SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Petco Park on June 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the Friar Faithful, tonight’s win felt like a massive sigh of relief. Despite the San Diego Padres only scoring one run, it was all they would need as Michael King went seven scoreless innings for the second time this season.
King needed a start like this almost as much as the Friars did. He’s had a tough stretch lately, but acted as a stopper for San Diego on Monday night. The Padres will look to win the series in Game 2 against the Atlanta Braves tonight.
Taking the mound
JR Ritchie (ATL) v. Griffin Canning (SD)
Ritchie had an impressive start to his rookie year with Atlanta but has since fallen off a bit. He’s struggled with inconsistency, causing him to post a 4.54 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 35 2/3 innings.
With the injuries that have marred the starting rotation, Ritchie has been thrust into a role he likely wouldn’t be in otherwise. The underlying stuff is tantalizing, but San Diego’s lineup should be able to tag the righty for a few runs.
Similar to Ritchie, Canning has had some major problems with consistency. In his last three starts, he’s surrendered one run, seven runs and one run in each. That’s led to him having an overblown 6.64 ERA.
That said, he’s been better lately. The Padres have started using an opener for Canning and it’s seemed to help. He had one of his best starts of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals last week, giving up just one run to the Cards.
Batter up!
The offense did just enough to back up their pitching staff, scoring one run on a Manny Machado homer. Despite the Braves’ pitching staff walking a ridiculous seven batters, including Xander Bogaerts three times, the Padres couldn’t bring any of them to home plate. They’ll need to be better with their situational hitting if they hope to beat Atlanta tonight.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
Samad Taylor, RF
Jackson Merrill, CF
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, LF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Ty France, 1B
Will Wagner, DH
Rodolfo Durán, C
Blake Hunt could start behind the dish, though Durán has worked behind the plate more until Freddy Fermin returns from concussion protocol. That said, with Hunt on the way out soon, the Padres could decide to play him one more time.
Taylor batted in the ninth spot in the order for the first time since he pinch-hit for Durán in his Padres debut. He’s looked comfortable batting second and could return there after going 0-for-3 at the bottom of the order.
Relief corps
With King pitching flawlessly, only Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller had to be used in Monday night’s game. Morejon covered a perfect eighth inning before Miller entered in a save situation. He recorded two outs before giving up a single and a walk. He struck out Mike Yastrzemski to end the trouble.
That saves the ‘pen for tonight, with Jason Adam, Kyle Hart, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, David Morgan and Wandy Peralta all available. Adam has struggled lately, but will look to rebound from a tough series against the Texas Rangers.
On Tuesday, the New Jersey Devils traded the Russian forward, along with defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames, in exchange for the New York Rangers' 2026 second-round pick, the Vegas Golden Knights' 2027 first-round pick, the Colorado Avalanche's 2028 first-round pick and prospect Etienne Morin.
The Islanders traded Tsyplakov on Jan. 8 to the Devils in exchange for Ondrej Palat and their 2026 third-round pick before flipping that pick to the New York Rangers to acquire Carson Soucy.
Tsyplakov, who was in the first season of a two-year extension worth $2.25 million annually, recorded 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 126 games with Long Island.
With New Jersey, Tsyplakov recorded just one goal and one assist in 22 games.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 21: Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers reacts after hitting a run scoring single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field on June 21, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for June 23, 2026 against the Miami Marlins: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Sandy Alcantara for the Marlins.
The Rangers play game two in Miami. They are looking to extend a winning streak, and get back to the dreaded one game under .500 mark. Still no Corey Seager. Brandon Nimmo is DHing.
The lineup:
Pederson — 1B
Langford — CF
Nimmo — DH
Jung — 3B
Duran — SS
Osuna — RF
Kelenic — LF
Higashioka — C
Lopez — 2B
5:40 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +134 underdogs.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats steals the ball from Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In today’s Dub Hub:
Final mock draft roundup highlights several prospects linked to the Warriors at No. 11 ahead of tonight’s NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Marc Spears explains how the Warriors can end up potentially trading for Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III.
The NBA Draft is finally here, with the marquee offseason event set to take place Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. PT on ABC and ESPN. The Golden State Warriors hold the No. 11 overall pick, and after weeks of pre-draft workouts, rumors, and speculation, it’s finally time to find out which prospect will officially be headed to the Bay Area.
But before commissioner Adam Silver approaches the podium, here’s one final mock draft roundup to get a sense of who experts believe the Warriors will select:
Of all the potential names listed, Arizona’s Brayden Burries would be the most intriguing fit for the Warriors. He checks several boxes for Golden State as a big guard who can shoot, defend, and thrive playing off Stephen Curry’s gravity. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Burries brings much-needed size and physicality to the backcourt while also offering the type of two-way upside that could help the Warriors both immediately and in the years to come.
“The chance for me to come here and play with Curry … I'd be honored.”
After his Warriors workout, Brayden Burries says he would love to play with Steph Curry. pic.twitter.com/GGjnjEjf5v
If Burries does not fall outside of the top 10, Michigan’s trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson would also be solid fallback options. Ideally, the Warriors could trade down and acquire an additional first-round pick from a team such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing them to select one of the Michigan frontcourt players while also adding a guard like Alabama’s Labaron Philon.
