The Chicago Blackhawks have spent a lot of money this off-season. They traded for and signed Bowen Byram, added a couple of depth free agents in Ian Cole and Cole Smith, extended Connor Bedard, and signed Patrick Kane.
Now, they can stay above the cap floor and don't have any bad money locked in their books for an extended period. In the future, as other young players are looking for big extensions, the Blackhawks should have no issue.
They still have room to make moves to become a better team right now, and hope that it helps them continue building a winner for the future. After signing Kane, they likely aren't the front-runner for a big move between now and training camp, but if the right deal came along, they might consider it.
Of the realistic players who may still be moved before summer is over, Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets is at the top of the list. There have been reports of him wanting out, while conflicting rumors out of Columbus say that those are false. Either way, there is smoke surrounding his future.
The favorite to land Marchenko, if he's moved, seems to be the Montreal Canadiens. However, there are other teams with a seat at the table. There is no reason to believe that the Blackhawks aren't one of them. They have cap space and assets necessary to make a big move like that.
The Blackhawks have a lot of forwards who do the same thing: provide middle-six-level offense. Outside of Connor Bedard, there is nobody who is a lock to provide north of 70 points. Others, Patrick Kane, Frank Nazar, or Anton Frondell, may be able to, but it isn't a guarantee at this stage of their careers (for different reasons).
If Marchenko plays 80+ games, he should have north of 70 points with ease, including the 30-goal plateau. Over the last three seasons, he has 58 goals and 83 assists for 141 points in 155 games played. That type of goal-scoring winger who also makes plays would be great for one of Chicago's top centers.
With the surplus of NHL-ready forwards that the Blackhawks have, a few of them may have to go the other way to make room. Guys like Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene, Sacha Boisvert, and Marek Vanacker, among others, could all go in a deal like this.
At 26 years old, Marchenko is just getting started. If he gets traded, it is because he doesn't want to stay with the Blue Jackets.
He is going to earn a lot of money, so the Blackhawks would have to decide if he's worth the payment via trade and in dollars when that time comes. Right now, it's easy to see him producing at a high rate with a center like Connor Bedard feeding him the puck.
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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Sox fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Hey White Sox fans, we already have covered some trade deadline-type stuff with Reacts, including which areas the team will need to target to improve the roster, and, somewhat controversially, which rookie will need to be dealt to improve the team.
Because we’ve already done Chris Getz’s work for him, we now turn to the race for the playoffs, and a simple question: Will the White Sox hold off Cleveland and finish in first place this season? (Understanding that the race is bunched, and neither the Twins nor the Tigers can be counted out of the race yet.)
Keep in mind, the Guardians have the easiest remaining schedule in baseball, with three series left (two vs. the White Sox, one vs. the Red Sox) against teams more than a game or two better than .500. The White Sox, by virtue of being in the AL Central, don’t have the toughest remaining schedule, either, but it’s in the middle of the pack.
Entering Monday’s action, the White Sox are 2 1/2 games ahead of Cleveland, and four in the loss column. Although it could change, Chicago currently holds the tiebreaker advantage vs. the Guardians, so even a tie in the standings means the White Sox advance as the AL Central champion.
SHIPS PASSING IN THE NIGHT: On June 10, after the Cubs lost at Colorado and the Cardinals won at New York vs. the Mets, the Cubs were 34-34 and the Cards were 37-28. Since then, the Cubs are 25-12; the Cards, 16-24 — and two of the Cubs’ losses were to the Cards, at Wrigley Field on July 3-4, before they won the series finale. Instead of trailing the Cards by 4.5 games, the Cubs now lead them by 6.0. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
A POTENTIAL RECORD BREAKER: The Cubs’ first hit tonight will give them the record for most consecutive games on the road with a hit by a National League team. They are tied with the Pirates at 4,788 games. The Cubs’ streak began after they were the victims of a perfect game by Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 9, 1965. The Yankees hold the MLB record, 5,366 games and counting, since Sept. 20, 1958. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
A HOMER STREAK: The Cubs have hit at least one home run in eight consecutive games, a season high. They had done it in seven games twice, May 2-8 and June 15-24. They had an eight-game streak last year, a nine-game streak in 2024 and streaks of 10 and 13 games in 2023. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
EVERY OTHER GAME: In their last 12 games, Cubs pitchers have alternated walking exactly one and exactly three, with just one exception, in the seventh of the games: 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 4, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3! (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
David Peterson began his Cubs career with one good start. Then he had a disaster. But since then, he’s made two starts that have been pretty good: 11.2 innings, five hits, five walks (0.857 WHIP), one run (a solo homer, 0.77 ERA).
