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Reading the final Draft tea leaves, it’s looking like Mikel Brown Jr.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Mikel Brown Jr. speaks with the media during the 2026 NBA draft prospect availability at Lotte New York Palace on June 22, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The next-to-last mocks are rolling out and the top 20 prospects have spoken at the annual Green Room press conference in Manhattan and there appears to be two headlines as fans await the NBA Draft at Barclays Center Tuesday night, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The first is easy: Mikel Brown Jr. the 20-year-old, 6’5″ lead guard from Louisville appears to be the clear favorite for the Nets over the three other backcourt players. Multiple mock drafts, led by ESPN and Bleacher Report, have Brown as the pick at No. 6.

The second headline is a bit more complicated and uncertain. In the last 24 hours, Nets have met and/or worked out two prospects, Morez Johnson Jr. of Michigan and Chris Cenac of Houston, both of whom are tabbed as mid-first rounders. Is that an indication that at this late stage of the process that the Nets believe they are going to acquire a second first rounder? It’s been something they’ve planned.

As Erick Slater tweeted, Brown — and his family — already has a relationship with the Nets, specifically Sean Marks and Jordi Fernandez…

That sounds mutually assuring. Brown was one of the college game’s top player and seems to tick off more boxes than his rival lead guards. He plays on both ends of the court.

In NBA Combine measurements, among the four guard prospects, Brown finished second in height (6’3.5”), first in standing reach (8’ 4.5”), wingspan (6’ 7.50”) in anthrometric measurements; second in both the shuttle run (2.89 seconds), third in 3/4-court sprint (3.24 seconds), and max vertical (39.5 inches). Similarly, he tied for first in spot-up shooting (72%) and free throw shooting (100%), second in 3-point shooting (62.0%).

Moreover, Brown is high character, a bit deal for the Nets after the Big 3 debacle. He knows what to say, too, as evidenced by his comments today and his confidence is sky-high, telling reporters that he believes he can play either guard position in the NBA. “Absolutely.”

As a freshman, Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game for the Cardinals. He scored 45 points during a 118-77 win over N.C. State, breaking Cooper Flagg’s ACC freshman single game scoring record…

The man has range. In fact, he led the four lead guards in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet with 27, even though he played only 21 games compared to the 30-plus the others played. A troublesome back injury kept him out of the NCAA Tournament but he says he’s been cleared.

In addition to Brown’s comments, there was another from Keaton Waggler that seemed to hint that he’s gotten interest from the Clippers who hold the fifth pick…

The Clippers passing on Wagler and taking Brown could of course change things, as could success in moving up into the top four, but increasingly, both seem unlikely. What about the others? Brian Lewis reported that Kingston Flemings has neither met with nor worked out for the Nets and Darius Acuff while having worked out with the Nets didn’t seem at all enthused and he seemed to dismiss concerns about this defense…

On the prospect of the Nets getting another pick in the first round, there was what could be construed as news. After Mike Scotto reported Sunday that the Nets had brought Morez, the 6’9″ Michigan PF, in for a workout on Sunday, Chris Cenac, the 6’11” Houston big, told Slater and the others that he too visited HSS Training Center on the weekend and said the Nets saw him as a good fit…

Neither Johnson nor Cenac is projected near the No. 6 pick. Both are generally seen as mid-first rounders, with Johnson coming in at No. 12 in ESPN’s latest mock and Cenac No. 24. The Nets, of course, will have 35 future picks available on Draft Night: 14 firsts and swaps (10 of which are tradeable) and an NBA record 21 seconds (all of which can be moved) to offer teams that might be interested in saving some cap space in return for a first Tuesday night.

Another mid-first prospect, Karim Lopez spoke about how he thought his workout with the Nets (and up against Nate Ament) went…

However, the team many considered the best candidate for such a move, the Oklahoma City Thunder, made two moves in the past 24 hours that would see to eliminate them. OKC controls the 12th and 17th picks and was projected to be at or above the second apron. Instead, they agreed to send Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for two seconds and trade Nos. 12 and 17 for the Mavericks No. 9.

The most likely possibilities other than the Thunder? The Knicks at No. 24? As their owner noted, they’re close to the second apron and he’s not willing to go over it. Using the 24th pick would require them to guarantee the player chose $3.4 million next season and $17.4 million over the full course of his contract. The Bulls also have two first at Nos. 4 and 15 but they are a rebuild as well and it might take a lot of unfree that second pick..

Of course, things can change. Often do. See you Tuesday night at Barclays. We plan full coverage.

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Report: Canucks Veterans Blueger & Forbort Expected To Test Free-Agency

It appears the Vancouver Canucks could be losing two veterans come free-agency. 

Earlier today, CHEK TV's Rick Dhaliwal reported that veterans Teddy Blueger and Derek Forbort are expected to test free-agency come July 1. Both players just wrapped their respective two and one-year deals with Vancouver. 

Blueger skated in 35 games for the Canucks in 2025-26, having missed the bulk of the season due to injuries. The center scored an impressive nine goals and eight assists in this span of time, the likes of which made him an intriguing trade candidate come the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. 

