Cooper Connolly continued his impressive form with the bat as two Australian debutants impressed in a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in the opening T20 international on Wednesday.
Celtics reportedly looking to move up in first round of NBA Draft
The Celtics may not be sitting still at No. 27.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Boston is looking to trade up in the first round of next Tuesday’s NBA Draft. The Celtics currently hold the No. 27 pick and the No. 40 pick, but Fischer reported that they have been exploring a move higher on the board.
There are two obvious ways to read that.
The first is pretty straightforward: Brad Stevens and the Celtics may have found a player they like and do not believe he’ll be there at 27. That is the normal draft-week explanation.
The louder version is the one you’re probably already sick of hearing about. We’ll get to…him…later.
Maybe the Celtics are trying to jump a few spots for a frontcourt prospect they think fits the next version of the roster. Or perhaps they’re trying to improve their draft capital before the rest of the offseason starts moving. Maybe they are doing both, because Brad Stevens has never seemed like someone who enjoys having only one door available to him.
Either way, Boston exploring a move up feels like the first move in what figures to be a busy offseason.
Who could Boston be targeting?
Henri Veesaar feels like the cleanest name to watch.
ESPN’s latest mock draft has the North Carolina big going No. 24 to the Knicks, which puts him close enough to Boston’s range for a trade-up conversation to make some sense. At 7 feet, with shooting touch and pick-and-pop potential, Veesaar checks a lot of the obvious boxes for a Celtics team still trying to solve its frontcourt issues.
A big who can keep the floor spaced, rebound enough and do more than simply occupy space would give Boston a better answer than hoping the current rotation solves itself.
Jayden Quaintance is another interesting name if the Celtics are comfortable with the medical risk tied to his knee. If Boston wants to jump higher, names like Chris Cenac Jr., Hannes Steinbach and Morez Johnson Jr. could come into play, but that would require a more aggressive move. Aday Mara is probably the dream version of the idea, though ESPN has him at No. 11, which feels like a different conversation entirely unless something much larger is about to happen.
If the Celtics stay put, Tarris Reed Jr. could still make sense as a more physical, ready-now big. But if Fischer’s report is tied to a specific frontcourt target, Veesaar is the easiest name to connect.
My big fat Greek trade rumors
You didn’t think we were getting through a Celtics offseason report without Giannis Antetokounmpo showing up, did you?
Fischer’s note also mentioned Boston as a team very much still looming in the Giannis conversation, which gives the trade-up report a second layer to consider. Moving up could be about drafting a player. It could also be about improving the quality of an asset before a larger deal takes place.
A better first-round pick is more attractive than No. 27 in almost any trade conversation with the Bucks. That does not magically make a Giannis deal realistic, simple or even likely. Nothing about acquiring a player of that caliber is ever straightforward. But if Boston is trying to keep every door open, turning No. 27 into something slightly more appealing would at least fit the larger logic of the offseason.
That is probably the cleanest way to look at this for now. The Celtics are trying to give themselves more options.
Maybe they want to move up for a big who can help answer the frontcourt question. Maybe they want a better asset before taking a bigger swing. Maybe nothing happens, because draft-week rumors have a long history of being just that: rumors.
Still, for a team with limited easy ways to improve, exploring a move up makes sense.
The Celtics can stay at No. 27 and hope the board cooperates. Or they can try to make sure it does.
Sharks acquire defenseman Michael Kesselring in NHL draft pick trade with Sabres
Sharks acquire defenseman Michael Kesselring in NHL draft pick trade with Sabres originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Sharks used one of their two first-round 2026 NHL Draft picks to make a big move.
San Jose acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and the No. 27 pick from the Buffalo Sabres for its No. 20 pick, the team announced Wednesday.
The Sharks originally had picks No. 2 and 20 in the first round, and now will enter the June 26 draft with the No. 2 and 27 picks, essentially moving back seven spots with its second first-round pick to acquire Kesselring.
The 26-year-old Kesselring originally was a sixth-round pick by the Edmonton Oilers in 2018, and in four NHL seasons, recorded 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 190 career games with the Arizona Coyotes, Utah Hockey Club and Sabres.
“Michael has a big frame with solid two-way ability,” general manager Mike Grier said in a statement. “He is a responsible player in the defensive zone with a well rounded offensive game, and will be a good upgrade for us patrolling the blueline. We’re happy to have him a part of the organization.”
Kesselring also played for Team USA at the 2024 and 2025 World Championship.
The Sharks entered the offseason with a clear priority to upgrade their blue line, and Wednesday’s trade was the first step toward fixing that issue.
Where Edmonton Is Looking In Place Of Draft Picks
Stan Bowman can't manufacture draft picks.
Believe me, if there was a way to do that, Oilers fans would have found it by now.
Years of questionable trades, a willingness to push chips into the middle of the table and the reality of trying to maximize Connor McDavid's current contract have left Edmonton with something less than a fully stocked cupboard, which isn't exactly a revelation but does present an interesting challenge for a front office that still needs to find younger, cheaper talent.
Fortunately, the NHL isn't the only place players can be found.
That's where Edmonton has stumbled onto something interesting.
The Oilers aren't blessed with endless cap space. They don't possess a surplus of premium prospects. Their first-round exits and coaching drama haven't exactly helped matters, either.
But they do have opportunity.
Lots of it.
And for ambitious players overseas looking to establish themselves in North America, opportunity can be just as valuable as money.
Doesn't Look Like Popular Coach Is Going To Be Made Available to the OilersVegas appears willing to pay $4.5 million to keep Bruce Cassidy off Edmonton’s bench, choosing to block their rival's pursuit while pivoting toward an AHL coach.It's why Edmonton's recent interest in European free agents makes so much sense.