Just keep that going. And, David? Don’t do what you did in that disaster outing, because that was against… the Cardinals. Do better. Thank you.
Matthew Liberatore has made two starts against the Cubs this year. In the first, May 31 at St. Louis, he threw 5.1 shutout innings. In the second, July 5 at Wrigley Field, the Cubs scored four runs (three earned) off him in five innings.
Since that start against the Cubs, Liberatore shut out the Braves for six innings July 11 and gave up five runs in 5.1 innings to the Angels July 21. So, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
Meg Harris new 100m freestyle champion as Alex Perkins lifts 100m butterfly crown
Jenna Forrester adds 400m individual medley title to her 200m backstroke gold
Mollie O’Callaghan has been sensationally dethroned as Commonwealth Games 100m freestyle champion by Meg Harris as the Australian tsunami of swimming medals gushed relentlessly in Glasgow.
Harris’s shock triumph came after Jenna Forrester continued her brilliant meet with a second gold medal, adding the 400m individual medley title to her 200m backstroke crown.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers plays defense during the game against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There is no question that LeBron James isn’t the same level of player heading into this season as he was for most of his career. In fact, it would be absurd to think he would be. But with that being said, he’s still a high-end player who can do things on the court that few others in the history of the game ever could.
Last week LeBron James announced he would be signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, immediately making them possibly the most interesting team in the NBA. But what does that mean on the court? In addition to James, the Sixers traded for Jaylen Brown over the offseason, adding both All-Star players to a roster that already includes Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, and Tyrese Maxey. There is no reason this team can’t compete with anyone in the league. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best team in the league, or even the Eastern Conference for that matter.
With the defending world champion New York Knicks right down the road, a still intriguing Boston Celtics, a revamped Miami Heat, and a challenging Cleveland Cavaliers, the East is anything but a cake walk. So for this week’s NBA Reacts survey, we want to know who you think is the best team in the Eastern Conference.
Get your votes in now and be on the lookout for results later this week!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Jayson Tatum #0, Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics and Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Celtics fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Despite all the player movement this summer — including Jaylen Brown and now LeBron James landing in Philadelphia — the Celtics are still squarely in the Eastern Conference mix.
Think of it this way: Boston finished unexpectedly with 56 wins last seasons. Since then, they’ve effectively traded Jaylen Brown for a healthy Jayson Tatum, now more than a year removed from his Achilles injury, and added veterans Mitchell Robinson and Mike Conley Jr. to shore up some holes in their lineup. With another year of development for their wing depth, they should fare better next year.
Sure, James and Kawhi Leonard are back in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo is now in Miami. The Pacers are getting back Tyrese Haliburton and added Ivica Zubac. The Hawks and Hornets retooled their rosters, too. And the defending champs will have Madison Square Garden rocking again.
But if you’re a betting man or woman, our friends at FanDuel still have the Celtics just behind the Knicks and 76ers and ahead of the Raptors in the East for the Eastern Conference title. Analytics-based prediction models like Sporting News’ Stephen Noh’s WinProjectionModel.com has Boston in a three-way tie with Toronto and New York with 54 wins; Cleveland and Philly trail behind at 51 and 47 respectively.
Jul 27, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) attempts to catch a batted ball by the Texas Rangers during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Jul 27, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) reacts as he circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
The Texas Rangers scored seven runs while the Seattle Mariners scored three runs.
