ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 24: Shawn Armstrong #43 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, July 24, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After last night’s one run loss to the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland finds themselves still looking for the playoff clinch. Boston out hit Cleveland, but Foster Griffin gave one of the best performances he has had in a Cleveland uniform. The lefty pitcher worked his way out of multiple jams, only giving up a RBI single. The bottom of the order and Kwan were the only Cleveland batters to record hits, with José, Adell, and Bazzana reaching on walks. Travis Bazzana also had a couple of good plays defensively.
Around the League
The AL West could very well end the season with every team below .500.
Weather is forcing MLB to change up the final Cubs series of the season. Chicago will be heading to Boston where impending weather forced MLB to move Sunday’s game 162 to Friday afternoon.
A lot of people are blasting the Cubs’ fluctuating bullpen performance Tuesday night for the loss, and rightly so.
But I first wanted to point out a problem from that game. For most of the season, when the bottom part of the order is contributing, the top part of it explodes. I wish I wrote it down, and I’m sure someone out there recalls it, but there was a graphic that said that the Cubs’ number nine hitter has the highest or second highest OPS (?) in baseball. I swear I saw something like that. The trouble Tuesday was that not only was the bottom third of the lineup dead — so was the middle third.
PCA, Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch combined for a productive 5-for-14 with four walks, two runs scored, two doubles and a stolen base. The bottom six (most of the usual suspects) were a combined 2-for-30 with an RBI. THAT ….. is a large outage, and put the team in the position to have to depend on the bullpen.
First off, Shota Imanaga gave up a run on four hits, no walks and seven strikeouts in five innings pitched. He threw around half of his pitches in the fourth inning, but battled through to keep the Marlins within reach, 1-0, before handing the game over to the bullpen.
In comes Aaron Civale, and on his second pitch, he gave up a solo home run to Kyle Stowers into a roaring wind to make the game 2-0. Civale provided no more damage, and Ryan Rolison, Daniel Palencia and Ryan Zeferjahn kept the game scoreless. A total of 5.1 scoreless innings (following the HR allowed by Civale). All and all, excellent work for the guys Counsell has turned to most often.
But then he had to turn to Caleb Thielbar and Edward Cabrera. Thielbar entered the game in the 11th with one out and coerced a pair of outs to get out of the inning. But NO! Thielbar started the 12th! And he gave up a pair of RBI singles for a 4-2 deficit. Counsell turned to Cabrera, who turned into a bubbling mess — walk, HBP, RBI-walk, RBI-single, and two-RBI single for an 8-2 deficit. Cabrera appeared to be left in there to wear it and save the rest of the pen.
So, yes, it was the bullpen that lost it, but with only one-third of a productive Cubs’ lineup, that lack of offense couldn’t produce more than a minimal amount of runs, causing that high-leverage need from the bullpen.
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Tuesday Night’s Game Stories:
Jordan Bastian (MLB.com): Cubs’ clinch put on hold after rocky 12-inning loss to Marlins. “The Cubs are on the cusp of clinching their second consecutive trip to the postseason, but the champagne will need to be kept on ice at least one more night.”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Alex Bregman Tracking Pitches in Cage, Won’t Need IL. “Alex Bregman arrived at Wrigley on Tuesday afternoon looking exactly like a guy who was just two days removed from taking a foul ball to the face.”
Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball): After In-Season Pitch Mix Overhaul, Ryan Rolison is a Whole New Dude. “Over the winter, the Cubs scooped up Ryan Rolison on the waiver wire. This spring, he showed up with an uptick in velocity sufficient to make him a viable big-leaguer. Since the season began, though, he’s gone to a different level, thanks to two major tweaks to his pitch mix.”
Evan Altman (Cubs Insider): Lack of Execution in Tuesday’s Loss Highlights Postseason Fears. “With some notable exceptions, postseason baseball typically involves tighter games that require a higher degree of execution than some Tuesday night affair against a non-contender.”
Green, Spencer, and Kirwan left the band in succession during 1970–1972, with McVie’s wife, singer/keyboardist Christine McVie, and American singer/guitarist Bob Welch joining during this period. 1974 saw the band’s relocation to the United States and Welch’s departure.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays watches the game in the seventh inning during game two of a double header against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 23, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees handled Tampa Bay for the second time in as many days, blowing them out 9-2 behind a pair of Ben Rice home runs as well as a Ryan McMahon grand slam. Of course, there was another game played in between that didn’t go New York’s way, but overall they’ve had a solid series against the Rays as they’ll look to win it outright later tonight as a potential precursor to an ALDS matchup. While the last few games don’t really matter to New York as they’re locked into the top Wild Card seed, they do matter around the rest of the league with both the Central and West still up for grabs and the final Wild Card slots undecided. With that in mind, let’s see what went down on Wednesday to impact the race.
Boston Red Sox (85-73) 1, Cleveland Guardians (82-76) 0
Boston has a spot in the playoffs, but they have to do a little more work to secure the fifth seed and finalize a meeting with the Yankees in the Bronx a few days from now. They moved closer to that goal with a win over Cleveland, though it was a nailbiter when it had no real business being one.
Sonny Gray and Foster Griffin had a close-fought pitchers’ duel in this one, though Griffin was walking a tightrope the entire time. The Sox collected 10 hits against him in six innings but managed to scrape across only a single run in his final frame of work, Andruw Monasterio delivering the RBI single that scored Jarren Duran. Otherwise, Griffin managed to strand two in the first inning, induced a double play to get around an error in the second, left the bases loaded in the third, worked his only clean inning in the fourth, and then stranded two more in the fifth.
Gray, as mentioned, held serve for six innings of his own scattering four hits with no damage done. Tyron Guerrero, Garrett Whitlock, and Aroldis Chapman combined to take the final three innings and continued holding Cleveland’s offense down to secure the 1-0 win with Chapman getting his 35th save of the season.
American League Rock Fight
Chicago White Sox (81-77) 4, Kansas City Royals (68-90) 5: So with the Guardians losing to Boston, could Chicago take advantage and bring the AL Central back to a tie? Unfortunately for them, they gave up a four-spot to Kansas City to open this game, Bryan Hudson getting chased after recording just one out of the inning with three runs already in. A throwing error on top of a single brought home the fourth to cap it off, but the White Sox actually tied the game back up in the third with a four-spot of their own. A pair of hits and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases for Kyle Teel who singled in a pair before Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami each drove in another run. All was quiet again until the seventh, when Maikel Garcia doubled home Bobby Witt Jr. to score the game-winning run, holding Chicago a game behind Cleveland for first place for one more day.
Houston Astros (78-80) 5, Seattle Mariners (74-80) 6 (10 innings): Well how about out West, where fans have been begging for literally any one of these teams to pull themselves out of the pile and take the division. Houston’s held the biggest lead most recently, but they’ve squandered that advantage and failed to hold onto this one after jumping ahead 4-0 midway through the third by giving three of those runs back immediately in the bottom half. Seattle then tied it in the fifth inning on a Dominic Canzone single, and though there were a few chances no one else scored until extras. There, Houston opened with a Yainer Diaz RBI triple but couldn’t bring home Diaz for the insurance run that proved essential. In the bottom half, a trio of walks forced in the tying run and brought Josh Naylor to the plate, who singled up the middle to walk this one off.
I’m not saying it’s in any way likely, but for context of how absurd this division has been — Seattle has been eliminated from Wild Card contention, but this win keeps them mathematically alive in the AL West race. This division is seriously flirting with having the first winner with a losing record in MLB history, so really who knows how this one finishes out.
Texas Rangers (78-80) 2, New York Mets (73-85) 7: Naturally, the Rangers were unfit to take command as well and blew it late to the Mets. This game was tied at two entering the eighth inning when Marcus Semien hit a go-ahead solo shot, and then the Mets piled on with a Brett Baty grand slam in the top of the ninth for insurance.
Baltimore Orioles (77-81) 4, Toronto Blue Jays (77-81) 2: These two got rained out yesterday requiring a doubleheader, and Baltimore got the better of them in the opening tilt. The O’s got on the board first with two runs in the second on a Jeremiah Jackson RBI single before a double steal attempt brought in another run. Then they extended their lead in the fifth with some pop, Pete Alonso launching his 41st home run of the year to make it 4-0. The Jays clawed back two in the sixth after chasing their old friend Chris Bassitt from the game, but could get no further.