Nobody is suggesting Aku Räty or any future signing from Sweden, Finland, Switzerland or the Czech Republic is going to turn into the next Leon Draisaitl. More often than not, these players become depth contributors. Sometimes they don't work at all.
But occasionally, a team gets lucky.
Occasionally, they get more than lucky.
Carolina has built a reputation for finding value in unusual places. The Hurricanes have never been afraid to trust European leagues or invest in players who perhaps weren't viewed as blue-chip prospects by the rest of the league.
Vegas has done much the same.
Option As Oilers Next Coach Will Officially Be Available In Two WeeksAfter leading Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final, John Tortorella hits the open market, offering Edmonton a battle-tested leader known for demanding accountability and elite performance.The Golden Knights have made a habit of identifying players before everyone else catches up, and while they've generally been more aggressive in the trade market, they've also understood that talent exists well beyond the NHL Draft.
There's no reason Edmonton can't do something similar.
In fact, one could argue the Oilers are better positioned than most.
If you're a 24-year-old winger coming out of Finland or a defenceman dominating the Swedish Hockey League, where would you rather sign?
With a rebuilding team where playing meaningful games might still be years away?
A real contender who will more likely than not send you the AHL?
Nurse to Penguins A Possibility: What Might a Trade With the Oilers Look Like?As Kyle Dubas hunts for impact trades, a blockbuster swap involving Darnell Nurse and a key piece from both the Oilers and Penguins could reshape both rosters while navigating complex salary cap hurdles.Or with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on a roster so desperate for depth pieces that they have no choice but to play you?
With a club carrying expectations, national exposure and a realistic chance to contend?
That's not a difficult sales pitch.
And unlike some organizations whose depth charts are overflowing with first-round picks and former high-end prospects, Edmonton actually has room.
A good camp can change lives. Just ask Vasily Podkolzin, who has gone from former first-round disappointment to a player who looks like he belongs in the Oilers' long-term plans.
What Carolina's Win Can Teach The OilersWhen the Carolina Hurricanes celebrated with the Stanley Cup, did you notice that somewhere between the hugs, the champagne and the endless shots of Rod Brind'Amour hoisting the most prized trophy in sports, Carolina had something Edmonton didn't?
Once an organization develops a reputation for giving players a legitimate chance, word spreads surprisingly quickly.
That's why this strategy feels a little sneaky. It doesn't require winning bidding wars. It doesn't require sacrificing draft picks. And it certainly doesn't require handing out contracts that become headaches three years down the road.
It simply requires being right more often than you're wrong.
Granted, there are risks.
Most European free agents don't become stars. Some don't even become NHL players. The adjustment is significant because the ice is smaller, the schedule is longer, and the pressure in Edmonton is unlike anything most players have experienced.
Oilers Should Hope the Hellebuyck "Noise" Gets LouderAs trade rumors swirl around Winnipeg’s elite netminder, Edmonton must aggressively pursue Connor Hellebuyck to solidify their crease and maximize the McDavid-Draisaitl championship window.There certainly will be misses. But misses are easier to stomach when the investment is relatively small. That's the appeal.
The Oilers don't need to find another McDavid. They don't need every European signing to become a top-six forward or a top-four defenceman. They just need to uncover useful players.
Maybe one becomes a reliable third-line winger. Maybe another develops into a penalty killer. Perhaps one eventually turns into something much more.
Those are worthwhile bets.
Because if the last decade has taught us anything, it's that the Oilers aren't going to draft their way out of every problem.
Worth the Wait: Ex-Oilers Star Taylor Hall Wins a Stanley Cup With the HurricanesSixteen seasons after his debut with the Oilers, the former top pick hoisted the Stanley Cup, netting the championship-winning goal to cap a dominant playoff run with Carolina.They've chosen a different path. There stars are already here and they've traded away any ones they could have drafted.
Now it's about finding support wherever it exists.
If that means looking beyond North America and building a reputation as the destination for Europe's best unsigned players, well, there are certainly worse markets to corner.
Especially for a team that doesn't have many draft picks left to spend.
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Maple Leafs Announce Jim Hiller As Franchise's 41st Head Coach
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that they have hired Jim Hiller as the franchise's next head coach.
Hiller is coming off a stint with the Los Angeles Kings, which lasted for parts of three years and one full season in that tenure.
In a total of 175 games as an NHL head coach with the Kings, he holds a record of 93-58-24.
"Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today's NHL," Leafs GM John Chayka said. "He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench. We believe he's the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals."
He was fired by Kings GM Ken Holland on March 1 after a 24-21-14 record across the first 59 games of the season. Los Angeles struggled last season under Hiller and nearly missed the Stanley Cup playoffs.
When he was let go, former Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith was named his successor and got Los Angeles into the post-season.
Nonetheless, Hiller has a strong history with the Maple Leafs. He was an assistant coach in Toronto, a part of Mike Babcock's staff from 2015-16 to 2018-19.
Why The Maple Leafs May Decide To Not Tender Newly Acquired Goaltender Samuel Ersson A Qualifying OfferWhile acquiring Samuel Ersson adds an intriguing young goaltender to the pipeline, his looming arbitration rights and Toronto’s crowded crease mean the Maple Leafs might just walk away."I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs," Hiller said. "This is a special organization with great players, passionate fans and high expectations. I'm looking forward to getting to work with our players and staff and doing everything we can to help this team reach its full potential."
During his time with the Leafs, Hiller ran the team's power play. Across the four years he was behind Toronto's bench as an assistant, the Maple Leafs' power play executed at 21.3 percent, which is the fifth-best rate in the NHL in that span.
Between his time with the Maple Leafs and the Kings, Hiller was also an assistant coach with the New York Islanders from 2019-20 to 2021-22. He also controlled the power play for the Isles, and had them perform at a 19.6 percent rate, which was 19th-best in the league over those years.
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Can Paul George build on his strong finish to 2025-26?
We saw quite the rise in impact from Paul George through 2025-26. The season started in typical Sixers fashion, with their star wing sidelined due to injury for the first 12 games. His play from mid November to the end of January was solid, yet he only averaged 16.0 points per game in this 27-game span. Even with the arrival of VJ Edgecombe to give the team’s offense a major uplift, that’s simply not the kind of production the Sixers expect or pay for from George.
Then came the startling, embarrassing moment: George being suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug policy. It left him just 10 games of availability at the end of the regular season to get back into form and ramp up for the playoffs.
Yet sure enough, he did. He used the time to get right physically and came back with a clear extra spring in his step. From his first game post suspension putting up 28 points on 11-of-22 shooting with six made threes (a scoring tally he’d reached just twice in the previous 27 games), George suddenly hit a higher level than probably anyone saw coming. And he maintained it, putting together the kind of play that showed why the Sixers wanted him — and wanted to pay him star money.
George got started with 10 games to close the regular season after his return. In this stretch, he averaged 21.0 points on 47.2 percent shooting (including 41.5 from three, with his 8.2 attempts being the more notable number), 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and a highly disruptive 2.2 steals per game.
The epitome of George’s performance — and what makes him more important if he can replicate it enough moving forward — was his first-round series against the Celtics. He was phenomenal at both ends of the floor, showcasing his varied offensive skillset and stellar defense against a tough Celtics squad. Like the Sixers as a whole, the steam ran out in the second round against the eventual champion Knicks. But the Celtics series was a perfect example of what George is still capable of.
Through the first round, George averaged 17.4 points on 48.9/55.0/77.8 shooting splits, 4.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
The scoring output didn’t need to be huge with Tyrese Maxey going off and Joel Embiid dominating after his return. George was efficient in the ways he needs to be as a secondary creator and dangerous shooter, all while pairing that with sound playmaking. He reliably made crisp extra passes to keep the offense humming, and composed passes to find cutters or kick out to shooters when initiating or running pick-and-rolls.
His shooting showcase was exactly what you want to see too, with his three-point volume up at 5.7 attempts per game for the series including two games with nine attempts. Quick-trigger threes from anywhere around the arc off movement, step-backs and side-steps when in isolation, smooth pull-ups when operating in pick-and-rolls. His driving downhill still leaves something to be desired, and needs to be an area of improvement next season if he can build on this play/improved health, but everything else was on display.
George had it all going in a reminder of what he can do.
Defensively, George was everywhere. He played both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum well, using his length, physicality, sharp anticipation against drives, and improved mobility to give them trouble. From guarding effectively on the ball and breaking up passing lanes, to contesting threes or providing timely help rotations around the paint, George was brilliant in all areas defensively.
If this PG can remain healthy and consistent next season, and maybe add a bit more dynamism attacking downhill, great. A healthy offseason could help him continue this momentum. The Sixers would be a better team — and more enjoyable team — for it. But for now, there isn’t enough evidence to show that George can sustain this healthy version of himself longterm at this stage of his career. We can only wait and see if George can show up at this level more often.
Apart from that, the biggest question around George’s future is whether it takes him to a new team. With the Sixers having so much money tied up in their stars, their only real way to find some financial flexibility and add depth is by trading a contract like George’s, which owes him an eye-watering $54.12 million in 2026-27. Finding any team willing to take that much money, when he also has a $56.58 million player option for 2027-28 which he’ll certainly take at that late stage of his career, won’t be easy whatsoever.
Until we see any reports that indicate that’s actually a possibility, though, I’ll keep focused on George as a Sixer and what that could look like. Hopefully for Philly, that’s something like the version we saw in his comeback after suspension. If he can be that kind of player (emphasis on “if”), that makes the Sixers more interesting.
Pair that with continued growth from Tyrese Maxey and the flourishing Edgecombe, who’s sure to take another step to stardom in his sophomore year, and ideally any extra depth they can find in free agency, and maybe the Sixers can take a step forward from being a 45-win level team.
Health depending, of course. Because, you know… Sixers.
Ali Brunson shares behind-the-scenes photos from Knicks’ championship run: ‘Soaking up every minute’
It’s been a long playoff run for the Knicks’ WAGs, but they surely wouldn’t have it any other way.
After a long playoff run starting in mid-April and culminating in a breathtaking NBA championship, Ali Brunson, wife of Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, unloaded her camera roll.
In a 12-picture Instagram post, Ali shared images of their goldendoodle Kona and rescue Stevie, as well as their 11-month-old baby daughter, Jordyn James Brunson.
Ali, who became a doctor of Physical Therapy in 2021, and the other Knicks WAGs have been in the news lately after James Dolan jokingly asked Knicks players to be celibate during the playoffs in a now-famous speech.
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” Dolan told the Knicks on April 3 before the playoffs began. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — They denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge.”
Ali added pictures of the constant travel by plane she had to do as the significant other of one of the best players in the NBA.
Ali added a few behind-the-scenes pictures of her and her husband celebrating with the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award Trophy.
The Knicks will be partying in the streets of Manhattan on Thursday for the parade down the Canyon of Heroes, as fans get to soak in the team after it broke the franchise’s 53-year championship drought.
Could Morgan Rielly And Matthew Knies Be Next Out The Door For Maple Leafs?
John Chayka made his first big move as the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, sending away Joseph Woll and Simon Benoit to the Philadelphia Flyers for Emil Andrae, Samuel Ersson and a 2026 third-round draft pick.
Chayka checked off multiple boxes for the Maple Leafs in that deal, bringing in a young defenseman who will improve the team's ability to advance the puck up the ice. However, more moves should be expected for Toronto this off-season.
