Category: Sports News

Worldwide Sports News

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Nets Assistant Steve Hetzel, Jared Dudley draw Blazers’ interest

Jan 4, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) talkes with Assistant Coach Steve Hetzel, prior to the game against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans hiring team did its best Reggie Evans impersonation this week, scooping up Jamahl Mosley in a ferocious flash. The Orlando Magic fired him as their head coach on May 4, and the Pels signed him as their own two weeks later.

However, the summer’s head coaching candidate that Brooklyn Nets fans care most about remains available as does one of the team’s fan favorites are still out there — with at least one team still considering them.

This week on his substack, Marc Stein reported that Jordi Fernandez’s No. 2 and longtime friend, Steve Hetzel, along with former Nets forward Jared Dudley remain head coaching targets for the Portland Trail Blazers. They also seem to have some new competition hailing from the Twin Cities.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that the Blazers, meanwhile, have expressed interest in Minnesota assistant coach Micah Nori in addition to previously reported candidates Jared Dudley and Hetzel,” Stein wrote.

In the same substack, Jake Fischer later confirmed that Hetzel got as close as you could to the NOLA job before it ultimately went to Mosley: the short list. The job is open because new owner, Tom Dundon, had made it clear that another coach with a Nets connection, Tiago Splitter, will not return as head coach. Splitter, who was a Nets assistant and player development coach for five years, was elevated to the top job in Portland the day after head coach Chauncey Billups was suspended indefinitely following his arrest on illegal gambling charges.

“(Splitter) remains a candidate for the full-time post on some level along with various assistant coaches we’ve reported on like Micah Nori (Timberwolves), Jared Dudley (Nuggets), Greg St. Jean (Lakers) and Brooklyn’s Steve Hetzel, who was a finalist for the New Orleans job,” Fischer wrote.

Hetzel had been an assistant coach in Portland between 2021 and 2024 before joining the Nets. He also has had assistant coaching gigs in Detroit, Charlotte and Orlando. He served as head coach of Cleveland’s G League team early in his career as well as Portland and Brooklyn’s Summer League teams in recent years. He ran the Nets’ team in Las Vegas the last two years.

In addition, Hetzel has been involved in the Nets draft process, having been frequently shown in last year’s SCOUT series that highlighted the 2025 draft process. With another big pick to make in about a month, then two summer leagues after that, we’ll know soon if he’ll be back again helping out here … or elsewhere.

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Flyers Trade Target: Devon Levi

Among the top priorities for the Philadelphia Flyers this offseason is going to be finding a competent complement to starting goalie Dan Vladar.

The book is not necessarily closed on incumbent backup goalie Sam Ersson, who is a pending RFA in need of a new contract, but his performances and consistency have only gotten progressively worse during his three years in the NHL with the Flyers.

So, if the Flyers move on from Ersson and let him pursue other opportunities elsewhere, they have two options: sign a goalie from an underwhelming crop of free agents, or trade for one.

Their best choice, for all intents and purposes, is going to be the latter.

One of the first places the Flyers should consider looking is, perhaps surprisingly, Buffalo, where the Sabres have four goalies who could conceivably be NHL regulars, all of whom are under contract for next season.

Established veterans Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon lead the way there, and Colten Ellis, a waiver claim from the St. Louis Blues, made his NHL debut this season, going 8-4-2 in 12 games for the Sabres with a 2.90 GAA, a .903 save percentage, and one shutout.

And then there's Devon Levi, the critically acclaimed but undersized goalie prospect who has yet to gain a foothold on an NHL roster spot for an extended period of time.

The 24-year-old has played 39 NHL games across three seasons, going a modest 17-17-2 with a 3.29 GAA and .894 save percentage.

Comparatively, Ersson, 26, has a 3.01 GAA and a .884 save percentage to go with his 65-50-17 career record.

It's worth noting, too, that Levi's numbers are dragged down by a nine-game stint last season that saw him go 2-7-0 with a 4.12 GAA and .872 save percentage.

And, in fairness to Levi, the Sabres were never particularly good during his time in the NHL and only had things click this season after general manager Kevyn Adams was fired and replaced by Jarmo Kekalainen.