For as much as yesterday’s game felt like a bummer of a wasted opportunity, today’s game felt twice as nice.
It was the best of all worlds, really.
If you’d like, you can mentally pretend the Rangers won yesterday and took the series and just didn’t finish off the sweep today against George Kirby. Oh well, of course they wouldn’t beat Kirby, but at least they’d already won the series!
Or you can bask in the fact that they did bounce back from that tough loss and actually did beat Kirby and the Mariners and did win this series after all. It’s a choose your own mental wellbeing adventure and everyone’s a winner! Well, except for Seattle. And especially not George Kirby.
Coming into this four-game series, a series win felt like the primary goal with a series split an acceptable outcome that would have left neither team worse for wear. After taking the first two games, and coming within eight outs of nearly vying for a sweep today, the Rangers were tasked with beating the king of all Rangers killers Kirby in the finale with Seattle also trying to leave Arlington feeling better about themselves than should have been allowed.
Kirby, as I’m sure you’ve heard, has just flat out dominated the Rangers to an incredible degree with one of the greatest extended stretches for one pitcher against one team in recent memory. In 12 career starts spanning a little under 75 innings, Kirby had allowed 11 earned runs to Texas total. He was 9-1 against the Rangers with a microscopic 1.33 career ERA.
So that’s what the Rangers were up against with a chance to exit this series two games better in the standings than when they entered it while trying to avoid sliding back on neutral terms with just a half game lead over Seattle.
Turn out, Texas’ secret weapon against Kirby was Joc Pederson. The jovial DH appeared dead set on avoiding failure and ending Kirby’s rule over the Rangers. Leading off, Pederson hit a home run to put the Rangers up 1-0. After the M’s tied the game in the top of the second, Kirby ran into some trouble in the bottom of the inning when he hit No. 9 hitter Elias Diaz to bring up Pederson with two out and two on.
That was a big mistake. Pederson promptly parked a first pitch sinker that didn’t sink, a ball that seemed to drift forever until Mariners right fielder Dominic Canzone — ironically the man who hit the momentum-shifting dong for Seattle yesterday — ran out of real estate.
Suddenly the Rangers were up 4-1 on George Kirby. He is mortal after all. He can bleed. If he can bleed, the Rangers could kill him.
After the Mariners got another run on the board in the top of the third, the Rangers did indeed deliver the killing blow the next half inning as Ezequiel Duran took Kirby deep and then, following a Evan Carter double, Jake Burger blasted off on Kirby for a two-run shot that put Texas up 7-2.
By that point, Kirby had collected seven outs and had allowed seven runs. He had previously allowed 11 earned runs total in 223 career outs against the Rangers.
With Seattle’s trump card crumpled, and with Texas keeping Seattle off the board again until a run with two outs in the ninth, the Rangers did indeed earn that series win. As a bonus, they also claimed the season series with this being their seventh win over Seattle in the 13 games that they will play this season.
After defeating Kirby and the Mariners, any tiebreaker between these teams will go to Texas.
Player of the Game: Perhaps any other day Kumar Rocker would occupy this space after throwing 6 2/3 innings of two-run ball on just four hits, two walks, and with seven strikeouts. He was excellent and deserves praise.
Today is not that day, however, because Pederson bullied Kirby out of the building with two home runs in the first two innings, including the two-out, three-run back-breaker that was gracefully lofted over the right field fence. Those were the only two hits of the afternoon for Pederson but they were the tone setter for the Rangers in the win.
Up Next: The Rangers can’t rest on their successes in this series as they immediately travel to St. Pete to take on the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays beginning tomorrow evening. Neither team has listed a starting pitcher as of yet.
