael Montero jerseys. Jacob deGrom, a 26-year-old drafted in the ninth round, was an afterthought — a quiet, lanky kid from Florida without a superhero persona or a Futures Game resume — but he impressed in his debut on both sides of the ball, firing seven one-run innings and getting a hit in his first major league at-bat (the Mets’ first hit of the game). Despite the performance, he was pinned with a hard-luck loss as the team fell 1-0 to their crosstown rivals. If that isn’t foreshadowing, I don’t know what is.
After some midseason struggles, deGrom went on a tear to close out 2014, going 9-3 with a 1.90 ERA in his final twelve starts of the season. In his penultimate start on September 15, deGrom struck out the first eight Miami Marlins he faced, at the time tying a major league record for most consecutive strikeouts to open a game. By the season’s end, deGrom had tallied 140.1 IP, posting a 2.69 ERA and recording 144 strikeouts. Five and a half months after his unassuming promotion to the majors, deGrom had been named N.L. Rookie of the Year, and had become one of the key pieces in the franchise’s plans to build an elite rotation of young fireballers.
5. Tom Seaver(1967)
Tom Seaver was terrific out of the gate. While not yet at the level of dominance he would reach in 1969, when he won the N.L. Cy Young Award (along with 25 games), Seaver made an impressive statement as a 22-year-old Rookie of the Year in 1967. In 251 IP, Seaver posted a 2.76 ERA and racked up 170 strikeouts. He also mustered a complete game in 18 of his 34 starts, marking the most for a right-handed rookie since 1948.
Seaver eventually being nicknamed “The Franchise” feels inevitable when considering that, as a rookie, he set almost every major single-season pitching record — wins, strikeouts, and complete games — up to that point in the Mets’ six-year history. By 1969, at just 24 years old, Seaver had set the Mets’ all-time record in all three categories. He still holds each of those records to this day.
4. Jon Matlack(1972)
The Mets entered 1972 with a familiar, formidable duo of Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman sitting atop the starting rotation, but it was 22-year-old rookie Jon Matlack who might have been the team’s true ace. The lefty recorded a 2.32 ERA in 244 IP, striking out 169 batters and winning 15 games. He handily won the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award, becoming the second Met to win the award (after Tom Seaver had done so five years earlier).
Of all the phenomenal rookie seasons the Mets have had throughout their history, Matlack’s is perhaps the most overlooked — as is his career more broadly. Matlack ranks 12th all-time for bWAR as a Met, above two players (Keith Hernandez and Mike Piazza) who have their numbers retired, while he only played seven years in Queens. And as stellar as his 1972 was, Matlack’s magnum opus came in 1974, when he recorded 9.1 bWAR and seven shutouts. The only Mets pitcher with more shutouts in a single season slots in at the top spot on this list…
3. Jerry Koosman (1968)
Wait a minute, Jerry Koosman wasn’t even named the N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1968. What is he doing at third place on this list, ahead of four players who actually won the award? Even for “The Year of the Pitcher,” Koosman’s rookie season stands out as one of the best in Mets history. The 25-year-old southpaw pitched to a 2.08 ERA, the third-lowest for a rookie since integration (min. 150 IP). He totaled 178 strikeouts in 263.2 IP, firing a complete game in 17 (exactly half) of his 34 starts and racking up seven shutouts, marking the second-most for a rookie since integration behind Fernando Valenzuela’s eight in 1981. He also compiled a whopping 19 wins, a mark which only two rookies (Mark Fidrych in 1976 and Tom Browning in 1985) have reached since then.
Koosman’s numbers surely would have been enough to earn him Rookie of the Year honors, but the lefty — often overshadowed on his own team by ace Tom Seaver — was characteristically relegated to No. 2 status by future Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, who won the award by a single vote.
2. Pete Alonso(2019)
Pete Alonso’s inaugural season comes with the most punchy accomplishment on this list: he hit more home runs than any other rookie in baseball history. No addendums. No specific timeframe. No qualifying splits. He hit 53 home runs, and that’s the most by a rookie in the 157-year history of the major leagues. It almost feels trivial to add, but Alonso also obliterated the Mets’ record books, setting the rookie mark for RBI by mid-July and the single-season mark for homers before the end of August.
On top of all that, he won the Home Run Derby, invented a new slogan in “LFGM,” and instantly propelled himself to face-of-the-franchise status in the wake of David Wright’s retirement. For a player who was openly disappointed that he didn’t get a call to The Show during the prior season, Alonso proved he belonged in every possible sense. It’s also worth noting that without the gutsy decision of another “rookie” — first-time General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen — to sacrifice a year of team control in order to have Alonso on the team’s Opening Day roster, the Polar Bear might not have set his famous single-season records (not to mention his eventual franchise home run record).
