I know this is a site devoted to college sports, but forgive me as I pay tribute to a childhood hero who, nearly 60 years after his greatest act, is still top of mind to a generation (or more) of Detroit sports fans.
The death of a childhood sports hero is never easy. It often hits harder than you would expect. You may not have known them personally, but you grew up with them. They became a part of your life. And they forever remain a part of your memories.
Like most sports fans, the deaths of some of my childhood sports heroes have hit me hard. None, however, have hit as hard as that of former Detroit Tiger Mickey Lolich. Lolich was my first favorite player, and a fellow lefty at that. That’s enough to make him special to me. But it’s what he meant to a franchise and a city that made Lolich special to so many others.
Lolich didn’t have the career of players like Ty Cobb, Charlie Gehringer, Hal Newhauser or Al Kaline. He didn’t have that one shining season like Hank Greenberg, Denny McClain, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera or Tarik Skubal. But he was as instrumental as any player has ever been in bringing a championship to Detroit.
The 1968 baseball season remains one of the greatest seasons in Detroit Tigers history. A seminal memory for a generation of fans. A 103-win season that culminated with a game seven victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, giving the Tigers their third world championship and first in a generation.
The Tigers won the 1968 World Series for many reasons. They won because four-time gold glove centerfielder Mickey Stanley made the unprecedented move to shortstop so Detroit could find a place in its lineup for a 33-year-old Al Kaline. They won because Kaline, in his only World Series appearance, hit .379 with two home runs and eight RBIs. They won because Bill Freehan tagged out St. Louis speedster Lou Brock at the plate, saving the series and the season. But more than anything, the Tigers won because of Mickey Lolich – who authored the greatest pitching performance in World Series history.
With the lights their brightest and his team in desperate need of a lift, Lolich pitched three complete game victories for the Tigers in the 1968 Fall Classic – outdueling Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in the decisive game seven. And if that weren’t enough, Lolich also batted .250 and hit the only home run of his career.
If there’s been a greater performance by any athlete in any sport when so much was on the line, there can’t have been many. And for that performance, Lolich earned his place as one of the most consequential and beloved players to ever don the Olde English D.
1968 wasn’t Lolich’s greatest statistical season. In 1971, he finished runner-up in Cy Young voting, with 25 victories, more than 300 strikeouts and an almost unfathomable 376 innings pitched. But it’s what he did in 1968 that makes Lolich a Detroit legend. Delivering a championship to a city that was in desperate need of some good news.
There’s a case to be made for Lolich being in the Hall of Fame. And with 217 victories and 2,832 strikeouts (fifth most among left handers), you could argue that it’s a strong case. But Hall of Fame or not, Lolich’s legacy is cemented. And his passing is mourned.
Mickey Lolich brought me to tears twice in my life. Once as a young child, when I learned that the Tigers had traded him to the New York Mets. And a second time earlier this week, when as a not-so-young man, I learned of his passing. I doubt I was the only one who reacted in such a way.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 21: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Team Japan reacts to striking out Mike Trout #27 of Team USA to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Of all the things I wish were better than they are, the World Baseball Classic is definitely one of them. The ongoing insurance-as-a-bar-to-participation debacle only underscores that missed potential. The roster reveals from yesterday, are, well… you get the idea, I think.
Anyway, a short one since it’s Friday: who ya got? Japan has won three of five WBCs so far, including the most recent one held, and has never finished lower than third. The U.S. is the only other team to finish in the top four in at least three of the five — that’s kind of weird when you think about it, but yes, it appears to be the case.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 02: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 in game three of the American League Wild Card Series at Progressive Field on October 02, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been a very big week for the Tigers, indeed, or at least a very big week for the checkbooks in the front office. First the Tigers announced their deal with leftie Framber Valdez, one that proved the team was not afraid to shell out a decent chunk of change for a talented left-handed pitcher. Then, in very related news, the Tigers were forced to pay Tarik Skubal precisely what he’s worth when the Tigers’ ace won his arbitration hearing and earned a $32M payday. The Tigers are going to be spending an awful lot of money on pitching in 2026. It would be nice to think they’ll continue to spend big bucks on the rotation, but it seems likely at this point that they’ll need to win Skubal the hard way in free agency (if they don’t trade him before the end of the season anyway).
In sadder news, the Tigers and baseball lost a legend as Mickey Lolich passed away this week. He will forever be remembered by Tigers fans as a member of the iconic 1968 World Series-winning team.
We have more to share in terms of general baseball news today (and we’ve covered these big stories in more detail here on the site), so let’s just jump right into the day’s news.
And remembering two Negro League players who were part of many Tigers’ celebrations.
The Tigers mourn the passing of Negro Leagues players Clinton Forge and Ron Teasley. Both regularly attended our Negro Leagues celebrations at Comerica Park.
