There was a lot of noise surrounding Adam Fox’s comments last week regarding his future with the New York Rangers.
Upon his return to the lineup last week on Thursday night against the Philadelphia Flyers, Fox was asked if he wants to stick around with the Rangers through a retool, and his noncommittal answer raised some eyebrows.
“I'm just trying to focus on this year right now and play each game,” Fox said. “That's really all I could do right now. That’s a conversation for when we’re done playing.”
After the Rangers’ Monday night 5-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fox was given the opportunity to clarify his previous statement about his future.
However, he decided to go down a similar path, answering the question vaguely while giving no reassurances about where his head is at this season.
“Kind of the same,” Fox said of whether he had anything to add to his previous comments about his future. “We’re just trying to focus on games, myself included. Like you said, there's a lot going on, the deadline and everything. But I think all anyone can do right now is just take it day by day and try to bring a good effort, trying to bring a good attitude and obviously, go from there.”
Mercogliano reports that Fox wants to see how Drury handles the coming months and assess the state of the roster this summer before making a full-throated commitment to stick it out with the Blueshirts.
The 27-year-old defenseman holds a full no-movement clause through next season. Over the final two years of Fox’s contract, which expires in 2029, he’ll have a 16-team no-trade list.
There has been no immediate speculation that the Rangers are looking to entertain offers for Fox before the March 6 NHL Trade Deadline.
Unless I’m mistaken, today’s matchup against Team Brazil is the first time the ball club has ever competed against a World Baseball Classic team?? Can anyone fact check that? Google has really taken a dive and I’m having a difficult time locating any type of database that says otherwise. Although I want to say I remember there being an A’s vs Team Venezuela game back in 2017. Did I make that up? Classic case of the Mandela effect? Brent Rooker played the genie in Kazam!, right?
Making his A’s debut against Team Brazil is none other than Aaron Civale, who recently signed a one year deal worth about $6 million with the green and gold. Now I’d be lying to you if I said I was super pumped for the Civale era. Not very often does a pitcher with a 65.1 % flyball rate and a high 80s cutter get me all hot and bothered. In fact, I don’t think there’s ever been more of a turn off. That being said, his success is our success so I will gladly sit back and support.
Go Aaron!
I don’t see the righty going more than two innings today as it is his first outing. Still, it’ll be interesting to see him shake off the rust against Team Brazil’s trio of Nepo babies:
Lucas Ramirez (son of Manny Ramirez)
Do you think he knows that his pops is an A’s spring training legend?
Joseph Contreras (son of Jose Contreras)
Dante Bichette Jr. (I won’t patronize you fine readers)
There’s something very “Straight-to-Video” about this Team Brazil squad. But that doesn’t mean we should expect them to roll over. No, in fact Civale and the A’s should be careful as, if American Pie: Band Camp has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes greatness comes from places you’d least expect. It’s been over ten years since the last time Team Brazil punched their ticket to the WBC, and manager Daniel Yuichi Matsumoto, who was captain of that squad back then as a player, will be damned if the club doesn’t walk away from this whole affair without at least one victory. Beating the A’s could either be the feather in their cap when it’s all said and done, or the very victory that propels them towards being a cinderella team (they play Team USA on Friday btw).
It is worth noting, not a single position player on their roster has Major League experience. Literally not a single soul with a bat. With all due respect to Team Brazil, I hope the A’s put up fifteen runs. Losing isn’t the end of the world (baseball classic 😉 here but it is still embarrassing. Especially knowing that Mark Kiger has seen more action in the bigs than every one of their position players combined.
(In Robert Stack’s voice) UPDATE: I looked a bit harder and found that the A’s actually squared off against Team Colombia back in 2023 and…lost :/ Final score 3-2. Freddy Tarnok got the L. Brent Rooker did, however, go 2-2 with a walk.
I turned back the clock a little further and discovered that in 2017 and 2013, the A’s took two wins away from Team Italy, and 2009 saw them beat Team South Africa. MLB.com lists their match up against Team South Africa in 2006 as a scoreless exhibition, but according to SFGATE – – the A’s dropped thirteen runs on their heads while only giving up one.
Combing through these games made me curious to how they map out who plays who. Like why have the A’s played Team South Africa and Team Italy twice? Why is Team USA playing the Rockies and Giants this year? If anyone knows the answer to this question, please feel free to word vomit in the comments. If not, I’m sure our amazing broadcast team will hit us with a little trivia throughout the game.
Checkout the lineup below as we get ready for a fun little day of baseball!
Baseball has always been framed as pitcher versus hitter beneath the bright lights of a full stadium. But often, the decisive showdown happens somewhere less visible and far more difficult to quantify.
“Everybody knows mechanics now. Everybody knows what a good swing looks like,” said Mariners mental performance coach Adam Bernero. “The edge isn’t in spin rate. The edge is mindset. It’s who can fully express themselves with freedom.”
Bernero pitched for five MLB teams across parts of seven seasons, largely without the mental performance resources now embedded across the sport. In his current role with Seattle, his work centers on helping players manage pressure and uncertainty by understanding their own identities.
“Identity is a big one,” said Bernero. “Once guys are really comfortable in who they are, things tend to free up. If they’re trying to impress everybody else, they can’t be free in their bodies.”