1. Dwight Gooden(1984)
Arguably the most electric start to a pitching career in major league baseball history, Dwight Gooden’s emergence was the type of fantasy you dream up when throwing baseballs in your backyard, or beginning a new create-a-player mode in a video game. In 218 IP, Gooden struck out 276 batters, setting a record which still holds for the most strikeouts by a rookie in the modern era, as well as a record which has since been broken for highest K/9 (11.8) put up by a rookie. Gooden reached a new gear as the season came down the home stretch; over his final nine starts, he went 8-1, struck out 105 batters while only walking 13, and pitched to a 1.07 ERA and 0.74 WHIP. Gooden also dazzled on the national stage by striking out the side at the 1984 All-Star Game, earning him one of the top entries on another Amazin’ Avenue ranking.
While Gooden’s dominance reached its peak during his sophomore season in 1985, his rookie season in 1984 was more than enough to spark a city-wide sensation. His starts were must-watch events, drawing energized crowds which Shea Stadium wasn’t used to seeing after seven straight years of losing baseball. While I wasn’t alive to watch Gooden pitch, the stats speak for themselves, and the stories—well, the stories still seem to speak from every corner of Citi Field today, including the literal “K Korner,” which endures in scoreboard form in left field. Oh, and as if that level of on-field excellence and off-field phenomenon weren’t enough to cement this season’s legacy, Gooden was only 19 years old. That’s two years younger than any other player on this list. Doc’s 1984 comes out on top in a crowded field of impressive Mets rookie seasons, and it would take quite a campaign to strip him of that title. Though as Mets fans are known to say, “Ya Gotta Believe,” and nothing is impossible…(We’re looking at you, Nolan McLean.)
Have a top ten list you want to see featured on this series? Comment with your category below!
Now that the 2026 Top 100 Prospect lists are out, it’s time to take a look at some of the Braves prospects who could make a push to be included on the 2027 versions of the Top 100 Prospects in the game. Of course Cam Caminiti will not make this list, as he is already a consensus Top 100 prospect in the game. We also won’t include JR Ritchie, who made the Top 100 on both Baseball America and Pipeline – only missing on Keith Law’s list among the three big lists released so far.
Didier Fuentes
Fuentes is one of the two easiest choices for this list after exploding last year, going from A-ball to the big leagues in the same season. Sure, he struggled in his brief MLB stint but it was apparent that the then-20-year-old wasn’t quite ready for the show. Fuentes will be given more time to develop this year, and isn’t likely to be forced into a role he isn’t ready for again as last year’s promotion was related to injuries. It would likely take improvement with his secondary pitches for him to move into the Top 100, whether his slider or splitter. If he could turn the slider into a second plus pitch, or make his offspeed pitch into an above-average offering to join his plus fastball and above-average strike throwing ability.
Owen Murphy
The other easy pick for this list is Murphy, who looked great in his small sample size after his return from Tommy John surgery last summer. Murphy was trending towards the Top 100 in early-2024, but going down with his elbow injury stunted that progress. Now that he’s healthy and in his second year post-TJ, the Braves will better be able to turn him loose this season. Murphy has three average or above pitches along with average command, so a full and healthy season could push him up the rankings this year.
Diego Tornes
While it may seem questionable to include a player who hasn’t played above the DSL, but Tornes is the type of prospect who could force himself up the rankings. Tornes was the top international signee by the Braves last year, has received great reports from coaches, and has five tools that grade out as average or better. He will get a chance to hit his way to full-season ball, which is likely what he will need to do to rise enough for the Top 100. With Tornes it is more likely a matter of when, and not if, he makes a Top 100.
You'll want to keep an eye on Diego Tornes 👀
At just 17 years old, he has an EV of 105.4 mph and an average EV of 88.1 mph 😳
A quick look at his stat line shows Gil posted a .731 OPS with 25 doubles, a triple, and seven homers over 100 games with Augusta last year. What it doesn’t show you is the fact that he hit six homers with 10 doubles and the triple over his final 30 games there – which coincides with his return from injury in late-July. Gil has always had the hit tool and double-plus speed, but if this brief power spike can translate to this year he has only started to scratch the surface of his potential – even if Gil doesn’t homer once every six games this year, just some growth to make him a more well rounded hitter would go a long way.
Conor Essenburg
A bit of a sleeper pick here, as Essenburg was the Braves fifth round pick last year and has yet to make his pro debut. Still the reports from him from the summer and fall were promising for the former Illinois prep two-way star. As Essenburg focuses solely on hitting for the first time in his life, there is plenty of room for growth for the young slugger.
Briggs McKenzie
McKenzie wasn’t the Braves top pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, but he was the one who received the highest signing bonus. McKenzie will need to add more strength to hold his velocity deeper into games as well as gain more experience with his lightly used changeup, but he has all of the ingredients to push his way up the rankings this year or next.
Tate Southisene
As the Braves first round pick last year, Southisene is a candidate to push his way into the Top 100 for next season. I tend to think this is a bit aggressive, and that would likely be two years away for him as he needs to continue adding strength and adjusting to the pro game. Still he is a player with draft pedigree and has all five tools that are at least average.
Luke Sinnard
Another sleeper pick, Sinnard was the Braves third round pick in 2024 despite not appearing in a game that spring due to injury. His injury kept him out from June 2023 until April 2025, and while he missed some time with minor injury last year he did show why the Braves drafted him. Sinnard only threw 72.1 innings split between both levels of A-ball, though he did also make five starts in the Arizona Fall League after the season ended. Sinnard will be in his second season removed from Tommy John surgery, and the imposing 6’8” hurler has already shown he can miss bats with three of his pitches in the fastball, slider, and curve. If he can use this year to tighten his stuff and command, he is a player who could surprise from the Braves system.
The top-seeded Detroit Pistons head west to face the banged-up Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets’ injury report is lengthy, but Denver has stayed competitive, and my Pistons vs. Nuggets predictions call for the home team to cover the spread as the underdog.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this cross-conference tilt on Tuesday, January 27.
Pistons vs Nuggets prediction
Pistons vs Nuggets best bet: Nuggets +6.5 (-110)
The Denver Nuggets are 27-19 ATS this season, and they have covered in six of their last 10 games. Despite numerous injuries, Denver has found ways to stay competitive, and the team is 9-5 ATS across the last 14 games with Nikola Jokic on the sideline.
The Detroit Pistons are one of the best teams in the Association, and they are 24-19-1 ATS. Over the last 10 games, the Pistons are 6-4 ATS.
The Nuggets last played on Friday before Sunday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies was postponed due to weather. Peyton Watson, Jamal Murray and Jonas Valanciunas are all probable tonight, and the trio should be closer to 100% after getting some extra time to rest.
For as good as the Pistons are, Denver has played too well recently to be spotted 6.5 points at Ball Arena. I'll take the home team and the points as the Nuggets continue to get the most from their deep group of role players.
Pistons vs Nuggets same-game parlay
The Nuggets are 27-19 to the Over this season, but they've hit the Under in nine of 14 without Nikola Jokic, including seven of the last 10 games.
The Pistons are 18-26 to the Under overall and 1-9 to the Under across their last 10 outings. Both teams rank in the top-10 in fewest points allowed, so I expect a low-scoring matchup at Ball Arena.
Peyton Watson's strong play is a big reason why the Nuggets have been competitive without Nikola Jokic. Over his last 13 appearances, Watson has averaged 32.2 PRA and gone for at least 27 in 10 of them.
He's expected to return following a one-game absence and should be well-rested after not playing since Thursday.
Pistons vs Nuggets SGP
Nuggets +6.5
Under 217
Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Robinson on a heater
Duncan Robinson is averaging 2.9 triples per game this season, and he's hit 3+ treys in 28 of 42 contests.
He's been on a heater over his last eight games, knocking down 3.9 three-pointers per tilt at a 50.8% clip and hitting the Over on this line seven times.
Pistons vs Nuggets SGP
Nuggets +6.5
Under 217
Peyton Watson Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
Duncan Robinson Over 2.5 made three-pointers
Pistons vs Nuggets odds
Spread: Detroit -6.5 (-110) | Denver +6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Detroit -260 | Denver +210
Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) | Under 217 (-110)
Pistons vs Nuggets betting trend to know
The Denver Nuggets have hit the Moneyline in 16 of their last 25 games (+14.70 Units / 30% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Nuggets.
How to watch Pistons vs Nuggets
Location
Ball Arena, Denver, CO
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tip-off
9:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-DT, ALT
Pistons vs Nuggets latest injuries
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Have the New York Knicks stopped their slide? Wins over Brooklyn and Philadelphia are encouraging, but only so much so. And beating the Sacramento Kings will fall into that same category.
My Kings vs. Knicks predictions recognize New York’s struggles and the supposed source of them, and they will always put faith in said source.
The best shooting big man in NBA history has cleared this prop in 10 of his last 16 games, including four of his last five. Falling short on Saturday was a reflection of foul trouble, not shooting struggles. Towns has shot 38.5% from deep since December 23.
For him, that is a bit modest, but it's also worth noting he's shooting better on fewer looks — down to 4.1 threes per game. Towns is picking his moments.
Against the Sacramento Kings, a couple of early looks could mean KAT cashes this prop before halftime tonight.
Kings vs Knicks same-game parlay
This looks quite counterintuitive, but that is the point.