A Birmingham, AL native, Forge was a catcher for the Detroit Stars and recently launched the Forge the Future Foundation… pic.twitter.com/63KpGO6hdJ
Things are looking worse and worse for Emmanuel Clase.
Indicted Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase is accused of throwing suspect pitches to benefit bettors in at least 48 games over two years, significantly more than was initially revealed by federal prosecutors, according to a court document filed Thursday.
Former Chicago White Sox player Alexei Ramirez hasn’t played an MLB game since 2016, but he’ll be representing Team Cuba in the WBC. Fun fact, he also played for Team Cuba in the first WBC in 2006.
44-year-old Alexei Ramirez will play for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic
The infielder played for Cuba in the first WBC in 2006. He last played in MLB in 2016 pic.twitter.com/1ifoyvgprt
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 23: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thank goodness we can focus solely on the Milwaukee Bucks on the court, not the trade rumors, as they host the Indiana Pacers tonight in a Central Division tank-off. Milwaukee has successfully defeated the Pacers in their previous two games this year.
Where We’re At
Despite Shams Charania’s and Brian Windhorst’s best efforts, the Milwaukee Bucks did not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jon Horst was able to add Ousmane Dieng to the roster, while the team parted ways with Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey. These departures won’t be too upsetting to most fans, but it will be interesting to see what transpires for this team for the remainder of the season. The Bucks have a slim chance of making the play-in with a two-game winning streak this week. Yes, it was against the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Pelicans, but wins are wins, so you take what you can get.
The Indiana Pacers are just trying to get through the season. Last year’s runner-up, the Pacers sit near the bottom of the standings as they adjust to a season missing their star player, Tyrese Haliburton. Indiana has struggled on the road, only winning three of their 23 games this year. This season might be a lost cause, but the Pacers did make a trade on deadline day, acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. They parted ways with Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks (the most juicy being this year’s first, protected both 1–4 and 10–30), along with a second.
Injury Report
The Bucks will be without Taurean Prince (neck) and Giannis (calf), while Gary Harris (hamstring) and Bobby Portis (hip) are listed as questionable. The Pacers will be without Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin, while Micah Potter is listed as questionable.
Player To Watch
Pete Nance has gone from just another two-way player to a likely full-time roster possibility. Nance simply plays hard and has solid basketball IQ to boot. With Coffey traded, Harris potentially out, and Andre Jackson Jr. unlikely to break into the rotation, tonight will give Nance another opportunity to show the Bucks he is worth keeping around.
How To Watch
7:00 p.m. CST on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
TORONTO, ON - June 18 Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) of the Toronto Blue Jays gets the out at second on Rafael Devers (11) of the Boston Red Sox but his throw to first for the double play is too late in the 4th. The batter Masataka Yoshida (7) of the Boston Red Sox was safe. The Toronto Blue Jays took on the Boston Red Sox at the Rogers Centre. June 18 2024 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
Wednesday was a busy one for the Red Sox: the 40-man roster is full once more (IKF and Mickey Gasper) and the team is, presumably, set. There are question marks remaining, like where Marcelo Mayer will play or what level Triston Casas begins the season at, or if, at this late stage, they trade an outfielder.
In the meantime, we have a new player to talk, think, and write about: Isiah Kiner-Falefa. I’d been saving “where did you come from, where did you go, why’d Breslow sign you, Connor Joe” all winter and that didn’t happen, so let’s break down the frivolities of IKF.
Consistency
Kiner-Falefa has player in eight big league seasons. His career slash line is .262/.311/.349. He’s hit between .261 and .271 five times. His highest batting average was .280 and his lowest .238. He’s never posted an OPS of .700 or more in a full season (when traded, he has done so during parts of seasons).
He’s stolen double-digit bases in each of the last five seasons.
He’s never hit more than eight home runs, which he’s done twice.
He’s had at least one triple ever year except 2022 when he played 142 games — the second highest total of his career.
He spent four years with the Texas Rangers and then (parts of) two seasons with the Yankees, Pirates, and Blue Jays.
Palindrome transactions
In December 2023, Kiner-Falefa signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.
At the deadline in 2024, the Jays traded him to the Pirates for a minor league infielder (Charles McAdoo) who plays second and third plus some right field. IKF has played mostly shortstop, third, and second but you get the point.
On August 31, 2025 the Blue Jays claimed him off waivers and he got 60 plate appearances in the postseason including 18 in the 2025 World Series.
He can pitch, I guess
Over three seasons (6.2 innings), IKF has a 1:2 K:B and an ERA of 2.70.
The key is locating the eephus and fastball in the same area of the box.
Will he become Alex Cora’s default position player pitcher? If Marcelo Mayer and Romy Gonzalez are healthy and effective, that’s one more reason to hang onto a roster spot. Defensive flexibility being the primary one.
Red Sox history
Against the Red Sox he’s been just about as average to himself as he can be: .254/.305/.387 over 54 games.