Regardless of who is selected, the wait is finally over. The Warriors will officially be on the clock, and by the end of the night, they should be welcoming at least one new addition to their roster.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, June 23rd:
Burries worked out with Golden State last week and is seen as a potential fit with the Warriors as a perimeter creator who can help take some of the burden off Stephen Curry as an offensive driver, while also fitting in nicely on defense as a stout, switchable guard.
This would be a home run for the Warriors if he fell to No. 11. But I wonder if there would be some synergy to a team, even including the Warriors, moving up to No. 9 still to get him if Dallas does decide to trade down. A number of teams in this range of the draft would love to have a two-way guard like this who can dribble, pass, shoot and defend.
Comment: “I know (the Warriors) liked what they saw in his workout. He’s not going to take you to the promised land, but he’ll give you a lot of things that will help you get there.”
Comment 2: “He’s a plug-and-play guy. He does everything. He can initiate offense, shoot threes and post up. He’ll adapt to the NBA pretty quickly. (The Warriors) need help on the wings. If Yaxel is there and (the Warriors) don’t take him, I’d wonder why.”
The Heat are sending to Milwaukee unprotected first-rounders in 2031 and 2033 along with No. 13, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-rounder, according to sources.
The trade does not include any additional teams — it is a one-to-one move, sources said — but both the Heat and the Bucks will execute the deal July 6, which leaves the framework open to see whether there are opportunities to expand.
Just in: Minnesota is sending Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in the NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team trade that sends Nic Claxton to the Chicago Bulls, sources tell ESPN. The Timberwolves will acquire Brooklyn’s No. 33 pick for Randle and No. 28. pic.twitter.com/TvADMMNDlg
With those long odds, it makes sense why many fans appear to prefer a more measured approach. The No. 11 pick gives the Warriors an opportunity to add an inexpensive young player to a roster that badly needs an injection of youth, athleticism, and long-term upside. In a draft class widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent years, holding onto the selection may ultimately prove more valuable than chasing another short-term move.
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
“My question is: What’s Ant Edwards thinking?” ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst said on the “Hoop Collective Podcast.”
“If you were to say who’s next after Giannis? We would have said Ant. And that [the Randle trade] happened at the exact same time as the Giannis trade. It’s fascinating.”
Anthony Edwards may be the next domino to fall in the NBA trade cycle. NBAE via Getty Images
“The NBA vultures are swirling around Ant in anticipation of him potentially becoming the next superstar who’s available in the trade market,” Tim McMahon responded.
“Ant has really been frustrated since Towns got traded, just about how he gets double-teamed,” Windhorst said. “They have to do something this offseason about addressing the Ant double-team situation, especially knowing you may not have DiVincenzo.”
Randle scored 21.1 points per game last season, though his 6.7 rebounds per game marked a career low.
Meanwhile, Towns just played a huge role in the Knicks winning their first NBA championship in 53 years — and has been a trusted complementary star for Jalen Brunson.
“I don’t think Ant was the biggest Julius Randle fan,” Windhorst said. “And I don’t think [the issue is] Randle being traded. It’s Randle being traded as part of a salary dump. I don’t think that Ant was like, ‘No, no, don’t trade Julius, never.’ Because there was some significant disconnect between those players by the end of the season.”
Windhorst added that the Timberwolves’ President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, appears to be in the last year of his contract and that Minnesota wants to re-sign him.
Anthony Edwards has been frustrated in Minnesota since they traded Karl-Anthony Towns. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The apparent provocation is that Connelly hasn’t re-upped his deal for fear that Edwards will request a trade in the near future, and Connelly does not want to be the one to trade him.
“As far as I know, Tim Connelly is in the last year of his contract. And I don’t think it’s because the Wolves don’t want to extend him,” Windhorst said. “I think the Wolves do want to extend him. So process that however you want to process that. Keep that in mind as we go forward with Ant Edwards.”
Sunny Mehta has made his first trade as general manager of the New Jersey Devils.
On Tuesday afternoon, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that the Devils were trading defenseman Simon Nemec to the Calgary Flames.
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman quickly confirmed that Nemec and forward Maxim Tsyplakov would go to Calgary in exchange for a second-round pick this season, a first-round pick in 2027, a first-round pick in 2028 (both top 10 protected), and Etienne Morin
Nemec & Tsyplakov for 2nd (NYR) this year, Vegas 1st 2027, COL 1st 2028 (both top 10 protected) & Etienne Morin https://t.co/iJclSTQhWH
Per the team, the conditions of the picks are as follows:
* The first-round pick that is acquired by Calgary from the Vegas Golden Knights in either the 2027 or 2028 NHL Draft (whichever first-round pick Calgary receives from its January 18, 2026 trade with Vegas).
* The first-round pick that is acquired by Calgary from Colorado in either the 2028 or 2029 NHL Draft (whichever first-round pick Calgary receives from its March 6, 2026 trade with the Colorado Avalanche).
New Jersey now holds six picks in the 2026 NHL Draft (one first, two seconds including one from the New York Rangers, a fourth, fifth, and sixth).