Bernero can often be seen playing catch with players and hanging out near the cage. These routine and simple interactions can lead to meaningful breakthroughs.
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Logan Gilbert is one of many players who has worked closely with Bernero. His rise into one of the game’s top pitchers has coincided with an evolution in his mental process. He came to this realization after some initial struggles as a rookie.
“I kind of used to just bang my head against the wall — mechanics, mechanics, mechanics. And then if you’re still struggling, you start realizing maybe that isn’t the problem.”
For Bernero, each relationship is different and comes with its own dynamics. There isn’t always an immediate conversation after a bad game. Instead, Bernero spends time observing players, learning their tendencies, and recognizing when behavior or emotion falls outside of their normal patterns.
“He helps you understand yourself really well,” said Gilbert. “And then there are different things like breath work and mindfulness, walking, solitude.”
While Gilbert utilizes the tools he’s learned from Bernero over the years, he still doesn’t consider himself a finished product.
“It’s nuanced and complicated. The better you get, the more questions you have. It’s kind of peeling back layers on things that needed to be worked on.”
The approach isn’t unique to Seattle. Former major league outfielder James Jones understands the pressures and struggles that players face because he lived it. After injuries curtailed his playing career, Jones moved into mental performance work with the Rangers, helping players prepare not only for competition on the field, but for the expectations and scrutiny that come with reaching the major leagues.
“It’s really about understanding their personality, understanding how they tick,” said Jones. “It’s more of an art form than anything. Instead of just giving advice, our biggest thing is coming alongside the journey with them.”
Jones points to the Rangers’ preseason leadership camp, where prospects are introduced to on-field expectations and the realities of life in the major leagues. It’s part of an effort to ensure that when players arrive, the moment feels familiar rather than overwhelming.
Jones’ experience as a former player might build some initial credibility and trust in a clubhouse, but relationships ultimately sustain the work.
Brewers reliever Hoby Milner understands the mental side of the game through the daily uncertainty of relief pitching. For him, not knowing when he’ll pitch actually works to his advantage.
“Typically, I don’t like knowing the days I throw,” said Milner. “As a starter in the minor leagues, I would stress so much knowing, like, ‘The game rides on me today.’ When you know what’s going on, you can start spiraling some negative thoughts that way. When you don’t know, it’s easier to go with the flow. You’re always prepared, but you never know. It’s just, ‘Hey, you’re in.’ Okay, cool.”
Milner has been open about the mental challenges of the game and still navigates moments of self-doubt even as he’s found steady success over the past four seasons.
“Normally I go home after a bad outing and start talking to my wife about what I want to do after baseball. And she’s like, ‘Shut up, you’ll be fine.’ The next day I break it down — was it pitch selection, execution, stuff? — and try to get excited about making that adjustment next game.”
As Milner looks back at the winding road that brought him to the Cubs this offseason, he focuses on the value of controlling the things that he can control and not worrying about external factors.
In 2026, the pressures extend far beyond the field. Intense scrutiny comes with the territory of being an MLB player, including the perils of social media. It’s a challenge to block out the noise.
“What these guys have to go through with outside pressures is just extraordinary,” said Bernero. “I think if most fans saw what players get on their Instagram or Twitter feeds every day, they’d be shocked. And beyond that, just expectations — the season’s longer, and there’s not really much of an offseason anymore.”
Even for the best of us, social media is at times unavoidable. From Jones’ work with the Rangers, they try to find ways to help players think about coming at social media from a different perspective.
“Especially right now, social media can either be a trap or it can be an actual platform they use,” said Jones. “Once we shift the identity around social media — where they use it to actually impact the communities they’re going back to — we put a purpose to it rather than it just being a place to scroll.”
Baseball is defined by failure. Those failures are inevitable, and with it comes the pressure. The pressure to win, to earn the next contract, to keep a roster spot. The goal for Bernero is to help players understand themselves well enough to move through it.
“Success for me is joy and freedom,” Bernero said. “A lot of guys go through their careers without having any fun because they’re trying to be perfect. How can you enjoy the game you’ve played your whole life?”
With every pitch and every at-bat, the work continues. A quieter showdown unfolding beyond the traditional scouting report.
Get set for a key Atlantic Division showdown with our Knicks vs. Raptors computer picks!
Our data-driven system has crunched the numbers so you don't have to, delivering six NBA picks — three NBA player prop projections for each side — for Tuesday, March 3.
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Knicks computer picks
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 17.5 points (-115)
Projection: 19.3
Our projections are calling for Karl-Anthony Towns to beat this line by nearly two full points for a +17.49% EV edge. Our computer believes rebounding ability will give Towns the help he needs.
"Offensive rebounds continue possession and produce more chances for scoring and assists, and the New York Knicks rank 4th-best in in the league with 13.1 offensive rebounds per game this year."
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Josh Hart Under 5.5 assists (-155)
Projection: 4.5
Our system's second four-star play for the New York Knicks has Josh Hart finishing one full assist Under his current betting line. Tempo, or a lack thereof, will tell the story of this wager.
"The Knicks have played at the 6th-slowest pace-of-play in the NBA over the last 25 games. The Toronto Raptors have played at the 9th-most lethargic tempo in the league over the last 5 games in their home city, which ought to decrease possessions for the Knicks."