The first pitch in Tuesday’s opener from the new and improved (?) Tropicana Field is scheduled for 5:40 pm CDT and will be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 12: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards shoots against Nique Clifford #00 of the Sacramento Kings in the first quarter of a Summer League game at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 12, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Washington Wizards fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
In this week’s SB Nation Reacts survey, we revisit a topic that Kevin Broom wrote over the weekend: the fact that AJ Dybantsa played just two games during the 2026 NBA Summer League.
With that in mind, should the Wizards have played Dybantsa more? Let us now in the survey below. We will share results this weekend!
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Kyrie Irving #11 and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks pose for a picture during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
I suppose your answer to this question will largely depend on if you think the front office is done. But even if nothing else happens and the guys roll into the regular season with this group, there’s a lot to be happy about.
When the Sharks drafted Filip Bystedt with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, he was a key building piece for a rebuilding team without much prospect quality. Of course, the additions of Will Smith and Macklin Celebrini in 2023 and 2024 respectively, it didn’t take long for Bystedt to fall down the depth chart.
The odds of Bystedt playing a top-six role even in his prime were slim at that stage regardless, but with just Smith and Celebrini ahead of him on the depth chart, he still had a chance to find a spot in the bottom-six. Drafting Michael Misa in 2025, adding Zack Ostapchuk via trade, then signing veteran Alex Wennberg to an extension made center depth a major strength for the Sharks’ young core and left almost no room for Bystedt, or any other prospect, to make a jump to the NHL in the near future.
Now, more than four years after being drafted, Bystedt has yet to make an appearance at the NHL level and he’s stuck behind a major logjam of bottom-six forwards. As a result, it seems fair at this stage to question how realistic it would be for him to make the Sharks at any point in the near future.
Last season, Bystedt had his best professional season by far. He scored 20 goals, surpassing the 20 goal threshold for the first time in his career, and 60 points in 65 games for the San Jose Barracuda. Yet, even when the Sharks' roster was dealing with injuries, he never got an opportunity in the bottom-six. Instead, those opportunities were given to players like Ethan Cardwell, Patrick Giles, Pavol Regenda, and Igor Chernyshov.
With the Sharks now looking to move out of their rebuild, there will likely be even fewer chances for younger players in the near future. Players like Adam Gaudette, Ty Dellandrea, Barclay Goodrow, and possibly even Tyler Toffoli are going to be taking up space in the Sharks' bottom-six this coming season and it seems unlikely that there's any space for Bystedt to get a chance, even if there are a multitude of injuries.
While it seems likely that Sharks General Manager Mike Grier would've loved to see Bystedt succeed since he was the first draft pick of his tenure, that window has seemingly rapidly closed. If Bystedt doesn't get an opportunity this coming season, which is hard to see happening, it seems likely that it'll never come in San Jose.
May 15, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half in game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
With the addition of LeBron James to Philadelphia, the Eastern Conference looks to be as competitive as it ever has been in recent memory. Assuming the Kawhi Leonard trade will send him to Toronto and Jalen Duren re-signs with Detroit, it’s time to see where the Pistons could fall by the end of the upcoming NBA season.
15. Milwaukee Bucks
Record last year: 32-50 (11th)
Key departures: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis
Analysis: The post-Giannis era has begun in Milwaukee. Tyler Herro might average 30 PPG, but this team is terrible. Ryan Rollins is fun, and I’ll continue to dream about Myles Turner if Detroit actually moves on from Duren, but any team with Kyle Kuzma in the lineup is going to lose games. Remember, Kuzma: “don’t be that team!”
14. Brooklyn Nets
Record last year: 20-62 (13th)
Key departures: Nic Claxton
Key additions: Julius Randle, Keon Ellis, Mo Wagner, Mikel Brown Jr.
Analysis: I like Brooklyn’s draft by selecting Mikel Brown Jr. and Joshua Jefferson. Egor Demin is an exciting prospect, but who are the Nets building around? Are Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle the kind of vets you’d want leading your locker room? They need one of their young guys to step up as a centerpiece, otheriwse, they’re waiting on the next draft lottery.