Matthew Knies has surfaced in trade rumors, but the player who has ramped up in trade discussions is defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Knies has been included in off-season trade boards, and it was even revealed that he was almost dealt at the NHL trade deadline last season. Though nothing has come to fruition yet, teams around the league have been eying the 23-year-old left winger.
Furthermore, at the time of the Leafs and Flyers trade, TSN's Darren Dreger added that teams were "doing their due diligence on Woll and Knies."
Aside from captain Auston Matthews and right winger William Nylander, Knies is probably the next player who would bring in the biggest trade package for the Maple Leafs.
Why Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly Remain NHL Trade CandidatesMorgan Rielly and Matthew Knies were recently included on an off-season trade board by The Athletic. Here's why the Toronto Maple Leafs duo continue to be labelled as NHL trade candidates.The possibility of a Rielly trade, however, seems to be much greater based on recent reports.
The Maple Leafs trading away the veteran blueliner appears to be the next likely scenario for Chayka and the organization this off-season. In fact, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun wrote, "all signs indeed point to a potential trade this offseason," regarding Rielly, and that both the player's camp and the team are working together on making a deal happen.
Rielly, 32, has a no-move clause in his contract, and he's entering the fifth year of that eight-year deal, costing $7.5 million against the salary cap.
Because of that clause in his contract, Rielly cannot be traded without his consent to the team he is going to, or for a trade to happen at all. With that, LeBrun reported that Rielly's agent, J.P. Barry, has given Leafs management a list of teams that the player could be interested in moving to.
Report: Maple Leafs' John Chayka, Mats Sundin Talking With Morgan Rielly's Representative About Off-Season PlansFor what seems like a possible end for Morgan Rielly's career with the Toronto Maple Leafs, conversations between the defenseman and GM John Chayka and senior executive advisor Mats Sundin are reportedly "ongoing.""My understanding is that most of those teams are all in the Western Conference, but there’s also a sense that there could be flexibility as talks evolve," LeBrun wrote. "For instance, if Leafs GM John Chayka comes back to Barry with a team that’s not on the list but that made a decent trade offer, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s a 'no.'"
The NHL insider also said that the San Jose Sharks make plenty of sense as a possible destination for Rielly. He also doesn't believe his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks, is on the list.
Nonetheless, it appears a divorce between Rielly and the Leafs could be in the cards this off-season.
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DBR Mock Draft Results For 2026
Every year we do a DBR Mock Draft and The 2026 version is complete, with Jason Evans as Commissioner and @-jk, @CDu, and @brevity deputized to run things in his absence. Notable picks including AJ Dybantsa to Washington, Darryn Peterson to Utah, and Cameron Boozer to Memphis. Fellow Blue Devils Isaiah Evans and Maliq Brown were also selected.
Here is the draft order and the GMs who signed up for each team/pick.Keep an eye on Stickdog!
FIRST ROUND
1. Washington (@coldriver10): AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
2. Utah (@kinghoops): Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
3. Memphis (@pfrduke): Cameron Boozer, F, Duke
4. Chicago (@CDu): Caleb Wilson, F, UNC
5. LA Clippers (@brevity): Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
6. Brooklyn (@Daddylawman): Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
7. Sacramento (@toughbuff1): Darius Acuff Jr, G, Arkansas
8. Atlanta (@JasonEvans): Aday Mara, C, Michigan
9. Dallas (@JNort): Mikel Brown Jr, G, Louisville
10. Milwaukee (@DukeFan1986 defaults, now @phaedrus): Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
11. Golden State (@stickdog): Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
12. Oklahoma City (@accfanfrom1970): Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington
13. Miami (@tommy): Morez Johnson Jr, F, Michigan
14. Charlotte (@roywhite): Jayden Quaintance, F, Kentucky
15. Chicago (@CDu): Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas
16. Memphis (@pfrduke): Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
17. Oklahoma City (@accfanfrom1970): Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
18. Charlotte (@roywhite): Chris Cenac Jr, F/C, Houston
19. Toronto (@jam): Labaron Philon Jr, G, Alabama
20. San Antonio (@BlueDevilDog): Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
21. Detroit (@scottdude8): Isaiah Evans, G/F, Duke
22. Philadelphia (@TheBrianZoubekExperience): Henri Veesaar, C, UNC
23. Atlanta (@JasonEvans): Christian Anderson Jr, G, Texas Tech
24. New York (@Billy Dat): Zuby Ejiofor, F, St. John’s
25. LA Lakers (@Whutadrag): Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
26. Denver (@Kdogg): Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
27. Boston (@Furniture): Koa Peat, F, Arizona
28. Minnesota (@pokeresq defaults, now @phaedrus): Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
29. Cleveland (@MrJeffSchwartz0): Luigi Suigo, C, Mega
30. Dallas (@JNort): Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
SECOND ROUND
31. New York (@Billy Dat): Trevon Brazile, F, Arkansas
32. Memphis (@pfrduke): Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
33. Brooklyn (@Daddylawman): Pavle Backo, C, Mega
34. Sacramento (@toughbuff1): Baba Miller, F, Cincinnati
35. San Antonio (@BlueDevilDog): Tarris Reed Jr, C, Connecticut
36. LA Clippers (@brevity): Maliq Brown, F, Duke
37. Oklahoma City (@accfanfrom1970): Sergio de Larrea, G, Valencia
38. Chicago (@CDu): Ugonna Onyenso, C, Virginia
39. Houston (@godins): Emanuel Sharp, G, Houston
40. Boston (@Furniture): Tobias Jensen, G, Ratiopharm Ulm
41. Miami (@tommy): Nick Boyd, G, Wisconsin
