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Three names to watch in New York Knicks' search for a new head coach

New York has pushed its chips all in.

Firing Tom Thibodeau was a bold move, whether you think it was team president Leon Rose's call or owner James Dolan's. Thibodeau made the Knicks better. They had made the playoffs four times in the 20 years preceding his arrival, winning one playoff series. In five years with Thibodeau as the coach, the Knicks went to the playoffs four times and won four playoff series, coming within two wins of the NBA Finals this season. Thibs brought some stability, built a culture, and got buy-in from the players.

However, if Rose and Dolan are convinced Tom Thibodeau couldn't get this roster over the hump — and they are singularly focused on "winning a championship for our fans," as Rose said in his statement — then firing him to bring in a coach with greater championship equity is the right move. New York upgraded the roster this season, trading everything to land Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns; this team is as "win now" as it gets. Even if that "win now" roster has notable flaws.

Who are the Knicks going to hire as a new head coach that puts them over the top? They are reportedly looking for a coach more willing to trust his bench (which should involve offseason moves to upgrade that bench, making it more trustworthy). Here are three names to watch.

Michael Malone

The dots are easy to connect: Malone is a native New Yorker (born in Queens), is represented by CAA (Rose's former company with deep Knicks ties), and he has proven he can coach a championship team, taking Denver to its first-ever title. There should be no doubt that if the Knicks brought in Malone, he would keep the team near the top of the East.

Let go by Denver just before the end of the season, part of the conflict between him and also fired GM Calvin Booth was that Malone wasn't trusting the youth on the roster and playing them enough. The sense was that he leaned too heavily on Nikola Jokic and the starters through the regular season, leading them to wear down. Sound familiar?

Malone is the biggest name and arguably the best coach available on the open market. He would do an outstanding job. But is Malone the upgrade the Knicks need, or just Thibodeau 2.0?

Jay Wright

Like Malone, the dots here are easy to connect: Wright coached Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges at Villanova, and while he was winning NCAA titles he drew the interest of a number of NBA teams trying to lure him to the professional ranks. His coaching style and preferred style of play fit the NBA.

The question here is simple: Does the former Villanova coach want the job? People who know him say no.

Johnnie Bryant

Bryant is not a household name, but if I were a betting man, this is where I would put my money.

Bryant was the Knicks' associate head coach under Thibodeau from 2020 through 2024, when he was hired away to be the associate head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers under Kenny Atkinson, helping that team make a leap during the regular season. Bryant is currently one of the two finalists for the Phoenix Suns’ head coaching job (is it a coincidence that he's up for another job and the Knicks make this move?). He was well-respected by Knicks players during his time in New York.

Bryant is a guy ready for his first NBA head coaching job, but should that job be in the bright lights of New York with a contending team? If the Knicks are trying to lure big names to come to New York via trade and sign an extension, do they want to play for an untested first-time head coach? Hiring Bryant is a massive risk by the Knicks, but it might be the right call.

Other longer-shot names to watch: Former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, UConn coach Dan Hurley, former Hornets head coach and current Pelicans assistant James Borego, Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn.

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Jazz Chisholm Jr. homers in return to power Yankees to 3-2 win over Guardians

Jazz Chisholm Jr. returned from the IL with a bang, hitting a go-ahead home run in the Yankees' 3-2 win over the Guardians on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

Chisholm Jr. played his first game since April, starting at third base and delivering two hits.

Here are the takeaways...

-The Yankees' offense was befuddled by Tanner Bibee for the first part of the game, being no-hit into the fifth inning. Chisholm Jr. broke the no-no with a bloop single. But Chisholm's dynamic speed would prove a good addition for the Yankees, as a J.C. Escarra walk put Jazz into scoring position when DJ LeMahieu singled to plate the game's first run.

After Trent Grisham reached on an error to load the bases with two outs, Ben Rice grounded out to end the threat.

Chisholm wasn't done impacting this game, however. He would hit a leadoff homer in the seventh to put the Yanks back on top, 2-1. Anthony Volpe followed with a solo shot of his own, the seventh of the shortstop's season.

-There wasn't much offense to speak of in this one. The Yankees mustered just five hits and two walks against Guardians pitching. Aaron Judge finished 0-for-2 with two walks, dropping his average to .387.

-Carlos Rodon continued his hot stretch of starts on Tuesday. After allowing a first-inning single to Jose Ramirez that put him trouble, the southpaw retired 17 straight Guardians. Ramirez broke Rodon's streak with a leadoff single in the seventh and came around to score after stealing second and reaching home on a David Fry single. It broke a streak of 20 straight scoreless innings from Rodon.

Despite some hard contact and shoddy defense, Rodon pitched out of trouble in the seventh to keep the score tied 1-1.

Rodon finished with 93 pitches (64 strikes) through seven innings, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out eight.

-With Luke Weaver on the IL, the shortened bullpen was tested, but passed. Mark Leiter Jr. bounced back from his bad outing in Los Angeles to pitch a scoreless eighth inning, and Devin Williams was called upon to pitch the ninth. He allowed a one-out double and the runner to score on a two-out single by pinch-hitter Daniel Schneemann. After a mound visit from pitching coach Matt Blake, Williams bounced back to get Bo Naylor to fly out and close his sixth game of the season.

The Guardians made Williams work, making him throw 30 pitches thanks to a ton of foul balls.

Game MVP: Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm's prints were all over this game. He was the only Yankee to have multiple hits, and his homer put the team ahead for good. He also played a solid third base in his first start at the hot corner since last season.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees and Guardians continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Clarke Schmidt (2-2, 3.95 ERA) will take the mound, while the Guardians will have Luis L. Ortiz (2-6, 4.40 ERA) on the bump.

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Nick Kyrgios suffers fresh injury setback with Australian to miss Wimbledon again

  • Kyrgios has not played at All England Club since losing 2022 final

  • Ongoing knee problem rules him out of this year’s grand slam in London

Nick Kyrgios’s Wimbledon absence will stretch into a third year after the Australian tennis maverick suffered a fresh injury setback.

Kyrgios has not played at Wimbledon since losing the 2022 final to Novak Djokovic, after a combination of knee, foot and wrist injuries.

Continue reading...
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Mets' Frankie Montas roughed up in first Triple-A rehab outing

Mets right-hander Frankie Montas had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, and his time on the mound hours later didn't go exactly according to plan.

Working his way back from a months-long lat strain, Montas took a beating against the Blue Jays' affiliate, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out four. While he reached 61 pitches (43 strikes) and stretched out to four-plus innings of work, half of the hits were home runs and three were even to the same player, Will Robertson.

Montas looked much sharper last Thursday in his second rehab start for High-A Brooklyn. In that outing, the 32-year-old allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while fanning three across three frames. He also threw 49 pitches (28 strikes).

Of course, Tuesday's pitching line wasn't pretty. But the good news is that Montas completed the assignment, and barring some setback, he might need only one more rehab appearance before rejoining the Mets' active roster within the next week or so.

Shortly after Montas' exit on Tuesday, top prospect Nolan McLean entered in relief, striking out six across four innings of two-run ball (72 pitches). His season ERA now sits at 2.63.

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Mets place Mark Vientos on 10-day IL, option Max Kranick in flurry of roster moves

The Mets have made a flurry of roster moves to accommodate the promotion of Ronny Mauricio, and one of them is an unfortunate one.

New York officially placed Mark Vientos on the 10-day IL with a right hamstring strain he suffered in Monday's extra-innings win against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Before Tuesday's game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the severity of Vientos' strain is still unknown, and he's flying back to New York for further testing and imaging.

"We don't know [the severity]," Mendoza said. "But based off of all the testing he went through last night, we know it's a strain. We've just got to wait and see."

Vientos hit a grounder in the 10th inning and collapsed running up the first base line before getting up and grabbing at his leg. He eventually hobbled back to the dugout. After the game, Vientos was checked out by the team trainers and Mendoza said the injury "didn't look good."

Mauricio will take Vientos' spot on the bench and wear No. 10.

In addition to the Mauricio/Vientos news, the Mets optioned RHP Max Kranick back to Triple-A Syracuse following last night's game. The reliever allowed one run on one hit in his inning of work on Monday while striking out two. With no days off until Monday, the Mets needed another fresh reliever and Kranick has options -- so, he was brought back down to the minors, for now.

Kranick has pitched to a 3.51 ERA in his 22 appearances this season.

"He's been a huge part of that bullpen, and that's part of the messaging," Mendoza said of Kranick. "You know, 'This is part of the business, you've got options. Just know you're a big part of this team. Go down there and work on the things you've been working on, and you're going to be back.' That was the message. He understood. He took it hard, but he understood. You have to understand they're competitors."

Replacing Kranick in the bullpen will be LHP Brandon Waddell, who returns to the team after pitching against the White Sox last week. In that series finale, the 31-year-old allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk in five innings of work. While not his best outing, Waddell's innings gave the Mets' bullpen a blow heading into their weekend series with the Rockies, a series they ultimately swept.

In Waddell's two games with the Mets this season, he has pitched to a 3.86 ERA and struck out seven in 9.1 innings of work.

Also on the pitching front, RHP Frankie Montas' rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A. He will start Tuesday's game with the Syracuse Mets.

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Shigeo Nagashima, Japanese baseball legend with ties to the Dodgers, dies at 89

Shigeo Nagashima smiles and holds up his left hand. He is wearing a button-down, orange turtleneck sweater and black jacket
Legendary Yomiuri Giants player and manager Shigeo Nagashima attends an event on Jan. 19, 2008, in Chiba, Japan. Nagashima has died at 89, his former team confirmed Tuesday. (Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images)

Former Yomiuri Giants player and manager Shigeo Nagashima, one of the biggest stars of Nippon Professional Baseball, died early Tuesday morning of pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital, his former team said in a statement. He was 89.

Nagashima played third base for the Giants from 1958 to 1974. Along with fellow superstar first baseman Sadaharu Oh, Nagashima led the team to 11 Japan Series titles, including nine straight from 1965 to 1973. He retired with a .305 batting average, 2,471 hits, 1,522 RBIs and 444 home runs.

He was one of Japan's biggest celebrities, so much so that his 1965 marriage to Akiko Nishimura was nationally televised and was reportedly the country's most-watched program of the year.

In 1975, Nagashima became the Giants' manager but was fired in 1980 after not leading the team to a Japan Series title. He returned as manager from 1993 to 2001, however, and led the Giants to championships in 1994 and 2000, with future MLB outfielder Hideki Matsui as his star player.

Read more:John Brenkus, risk-taking host of 'Sport Science,' dies after battle with depression

Current Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani took to Instagram on Tuesday to honor Nagashima. He posted three pictures of the two of them together, including two from the Dodgers' trip to Tokyo in February for two games against the Chicago Cubs.

“May your soul rest in peace,” Ohtani wrote in Japanese.

Nagashima could have become the first Japanese MLB player, and he could have done so as a member of the Dodgers. In the spring of 1961, the Yomiuri Giants visited Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., to train and play exhibition games.

Wearing traditional Japanese 'Hapi' coats, Barry Bonds, left, Shigeo Nagashima and Art Howe stand side by side.
Shigeo Nagashima stands between San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds, left, and New York Mets manager Art Howe at an event in Tokyo on Nov. 7, 2002. (David Guttenfelder / Associated Press)

Then-Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley is said to have been so impressed with Nagashima — who in the previous season had won the second of what would be six straight batting crowns in Nippon's Central League — that he offered to buy Nagashima's contract from Giants owner Matsutaro Shoriki.

Shoriki turned O'Malley down, and pitcher Masanori Murakami ended up becoming the first Japanese MLB player when he debuted with the San Francisco Giants in 1965. Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veeck also attempted to purchase Nagashima's contract in 1968 but also was thwarted by Shoriki.

Nagashima maintained a close relationship with the Dodgers and the O'Malley family, particularly with Walter's son Peter, according to Walter O'Malley's website.

The Dodgers posted a tribute to Nagashima on X, featuring a photo of the 1988 Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame inductee with legendary Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda.

"The Dodgers mourn the passing of Shigeo Nagashima, Japan’s 'Mr. Baseball,' who died Tuesday in Tokyo at age 89," the team wrote. "Nagashima became a legend for the Yomiuri Giants, who have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Dodgers from as far back as the 1960s. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and generations of fans."

Nagashima's wife, Akiko, died in 2007. They had four children, including oldest son Kazushige, a former professional baseball player who played for the Yomiuri Giants and Yakult Swallows in Japan, as well as 53 games for the Class A-Advanced Vero Beach Dodgers minor league affiliate in 1992.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Jake Walman: Do Red Wings Fans Still Care?

Jake Walman (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

All eyes are on Edmonton.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday June 4th. However, on Tuesday a host of players participated in Media Day.

One of those players was former Detroit Red Wings defender Jake Walman.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

The Hockey News had the pleasure of participating in the event. I was able to speak to Walman during the event.

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He spoke at length many topics: what it felt like to be traded to the Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid, who he was cheering for last year, Stuart Skinner, a recent interaction with some Oilers fans and more.

Do Red Wings fans want to read more content on Walman? What kind of things are you interested in reading about from the availability?

Caleb Kerney (@CKerneyWriter) on XCaleb Kerney (@CKerneyWriter) on XI spoke to Jake Walman today at the NHL Media Day ahead of Game 1 of the #StanleyCupFinals. Walman said that his mom's uncle is Jake LaMotta. Jake LaMotta is the boxing legend who was portrayed by Robert DeNiro in Raging Bull, a film directed by Martin Scorsese. #LetsGoOilers

Let us know in the comments what you would like to read about. And vote in the poll to let us know your thoughts!

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Josh Hart, former players react to Knicks' Tom Thibodeau firing: 'Forever grateful'

The Knicks' firing of Tom Thibodeau shook the basketball world on Tuesday, and some current and former players joined the conversation around the fourth-winningest coach's ouster.

The most notable current player reaction came from Josh Hart. Hart joined Thibodeau's crew when the Knicks traded for the combo guard/forward in the middle of the 2022-23 season. Once the Thibodeau news was out, Hart took to social media to post a simple message for his coach: "Forever grateful. Thank you."

Under Thibs, Hart had his best seasons as a professional player. In his two-plus seasons in New York, Hart averaged 11.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. This past season saw Hart break the Knicks' franchise record for triple-doubles, and he even recorded the first Knicks postseason triple-double in more than 50 years.

While other current Knicks have yet to comment on the move, there were plenty of other reactions from around the basketball world. Ben Stiller, award-winning actor and die-hard Knicks fan, gave Thibodeau his flowers for making the Knicks "relevant again."

"I am a Tom Thibodeau fan. He brought this team back," he wrote on Tuesday. "I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners again with him. Thank you COACH THIBS."

And then we had former Knicks shocked by the news.

Knicks legend Charles Oakley, who played for New York while Thibodeau was an assistant coach, was being interviewed by News10NBC in Rochester when the news dropped.

"I don't know who is gonna do a better job," Oakley said. "That's sad news, I like Thibs."

After the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the organization will now have to find a coach who can do a better job.

Thibodeau went 226-174 in the regular season, and 24-23 in the playoffs in five seasons as the Knicks' head coach.

One former player has thrown their hat into the ring to coach the Knicks. Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, played just one season for the Knicks but has roots in New York as a Queensbridge native. He also excelled at the college level for St. John's en route to being a first-round draft pick in 1999.

Peace broke down his resume and why he believes he's the right man for the Knicks job. Other former NBA players have also shared their preferences.

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Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas ‘living [his] worst nightmare’ as he starts injury rehab

BOSTON — Triston Casas isn’t happy about having to watch the remainder of the Boston Red Sox’s season following season-ending knee surgery. But he’s ready to attack the rehab from his second major injury in two years head on.

Casas spoke to reporters Tuesday for the first time since having the procedure last month to repair the ruptured left patellar tendon he injured running to first base after hitting a slow ground ball and then falling awkwardly during Boston’s win over Minnesota on May 2. He was carted off the field and taken to a hospital for testing.

He had surgery two days later.

He was still using crutches Tuesday and said he will be off them soon. He will then head to the Red Sox’s spring training facility in Fort Myers, Florida, where he’ll spend most of this summer and the offseason undergoing rehab. The 25-year-old plans to be ready in time for opening day next season.

“I’m living my worst nightmare right now to go through a double-digit recovery that’s months long,” Casas said Tuesday. “But going through it now, I feel like I’m going to be better as a consequence of it. It’s just part of the game. It’s part of running hard down the line. Part of just playing the game how you feel like it should be. I wouldn’t have changed anything about it. It’s just a move that I’ve done a thousand times. ... It’s just onward from here, I guess.”

The first baseman batted just .182 with three homers and 11 RBIs prior to the injury, but the biggest void he left is on defense. The Red Sox have explored multiple options to replace him, including initially asking Rafael Devers to learn the position after he was replaced at third by offseason, free-agent acquisition Alex Bregman, and moved to DH.

Since Casas’ injury, Abraham Toro has split time at first along with Romy Gonzalez.

Casas is attacking this latest injury setback just a year removed from missing a large portion of last season with torn cartilage in his rib cage.

“I’d rather be out there helping the team win games,” Casas said. “But considering everything that’s happened I’m in a good headspace. Just focused on making a healthy comeback and progressing every day in whatever fashion it is and trying to fill my time and get better any way that I can.”

He said the recovery timeline he was given has varied in length, but hasn’t been anything over a year.

“As of right now, our goal is opening day next year,” Casas said. “So, I’m going to take it slow. Going to spend the winter in Fort Myers rehabbing and until then just try to stay in a positive mindset. I know there’s a lot of healing that’s done outside of the training table. So I think I’m trying to take it one day at a time, be positive and maintain a good headspace is going to be important as well.”

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Bryce Harper homers in first at-bat in return to Phillies’ lineup after missing five games

TORONTO — With Bryce Harper back in the lineup, the Philadelphia Phillies got off to a booming start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Harper hit one of two Philadelphia home runs in a six-run first inning off right-hander Bowden Francis in Tuesday’s series opener in Toronto.

Harper was back in action after missing five games with a bruised right elbow.

The Phillies went 1-4 without Harper and fell out of first place in the NL East.

Harper followed a two-run home run by Trea Turner with a 394-foot blast, with both homers landing in Philadelphia’s right field bullpen.

It was Harper’s first at-bat since he was hit by a 95 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider during the first inning of a game last week. The home run was his ninth of the season.

Harper’s elbow, which underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2022 World Series, remains a sensitive area. In light of the injury, Harper wore a protective guard on his right elbow Tuesday.

Alec Bohm had shifted from third base to first base to replace Harper. Edmundo Sosa had taken over at third. Bohm was back at third base against the Blue Jays. He singled and scored in the first.

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Knicks firing head coach Tom Thibodeau

The Knicks' Tom Thibodeau era has come to an end.

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reports that the Knicks are firing Thibodeau after five seasons as the team's head coach.

Begley previously reported that Thibodeau had been on shaky ground in the past and survived, with team president Leon Rose making the decision to stick with Thibodeau amid past uncertainty. 

Sources tell Begley that Thibodeau will not have a role in the Knicks' front office and will be owed north of $30 million on his extension.

Begley also reports that the Knicks conducted meetings with select players, Thibodeau, and some of his staff this week to assess the season. Knicks owner James Dolan was at the meetings. The ultimate decision on Thibodeau, though, was made by Rose and supported by Dolan.

"Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction," Rose said in a statement released by the team. "We can't thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach. He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories. Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Working with Rose, Thibodeau led the Knicks to a period of sustained regular season success that had eluded the organization, making the playoffs in four of his five seasons. But even with a talented roster that features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and other key pieces, the Knicks couldn't get over the hump in the playoffs, falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the Eastern Conference Finals as questions arose about Thibodeau's rotation and substitutions.

Overall, Thibodeau went 226-174 in the regular season, and 24-23 in the playoffs as the Knicks' head coach.

The Knicks now begin a search for the 32nd head coach in franchise history.