Morin is a 21-year-old defenseman who spent last season with Calgary’s minor-league affiliates, the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) and the Rapid City Rush (ECHL).
Nemec was drafted second overall by New Jersey in 2022. He has appeared in 155 NHL games with the Devils and 112 in the American Hockey League with the Utica Comets. The 22-year-old appeared in 68 games for the Devils during the 2025-26 season, recording 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists).
New Jersey acquired Maxim Tsyplakov on January 27 from the New York Islanders for Ondrej Palat, a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a 6th-round pick in 2027. In 22 games with the Devils, he scored one goal.
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - APRIL 11: Head Basketball Coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines speaks on stage during the Michigan Men's Basketball National Championship celebration at Crisler Arena on April 11, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s a surprising amount to cover on the podcast today in the depths of summer. That’s because of the huge news that Dusty May is leaving Michigan and heading to the NBA and quite frankly I don’t blame him. I talk to Ryan about the reasons why I would rather be an NBA coach than a college coach right now and I don’t think you’ll be too surprised to hear them. Then, we look at the chances that Braden Smith gets drafted in the first or second round of the NBA Draft that is Tuesday (today) and Wednesday. Smith finds himself on a lot of NBA mock draft boards and is hoping to find a sticking place in the NBA. Perhaps he will be reunited with Zach Edey? That would make for some fun basketball.
Then, we continue our look at the 2026-2027 men’s basketball roster and focus on incoming sharpshooter Jacob Webber.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Dailyn Swain #3 of the Texas Longhorns shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The day has arrived.
No more mock drafts and, soon enough, we’ll know exactly how Mike Gansey and the Sixers used the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
I’ve changed my mind so much over the last few weeks, but now that the day is here, I have it narrowed down to five players who I think would be the best realistic fits for the Sixers at 22. So, no trade-ups for [insert your favorite Michigan frontcourt player]. Let’s dive in.
Dailyn Swain, Wing, Texas
It’s hard to imagine Swain falls to 22, but several mocks have him slipping into the Sixers’ range. Many draft experts consider Swain a lottery-level talent because of his ability as a shot creator at 6-foot-7. As we saw in the playoffs, the Sixers could absolutely use more pure bucket-getters and serious help on the wing. With three years of college experience, it’s not crazy to think Swain could help anchor bench lineups as a rookie. Defensively, Swain should be solid-to-good at the next level thanks to his 6-foot-10 wingspan and athleticism.
The biggest knock on Swain — and the biggest reason he could be available — is his jumper. He struggled mightily from deep in his first two seasons at Xavier before shooting a respectable 34.4% this past season. His touch inside the arc and 81.5% mark from the free throw line are positive indicators. Where Swain struggled most was shooting catch-and-shoot triples, with his release being a bit long and slow. If he can work out those kinks, his ceiling is high.
Graves is a tricky player to project. He’s got a Swiss Army Knife skillset offensively, was an impact off-ball defender last season and has ideal power forward size. You could easily see him sliding in at the four for the Sixers with his ability to rebound and shoot. He could even potentially be used as a five in small-ball lineups.
But the level of competition and Graves’ lack of high-end athleticism make me a little nervous. He also found himself in foul trouble an awful lot. Still, that point forward archetype is intriguing, especially for the post-Joel Embiid era. If he’s there at 22, I’d be willing to take a bet on him.
Right, because the Knicks really struggled with Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado. There’s no way it could work!
In all seriousness, if Okorie is the best player on the board (and he very well could be!), the Sixers should take him. He’s a far different player than Jared McCain. He’s longer, more athletic and is an elite ball-handler who lives in the paint. While he doesn’t project to be an all-world defender, he should be able to hold his own with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and a sturdy 186-pound frame.
If Quentin Grimes walks, the Sixers will need a reliable third guard off the bench. Okorie should be able to have a role as a rookie. He shoots it well enough (35.4% on high volume and mostly pull-ups) and should be skilled and strong enough to take on NBA defenders. In this league, shot-creation is at a premium. Okorie did so at an elite level at Stanford.
Quaintance is 18 years old, has All-Defensive Team potential, has flashes offensively and might even be able to play a little power forward. Sounds perfect, right? In a vacuum, Quaintance seems like a dream fit for the Sixers. It’s all going to come down to the medicals for the Kentucky big man. As a 17-year-old playing at Arizona State, he tore his ACL. He didn’t see the court much in 2025-26 because of lingering issues.
There was a point where people believed Quaintance could be a top-five pick — that’s the talent level we’re talking about here. If the medical reports are bad enough to have him dropping him down into the 20s, it’s a pretty big red flag. I wouldn’t blame Gansey and the front office either way. Gambling on a player with this potential is bold, but if the medicals look that rough, you can understand why they’d pass.
Full disclosure: Ejiofor might have been my favorite player to watch in college basketball this past season. He’s tough, physical, athletic, unselfish, has a ridiculous motor and is super versatile. Players like that who stand at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan don’t grow on trees. The dude is just a winning basketball player.
The obvious concerns are that he’s a tweener and his shooting might dictate how good of a pro he ultimately becomes. For the Sixers, his combo big versatility could be a great asset. Is 22 a bit rich? Maybe, but he’s one hell of a player and a lot of fun to watch.