13. Chicago Bulls
Record last year: 31-51 (12th)
Key departures: n/a
Key additions: Nic Claxton, Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson
Analysis: The team of consistent mediocrity! Chicago moved on from two of their best players, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, to build around Josh Giddey. Matas Buzelis is fun and should make an intruiging pair with Caleb Wilson. Yet, I can’t help but feel this team is destined to miss the play-in once again.
12. Washington Wizards
Record last year: 17-65 (15th)
Key departures: D’Angelo Russell
Key additions: Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, AJ Dybantsa
Analysis: If there’s a compliment I can give the Wizards, it’s that their front office is at least trying to be exciting. They gave Trae Young one of the worst contracts in the NBA and have to pay Anthony “Street Clothes” Davis $120 million over the next two seasons. I’m excited about AJ Dybantsa, but it’s hard to have faith in a team highlighted by Trae, AD, and Ayton.
11. Orlando Magic
Record last year: 45-37 (8th)
Key departures: Mo Wagner
Key additions: Nikola Vucevic
Analysis: Orlando is basically running back the same team as last year in an Eastern Conference that is way more competitive now. Detroit and Orlando had similar team builds, but Orlando didn’t acquire any real shooting on a team that has one real threat from beyond the arc in their starting lineup. Put the DBB staff in a 2-3 zone against the Magic and we might stand a chance.
Key additions: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis
Analysis: I’m not sure I can put much faith into Miami yet. The Giannis and Bam pairing is exciting on paper, but Bam’s no Brook Lopez from deep. I think you clog the paint against the Heat and force Davion Mitchell or Tim Hardaway Jr to beat you. They feel a year away and another move (or two) from competing deep into the postseason.
9. Charlotte Hornets
Record last year: 44-38 (9th)
Key departures: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Josh Green
Analysis: I’m a believer that the Hornets will be a better team without LaMelo Ball. Where Orlando doesn’t have any shooting, Charlotte has a ton of it. I love the additions of Reid and Allen. I’d put the Hornets at the top of exciting teams to watch on NBA League Pass.
8. Indiana Pacers
Record last year: 19-63 (14th)
Key departures: n/a
Key additions: Kelly Oubre Jr, Larry Nance Jr
Analysis: Indiana punted last season away after Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2024-2025 NBA Finals against the Thunder. This is a well-built team with depth at all positions, but I’ll have to see them produce on the court before I can feel comfortable moving them up the list.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Record last year: 46-36 (6th)
Key departures: Zaccharie Risacher
Key additions: Aaron Wiggins, Lu Dort, Devin Carter, Kingston Flemings
Analysis: If Charlotte weren’t at the top of my “most exciting offseason” teams, Atlanta would be it. Just getting Trae Young off the roster is a plus in itself, but they’ve improved their depth across the board. Jalen Johnson is their most expensive player at only $30 million, and they’re primed to take a big swing at the deadline. Rudy Gobert, anyone?
Key additions: Kawhi Leonard*, Kyle Anderson, Allen Graves
Analysis: Their whole offseason hinges on the league finishing its investigation on Kawhi Leonard. Scottie Barnes is amazing, but the Jakob Poeltl contract is up there with the worst in the league. What happens when this trade gets reversed? Does anyone have any Aspiration inspiration to move them higher?
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Record last year: 52-30 (4th)
Key departures: Keon Ellis, Dean Wade
Key additions: Mario Hezonja, Meleek Thomas
Analysis: I mean, what are we doing, Cleveland? You whiffed on a homecoming with LeBron and lost your two best defenders. Your two stars in Donovan Mitchell and James Harden can’t defend a traffic cone, and you play in a division with Cade Cunningham. Don’t forget, you have to pay Mitchell $75 million in 2030-2031!
4. Boston Celtics
Record last year: 56-26 (2nd)
Key departures: Jaylen Brown
Key additions: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Mike Conley
Analysis: A healthy Jayson Tatum is back and has a new friend riding shotgun. Paul George isn’t better than Jaylen Brown, but maybe he’s a better fit for this roster. They’ve had a Mitchell Robinson-sized hole at center for the past few seasons that is now filled. Boston is always good and I don’t see that changing. Put me down for Payton Pritchard as Most Improved Player of the Year.