At Fenway Park specifically he’s struggled: .228/.282/.304. Although a sample of just 23 games, like his history facing Boston, is relatively meaningless.
What else?
He won a Gold Glove in 2020 at third base. Some of that infield defense Craig Breslow was talking about!
He was born in Hawaii. The Red Sox signed a guy from Hawaii before…it went well.
It’s a battle at the top of the East tonight, as the No. 1 Detroit Pistons host the surging New York Knicks, who are tied with Boston for the second-best record in the conference.
While New York seeks its ninth straight win, my Knicks vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks for Friday, February 6 target the total in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Knicks vs Pistons prediction
Knicks vs Pistons best bet: Over 222.5 (-110)
This game features two teams in the Top 8 in scoring in the NBA.
The New York Knicks are averaging 118.2 points per game on the year, but they’ve been even more potent during this win streak. Their 134-127 OT victory over Denver last time out was the third time in the last four games they’ve tallied at least 127 points.
The Detroit Pistons boast a Top 4 defense to go with scoring 117.5 points per game (T-8th), but they’ve been leaking of late. They were just dumped by the Wizards 126-117 Thursday night and have allowed at least 121 points in three of their last four.
Detroit might also be down big man Jalen Duren, who left the Wizards game with a knee injury. He’s listed as day-to-day.
The Pistons will be playing the second half of a back-to-back, and that usually means big points. They have gone Over the total in six of the eight games they’ve played on no rest this season, the best Over success rate in the NBA.
Knicks vs Pistons same-game parlay
Cade Cunningham scored 30 in the loss to Washington, making it three times in the last four games he’s topped the 26.5 scoring line set for Friday.
His counterpart Jalen Brunson dropped 42 in the 2OT win over Denver, and he generally lights up Detroit, going for at least 27 points in seven of the last nine games.
Knicks vs Pistons SGP
Over 222.5
Cade Cunningham Over 26.5 points
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Anunoby comes up aces
OG Anunoby has quietly slid into New York’s premier secondary scorer behind Brunson. He’s got a 17.5-point scoring line Thursday, a figure he’s crossed five straight games, topping 20+ four times.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the league’s leading rebounder and has been on a tear recently, pulling down at least 12 boards in five straight games, including a pair of 20+ rebound outings.
Knicks vs Pistons SGP
Over 222.5
Cade Cunningham Over 26.5 points
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
OG Anunoby Over 17.5 points
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 11.5 rebounds
Knicks vs Pistons odds
Spread: Knicks -1.5 | Pistons +1.5
Moneyline: Knicks -115 | Pistons -105
Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5
Knicks vs Pistons betting trend to know
New York has covered the spread in eight straight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Pistons.
How to watch Knicks vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Friday, February 6, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
Knicks vs Pistons latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
LOS ANGELES — Just as the Lakers started to get closer to being whole, and Austin Reaves took a significant step in looking like his pre-injury self, the team is now waiting to see what Luka Doncic’s status will be moving forward.
The Lakers ruled Doncic out in the third because of left leg soreness before coach JJ Redick said postgame that Doncic experienced soreness in his left hamstring and will undergo an MRI on Friday.
“He didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in, neither did medical,” Redick said. “So, we held him out. Too early to say there’s an injury.”
Doncic appeared to suffer the injury on a drive late in the second quarter, but it wasn’t immediately clear how and when he hurt the hamstring.
He stayed in the game for a few possessions after initially grabbing his hamstring, hobbling up and down the court, before leaving the game during a timeout with close to three minutes left in the first half.
Doncic had 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting to go with four rebounds, two assists and five turnovers in 16 minutes before subbing out with 3:03 left in the second quarter.
He kicked the scorer’s table out of frustration on his way back to the locker room. Doncic didn’t rejoin the team on the bench during the second half.
“I don’t really know, I talked to him a little bit at halftime,” Reaves said. “I walked by him and asked him if he was OK. [He] kind of just looked at me, and I had to go play. Hopefully nothing major. We need him, He’s our best player. Hopefully we get good news [Friday], and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Luka Doncic during Thursday’s win over the 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images
While Doncic was in the locker room getting his leg tended to, Reaves led the Lakers to a comeback win in their first game at Crypto.com Arena in 2 ½ weeks.
Reaves scored all 35 points of his scoring total in the final three quarters, including 21 points in the second half, to lead the Lakers to the victory over the 76ers after they trailed by 14 points in the third quarter.
“He was unbelievable,” Redick said. “And it’s just his drives. I know he made 3s and hit a couple that were pretty incredible, but his drives and his thrust. Got to the free throw line, but just got in the paint and made plays and scored at the rim. It was great to see.”
Reaves was playing in just his second game after sitting out 19 consecutive games because of a strained left calf that sidelined him since the Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.