Dan Vladar's Next Flyers Contract Should Exceed $20 MillionDan Vladar's Next Flyers Contract Should Exceed $20 MillionRecent precedent suggests the Philadelphia Flyers will have to break the bank to extend starting goalie Dan Vladar.

So, heading into his age-25 season, Levi has no path to a roster spot in Buffalo despite having already played 175 professional games in the Sabres organization.

This is where the Flyers step in.

Behind Vladar, the Flyers currently have Aleksei Kolosov, who recently re-signed with the club for one year, and Carson Bjarnason.

It's possible that Kolosov could step in and play a full NHL season as a backup, but the idea of him taking over as the starter in the event of an injury to Vladar is a rather uncomfortable one.

Bjarnason, of course, is still just 20 years old and finished his first professional season, which came with an ECHL stint with the Reading Royals.

Longtime NHL media maven Jeff Marek recently claimed that things are "over" between Levi and the Sabres, so, all things considered, a huge opportunity would be waiting for him in Philadelphia.

The price to acquire the goalie prospect can't be that high, given that the Sabres have no leverage with three goalies clearly ahead of him in the pecking order, and Levi comes with only a one-year commitment at an $812.5k cap hit if things don't work out.

Plus, the Flyers could always insure themselves with lower-tier free agent options with experience, such as Matt Murray, Vitek Vanecek, and even old friend Cam Talbot, heading into training camp and the preseason.

If things really do work out for the Flyers and the franchise finally catches a break, Levi will have realized his potential as a starting-caliber NHL goalie, which would help form a robust tandem with Vladar.

The time is now for Levi, who is running out of runway to crack an NHL roster after a promising start to his pro career.

We can be certain that the 24-year-old will be extra motivated heading into a contract year after being cast aside, and the Flyers have had great success targeting such players in the recent past, including Vladar himself.

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Carter Mazur Steps In After Scary Hit From Behind On Amadeus Lombardi

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The Grand Rapids Griffins have no choice but to win three straight games against the Chicago Wolves, who lead the AHL Central Division Finals two games to none and can close things out on Tuesday night. 

And the physical intensity has picked up in the first period of play, culminating in an on-ice melee following a dirty hit from behind on forward Amadeus Lombardi, who was already down in a vulnerable position, by Wolves defenseman Charles Legault. 

Immediately, forward Carter Mazur, who scored for the Griffins earlier in the period, stepped in and began doling out some physical punishment to Legault as a scrum ensued. 

Meanwhile, Lombardi was clearly shaken up and very slow to recover.

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Lombardi, who was taken by the Detroit Red Wings with the 113th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has three assists in seven AHL postseason games this spring after having tallied 16 goals with 26 assists in 47 regular season contests this season.

"Biggest Stakes We've Had": Griffins Face Do-Or-Die Game 3 "Biggest Stakes We've Had": Griffins Face Do-Or-Die Game 3 After dropping both games at home to the Chicago Wolves, the Grand Rapids Griffins have no choice but to win out if they want to remain alive in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Mazur, who got in several games of NHL experience under his belt in Detroit this season, has scored five goals for the Griffins in the postseason so far. 

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James Wood hits inside-the-park grand slam after ball ricochets off Nick Morabito’s glove in ominous Mets debut

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Two baseball players in gray and blue uniforms attempt to catch a fly ball against a green outfield wall, Image 2 shows A baseball catcher in blue and orange uniform lunges for a baseball while a player in a red helmet slides on the ground toward home plate
grand slam

James Wood gave Nick Morabito a rude “welcome to the big leagues” moment on Wednesday night in the nation’s capital.

The Nationals slugger crushed a deep fly ball to left that not only popped out of the Mets rookie’s glove but ended up turning into a rare inside-the-park grand slam.

Mets starter Nolan McLean easily got the first two outs of the bottom of the second inning before allowing a double and single with a hit by pitch sandwiched in between.

Wood, who had 31 homers last year and 12 entering Wednesday’s ballgame, sent a high, arcing fly deep to left field that sent Morabito back to the fence.