Baltimore Orioles (78-81) 4, Toronto Blue Jays (77-82) 2: No, that’s not a mistake – The O’s went out and swept the doubleheader with the same score. This time Baltimore opened the game with three runs on a two-run Christian Encarnacion-Strand single and RBI double from Colton Cowser. Encarnacion-Strand hit a solo homer in the fourth to give the Orioles their offense, and Toronto was dormant until a ninth inning rally where Davis Schneider hit a two-run shot to cut the deficit in half. The next two Jays went down to end it though, and with the pair of losses Toronto not only swaps places with Baltimore in the standings but the reigning AL champs have officially been eliminated from postseason contention. It’s been a far fall for the Blue Jays this year, and now they’ll have to watch on the couch as the rest of the East battles it out this year. Even the O’s are still mathematically alive in the Wild Card with these wins and a Chicago loss, though there is no margin for error.
The first sign of progress in the Mike Elias era came with a small consequence. The Orioles finally fell out of the top 10 in the 2023 MLB draft. The Orioles selected Enrique Bradfield Jr. with the 17th overall pick that year.
At the time, Bradfield was billed as a plus defender with elite speed. The Vanderbilt product was never expected to develop into a power threat, but he boasted plenty of potential as a table-setter. The question was simple. Would his bat develop to a point that allowed him to utilize his other tools at the Major League level?
It’s been four seasons, and we’re still asking the same question. Bradfield played 15 games at Triple-A in 2025. He entered the 2026 season hoping to make his major league debut, but the call never came.
Bradfield faced some adversity early in the year. He missed seven weeks after a collision in the outfield and a painful swing led to an injury with his left hand. Eventually, he returned and slashed .263/.344/.363 over 88 games with the Tides.
To the surprise of no one, Bradfield made the most impact with his speed. The 24-year-old set a single-season Norfolk record with 36 stolen bases. He tallied 12 doubles, four triples, and four home runs, but several of his 63 runs scored came after a single/walk and an extra base.
The Orioles entered 2026 hoping to compete in the AL East. Even with a light bat, there’s a place for guys like Bradfield on a contender. Many envisioned the prospect using his speed and defense to help in late-game situations down the stretch. With Jorge Mateo and Cedric Mullins long gone, that role appeared to be available.
Unfortunately, the Orioles failed to play like contenders. The American League allowed Baltimore to hang around in the wild card chase, but the team still sold at the trade deadline. Baltimore opted to deploy midseason acquisitions like Christian Franklin and Rece Hinds over Bradfield. Even Heston Kjerstad, another first-rounder under Elias, got some late season action. But Bradfield remained at Triple-A.
With the way the season played out, Bradfield needed to beat down the door to get the call to the bigs. The former first-round pick heated up with a .300/.356/.375 line in the month of June, but his numbers cooled a bit during the hottest months of the year.
Many have wondered if Bradfield would get a late-season cup of coffee, but the league’s unclear future may have spoiled the opportunity. As of now, the MLB owners and players appear incredibly far apart on a new labor agreement. With the CBA set to expire shortly after the World Series, there’s a legitimate chance that games are missed next season.
Minor league baseball could still continue as planned, but players on team’s 40-man roster would not participate. As of now, Bradfield is not on Baltimore’s 40-man roster. Bradfield will eventually need protected from the Rule-5 draft, but the timing of the draft appears dependent on a new CBA.
Only the Orioles know if this actually impacted the way they handled Bradfield in September. Either way, Bradfield should debut in 2027 (if the season takes place).
What type of role can we expect for Bradfield when he finally reaches the show? The speed and defense present a solid floor as a fourth outfielder. He’ll likely need to prove he can hit major league pitching if he hopes to grow into an everyday player.
The Orioles have struggled to get the most out of young players with above average hit tools. Gunnar Henderson has disappointed over the last two seasons. Colton Cowser hit a wall after an impressive rookie campaign, and Jackson Holliday has yet to meet the expectations that come with going 1/1 in the draft. The organization appears to be shaking things up with the departure of Matt Blood and reassignment of Sig Mejdal, but it’s clear that somethings need to change.
One thing we know about the Orioles is that they are going to hide young left-handers against left-handed pitching. Bradfield slashed .272/.355/.374 against righties this year compared to a .231/.340/.330 against southpaws. Cowser, another glove-first center fielder, hit an abysmal .164/.242/.218 against lefties in 2026, so it’s not as if there is a natural platoon spot available.
I’ve always felt that Bradfield passes the eye test when watching him play in the minors. He carries himself like a big fielder, and he would likely represent an immediate improvement over guys like Dylan Beavers in the outfield. He demonstrated his potential with team Panama at the World Baseball Classic back in March.
Leody Taveras and Luis Robert Jr. will probably play somewhere else next season. Beavers, Cowser, and Tyler O’Neill will all return, but it’s unclear whether Franklin, Hinds or Kjerstad will carve out any type of role with the team. Bradfield has yet to answer the questions about his bat, but these things take time. He’ll enter 2027 with the same potential as he did in years past.
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 05: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns slam dunks during the second half against the Chicago Bulls on April 5, 2026 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Every day, we’re previewing another member of the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns to get you ready for training camp and the preseason.
Mark Williams
Center, 7’1”, 240 pounds, 24 years old, 5th season
This season was going to be big for Williams to see if last year’s off-court strengthening work and rest management would pay off in the form of healthy feet and back, allowing him to demonstrate his full potential. Entering his age-25 season, ready to hit his prime and more consistently deliver the strengths seen in the highlight video below. That plan took a major detour when he injured his left labrum in a training pickup game earlier this month, having repair surgery on September 10. Recovery has been estimated at five months.
This accelerated Khaman Maluach’s timeline, which could prove to be a good thing. Undoubtedly, it reduced the Suns’ center depth for at least 3/4 of the regular season. He contributed a career-best 6.3 win shares, most of that on the offensive side, and, by all accounts, was a good teammate, often injecting himself into post-game TV interviews. The team believed in his value, signing him to a guaranteed three-year $38 million contract in the offseason.
I think he’ll find a way to have a valuable role later this year…more to come in the “Prediction” section below.
Last Season
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
BLK
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
60
23.6
11.7
8.0
1.0
0.9
64.4%
1.000%
77.1%
111.3
113.3
-42
Williams started 55 of the 60 games played. He rested back-to-back games as part of injury management on the back and foot. This worked well much of the season, but then he had recurrences of left foot injuries in March and April.
He had a field goal percentage over 64%, making good on a shot chart-dense area near the basket. But he continues to show good touch on free throws, with a career make rate of 76% and over 78% the past two seasons. This suggests some untapped ability to shoot. His shot volume limited points to 11.7 per game.
Rebounding of 8.0 per game seems a bit low until you account for this coming on under 24 minutes (or half a game). Offensive rebounding was strong, ranking 13th in the NBA at 4.7 per 36 minutes.
There were some flashy blocks, but overall rim protection was less than ideal. Better offensive performance is reflected in higher offensive win shares (4.0) compared to defensive win shares (2.3), per Basketball Reference.
Contract and Roster Context
Mark begins the season inactive due to the injury. This season’s Salary is $11,728,395, ramping to $12,666,667 in 2027-28 and $13,604,938 in 2028-2029.
All three years are guaranteed. He is not eligible to be traded until after January 15, 2027. He is expected to still be in recovery from the labral injury at that point, likely into March. Even then, to be traded would require passing a physical and demonstrating on some level that his skills have not diminished.
What He Brings
Williams is elite as a finisher, shooting 67.2% at the rim per BBALL Index. He has good hands and is somewhat aggressive running the floor and rolling on half-court possessions. Watching games, it felt like there was an unusually high rate of rim rolls where the pass never came. If trust is further developed with Book and the playmakers, this strength could be magnified.
As mentioned in the review of last season, he is particularly effective as an offensive rebounder. Part of this involves his positioning, which was rarely toward the perimeter. Only 12 players in the NBA were better per minute at grabbing them; it’s a skill, and he has it.