Austin Reaves had a strong game Thursday night. AP
He made his return to the floor in Tuesday’s road win over the Brooklyn Nets, finishing with 15 points on 3-of-9 shooting (8 of 10 on free throws), four rebounds, a pair of steals and one assist in 21 minutes.
Reaves played 25 minutes Thursday, one more minute than the playing time restriction he entered the game on.
“It’s incredible,” Maxi Kleber said of Reaves. “It’s a rare talent to come in like that [and] make big shots like that. I threw him a grenade, grenade two that he made. Having just endurance and the conditioning to come back after a long injury like that and play like he did is just a rare, rare talent.”
The Lakers were optimistic that the post-trade deadline stretch would finally provide them with the opportunity to get an opportunity to see what their group would look like closer to whole.
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Thursday was just the 10th time through 50 regular-season games that Doncic, Reaves and LeBron James played in the same game.
James was sidelined for the first 14 games because of sciatica, Doncic has missed eight games for a variety of reasons and Reaves was sidelined for 22 of 24 games before Tuesday because of left calf ailments.
But Thursday was a reminder of what the Lakers were missing while Reaves was sidelined, and what they’ll need if Doncic is forced to miss any time.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to try to see how bad it was,” Marcus Smart said. “But we’re hoping it’s not that bad. We’re hoping he’s OK. But if he’s gonna be out, obviously it’s gonna take everybody to tighten up even more. And it does help to have AR, if that is the case. But it’s definitely gonna take a full team effort now more than ever if he is out for a long period of time.”
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 30: Jalen Johnson (top R) of the Atlanta Hawks watches the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins at Truist Park on June 30, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal has reported a new possible twist in the on-going saga of Main Street Sports Group, as it related to the Atlanta Braves.
In the article from SBJ, it notes that two MLB teams – the Braves and the Los Angeles Angels – have opted not to join the other seven MLB teams impacted by MSSG by joining MLB.tv as a broadcast partner. While it was previously reported that the Braves were not planning to join MLB.tv, the interesting new development is that both the Braves and Angles may looked to NBA teams to bolster their ability to run their own network.
The Angles’ angle is slightly different, by possibly looking to buy the regional network, and in doing so would look to add the Sacramento Kings to that venture.
For the Braves, who are reportedly looking to start their own network, it is the Atlanta Hawks with whom the Braves would look to add to their new entity, although the article does point out that in the case of the Braves and Hawks, it is believed that the Hawks would only be involved as content and not a partner in the network itself.
This is still a fluid situation, with approximately seven weeks until the start of the MLB regular season, allowing for some time for the Braves’ 2026 broadcast plan to be put into fruition.
MSSG will continue to broadcast NBA and NHL games through the end of this current season, but with all nine MLB teams having opted out of their agreement it seems baseball will not move forward on MSSG regional networks even if MSSG is able to find a buyer – something it had thus far failed to do, resulting in the situations several dozen professional teams find themselves in currently.
This update was first covered on The Feed earlier this morning.
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 10: Dylan Beavers #12 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates a walk off single in the tenth inning during a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 10, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been a busy, exciting, and possibly incomplete offseason for the Baltimore Orioles. President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias has arguably been the most aggressive executive in the league this winter. The coaching staff has a bunch of new faces, including rookie manager Craig Albernaz. A bonafide “frontline” arm has alluded them to this point, but Shane Baz and Zach Eflin should fortify the rotation. Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward have been brought on to add some pop to the lineup. Ryan Helsely is an electric ninth-inning option. And the latest addition of Blaze Alexander provides a versatile skillset that the roster lacked.
There are still a few holes on the squad. You let us know about them yesterday, when we asked what concerned you most about the season ahead. But it is fair to say the team is entering the year with a relatively rosy outlook.
Today’s question has that more positive perspective in mind: What would a successful season for the 2026 Orioles look like?
The definition of “success” is going to differ from team to team. Rebuilding clubs just want to show progress, see some flashes from their young players. Perennial contenders hope to win a bunch of games and go deep into the playoffs. The Orioles exist somewhere in between those two categories.
Based on perceived talent, the Orioles should be pretty good this year. But that was true going into 2025 as well, and we all know what happened there. Elias has behaved like an executive that is trying to put a winner together, even if some can criticize his inability to actually land the kind of starting pitcher he has repeatedly claimed to be in pursuit of. In general, though, it does feel like he has done enough to get this team back into the postseason conversation at least.
That line is where I believe “success” lays for these Orioles. First, they need to get into the playoffs. Whether that is as a wild card team or a division winner feels less important. Second, they need to win a game in those playoffs. The Elias-led Orioles have made two playoff appearances, and they have zero total wins (0-5 record) in those appearances. This team needs to break that unsavory run.