At the top of his leap, Morabito, making his major league debut, saw the ball bounce off the heel of his glove and roll all the way to center field. Center fielder Tyrone Taylor didn’t appear to know where the ball was and stayed near Morabito, who was down on the warning track.

By the time Morabito got to his feet and went for the ball, Wood was inevitably going to score on a wild homer that went 379 feet but never left the confines of Nationals Park.

Wood’s unlikely grand slam changed the tenor of the game as the Mets blew a 5-0 lead en route to a 9-6 loss to the Nationals.

Rookie left fielder Nick Morabito stands on the on deck circle before his first MLB at bat during the Mets’ 9-6 loss to the Nationals on May 19, 2026 at Nationals Park. Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

To add insult to injury, Morabito was plunked in his second plate appearance in the top of the third.

But Morabito got a measure of redemption in the bottom half when he made a leaping catch reaching into the stands down the left field line on a Jorbit Vivas fly ball that turned into a sacrifice fly.

The outfield prospect had a .754 OPS with four homers and 14 steals in 41 games with Triple-A Syracuse this year.

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Lance McCullers hits IL with shoulder issue as Astros injury nightmare gets worse

Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Lance McCullers Jr. #43 of the Houston Astros walks to the dugout during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on May 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

The Astros’ injury woes are only getting worse.

Houston right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. was scratched from his start on Tuesday and placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation, adding to a long list of health issues for the club. 

Astros manager Joe Espada told The Athletic’s Chandler Rome that McCullers had been dealing with the shoulder injury “a while” despite the last-minute scratch. 

Injuries have been a major part of McCullers’ career over the last several years. 

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Houston, Wednesday, May 13, 2026. AP

After missing the 2023 and 2024 seasons with a flexor strain, McCullers struggled in his return last season, posting a 6.51 ERA across 16 outings. 

It didn’t get any better in 2026, having put up a 6.86 ERA in eight starts until hitting the IL. 

The McCullers loss is the latest for a ravaged Astros team that’s struggling to stay in the American League playoff race. 

Before McCullers went down, Houston was already without starters Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier, who are both on the IL with shoulder strains. 

Another trio of hurlers – Ronel Blanco, Brandon Walter and Hayden Wesneski – are still yet to return from Tommy John surgeries a year ago. 

On Monday, the Astros lost star second baseman Jose Altuve, who suffered a left oblique strain on Sunday and later went on the IL. 

Third baseman Carlos Correa, center fielder Jake Meyers, left fielder Joey Loperfido, and catcher Yainer Diaz and closer Josh Hader are all also sidelined with various injuries. 

The bad luck has the Astros, who have finished above .500 in each of the past 10 full seasons, struggling out of the gate. 

Heading into Tuesday’s play, they sit at 19-30, which is the second-worst record in the American League.

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Game # 48, Athletics vs. Angels Game Thread

Jacob Lopez will take the mound tonight in Anaheim as the A’s take on the Angels in game two of a four game set. | Getty Images

After a heartbreaking loss last night in the J.T. Ginn near no-hitter the A’s will need to regroup for game two of the four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Despite being one game under .500, the A’s remain on top of the American League West by one game over both the Mariners and Rangers. The Angels remain in last place with a 17-31 record.

Jacob Lopez gets the start tonight. The 28-year-old lefty is 3-2 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts this season. He’s amassed thirty strikeouts in 40 innings in 2026. Lopez will go up against 26-year-old left Reid Detmers for the Halos. He’s 1-4 in nine starts this season with a 4.20 ERA.

Detmers will face off against this lineup for Mark Kotsay’s Athletics tonight:

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Lopez will match up with this batting order for the homestanding Angels:

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Follow the Game:

Watch:
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Game 48: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 18: Rodolfo Durán #48 and Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 in a game at Petco Park on May 18, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers (29-19) at San Diego Padres (29-18), May 19, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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Game Thread: White Sox (24-23) at Mariners (23-26)

Anthony Kay takes the bump in Seattle tonight. | (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)

Now that everyone has had a day to settle, and the adrenaline from the wild swings of the Crosstown Cup’s first leg has mostly subsided, it’s time to get back to thinking about what our expectations should be for this South Side team moving forward. For the first time in however many years, I now enter each day of White Sox baseball with the expectation that they have a solid chance to win. I’m actually not sure if I like it, because it feels like I’m setting myself up for disappointment. It’s hard not to wait for the slide back to reality that takes them to 15 games below .500, but I suppose that’s just another rung up the long ladder from the bottom of the barrel, right?