Something long-time Suns fans craved was a center with real size and skill. When healthy, Williams provided this. In addition to the height/weight combination at the top of this article, he has a wingspan over 7’6” and a 9’9” standing reach! On defense, this helps as a rim deterrent and also allows some big lineups when matchups call for it.
What Needs to Improve
The obvious thing is availability. We know he will miss the majority of the regular season. Upon that return, can he string together a stretch of games with no setbacks or new injuries? Will all the strength training and extra rest during labrum recovery benefit foot and back health?
There is potential for him to be a more consistent force on defense. Better lower-body strength and conditioning may help with this. Being around the system for a second year could lead to better defensive positioning, specifically avoiding dropping too low in the post.
To be fully effective in the Suns’ offense, he needs to provide the occasional threat of an outside shot. He only got up one three-pointer last year (making it). Can he get up on a game and make some of those, even if below average?
Prediction
The line below is lower than Williams’ prior four seasons. I expect there will be some low-minute games as he works his way back, which will skew the per-game averages downward. There are 14 games from the five-month timetable post-surgery. Two of those are back-to-back, and I suspect he’ll be held out of those.
I expect a different role, backing up Maluach, unless spot starts are needed due to injuries there. He could provide good value here in the limited minutes, crashing the glass and providing some post presence. Note, I’ve projected 28% three-point percentage. My hot take is that he’ll use the left shoulder rehab time working on his long-range shooting (which is right-handed), and use the late-season minutes to test this in real games. The free-throw percentages project a chance at developing a three-ball, which Ott likes to see from his big men.
The Boston Celtics alone provide three examples of injured bigs returning for a playoff run and making a big difference: Bill Walton (’86), Kevin McHale (’87), and Robert Williams (’22). The best hope this year is to return and make a real difference off the bench in the playoffs.
Some have probably written off Williams after yet another injury. Given the health history, it would be unwise to go into a future season counting on him as a nightly starter. I suggest we view his contributions as an added bonus, one that could help the Suns take it to another level if Maluach has asserted himself as the starter.
TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 01: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 01, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Duke of York isn’t done with Toronto yet. At least, if everything goes according to plan.
After being traded from the Knicks, RJ Barrett went on to have his best scoring season in 2024-25 , where he stepped up in a big way to give the Raptors momentum with Scottie Barnes out for a chunk of the season.
Then, in the 2025-26 season, Barrett helped get the Raptors back to the playoffs as the team’s second-highest scorer (ahead of Barnes), and in the playoffs, emerged as the team’s second-best player. Then, in game six of the first round, he makes what is perhaps the second clutch-est shot in Raptors team history to beat the Cavaliers and forcing a game seven. All together, this sounds like the recipe for a great career ahead in Toronto. Add in the fact that he’s Canadian, and the Raptors should be chomping at the bit for a chance to keep him on the team. But, there is some reluctance from the Raptors to buy-in on the Maple Mamba. Here’s an examination of why that might be.
On the court
RJ Barrett fills an important role on the team, being able to get buckets with his downhill momentum, scoring at the rim while both rebounding and passing a respectable amount. While his shooting is not a remarkable part of his game, it’s not completely without value, and Barrett’s utility as an offensive creator had been sorely needed on the Raptors squads of the past two years.
From a less tangible standpoint, Barrett has been willing to take on primary roles, as well as secondary and tertiary positions on the team, and demonstrates a general lack of ego on a roster with a great deal of personalities in its locker room. In regards to the Canadian now playing alongside Raptors legend Kawhi Leonard, RJ spoke on how it felt to share a team with the Klaw, saying that “it’s surreal…” and that he has “been a Raptors fan [his] whole life…” and “from being a fan, to now being able to play with him, it’s going to be so special.”
RJ Barrett on waiting on the Kawhi Leonard trade to finalize all summer long/now playing alongside him:
“When it first happened, I was like, ‘Let me just not try to think about it, and just wait for it to happen.’”
There is also the matter of Canadian identity. Barrett is one of the most prominent Canadians in the NBA, and this part of who he is (while under-explored by the franchise) is something that should be factored in to his desire to be on his country’s only team.
All together, RJ Barrett has not only proved his capabilities, but has shown dedication to the Raptors, and a desire to mold himself to the Raptors’ new lineup. However, that may not be enough to ensure his place on the team. More could be asked of Barrett, with the team requesting a price that is not always easy to pay.
The salary question
Potential problems emerge when the Raptors’ circumstances are examined from a financial perspective. The Raps are already in a position where they are paying the luxury tax, but real consequences arise when the first and second tax aprons are hit, where severe financial and operational penalties involving trades are accrued. This is a less than ideal situation, but one that might become a frightening reality going forward.
Barrett is now in the final year of his deal, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year, unless a deal can be reached to extend his contract. This is coming at a time when the team has just taken on a Kawhi Leonard extension, Jakob Poeltl is set to get a raise, and all together, costs will rise for the Raptors, even factoring out a hypothetical RJ Barrett contract.
Barrett is currently coming off of a deal where he will make north of $29 million in the 2026-27 season. The season after, the Raptors are currently projected to have a salary of $181,907,409. This is well above the current salary cap of $164,961,000, and and if Barrett were to simply continue taking his current salary, this would bring the Raptors to more than $211 million dollars in pay, taking them into the first apron. Generally speaking, discounts from players are not given lightly to teams, and with RJ having put in real work for the Raps, he would, under usual circumstances, be in the position to make some demands of the team.
Fire and desire
Barrett spoke candidly about his feelings in May, putting things plainly: “I want to be here,” he said. “I want to be here for the rest of my career. I don’t ever want to leave. I don’t have any problems openly saying that.”
RJ Barrett on dealing with the business-side going into a contract year:
“What do you think?”
“I think that this is an easier question for me to answer, because I’m from here, and who doesn’t want to play at home? I’m trying to stay here.”
This puts both parties in an uneven position. Barrett clearly has a desire to remain in the red and black, but would very possibly have to take a pay cut to do so. General Manager Bobby Webster gave no indication of whether or not an extension was in the works, noting that such conversations would be taking place out of the public eye, stating that “he is under contract, and so, that decision can also happen at the end of the summer.”
While Barrett’s desire to stay in Toronto seems unwavering, the team’s desire to keep Barrett on the roster seems like anything but. Insider Jake Fischer raised the point over the summer that throughout the past two years, RJ Barrett’s name had been floating in trade talks, with the Maple Mamba’s future on the team seeming rather insecure. Michael Scotto reported in February that Barrett could very well have been shipped off to the Sacramento Kings in a deal for Domantas Sabonis.
Barrett is in some regards the black sheep of the Raptors. He does not shoot like Immanuel Quickley, nor does he pass and defend like Scottie Barnes, and while his scoring is certainly important to team success, score-first players are becoming less and less valued outside of the upper echelons of production in this league. Kawhi Leonard does exactly that, at a level higher than almost anyone in the league. Barrett might be too good to underpay, but lacking a niche on a team too cash-strapped to give him a raise, putting him in an awkward position that could result in him accepting less pay than he deserves.
Throughout this year, it seems likely that the Raptors will continue to explore trade options for Barrett to improve the team’s gaps at the centre position, and, for better or worse, the swingman will be playing with a level of uncertainty in this year ahead. Barrett shows no indication of causing a fuss. “I’ve done my part on the court this year,” he said at the same press conference where he announced his desire to stay in Toronto. “And I will continue to do my part, and just hope things work out that way.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 05: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks scores on a dunk during the first half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum on April 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming in at #10, Kyle Kuzma has certainly been one of the more controversial additions to the roster in recent memory. He was brought in as a versatile forward who could reasonably play next to Giannis, but it was at the expense of franchise legend Khris Middleton, who, despite never getting over the injury bug, still played a crucial role for the Bucks. Kuzma had huge expectations upon his arrival, but through the rest of that regular season, he never really seemed to click with the team. In the 2025 playoffs, Kuz had one of the worst postseason performances we have seen from a starter, which led to him being benched and barely seeing the floor after his goose-egg game against the Pacers. He did not get a playoff redo last season, so despite having won a ring with the Lakers (the reason why LeBron has his ring in LA (please Google this meme before killing me in the comments)), he finds himself near the bottom of the list for postseason importance on a young roster.