This same-game parlay pays out at a higher rate than it should simply because it is odd to pair Towns’ threes Over with his points Under. But Towns has hit multiple 3-pointers and still fallen short of this points prop six times in the last month.
Kings vs Knicks SGP
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 3-Pointers
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 20.5 Points
Knicks moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Streaking Knicks
After their four-game losing streak furthered consternation about the Knicks in general, they have at least rattled off two straight wins while covering the spread in both of them.
Kings vs Knicks SGP
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 3-Pointers
Karl-Anthony Towns Under 20.5 Points
Knicks -13.5
Kings vs Knicks odds
Spread: Kings +13.5 | Knicks -13.5
Moneyline: Kings +525 | Knicks -750
Over/Under: Over 231 | Under 231
Kings vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Kings are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games, falling short of bookmakers’ expectations by an average of 5.1 points in those five games, even including the sole ATS win. Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Knicks.
How to watch Kings vs Knicks
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, MSG
Kings vs Knicks latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
The Oklahoma City Thunder live a charmed life, one in which no one really even notices that they have lost their last two games despite being double-digit favorites in both.
But the Pacers were highly motivated, and the Raptors are quietly decent. Neither piece of backhanded praise can be given to the New Orleans Pelicans.
My Pelicans vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, January 27, recognize Oklahoma City’s defensive trends, which may be relatively backfiring but are still hardly a worry.
Pelicans vs Thunder prediction
Pelicans vs Thunder best bet: Trey Murphy III Under 3.5 made threes (-145)
Amid the Oklahoma City Thunder's relative struggles, its 3-point defense has actually improved. The Thunder have long forced opponents to take an abundance of long-range looks, but they have cut down on those in recent weeks.
Has that been why Oklahoma City has been laying some eggs? Perhaps.
The usual trend of encouraging 3-point attempts was a direct and delightful byproduct of making life miserable in the paint. Opponents did not want to drive or attack the rim.
If that is less of a misery now, that is a long-term worry for the Thunder.
Tonight, it could lead to New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III living inside the arc more than expected. Fewer looks for Murphy should doom him to this Under.
Pelicans vs Thunder same-game parlay
Whatever is going on in Oklahoma City — most likely something as simple as fatigue and/or malaise — the Thunder are 4-8 against the spread in their last 12, a stretch that has also seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fall short of this prop six times.
Pelicans vs Thunder SGP
Trey Murphy III Under 3.5 made threes
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 32.5 points
Pelicans +14.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Thunderclapped
Gilgeous-Alexander has hit multiple 3-pointers in just three of his last 11 games.
Over/Under: Over 233.5 (-110) | Under 233.5 (-110)
Pelicans vs Thunder betting trend to know
While the Thunder have lost outright as double-digit favorites in their last two games, the Pelicans have won outright as underdogs in their last two games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Thunder.
How to watch Pelicans vs Thunder
Location
Paycom Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
GCSEN, FDSN-OK
Pelicans vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
On the eve of what they hope will be a better performance against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, the Senators did a little roster shuffling.
The club has recalled forward Xavier Bourgault from AHL Belleville and returned goalie Mads Sogaard to Belleville. Sogaard backstopped the Senators to a shocking victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. For his efforts, he was named the game's first star and now he's back in the minors.
Steve Warne and Gregg Kennedy discuss David Perron's injury and the upcoming trade deadline on March 6th.
It's a tough game, this NHL business.
Sogaard's demotion means that 37-year-old James Reimer will draw back into the lineup after being a healthy scratch in that game. Reimer had played four games in seven days, and the Sens preferred not to use him in the second game of a back to back on Sunday.
They also preferred not to use Linus Ullmark who was also ready to play. Ullmark returned to the lineup to dress as the backup, and after a month on the sideline to deal with mental health issues, there's a chance he may start on Wednesday. But facing the most dominant team in hockey in his first game back would certainly be an ambitious choice for his return.
As for Bourgault's arrival, he's the plan B if Stephen Halliday can't play on Wednesday. Halliday hit his head on a stanchion near the Vegas bench in the game on Sunday. The good news is that Halliday felt well enough to attend Tuesday's practice as a spectator, watching from the Senators bench.
Bourgault is having an excellent second season in Belleville, far better than last year. He has 37 points in 43 games in the AHL, which is second best on the team, and already his career-best in four AHL seasons. He finally made his NHL debut with the Sens getting into one game earlier this season.
Meanwhile, Arthur Kaliyev has 46 points, and as Belleville's all-star selection, he must be wondering what he has to do to get another NHL look in Ottawa.
The Senators are coming off a 7-1 blowout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, and an 8-2 blowout loss to the Avalanche earlier this month.