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OG Anunoby Over 4.5 rebounds (-115)
Projection: 5.2
As alluded to in the Towns bet, the Knicks are a terrific rebounding team. OG Anunoby has been helpful in that area all year long, pulling down 5.3 boards per game.
The Toronto Raptors are 12th-worst in the NBA in defensive rebound percentage.
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Raptors computer picks
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes (-105)
Projection: 1.9
This is a four-star play carrying a +13.66 EV edge. Here's why our computer is calling for Brandon Ingram to hit two or more triples tonight:
"The matchup against New York is a favorable one for three-pointers; when the New York Knicks are the visiting squad, opposing starting SFs have posted the highest three percentage in the NBA this year (48.0%)."
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Immanuel Quickley Over 5.5 assists (+115)
Projection: 5.8
Not only is Immanuel Quickley averaging 6.0 assists per game this season, but you're getting plus-money for him to match or better his season average tonight.
Our system calculates a 10.09% EV edge.
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RJ Barrett Over 1.5 threes (-112)
Projection: 1.8
Our computer is targeting another Raptors 3-pointer prop, this time with former Knick RJ Barrett. New York's defense has been vulnerable to the deep shot, surrendering an 11th-worst 13.7 per game, with shooting guards making hay, in particular.
"This year, the other team's starting SGs have shot 44.7% on threes (best in the league) vs. the New York Knicks."
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How to watch Knicks vs Raptors tonight
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet
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TORONTO — Mitchell Robinson isn’t going to shoot his free throws underhand. In his view, form isn’t the problem and granny style “is silly as hell.”
The issue, as Robinson laid out Tuesday, is the lack of outside shooting opportunities in practice, which negatively impacts his foul-shooting rhythm.
“I don’t get shots up like that [in practice]. I just do a lot of layups, hook shots, stuff like that,” Robinson, who is down to 39 percent from the charity stripe this season, said. “If you don’t get shots, you don’t know how it is. You’re not comfortable with it. So it’s just like — you’ve got to get some shots up. I do it in the summertime, and I’m straight. And I just get away from it.”
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson shoots free throws at practice on Jan. 6, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Robinson pointed at the proof of his rookie season, when he shot a career-best 60 percent and apparently there was more of an emphasis on his outside shot. His free-throw efficiency has been declining ever since.
“Like I said before, when I was getting up shots, rookie year, I was 60 percent,” Robinson said. “So if I get shots up, everything will be all right. Until then, it is what it is.”
To be clear, Robinson isn’t talking about practicing free throws. He does that plenty. He also slightly altered his shooting form before this season, believing that dribbling once before the shot instead of three would help with the mental aspect.
But the foul shots still aren’t falling — and Robinson believes it’s related to his offensive responsibilities being limited to rebounding, setting screens or putbacks.
The 27-year-old hasn’t attempted a field goal outside of the paint since the 2022-23 season. Almost all of his attempts are inside the restricted area. His workouts with the Knicks are geared toward that style, which isn’t the case when Robinson is training in the summer.
“If you’re not shooting shots — even if you’re not going to shoot them in the game, it’s still good to have that muscle memory like that,” Robinson said. “And also confidence [comes] with it, too. It goes hand in hand.”
Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Raptors, Robinson owned the lowest free-throw percentage, by far, among players with at least 80 attempts. Rudy Gobert was next at 50.2 percent. Robinson also spoke out in a recent Facebook post.
“If you ain’t comfortable with your shot you know what the result is gonna be,” Robinson posted recently. “When I’m not in New York in my offseason I get up shots not just layups all day. I make 10 in a row sometimes even 20 in a row but that’s after I get done running and shooting. It’s a big difference from just doing layups and also let’s face the fact usually it takes maybe 11-16 [times up and down the court] before I touch the ball. I’m not complaining about it. I expected it for what it is.”
The foul shooting became a hot-button topic in last year’s playoffs, when the Celtics and Pistons began intentionally hacking Robinson with regularity. Robinson becomes a liability if he’s not hitting his foul shots, especially in a playoff setting, so it could also limit his minutes.
“Nah,” Robinson said when asked if he’s ever tried underhand free throws. “I feel like that’s silly as hell.”
Mitchell Robinson prepares to shoot a free throw during the Knicks’ game against the Cavaliers on Feb. 24, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Other than his foul-shooting woes, Robinson has been a success story this season. He’s again leading the East in offensive rebounds per game despite averaging just 19.4 minutes. That presence under the glass has changed results into victories for the Knicks, like Robinson’s strong performance Sunday over the Spurs.
“That’s like my job. That’s my job on this team. Bring energy off the bench,” Robinson said. “That’s what I try to do every night when I play. So continue to do that.”
He’s also remained healthy for the first time in three years while adhering to a load management program. Robinson doesn’t play back-to-backs, which is why the center isn’t expected to play Wednesday’s home game against the mighty Thunder after Tuesday’s contest in Toronto.
Coach Mike Brown determines which of the two back-to-back games Robinson will play.
“It wasn’t my choice,” Robinson said. “I let coaches decide which game they want me to play.”