42. San Antonio (@BlueDevilDog): Alex Karaban, F, Connecticut
43. Brooklyn (@Daddylawman): Braden Smith, G, Purdue
44. San Antonio (@BlueDevilDog): Ryan Conwell, G, Louisville
45. Sacramento (@toughbuff1): Jack Kayil, G, Alba Berlin
46. Orlando (@House P): Quadir Copeland, G, NC State
47. Phoenix (@powellhill1981): Tobi Lawal, F, Virginia Tech
48. Dallas (@JNort defaults, now @AGDukesky): Jaden Bradley, G, Arizona
49. Denver (@Kdogg): Dillon Mitchell, F, St. John’s
50. Toronto (@jam): Felix Okpara, F, Tennessee
51. Washington (@coldriver10): Milos Uzan, G, Houston
52. LA Clippers (@brevity): Tyler Bilodeau, F, UCLA
53. Houston (@godins): Otega Oweh, G, Kentucky
54. Golden State (@stickdog): Richie Saunders, G, BYU
55. New York (@Billy Dat): Nick Townsend, F, Yale
56. Chicago (@CDu): Jaden Henley, G, Grand Canyon
57. Atlanta (@JasonEvans): Tyler Nickel, G/F, Vanderbilt
58. New Orleans (@pcal6vb): Tobe Awaka, F, Arizona
59. Minnesota (@pokeresq defaults, now @AGDukesky): Izaiyah Nelson, F, South Florida
60. Washington (@coldriver10): Keyshawn Hall, F, Auburn
Go to the DBR Boards to find Blue Healer Auctions || Drop us a line
Borthwick keen to rest Itoje but injuries may force England rethink
Giving captain the summer off ‘would be the right thing to do’
Van Rensburg set for England debut despite Test ineligibility
Steve Borthwick will rest the England captain Maro Itoje this summer unless injury strikes in the second row over the weekend.
Itoje is set to be stood down for next month’s Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina following a year that saw him lead the British & Irish Lions to a series victory against Australia, play in the autumn and Six Nations campaigns and mourn the death of his mother.
Continue reading...The Red Sox should push to get Payton Tolle into the 2026 MLB All-Star Game
The Boston Red Sox do not deserve to have any representatives at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
It’s going to happen, though…
Major League Baseball, in an effort to maximize fan engagement across all of its markets, requires that each team is represented by at least one player at the Midsummer Classic. Cesar Izturis, Michael Lorenzen, Ty Wigginton, and Brock Holt are some of the names you may or may not know to earn the honor by way of technicality — which is exactly where the local nine should be, no matter how many decent individual performers are on the roster.
Willson Contreras (.304/.396/.570 | 16) has undoubtedly been the club’s best player, but there’s no world in which he should get the nod over New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (.293/.387/.611 | 19) and Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (.240/.378/.560 | 20). Aroldis Chapman (0.44 ERA | 14 SV) barely ever pitches despite being the most dominant reliever in the American League, so he could be edged out by some other guys like Cleveland Guardians closer Cade Smith (2.48), Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker (1.91), and Texas Rangers reliever Jacob Latz (1.62 ERA). Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu have been good, but they’re not going to edge out the popular vote guys like Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Byron Buxton, or Julio Rodriguez.
If they’re going to push to send anyone, it should be Payton Tolle.
Tolle hasn’t been their most consistent starting pitcher (Sonny Gray), doesn’t have the best numbers (Ranger Suarez), and wasn’t the obvious choice coming into the season (Garrett Crochet) — but he’s the best possible representative for a club that needs to improve the vibes!
Tolle hit a speed bump last night but is having a remarkable rookie campaign overall — 2.93 ERA, 60 K, 58.1 IP — and happens to be the only human being on this baseball team that can bring a smile to one’s face. If you want someone who can show you just how fun playing in this market can be, go send that guy!
I’d also be inclined to ask him to do some recruiting…
*insert Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant gif*
I don’t know how many of these guys will actually hit free agency due to the whole impending lockout situation, but we can get the ball rolling early on some of these guys!
William Contreras might want to come play with his brother! Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuña Jr. are opt-out candidates! Murakami’s short-term deal might end up being a detriment to his current club!
If none of that matters, just reward the guy who actually makes your fanbase happy. It could be that easy.
Knicks Bulletin: ‘The real celebrities are the ones in the 200’s and the nosebleeds’
The New York Knicks are so good that they attended France’s World Cup game on Tuesday…
…and got a louder ovation than anyone kicking rocks on the turf of MetLife New York New Jersey Stadium.
Here’s a very mixed-up Bulletin as we keep waiting for the most anticipated parade ever.
Karl-Anthony Towns
On meeting Patrick Ewing after winning the title:
“It was so amazing to see how this win healed so many people in New York, fan-wise and even to the alumni, and Patrick. When I hugged Patrick, it was like he finally was able to exhale and see a trophy in a Knicks jersey.”
On seeing Ewing with the trophy:
“To finally be able to see that Larry O’Brien in [Ewing’s] hands and not in Michael Jordan’s and all these other people’s hands, I mean, there was just so much healing that I was stunned. I didn’t realize how impactful it really is, and I still honestly don’t think I understand the true magnitude of what we’ve done.”
On the many generations of Knicks fans enjoying this championship:
“You never realize a little kid watched the Knicks play, win a championship with his father, and now he’s the one with his son celebrating the same moment that him and his father.”
On the Knicks’ resilience being key for the title win:
“I think it’s also not just the culture of our team, but the culture of New York City. When you live here in New York City, you have to understand that with a lot of things that happen, and the tides will change quickly. So, for us, just to continue to stay focused, stay disciplined, and continue to appreciate.”
On the Knicks leaving no question unanswered this postseason:
“To win, it’s so difficult just to make it to the conference finals, but it’s a whole another level of difficulty to win the conference final, and then obviously when you’re in the finals, it’s even another level. I just learned a lot about our team, learned a lot about ourselves. There were always questions about all of us, whether our character, our personality, or if we had the mental strength to actually make it happen. I think we answered.”
On his teammates’ contributions through the championship run:
“I could go down the list from everybody on the team. Everyone has such a big part in this season’s success.”
On the title being a healing experience:
“What was so special about this — and I didn’t realize this until after the win — was how much healing that win would do for all of New York City, from the fans to the alumni to even for us as the players in our personal lives. It was a healing experience.”
On James Dolan’s pre-playoff speech:
“I knew the team that [Dolan] was telling that to would hear it because we were all on our first opportunity at an NBA championship, especially after last year, when we didn’t get to see the NBA Finals.”
On confidence and criticism:
“I never needed people’s vindication to feel good about myself. My confidence is built in the work. My confidence is built in the gym in the long hours that no one can see.”
On who the real Knicks celebs are:
“In my mind, the real celebrities are the ones in the 200’s and the nosebleeds.”
Miles McBride
On attending World Cup games:
“Even the guys that like don’t like soccer, like they’re watching too, and they’re like enjoying it because like I think as competitors and athletes, you see how hard they’re playing, and then you start seeing the atmosphere, and it’s a beautiful game too, and I think we just appreciate that.”
James Dolan
On the firing of Tom Thibodeau:
“We changed coaches at the end of last season because we believed that you, the players, and the rest of the organization, needed to be heard. Needed to work together. Needed to be heard. Not just led or dictated to.
“And Coach Thibs was a great coach. Brilliant. But we thought you needed a coach that would pull you together. That would have you playing as a team. And although that’s not been perfect, we believe that together, a joint effort, would be better. Would give us a shot at winning a championship — rather than relying on one person’s opinion.
“And that’s the team we have now. We believe that instead of relying on the coach that you would discipline each other, that you talk to each other, that you would figure out how to play together with each other. And that was stronger than just hearing that from one voice.”
Mike Breen
On the Knicks and their fans:
“It’s a team that pretty much the entire city gets behind and it’s a team that has struggled for so long. But the fans never went away even in the rough years and there were many rough years as we all know so to go from that and stick with them through thick and through thin and see not only a team that have success but a team that that is such representative of the city and the kind of people that you want they’re such high character individuals they’re all about the team the way they carry themselves that’s a big part of it as well and then when you have your star player be the kind of young man that Jalen Brunson is from a player to his toughness to his will of never giving up to overcoming all the yeah he’s good but stuff that’s an important factor as well.”
On Jalen Brunson’s coachability:
“I said this the other day and it might sound a little corny but Brunson has all these these different characteristics that you want in your star player, that you want in your franchise player. One that that sometimes goes underrated he’s extremely coachable. Even at this level, he’s extremely coachable and that’s huge for a team to come together because if if the rest of the team sees okay this guy’s taken some some guff from the coach and and the coach gets on him not just the head coach but of course the assistant namely one Rick Brunson yes then then we can do it too so you put it all together and it just it becomes something really magical and that’s that’s what we always hope for that’s the long long-term dream when we start rooting for a team to have a team like this.”
Jay Wright
On Villanova’s pride in the Knicks’ title:
“I know they waited 53 years. I think they might have a little bit more pent-up excitement. But in terms of pride, no one could be more proud of their guys than we all are at Villanova, than I am.”
On Brunson, Hart and Bridges:
“They did the same thing in Villanova. They’re really unique young men. And I just sat back and watched on this one. I feel like a proud papa.”
Luka Doncic
On Jalen Brunson’s championship in New York:
“First of all, he’s a great guy. He has a winner mentality that makes him different from other players. We talk all the time. We talked before the last game. I said you’ve got one more, and of course, after he won, I congratulated him on the title.”
Allen Iverson
On Jalen Brunson’s championship:
“Congratulations Lil Big Man!! If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Mark Cuban
On why he let Jalen Brunson leave Dallas:
“It was really, really simple. We didn’t see JB, as what he would become.”
On Brunson’s development not fitting the Mavs timeline:
“He showed that star potential when Luka [Doncic] got hurt, and he won those games against Utah for us, but we were trying to get a star to put next to Luka, and JB’s star had not risen yet.”
Robert Horry
On the Spurs’ decision not to shake hands after the Finals loss:
“People get mad at athletes when they don’t shake hands. You go back, and you start like the 2000s back. Nobody shake hand. We didn’t care. We lost, we don’t want to talk to you. People like, ‘Well, that’s just not sportsmanly.’ Dude, I am mad in the moment that I got my a** whooped. I ain’t trying to be friends with nobody who kicked my a**. So, I don’t understand when everybody that’s never played a sport gets so upset. ‘Oh, you didn’t shake my hand.’ I just lost. I don’t want to talk right now. That’s even after games. They tell us in the locker room to take a minute before you speak because you don’t want to speak out of anger. And so, when guys shake hands, I’m cool if they don’t shake hands. I’m cool they do shake. But me, I ain’t shake your hand. I’m mad. I walked off the court.”
Draymond Green
On the Spurs walking off after Game 5:
“They walked off. That was disappointing. Bit disappointing. The reason it was disappointing is because when you go mano a mano, toe to toe, blow for blow with a team, and they get the better of you, those that become champions, look them in their eyes and say, ‘Respect, congratulations, well deserved.’ And then you go to the locker room.”
On how champions handle defeat:
“That’s what those that become champions do. If you leave the court and you don’t look me in my face and I just beat you, I actually know that I own you forever because you couldn’t even look me in the face. And so to see them walk off the court, it was disheartening. I’ll blame it on youth. I’ll blame it on lacking the leader to show them that, ‘Hey, this is what you do, not walk off.’ I blame it on that.”
Fat Joe
On what he learned from the Knicks’ title:
“The lesson is, you can’t buy a championship. You can’t waltz, you can’t get lucky. You’ve got to earn your way to a championship.”
On James Dolan’s apology to NYK fans:
“And it’s just like when we won, Mr. [James] Dolan gave that speech where he was like, ‘I’m sorry, New York, I was trying,’ you know, ‘I’m sorry it took so long to win this chip.’ That’s how hard it is to be a champion. You’ve got to beat the very, very best.”
On Knicks fans traveling during the playoffs:
“But I want to thank everybody, man, for fighting hard — and the fans, man, we went out there. We went to Cleveland. We went to Atlanta. We went to San Antonio. I mean, by the thousands. There was so many New York fans all over. I like to think we willed them some way or another. We willed them. Like, whenever they had doubts, or whenever it was down, we was like, yeah, let’s go.”
On the celebrations in New York:
“These scenes in New York City will never get replaced.”
David Tyree
On where OG’s tip-in ranks in New York sports history:
“I’m No. 1. I’ll let everybody else argue. I would give him No. 2 because I’m a Knicks fan, it’s not even a shadow of a doubt. It’s No. 2 for me. The argument for me is it’s the Super Bowl, undefeated Patriots. What makes OG No. 2 is you talk about the drought the Knicks had been in. That’s what makes this massively over other moments. It’s a stand-alone reality, what basketball means to New York City, what the Knicks mean to New York City.”
On comparing the two iconic moments:
“When you’re talking about football and beating an undefeated Patriots team that’s still looked at as a top 10 NFL team of all time, there’s probably more narratives in our Super Bowl.”
On OG Anunoby’s legacy:
“Yes, absolutely, the scale of which, I don’t know, he’s got a good amount of basketball in front of him. He’s earned that, especially in relation to what the Knicks mean to New York City. He has earned his lore, he has earned his folklore.”
On Brunson and Anunoby’s roles:
“Brunson is the Eli of the story and OG is the Tyree of the story.”
Geno Smith
On the Knicks inspiring the Jets:
“I think that’s a special thing, to see the energy and just how devoted the fans are to the team and the city.”
On the added motivation:
“It gives us a little bit of added motivation. We’re motivated already, but, man, just watching those guys win that championship, it has to do something for you as a competitor.”
On New York City’s title celebrations:
“Just seeing just the energy of the city and how the fans are just so happy and excited, to have those bragging rights to be the NBA champion and for that to be at home in New York, I think that’s a special thing, to see the energy and just how devoted the fans are to the team and to the city.”
On the impact of the championship on the Jets:
“It gives us a little bit of added motivation. We’re motivated already, but man, just watching those guys win their championship, it’s gotta do something to you as a competitor.”
Breece Hall
On congratulating Tyler Kolek:
“I went to eat wings with Tyler the other day in the city — we were watching UFC fights — and I congratulated him and I’m like, ‘I can’t wait to have that feeling.’”
On positive jealousy:
“So there’s definitely positive jealousy because I want my team to be able to do that as well.”
On seeing the Knicks win:
“I was just talking to some of my boys — it gives you, like, positive jealousy.”
On Mikal Bridges and Tyler Kolek:
“It’s like damn, like I’m very cool with Mikal [Bridges], Tyler Kolek, a lot of those guys, so I was just like, ‘Bro, that’s so lit.’”
On wanting the same feeling:
“I went to eat wings with Kolek the other day in the city and we were watching UFC fights and I congratulated him and I’m just like, ‘I can’t wait to have that feeling.’ So definitely positive jealousy ’cause it’s like I want my team to be able to do that as well. It’s definitely very cool to see.”
On attending Game 5:
“It was crazy. Most of the arena was Knicks fans anyway so I had a suite with some of my boys. I got to chill with Jaxson Dart so me and him got really well acquainted and now we’re really cool, super cool dude. We were there just as fans of another New York team and just cheering the guys on, and after the game went and dapped everybody up.”
Zohran Mamdani
On handing out free tickets to the championship parade:
“From packed watch parties in our parks to joyous celebrations that spilled out onto our streets, this championship belongs to New York City. The Knicks brought together New Yorkers from every borough and every walk of life. That’s why we’re making these tickets free and accessible — so working-class people have a chance to be part of this historic moment and celebrate the team that brought a championship home.”
On the Knicks’ meaning to New York City:
“The Knicks belong to New York City. And this championship belongs to the people who waited 53 years for it.”
On This Date: Panthers Knock Out Oilers In 6 To Claim Second Straight Stanley Cup
One year ago today, those of us associated with the Florida Panthers were feeling pretty darn good.
It was on June 17 of last year that the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final to claim their second consecutive championship.
The victory capped off an impressive playoff run that saw Florida reel off 16 wins in just 23 games, one less than it took them to claim the franchise’s first Stanley Cup a year prior.
Similarly to the first time, Florida’s second Cup clinching win over the Oilers came in front of their home fans at Amerant Bank Arena.
This time, it was the Panthers who had to come from behind in the series after dropping Game 1, an overtime thriller in Edmonton.
Florida responded by reeling off four wins over the next five games, with their only defeat coming during a Game 4 that the Panthers blew a 3-0 lead and lost on a funky deflection in overtime.
They followed that up by smothering Edmonton by a combined score of 10-3 in Games 5 and 6, with five of those 10 goals coming off the stick of Sam Reinhart.
For as much of a nail-biter as their first championship turned out to be, this one felt more like a coronation.
You can relive the magic in the videos below:
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Photo caption: Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; The Florida Panthers celebrate after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
NBA Finals takeaway: The Rockets aren’t close
As I begrudgingly watched the NBA Playoffs after the Houston Rockets embarrassing effort against the Los Angeles Lakers, it became more and more clear to me that the words 0f the former football coaching legend Bill Parcels were spot on. He once famously said, “You are what you record says you are.”