Nick Castellanos to the White Sox? Please, no. | (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Sure, it’s practically February, but the White Sox promised to be players in free agency.
All it took was getting Luis Robert Jr’s $20 million salary off the books for the front office to suddenly get ‘very active’ at exploring roster upgrades.
Of course, needing to dump Robert’s salary just to have operating income to acquire talent has led to a new round of criticism toward the franchise. Much of the criticism challenges the notion that aggressive teams like the Dodgers are the “downfall” of baseball when teams like the White Sox need to give away salaried players just to attempt to be competitive for the coming season.
It is hard to avoid getting frustrated with the team’s frugal ways, considering roster upgrades still could have been made even with Robert’s bloated salary included in the payroll. The club had $87 million committed to the roster per FanGraphs’ RosterResource before Robert was traded to the New York Mets.
However, we must stop getting upset over or surprised by owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s failure to reallocate revenue into player payroll. It is what it is. The hope is that this current group of talented young players, along with the promising prospects on the way, will allow the franchise to succeed despite the frugal owner.
It has happened before (although the owner eventually finds a way to ruin everything).
At least, Getz immediately reinvested Robert’s salary by signing reliever Seranthony Domínguez to a two-year, $20 million contract. He is going to be counted on to be the team’s closer, even though he has sporadic experience in that area. At the very least, he is a solid, high-leverage reliever. The bullpen desperately needed an upgrade in that area.
This club could still use a veteran outfielder to provide some cover in case Luisangel Acuña or Brooks Baldwin fail to take off with the runway they will be given. A left-handed bat off the bench would be nice to have. Another starting pitcher would be a welcome addition. That would allow the recently-signed veteran Sean Newcomb to be moved to the bullpen, where he has been more effective.
If another innings-eater is not added, then adding another high-leverage left-handed reliever must be a priority. I am not sure I trust Tyler Gilbert or Brandon Eisert to get outs in tight situations, considering they were not very good at it in 2025.
The prevalent thinking is that the White Sox should not shun the idea of acquiring any talent because of the team’s three-straight 100-loss seasons.
That was true when it came to last offseason. The club was coming off the worst season in the 162-game era. When you only win 41 games, any player available was better than what the team had.
Things changed last season when a young, talented core of players emerged in the process of losing “only” 102 games. The franchise now has young talent. It just needs that core to continue to ascend while mixing in additional prospects who are showing promise in the minors. While those prospects are still marinating, effective veterans to bridge the gap must be added (although it seems like the general manager prefers discarded talent that was once highly thought of).
I am actually fine with Getz sticking to his plan of finding former highly-regarded prospects who have not panned out yet due to a lack of consistent playing time. It cannot hurt to search for the next Brent Rooker.
If one does not exist, then Getz should be pursuing veterans where there is a good chance of still squeezing out the last good ounces of baseball those players have left.
Getz must also avoid upsetting a clubhouse that is building tremendous chemistry.
All that considered, there are three moves he must avoid making before Spring Training kicks off.
Do not trade for Nick Castellanos There is no official rumor linking the White Sox to Castellanos. Two brothers in the White Sox content world have floated the idea. It was based on USA Today’s Bob Nightengale’s suggestion that the Philadelphia Phillies would have to dump Castellanos’ salary to sign Bo Bichette.
The Phillies will likely still try to trade Castellanos, even after failing to acquire Bichette. They added Adolis García in the offseason. The relationship between Castellanos and the organization is strained. Castellanos was benched for a game because of a tirade he had toward manager Rob Thomson over getting pulled for defensive purposes. The relationship continued to deteriorate from there.
The logic behind the White Sox adding Castellanos is that they have the payroll flexibility, so long as the Phillies eat a significant chunk of his $20 million salary. Chicago could use a veteran corner outfielder, and the cost to acquire him will likely be a lowly-regarded prospect.
However, the White Sox must avoid considering adding the combustible and declining veteran. Nightengale pointed out that any team that acquires him must be ready to play him every day, or there will be problems: “If you bring Castellanos in, you’d better play him every day, or he is going to be upset and could cause you a disturbance in the clubhouse, which is what would happen in Philadelphia.”
Castellanos’ production decline no longer makes him an everyday player, at least not in the field. He is terrible defensively, with a career -90 defensive runs saved in right and -77 outs above average per FanGraphs. The White Sox already have one terrible defensive corner outfielder in Andrew Benintendi. They should not be adding another.
The Pale Hose also must keep the DH spot as flexible as possible to make sure young players such as Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, and Lenyn Sosa get regular at-bats.
That means no regular playing time for Castellanos, and opens up a clubhouse cancer to wreak havoc. This young, impressionable roster cannot afford to be exposed to Castellanos’ temper tantrums over a lack of playing time. They need a solid, steady veteran to show the kids how to go about the business, not someone who pouts when he is asked to take a reduced role.