NEW YORK — Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension by Major League Baseball for a possible second failed test for a performance-enhancing drug, a person familiar with the issue told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the process, first reported by ESPN, was ongoing.
Profar intends to ask the players’ association to file a grievance to appeal any discipline to baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F, Scheinman, a second person familiar with the process said, also on condition of anonymity, because no announcement had been made.
Because this would be Profar’s second infraction, an appeal would take place after a suspension was announced.
An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
His agent, Dan Lozano, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and finished with a .245 average, 14 homers, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games. He batted .280 in 2024, when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.
Profar said at the start of spring training that he had sports hernia surgery in November, requiring a six-week recovery time. He has appeared in four spring training games this year, going 3 for 10 with three RBIs.
A native of Curaçao, Profar had been set to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
Under the suspension, he would be ineligible for the postseason.
Profar would lose his $15 million salary for this year as part of a $42 million, three-year contract through 2027. He lost half his $12 million salary in 2025 due to the initial suspension.
Four players have been suspended previously this year for positive tests, including free agent outfielder Max Kepler for 80 games under the major league program following a positive test for Epitrenbolone.
Following the offseason signing of left fielder Mike Yastrzemski to a $23 million, two-year deal, Profar had been targeted to be the Braves’ primary designated hitter.
When catcher Sean Murphy returns from a hip injury, perhaps in May, 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could fill in at DH when not behind the plate.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the outfield, Eli White could be a DH option. The Braves also are without projected starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury. Mauricio Dubon, expected to serve a utility role, is scheduled to open the season as the starting shortstop.
The loss of Profar could create an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league deal on Feb. 17.
Sep 13, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Ryan Bergert (38) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Is it Spring Training? Is it the World Baseball Classic? It’s both!
Today’s Royals game is an exhibition against Cuba. Which is fun! I like these contests; it’s not everyday that you get exhibitions against an entire country’s national team.
You’ll also notice who’s not in the lineup: Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Jac Caglianone. That’s because they’re elsewhere, with Team USA and Team Italy.
Royals 3/3 lineup
Meanwhile, Cuba will field a roster headlined by Yoan Moncada as well as multiple other big league players.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners swings during the game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a restful off-day, the Mariners are back in action today with another televised game. J.P. Crawford returns to the lineup today at DH for the first time since the opening game of spring training, while Bryan Woo makes his second start of the spring. This is also the first time the Mariners are seeing the Angels this spring, although this traveling lineup probably isn’t representative of the team they’ll see in Anaheim.
Lineups:
Scheduled to pitch behind Woo are Michael Morales, Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, Domingo González, and Robinson Ortiz. Wilcox, Legumina, and Ortiz are three of the pile guys I’m most interested in watching, so that should be interesting.
No Trout for the visiting Angels. George Klassen, who was part of the return from the Phillies in the Carlos Estevez trade, gets the start for the Angels.
Old friend Tayler Saucedo is scheduled to appear for the Angels.
Game information:
Game time: 12:10 PT
TV: Mariners.tv
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports (delayed); listen live on the Seattle Sports app or Gameday
Looking ahead: Cooper Criswell will start tomorrow’s game at San Francisco; Luis Castillo will start Thursday’s game against the Padres.
Also of note:
There are some WBC scrimmages going on today. Of note for Mariners fans: Team Canada vs. Toronto is currently underway, as is Colombia vs. Pittsburgh. Sadly, the Cubs – Team Italy game featuring Dominic Canzone batting cleanup isn’t available, but you can tune in right now to Team USA scrimmaging against San Francisco on ESPN, or Team Mexico vs. Arizona if you have MLB TV. At 3 PT, you can see the Dominican Republic take on Detroit, Puerto Rico vs. Boston, or Venezuela vs. Houston. We could put up a separate thread for those later games if there’s interest; otherwise, feel free to use this one to chat WBC as well as Mariners.
The Toronto Raptors have taken care of business this season, winning the games they’re supposed to, positioning themselves well in the East.
However, things have been a little less smooth against tougher competition. On top of that, tonight’s opponent, the New York Knicks, has owned them.
My Knicks vs. Raptors predictions break down why it could be a tough night in The Six for the home team.
That and more NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash, which is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Tuesday, March 3.
Knicks vs Raptors prediction
Knicks vs Raptors best bet: Knicks -2.5 (-112)
The Toronto Raptors sit in fifth place in the East, but are just 15-18 when facing teams above .500 this season.
They’ve also made a habit of going up by double-digits against good teams before blowing the lead late in games.
The New York Knicks are a good team. Not only that, but the Knicks have owned the Raptors. New York has beaten Toronto in 11 consecutive meetings dating back to 2023, covering the spread all but once.
Both teams are Top 10 defensively, but the Raps can’t match the Knicks offensively. New York’s dominance over Toronto continues.
Knicks vs Raptors same-game parlay
The Knicks blew out the Raptors when they last met back on January 28, 119-92.
Former Raptor OG Anunoby put up 26 points in that game, and has found his shooting rhythm again in the last two games. Take OG to burn his old team once again.
Another place the Knicks have an edge over the Raptors is on the glass. New York ranks fifth in rebounding rate, Toronto is 15th.
Take Mikal Bridges to go Over his rebounding prop of 3.5. It's a number he’s topped in eight of his last 12 games.