Peat’s skillset as a bruising, athletic power forward is an ideal fit for the Sixers, but I have serious concerns about his jumper. He has a floor as a junkyard dog forward, willing to do all the little things, but I’m not sure his ceiling is super high without a better shot.
Cenac is intriguing because of his size, skill and ability to rebound. It’s a bit concerning that he plays like a guard in a pure center’s body offensively. He also seemed to struggle processing things at times. Was that just inexperience or a sign of a bigger issue? Cenac is going to need plenty of seasoning at the next level.
Jefferson was awesome at Iowa State. He’s sort of a lesser version of Graves, but is an even better passer. The biggest knocks on Jefferson are going to be his age (23) and athletic ability. He was one of the poorest testers at the combine, but the production this past season is hard to ignore.
For Reed, 22 might just be a little rich, but there definitely should be interest for a Sixers team that’s repeatedly struck out on the backup center position. There’s nothing super special about Reed — he’s just a good big man. He’ll set good screens, roll hard, protect the rim, hit the glass and even has decent footwork in the post to go get his own bucket from time to time. For the Sixers, that type of steady play from a Joel Embiid backup would be nice.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm slam dunks against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is finally here. Draft day, the day in which franchises hitch their hopes to the prospect of a prospect prospering under their colors. And while I still don’t like that the NBA Draft has become a two-night event, that doesn’t mean it comes without intrigue for the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns currently hold the 47th overall pick and aren’t scheduled to make their selection until tomorrow night. But given the aggressiveness we’ve seen from the organization in recent drafts under the direction of Brian Gregory, no night is safe. If Phoenix somehow finds a way into the late first round, I wouldn’t be surprised. That’s part of what makes tonight interesting. The Suns may not be scheduled to participate, but that doesn’t mean they won’t.
So what should they ultimately do?
It’s a question we’ve been asking ourselves for the better part of two months. We’ve tried to balance need versus talent, knowing that whoever is drafted isn’t expected to make an immediate impact. That’s reserved for teams at the top of the lottery that are desperate for instant contributors. For Phoenix, this selection is more about depth and development.
What would I like them to do? I see two paths.
If they stay at 47, I think Jaden Bradley is the move. He would likely be a two-way contract player, leaving an open roster spot on the big league club and allowing the Suns to maintain both flexibility and cost control. That doesn’t mean he isn’t someone who could eventually impact the team.
He’s the type of guard I find myself liking more the longer I watch him. He plays fearlessly, gets into the paint, finishes through traffic, and displays many of the traits modern combo guards need to survive offensively. What stands out most is the combination of pace, toughness, and playmaking. He’s a really good distributor, especially when navigating traffic, and he has a natural willingness to attack defenders.
Bradley also has sneaky athleticism and creates separation in ways that look very similar to what many successful smaller guards do at higher levels. I see a little Brunson in him. He knows how to touch the paint and still create separation.
Defensively, he’s probably never going to wow anyone, and he still needs to improve fighting through screens. As a playmaker, there’s room to grow when it comes to seeing the entire floor. But the shooting numbers are encouraging, the jumper looks smooth, and there’s enough skill here that if developed properly, he can become a very useful NBA guard.
At minimum, he feels like an ideal two-way contract candidate with a pathway toward becoming a rotation player. At maximum, he could become the backup point guard to Collin Gillespie two years from now if the Jalen Green experiment ultimately runs its course.
But what if the Suns move up?
I don’t know what it would take to get there. With multiple teams holding multiple picks, including the Knicks, Kings, and Grizzlies, there’s certainly opportunity for movement. If Phoenix can find its way into the late first round or early second round, I’d love to see them draft Zuby Ejiofor.
If you’ve been reading along this offseason, you know this is the guy I love most. When I wrote my article outlining how to fix the Suns from start to finish, the plan involved trading Royce O’Neale and a pick to Memphis for Taylor Hendricks and an earlier draft selection. The reason was simple. I wanted a shot at Zuby.
Why?
Because he embodies everything the Suns claim to value when it comes to player traits. He brings qualities that directly contribute to winning basketball. He’s technically sound, attacks the glass, plays aggressively, and consistently makes the kinds of plays coaches love. What stands out most is the motor. He plays with heart, desire, and toughness every possession. He’s the kind of player who embraces physicality and competes with an energy that can change the feel of a game.
Simply put, he’s a motherfucker in all the right ways. When I watch him, I think back to my pre-draft lover affair with Obi Toppin in 2020. This is Temu Toppin, and I’m here for it.
The shooting still needs work, and he may not be the cleanest fit in Phoenix. But considering where he’s projected to be drafted, the value is incredibly appealing. You could bring him off the bench, play him at the small forward spot, and suddenly become bigger, more athletic, and tougher as a team. Players with his mindset and willingness to do the dirty work are always valuable.
Yes, lineups featuring him and Oso Ighodaro would be interesting. That might not be something you seriously explore until next season or even the season after that. And who knows where the Suns will be by then.
So now that we’ve arrived at draft day, those are the two paths I’d prefer to see Phoenix take. There are plenty of prospect names out there. There are plenty of paths available.