Speaking of younger players, Baldwin provided very similar production last season:
I would rather give Baldwin a runway to see if he can reach the Ben Zobrist ceiling that the front office believes he has, rather than seeing if Castellanos bounces back.
Signing Michael Conforto over Harrison Bader It appears the plan for the outfield is to give Acuña a runway to prove he can still live up to his highly-regarded prospect status in center field. The Mets at least made sure he got some reps there in the minors, so here is hoping the conversion to the outfield goes better than it did for Andrew Vaughn or Gavin Sheets.
Baldwin appears slated to be the starting right fielder, with Everson Pereira in reserve. Then you’ve still got Benintendi’s atrocious defense in left.
If Derek Hill or Jarred Kelenic make the roster out of Spring Training, they can at least replace Benintendi late in the game for defensive purposes. That will still leave Baldwin or Acuña needing to play late as they still adjust to tracking fly balls.
That makes me incredibly uncomfortable, along with only having Benintendi as the only true veteran.
That is why adding another proven veteran to the outfield is a must. Signing Harrison Bader to a short-term contract would have been the ideal solution. It would have lessened the sting of losing Robert’s elite defense. He would still provide that glove to rob some doubles and singles as LRJ did. Also, Bader would have provided a huge upgrade over “Louie” Robert at the plate against right-handed pitching.
The problem with adding Bader is that he could get in the way of the front office wanting to give Acuña that runway it so desperately wants to provide. And cost — Bader signed virtually the same deal as Domínguez, getting two years and $20.5 million from the Giants on Monday — would have been another issue.
Now, the White Sox reportedly are interested in signing Michael Conforto. That rumor came out when Getz was working with a tighter budget, but knowing the White Sox it still could be true with a few more dollars to work with; never underestimate this organization’s ability to save money and bet on a veteran having a “bounce-back” season.
Rolling the dice on a proven veteran like Conforto producing better numbers than a .199/.305/.333 slash line in 2025 could make sense. Getz has a bit more cash to work with and should have used that money on Bader, who can play better defense in center and right while still having some good baseball left in him. Even with both players to choose from, it would not be a shock if Getz went with Conforto.
Bringing back Mike Clevinger as an organizational depth pitcher Signing Mike Clevinger when no other big-league club will has become an annual tradition on the South Side, one that has become a terrible look for the Pale Hose.
First, you got his off-the-field issues with past domestic violence allegations. This organization already has enough public relations problems. Continuing to bring back this shady character only exacerbates them.
The other reason it becomes an annual embarrassment is that 29 other big-league teams won’t touch him with a minor-league deal and non-roster invite to camp. He has been available on the open market four times since the White Sox brought him to 35th and Shields. All four times, no other team showed interest.
He was placed on waivers after the trade deadline in 2023, when he was pitching well. No contender claimed him despite the pitcher being on the way to a 3.2 bWAR season. No team signed him the following offseason despite the impressive metrics. Unlike the White Sox, the rest of the league saw him for what he is — injury-prone, and a public relations nightmare.
That did not stop the organization from bringing Clevinger back in 2024, where he could not throw strikes and suffered a season-ending injury. Once again, no team touched him in the offseason except the White Sox, who thought he could be the team’s closer in 2025.
They were asking a guy coming off a major surgery to throw harder, and it went as badly as expected. Yet, the organization kept him at Triple-A after designating him for assignment.
Hopefully, that was his last run with the club. The team has to get out of the Clevinger business because the business has been bad for years now.
Twenty-nine other teams will not touch him. Hopefully, the White Sox finally become No. 30.
The Chicago Blackhawks have a surplus of young talent in their organization. They have it at the NHL and AHL levels, in pro leagues around the globe, and in developmental programs all across the hockey world. Kyle Davidson has been building the organization back up in true rebuild fashion.
One prospect that they are excited about is Nick Lardis. Of course, Lardis was just sent back down to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs on Monday. This was a move to get him more top-line minutes, allow him to play during the Olympic break, and enable him to participate in the AHL’s All-Star festivities.
While in the NHL, Lardis recorded five goals and two assists for seven points in 21 games. It’s good rookie production, but he was a noticeable player when it comes to the little things, especially being in the right spot for good chances on net.
There is a path for Lardis to return to the NHL this season. Obviously, he will need to stay productive in the AHL upon his return. His call-up to the NHL in the first place was earned by having 13 goals and 13 assists for 26 points in 24 games played. Building on that shouldn’t be too difficult for him now.
The NHL trade deadline is Lardis’s next path back, unless there are a ton of injuries in between now and then. Right now, every forward on the roster is healthy enough to play, which played a role in Lardis being sent down.