Jalen Brunson, averaging 26.7 ppg, is capable of going off at any time, like he did with 35 points vs. Toronto on Dec. 9 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Knicks vs Raptors SGP
RJ Barrett Over 17.5 points
Immanuel Quickley Over 17.5 points
OG Anunoby Over 15.5 points
Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points
Knicks vs Raptors odds
Spread: Knicks -2.5 | Raptors +2.5
Moneyline: Knicks -120 | Raptors +140
Over/Under: Over 222 | Under 222
Knicks vs Raptors betting trend to know
The Knicks are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 meetings against the Raptors. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Raptors.
How to watch Knicks vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
MSG, Sportsnet
Knicks vs Raptors latest injuries
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The Chicago Blackhawks made a notable move on Monday, as they traded defenseman Connor Murphy to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a second-round pick. The Blackhawks moving Murphy was not surprising, as he was the subject of trade rumors for quite some time due to his pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) status.
Now, with the Blackhawks trading Murphy, one of their promising young defensemen is getting another chance on the NHL roster.
The Blackhawks called up defenseman Ethan Del Mastro with Murphy being traded. Now, Del Mastro has a golden opportunity to show what he can do during his latest opportunity on the Blackhawks' roster.
After appearing in a career-high 24 NHL games last season with the Blackhawks, Del Mastro has only played in two games so far this campaign with Chicago. The Blackhawks' defensive depth made it hard for Del Mastro to crack the Blackhawks' roster this campaign, but with Murphy now gone, it has opened the door for him to get another look on Chicago's roster.
Del Mastro has certainly earned this latest call-up from Chicago, as he is having a solid year in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs. In 45 games, the 6-foot-4 defenseman has recorded two goals, 16 assists, 18 points, and a plus-1 rating. This is after he had nine assists in 47 games with Rockford last season.
Del Mastro is a solid prospect who Blackhawks fans should be excited to see back on the NHL roster. It will be fascinating to see how much of an impact he can make with Chicago, but there is no question that the 22-year-old has a great opportunity here.
DALLAS, TX - JANUARY 29: Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks waits for the rebound on January 29, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The careers of Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel will be inexorably linked throughout their time in the NBA. That’s bound to happen when you have two teammates who are close friends, college roommates, Top 5 picks, and both on the precipice of revolutionizing the NBA. Perception of these two players couldn’t have been more different when they were selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, but as we sit here in March it’s shaping up to be one of the the tightest NBA Rookie of the Year races in history.
Anointed for brilliance from the jump, Flagg was the most highly-touted U.S.-born prospect since LeBron James. A can’t-miss, generational talent, poised to transform a franchise, and there’s very little argument that he hasn’t lived up to the billing. The Mavericks are a mediocre team, still reeling from their disastrous Luka Doncic trade —but Flagg has been a bright spot. Dallas’ goal this season isn’t the playoffs, but rather having coach Jason Kidd throw so much usage at Flagg to get him the reps to be an even more complete player in the future.
Flagg would run away with the Rookie of the Year award without much resistance if this were any normal season, but the call is coming from inside the house. Kon Knueppel has been the NBA’s most surprising player, on the league’s most surprising team, changing the face of the Charlotte Hornets franchise in a way nobody expected. Instead of being the sidekick, a glue guy, or a plug-and-play shooter who would be additive, but not transformative, Knueppel has instead become a tone setter and culture changer for a Hornets team surging in the standings to find themselves in a play-in sport, with aspirations they could finish even higher and land a legitimate playoff series.
Kon Knueppel should be the NBA’s rookie of the year by every tangible metric. The only thing standing in his way is the weight of expectation placed on Flagg, and an unwavering belief that Flagg has to win the award as a building block of his eventual legacy. The reality is that while Flagg has been great, Kon has been better.
The raw numbers
If we remove all context from both players’ performances, it would be easy for a casual box score watcher to assume that Flagg has been ahead of Knueppel this season.
Cooper Flagg: 20.4 pts, 6.6 reb, 4.1 ast Kon Knueppel: 19.3 pts, 5.5 reb, 3.5 ast
Its close, but Flagg’s numbers are higher, there’s no arguing that. There is a chance that Knueppel sees his overall totals rise further, but an even greater chance that Flagg pulls ahead even more — unless he’s sidelined due to injury, which is a real concern. The difference between these two players really shines when we get inside these basic numbers to contextualize each player’s performance.
What advanced stats say
It’s here that Knueppel blows Flagg out of the water, and they’re barely comparable as a result. Knueppel is shooting better in every area, with a 48.9 FG%, 44.0 3P%, and 87.8 FT% to Flagg’s 48.2/30.2/80.4 — but even more pronounced are the advanced metrics.
When it comes to true shooting percentage (TS%), which weighs threes, twos, and three throws to give an overall picture of shooting efficiency, there’s nobody like Kon Knueppel in the NBA this season. He is 14th in the NBA in TS% at 65.1. Cooper Flagg, for comparison, sits at 140th in the league at 51.5%.