Okay, controversial tweets and fashion choices notwithstanding, let’s look at the good perfectly cromulent aspects of Kuzma’s game to look forward to this year. For starters, he came into the season last year as a backup to Giannis. In a league where players often want the ball (and the attention), Kuzma took a team-first approach that meant he entered the year in a role he hadn’t had in several seasons at that point in his career. While it’s easy to critique Kuzma’s game, it’s worth giving him credit for the presence he brought to that role. Throughout the season, you could see him with his arm around other players at various points, offering advice and trying to lead in his own right. As we learned about the locker room fallout as the season dragged on, we heard that Kuzma specifically went to Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. after they were put on blast during a team meeting and told them to ignore the unfair way Doc handled the situation. Having a veteran presence like this can greatly benefit younger players and the overall locker room culture—Kuzma’s willingness to be a team player could help the team find its identity this season.
Now, for readers who just gasped at that thought, here are the perfectly cromulent aspects of Kuzma’s game that should hopefully quell some of those fears. For starters, Kuzma had a 14.1 player efficiency rating (PER) last season, which is by no means great but puts him firmly in the “decent rotational player” category. That also means he is right around his career average, and in the ballpark of one of his most efficient years overall. If you felt like he was more efficient off the bench last year, that’s because he was. For the season, Kuzma averaged 26.2 minutes for 13.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.7 APG, but off the bench he averaged 22.4 minutes and slashed 11.8/3.4/2.2, meaning he was more efficient in smaller bursts. Finally, last season Kuzma hit his career high in true shooting at 58.1%, which is exactly league average and only slightly behind the league average for power forwards (58.6%), meaning he found his spots and converted opportunities better than ever.
For those still with me and who haven’t either wretched themselves onto another page or left to buy themselves a Kuzma jersey, I think, taken together, this all means a few things: first, Kuzma is a decent player, and likely a decent veteran presence to have in the locker room, which, if we ignore the price point for this year, does present some opportunities for the Bucks. If Kuzma continues to be this efficient, some team will certainly be interested in him around the trade deadline. While the playoff goose egg game may still be fresh in the minds of Bucks fans, another half season or more of him 1) taking on the role of big brother Kuz to the younger guys and 2) being a league-average player means that a team in need of frontcourt depth would certainly consider adding Kuzma at the trade deadline. Of course, in a contract year, Kuzma knows he is auditioning for his next role and payday around the league. On top of remaining a reasonably efficient shooter, he can help himself and the Bucks by using his size to get downhill more and clean the glass at a better rate. While Kuzma is many things to many people, he is a lifelong hooper. From what we saw last year, he is willing to play a selfless brand of basketball, which, at this point in his career, is his most likely path to staying a rotational player in the league for years to come. That selflessness can also help elevate the young Bucks roster this season as he auditions for his next contract. So all in all, I think we can expect at least one more greatgood perfectly cromulent year out of Kuz.
And we’ve reached single digits! Who goes at nine?
College Basketball: Closeup portrait of Duke Christian Laettner (32) during photo shoot at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Durham, NC 10/30/1991 CREDIT: Peter Read Miller (Photo by Peter Read Miller /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images/Getty Images) (Set Number: X42063 )
Continuation of the “What If” Wolves series. In this series, I play the role of Timberwolves Overlord and go back in time and right some of the wrongs of our favorite franchise. Since this is the Timberwolves, there are a lot of wrongs. This series may go on forever.
Let me start by saying that unlike my wife, I do not believe conspiracy theories. Second shooter during the JFK assassination – doubtful. The Moon landing was fake – that would be the most expensive joke ever. Frozen envelope for the Ewing draft – seems like it could have been done, but come on.
There is however one conspiracy theory that I wholeheartedly believe, but this one has some backing.
Going into the 1992 NBA Draft Lottery, the Minnesota Timberwolves had the worst record in the NBA at 15-67. Just 15 wins! I have no idea how Head Coach Jimmy Rodgers was allowed near a basketball court after that (He was fired after starting the next season with a 6-23 record). That terrible finish to the season meant that the Wolves had the best odds (16.67%) to land the number one overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. The prize of that draft being Shaquille O’Neal, a monster center from LSU.
Every team wanted Shaq, even teams with All-NBA centers wanted this guy. I was no different.
JUNE 1: Shaquille O'Neal poses with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being drafted by the Orlando Magic first overall on June 1, 1992 in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draft. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1992 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
So where does the conspiracy theory enter the story?
While being interviewed by Ashley Nevel of the Ashley Nevel Show, Shaq let the conspiracy bomb drop and basically confirmed my belief that the NBA was out to screw me and my fandom over and over again. Shaq goes on to tell the story of meeting NBA Commissioner David Stern in March of 1992. During this meeting, Stern asked Shaq “Do you want to play where it’s cold or where it’s hot?” Shaq, being from Louisiana obviously said “hot”.
Stern gave a wry smile after the answer.
A few days pass and the lottery is held. Well guess what kids? Wolves got screwed. The “cold” Wolves dropped down to third overall and the “hot” Orlando Magic move up to #1. Tears. Literal tears. Not tears of sadness, this was pure rage tears.
I’m still fuming over this as I type. Let’s refocus…
So, the Wolves dropped a couple of spots down to the #3 overall pick. Not too bad (even though it was the lowest they could go). This was a three-player draft by most accounts. Shaq was the consensus #1 pick. Alonzo Mouning, a defensive stud from Georgetown, was slotted for #2. Naismith College Player of the Year and future Dream Team member, Christian Laettner, was the easy third pick.
And that is exactly how the draft played out for the first three picks. O’Neal to Orlando Magic at #1, Mourning to the Charlotte Hornets at #2, and Laettner to the Minnesota Timberwolves at #3. Now you may be thinking, “Back-to-Back NCAA Championships, College Player of the Year, and a Dream Teamer? Sign me up!” If you think that, you are wrong and I hate you.
In the 90’s I loved watching two college basketball teams, the UNLV Running Rebels and the Michigan Wolverines, also known as the “Fab Five”. I hated Duke at the time. Duke was boring and fundamentally sound. Plain vanilla. UNLV and the Fab Five were exciting. They played fast and were crazy aggressive. The players all had flair and an attitude to them. They even had cool nicknames. Stacey Augmon was “The Plastic Man”! Is there a better nickname than that? What was Bobby Hurley’s nickname, Bounce Pass Bobby? Plus, the Rebels and “Fab Five” looked awesome with their baggy shorts and black Nikes/black sock combination.
Basically, the opposite of Duke.
UNITED STATES – APRIL 05: College Basketball: NCAA Final Four, Michigan Fab Five (L-R) Jimmy King (24), Ray Jackson (21), Chris Webber (4), Juwan Howard (25), and Jalen Rose (5) on court during game vs North Carolina, New Orleans, LA 4/5/1993 (Photo by John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X44178 TK4 R14 F7)
Laettner was the lone college player selected to the Dream Team. Now Laettner did not play much in the Olympics, despite the Dream Team beating everybody by 200 points. But who cares? After all, he is in the Basketball Hall of Fame…for being on the Olympic roster. His NBA career had more playing time, but his output would not lead to another Olympic roster spot.
Let me just state that Laettner was okay for the Wolves. He was the best player on the team right away, which isn’t saying much. For his Wolves career, Laettner averaged 17.2 points and 8.1 rebound per game. But the Timberwolves ended up trading him halfway through his fourth year in the league to Atlanta (traded Laettner along with Sean Rooks for Andrew Lang and SPUD WEBB!!!). Those were decent stats, so why trade him?
Well, from what I have read, he was a terrible teammate. There is a story of his time with the Wolves where he went into the locker room and started pointing at each of his teammates nameplates above their respective stalls, calling them all losers, before calling himself a winner.
True asshole move, but it would have been awesome to have seen him do that if front of his teammates.
Now I can’t even imagine the scrutiny that Laettner was dealing with at the time. He went from being a back-to-back national champion, winning every individual award at the college level, and winning a gold medal with the Dream Team, to being on the worst team in the NBA.
But still, screw that guy.