The Blackhawks may shop their handful of pending unrestricted free agents around ahead of the deadline. Whether they trade Connor Murphy or Matt Grzelcyk is irrelevant to Lardis’ status, but what they do with Nick Foligno, Ilya Mikheyev, Jason Dickinson, or Sam Lafferty could make room for him.
Lardis is one of the 12 best forwards in the organization right now, but he is waiver-exempt, won’t play over some of the highly paid veterans on the team, and Kyle Davidson knows where his team is in the standings when he makes these decisions.
It might not be only Lardis that gets added to the roster after the deadline. Other young players may get some games alongside him. Prospects like Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert are at the top of the list.
Oliver Moore, who has played with Nick Lardis at both North American pro levels this season, is likely done in the AHL. He has proven that his speed, skill, and tenacity are ready for the NHL full-time. He is also incredibly versatile.
Moore can play wing or center, on the power play, on the penalty kill, and even strength at a high level. This being his rookie season speaks volumes about what his play might look like in his prime.
Plenty of contending teams would consider trading for the UFA Blackhawks forwards if they are available. Nick Foligno and Jason Dickinson are both veterans who would have a strong leadership role on any team.
Ilya Mikheyev is one of the best penalty killers in the NHL, and he provides enough offense to make him a good bottom-six option at even strength. Sam Lafferty is more of a 13th forward, but lots of teams need bodies who are willing to be ready at a moment's notice.
There is no telling who will be moved, but it would be surprising if Kyle Davidson doesn’t move off at least one of them, if not more. Lardis will be back as a result.
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ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Seven fans of Greek soccer club PAOK died in a minibus crash in Romania while traveling to a Europa League game at Lyon, Greece’s government confirmed Tuesday.
“Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. “The Greek government and our embassy are in close coordination with the local authorities, providing every possible form of support.
“In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community,” Mitsotakis added. “We all share the hope that the injured will recover quickly. Our thoughts are with them.”
PAOK was in direct communication with the government, coordinating support for families and injured fans, and sending club representatives to Romania.
Also, supporters’ associations for rival clubs Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, Aris, and others issued messages of unity and condolences.
After sitting through the two days of the 2024 draft without being drafted, Pickford said that he knew what he had to do: he had to get back to playing the game that had always worked for him and get his confidence back. Which is what he set out to do. After going from Seattle to Medicine Hat, he felt like he had the freedom to play his offensive game; he took more shots, he gained confidence, and his impact on games grew so much that he caught the eye of the Canadiens’ scouting staff.
At the 2025 draft, the Habs opted for the 6-foot-1 right-shot defenseman in the third round, which gave him yet another dose of motivation. Seeing the Bell Center filled to the brim for the rookie games, even if he couldn’t play because of an injury, made him want to achieve his NHL dream even more, and it’s that mindset that put him on course for a record-setting season in the WHL.
His work with Medicine Hat has not gone unnoticed in Montreal, and his agent contacted him just before Christmas to say that the Canadiens wanted to sign him. He knew that the Habs were keeping an eye on him because they had been constantly communicating and supporting him since he was drafted. The fact that fellow Albertan Kirby Dach reached out to congratulate him on being drafted stuck with the youngster; it was an example of the organization's culture.
Even though he has set a franchise record in the OHL this season, that’s not the only thing that should be taken away from his season. The way he stepped up as a leader for a team that lost multiple players to the NCAA is a true testament to who he is, to the kind of player he is.
Whatever happens until the end of the season, one thing’s for sure: Pickford will be one of the players to watch when rookie camp comes around next fall.
McLean dazzled in 48.0 innings over eight starts during his big league debut last season, posting a 2.06 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 57 batters. He is expected to slot near the top of the 2026 rotation, perhaps right behind Peralta.
The other two prospects on the list will likely open 2026 in the minors.
Tong showed flashes during his first taste of the majors in 2025, but his arsenal can use some refining. The expectation is that he'll begin the season with Triple-A Syracuse, where he made just two starts before his promotion to the bigs late last season.
As far as Ewing, he had a breakout season in 2025, slashing .315/.401/.429 (.830 OPS) across three levels, ending with Double-A Binghamton. The speedy Ewing smacked 10 triples and 26 doubles while swiping 70 bases.
Williams and Sproat ranked No. 32 and No. 73, respectively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is not a doctor, but he played one in the Milwaukee Bucks locker room after last Friday's game, which he left with a calf injury. Antetokounmpo said this felt like his previous calf strains and that he would get an MRI, but expected to be out for 4 to 6 weeks.
The MRI confirmed the calf strain, but what's the Bucks' official timeline?
"There's really no timetable," coach Doc Rivers said, via the Associated Press.