The forward first signed with Vancouver in free-agency, joining the club for their playoff run during the 2023-24 season. During that season, Blueger tied a career-high in points with six goals and 22 assists in 68 games, setting a new personal record for assists in a single season with 22. 

Blueger signed a contract extension with Vancouver in 2024, joining the Canucks for two more years at $1.8M AAV. 

Mar 9, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) and forward Teddy Blueger (53) and defenseman Derek Forbort (27) celebrate ForbertÕs goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Mar 9, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Nils Hoglander (21) and forward Teddy Blueger (53) and defenseman Derek Forbort (27) celebrate ForbertÕs goal against the Dallas Stars in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Forbort played in two games for the Canucks this season, missing the rest of the year due to an injury that ultimately did not recover as planned. Prior to 2025-26, he skated in 54 games for Vancouver in 2024-25, cementing himself as a solid penalty killer for the team while logging two goals and nine assists. 

Before signing back-to-back one-year deals with Vancouver, Forbort spent time with the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames, and Los Angeles Kings. 

The Canucks' other pending unrestricted free-agents include forwards Evander Kane, Curtis Douglas and Joseph LaBate, defenceman Guillaume Brisebois, and goaltender Jiří Patera. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Phoenix isn’t the only team that may need to take a patient offseason approach

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers works against the defense of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 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 Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. Rivals, but they have a lot in common. Both have long, heated rivalries with the Spurs, are in the Pacific division, and made the Finals this decade. While Los Angeles has more top-end talent with Luka Donćić and Austin Reaves (who is highly likely to resign, assuming he opts out), both are in a holding pattern when it comes to building out their teams.

Neither is anywhere close to competing with the Western Conference’s best, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder swept both, but the Lakers were after beating the Houston Rockets in the first round. Doncic missed the whole series.

Phoenix knows they want to build another Finals team with Devin Booker leading the helm, while Los Angeles has signaled they want to raise their 18th banner around a backcourt of Doncic and Reaves. The rest of both teams’ long-term rosters are more uncertain. Sure, don’t be surprised if LeBron James returns to the Lakers for his 24th season, and if Dillon Brooks gets an extension after his career year, but neither is in a position to drastically improve their rosters this summer to the point where they can be considered viable threats to compete with the Spurs and Thunder, so their best strategy may be to stay patient.

With his inconsistent play and energy concerns, Deandre Ayton left many unimpressed in his first year in the purple and gold, which is why there have been so many reports of Los Angeles looking to upgrade at center. With the team having “phantom cap space,” as ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst says, people in the NBA are calling their cap space mainly because of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura’s cap holds. The Lakers are not in a position to upgrade their five spot, meaning it might be best for them to stand pat or sign players to short-term deals in the process.

As their series against the Thunder showed, even if Doncic was healthy, they lacked the defensive presence to compete with West’s best. Los Angeles lost by 18 or more points in three of the four games, and allowed at least 125 points in two of them. To acquire the defensive and center presence needed to compete with Oklahoma City and San Antonio, patience might be what they need to exercise most right now, and the same can be said for the Suns.

Lacking draft assets and a flurry of premium young players, even if management believes Booker can be the same player that led the team to the 2021 Finals, to compete with the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Phoenix needs to recognize that they are not a lone All-Star away or better injury luck from returning to the top of the West. They already tried that method of teambuilding.

While having the Unanimous Defensive Player of the year and the reigning NBA MVP are the anchors for San Antonio and Oklahoma City’s dominance in their Finals runs, neither were one-man teams like LeBron James carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals in 2018. When the Thunder won the title in the 2024-2025 season, Jalen Williams had a 40-point Finals game, and Alex Caruso came off the bench and had multiple 20-point ones. On the Spurs way to the Finals, Stephon Castle went for 32 in their closeout game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, and Julian Champagnie hit six threes in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. Both teams created rosters that were not reliant on their best players to be perfect in every game.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JUNE 16: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates a dunk against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. | Getty Images

As the New York Knicks just showed with their patient and methodical approach to team building, which got them a title nearly four years after signing Jalen Brunson. Along with his iconic game-winner in Game 4 of the Finals, OG Anunoby averaged 20 points in the Knicks’ playoff run, Landry Shamet shot 48% from three, and Karl Anthony-Towns was willing to take a backseat and play more as a distributor for the betterment of the team. The Knicks acquired Anunoby in 2023 and Towns and Shamet in 2024. New York built a team that was balanced and versatile.

Putting flex tape over your team’s biggest issues by adding a superstar and gutting the rest of your team’s assets doesn’t work. Just ask the Suns how it worked when they added Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in a five-month span.

Whether it’s the Suns resigning Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to short-term deals or the Lakers getting Austin Reaves to not resign for the max, flexibility needs to be a priority for both teams.

Just because Los Angeles had a better season than the Lakers doesn’t mean they should take a different approach from the Suns. Making rash decisions just to slightly improve for next year can do more long-term damage than staying pat can.


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Golden Knights' owner Bill Foley wants to bring NBA team to Las Vegas

Matt Foley lived in a van down by the river. Bill Foley wants to put a basketball team in a stadium down by the casino.

Yes, after years of professional sports leagues avoiding Las Vegas, Sin City could be completing the superfecta of franchises. Vegas already has the NHL's Golden Knights and the NFL's Raiders. The A's of Major League Baseball are expected to move there in 2028.

And the NBA is likely next.

Golden Knights owner Bill Foley has announced that he will be pursuing an NBA franchise. Foley has hired Morgan Stanley to serve as the "exclusive financial adviser" in an effort to "structure an ownership platform" that will be built around his existing holding.

"Las Vegas has earned its place among the great sports cities in America, and an NBA team belongs here," Foley said.

Earlier this year, the NBA decided to target Las Vegas and Seattle as the locations for a pair of expansion franchises.

"This is the NBA's decision to make," Foley said. "Our job is to provide the league a Las Vegas option that is ready, credible, and built to last."

Obviously, other potential owners could get involved. In the end, it likely will come down to money. Likely, a whole lot of it; the expansion fee is expected to land between $7 billion and $10 billion.

The final number will become highly relevant to the valuation of NFL franchises when they are sold — and to the expansion fee the NFL would charge if/when expansion is on the table.

Recently, UFL co-owner Mike Repole casually said the NFL is "talking about two more expansion teams," as if it were already a given. The NFL has officially (or unofficially) said nothing about expanding.

Given the current push for more inventory, expansion could be as inevitable as an 18th regular-season game.

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Wizards or Jazz: Where is BYU Star AJ Dybantsa Headed?

Feb 10, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball ahead of Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images

It’s a very exciting time to be a BYU basketball fan. Sure, the team disappointed in the NCAA Tournament, losing in the first round to Texas. However, AJ Dybantsa is the most exciting basketball player to ever wear a BYU uniform. And he is on the precipice of BYU history, which could happen during the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, June 23.

BYU has never had the NBA No.1 overall draft pick. Twice, they have gotten the second overall pick. First, Mel Hutchins in 1951. Shawn Bradley was taken No. 2 overall in 1993 by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Last year, Egor Dёmin became the first BYU player to be taken in the first round since Jimmer Fredette in 2011 when he went eighth overall to Brooklyn.

Dybantsa will most certainly exceed Dёmin’s draft slot. In fact, it would be jaw-dropping if he falls below second overall.

The prediction exchange site Kalshi gives Dybantsa an 85% chance at being the No. 1 overall pick in this coming NBA Draft. That seems like a near certainty.

What is not certain quite yet is who will take the former BYU star at the top draft slot. Right now, the Washington Wizards occupy that spot and certainly could use a player like Dybansta. Understandably, the Utah Jazz sit at spot No. 2 and would love to keep the consensus All-American in Utah. However, Deseret.com says a trade up from two to one is “highly unlikely.” They cite the cost being too high and this draft class having several prospects with star potential.

Those conversations are juicy, with both Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge having strong BYU ties. The ticket sales would sell themselves. Jerseys. Fan buy-in. Dybansta to the Jazz would be one of the easiest sells of all-time.

However, looking at the business side of things, it does not make a lot of sense for the Jazz to shell out an eye-popping trade package to move up one slot to get him when someone like Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer falls right into their laps at no extra charge. Unless internally, they feel strongly that Dybantsa is head-and-shoulders the best player on the board with a chance to take them to a title.

If the Wizards somehow don’t take Dybantsa with the top pick, the Jazz will be tripping over themselves to get to the phone to make the pick for him.

It certainly looks like the most likely scenario is Dybantsa heading to the nation’s capital to join Trae Young, whom the Wizards just signed to a massive extension to stay in D.C. That could be one of the more exciting one-two punches in the NBA next season.

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Jaylen Brown answers rampant Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

Jaylen Brown has heard the rumors. The Celtics guard knows his name is being mentioned in a trade for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he is warning the fans that are encouraging Boston to send him packing.

"You are turning me somewhat grateful," he said on Twitch Sunday."I get to see some negativity that I didn't want, but that just gives me more fuel for the fire."

Multiple reports on Monday, June 22 placed Boston among the two finalists, alongside the Miami Heat, for Antetokounmpo, with a Brown-led package on the table. The Bucks set a self-imposed deadline of Tuesday's NBA draft to resolve the two-time MVP's future.

Brown waded into the speculation on his Twitch stream this weekend as he was training alongside Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles.

"To all the people that's doubted me, that want me to do this, or want me gone, you're turning me into a monster."

By Monday, the talk had some teeth with Brown's name headlining the return package the Celtics are offering. ESPN Brian Windhorst said on Get up that the Celtics are all the way in.

Brown is a a solid bargaining chip, as he is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists – all personal bests – and made his fifth All-Star team. Then it fell apart in May. Boston lost a Game 7 at home to Philadelphia in the first round, and Brown picked up a $50,000 fine for going after the officiating. He turns 30 in October. He is owed $183 million over the next three seasons.

Antetokounmpo is the biggest prize though.

He was the MVP in 2019 and 2020, took Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and carried Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship as the Finals MVP. He has made 10 All-Star teams, The issue recently has been health. Injuries limited him to 36 games last year.

With just one guaranteed year left on his deal, Antetokounmpo holds the cards in this. He has agreed to sign an extension only with Boston or Miami, ESPN's Shams Charania has reported.

The NBA draft starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, so the clock is ticking.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jaylen Brown addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors with 'fuel' post

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Keith Tkachuk is elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame after his sons become NHL teammates

Keith Tkachuk waited more than a decade and a half from the end of his NHL playing career to get the call from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

When it finally came, the timing only gave his family more reason to celebrate.

Tkachuk was elected to the Hall of Fame on Monday, less than 24 hours after his sons became teammates when Brady was traded from Ottawa to Florida, joining older brother Matthew.

The patriarch nicknamed “Walt” Tkachuk is part of a player class that includes center Patrice Bergeron, who won the Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011 and the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward six times, and goaltenders Carey Price from Montreal and Pekka Rinne from Nashville.

U.S. women’s hockey pioneer Cindy Curley and executive Brian Burke also are set to be inducted on Nov. 9 at a ceremony in Toronto.

Tkachuk was one of the premier power forwards of his era, playing in the 1990s and 2000s as part of the first great generation of American pro players. He recorded 1,121 points in 1,290 games, counting the playoffs, with Winnipeg, Phoenix, St. Louis and Atlanta, and was part of the U.S. team that won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

“I was blessed to play in the greatest sports league in the world,” Tkachuk said. “Through good times and bad times, it was always the best experience imaginable.”

Bergeron, who spent his entire career with the Bruins, was chosen in his first year of eligibility. Price and Rinne were selected in their second, with Henrik Zetterberg and Rod Brind’Amour among those passed over again.

Price and Bergeron played together on Canada’s 2014 Olympic gold medal-winning team. Bergeron also won gold in 2010.

Curley skated in the first International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship in 1990. Her 11 goals, 12 assists and 23 points in five games remain single-tournament records.

Burke won the Stanley Cup as Anaheim’s general manager in 2007, one of several front-office stops for him, along with time spent as the NHL’s director of hockey operations. Burke also took on a leading role in hockey’s Pride efforts and was a longtime advocate of the women’s game, including a stint as executive director of the Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association.

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Brady Tkachuk To Wear No. 8 For Florida Panthers, Will Be Officially Introduced Tuesday

The Tkachuk era in South Florida is going to kick into high gear this week.

On Sunday, the Florida Panthers made headlines by trading for 26-year-old Brady Tkachuk, sending a trio of first-round picks and a second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for their now former captain.

Brady will join his 28-year-old sibling Matthew on the Panthers roster, reuniting the American bash brothers that have become the faces of Team USA hockey in recent years.

The move also gives Florida arguably the deepest and most talent-filled forward group in the NHL and places the Panthers back among the league’s top teams and Stanley Cup contenders.

On Tuesday, Tkachuk and Panthers General Manager Bill Zito will address the media and answer questions about the trade.

Tkachuk will surely be grilled on the circumstances that led up to the trade, what in the past may have contributed to the move and how he sees himself fitting in with his new team moving forward.

One interesting nugget that dropped on Monday regarding Tkachuk has to do with his jersey number.

The Panthers’ official team shop posted a video on social media of them making a new Tkachuk jersey with the number 8 on the back.

Florida’s official website, and the Panthers roster on the NHL Media site, also list Tkachuk as No. 8.

This is probably due to his usual No. 7 already being taken by Panthers veteran defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. 

Tkachuk wore No. 7 during his entire seven years in Ottawa, and before that he wore No. 27 at Boston University, No. 7 with the U.S. U18 and U17 teams he’d played for, and No. 71 for the St. Louis AAA Blues 16U squad.

That being the case, this would seemingly be the first time he’ll wear a jersey that didn’t include No. 7, which was the number his father Keith Tkachuk wore 1,183 of his 1,201 NHL games.

It’s also worth noting that papa Tkachuk was named a 2026 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, capping off quite a week for the family of hockey stars.

And if you’re wondering what number Keith used for the 18 games he didn’t wear No. 7…you guessed it, it was the No. 8, which he wore during a very brief tenure with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2007.

Perhaps Brady will divulge more into his number-selecting thought processes during his introductory press conference.

Stay tuned.

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Photo caption: Feb 28, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk (7) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. (Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images)

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Cavs exercise team option, bringing back Craig Porter Jr.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers controls the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on November 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers announced they are exercising their team option for Craig Porter Jr., bringing the undrafted guard back for his fourth season. Porter signed his first standard contract in February, 2024.

Porter is fresh off the best season of his career, appearing in 64 games and playing a career-high 17 minutes per game. He helped Cleveland navigate a bumpy start to the year by serving as an energizer off the bench. Porter averaged 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season.

The Cavs will owe Porter $2.4 million next season. He’s now in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Porter might be limited by his 6’1″ frame, but his playstyle is that of a player much larger. He’s one of the better offensive rebounders on the roster and is just as capable of blocking a shot as anyone not named Evan or Jarrett. This unique skillset has paved the way for Porter to be impactful despite not being a serious threat to score the ball.

There’s still room for CPJ to grow. At 26 years old, Porter is searching for a reliable jump shot that he trusts enough to use more than once a game. Porter shot a respectable 35.5% from deep last season but attempted three-pointers at one of the lowest rates in the league. He makes up for this by hustling on defense and generating turnovers. But his long-term viability will ultimately depend on his development as a shooter.

Porter’s fit next to James Harden and Donovan Mitchell is questionable. He doesn’t have the off-ball skills to space the floor and isn’t a strong enough creator to take touches away from them. Yet, as a backup guard who can eat innings during the regular season, Porter is one of the better options available to Cleveland. Simply retaining him is a move worth making.

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At Long Last, Keith Tkachuk Inducted Into Hockey Hall Of Fame

At long last, Keith Tkachuk is a Hockey Hall Of Fame member.

The former St. Louis Blues left wing, among the greatest goal scorers among American-born players in NHL history, was indicted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for the Class of 2026, which was announced on Monday afternoon, 16 years after the power forward retired from the NHL.

“I think like a lot of people on this (call), the inductees, I was shocked," Tkachuk said. "You don’t go into your career thinking you’re going to be a Hall of Famer. You don’t play for that. But as you get older, when you get that call, it was truly the biggest honor I could ever have. I’m thrilled. I don’t know how I’m going to react in the NHL in November. It’s going to be overwhelming. But we’re doing this for our families who have sacrificed everything for us. I’m looking forward to spending that time with my family, my grandkids, my wife Chantal who sacrificed a ton for me. I’m looking forward to going in representing all the teams that I played for, especially the St. Louis Blues. I’ve been here a long time, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Tkachuk, who played the final eight-plus seasons of his NHL career with the Blues (2000-2010), who also had stints with the old Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes and a short stint with the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers, who relocated to make up the current Winnipeg Jets franchise, played in 1,201 regular-season games and had 1,065 points (538 goals, 527 assists).

Tkachuk, who played 18 seasons in the NHL starting in 1991, never won the Stanley Cup in his career, and one wonders if that was a sticking point as to why it's taken him this long to finally be enshrined, is third among American-born players in NHL history in goals scored behind former Blue Brett Hull (741) and Mike Modano (561).

It's a long time coming and well-deserved for the 54-year-old, who currently serves as the team's director of recruitment. It was a decade-long wait.

"I don’t think about that," Tkachuk said. "I’m enjoying life right now. I’ve got a great family, grandkids now. This is the ultimate, for sure. The Tkachuks are never known to be patient, but we had to be a little patient."

Tkachuk was enshrined into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011 and Blues Hall of Fame; he will become the 27th former Blue to be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Tkachuk played in 543 regular-season games with the Blues and ranks 14th in franchise history with 427 points and sixth with 208 goals.

He is a five-time NHL All-Star (1997, 1998, 1999, 2004, 2009) and two-time selection to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team (1995, 1998).

"Keith Tkachuk’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is richly deserved," Blues chairman Tom Stillman said in a statement. "One of the greatest American-born hockey players of all time, ‘Big Walt’ brought a unique blend of skill and toughness to the St. Louis Blues. It was a privilege to watch him play in the Blue Note for nine seasons, and his impact on the franchise and our broader hockey community continues to be felt to this day. On behalf of the Blues organization and Blues fans everywhere, heartfelt congratulations to Keith and the entire Tkachuk family on this prestigious honor."

The news came 24 hours after Tkachuk's youngest son, Brady, was traded by the Ottawa Senators to join forces with older brother Matthew and the Florida Panthers.

“They’ve dreamt of playing together," Keith Tkachuk said of his sons. "They had an opportunity in the Olympics and 4 Nations. They’re best friends, they wanted to do this together and fortunately, it worked out. Both parties found a way to get it done.

"... It’s been a great weekend for the Tkachuks."

Blues Inquired About Trading For Brady TkachukBlues Inquired About Trading For Brady TkachukArmstrong admitted team was interested, not on player's list and "that's that." They have to find way to get on those types of players' list
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Flyers 'Entered' Trade Discussions for Former 4th Overall Draft Pick

The Philadelphia Flyers have already addressed one major need this offseason by trading for goalie Joseph Woll, and next up on the list appears to be the center position.

The left defense position has been the talk of much of the offseason so far, given that the Flyers will most easily be able to address it, specifically at the 2026 NHL Draft.

Center, of course, is the position in much greater demand around the NHL, and as a result, the Flyers may need to buy low and explore bargain bin options around the league.

One such option is reportedly Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright, a former No. 4 overall draft pick who is just one year removed from a promising 44-point campaign as a 21-year-old player.

Wright, 22, had an uninspiring 2025-26 season that saw him score just 12 goals and 27 points while averaging only 13:48 of ice time on a bad Kraken team that needed some juice.

Offensive involvement has been the question mark for the former top prospect, as Wright has just 204 career shots on goal, though he does have 36 goals to show for it thus far.

NHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Linked to Multiple Senators CentersNHL Trade Rumors: Flyers Linked to Multiple Senators CentersThe Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly interested in three different Ottawa Senators forwards, including two established goal-scorers.

But, with all that said, The Fourth Period and NHL Network NHL insider David Pagnotta recently reported that "Young centre Shane Wright is still available and remains open to a move.

"[Seattle Kraken GM Jason Botterill] prefers to package him in a larger deal for a top-tier forward and he continues to scour the market. Teams continue to poke, and sources say the Philadelphia Flyers recently entered the chat, and trade discussions should pick up this week."

Of note, the 2026 NHL Draft is just four days away, and the Flyers were previously reported to not have much interest in Wright as a player.

If things have changed, as Pagnotta indicates, the Flyers have accepted that the market for centers is not favorable for what they would like to achieve.

Head coach Rick Tocchet liked having veteran Luke Glendening in the lineup for matchup purposes as the Flyers' lone right-hand center, and prospect Jett Luchanko is still not close to being ready for a full-time NHL role.

Those factors lend themselves well to the Flyers throwing a dart at Wright, who has plenty of talent and is still very young.

Wright has only one year remaining on his entry-level contract at a $866k cap hit, so if things don't pan out, he and agent Kurt Overhardt can work out something else out next offseason.

The Flyers have a surplus of wingers, a need for a young center with talent, and a need for a right-hand center.

Wright checks all those boxes for them, and it seems they are starting to coming around the idea of giving the 2022 No. 4 overall pick a fresh start in Philadelphia.

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Astros Place RP Bryan Abreu on Restricted List, Recall RP Logan VanWey

HOUSTON, TX - JUNE 15: Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) throws a pitch in the top of the ninth inning during the MLB game between the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros on June 15, 2026 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Today, the Houston Astros announced that they had placed RP Bryan Abreu on the restricted list, and recalled RP Logan VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace him on the active roster.

No reason for moving Abreu to the restricted list was given.

Abreu, 29, has allowed 1 ER in 7 appearances since a 3-run blow-up June 2 vs. Pittsburgh. He allowed a solo HR in a 9-3 loss to the Tigers June 15 in a game that had long been decided.

Abreu last pitched on June 20, pitching a perfect inning in an 8-1 loss to the Guardians.

For the season, Abreu is 2-3 with 5 SV, a 6.39 ERA and 1.82 WHIP. Abreu’s career ERA is 2.92 and career WHIP is 1.22.

VanWey, 27, has only pitched 3 innings for the Astros this season and has not allowed a run. All 3 of his innings were closeouts of losses. In those 3 innings, he has allowed 1 hit, no walks and struck out 5.

This season at Triple-A Sugar Land, VanWey is 2-3 with a 6.20 ERA and 1.66 WHIP. In 24.2 IP, he has allowed 32 hits, 9 walks, and struck out 34. VanWey figures to be a long man in the Astros pen.

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MLB Power Rankings: Harper and Schwarber fuel Phillies rise, Marlins feasting in June

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber have a game for the ages, Paul Goldschmidt is defying age, the Marlins are stepping up, and a host of big names are set to return from the injured list.

As a reminder, this article is a combination of current performance and long-term outlook.

One programming note before we get started: I’ll be on vacation next week, so Dave Shovein will be providing his insight and analysis.

Let’s get started!

▶ Check out Matthew Pouliot’s latest Top 300 ROS update for fantasy baseball!

Rankings are from the morning of Monday, June 22

1) Atlanta Braves

Last week: 1

In a potential playoff preview, the Braves took two out of three from the Brewers over the weekend. They handed Jacob Misiorowski his first loss since April 19 on Friday before Ozzie Albies played the role of hero on Saturday.

2) Los Angeles Dodgers

Last week: 2

The Dodgers have lost consecutive games for the first time since May 12. Obviously there’s no reason for panic here, but the club might have to make a decision about Emmett Sheehan soon. After giving up six runs in a lopsided loss to the Orioles on Sunday, Sheehan’s ERA sits at 5.32 for the year.

3) Milwaukee Brewers

Last week: 3

After missing nearly two months following a procedure to drain a cyst from his right shoulder, Brandon Woodruff is set to rejoin the Brewers’ rotation on Monday against the Reds. This likely means Shane Drohan going back to the bullpen, especially with Robert Gasser back on the scene.

4) New York Yankees

Last week: 4

Paul Goldschmidt’s return to the Yankees didn’t garner much in the way of headlines this offseason, which was understandable given how he performed last year, but he’s recaptured some of his old magic this season. The 38-year-old has already surpassed his home run total from last year and his .896 OPS is his highest since his MVP season in 2022.

I couldn’t finish this Yankees section without showing Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the NBA Champion New York Knicks throwing out the first pitch last week. These guys are the best buddy comedy going right now.

5) Philadelphia Phillies ⬆️

Last week: 8

Having a player hit for the cycle and hit three homers in the same game isn’t just something you can do in MLB The Show. It also happens in real life, as we saw with Bryce Harper (first career cycle) and Kyle Schwarber (fifth career three-homer game) on Saturday against the Mets. Harper and Schwarber are just the second pair of teammates to reach these feats in the same game, joining Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri of the 1932 Yankees.

6) Tampa Bay Rays ⬇️

Last week: 5

After winning two out of three against the Nationals over the weekend (with a couple of big swings from the returning Jonny DeLuca), now the Rays have a chance to end June on a high note. They’ll play seven out of their next 10 games against the Royals, with the other three coming against the banged-up Diamondbacks.

7) St. Louis Cardinals ⬇️

Last week: 6

After a quiet month of May, JJ Wetherholt is slashing .333/.403/.500 this month. Yes, he slugged two homers in a wild win over the Royals on Sunday, but the most impressive thing this month is that he has more walks (six) than strikeouts (five). The National League Rookie of the Year race is far from over, as Sal Stewart of the Reds, Carson Benge and Nolan McLean of the Mets, Bryce Eldridge of the Giants, and Konnor Griffin of the Pirates will have something to say about it, but Wetherholt is the clear favorite right now.

8) Cleveland Guardians ⬆️

Last week: 9

The Guardians have lost four out of six since José Ramírez went down with hamate bone surgery. Travis Bazzana is certainly doing his part to help pick up the slack offensively. He’s hit safely in five straight games, during which he’s launched three homers.

9) Chicago White Sox ⬇️

Last week: 7

No rest for the weary here. After getting swept by the Tigers over the weekend, now the White Sox are set to square off against the Guardians to begin the week. After a long wait, catcher Kyle Teel is finally ready to make his season debut.

10) Chicago Cubs ⬆️

Last week: 12

PCA continues to enjoy a ridiculous month. He’s hit .550 (11-for-20) over the past seven days, including the first cycle of his career last Monday. He’s now homered in five out of his last seven games.

11) Seattle Mariners ⬆️

Last week: 14

It’s been an uneven few days for the Mariners, as they lost two out of three to the Red Sox over the weekend, but they also got Cal Raleigh back from the IL and Logan Gilbert is showing ace form once again. We’ve been saying it for a while, but the Mariners should be better than their record shows.

12) Miami Marlins ⬆️

Last week: 15

This is not a misprint. With the best record in baseball this month, including a four-game winning streak, the Marlins are on the verge of our top 10. The club will have to hope that 2026 breakout Liam Hicks won’t have to miss much time as he deals with a lower-back strain.

13) San Diego Padres ⬇️

Last week: 10

After abbreviated stints with the Royals and the Mariners, Samad Taylor has been a shot in the arm for the Padres’ offense, slashing .362/.423/.447 across 13 games. He’s hit safely in each of his starts with the club and has recently moved up near the top of the order. For a team who has struggled to find offense, they are literally riding the hot hand as far as it will take them.

14) Washington Nationals ⬇️

Last week: 11

Selected No. 2 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Dylan Crews hasn’t had the smoothest transition to the majors, but maybe just maybe we’re seeing what made him so highly-coveted. The former Golden Spikes Award Winner has three homers and 10 RBI over his last 10 games. While his patience leaves a lot to be desire, he’s making lots of solid contact. His .268 xBA and .489 xSLG indicates that he’s deserved better than his results would indicate. The Nationals’ lineup is already potent as it is, but it would be something if Crews begins to meet the hype.

15) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬇️

Last week: 13

Jordan Lawlar is back on the IL with a hamstring injury while Ryne Nelson is dealing with a flexor strain and Michael Soroka has a strained right glute. The Diamondbacks were looking forward to returns from Corbin Burnes and A.J. Puk, but they both suffered setbacks while ramping up their respective rehabs. If you’re around the .500 mark, you have a chance in this modern playoff structure. And that’s pretty much where the Diamondbacks find themselves. However, the injuries just might be too much to withstand.

16) Pittsburgh Pirates

Last week: 16

Scary moment in Sunday’s game, as Jared Jones was hit the elbow by a comebacker. He had a very emotional reaction, understandable given his return from Tommy John surgery, but fortunately X-rays came back negative.

17) Toronto Blue Jays ⬆️

Last week: 19

The Blue Jays went 4-1 on their road trip and now they’ll return home for a 10-game homestand as they finally get Shane Bieber back from the IL on Tuesday. With a big four featuring Cease, Bieber, Yesavage, and Gausman, it would be surprising if we didn’t see the Jays rise in the rankings moving forward.

18) Athletics ⬇️

Last week: 17

This weekend’s series against the Angels was a wild one, so it’s hard to pick just moment, but this catch from Colby Thomas is a ton of fun. It also makes my back hurt.

Something to watch this week: Zach Gelof owns a 24-game hitting streak, three shy of Arizona’s Ildemargo Vargas for the longest in MLB this season.

19) Cincinnati Reds ⬆️

Last week: 20

The pendulum is starting to swing the other way again. Fresh off taking two out of three from the Yankees, the Reds are set to welcome Elly De La Cruz back on Tuesday and Hunter Greene has begun a minor league rehab assignment.

20) Minnesota Twins ⬆️

Last week: 22

To their credit, the Twins aren’t going away. They’ve won six out of their last seven as they attempt to quell the annual trade rumors involving Byron Buxton. While Buxton remains the centerpiece of this offense, Josh Bell has enjoyed a healthy turnaround over the past month. He’s hitting .337 with four homers and 19 RBI over his last 23 games.

21) Texas Rangers ⬇️

Last week: 18

Wyatt Langford has been a force since returning from the injured list, hitting .317 with five homers and 12 RBI in 15 games.

22) Baltimore Orioles ⬇️

Last week: 21

The Orioles took two out of three from our No. 1 team in the Dodgers over the weekend, but they’ll be without a key piece this week after Adley Rutschman was hit in the head by a throw and had to go on the 7-day concussion injured list. Talk about some awful luck.

23) Houston Astros

Last week: 23

Things are actually looking up for the Astros. They’ve won three straight series for the first time this season and they also have their ace Hunter Brown back in the fold.

24) Detroit Tigers ⬆️

Last week: 26

The Tigers pulled off a sweep of the White Sox over the weekend as they try to climb their way out of the hole they dug while Tarik Skubal was on the shelf.

The Tigers will be tested in a big way in the coming days, as they’ll play six out of their next 10 games against the Yankees. They also have a four-game set against the aforementioned Astros.

25) New York Mets ⬇️

Last week: 24

The Mets were hoping they got an ace with the acquisition of Freddy Peralta this offseason, but after giving up a career-high 10 earned runs on Saturday against the Phillies, he’s now sporting a 4.83 ERA on the year. Even with Francisco Lindor expected to return this week, time is running out for this team.

26) Boston Red Sox ⬇️

Last week: 25

The Red Sox are signaling to the baseball world that it’s almost #HugWatch time.

Appropriately enough, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras are likely trade candidates leading into the deadline. Aroldis Chapman and Jarren Duran are among the other names to watch on this roster.

27) Kansas City Royals

Last week: 27

Jac Caglianone is starting to find his way against major league pitching. The 23-year-old has seven homers and 16 RBI this month to go along with a stout .379/.468/.742 batting line. He’s homered in each of his last three games.

28) Los Angeles Angels ⬆️

Last week: 29

Mike Trout appears on track to get voted into the All-Star Game by the fans, but now he’s on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. Hopefully he’s able to make it back in time, as it would be extra special to see him play in Philadelphia, just a short drive from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey.

29) San Francisco Giants ⬇️

Last week: 28

Oh, what a mess the Giants continue to be. Not only were they swept by the Marlins over the weekend, but Rafael Devers decided to go all Roger Dorn and try to waive off a pinch-runner in the ninth inning on Sunday. Giants rookie manager Tony Vitello tried to be diplomatic after the game, but the vibes are just awful here.

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

Want to watch an inside-the-park home run? Let’s watch an inside-the-park home run.

My favorite thing about this might have been Jake McCarthy’s comments after the game. As he told Thomas Harding of MLB.com, “I was tired — I was trying not to throw up.”

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Where to watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Minnesota Twins: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Monday, June 22

The Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked first in the NL West with a 49-29 record, face the Minnesota Twins, who are third in the AL Central with a 38-41 record. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored with a -155 moneyline compared to the Minnesota Twins' +125. Starting pitchers are Eric Lauer for the Dodgers, with a 5.37 ERA, and Zebby Matthews for the Twins, with a 4.78 ERA.

  • Date: Monday, June 22

  • Time: 7:40 p.m. ET / 4:40 p.m. PT

  • Where: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

  • TV Channels: Twins.TV Presented by Progressive, SportsNet LA

  • Live Stream:ESPN+, MLB.TV | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: 49-29 (first in NL West)

  • Minnesota Twins: 38-41 (third in AL Central)

  • Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5

  • Moneyline: Minnesota Twins +125 / Los Angeles Dodgers -155

  • Over/Under: 9.5

Los Angeles Dodgers: Eric Lauer (2-5, ERA: 5.37, K: 40, WHIP: 1.31)

Minnesota Twins: Zebby Matthews (3-4, ERA: 4.78, K: 34, WHIP: 1.18)

Series: Game 1 of 3 (series tied)

Weather: 75°F at first pitch

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Ask Pinstripe Alley: Yankees mailbag questions request

Ask Pinstripe Alley

It’s been an up and down week for the Yankees, as they took a series against the surprise contender White Sox but dropped their weekend series to the Reds scoring just three runs in their two losses. There were still plenty of highlights to point out, from Cam Schlittler dominating for another six innings of shutout ball with 13 strikeouts to further his early Cy Young case or Ben Rice clobbering another couple of balls to jump up to 22 homers on the year and moving him back up to fourth in MLB.

Now that we’re officially into summer though, it’s time to start getting serious about the team’s place in the standings and how to improve their chances of going the distance. The team sits in first place with a two-game lead over the Rays, but even if you believe that the gap should be a little wider based on the quality of their wins the fact of the matter is Tampa has been neck-and-neck with them thus far. Rumors of a Tarik Skubal all-in rental are floating, but would an absolutely overwhelming rotation solve the team’s issues in the lineup and bullpen? Are their prospects good enough to outbid the other teams seeking his services, and can they do anything else if they go that route? If you have questions like these, or anything else on your mind, send ‘em in for a chance to be featured in our Yankees mailbag.

Answers will run on Friday afternoon. All questions received by the night of June 25th will be considered. You can leave your submissions in the comment section below or by e-mail to pinstripealleyblog [at] gmail [dot] com.