What do you think, Camden Chat? How would you define success for the Orioles this season? Maybe you just want to see them back above .500. Perhaps you will only settle for a World Series run. Or could you be more interested in individual successes, like a Rookie of the Year award for Samuel Basallo or an MVP for Gunnar Henderson? Tell us your thoughts down in the comments.
Two months ago, Joel Embiid was questioning whether he’d ever be great again.
He went from being the MVP of the league in 2023 to needing multiple surgeries on his left knee. He went from being the quintessence of dominance on both ends of the court to looking like a shell of himself.
“I was like, I don’t know if I could ever get back to that point,” Embiid told the California Post in an exclusive interview. “But I’m back.”
Two months ago, Joel Embiid was questioning whether he’d ever be great again. NBAE via Getty Images
Over the past 20 games, Embiid has looked like a superstar again, averaging 29.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. He had a 37-point performance against Sacramento last Thursday, followed by finishing with 40 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots two days later against New Orleans.
For Embiid, it has been an incredibly tough journey.
He played in only 39 games in 2024-25, followed by just 19 games last season. He had two meniscus surgeries in less than 18 months. There were whispers over whether the 31-year-old should retire, a sobering prospect for a player of his caliber who’s still in his prime.
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“It’s hard,” Embiid said. “It’s like when people say, he’s lazy, this and that. First of all, you can’t be lazy if you start playing basketball at 16 and then make it to the league in three years. And injuries and injuries, keep getting back up and being an Olympian and all the other stuff that I have accomplished. It’s been tough. But I’m always going to fight.”
Embiid’s longtime trainer Drew Hanlen, said people have no idea what Embiid has gone through behind the scenes.
“We always joke that after his career is done, if Joel ever decides to tell his story, people are going to appreciate him 10-fold,” Hanlen said. “Just because of the amount of sacrifice that he’s truly made to try to help the 76ers win games and win championships.”
Embiid’s longtime trainer Drew Hanlen, said people have no idea what Embiid has gone through behind the scenes. Getty Images
Hanlen said Embiid’s recovery has involved a lot of trial and error. He credited his current success to the 76ers’ medical staff finding the perfect combination of load management, lifting, treatment, stretching and nutrition that’s enabling him to thrive.
“It’s not like there’s some magic new surgery that wasn’t announced,” Hanlen said. “That’s not true. He only had the ones that were announced. There was nothing magical. It was just a long process to build-up, and they finally found the right combination of load management, treatment and recovery plan.”
For Embiid, the issue wasn’t just pain. He was trapped in a body that literally wasn’t allowing him to do what his brain wanted.
Hanlen recalls watching film with Embiid last season and telling him he should’ve reacted differently to a defender. According to Hanlen, Embiid replied: “If it was just pain, I could play through pain. I just physically can’t do some of the things I want to do.”
Embiid acknowledges that after he suffered a torn left meniscus in January 2024 that required surgery the following month, he shouldn’t have returned in early April for the team’s first-round playoff series against New York and then played for Team USA, winning a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
It was too much.
For Embiid, the issue wasn’t just pain. He was trapped in a body that wasn’t allowing him to do what his brain wanted. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The following season, Embiid was hampered by constant pain, swelling and was severely limited in his movements. It became clear that he needed to undergo a second surgery in April 2025.
A new plan was hatched.
Embiid needed to rebuild his body. That meant he had to take a step back from basketball. He didn’t workout with Hanlen for 15 months following the Olympics, a stark contrast from their regular off-day sessions. Instead, they were reduced to watching film together over the phone.
When Embiid returned to the court this season, he viewed it as a trial period. He had to shake off cobwebs. He didn’t know how his body would react.
“He started the season playing very rough and a lot of people looked at him like, oh, he’s washed,” Hanlen acknowledged.
For Embiid, who has poured every ounce of himself into becoming an MVP-caliber player again, it was demoralizing. Fans were turning on him. He had become a punchline for pundits. The noise was deafening for a deeply competitive superstar who wanted nothing more than to do right by his team.
But he gritted his teeth in spite of all of the negativity, including his own intrusive thoughts.
“Just focusing on myself, physically and mentally,” Embiid said. “Obviously, I’ve talked about therapy in the past, just learning from it. I’m at the point where I’m only focused on myself, my family, I don’t need any validation from anybody else. Just trust in God. Believing that whatever’s supposed to happen is going to happen anyway. So if it’s good, good. If it’s bad, get back up and keep on walking.”
For Embiid, who has poured every ounce of himself into becoming an MVP-caliber player again, it was demoralizing. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
When Embiid was able to start working on his game again, everything came flooding back. His speed, his agility, his soft touch. Over the last two months, he has returned to being a generational talent, a 7-footer with a rare combination of brute force and the silkiness of a guard.
Now, even Embiid’s biggest detractors are coming around.