That’s the beauty of draft night. Months of scouting reports, mock drafts, workout rumors, and thought exercises all give way to a few decisions that can alter the direction of a franchise. Maybe the Suns stay patient and take a developmental swing at 47. Maybe Brian Gregory gets aggressive and moves up the board again. Either way, the philosophy remains the same: find players who fit the culture, embrace the work, and help build whatever comes next.
TOPSHOT - Members of the New York Knicks attend a championship celebration and Key to the City ceremony at City Hall Plaza after a ticker-tape parade honoring the team's NBA Finals victory in New York City on June 18, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Dear 2025-26 Knicks,
With the NBA draft hours away, the championship parade over, and the memorable and clinching game 5 over a week in our review mirror, it felt like the perfect time to pen (electronically) a letter to you.
Man, what a ride it’s been. For some the ride has been just a few weeks long. So many around the world joined to root for the Knicks at different points during the playoffs because they wanted to see their partner, family, friends, and or neighbors happy. And you captured their hearts as their fandom quickly evolved from that. It went from clueless bystanders to fans that witnessed the on-court dominance and the chemistry and characters that made this team so likeable.
For others, that journey has taken place over years. They watched Kristaps Porzingis become the beacon of hope for a franchise and a city that was starving for something to believe in. And then they sat there and watched as his injury and eventual trade took all of that away in what felt like a matter of days.
And for many, it’s the last decades. Generations of embarrassing ineptitude, directionless leaders, heartbreaking losses, and foolishly convincing ourselves that the impossible was actually possible.
Regardless of how long the journey has been, though, it’s led us to you, this team, and this season. A team that was so relatable because of the way you carried yourselves and embodied the city. Like Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at the championship parade just last week, you not only won in New York City, you won like New York City. The 25-26 Knicks had their blemishes. You guys weren’t perfect. There was the 2-9 stretch during the cold and dark days of the New York winter. There were games two and three against the Hawks. Jalen Brunson, and even in your wins, there were slow starts, and plenty of stretches that made fans want to pull their hair out. But that made you guys oddly easy to root for and easy to love, kind of like a family member.
Sure, you guys annoyed us at times. Many times, actually. But amidst the very clear imperfection, there was a group of guys that made it their ultimate goal to win in and for the city. You guys sacrificed. You guys trusted and believed in each other. You guys became more than the sum of your parts. And most importantly, you guys always came through.
And you gave us THE season. A season to remember. A season to talk about for ages. A season that many can die happily knowing they got to witness and experience. And all of the trauma from the past and the frustrations from earlier were part of a journey we can now look back at and smile at. Because you guys, through balanced offense, intense defense, unrelenting will, and dramatic comebacks, rewarded us for years of patience and loyalty with the long coveted Larry O’Brien trophy
What’s interesting, though, is that for other championships I’ve witnessed, the main thing that comes to the top of my mind is the trophy itself and maybe the championship game(s). But with this one, it’s so much more than that. Media outlets will measure this championship with the usual metrics. They’ll talk about the net rating, the point differential, and the records of the teams you’ve beaten. And all of those things are nice to recognize. But for so many Knicks fans, this championship will be measured in memories. This triumph is that much sweeter because of the memories of fathers and mothers watching with their kids, because of the fans who wiped away tears after the Reggie Miller shot and the Tyrese Haliburton shot, because of the time spent believing in Michael Sweeney, Felton Spencer, Clarence Weatherspoon, Eddie House, Andy Rautins, Sergio Rodriguez, Moochie Norris, and because of everything that you guys went through.
Jalen getting overlooked. KAT losing his mother and so many other family members to COVID. OG losing both his parents and then not being able to play in the Finals when he was a Raptor. Mikal watching his 2-0 lead to Milwaukee slip through his fingers. Josh being traded multiple times. Mitch battling back from multiple injuries.
They all sucked in the moment. It hurt. But all of the heartbreak, setbacks, and doubters also made watching you guys lift the trophy that much sweeter. I’ve never wanted a championship more for any group of players.
To Jalen, the overlooked, All-NBA silent assassin and the savior of not just a franchise but a city, scratch that, entire state. To KAT, the selfless, continuously evolving big man, who proves on a nightly basis that being an elite person matters just as much as being an elite player. To OG and Mikal, the wingstop duo that continued to do the dirty work and made the team function the way it needed to. To Josh, the heart and soul of the team. To Mitch, Deuce, Landry, Jose and the bench unit that always had at least one guy ready to change the game. To Mike Brown, the head coach who came in under almost impossible circumstances, yet managed to take the team over the top with his humility, willingness to change, and collaborative attitude. Thank you.
Thank you for the countless unseen hours in hot, humid gyms in the summer. Thank you for never giving up. Thank you for a lifetime of unforgettable memories during an unforgettable year. And thank you for bringing us a feeling we had been chasing for half a century, and thought we may never get to experience.