MINNEAPOLIS – 1994: Christian Laettner #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves runs circa 1994 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Dale Tait/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Shaq on the Wolves would have been amazing. He was dominant from day one in the league. He was an athletic giant that dunked EVERYTHING. He was a runaway train when he decided to take a rebound from one end of the court to another. He was the definition of must see television.
My two favorite moments are when he broke two backboards. Not the rims. Backboards. One was in New Jersey where he dunked so hard that the metal frame holding the backboard broke and came crashing onto the parquet court. The shot clock even hit Shaq on the head when this happened. Shaq just smiled at the shot clock.
The second was in Phoenix. This time he dunked the ball with such force that he broke the hydraulic system that kept the backboard vertical. After he dunked the ball, the backboard station shook for a bit then slowly wheezed as it lowered itself to the ground. It was hilarious and awesome.
Shaq went on to win an MVP award, four NBA championships, multiple All-NBA teams, named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and is in multiple Hall of Fames. The Magic got the number one pick the following year as well (1.5% chance), while the Wolves dropped to number five (second-best odds at #1 pick, 15.15%). The Magic selected Chris Webber from the “Fab Five”, then traded him to Golden State for Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and three first round picks. Great trade at the time, but injuries derailed Penny’s career.
The Wolves ended up going with Isaiah “JR” Rider at fifth. I loved watching JR play. He was the most exciting player that the Wolves had ever had up to that point. Rider would get into some legal trouble here and there, so the Wolves shipped him to Portland for a bag of pure hot trash (Bill Curley, James Robinson, and a pick that would turn into Paul Grant. Like I said, pure hot trash).
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 28: Shaquille O'Neal #32 and Penny Hardaway #1 of the Orlando Magic talk against the Sacramento Kings on March 28, 1995 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1995 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Since I don’t believe in conspiracy theories, except the Shaq to “where it’s hot,” I’ll have to rely on the Wayback Machine to change this history for the “What if” Wolves.
Dream Team selects Shaq instead of Laettner. Shaq along with Charles Barkley start a war with Angola (Chuck elbowed a guy from Angola. I think the announcer, maybe Bill Walton, said that Barkley shouldn’t be handing out elbows, he should hand out sandwiches to the skinnier Angolan players.)
Shaq wants a change of pace from hot Louisiana and tells Stern he wants to be “cold”. Minnesota wins the lottery and takes O’Neal #1 overall. Wolves then trade center Luc Longley, Tony Campbell, and a future second round pick to Orlando for their 1993 first round pick and Sam Vincent (In this history, the Magic are acting how the real Wolves would have and did not protect their first round pick).
Shaq goes on to wreak havoc throughout the league. Spalding stock slides because Shaq breaks an average of 1.25 backboards per game. Wolves win their first title by going 68-10-4 (the “4” represents games that could not be finished due to no rims remaining).
The Magic pick lands at spot number three. Wolves draft Penny Hardaway, who enjoys a relatively injury-free career. Back-to-back titles. Shaq and Penny go on to lead the Wolves to 10 NBA titles before Shaq retires to focus on his movie career, where he wins an Oscar for his work starring in the Fast and Furious franchise (Bonus, Vin Diesel never happens).
And if it makes you feel better about the Laettner bashing. Let’s say he goes to the Charlotte Hornets at number two and gets to stay in North Carolina. The Duke fans shower him with praise during a 15-year career as a lifelong Hornet.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 4: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws in the bullpen prior to the game against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on September 4, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tuesday night’s game against the San Diego Padres was reminiscent of the 2024 playoffs when the Dodgers were forced to employ a bullpen in the NLDS to keep their playoff hopes alive against those same Padres. Both outcomes were the same, with the bullpen shutting down the Friars and getting a big win.
That postseason saw a lot of bullpen usage, and in this one the Dodgers are stacked with starters. Still, the bullpen is always a big part of the postseason.
As Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic points out, 41 days ago manager Dave Roberts was asking the media what choices did he truly have to deploy in the ninth inning of games. Now, he could have several options.
Edwin Diaz, the closer they paid handsomely in the offseason, has not had a great season. He’s been on the IL twice and had an era over 11.00 at one point this summer. But since returning from his latest IL stint, he has faced 11 batters, struck out six and only allowed two to reach base.
“I think it’s one of those things where if you’re one of the 12 pitchers on a postseason roster, you’re in the trust tree,” Roberts said “He’s put himself right smack in that conversation. Given all that he’s had to go through this year to right the ship is a big credit to him.”
Roki Sasaki is also someone who will be in the mix for the ninth inning spot. He has also just returned from his own IL stint, pitching with dermabond on his blister. He allowed two singles, but worked around them for a scoreless inning in Tuesday night’s game. He will appear in Friday night’s game as he continues to work towards a spot in the bullpen that will likely vary as the postseason goes on.
Tanner Scott has been the Dodgers’ most reliable arm out of the bullpen this season, and Roberts has remarked how it would be nice to be able to use Scott in high leverage spots that may not come just in the ninth inning.
“I think if there’s an opportunity, for example, for Tanner to pitch a high-leverage inning in the seventh or the eighth inning, it’s just hard to pass that up if he’s the best option right there,” Roberts said. “You just don’t know where the ninth inning is going to be.”
Roberts also added that the team is sitting in their best position with regards to the bullpen as they have ever been. Evan Phillips and Brock Stewart round out the current options, and the team hopes that Edguardo Henriquez can recover from his back issues to appear in the playoffs. With the starters this team has overall this may be the best pitching staff the Dodgers have ever sent to the playoffs.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 31: Roman Anthony #19 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on August 31, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve spent much of the last week discussing how the Red Sox won’t be playing much baseball in Boston this weekend thanks to an impending nor’easter. But what if I were to tell you it’s also still possible (however unlikely) that they might not be playing much baseball in New York next week either?
Don’t worry, it’s not weather related this time. Instead, it’s because there’s still a bizarre, long shot scenario teetering at the edge of the table where the Red Sox could fall to the No. 6 seed in the American League.
At first glance, this seems impossible. At 85-73, Boston is four games clear of the White Sox with four to play, and even if the Red Sox were to lose out with the White Sox winning all of their remaining games, Boston also holds the head to head tiebreaker by virtue of their 6-0 record against the South Siders this season.
So, it’s over, right?
Wrong!
There’s still one monkey wrench that can flip the board, and that’s Cleveland’s presence. If the 82-76 Guardians win the rubber game at Fenway Park today and then also end up in a theoretical 85-77 tie with both pairs of Sox at the end of the weekend, all sorts of kooky stuff happens.
First of all, in a three-way tie scenario where one of the teams is not in the same division, the tie to determine that division (in this case the AL Central), takes precedent, and must be broken first. Well, guess what? The White Sox hold the tiebreaker over the Guardians, which means if the Red Sox end up tied with both of them, Chicago takes the division, leaving Boston to face off against Cleveland in the tiebreaker for the final seeding.
Right now, the Red Sox hold that tiebreaker over Cleveland thanks to their 3-2 head to head record. However, if the Guardians win today, that becomes 3-3, and the tiebreaker flips to the Guardians on interdivision record. In other words, Cleveland would go to the No. 5 seed, the Red Sox would land in Texas to play either the Astros or Rangers (whoever wins that wretched AL West division) as the No. 6, and Guardians would get shuffled all the way over to New York to play the Yankees.
On one hand, this is far fetched. But if you break it down piece by piece, it becomes one of those things that gets less and less ridiculous the more you look at it.
Let’s start with the Red Sox. They will be throwing Ranger Suarez today against Cleveland, who will counter with Daniel Espino. With the way Suarez has been throwing the ball the last few times out, that looks like a Boston win at first. But remember, the Sox used both Whitlock and Chapman last night, meaning they might not want to push them too hard and go there again today. Additionally, Suarez’ start is coming exactly five days before Game 1 of the Wild Card series, which means they’ll probably pull him after 75 or 80 pitches like they did with Sonny Gray on Wednesday.
Break it all down, and the Guardians are probably going to get a shot at the weaker part of the Red Sox bullpen they didn’t see today. Throw in Ceddanne Rafaela and Willson Contreras possibly not playing, and all of a sudden this becomes a hard game to predict.