“I’d like to issue an apology to Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid because I didn’t expect this,” former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins said last week. “If you’d ask me this two months ago, I thought Joel Embiid was on the verge of retirement. And now, all of a sudden, he’s come back to looking like an All-NBA caliber player”
The 76ers, who are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-22, are going to need Embiid to be as good as possible to keep them competitive after Paul George was suspended for 25 games on January 31 for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
“I’ll keep building on this year and keep on getting better,” Embiid said. “But probably starting next year, I think I’m going to be fully back to myself.”
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who coached Embiid from 2020-2023, didn’t hold back when asked about the center’s recent turnaround. “Joel is the most talented player that I’ve ever coached,” he said.
Those were strong words coming from someone who’s currently coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The 76ers, who are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-21. NBAE via Getty Images
Rivers went on to lament the fact that Embiid has never made it through a postseason healthy. Rivers said if that changed, “they’re going to be a dangerous team.”
Nobody is more upset by the superstar’s constant string of injuries than Embiid, who was with Hanlen at a hotel in Boston when he won the MVP Award during the second round of the 2023 playoffs.
“He literally said he’d trade the MVP for one healthy postseason,” Hanlen recalled. “Because he feels like if he can get that, then he’d have a chance to bring a championship to Philadelphia.”
But for now, Embiid is taking things one step at a time.
He rebuilt his body. He rebuilt his confidence. Now, he wants to once again reach his potential. It’s not to prove the critics wrong. It’s to show the only person whose opinion matters most what Embiid is truly capable of doing.
“He wants Arthur to be able to see his dad at his best,” Hanlen said of Embiid’s five-year-old son. “He doesn’t want [the narrative] to be your dad was good. He wants to have his son say, ‘My dad is good.'”
So, Embiid is continuing to fight.
“Whatever I did two years ago,” he said, “I think I can do it again.”
The World Baseball Classic is starting up next month, and the Atlanta Braves will be well-represented. Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar, and Chadwick Tromp are participating. While Acuña Jr. will be suiting up for Venezuela, the remaining three Braves are on the Netherlands’ roster and will be led by Andruw Jones.
Team USA will have some Braves ties in the dugout, and a couple of former Braves will be suiting up for Colombia and Puerto Rico.
Pool play gets underway March 4, so be sure to check in, and you may see some Braves in action on an international stage.
The Washington Nationals made a couple of moves, claiming Ken Waldichuk off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays and then designating right-hander George Soriano for assignment.
TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 01: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers singles against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning in game seven of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on November 01, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With just 15 days left until the Dodgers begin cactus league play, Shohei Ohtani has already started training at Camelback Ranch for his third season in Dodger blue and a shot at defending his country’s title in the World Baseball Classic.
The 2026 season will ultimately define Ohtani’s legacy within the annals of baseball’s best, as he looks to secure his third consecutive NL MVP award (fourth consecutive since 2023) and help the Dodgers become the first three-peat champions in North American sports in 24 years.
The Dodgers’ expectation after addressing their weakest links with more superstar talent is to maintain their footing at the top of the baseball summit, but for Ohtani, it isn’t something that he has put much thought into, as he spoke with Tom Llamas of NBC.
“I don’t think about it too much,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I do hope that when I retire and I look back, I can be able to say that I was on a team that won three championships in a row. That would be very cool.”
Ohtani also discussed with Llamas the inspiration for his new book “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” which hit the shelves on Tuesday.
“I think the initial idea was basically I had my daughter coming soon. Timing wise, I thought it was a nice time to be able to read her a book about my story as well as our dog Decoy’s story.”
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At the beginning of the 2024 season, Bobby Miller was sitting at the top of the rotation and began his season with a scoreless six inning gem against the St. Louis Cardinals. Since then, Miller has struggled in the big leagues when getting his opportunities, and was relegated to the bullpen with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets last year.
The hype surrounding the former first round pick has certainly died out, but Comets pitching coach David Anderson believes that there is still some untapped potential within Miller, notes Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“We feel like we have all the ingredients we need to put it together and get back to 2023 Bobby,” Anderson said. “We just didn’t get the result yet. All the pieces weren’t quite put together, but they were there by the end of the year. So we feel really good about that.”
The Dodgers enter the 2026 season with four prospects within Baseball America’s top-100 list as they continue to sport one of the best farm systems. There is still no telling as to whether or not they’ll pan out in the big leagues, as was the case for former top prospects such as Diego Cartaya. Huston Mitchell of the Los Angeles Times breaks down the Dodgers’ top-10 prospects since 2015, and evaluates whether or not the notion of the Dodgers always having big-league ready hitting prospects rings true.
For a league that has long prided itself on parity, the "loser-point" system, in place since 2001, has never made more of a mess than it has this season. With over a third of the schedule played as the NHL pauses for the break, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves six points out of a playoff spot with a 27-21-9 record. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights hold a 27-16-14 record. Both teams have 27 wins in 57 games, but because the Golden Knights' have five more losses occurring in overtime or a shootout, they earn extra points. Coupled with the fact that they play in a weak division, these two teams find themselves in very different situations despite identical win totals.