It’s a little easier to resist the temptation of optimism when you look at the lineups they’re putting out there. Take tonight’s, for example.

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The new trio of fan favorites in Munetaka Murakami, Miguel Vargas, and Colson Montgomery is going to be exciting for the rest of the way. However, I look at how many at-bats at the bottom of the order are still going to hitters performing several standard deviations below what’s acceptable. I think to myself that the string of wins we just saw was nothing short of magical. There will be a time in the near future when Jarred Kelenic is replaced in the lineup by Braden Montgomery, Kyle Teel will return, and Andrew Benintendi’s contract will be cut loose eventually. Until that happens, though, the Sox will continue to live and die with their top four hitters.

The downside to the roller coaster nature of the past few days is that Chicago’s bullpen is pretty shot, and Anthony Kay is going to have to eat some innings tonight. I’d wager the outcome of this ballgame will be disproportionately influenced by how sharp he can be multiple times through the Seattle batting order, because good or bad, he’s probably getting his five frames tonight no matter what.

Here’s the lineup that Seattle manager Dan Wilson will be sending out against Kay this evening.

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Bryce Miller is making his second start of the season after missing all of it up to this point with a strained oblique. He gave up two earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in his debut last week, and more importantly, his fastball was humming at 97-98 mph, a huge spike from his 94.8 mph average last season. He’s just one year removed from posting a 2.94 ERA over 31 starts and 180 1/3 innings, which included a dominant seven-inning, two-hit showing against the Good Guys. If he holds that velocity while showing the control that was typical of him before his injury-plagued 2025, it could be a long night for the Sox offense.

First pitch is a late one, of course, scheduled for 8:40 p.m. CT from T-Mobile Park. If you want to join us, broadcasts are available on CHSN (TV) and WMVP AM 1000 (radio), like always!

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Wendy's proposes name change to honor Victor Wembanyama's epic Game 1

Sir, this is no longer a Wendy's. This is a Wemby's.

Wendy's, like the rest of the world, was impressed with Victor Wembanyama's massive performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals. The San Antonio Spurs center had 41 points, 24 rebounds and 3 blocks on Monday, May 18 in the 122-115 double overtime win over the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

The fast food chain, which is known for their witty banter on social media, quipped on Tuesday, May 19, that they want to salute "the Alien" with a name change and are considering a significant revamp of their menu to honor his French heritage.

"might change my name to Wemby’s and only serve french fries after last night’s game," Wendy's posted on X.

Fans had several reactions in the comments. Some were applauding the restaurant's creativity and they expressed gratitude with a series of emojis.

One user named Peanut asked what's going to happen to the restaurant's signature Frosty dessert. For the men's NCAA basketball championship, Wendy's gave away free Frostys and french fries for a day after Michigan's Roddy Gayle Jr. slammed a dunk in the title game so fans could create their own dunk moment with their food.

But the restaurant used a popular social media joke to say that the dunking will no longer be possible under the new name and menu.

"Sir this is a Wembys," Wendy's clapped back.

Wembanyama has had a historic NBA playoffs that includes him becoming the youngest player with 40+ points and 20+ boards in the most recent outing. He also had a record 12 blocks in Game 1 of the conference semifinals.

Game 2 of the Western Conference finals will be Wednesday, May 20.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wendy's suggests name and menu change to salute Victor Wembanyama

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Jason Kidd contract info: How much was former Mavericks coach set to earn?

After five years, including a trip to the Western Conference finals in 2022 and an NBA Finals appearance in 2024, Jason Kidd is out as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

The team announced Tuesday that it had "mutually agreed to part ways" with the coach.