Here’s a toast to you, a team that ended a 53-year drought and will forever be etched into history.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 01: Carlos Rodón #55 of the New York Yankees warms up in the bullpen during the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With summer upon us, I recently found myself alone on a long, quiet drive home after dropping my daughter off for camp with her grandparents. As the miles rolled by and the hum of the tires turned over old memories, I wandered down a self-inflicted rabbit hole about how the brain works. Eventually, I landed on a fun mental exercise: if a buddy had gone into a coma before a Yankees player’s first start in pinstripes and woke up today, how would I explain everything they had missed?
Several players proved better than others at filling time, but one player actually occupied the entire back nine of my drive as I found myself questioning both my own conclusions and the results from my hands-free mobile assistant. That player was none other than tonight’s starter, Carlos Rodón.
Using what you know now about Rodón, how would you describe his time in pinstripes to a friend who has missed this ride? For me, the starting point was to describe him as the Yankees’ new “big” lefty. Essentially the Ozempic CC Sabathia. Yes, I did crack myself up knowing I then have to explain what that meant. But, Rodón is the latest power lefty Brian Cashman has fallen in love with.
That was where that comparison stopped though. Rodón is no CC. However, his overall numbers in pinstripes actually line up well compared to another pitcher from the end of that era and the torch barrier after, Masahiro Tanaka. What numbers could those possibly be? Winning percentage, ERA, and WHIP.
For Rodón and Tanaka, respectively, those numbers in their Yankees careers are .588 and .629, 3.96 and 3.74, and 1.183 and 1.130. It is also worth noting that Tanaka was excellent during his first three seasons. If you isolate his final four regular seasons in New York, however, he posted a .565 winning percentage, 4.27 ERA, and 1.203 WHIP.
Tanaka ended up being a great comparison. In addition to the statistical similarities and being able to say, “we have a regular-season Tanaka chance to win tonight,” their first impressions were literally the exact opposite. Tanaka rode in on a big stallion, taking the city by storm before that dang UCL cut his dominant rookie campaign short. Rodón, on the other hand, got hurt in March and then turned in one of the worst seasons of his career.
Rodón’s debut season also had him send the kiss rejected around the Bronx. That moment, along with his body language when things go either right or wrong, reminded me of another Yankees pitcher: former big-ticket free agent signing A.J. Burnett. The righty from central Arkansas helped the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title, but other than that his time in pinstripes is remembered for the lows.
Burnett was famously intense, and the energy was infectious. However, that infection happened whether the energy was good or bad. Rodón is cut from that same cloth. There might be a game when you watch and say you’re glad the Yankees have that guy as he works himself into and out of a jam. Then the next start he issues five walks, give up a couple long home runs, and give some objects the old Paul O’Neil treatment in the dugout.
Rodón has never hidden his emotions, for better or worse. That emotional volatility has become just as much a part of his Yankees identity as his mid-90s fastball. It is also what makes every turn through the rotation feel like a rollercoaster ride and a true dice roll.
Like a true Yankees fan, my hypothetical friend always wanted to know what the guy has done in October. That is where I had to give them the happy/sad update that the Knicks have won a title, but our Yankees had not.
In addition to not having a ring, in 2024, Rodón went 1-2 with a 5.60 ERA and in 2025 he went 0-0 with a 9.72 ERA in two October starts. Unlike Tanaka, whose performances in the clutch, or when the lights are brightest if you will, elevated him to near-legendary status among Yankees fans, Rodón is still waiting for the playoff run that changes how people view him. A ring would help insulate him from criticism down the road, much like it has done for Burnett, but Rodón still has a lot of work to do to fully earn his pinstripes for most fans.
Essentially, where I landed on any other Tuesday night in June, just after the summer solstice: Rodón is a lot like watching Tanaka pitch in the regular season. However, if he does not have his command, it is hard not to feel like you are watching a left-handed version of Burnett. After a bad first impression, Rodón has proven to be easy to cheer for, even though sometimes he is hard to watch.
Most nights when he takes the ball, he gives the Yankees a chance to win. Some nights he even looks dominant enough that if you pulled out a notebook and pencil you just might find yourself writing down ace-like stuff. But then occasionally, the engine overheats and the tires come off. Either way, tonight the Yankees hand the ball to their big lefty. Here is to hoping we get Dón Dominance tonight, and not a dud.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Ethan Hedges #16 of the Colorado Rockies warms up during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 21, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The boys are back.
That was the first thing Ethan Hedges (PURP No.29) wanted fans to know about his first big-league spring training — not the level, not the competition, but the company.
“It’s good to be back at the complex, all my boys playing baseball again,” he said.
Hedges arrived in the Rockies system as a polished piece. Colorado took him in the third round of the 2025 draft, 77th overall out of USC, where he was a second-team All-American and a genuine two-way player — a third baseman who also closed games on the mound.
Players who show up that decorated tend to carry an expectation, fair or not, that the adjustment to pro ball will be smooth. Hedges learned otherwise, and he was grateful for it.
“The biggest lesson I learned in 2025 is probably how to overcome struggle,” he said. “I started off a little slow in my first four weeks in Spokane, but just overcoming that and learning how to deal with adversity is something that I took away from that.”
He didn’t frame the slump as a detour. He framed it as a clearing.
“It was almost a good thing to deal with that,” he said. “Dealing with it, getting it out of the way, and then learning how to overcome that.”