Now, I'm not arguing that the Leafs and Golden Knights are on perfectly equal footing. The Leafs have not played well and deserve their current standing. However, the Golden Knights' 27 wins are tied for 20th overall in the NHL. They are currently tied for third in wins within their own division, yet they still enjoy the privilege of holding the No. 1 seed in their divisional playoff bracket. At the current pace, there will be teams with enough wins to feel they should have advanced to the postseason, but they will fall short because they played in the wrong division or didn't accumulate enough "loser points" from overtime losses.
Simply put, the NHL has made reaching overtime a skill in itself, and it's hard to argue otherwise. The league is currently on pace to award the highest number of overtime "loser points" in a single season. Many observers have noted that third periods have become boring, particularly in the late stages of a tied game, as teams play more conservatively to guarantee themselves that single point.
Despite ranking 12th overall in points, the Vegas Golden Knights, Photo courtesy of NHL.com
Of the four major sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL), the NHL is the only one that insists on a divisional format for the playoffs. It's also the only league that awards different point values depending on whether a team loses in regulation or extra time. For comparison, the NFL does not award a "loser point" if a game isn't settled after overtime; it simply ends in a tie. While rare, ties have been happening more frequently there over the years.
The NHL's logic: the standings look closer when a team is only six points away from a spot. However, it is nearly impossible for trailing teams to make up ground when "three-point games" are constantly being awarded on out-of-town scoreboards. Interestingly, the NHL actually adopted the international three-point system (three for a regulation win, two for an overtime/shootout win, and one for an overtime loss) during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Many players have stated they prefer that format. Wouldn't you rather see your team play for more points in the third period instead of protecting the one they already have? While there may be little appetite for change in the near term, the league should certainly look at returning to the 1-8 conference seeding system that most players and fans prefer. At the very least, that would prevent situations seen in recent years where two of the top five overall teams are forced to meet in the first round.
I asked Gary Bettman whether he envisioned talking to the NHLPA about changing the playoff format in upcoming CBA talks, going back to the old 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7 etc format. An empathic No from the commissioner. He likes the format the way it is now.
The reality is that the league seems hesitant to change, likely because they haven't been truly embarrassed into it yet. But if a team finishes in the top 10 in wins this season and still misses the playoffs, that might finally spur the change we need.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 27: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on January 27, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NBA trade deadline didn’t have a superstar deal on the level of last year’s Luka Doncic-to-the-Lakers blockbuster, but there was still a major flurry of deals with some big names and fantastic role players on the move. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains with the Milwaukee Bucks for now, but Anthony Davis, James Harden, Darius Garland, and Ivica Zubac were just some of the players sent packing.
Contenders in both conferences got stronger, with the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks making minor moves around the edges to improve their bench, while the Oklahoma City Thunder finally cashed in a future first-round pick for a shooter, and the Minnesota Timberwolves added one of the game’s best reserve guards for absolutely nothing.
The Clippers don’t control their first-round pick until 2030, but they made a bold move to add future draft capital from another team at the cost of their most reliable player. Los Angeles made the painful decision to trade Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers, but they got an absolutely massive haul for him. The Clippers landed the Pacers’ unprotected 2029 pick, and their top-4 protected 2026 first-round pick, which has about a 50 percent chance of conveying. If the Pacers keep the 2026 pick, it turns into an unprotected 2031 first-rounder going to LA. It’s a phenomenal deal for the Clippers either way. Tyrese Haliburton is coming off an Achilles tear, so there’s no guarantee he’ll return to his previous form. Zubac had two more years left on an affordable contract, but by trading him now they extracted maximum value.
The Clippers also traded James Harden for Darius Garland, and got 10 years younger in the process. Garland has battled a nagging big toe injury, and it’s a scary sign that the Cavs were willing to move him. Still, the Clippers weren’t going anywhere with Harden this season, and Garland’s youth gives them an extended timeline to figure out their next move. The Clippers seemed to have a dark future before this week. Not anymore. Those Pacers picks are super high upside, and Garland has a chance to be really good for a long time if he can get healthy. The trade could absolutely still work out for Indiana if they land Cameron Boozer or Darryn Peterson in the draft (or A.J. Dybantsa or Caleb Wilson) and Haliburton comes back at full strength, but it’s a great value play for the Clippers either way.