The decision comes just two weeks after the team hired Masai Ujiri as the new team president. This decision marks a noticeable shift in direction for the franchise as it looks to build around 2025 No. 1 overall pick and Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

Shockingly, though, Kidd's departure comes after two offseasons in which he had been extended, per ESPN. So, how much money was left on his contract as head coach?

Here's what we know about Jason Kidd's contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

Jason Kidd's contract with Dallas Mavericks

Shams Charania reports that Kidd had four years and over $40 million remaining on his contract.

Reports also indicate that Kidd had expressed interest in moving to the team's front office after former president of basketball operations Nico Harrison was fired. Team governor Patrick Dumont supposedly made it clear to Kidd that he was not being considered for the role.

Kidd had a 205-205 record with the Mavericks as head coach, as well as a 22-18 record in the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jason Kidd contract info, what we know after he parts ways with Mavs

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Drake Baldwin’s oblique strain a Grade 1

May 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Drake Baldwin (30) reacts after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox center during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

After today’s victory against the Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that catcher Drake Baldwin’s MRI results came back with a mild Grade 1 oblique strain.

Baldwin was placed on the 10-day IL earlier today as part of a bevy of moves. With Sean Murphy also on the injured list with a fractured finger, the Braves will now have veterans Sandy Leon and Chadwick Tromp as their primary backstops – barring a move to bring in a catcher from outside the organization – for at least the next week-and-a-half, although the length of Baldwin’s stay on the IL in unknown. Murphy isn’t expected back until next month, at the earliest.

This is some slightly good news for Atlanta and their star catcher. Baldwin, who has amassed 2.2 fWAR already this season behind 13 home runs and a 160 wRC+, seemed likely to be headed to his first All-Star game with a performance that has positioned him among the top catchers in the game.

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Dallas Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd mutually agree to part ways

In a sudden change of direction, Jason Kidd is out as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

In a statement, the team announced that the sides mutually agreed to part ways. The move comes just 15 days after it was announced that Dallas had hired Masai Ujiri as the team's new head of basketball operations.

"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," said Mavericks President Masai Ujiri in a statement announcing the move. "We are thankful for Jason's leadership, his professionalism and his commitment to the team. In my short time here, I've developed an enormous amount of respect for what he has built. He will always be an important part of the Mavericks family."

At his introductory press conference, Ujiri was noncommittal about Kidd's future with the team, saying the plan was to review every level of the organization and proceed from there.

The Mavericks will now start a "comprehensive search" for Kidd's replacement. This will be a highly coveted job because Dallas has Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg on the roster to build around.

"As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team," Ujiri said in his statement. "We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention. We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve."

Kidd still had four years and roughly $40 million on his contract — and there is no way he left that money on the table — but owner Patrick Dumont signed off on this decision, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Kidd got a contract extension after last summer, when the Knicks reached out to the Mavericks about talking to Kidd for their open coaching position. Kidd wanted a move into the front office — something also reported at his previous coaching stops — and he talked to Dumont about that before Ujiri was hired, but was shot down, ESPN's MacMahon reports.

If he's willing to return to the bench, Kidd will be the top choice for many teams and will have options.

Kidd was a Hall of Fame point guard who helped lead Dallas to its one NBA Championship in 2011, then returned as coach. In Kidd's five years as the Dallas head coach, he had a 205-205 record, leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in his first year and the NBA Finals in 2024, but the team missed the playoffs the past two years after trading Luka Doncic to the Lakers for a package centered around Anthony Davis.

One name to watch in Dallas is Billy Donovan, who stepped away as the Chicago Bulls coach to look for a job where he felt he could coach a team in more meaningful games. While he is considered the frontrunner for the Orlando Magic job, he might well consider Dallas as well.

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Mavericks 'mutually agree to part ways' with head coach Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd is out in Dallas, the Mavericks announced on May 19.

The Mavericks said they had "mutually agreed to part ways."

"Jason has had a meaningful impact on the Dallas Mavericks, both as a Hall of Fame player and as the head coach who helped lead this franchise back to the NBA Finals," Ujiri said in the team's statement. "As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team."