It’s a telling way for a young hitter to talk.
The slumps were always coming — the only question was when, and Hedges would rather have met one early than spend a career waiting for it. By the time he reported to his first camp, the worst stretch of his young professional life was already behind him, filed away as information instead of fear.
So far, the lesson is holding. The slow start that defined his 2025 didn’t follow him into his first full pro season — Hedges came out of the gate hot at Spokane, hitting .364/.400/.606 with two homers and seven RBIs over his first nine games and grading out as one of the High-A club’s best early bats.
The grind has come in waves since, the way it does at every level, but the player who once needed a month to find his footing now looks like he expected to hit all along. On the season he’s slashing .269/.347/.406 with six home runs and 33 RBIs — a steady, get-on-base line that fits the contact hitter he described himself as.
“That’s the type of player I am,” he said, “just putting my bat on the baseball and hitting it hard.”
The other half of his game he about without hesitation. On defense, there was no hedging.
“I pride myself on my defense,” he said. “I’m a great defender, and that’s something that I’m always going to take pride in and continue working on, getting better at.”
Are you serious, Ethan Hedges?! Spokane’s third baseman shows off some serious range as he makes an incredible sliding catch. #GoSpo#SCTop10pic.twitter.com/QMG0REpNSl
The camp itself had been a blur in the best way — a lot of bodies, a lot of moving parts, a lot of fun.
“It’s been crazy with everyone here,” he said, “it’s been a roller coaster — but a fun one.”
The ride hit a peak when Hedges was named to the Spring Breakout roster in his first pro spring, a showcase of the organization’s best young talent. For a player still introducing himself to the system, the nod landed as both validation and an invitation to enjoy it.
“It’s awesome. It’s a great experience for me,” he said. “To sign autographs for all the fans out there with my friends — it’s an honor. I’m going to make the most out of it.”
Baseball has a way of humbling players eventually. Hedges already got his introduction. What once felt like a setback now reads more like a prerequisite. The struggle came early, the lesson stuck, and the game moved on. So did he.
The Isotopes took four of six from the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros) in a series that swung between offensive explosions and tight, late-inning theater. Albuquerque survived a 21-run barrage in the lone blowout loss, won two one-run games — one of them in extra innings — and dropped the finale 7-6 despite a furious back-and-fourth. When the lineup and the pitching staff aligned, the Isotopes were tough to beat. They sit at 39-36, holding firm in second place in the PCL East.
⬆️ Stock Up: Kent You Believe It
Nic Kent put together a complete week in the batters box, going 9-for-20 (.450) with two home runs, a triple, a double, five RBIs, a stolen base, and a team-high eight runs scored. Kent homered in each of the final two games of the series, while reaching base consistently from the top and middle of the order.
It was a week to forget for Richie Martin Jr., who managed just one hit in 16 at-bats (.063) across four games with five strikeouts and no walks. He couldn’t find a rhythm at any point in the series, the rare empty stretch on a roster that was otherwise swinging the bats well.
Upcoming
The Isotopes host the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels) for a six game series in Albuquerque.
The Yard Goats took four of six on the road from the Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies), bookending a pair of midweek losses with offensive outbursts on either side. Hartford scored ten runs twice in the series and leaned on a deep, mostly excellent bullpen to hold leads. The Yard Goats clinched a playoff spot after winning the first-half Eastern League Northeast Division title.
⬆️ Stock Up: Capel-ity for Damage
There may not have been a better week anywhere in the system. Conner Capel went 11-for-26 (.423) with six home runs, 14 RBIs and nine runs scored across all six games, including a three-home, six-RBI explosion on June 17 and a two-home, five-RBI follow-up the very next day. Capel homered in three of the six games and supplied the kind of sustained middle-of-the-order thunder that gets a 29-year-old veteran noticed. It was a complete, dominant week from start to finish.
Conner Capel just crushed THREE HOME RUNS at FirstEnergy Stadium against Reading, leading us to a 10-2 W. Performances like these are the reason we’re the number one Goats. 💪#NoGoatsNoGlorypic.twitter.com/J2Kg1fTZJH
It was a lean six days for Dyan Jorge, who finished 3-for-22 (.136) with five strikeouts. To his credit, Jorge drew a team-high six walks and still found ways to reach base and score three runs, but the lack of contact stood out in a lineup that was otherwise punishing Reading pitching all week.
Upcoming
The Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox) come into town for a six game set.
High-A: Spokane Indians (3-3, 30-39 Overall)
The Indians split six games with the Vancouver Canadians (Toronto Blue Jays) at Avista Stadium in a series defined almost entirely by offense — four of the six games featured a combined 17 runs or more. Spokane’s lineup mashed all week; the pitching staff, outside of Nathan Blasick, could rarely hold a lead. The Indians sit at 30-39.
⬆️ Stock Up: O’Dowd He Did
Jack O’Dowd put together the most valuable week of any bat on the roster, going 9-for-22 (.409) with four home runs, 12 RBIs and seven runs scored across all six games. The exclamation point came June 20, when he homered twice — including a walk-off blast in the bottom of the 10th — and drove in five runs in a single game. O’Dowd also paired the power with patience, drawing six walks on the week, and now sits among the Northwest League’s on-base leaders.