That led to quick speculation that the Bucks might shut Antetokounmpo down for the season in hopes of improving their lottery odds (the Bucks can then use that pick as a trade asset around the draft to get more talent around Antetokounmpo). Rivers shot that idea down, mostly.
"There's no thought to that," Rivers said. "But listen, there's no timetable either."
No timetable is bad news for a Bucks team trying to climb back into the East postseason mix, but is 3-11 this season in games Antetokounmpo has missed. If we take Antetokounmpo at his word on his timeline, then he would be out at least through the All-Star break.
That means Antetokounmpo, voted an All-Star starter by the fans, will miss the game in Los Angeles, and he will miss too many games to be eligible for postseason awards such as MVP or All-NBA. It also means he will be out well past the trade deadline, further squashing the idea he could be traded before Feb. 5 (the Bucks have not made him available for a trade at any point).
This summer is going to be an interesting one in Milwaukee. The Bucks can use whoever they draft next June (they will have the second-best pick between theirs or New Orleans, with the best one going to Atlanta and the Pelicans getting the Hawks pick), plus future draft picks and some players on the roster, to try and trade for more talent to go around Antetokounmpo (they also would have a mid-level exception to use). Milwaukee can line all that up, put that new vision of the team and a max contract extension in front of Antetokounmpo. It will be his choice whether to sign and stay, or not sign and essentially force the Bucks to trade him (or risk losing him for nothing in free agency in the summer of 2027).
The question now is, will we see Antetokounmpo back on the court for the Bucks before this summer?
Down nine to start the second quarter in Denver, the team readied to go to the most unproductive bench in the league, scoring-wise. Seizing an opportunity in recent games, two-way center Drew Timme checks in for the Lakers in his new spot in the rotation next to fellow big man Deandre Ayton.
His impact was felt immediately. First, the previous Gonzaga star hits a relocation three off of a pass from LeBron James and follows it up catching a full court dime for the and-one finish, sealing his defender under the basket.
His entrance not only sparked a run for a massive road win, but unlocked a much-needed two big look that head coach J.J. Redick has been searching for.
“Just impact the game,” Timme said postgame following a win over the Raptors. “Whether it’s creating mismatches or you’re getting some open shots and just playing hard. I mean, obviously it’d be nice to score 20 points like the other day, but that’s just not realistic. You have to be adaptable and just find a way to make an impact.”
Adapt or die is not only a Darwinian life philosophy, but one for an NBA player hoping to make the jump from G League star to NBA rotation player. Timme arrived in South Bay this season and promptly increased his 3-point volume. He took just 1.2 per night in eight games with the Stockton Kings last season and upped it to five attempts per game in 14 contests with LA.
That confidence continued once it entered into real rotation minutes. Instead of playing Timme at the center spot, Redick has placed him alongside a center, allowing him to be used as a spacing four. This archetype of player originally fell to the 33-year-old Maxi Kleber, who’s clearly unable to fill this position night to night
Timme has quickly shown competence playing this role off the bench. Watch below as Luka Doncic runs the team’s pet “77” action, a double on ball screen. Timme sets the first screen, flips to re-screen, and pops out while Ayon dives to the rim.
LA has been searching for an offensive punch off the bench, especially without Austin Reaves to help bolster the unit. That includes giving shots to scoring guards Nick Smith Jr. and Kobe Bufkin, fellow South Bay players.
Timme has even been given the confidence to call his own number, as shown in the clip below. Watch as he gets it in the corner against the smaller Tim Hadaway Jr. The rest of the team clears out as he backs down and scores with a nifty finger roll.
“The jumbo lineup to start the second quarter has been really impactful for us,” Redick said in a recent postgame. “The thing with that is with [Ayton], you got to make a decision because a lot of teams will put their five on Vando. With [Ayton] he can punish smaller players. Timme can punish smaller players.”
Those jumbo lineups are normally played next to LeBron James. In a short sample, those three have a +9.3 net rating.
There are two sides of the floor, though, and Timme will never be mistaken with a lock down defender but LA has found interesting ways to make up for his lack of foot speed, implementing more zone defensive schemes with mixed results.
Where he can help is with rebounding. When Ayton gets switched on the perimeter, as shown in the clip below, Timme has the size to come down and give support on the boards.
Timme went undrafted after a standout season at Gonzaga and is still on a two-way contract, meaning his games are still limited unless the Lakers convert him into a regular roster spot. These two big lineups might just be his opportunity to prove people wrong.
“I see it and it’s fuel and, at the end of the day, I’m a good player,” Timme said. “I believe in myself and my abilities and I believe that I can impact the game at any level, anywhere. Just carrying that belief with me helps push me on days where maybe I’m not as motivated, but it’s great to be able to have this opportunity and to be able to help the team, it’s great.”