Loser: Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were the most active team at the deadline, trading away half their roster including core players Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic for a haul of second-round picks. All of the Bulls’ moves were defensible in a vacuum, but the big picture shows just how mismanaged Chicago has been under lead executive Arturas Karnisovas. Chicago has made the playoffs just once with one playoff win since Karnisovas was hired. He could have returned a much greater package of assets if he made similar moves the last two years, but instead Chicago doomed itself to mediocrity. The Bulls probably already have too many wins to tank for 2026, and the 2027 and 2028 drafts both look weak for now. Chicago hasn’t won a playoff series since 2015, and they’re not going to win another one anytime soon. Owners Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf need to clean house with Karnisovas and head coach Billy Donovan and start fresh. At least the Bulls have all their draft picks moving forward and only one bad contract currently on the books (Patrick Williams’ $18 million annual deal for the next three seasons after this one), but there’s no way AK should be trusted to build this thing from the ground up.
Loser: Giannis Antetokounmpo
If Dwight Howard sent out this tweet during his prime, the Internet would still be making fun of him for it.
I like Giannis a lot, and part of me thinks it’s admirable that he ideally wants to stay in Milwaukee forever. If that’s the case though, why not send this tweet before the trade deadline? I predict the Bucks and Giannis will fight over his return to the court this season: the Bucks will want to tank because they can still pick as high as No. 2 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, and of course Giannis will want to get into the play-in tournament as the best player in the East. Maybe Giannis will use that battle as his reason for asking out again this summer. I just think this is lame by Giannis. He knows he can’t win in Milwaukee, and he’s wasting the last years of prime hoping the Bucks can pull off a miracle. Will Giannis sign an extension with the Bucks this summer? I doubt it. If he doesn’t, please remember this tweet.
Winner: Boston Celtics
The Celtics swapped Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic, which adds another big body to their front court for the playoff run. Even more importantly, they got out of the repeater tax without giving away a premium asset to do it. This is masterful work by Brad Stevens, and his bosses should love him forever for it.
I know that I shouldn’t be celebrating saving a billionaire some money, but the current CBA puts real team-building constraints on franchises that repeatedly pay the tax. The Celtics got out in a year where they are still really good without Jayson Tatum. When Tatum comes back, they will now have more flexibility to build a great team in the future. And hey, they still might win the East anyway.
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves’ bold bet on Rob Dillingham in the 2024 NBA Draft went bust. That’s a massive organizational failure, but at least Minnesota recouped some value for this upcoming playoff run by nabbing Ayo Dosunmu from the Bulls. Dosunmu is one of the best sixth men in the league, and he’s been having a special season in Chicago. The 26-year-old is shooting 45 percent from three, playing tough on-ball defense, and routinely hitting opposing defenses with sneak attacks to the rim. He’s a wonderful guard to pair with Anthony Edwards this season, and he could be a long-term keeper if the two sides can agree to a contract in free agency. Dillingham was never going to move the needle for a contender, but Dosunmu could.
Winner: Washington Wizards
I liked what the Wizards did buying very low on Trae Young and Anthony Davis this season. Young and AD make a ton of money, but that’s about the only thing the Wizards gave up to get them. Washington will still hope to hit the lottery for Boozer or Peterson this year, and if they do, suddenly they will have a nice core with Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, and Kyshawn George already in place. You can’t tank forever in the NBA, and the Wizards have done enough tanking already. With weaker 2027 and 2028 draft classes coming, Washington nabbed some stars on the cheap to help their young core develop. With Boozer or Peterson, this could be a feisty team in the Eastern Conference playoff race as soon as next season.
Loser: Sacramento Kings
The Kings weren’t trying to tank this year, they just ended up doing it on accident. Sacramento paid the price for trying to recreate the 2021-2024 Chicago Bulls in the Western Conference, and shockingly it was a spectacular failure. The Kings had to do something to get off Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, or Domantas Sabonis at the deadline, and yet all still remain on the roster after it passed. The only move the Kings made was a bad one, taking on De’Andre Hunter for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis. The Kings are just hopeless. Like Chicago, this fanbase deserves so much better.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 12: A view of Oracle Park and Mission Bay in San Francisco, California, United States on July 12, 2025. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
As we approach Spring Training and the beginning of the season, we’re going to be doing some questions for y’all about your thoughts about the San Francisco Giants and baseball in general!
Today’s question is what would a successful 2026 Giants season look like for you?
Personally, I’d take a winning record with meaningful baseball played until September. Meaning I’d like to see them in the hunt for a playoff spot late into the season. And I mean actually in the hunt, not a delusional belief that they could possibly, maybe, miraculously make something happen if every single thing goes right (but really they’re five teams back from a Wild Card slot.)
And the winning record, well, it’d just be nice to see the right side of .500 for a change. I’ve covered this team for a decade and they’ve managed a winning record just twice in that time. And those (2021 and 2016) were seasons where I came onboard towards the end of the year, so I don’t feel like that counts.
I’d also like to see Jung Hoo Lee have a full breakout season; Rafael Devers hit 34 home runs; and heck, let’s shoot for the moon and say I’d like to also see Logan Webb actually get the Cy Young Award he’s been flirting with for a half-decade. But those would just be bonuses/concessions.
What would a successful 2026 Giants season look like for you?