While the Rockets won 52 games for the second consecutive season, that record was only good enough to put them in the fifth seed in the Western Conference. No one would argue honestly that they were contenders after watching their Round 1 exit. This became clearer after watching both the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks in the Finals.
It’s not as much a talent discrepancy as it is a skillset and structure discrepancy… The Spurs have a plethora of guards, the Knicks gave multiple guards, the Rockets have three guards. Reed Sheppard, Aaron Holiday, and Fred VanVleet. Of those three players, none of them are top tier at creating their own shot, and none of them is taller than 6-feet 2-inches. Of the three, I guess we can call Reed Sheppard the most consistent shooter, but it would be hard to label any of them as consistent.
When it comes to the offensive structure of the teams in the Finals, I watched two teams that were not perfect by any means, but teams that moved the basketball, had players moving without the ball, and with the exception of the Knicks occasionally allowing Capt. Clutch put on his cape in critical moments in the games, there wasn’t a lot of standing around and watching iso ball. If you watched the Rockets this season, then you know there were times that it looked like the Rockets don’t even practice offense. This was especially the case when Kevin Durant was out with injury in the playoffs.
Rockets fans have to ask themselves if at the age of 32 and coming off of a torn ACL is the 6-foot Fred VanVleet going to be enough to transform this team into a high-powered offense? While there is no doubt he will add more structure to the offense, the real issue is he can only contribute to the structure of the offense to the extent that a structure has been put in place by the head coach, and this leads me to what I believe is the biggest shortcoming the Rockets have in comparison to the teams we saw not just in the Finals, but even in the semi-finals.
I watched the New York Knicks fall down double digits in every game of the NBA finals, and I watched Mike Brown and his staff be able to find adjustments that worked. Yes, the Knicks, Spurs, Thunder, and Cavs all had game-plans and looked as if they actually practiced said game-plans ahead of time, but they also were able to deviate from the plan when it wasn’t working, Additionally, when Mike Brown realized that against conventional thought, Jose Alvarado and Jalen Brunson were actually working well on the floor together, he stuck with it and the Knicks made one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history because of it.
Are any of us convinced that Ime Udoka would have sacrificed the defense of one of his main rotation pieces, regardless of how atrocious they were playing offensively, in return for a guy who got hot off the bench? No, in the Rockets scenario their “Jose Alvarado” would be Reed Sheppard, and the role of Josh Hart would be Tari Eason. We were getting Tari Eason no matter how poorly he was playing and no matter how well Sheppard was playing, nearly the entire season.
In Udoka’s defense, that’s probably the right move in most situations when everything is going as planned, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Sometimes the Spurs decide they are going to put Wembanyama on Amen Thompson to try and bother him with his length, and instead of having him stand on the perimeter while watching Durant or Sengun go iso on someone, or having Amen go iso against a 7-ft 4-inch extra-terrestrial, you have him set some screens and roll to the basket, or free up Sengun, or Sheppard, or KD with those screens for better looks at the basket? I don’t really know because I’m not the coach of an NBA team, but I do know you don’t keep slamming your head into the wall and wonder why you’re concussed.
One of the most telling things about the Rockets organization, as currently constructed, I observed at a game I saw in person this past season. March 5th versus the Golden State Warriors. My wife and I were invited to watch the game from a suite, which is now my absolute favorite way to watch at Toyota Center now. If you know, you know, but I digress. We both felt really good about the Rockets chances going into the game relatively healthy against a Warriors team that featured no Steph, no Jimmy Buckets, no Porzingis, no GP3, and no Moses Moody. That confidence was massively displaced. The Rockets lost in overtime 115-113, but the score did not indicate how troubling the loss was.
What stood out to me immediately was that the Golden State Warriors play the exact same way regardless of who is on the court. The result is not always the same, but they play the exact same way when Brandon Podziemski or DeAnthony Melton are running the point-guard position as they do when Steph Curry is there. Ball movement, off-ball screens, player movement, running players off multiple screens, penetration into the paint and kick-out to shooters… It looks the exact same because it’s a system. The Rockets defense chased them around all game long and were behind most of the game. The difference in the game? Stop me if you have heard it… Lack of execution down the stretch in crucial moments. One might ask is it lack of execution, or was it lack of a system to execute?
Now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, I want to be very clear. Not all hope is lost for the Rockets, but they have a lot of work to do. For staters, building the roster in a way that allows you to not have to reinvent the wheel whenever a player is out. Having a system that becomes second nature to those in it so that players are playing and not thinking. Coaching that isn’t too stubborn to admit something isn’t working and make a change to what is working on that particular night. Once the Rockets have that then they can focus on gaining the mental toughness required to go through the gauntlet of the Western Conference to even have the chance at an NBA title. Even then, that will only make you a contender, it doesn’t guarantee that they will win it all with the likes of OKC and San Antonio still here and steadily rising. It would however mean that the Rockets would be close, which they are far from at this time.
NSW Blues 24-44 Queensland Maroons: State of Origin Game 2 – as it happened
The 2026 series is locked at one all after Queensland defeat NSW thanks to a stunning second-half onslaught
Tonight’s referee is Ashley Klein, but there have been calls the NRL should have found a replacement. Klein took centre stage in Origin I for his decision to send off Kalyn Ponga, and he has since been the subject of media stories due to his historic gambling activities. His performance will be scrutinised like no whistleblower before.
Laurie Daley is delighted to have Payne Haas back in his XIII: “the best front row in the game”, according to the NSW coach, and he’s relieved to be able to call upon the game management and kicking prowess of Mitchell Moses.
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