In addition, Knueppel leads the NBA in 3P% among the 23 players who have attempted over 400 shots from beyond the arc this season. Only two other players in the league have shot over 40% on 400+ attempts: Collin Gillespie of the Suns (42.3%) and Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Pistons (40.3%). To put this in context Stephen Curry, the greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, has only shot above 44% from three on over 400 attempts four times in his career — Knueppel is doing it as a rookie.
The three-point shooting is a mammoth part of Knueppel’s resume, because he broke the single-season record for threes made by a rookie and did in 59 games. At this point it’s his record to stretch until the end. The trap is to assume that the shooting is all there is to Knueppel’s game, which is painfully far from the truth. Not only is he putting up elite numbers, but he’s dramatically helping the Hornets win games.
Knueppel ranks 21st in the NBA in win share with a +6.1, having a profound impact that’s almost equal to Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs (+6.2), and above Anthony Edwards (+5.8). While Flagg is still having an impactful year, his +3.2 win share ranks 111th.
You can go down the list of advanced metrics and Knueppel is lapping Flagg this season. Flagg is getting far more touches per game as the Mavericks make him the focal point of their entire offense, but Knueppel is having much more of an impact on the game with the opportunities he’s given.
Player
TS%
WS
OFF +/-
DEF +/-
EPM
Efficiency Rank
Cooper Flagg
56%
3.2
0.1
-0.5
-0.4
198
Kon Knueppel
65.20%
6.1
3.1
0
3
30
What’s the argument against Knueppel?
The core argument on putting Flagg as Rookie of the Year over Knueppel circles back to the expectations entering this season. The Mavericks are routing their entire offense through Flagg, and while that’s giving him a lot of experience being “the guy” in the NBA, it’s also hurting his efficiency. Meanwhile, Knueppel is a piece is a larger puzzle in Charlotte. On any given night he’s the second or third scoring option behind Brandon Miller, and sometimes LaMelo Ball. It’s certainly true that the biggest difference between Hornets wins and losses is having Knueppel as that ancillary offensive option, but he’s still not being asked to carry the load.
That has an impact on perception, which is impossible to ignore. It’s part of the eye test when it comes to watching both players on the court without digging into the stats. Every advanced metric might prove that Knueppel has been the better player, but turn on a game and Flagg looks like the centerpiece of a team, while Kon appears to be a piece in the puzzle.
The race for the NBA rookie of the year is coming down to the wire. A midfoot injury has sidelined Flagg and could be the difference maker in the race, but when the dust settles the arguments for rookie of the year are tantamount to bragging rights for fans, and little more. The holistic view is that both former Duke teammates could be taking over the NBA in different ways very, very soon — one as the all-encompassing, do-everything superstar, while the other is laying the groundwork for a potential run at Steph Curry’s three-point record. We can appreciate the individual brilliance of both, and just be happy we get to see two young stard shine, without trying to pit them against each other or diminish either’s accomplishments.
Peoria, AZ - February 19: Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres throws during a spring training practice on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
San Diego Padres at Chicago White Sox, March 3, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST
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A Nazem Kadri reunion in Colorado once felt like wishful thinking. Now, it feels possible.
As trade chatter intensifies around the Calgary Flames forward, the idea of him returning to the Colorado Avalanche is gaining legitimate traction. With the deadline approaching and contenders looking to separate themselves from the pack, Kadri is emerging as one of the most intriguing names potentially available — and Colorado suddenly checks every box as a landing spot.
Nazem Kadri could be useful in the shootout as well.
Reports of Kadri being available date back to training camp, but the noise has grown significantly after word surfaced that the 35-year-old would welcome a move to a Stanley Cup contender. That development alone changes the market. Kadri isn’t just a veteran scorer — he’s a proven playoff performer who can tilt a series.
Several teams have been mentioned as possible fits, including the Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, and Montreal Canadiens. But Colorado is the team generating the most traction — and for good reason.
After moving Samuel Girard to the Pittsburgh Penguins last week, the Avalanche created roughly $9.8 million in cap space. That kind of breathing room gives them the ability to swing big without gutting the roster. If they want to add a true difference-maker down the middle, they can.
Right now, Colorado is relying on Jack Drury as its third-line centre. He’s been solid, but that spot feels like a clear area to upgrade before the playoffs. Kadri, who leads the Flames with 41 points, would be a major boost in that role — and head coach Jared Bednar knows exactly what he brings in high-pressure games.
Talks Picking Up
Momentum behind the talks appears to be building.
“Definitely, things are picking up with talks between the Avalanche and the Flames,” Chris Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show.
“Right now, the way it looks is that Colorado could be at the front of list. We’re down to one phone call territory now, where everything could change at a moment’s notice.”
Kadri spent three seasons in Colorado and played a key role in the franchise’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, posting a career-high 87 points that year. The organization wanted to keep him at the time but simply couldn’t make the numbers work under the cap.
Now, the situation is different.
Kadri still has term remaining on his contract through the 2028-29 season, carrying a $7 million cap hit along with a 13-team no-trade clause. That long-term commitment is something Colorado would need to weigh carefully. While the cap hit is manageable now, it could create challenges down the road as other core players come up for new deals.
But windows don’t stay open forever.
Could we see this again? Credit: Geoff Burke
The Avalanche sit first in the NHL standings and look every bit like a legitimate Cup threat again. Adding a familiar, battle-tested centre who thrives in big moments might be the move that separates a contender from a champion.
If the Flames are serious about moving Kadri — and if Colorado is serious about maximizing this season — this reunion may not just be talk for much longer.
Adric and me immediately after Game 7 of the World Series at Rogers Centre. November 2, 2025. | Michael Elizondo / True Blue LA
A new year, a new Guide trailer. Please enjoy.
Once again, we have reached the time of year when I write out where I have been and where I plan to go in the coming year, for year five, the planned final year of field research for True Blue LA.
Wait. Final? Are you quitting?
Never, but there comes a moment where prudence is required.
If I could take a moment, I have had the adventure of a lifetime traveling to Dodger games since April 2021, and as a professional since January 2022. If you told me at the Oakland Coliseum that an evening out after being vaccinated for COVID, where Cody Bellinger broke his leg, would be the starting gun to an adventure that would take me all over the world, including Game 7 of the World Series, I would look at you as if you had gone mad.
For five years, the movements of my life have been dictated in part by the baseball schedule.
I will complete the circuit in 2026. Then, once I look out at the Philadelphia skyline after my visit, I anticipate a feeling of quiet accomplishment.
Once the entire baseball 2027 schedule is published, I will get to go where I want to go, rather than having my mindset be “where have I not been yet and how do I mark that location off my list?”
If and when baseball expands, I will return to the road, be it Las Vegas, Nashville, Salt Lake City, or Portland. But generally limiting myself to the Western divisions or wherever Mom wants to go (for as long as she wants to go) is a state of play that I am genuinely looking forward to.
But before we start our final run, let us check the final score of my visits during the Dodgers’ 2025 title run. The table will look best in landscape mode if you are reading this article from a mobile device.
The results of the 2025 itinerary of field research for the Guide
Date of Game
Opponent, Stadium, and City
Result
Overall Record
Starting Pitcher
March 18, 2025
Cubs, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
W, 4-1
1-0
Yamamoto
March 19, 2025
Cubs, Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan
W, 6-3
2-0
R. Sasaki
April 18, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
W, 3-0
3-0
Yamamoto
April 19, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
L, 4-3
3-1
R. Sasaki
April 20, 2025
Rangers, Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
W, 1-0
4-1
Glasnow
July 13, 2025
Bonus – Giants, Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
W, 5-2/11
5-1
Yamamoto
August 15, 2025
Padres, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
W, 3-2
6-1
Kershaw
August 16, 2025
Padres, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
W, 6-0
7-1
Snell
September 2, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 9-7
7-2
Kershaw
September 3, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 3-0
7-3
Sheehan
September 4, 2025
Pirates, PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
L, 5-3
7-4
Snell
September 5, 2025
Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
L, 2-1
7-5
Ohtani
September 6, 2025
Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
L, 4-3
7-6
Yamamoto
September 7, 2025
Bonus – Orioles, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD
Woof. That September losing streak built character and honestly tested my sanity a little. Still, things worked out in the end.
Being present to watch the Dodgers in three countries and two continents in 2025 is the weirdest flex I will ever have as a Dodger fan. Honestly, I am surprised how often I saw Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Clayton Kershaw pitch in the last campaign. It’s not seeing Walker Buehler more often than his mother in 2021, but considering I try to halve my workload when compared to the 2021 amateur campaign, proportions matter.
Being at Kershaw’s actual regular-season farewell is something I do not think I will ever forget.
If one factors in the inaugural amateur year of 2021, the Dodgers are now 62-38 with me in attendance in 27 major league cities and Tokyo. The team is also 2-0 in postseason play with me in attendance. Admittedly, Game 7 of the 2025 World Series has infinitely more cachet than Game 2 of the 2021 National League Division Series in San Francisco.
Accordingly, it is time to complete this five-year mission. I plan to visit my final three MLB stadiums in 2026: Daikin Park (Houston), New Yankee Stadium (the Bronx), and Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia). Considering the Dodgers’ recent history in these venues, I will have my work cut out for me as a visiting Dodgers fan.
The 2026 itinerary of field research for the Guide
Behold — my travels to complete the circuit. Again, the table will look best in landscape mode if you are reading this article from a mobile device. In the grand scheme of things, I am well ahead of schedule this year compared to the past couple of years.
Stop Number
Dates of Games
Opponent, Stadium, and City
Comments, if Any
1a
May 2-3
Cardinals, Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
1b
May 4-6
Astros, Daikin Park, Houston, TX
Stadium 28
2
May 23-24
Brewers, American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
Going for Bernie’s Slide
3
June 13-14
White Sox, Rate Field, Chicago, IL
First visit since 2024
4a
July 17-19
Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Stadium 29
4b
July 20-22
Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Stadium 30
5
August 17-18
Rockies, Coors Field, Denver, CO
Annual trip with Mom
I plan to attend 17 games in seven cities over five trips. I could take or leave going to St. Louis, but considering that weekend, I would just be sitting at home before flying to Houston, for a few hundred more, I would rather watch the Dodgers in person.
Admittedly, while it would be nice to return to Toronto (April), Minneapolis (May), or Cincinnati (September), sometimes there is valor in saying no. My funds are not infinite, as my tax return reminds me on a now-annual basis. Besides, I really should not press my luck (Toronto) or wait until the next cycle (Minneapolis).
I had originally planned to go to San Diego this season, but the Murakami signing in Chicago swayed me. Moreover, I get the chance to meet up with friends in Chicago, which also prompted my return to Milwaukee. Molly Knight is doing an event with her readers in three ballparks in Chicago and Milwaukee over Memorial Day weekend, and I figured it would be fun to tag along for the Milwaukee/Dodgers portion of the trip.
With that idea in mind, I am going to do something I once planned to challenge David Vassegh to do: I am going to challenge Bernie’s Slide in Milwaukee, while also ghost-hunting at the Pfister Hotel. Apparently, to do the Slide, I need a buddy, which was not the rule when I last visited. Am I going to be blasting the Ghostbusters Theme on a loop while in Milwaukee? Probably.
Mom did not want to go back to Dodger Stadium in 2026, and I do not blame her for that decision one bit. Accordingly, she has chosen Denver for our annual trip in 2026, which should be fun. There is a mostly-zero probability I conclude my 2026 shenanigans in Cincinnati, but for now, what you see above is the plan.
While I hope to achieve a goal I first set out to do in 2021 this year, by definition, it will not be as epic as completing the lifelong bucket list items I managed to complete in 2025, when I went to Japan. I am very much looking forward to completing my circuit of MLB ballparks this season.
“Home” Games
Since I have returned to the Bay Area, and with the now-Sacramento Athletics’ departure from Oakland, the closest ballpark to me is, once again, Oracle Park. Joy.
My general rule for Oracle Park remains: I do not go to games in San Francisco unless I am with friends and family, because I have been to Oracle Park far too many times for any novelty to remain. I covered Oracle Park in its Guide entry. It’s fine, even though I serve as a personification of the living bane of the San Francisco Giants, who are 8-15 in my presence at Oracle Park.
If folks wish to go to Oracle Park and invite me, here are the dates for the upcoming year:
April 21-23
September 25-27 (weekend series, regular season finale)
While Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, CA, is about an hour away, I will still not attend when the Dodgers are there for two reasons.
First, I still do not want to. Second, while the Dodgers will, unfortunately, visit Sacramento in 2026, I will write up what can best be described as an anti-Guide entry explaining why Dodgers fans should not give John Fisher their hard-earned money. Moreover, even the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets will visit Sutter Health Park while I am on the East Coast, completing the circuit.
Please holler if you wish me to tag along on any adventure to any of the above-listed ballparks.
If folks want to join me on the road, please reach out as soon as possible—the more, the merrier, as I always say. The meetups I had in Tokyo, Baltimore, and Seattle were great fun.
I have been at this long enough that I am getting recognized more often in the field, which is still both confusing and neat. As always, please say hello, unless I am in the bathroom or eating.
As for upcoming Guide entries, given that the Dodgers return to Detroit and Rate Field this year, you can bet I will have new or updated entries ready for potential travelers. Please look forward to it!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 02: Pitcher Clayton Kershaw #22 of Team USA fields a ground ball during a workout at Papago Park Sports Complex on March 02, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Clayton Kershaw may be done with Major League Baseball, but as the World Baseball Classic nears, the greatest left-hander of our generation has one more box to tick. For the first time in his career, Kershaw will represent the United States of America in the World Baseball Classic, and in preparation for that assignment, Kershaw took the field at Papago Sports Complex in Arizona as part of a team workout.
Speaking to the media, Kershaw displayed a self-awareness of his current limitations: “I think for our country’s sake, it’s better if I don’t,” he said of a potential matchup with Shohei Ohtani. However, the competitor in him remains: “I can’t imagine, if it comes down to USA versus Japan, with the arms that we have, that I’ll be needed. But I’ll be ready.”
Kershaw’s importance to the US team may be more important than originally thought, as Bill Shaikin of the LA Times notes: what looked to be a stout rotation for the US team is taking several blows—Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, and Paul Skenes will all have certain limitations about how often they can pitch in this tournament—the reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young will only pitch once, for instance.
MLB even published a small clip of Kershaw warming up wearing the American colors.
Kershaw made an appearance on the Pat McAfee show as well, in which he discussed the process of his retirement. The left-hander emphasized the gradual decline of his fastball velocity, the challenges of rehabbing from surgeries, and the eventual realization that it was time to call it quits at the end of 2025.
Continuing the World Baseball Classic theme—despite being currently sidelined recovering from surgery—Kiké Hernández will soon leave the Dodgers facilities to join the Puerto Rico team, reports Jack Harris, who also notes Kyle Tucker’s current absence from Dodger camp, as he and his wife are expecting a child. Lastly, according to Harris, Tommy Edman has already started taking swings, a promising sign in his rehab, although he is unlikely to feature in any games this spring.
Some other Dodgers camp notes:
— Kyle Tucker is back home right now, with his wife expecting
— Kiké Hernández is gonna leave camp soon to be around Team Puerto Rico for the WBC (he obv won’t play, but has dyed his hair)
— Tommy Edman has started swinging in the cage, but is…
Reasoning For Rangers Continuing To Hold Adam Edström Out Of The Lineup Will Adam Edström return to the New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/">Rangers</a>' lineup soon?
David Shovein
Knicks
Raptors