3. Detroit Pistons
Record last year: 60-22 (1st)
Key departures: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser
Key additions: John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Ebuka Okorie
Analysis: Detroit should most certainly be a better team offensively. Collins, Joe, and Prince are all 40%+ three-pointer shooters, and they hung onto Robinson and Huerter. While Beef Stew’s rim protection will be missed, I’m excited about having a more fluid offensive backup center in Paul Reed. The Cade/Ausar/Duren trio will be surrounded by the most shooting it has ever had. I’m happy to see what Ausar and Duren can do sharing the secondary playmaker role until Trajan makes the big trade at February’s trade deadline.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
Record last year: 45-37 (7th)
Key departures: Paul George, Quentin Grimes, Andre Drummond
Analysis: Look, this is the best starting five in the NBA. I mean, their fourth-best player is LeBron James, maybe? This was a great offseason for Philly and there’s no doubt they’re gunning for the Larry O’Brien trophy. I worry about their depth in the playoffs if this team has injury issues, and it feels like someone in their top four will be upset about their lower usage. We’ll see if they can make it work.
1. New York Knicks
Record last year: 53-29 (3rd)
Key departures: Mitchell Robinson
Key additions: Andre Drummond
Analysis: Running it back with the same team after winning the NBA championship? Sounds good to me.
NBA fans are going to be seeing a lot more of the 76ers whether they like it or not.
Philadelphia is expected to get the maximum amount of national television games allowed after the team signed LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million deal, sources have told Front Office Sports.
The 76ers played in 14 national TV games last season — a total they’ll more than double in 2026-27 at 34 games.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles with the ball around Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Following along the NBA’s current 11-year, $76 billion media right deal, each of the league’s 30 teams is given at least two national game broadcasts per season.
Each year those with the biggest stars see more come their way, including hitting the 34-game maximum.
In 2025, one of those teams proved to be the eventual NBA champion Knicks, who play in the country’s biggest TV market. Behind them were James’ former team, the Lakers, Steph Curry and the Warriors and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s defending champion Thunder.
At the bottom of the barrel with the minimum two-game requirement sat the Nets, Raptors, Wizards, Jazz and Pelicans.
Additionally, the 76ers should be at the forefront of big events throughout the season including opening week and in the NBA’s five-game slate on Christmas Day.
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers smile before the game on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty ImagesVJ Edgecombe #77, Tyrese Maxey #0, Justin Edwards #11, and Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 27, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images
At a CNBC press conference, league commissioner Adam Silver stated the NBA couldn’t nail down the upcoming schedule without knowing where James would land.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Nate Bittle #12 of the Toronto Raptors passes the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on July 16, 2026 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What’s up y’all? Last weekend, the NBA Summer League concluded, so I thought I’d take a look at how some former Ducks ended up playing.
Player
Games played
Minutes per game
Points per game
Shooting % (FG/3/FT)
Assists per game
Rebounds per game
Steals per game
Blocks per game
TJ Bamba
3
12.8
4
21.1%/18.2%/50%
1
1.3
0.3
0
Brandon Angel
4
12
4.5
53%/66.7%/0%
0
3
0.2
0.5
Nate Bittle
4
20.6
9.8
50%/43.8%/100%
2.2
6.8
0.8
2.8
Now, I know these results aren’t very surprising. But I was legitimately impressed watching Bittle go out and do work. He looked healthy, and played the same style of ball we got to watch him play the last few seasons. Honestly, with how well he performed in Summer League, I have even more confidence he’ll be able to carve out a legitimate career as an NBA role player. Especially considering that you NEED to be able to shoot to survive more than 2-3 years these days. I don’t know if he’ll stay on the Raptors, but I think someone will give him a shot. And when they do, I’m confident he’ll make the most of it.
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