Ujiri was brought on as team president on May 4 this year, and already he has made a move that will drastically alter the team's future. During his introductory press conference, Ujiri was noticeably noncommital when questioned about Kidd's future as head coach. Just two weeks later, Kidd is gone. ESPN reports that Kidd was kept out of the loop regarding Ujiri's hiring.

What does dismissing Jason Kidd mean for the Mavericks moving forward?

Kidd’s departure clearly signaled that there was a difference in philosophy that newly hired team president Masai Ujiri wasn’t willing to overlook.

Given full control to reshape the direction of the franchise, Ujiri will move to bring in his preferred coach, likely someone with whom he’s familiar. Ujiri was the architect of the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA title, so he does deserve the benefit of the doubt. The Mavericks, however, need to tread carefully.

This hire should be about finding the ideal fit to maximize the talents of recently crowned NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. Known for being a versatile player who can step into different roles — ball-handling and creating, playing off-ball as the primary offensive threat, using his length to defend — Flagg was the youngest player in the NBA this season and will turn 20 in December.

The Mavericks have a franchise piece in place, now they need to give him stability and continuity, and they need to build around him.

For his part, Kidd, frankly, wasn’t put in a fair position over the last two seasons in Dallas. Eight months after he led the franchise to the NBA Finals, former general manager Nico Harrison dealt the team’s face of the franchise, Luka Dončić, for Anthony Davis.

The trade was widely criticized, Davis played 29 games as a Maverick and the deal ended up costing Harrison his job. Dallas did have the benefit of luck when it won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery and ended up selecting Flagg.

In the fallout from the Dončić deal, however, the Mavericks were never going to be legitimate contenders, despite the improvements Flagg showed under Kidd.

Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard who spent eight seasons with the Mavericks and was beloved as a player, was put in an impossible situation. Dallas’ decision to move on, after everything he did for the franchise — including helping deliver the franchise’s only NBA championship in 2011 — is a disservice to the time, energy and commitment Kidd invested in the team and the city. 

How did Jason Kidd perform as Mavericks' head coach?

Kidd had a 205-205 record as the team's head coach, and helped lead them to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they lost to the Boston Celtics. He also led the team to the Western Conference finals in 2022.

Where will Jason Kidd go next?

Reports indicate that the New York Knicks were interested in Kidd and even requested to interview him prior to the 2025-26 season. Dallas denied their request.

That said, it is unlikely that the Knicks would be willing to fire head coach Mike Brown if he leads them to the NBA Finals.

At the same time, Kidd has expressed interest in moving to a team's front office. ESPN reports Kidd "had expressed a desire to be promoted to president of basketball operations after general manager Nico Harrison was fired in November." However, Mavericks' governor Patrick Dumont told Kidd that he was not in consideration for the role.

Jason Kidd's contract

Kidd spent five years in Dallas. He had four years and more than $40 million left on his contract, per ESPN.

Kidd had been extended each of the previous two offseasons, including after Dallas' run to the NBA Finals in 2024. However, a disappointing 2026 season prompted new Mavericks president Masai Ujiri to look for Kidd's replacement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dallas Mavericks, coach Jason Kidd part ways: What we know

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Cavs at Knicks Game 1 open gamethread

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 22: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 22, 2025 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There’s no rest for the weary. The Cleveland Cavaliers are rolling into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks after two straight seven-game series. We’ll see if the Cavs are up for the challenge.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Go Cavs!

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OG Anunoby is back in the Knicks' starting lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals

NEW YORK (AP) — OG Anunoby was in New York's starting lineup Tuesday after missing two games with a strained right hamstring, putting the Knicks back at full strength to begin the Eastern Conference finals.

Anunoby was hurt late in Game 2 of the Knicks' second-round sweep of Philadelphia and sat out the next two games. He returned to practice during New York's lengthy wait between rounds and fully participated during the final three practices leading into this series.

Anunoby injured his other hamstring two years ago, also during Game 2 of the second round, missed the next four games and was able to play only five minutes in Game 7. He said the pain this time wasn't as bad.

Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba