TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 21: Kevin Gausman #34 of the Toronto Blue Jays gets pulled from the game by manager John Schneider #14 standing alongside Brandon Valenzuela #59 in a break in play against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on July 21, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The last several games have been incredibly disappointing. Not because they lost. Because they haven’t played well in any part of the game. 1-6 in the last seven games. They’ve scored 2.7 runs per game. They’ve allowed 6.7 runs per game. And they have been making errors far too often. It seems like they’ve shut off.
I don’t know what you do if you are ownership or management.
The knee jerk response is fire the coaching staff. They got rid of a few coaches before last year and they went from 74 wins to 94. Pretty amazing really. The same coaches are here now. I have a hard time making the case that they went from smart to stupid in an off-season. I’d imagine some changes will be made, likely after the season, but that sort of things happen most years. Like that say, it is easier to fire the coaches than the players.
I remember Earl Weaver, when the team was in a deep slump, would put names out of a hat to pick the batting order. Maybe that would be fun for one game.
Fire the front office? Well, again, they build the team that won last year. I didn’t think the changes they made in the off-season would cause the team to crater. I don’t really think Bo Bichette was the ‘straw that stirred the drink’, as much as he had a good season 2025 season.
I didn’t expect George Springer to have as good a season as last year, but then I didn’t expect him to go from 4.8 bWAR to a 0.1 bWAR. Nor did I expect a similar drop from Vlad (4.6 bWAR to 0.8). Or, for that matter, Varsho to drop from 2.7 to 1.0.
I didn’t expect Kevin Gausman to go from 4.0 bWAR to 1.1.
Last year the stsrting pitches had a 4.34 ERA, this year 4.52, so not all that much of a difference. Relievers had a 3.98 ERA last year, 3.92 this year. not all that much different.
Injuries haven’t helped, but if you have an older team, you have to expect some injuries.
The trade deadline should be interesting. We won’t be adding any rental players, but maybe they look for some creative deals like they made to get Shane Bieber.
I’m sure they will sell some guys off. They have Gausman, Springer, Scherzer, Bieber, and Varsho coming up to free agency. Straw has a team option ($8 million). Some of those guys might bring them some prospects. I don’t know that the team would be all that excited about bringing any of them back next year.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The weeks-long race for LeBron James is turning into a marathon. One that would have disastrous results if the Cavs came out of the other end empty-handed. A contingency plan is needed. That’s why the Cavs have continued to keep tabs on another small forward who could help bolster their depth on the wing.
“While LeBron James remains atop their wish list, the Cavaliers have continued to keep tabs on Kuminga consistently,” said Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Kuminga is an unrestricted free agent after the Atlanta Hawks declined his $23 million team option. The Hawks are reportedly interested in keeping Kuminga in a one-plus-one deal. However, they’ve shown interest in potential sign-and-trade scenarios with teams including the Cavaliers.
Other teams reportedly interested in Kuminga are the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Cavs, being one of the most financially restricted teams in the NBA, would likely make a consolidatory move to free up space for Kuminga. That means salary dumping Dennis Schroder or Max Strus, two players whom they have explored options for this summer.
“Amid Cleveland’s pursuit of both players [James and Kuminga], Max Strus and Dennis Schroder have come up as potential trade candidates,” said Scotto.
Cleveland has reportedly garnered attention from the Charlotte Hornets, who have their eyes on Schroder as a backup point guard.
“The Charlotte Hornets have been linked with interest in Schroder, league sources told HoopsHype. It’s worth noting that Hornets executive Jeff Peterson is said to still be a fan of Schroder dating back to their time together in Atlanta,” said Scotto.
Whether the Cavs end up with their crown jewel or a consolation prize — moving one of Schroder or Strus is likely required. Doing so would open up the financial flexibility they desperately need to improve the roster. Big or small, it’s the first stepping stone to any upgrades.
Kuminga is 23 years old and can patch up some of Cleveland’s holes on the wing. He’s an athletic forward who, at times, has shown microwave scoring ability as a punishing slasher. Kuminga also has raw defensive potential that has yet to be fully realized.
Then, there’s the finished product that is LeBron James. Cavs fans are familiar with what James brings to the table. Even the 41-year-old version of him would provide sweeping improvements to everyone on the roster. This is the type of player that undoubtedly raises your ceiling. It’s who the Cavs are primarily hoping for.
Jul 21, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Victor Robles (10) catches a line drive against the Cincinnati Reds during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Mariners look to avoid falling below .500 in the rubber match of a three-game set against the Reds Wednesday afternoon.
Emerson Hancock (3.66 FIP) gets the ball for the M’s with the hopes of keeping the Reds’ lackluster offense (90 wRC+, 29th in MLB) subdued. On the other side, Brady Singer (5.44 FIP) will lead the way for Cincinnati, having been on the losing end of three of his last four decisions. Jake Mailhot has more on today’s pitching matchup in his series preview.
Wednesday’s contest wraps up a six-game homestand to begin the second half. The Mariners will want to bank another win before heading out on the road for a crucial four-game wraparound series with the Rangers in Arlington that could have major implications on the AL West race.
Lineups
Julio Rodríguez is back in the lineup after being left out Tuesday in an abundance of caution — he left his mark on that game anyway, entering in the sixth inning as a pinch-hitter and coming away with a solo homer and the two hardest-hit balls of the evening.
News
J.P. Crawford remains out of the lineup Wednesday, still dealing with wrist soreness. However, manager Dan Wilson hopes another couple of days off can do the trick.
José Ferrer made his third relief appearance since the All-Star break on Tuesday, and though he was able to avoid any damage that came with a leadoff walk of Elly de la Cruz, and the throwing error on a pickoff that advanced him to third, it was the latest instance of control struggles with the sinker.
Game Information
First Pitch: 12:40 p.m. PDT
TV:Mariners.TV, with Aaron Goldsmith, Angie Mentink and field analyst Ryan Rowland-Smith
Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports, with Rick Rizzs and Gary Hill Jr.
Wednesday's slate is filled with opportunities, starting with Ty France, Wyatt Langford and Munetaka Murakami, who give us plenty of high-value targets on tonight's betting card.
We are backing the lone elite rated hitter in this matchup, and he comes from the current season dataset on Batters-Box. Ty France not only enters with a red hot bat, but also draws a red hot matchup against Atlanta Braves southpaw Martin Perez.
Through 14 elite ratings this season, France has surpassed this prop 57% of the time, while leaving the yard in nearly 30% of those games. He also covers over 63% of Perez’s pitch mix, and the expected data suggests that number should be even higher.
Across France’s last 60 plate appearances against left handed pitching, he owns a .365 BA, .433 OBP, .635 SLG, and 1.068 OPS, while posting a 56% hard hit rate and 7.7% barrel rate.
Perez, on the other hand, has struggled over his last three starts, posting a 7.43 ERA, 7.19 xERA, and 1.80 WHIP. While he has done a decent job limiting hard contact, he is still allowing an 8.33% barrel rate during that stretch.
For the price, and with the San Diego Padres lineup around him starting to heat up, I think France is in a great spot to clear his HRR prop. If you are not in the juice paying business, his bases are plus money.
Langford enters tonight with an elite rating on Batters-Box, where he surpasses this prop 60% of the time when he is elite, across a 25 game elite rating sample size. On top of that, he covers 86.4% of Kay’s pitch mix.
Kay has allowed right handed hitters to elevate the ball a ton this season, and despite his recent success, he is still allowing plenty of hard contact. Over his last 60 right handed hitters faced, the White Sox lefty is allowing a 47% hard hit rate and 14% barrel rate. On top of that, those hitters own a .403 xSLG and .358 xwOBA during that stretch.
Over his last 30 right handed hitters faced, those numbers climb even higher, with a 50% hard hit rate and 22% barrel rate. I think Kay is due for an off night.
I would not pay much more juice on this prop. If you cannot find Langford’s HRR around this price, I would pivot to his bases prop at plus money.
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, RSN
Munetaka Murakami Over 1.5 Hits + Runs + RBI (-111)
It is a beautiful day to fade Rangers right hander Cal Quantrill, and yes, there is an opener. Do not worry, Quantrill will be on the bump this evening.
I do not think there is another guy in baseball more due for a long ball than Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami. Over his last 30 at bats versus right handed pitchers, he owns a .304 BA, .609 SLG, 1.076 OPS, .305 ISO, while posting a 58% hard hit rate and 16.7% barrel rate.
The young slugger enters Wednesday with an elite rating on Batters-Box, while also showing great arsenal coverage against Quantrill’s pitch mix.
Against left handed hitters at home this season, Quantrill is allowing a 73.8% elevation rate and over 32% hard hit rate. Those left handed hitters own a .280 BA, .460 SLG, and .352 wOBA.
I think this is a fantastic spot to back Murakami’s HRR prop. If you can find his hit price below -170, I would also be interested. Across 36 elite rated games, he records a hit 70% of the time.
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, RSN
Colby Martchio's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 328-607, +1.6 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Richard Boardman was criticised by the managing judge
Players want ‘firm with resources and specialist expertise’
Hundreds of former rugby league and rugby union players taking legal action against the game’s governing bodies are now “staring into the precipice”, according to the barrister representing the claimants, Susan Rodway KC.
Richard Boardman, the solicitor who has been the organising force behind the litigation, has requested formally to come off the record after his handling of the case was criticised by the managing judge, Senior Master Cook. The case may now be taken over by Leigh Day, who has been working on it as consultants since February.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 06: Arthur Kaluma #47 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a basket in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on July 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an undefeated start to the Las Vegas Summer League, the Lakers’ run ended in the semifinals at the hands of the Warriors. Though there will be no hardware this year, or even any NBA All-Summer League recognition, the results were an unquestionable success for the franchise.
LA’s most recent draft picks, Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero, were the star headliners for a fun and feisty athletic roster, but the player leading the team in scoring was surprise standout in Arthur Kaluma. He showed a versatile offensive game and an interesting athletic profile, a seemingly perfect match for the roster direction the Lakers headed towards.
The 24-year-old out of Texas played a year on the Lakers’ G League affiliate last season where he averaged 13.8 points and shot 37% from three. At 6’7” with a 7’1” wingspan, he has strong measurables for a prototypical modern forward.
As with any wings surrounding Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, it all begins with their ability to shoot in head coach JJ Redick’s offense. Kaluma led the Lakers in both 3-pointers made and percentage in Vegas, hitting a blistering 50% of his outside attempts. He hit seven more threes in Vegas than the next closest player.
The stationary catch and shoot was there as he operated as an effective spacer for ball handlers in the half-court, or caught and fired in transition, showing off his consistent form in the clip below.
His versatility was highlighted by head coach Ty Abbott, who used him as an off-ball mover, as shown in the clip below. He comes to set the on-ball screen, then immediately receives a flare screen. A shot fake jab flows into a difficult break rhythm 3-pointer.
In addition, Kaluma showed a fluid handle when teams overplayed him as a shooter. In the clip below, he receives a flare screen with his defender in a lock-and-trail position. After faking his defender, he catches on a curl, drives, and finds his teammate for a lob at the basket.
On lower volume, Kaluma also ran some actions as the main ball handler. Skilled enough to attack off the dribble and creatively finish at the basket, he comes off the inverted screen and gets downhill. A long euro step through the lane leads to the reverse layup on the other end.
In addition to being red hot from three, Kaluma shot an efficient 15-20 (75%) on his two-point attempts in Vegas. The offensive package is clearly there, and it will only be more empowered next to high-level playmakers, which was the lone blind spot on the Lakers’ summer roster.
Where he and the other end-of-the-roster players will earn their minutes is on the defensive end. Summer League isn’t exactly the situation for perfect defensive evaluation, but there’s a definite toolbox to work with.
Kaluma defended multiple positions, at times getting beat off the dribble while other times showcasing his quick feet to stay with his matchup. He transitioned from end to end quickly, and a chase-down block shown below exhibited his athleticism.
In his five breakout games in Vegas, Kaluma averaged 18.6 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 50% on his 3-pointers. His stellar performance was promptly rewarded with a two-way roster spot.
LA has clearly gone with a youth movement over the summer with their additions. With reports of talks on a Jonathan Kuminga signing stalling, there are minutes to possibly be had. If Kaluma proves the Summer League shooting to be real, his athletic profile gives a real pathway to potential minutes next season.
On the day he turned 46, and 360 days after earning induction to the Hall of Fame, CC Sabathia witnessed his son's baseball dream live on.
Carsten Sabathia, a first baseman who played collegiately at Georgia Tech and Houston, signed a contract wtih the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday, July 21.
The younger Sabathia, a 6-4, 240-pound right-handed hitter, was chosen in the 20th round with the third-to-last pick in the draft earlier this month. He joins a franchise that famously acquired CC Sabathia in 2008 and then rode his left arm to a surprise berth in the playoffs. Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees and won the World Series with them the following year.
Yet Sabathia has retained a fondness for the Brewers organization and the club took a flier on his son, who batted .283 with six home runs and an .883 OPS for the Cougars last season. He also played 11 games with Trenton in the MLB Draft League before he was selected.
Sabathia combined with AJ Burnett and fellow lefty Andy Pettitte to start every game of the Yankees' 2009 World Series run. Pettitte's son, Luke, was also selected in this month's draft, the Yankees picking the two-way player in the eighth round.
Humphreys Peak, Arizona, 1960s. (Photo by Erich Andres/United Archives via Getty Images)
Today’s Lineups
ATHLETICS
DIAMONDBACKS
Jacob Wilson – SS
Ketel Marte – 2B
Tyler Soderstrom – LF
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Shea Langeliers – DH
Corbin Carroll – RF
Carlos Cortes – RF
Gabriel Moreno – DH
Donovan Walton – 2B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Tommy White – 3B
Ildemaro Vargas – 1B
Jeff McNeil – 1B
James McCann – C
Lawrence Butler – CF
Tim Tawa – CF
Jonah Heim – C
Ryan Waldschmidt – LF
Gage Jump – LHP
Merrill Kelly – RHP
Just a short intro today, what with it being a day game and all. Though as last night proved, it’s not as if anyone reads these things… [Sobs gently into keyboard] We could very much use a long outing from Merrill Kelly today. The bullpen is definitely wheezing, and the originally scheduled off-day tomorrow is now a make-up game in St. Louis. I definitely think we will see Gerardo Carrillo make his major-league debut today. Beyond that? Jonathan Loaisiga and Brandyn Garcia should be available, but I imagine Torey Lovullo would like to try and stay away from just about everyone else, as far as possible. Hopefully, by the end of the day that third wild-card spot will be purely ours…
In many ways, Philadelphia Flyers defensemen David Jiricek and Jamie Drysdale are similar, but only time will tell if their careers will pan out the same way.
Jiricek, 22, and Drysdale, 24, are former No. 6 overall picks: the former in 2022, and the latter in 2020. Both Flyers were conscripted into NHL service early--probably too early--by the teams that drafted them, which put them at a disadvantage developmentally.
Due to injury, and things just generally not working out on the ice, Drysdale was traded to the Flyers in exchange for a young, future top-six winger in Cutter Gauthier, as well as a 2025 second-round pick.
Jiricek's path was slightly different in that he was healthy but in and out of the lineup and up and down from the AHL; Columbus eventually traded him to Minnesota for Daemon Hunt and first-, second-, third-, and fourth-round picks, respectively.
Just over a year later, Jiricek, too, found his way to Philadelphia, getting flipped by Minnesota for Bobby Brink ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
Drafted two years apart, the two defensemen join the Flyers two years apart. Heading into the 2023-24 season, the year the Flyers acquired him, Drysdale had played 89 NHL games, scoring four goals, 28 assists, and 32 points with a -29 rating.
Jiricek, heading into his first full season with the Flyers in 2026-27 season, has played 85 NHL games, scoring two goals, 11 assists, and 13 points with a -8 rating. They have had very similar careers through their first 80-odd games.
The main difference between the two, at least when it comes to production and rating, is that Drysdale was thrown to the wolves in a big role from Day 1, whereas Jiricek has largely been forced to play sheltered minutes, which require him to play to avoid mistakes instead of learning on the job.
Drysdale, two years on, has quickly come into his own as an NHL defenseman. Even John Tortorella was willing to live with his warts for the greater purpose of player development.
New head coach Rick Tocchet hasn't always shown that same willingness; Matvei Michkov barely played last season, and Emil Andrae never quite established himself as an NHL regular despite handily outplaying his peers.
To that end, the Flyers were by and large considered to be rebuilders throughout Tortorella's reign, but expectations are higher now that the Flyers have made the playoffs, and won a round, in Year 1 of Tocchet.
Jiricek needs time and patience, given his inexperience, and it bears noting that he is playing for his third organization in four years, entailing yet another system change.
The Czech defenseman has obvious talent, and the Flyers are hoping his booming shot and offensive chops will make a difference on the abhorrent power play.
However, the question is, will he get plenty of opportunity and freedom to make his mark as Drysdale did the previous two years, or will Jiricek continue to be trotted out in limited minutes in fear of a big mistake?
DENVER, COLORADO - JULY 17: Brady Singer #51 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brady Singer has operated almost inverse of the Cincinnati Reds so far in this 2026 season. As the club jumped out to a ridiculously lucky 20-11 start to campaign, it was Singer who was struggling – he picked up a blister problem late in spring camp and it seemed to impact both his pitch mix and ability to fully execute what he could throw through the first month or so of the year.
Through April he’d pitched to a 4.97 ERA. By the end of May, he was up to a brutal 6.18 ERA.
As the Reds began to completely crash and burn, though, Singer somehow managed to remember how to be an effective big league starting pitcher once again. Since his first start in the month of June, he’s pitched to a 2.76 ERA/3.83 FIP with 46 strikeouts across 45.2 IP (8 starts), and has manifested himself once again as a top trade chip on a Reds roster that is destined for overhaul any day now.
A free agent at season’s end, Singer has consistently shown again this year that he’s durable enough to take the ball each and every fifth day, and that paired with his return to form means just about any club out there trying to make the extended push deep into the playoffs will be in the market for his services before the August 3rd deadline. So, as he gets the start for Cincinnati on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners in the series finale, we once again get to steel ourselves to the fact that we may well be watching him on the mound in a Reds uniform for the final time.
The Reds will look to take the series win after besting old friend Luis Castillo in last night’s 4-2 victory, and they’ll attempt to do so by going through righty Emerson Hancock. First pitch is set for 3:40 PM ET.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 15: Jalen Brunson accepts the Best Championship Performance award onstage during the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on July 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P) | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P
Even before winning last season’s NBA title, the New York Knicks long ago established themselves as one of the Association’s flagship franchises. Knickerbockers have been All-Stars going back to 1951, when Vince Boryla, Harry Gallatin and Dick McGuire were all selected. 15 different Knicks have been named to All-NBA teams, beginning way back in 1947-48 with Carl Braun making Second Team. No Knicks made it the season before, the Year One of American professional men’s hoops. In that first season, a Bones McKinney made BAA First Team, and is in rare company as a two-time All-NBAer who shot below 30% from the field for his career.
There’ve been Olympians, starting with Jerry Lucas in 1960 and including Bill Bradley, Charles Smith, Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony. Stephon Marbury was there when the Dream Team suffered the worse loss in U.S. men’s hoops history against a certain magical island from the Caribbean.
New York has won 60-plus games twice and lost 60-plus twice (interestingly, in 80 seasons they’ve only finished .500 once), made the playoffs 47 times, been coached by a Dick, a Red and a Herb, and run by a Gordon, a Glenn and Steve Mills. Twice. They’ve played 6,269 games. They went 24 years without a title, then three, then 53. Knicks fans have seen it all. Except one thing: the best player alive wearing blue and orange.
Willis Reed is the only Knick ever to win regular-season MVP. I’ve always argued Ewing was better than people think, even compared to contemporaries of his held in higher esteem. I wrote a very wordy slider piece for FanSided early in my career ranking the ‘92 Dream Teamers and had the audacity to rank Ewing fourth, behind the three you can guess and David Robinson. Reader, Ewing was better than the Admiral. But that’s another argument for another day.
The Knicks winning the title this year cast a lot of my prior facts and feelings in new light. The ‘90s Knicks, for example, are already mutating a bit in terms of their meaning to me, because for most of my life they represented an apex. But now that I’ve seen the mountaintop, the surrounding landscape hits different.
The best player on Earth today is Jalen Brunson. Full stop. Don’t believe me? Let’s go for a ride among the other leading candidates and see how and why JB is the GOAT.
STEPH CURRY
Not gonna lie: being the only NBA player ever with your own exhibit in the Hall of Famewhile you’re still active is a pretty sick flex. Steph isn’t merely a first-ballot HOFer; his ballots should arrive in the mail with his name already circled. And for most of the time his career has overlapped with Brunson’s, Curry’s been ahead of him and virtually everyone else.
But I’m writing this in 2026, not 2020. Golden State hasn’t won 50 games since Kemba Walker was a Knick. That’s not Curry’s fault, but he’s missed 85 games in that span. They’ve won as many playoff series since (2) as years they’ve missed the playoffs. He’s nearly a decade older than Brunson, yet in all that time only won two championships as his team’s best player. Brunson’s already halfway there, nipping on his heels with one.
LEBRON JAMES
LeBron is fortysomething; on any title contender he would be — at best — their third-best player, maybe fourth. Brunson, still twentysomething, is the most valuable player on the defending champions, something James hasn’t been since 2020. Plus James has grown more and more annoying as a public figure over time, while Brunson is easier to love than puppies. Also, James is built like a Sherman tank while Brunson is closer to a fire hydrant. Clearly the Knick star is doing far more with less. And we aren’t constantly bombarded with who-gives-a-**** updates from Brunson’s agent. Advantage JB.
CADE CUNNINGHAM
Call back when he gets a legit second banana and beats a two-way team in the playoffs.
LUKA DONČIĆ
I love Luka. A few years ago, he was the one player in the league I’d have moved heaven and earth and whatever else it took to bring him to the Knicks. But he hasn’t played for a team that’s won a playoff round since he was still a Dallas Maverick. And he was traded for garbage. So he’s clearly got some work to do. Also, I bet you he misses having Brunson alongside him. You think at any point last year Brunson thought “Wish Luka were here?” Fat chance.
NIKOLA JOKIĆ
Back in 2020, Jokić averaged 9.7 rebounds per game. Had he added another three tenths, he’d currently be on nine consecutive seasons averaging a double-double; last year was his second straight averaging a triple-double. Russell Westbrook did the latter three years in a row and four outta five, but doing so while shooting below 45% from the field and 30% from deep dings a little of that luster. By contrast, 2020 is the last time Jokić shot below 57% from the field, while his 36% career mark from deep is more accurate than any single season of Westbrook’s.
It isn’t Jokić‘s fault that he plays for such cheapskate owners in Denver. It also isn’t his fault that he’s about a foot taller than Brunson. If he were a foot shorter, you think he’d be nearly as good? HA! Now, take Brunson’s postgame and footwork and added 11 inches to his height, and whaddya got? An even GOATier GOAT.
SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER
SGA couldn’t handle the same Spurs team Brunson put in a blender during the Finals. And for all the deserved heat Wembanyama took for his “ethical basketball” tripe before assaulting multiple playoff opponents, the truth is the biggest difference between the Thunder and the Knicks (besides Jalen Williams being injured and OG Anunoby not) is that Gilgeous-Alexander used his skills to try and draw fouls, while Brunson used his to try and make shots.
Or maybe the biggest difference was SGA shooting 29% from deep while Brunson canned 39%. I dunno. All I know is the Thunder are always at the top of power rankings, they have the deepest roster in human history and 39,737 draft picks this decade, and even with homecourt advantage they couldn’t beat the same team the Knicks beat without it. So how good could SGA be, really?
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 06: Bradley Beal #0 of the LA Clippers reacts to a three-point shot during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 06, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the offseason’s dry period, where the lasting impressions of Summer League hoops have come and gone, left in the rearview by LeBron’s final “decision” and a rumor mill that at this stage in the summer, feels more like bored gossip than true reporting.
But we recently did get a Celtics-related nugget from reporter Jake Fischer, who took to a Bleacher Report live stream to talk about potential happenings around the league, including that of 33-year-old free agent Bradley Beal.
“I was told today that Bradley Beal’s decision is not exactly being held up by LeBron, but is being impacted by it,” Fischer said. “I do think there’s some Miami interest there, and I would not rule out Boston for Beal because of the connection with Jayson Tatum.”
Okay so, obviously that’s still just a speculative guess based around Beal’s long-standing relationship with Jayson Tatum. Probably not something to put all that much stock in, but we’re already here, so let’s talk about it.
Around this time last offseason, it was rumors of Ben Simmons interest that got us talking in the dead heat of the summer, even if they ultimately came from an unreliable/fraudulent Twitter source in which nothing came out of it.
In a nutshell, this is the same conversation. A former All-Star with the baggage of being glued to one of the worst contracts in the league and consistently marred by injuries is now available for the low, low price of a bag of chips and a ham sandwich (also known as the veteran minimum).
The logic is the same as the Simmons discourse last year. You take all that baggage into account, but at the end of the day, a vet minimum contract makes those concerns significantly less grave. Player perception is important, and Beal, like Simmons, has terrible perception among the fan community, further dug in by an immediate season-ending injury 6 games into the 2025-26 season.
What’s also worth mentioning is that, as it currently stands, singing Beal would put Boston back over the dreaded tax line they’ve worked so hard to avoid. However, another move can be made to get back under the tax, so that’s not as dire as it sounds.
Never know how much pull Tatum could have for his long-time friend, but Bradley Beal's 1yr vet minimum is $2.4M, which even at its discounted rate would push C's over the tax line. Is he a slam dunk to play on this roster? Major crunch at wing spots already. Don't see him coming.
But what do you get from Beal in his current state? A left hip fracture took him out six games into his season with the Clippers, and he played 53 contests in each of the prior two seasons, but he hasn’t played 60 or more since 2020-21.
Last year doesn’t give us much to work with in terms of on-court contributions, so let’s move to the previous season, where the Suns got Beal for 53 regular season games and four in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite sharing his high shot volume with two other All-Stars, he was exactly what we’ve come to expect over his 14-year career.
It was the lowest shot volume of his NBA career outside of his rookie season, but he was efficient in those opportunities (50/39/80 splits). He was also a fine playmaker (3.7 assists to 2 turnovers) and a negative defender (his -1.0 Defensive Box Plus-Minus is right on par with his -0.9 DBPM career average).
He’s still an impressively skillful shot creator that can work well on and off the ball, but what he offers outside of that is mostly a bare cupboard. And I say this as someone who has had to watch a lot of Beal basketball over the years, both because the Wizards are my local market team and because I interned for a media company that had me run Beal’s website for a year (they made me refer to him as “Brad” or “BB” a lot in those posts, I never got used to that).
The biggest thing I’m considering is what Beal would look like on the floor next to someone like Tatum, a star that can completely dictate the game and draws significant defensive attention into his orbit.
Beal has always been a strong off-ball shooter. He’s good on pindowns and flare screens as an off-the-catch threat, and he wraps around handoffs with the intent to attack, showing consistent touch on pull-ups in the mid-range.
In his final season in Phoenix, he maintained positive scoring efficiency across the three levels of the halfcourt. He was a 74% rim finisher (85th percentile according to Basketball Index), a 46% shooter on mid-range pullups (77th percentile), and a 39% shooter on threes (37% above the break, 41% on catch-and-shoots, and 41% from the corners). Even as his stock as a star has plummeted, Beal is still, at the end of the day, a more than capable bucket-getter.
I feel confident that Beal would be a plus offensive presence, but I’m also confident that you’d actively have to hide him defensively. No available name on the market is perfect at this point, but if you can’t hold up on the defensive end when there are other wings and backcourt options on the roster that have proven to be capable on that side of the floor, do we think Joe Mazzulla would trust that the good on offense outweighs the bad on defense?
Whether you fall on the side of “why not, sure” or “God no,” I think what we can all agree on is there are no handcuffs in this scenario. Beal on a veteran minimum is possibly the easiest thing to move off of. A signing today does not mean a roster spot past the trade deadline. If you’re bringing Beal onboard to provide a bench scoring boost and it doesn’t work out, chances are you won’t have to deal with it for too much longer. And if it does work out? That’s a professional scorer on a good short-term contract.
We shouldn’t pretend that Bradley Beal in 2026 moves the needle significantly in either direction, but the Celtics could use more scoring punch off the bench and they could afford to add another cheap backcourt option.
If I’m being honest, it feels unlikely that this move will happen, especially if it ends up as a decision between Boston or Miami.
Miami provides a more guaranteed opportunity for high volume and is kind of desperate for proven scorers to round out its roster. Boston is not in a desperate place. Signing Beal would be a small-scale luxury move with low risk/high reward potential.
In Boston, he wouldn’t be brought in under the expectation of being a 20-point scorer. He’s more likely to be asked to be a 20-minute player (he played exactly 20.2 minutes per game in his brief Clippers stint).
I enjoy narratives of character redemption or shifting perceptions. Beal would have that opportunity to change the tune around the back-half of his career with a good season in Boston, and I can support that.
DENVER, CO - JULY 21: Cole Carrigg #16 of the Colorado Rockies steals second base in the second inning during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The series is up for grabs in Denver after Hunter Goodman’s home run broke the Nats hearts. This is a massive game for the Nats, who need to stay in the mix as the trade deadline looms. Staying above .500 and winning a series is pivotal for this team’s playoff chances.
Curtis Mead will be taken out of the lineup today, with Jorbit Vivas taking his place at third. Dylan Crews will also take Jacob Young’s spot in center field. Those are the only two changes that Blake Butera is making ahead of this must win game. Cade Cavalli will be on the mound, looking to build on a good first start out of the break.
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With a righty on the mound, the Rockies are making some lineup tweaks. We will see Eduard Julien and Brett Sullivan for the first time. Mickey Moniak will also be moved up to the 2 spot. The versatile Willi Castro will play short, replacing the struggling Tovar. Rookie Gabriel Hughes will be making the start for the Rockies.
These next four games will reveal a lot about what direction the Nats will go. They play the Rockies today and then start a massive three game series against the D-Backs, who are also in the middle of the wild card hunt. There will be a lot more clarity after that stretch. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
Gage Jump gets the start today in the rubber match with the Arizona Diamondbacks. | Getty Images
The A’s will make a second stab at a series win this afternoon at Chase Field in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After taking the first game of the series 5-2 and then dropping last night’s matchup 6-5 in ten innings, the A’s will go for the win before heading to Minnesota to finish the road trip against the Twins.
Starting today for the Kelly-Green and Gold will be Gage Jump. Jump, the 23-year-old lefty is currently 3-5 with a 3.78 ERA over ten starts in 2026. He’ll go up against 37-year-old righty Merrill Kelly for the D-backs. Kelly is 8-7 with a 5.20 ERA over t17 starts this season. He’s struck out sixty-two opponents in 98.2 innings.
Kelly will match up with this lineup for Mark Kotsay’s A’s today:
Ty France
Wyatt Langford
Munetaka Murakami