From there, the Red Sox are likely going to play a double header against the Cubs on Friday, trying to get as many games in as possible before the nor’easter arrives. Well, as we’ve discussed all week, the Cubs are going to need those games as they fight for seeding in the NL Wild Card race. They enter play today one game behind the San Diego Padres for the top Wild Card billing. Meanwhile, the Red Sox will be done with the Payton Tolle / Sonny Gray / Ranger Suarez part of the rotation for the regular season and will probably be throwing Patrick Sandoval in one of these games. Is it really that hard to see the Cubs taking both ends of that double header?
Meanwhile, back in Chicago itself, the White Sox would need a sweep at home over the weekend to keep any chance of this crazy scenario alive. Well, guess what? They’re playing the Colorado Rockies. And not just the Colorado Rockies, but the Road Rockies. The worst team to ever do it!
Years ago, when I was over at Purple Row, I wrote about how the game is rigged against the Rockies, and how they face a literal competitive disadvantage because of a Coors Hangover Effect that happens when their hitters travel. On that note, the 2026 Road Rockies have been striaght trash! They’ve already been swept in 28 percent of their series this year, and have lost ten games in a row away from Coors Field. They’re so bad, they haven’t won a road game since August 26th!
The point here is that it’s not that hard to see how they could go into a rowdy atmosphere in Chicago this weekend and get their doors blown off. The White Sox are just one game behind the Guardians for not only the AL Central crown, but also for the No. 2 seed and a bye, so they will almost certainly be throwing all their resources at this race right down to the wire.
Of course, they also have to win their game in Kansas City this afternoon to even get this lunacy off the ground, but if they do that, you don’t have to squint too hard to see how this snowball might start running downhill. Again, all this silliness probably gets quashed in the net 36 hours by one of several candidates, but if we’re still sitting here on Saturday morning and the possibility of all this still alive, things will get really, really weird, really, really quick. And that’s before you throw in the weather with the Red Sox possibility waiting through days of rain to play Game their 162.
Can you imagine if they have to come back on Monday and play one last game against the Cubs and they can literally pick their path with a loss (through Texas and the AL Central winner) instead of having to go through New York and Tampa?
It’s nuts, and it would be nothing short of a bonkers scenario. But this is the 2026 Red Sox, and bonkers has kind of been the theme of the season. We’ve already seen some of the worst Red Sox baseball of all time at Fenway Park early in the season, a historic winning streak to fuel a remarkable turnaround, a team that has a penchant for playing well with plane problems, and now a huge nor’easter threatening to upend the schedule. If there was ever a year where something this daft might play out, wouldn’t it be this one?
Then again, Kansas City might beat the White Sox in a handful of hours and everything you just read will be rendered moot. Man I love wacky baseball!
The Toronto Maple Leafs wrapped up their pre-season campaign with a split-squad affair with the Ottawa Senators, one played at Scotiabank Arena, and the other at Ottawa's Canadian Tire Center.
The Maple Leafs took both games, with a dominant 6-1 victory on home ice and a 4-2 win in the nation's capital. Here are the key takeaways from the evening, heading into the 2026-27 NHL regular season.
1. Dominant Offensive Performance
It's fair to say that it is pre-season, and while the Senators brought out to Scotiabank Arena Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Shane Pinto, and others, it wasn't their strongest lineup.
Nonetheless, what was evident was Toronto's pressure in the offensive zone. On several occasions, the Maple Leafs hemmed the Senators in their own zone and moved the puck smoothly.
The shot totals ended up being 36-14 in favor of the Leafs, and the scoreboard correlated with that.
All areas of the lineup were chipping in, too. John Tavares, Jack Roslovic and Auston Matthews finished with three points, and to round out the top six, Gavin McKenna and William Nylander accumulated a plus-three rating and one assist each. Even Zack MacEwen had an impressive game, getting on the scoresheet as well.
Going through training camp, the Maple Leafs were feeling pretty confident with their third line of Easton Cowan, Nick Paul and Colton Sissons. They believe to be capable of taking on some tough assignments and challenging the opposition's top players.
But one-third of that line left the game early in Toronto. Paul only had six shifts and played 4:42 of ice time on Wednesday. His issue remained undisclosed, but head coach Jim Hiller isn't too concerned about the severity of what kept Paul out for the rest of the outing.
"Yeah, we'll know tomorrow," he said after the game. "I don't think it's too serious. I talked to him after, but we'll know a little bit more tomorrow."
3. Matthew Knies 'Wasn't That Dangerous'
With everyone in the top six getting some sort of contribution on Toronto's six goals at Scotiabank Arena, Matthew Knies was left behind with no points to show for it.
His night ended with one shot on goal, an even plus-minus rating, and 17:48 of ice time. He was also held off the scoresheet in the Leafs' first pre-season game against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Knies also had just one shot on goal, as well as a minus-two rating with 20:22 of ice time.
Here is Hiller's assessment of Knies' camp so far.
"I thought he was better tonight," the head coach said. "He wasn't that dangerous. I think he only ended up with one shot on goal. Took one to the net. So I think this has been okay. I wouldn't say strongly one way or the other. I think there's more there for sure."
Toronto's first pre-season affair in Montreal saw a couple of fights at the Bell Centre, but that was topped on Wednesday at the Canadian Tire Centre.
Four fights broke out in Toronto's win on the road. Landon Sim started fight night off with a scrap with Matthew Andonovski. Brendan Brisson challenged Sammy Blais after Blais laid a heavy hit on Nick Blankenburg, which got him shaken up. Then Brandon Duhaim fought Cameron Crotty 33 seconds into the final frame, and Sim found himself in his second tilt of the night to end the parade of fighting majors, dancing with Nick Cousins.
Behind the spotlight of the fighting in Ottawa, Henrik Rybinski scored his second goal of the pre-season to open the scoring.
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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 01: Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) shoots the puck during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights on March 1, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
During his team’s run to the Stanley Cup back in 2015-16, then-Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan was asked a question about the play of his third line. At the time it consisted of Phil Kessel, Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin to form the vaunted HBK line.
I don’t remember who asked the question, or what the exact question was, what round it came in, or even the full answer from Sullivan.
All I remember from him was his somewhat sarcastic quip at the beginning of his answer that was simply: “Which line is the third line?”
There was an element of coach-speak to it, but the main point he was trying to get across was that he knew they had three scoring lines that could steamroll over teams, provide offense, and swing a game or series in their favor. He wasn’t in the mood to assign a classification to them, and didn’t see a difference in them. Even if one of them (the HBK line) was clearly third on the team’s depth chart behind the Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin lines.
He just saw his team as having three scoring lines.
He was right.
It is a mindset teams should go for whether they have that many future Hall of Famers on their team or not. It should be a mindset in terms of construction and playing style.
Most teams seem to be doing it to some degree if they are able to do it.
I bring this up because I can envision a scenario where the potential of a Ben Kindel, Andrei Kuzmenko and Bryan Rust line gets dissected in terms of where certain players are on the depth chart, as well as the potential playing styles that could be asked of them.
There was already plenty of talk last season as to whether or not Kindel should be playing on a third line and what that could mean for his development. The same thing was also applied to Ville Koivunen and whether or not it made sense to have him playing a bottom-six role, when he has more of a top-six skillset and “needs to play top-six minutes.”
There also might be some concern over Rust’s placement on such a line when he’s normally a top-six player, and whether or not Kuzmenko has the defensive approach to play there.
All of that is overthinking it.
Especially when you look at the way most NHL team’s distribute their forward ice-time.
It’s not necessarily a top-six vs. bottom-six approach.
It’s more of a top-nine vs. bottom-three approach.
I went back through every team’s even-strength forward ice-time usage during the 2025-26 season and looked at how it broke down among their top-three forwards (in theory, their first line) and each successive trio that followed. I limited it to forwards that played at least 40 games, and looked only at their even-strength ice-time per game.
This is by no means a perfect look at a team’s line construction.
Line combinations are very fluid and have a tendency to change, players get injured, players miss time, players get promoted and demoted, etc. etc. etc.
But it does give at least a ballpark idea as to how much certain players are playing and how often they are used.
While the top-three forwards typically stood out above the pack for each team, there was only a small difference between them and the second trio of players. There was virtually no difference between the second-and third-groupings.
That means the top-nine forwards were all playing a comparable amount of ice-time.
On average, the top-three forwards played around 15:20 of even-strength ice-time per game. The next trio played, on average, around 13:40 per game, which was only about 90 seconds less than the group above. The third trio played, on average, about 12:40 per game, which was only one minute less than the second trio.
If you assume each shift averages about 35-45 seconds, you’re only talking about a very small handful of shifts per game. Between the second-and third-lines it’s at most two shifts. In some cases it is only one shift.
If you’re playing everybody nearly the same amount, it only makes sense that you’re expecting the same level and style of play from them. And it’s not like the Penguins were ever asking the Kindel line, regardless of who his wingers were, to play any sort of simplified or chip-and-chase style.
They were asking them to play to their strengths and expecting them to push play and outscore their opponents.
It worked. It was successful. And it was a big part of the team’s regular season success.
It wasn’t until you got down to the fourth grouping of forwards, which averaged about 9:30 per game, about three minutes less per game than the third line, where teams started to see a big difference in usage.
That’s where you start getting into a different role and a different style of play due to a drop in skill.
Here’s a look at the full, team-by-team breakdown, sorted in order of most average ice-time by top-three forwards. This is, again, just even-strength ice-time.
Team
Top-3 Avg
Second-3 Avg
Third-3 Avg
Fourth-3 Avg
Edmonton Oilers
17.23
14.21
12.34
10.44
Winnipeg Jets
17.00
13.14
12.04
9.45
Colorado Avalanche
16.46
14.09
12.48
9.25
New Jersey Devils
16.44
14.44
12.45
9.36
Toronto Maple Leafs
16.17
14.16
12.17
10.07
Dallas Stars
16.14
14.00
12.10
9.56
New York Rangers
16.10
15.00
12.44
9.04
Minnesota Wild
16.03
14.07
12.18
10.06
San Jose Sharks
15.52
13.47
11.41
9.36
Chicago Blackhawks
15.46
14.00
13.14
11.10
Los Angeles Kings
15.45
14.54
12.16
10.18
New York Islanders
15.34
13.48
12.17
10.13
Vegas Golden Knights
15.34
14.03
12.50
10.23
Seattle Kraken
15.33
13.39
12.43
11.06
Montreal Canadiens
15.32
12.39
12.17
11.32
Tampa Bay Lightning
15.25
14.01
12.38
11.18
Columbus Blue Jackets
15.23
13.46
12.17
11.11
Pittsburgh Penguins
15.23
13.43
12.18
11.12
Nashville Predators
15.20
13.50
12.14
9.56
Philadelphia Flyers
15.18
13.38
12.19
10.02
Detroit Red Wings
15.17
13.55
12.38
10.19
Boston Bruins
15.11
13.09
12.13
10.30
St. Louis Blues
15.10
13.56
12.49
10.37
Washington Capitals
15.04
13.39
12.36
9.46
Utah Mammoth
15.03
14.03
13.12
10.45
Calgary Flames
14.55
13.51
13.00
9.47
Ottawa Senators
14.49
13.50
12.40
10.56
Vancouver Canucks
14.49
13.45
12.27
11.06
Florida Panthers
14.48
13.54
12.18
9.46
Buffalo Sabres
14.45
13.21
12.43
11.02
Anaheim Ducks
14.42
13.52
12.47
9.45
Carolina Hurricanes
14.24
13.50
12.53
10.39
Every team is different in terms of depth and how many good forward options they actually have, and some teams do need to lean on their top forwards more because they just don’t have enough good forwards to play as often.
Having enough good players matters in this exercise.
This Penguins team, even if it is lacking in prime-age, top-line superstar scorers, does have a lot of playable forwards, and it does have a lot of NHL forward depth.
Most teams were in the 14-16 minute range for their top-three, with a few exceptions and outliers at the top. Those were mostly teams that were extraordinarily top-heavy and had to rely more on their top-forwards. From there, literally every team was in the 13-14-minute range for the next three, and then the 12-13 minute range for the third group.
The fourth-lines, depending on the team’s depth, were in the 9-10 minute range.
So it gets back to my original point here of: Why can’t Ben Kindel or Ville Koivunen or Bryan Rust or Andrei Kuzmenko skate on your third line if they would play nearly as much in a second-line role? Or if they would be asked to play the same way? I don’t think that extra one or two shifts is making or breaking the development of the young players. It’s not limiting their long-term upside or putting a ceiling on them as a “third-line player.”
I also don’t think it’s changing the way you expect Bryan Rust or Andrei Kuzmenko to play.
It shouldn’t be doing any of that.
It is simply the way the roster sets up in this moment.
Where you start getting into major differences between the different groups of forwards and the different expectations offensively, from a big picture standpoint, is the special teams usage.
Who is getting power play time?
Who is getting first power play time vs. second power play time?
Who is getting shorthanded time as opposed to power play time?
That is where you start getting into different point totals, different offensive situations and where players separate themselves from a scoring perspective.
That is where the usage for a player like Kindel can be a little more scrutinized for his development. Is he getting those power play minutes? Is he getting opportunities with the first group? That is where his offensive game and point production can start to take big steps.
Don’t focus on where he sits on the pre-game line chart and whether it’s first line, second line, third line, line 2A or line 2B. If he, Rust and Kuzmenko show they have chemistry and can play together and outplay teams, let them do it. The same thing applies if it’s Nicholas Robertson instead of Kuzmenko. Or if it’s Ville Koivunen or Rutger McGroarty instead of Robertson or Kuzmenko.
If there is anything that is going to give this Penguins team a chance to be competitive this season it’s going to be their forward depth and the fact they do have the ability to roll three potential scoring lines. I don’t know how well any of those lines are going to actually defend, but the offense should be there. They should be leaning into that. I suspect they will. Just as they did a season ago.
After a day off on Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens were back in action, and only two groups remained. Group A included the NHL players (Jacob Fowler is considered an NHL player here) and Florian Xhekaj, Owen Beck, David Reinbacher, and Adam Engstrom. In contrast, Group B included players destined to play for the Laval Rocket or the Trois-Rivières Lions this season. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they’ve made it, but the youngster must see that as a positive sign.
However, coach Martin St-Louis downplayed the meaning of the four youngsters still being in Group A:
I think it was an opportunity to, you know, get some really good reps at the NHL pace, and I think that’s what we try to accomplish today. How they internalize that, I’m not sure; probably guys took it differently. For them, every day matters, no matter what group you’re in; there’s always an opportunity, and to me, it’s just that.
Of course, it was put to the coach that the Habs currently have plenty of forwards on NHL contracts, and that could mean there are no surprises out of this camp, but he didn’t necessarily agree:
There are always surprises. Yes, contracts are part of it, but things can change. There are different ways to make room, but it always starts with the individual who must force our hand.
Clearly, it wasn’t the first time the coach said those words at camp because when Florian Xhekaj spoke to the media a few minutes later, he explained:
Yeah, they have a lot of guys here; obviously, I know that, and I mean, I don’t really care, in a sense, because I know I want to make the team, and everyone’s here to make the team. I think it’s like I’ve been saying: show up every day, show my skills, show what I bring and try to force their hand.
- Florian Xhekaj on being part of Group A
The younger Xhekaj certainly has the right attitude, and if some NHLers are too comfortable, he wants to unseat them. The question is, though, will the Habs brass be willing to make the moves to make it possible? That’s the real question. In two games so far, the power forward has certainly shown what he brings to the table and how the Canadiens could benefit from his presence, but the rest is out of his hands. He’s being realistic, though, and reminded members of the media that last year he got to this stage as well. He was still with the team when it went to Quebec City for an exhibition game.
As for those who found themselves in Group B, the coach remembers the days when he was in their shoes:
I definitely remember when they split teams, and I wasn’t on the NHL team, and you know, things can work out. Mentally, you’ve just got to be stronger than your feelings. It’s disappointing, but you've got to keep pushing; things can work out.
As for the fact that GM Kent Hughes said that he wouldn’t start the season with three goaltenders and that Jakub Dobes, Jacob Fowler and Samuel Montembeault are all in Group A, the coach said:
Monty’s been a pro; he was a pro last year. You know, when he didn’t see the net at the end of the season. Unbelievable teammate. He put a process in place this summer, and it’s been impressive to watch. He hasn’t forgotten how to play goal. Monty’s a really good goalie, and he’s had a strong camp so far.
Those comments lead to one conclusion: unless the Canadiens trade the Becancour native before the season starts, Fowler will likely have to go back to the AHL, even though he belongs in the NHL. According to the schedule provided to the media ahead of camp, there should be a scrimmage on Thursday, and that will be another opportunity for the young players to prove themselves and for the veterans to show why they deserve to keep their spot on the roster.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 19: Tyrese Proctor #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates making a three-point basket during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Rocket Arena on December 19, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a vacancy in their depth chart, and Tyrese Proctor might develop into the backup point guard they need to address it.
Given Cleveland’s offseason moves, which include trading both Max Strus and Dennis Schroder, the team will need someone who can handle the ball off the bench. As of now, Proctor is one of a few young guards jockeying for the position.
Craig Porter Jr. and rookie Meleek Thomas are his (friendly) competition. We’ll talk more about them as our season previews continue. For now, we’re all about Proctor.
Proctor was drafted 49th in the 2025 NBA Draft and enters his sophomore season with Cleveland. He played 50 games last year, averaging 5.4 points on 41.3% shooting from the floor. Nothing overly impressive, but he showed enough to make you wonder what might come next.
This leads us to our big question:
What would it take for Proctor to cement himself as Cleveland’s backup point guard?
A perfect fit, on paper
Proctor theoretically has all of the skills you’d want from a modern combo guard.
He has positional size at 6’4” and is comfortable playing with or without the ball. He’s got solid jump-shot mechanics and the physical tools to become a quality team defender. All of which makes him comfortable playing alongside anyone.
Versatility is a good skill to have. But it’s even more important in Cleveland, where the star-studded backcourt of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell will bury anyone who can’t play alongside them.
Proctor’s game pairs well next to either Harden or Mitchell.
With Harden, you need to space the floor and serve as a threat to knockdown jumpers. Proctor can check that box. He has experience playing without the rock and projects to be someone who can eventually nail jumpers at a high clip.
If paired with Mitchell, then Proctor has to lean into being a floor general. This means running the offense and being a creator. This skill is less refined, as of now, but something that’s still potentially in the cards for Proctor.
Above all else, Proctor has to put the full package together by being a stout defender at the point of attack. Covering for Harden and Mitchell defensively is arguably more important than coexisting with them offensively.
Proctor again seems to be the type of player who can accomplish this.
Doing so would not only make Proctor a contributor throughout the regular season, but also someone who can help stagger lineups in the playoffs.
Of course, this all has to be proven first.
Hurdles to clear
Proctor has shown flashes of everything that I listed above. But the full picture remains unclear. He’ll have to clear a few hurdles before officially being in the rotation.
So what’s holding him back?
For starters, his inexperience. Proctor is only 22 years old and hasn’t had much time in the league. Many of his minutes came in garbage time last season, and his most valuable reps were short-lived. That doesn’t give us a lot to work with.
Even with the limited sample size, it’s clear that Proctor has room to grow. All of his most exciting skills remain as untapped potential.
His jumper looks sweet, but he only shot 35% from deep last season. That won’t be good enough. Proctor will need to be closer to 40% for this to be the skill that he hangs his hat on.
On defense, Proctor seems like he can develop into a productive player. But how impactful can he be on a nightly basis? Can he fortify the point of attack? And can he make the correct rotations to fit into a team system? Consistency will be key.
Finally, what more can Proctor give as a creator?
He isn’t an elite dribbler or passer. Those skills feel tertiary right now — they aren’t at the core of his game. Creating advantages and causing defensive breakdowns will be the skill that ultimately determines Proctor’s ceiling.
Proctor’s sophomore season shouldn’t be sink or swim. He still has years of development on the table. But piecing some things together and being part of Cleveland’s rotation should be a serious goal for him. He might not get a clearer path towards playing time than this current season.
Sep 23, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles players celebrate after Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
It’s Sept. 24 and the Orioles are, technically, still alive in the postseason race. Will wonders never cease?
The Orioles’ elimination number remains at 1 after a productive Wednesday in which they swept a doubleheader against the Blue Jays to close out their Camden Yards schedule for 2026. Combined with a White Sox loss in Kansas City, it remain mathematically possible for the Orioles to claim the third wild card spot. All they need is to sweep their final series at Yankee Stadium while the White Sox lose every remaining game against the Royals and Rockies. Oh, and also the Orioles would have to leapfrog whichever of the Rangers and Astros doesn’t win the AL West.
Simple, right? Might as well start printing the playoff tickets now.
OK, OK, I get it. It’s not happening. The O’s will be eliminated, possibly as soon as tonight. But it’s nice that they didn’t have to suffer that ignominious fate in front of their home fans. They played a pair of well-played games — and officially knocked the defending AL champion Blue Jays out of playoff contention — to end their home season on a high note. Check out Mark Brown’s recap of the opener and Tyler Young’s write-up of the nightcap.
The twin bill demonstrated what the 2026 season could have looked like for the Orioles if they’d been clicking all year. The O’s got some effective starting pitching performances from unlikely sources, especially Trey Gibson, who tossed the finest outing of his major league career with 6.2 shutout innings. Their bullpen was solid, with six different relievers delivering scoreless outings. And Pete Alonso did Pete Alonso things, crushing his 41st home run and later leading the entire O’s team onto the field to acknowledge the fans before they left town for the year.
The Orioles ultimately are going to come up short for a litany of reasons that we don’t need to rehash here, but they’ve got a chance to finish the season at .500 if they take all three games from the Yankees this weekend. If not, they can at least try to sustain their recent competent play and hopefully bring some positive momentum into the 2027 season, whenever it might begin. For now, that will have to do.
The Orioles’ two youngest players saw their disappointing 2026 seasons come to an end. If there’s any hope for a turnaround next season, it’s guys like this who are going to need to take a step forward.
The possibility of having games wiped out in 2027 is upsetting for so many reasons, not the least of which is: what the heck am I going to do with my time? Are you telling me I’m supposed to get another hobby? Get outta here with that.
I can venture a guess. The O’s have gone more than a year (and counting) without bothering to fill the GM role, so it sure seems like it’s not something Elias values highly.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! Five former Orioles were born on this day, including Rafael Palmeiro (62), one of the most prolific sluggers in O’s (and MLB) history. Palmeiro had two stints with the Birds in his 20-year career, hitting 223 of his 569 major league homers as an Oriole. He would be in the Hall of Fame if not for, well, you know. Happy birthday, Raffy.
Other former Orioles with Sept. 24 birthdays include infielders Travis Ishikawa (43), Jesse Garcia (53), and Kevin Millar (55), and the late outfielder Curt Motton (b. 1940, d. 2010).
On this date in 2000, Orioles ace Mike Mussina pitched a masterpiece in what turned out to be his penultimate start in an O’s uniform. Mussina dominated the Red Sox at Fenway, throwing seven scoreless innings and racking up an eye-popping 15 strikeouts without walking a batter. The Orioles managed to get him a win by scoring a run in the top of the eighth on Gene Kingsale’s sac fly, and closer Ryan Kohlmeier escaped a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the ninth to secure the 1-0 victory.
Random Orioles game of the day
On Sept. 24, 1984, the Orioles won two games for the price of one, sweeping a doubleheader against the Yankees at Memorial Stadium. Mike Boddicker led an easy 8-1 victory in the opener with a complete game, scattering 10 hits — all singles — and allowing only one run. The O’s also had 10 hits but turned them into eight runs, with John Shelby, Gary Roenicke, and Mike Young all homering.
In the nightcap, the Orioles pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory, scoring five runs in the bottom of the eighth to erase a 6-2 deficit. An error by Yankees reliever Jay Howell opened the floodgates for a Roenicke RBI single and a Benny Ayala three-run homer. Cal Ripken also homered in the game. Reliever Nate Snell worked a scoreless eighth and ninth for the victory. The doubleheader sweep gave the O’s and Yanks identical 83-73 records, though both had long since been eliminated from the AL East race.