It was a week to forget for reliever Bryan Perez, who recorded just two outs in his lone appearance June 16 while surrendering six hits and eight earned runs, including two home runs. In a series where Spokane’s bullpen broadly struggled to keep games in check, Perez’s outing was the most damaging single line of the week.
Upcoming
The Indians will welcome the Tri-City Dust Devils (Los Angeles Angels) for six games.
Low-A Fresno Grizzlies (4-2, 37-32 Overall)
The Grizzlies took four of six from the Inland Empire 66ers (Los Angeles Angels) at Chukchansi Park, with both ends of the series decided by walk-off wins and a 16-4 drubbing the only real blemish in between. Fresno’s offense was steady up and down the order, and the pitching staff strung together several strong starts. The Grizzlies sit at 37-32 as the second half begins.
⬆️ Stock Up: Thach to the Future
Tanner Thach turned in the most complete week of any Grizzlies hitter, going 8-for-24 (.333) with a home run, three doubles and a team-high seven RBIs across all six games. The signature performance came June 18, when he homered and drove in five in an 8-2 win. Thach is now hitting .343 on the season and continues to anchor the middle of the Fresno lineup as one of the most productive bats in the California League.
Austin Newton was a model of efficiency across two stars, throwing 13.1 innings while allowing just three earned runs and — most impressively — not issuing a single walk, striking out eight along the way. Newton’s 2.03 ERA for the week was the product of pounding the strike zone start to finish, exactly the kind of command-driven outing the organization wants to see from its young arms.
Upcoming
The Grizzlies head to Southern California for six games against the Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres).
ACL: ACL Rockies (3-2, 26-10 Overall)
The ACL Rockies kept rolling through a five-game stretch, winning three off five to maintain the best record in the Arizona Complex League at 26-10, comfortably atop the ACL East. The offense produced consistently and rarely went quiet, even in the two losses.
⬆️ Stock Up: Alessander The Great
Alessander De La Cruz was nearly impossible to retire all week, going 9-for-18 (.500) with a home run, a triple, three doubles, seven RBIs, and three stolen bases across five games. The outfielder hit safely in every game he player and now sits at a remarkable .407 on the season — one of the most productive bats anywhere in the organizations lower levels. He paired the on-base ability with real impact, racking up extra-base hits in bunches and using his legs once aboard.
⬇️ Stock Down: Ugarte Cools Off
After entering the week as one of the hottest hitters in the league, Ronny Ugarte hit a wall, managing just two hits in 18 at-bats (.111) with six strikeouts over five games. Ugarte’s seasons numbers remain excellent, and a brief slump at this level is nothing to read too much into, but the bat went quiet at a stretch when much of the lineup around him stayed hot.
DSL: DSL Colorado (2-3, 8-7 Overall)
DSL Colorado endured a rollercoaster of a week against a rotation slate of teams, dropping three of five — including two walk-off losses and a wild 14-13 defeat — while also throwing a four-run shoutout in the middle of it. The bats produced runs in bunches even in the losses, but the inconsistent pitching kept the club from stringing wins together. DSL Colorado sits at 8-7, third in the DSL Southeast.
⬆️ Stock Up: Ferrufino Feasts
18-year-old William Ferrufino had a week few hitters at any level can match, going 10-for-16 (.625) with a triple, two doubles, six RBIs and two stolen bases across all five games. The second baseman reached base in every contest — adding three hit-by-pitches to the ledger — and capped it with a four-hit, three-RBI explosion in the 14-13 slugfest. Ferrufino lifted his season average to .326 and looks like one of the most advanced bats on the roster.
⬇️ Stock Down: Guaraco Goes Cold
It was a quiet five games for shortstop Jendry Guaraco, who managed just two hits in 17 at-bats (.118) with five strikeouts and no RBIs. Guaraco still found ways onto the bases — he was hit by a pitch five times this week — but the lack of production at the plate stood out in a lineup that was otherwise scorching in bunches.
DSL: DSL Rockies (1-4, 5-10 Overall)
It was a difficult week for the DSL Rockies, who dropped four of five against, with a lone bright spot coming in the form of a 2-1 win over the DSL Phillies. Late-inning bullpen trouble undid the club more than once, including multi-run meltdowns that flipped winnable games. They now sit at 5-10, at the bottom of the DSL East.
⬆️ Stock Up: Montiel Makes Contact
Adafel Montiel was the steadiest bat in the lineup, going 6-for-13 (.462) with two doubles, three RBIs, and a stolen across four games. The catcher consistently put the ball in play — striking out just twice on the week — and delivered the go-ahead, two-out RBI in the Rockies’ only win. In a week when much of the order pressed, Montiel’s controlled, productive at-bats stood out.
⬇️ Stock Down: De Leon Searches for Answers
It was five games to forget for Amaury De Leon, who managed just one hit in 17 at-bats (.059) while striking out nine times. De Leon worked a few walks to stay on base here and there, but the contact issues piled up across the week and the production never came.
“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong, he proves he’s an outlier,” Hammon said after the Aces’ shootaround. “So you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch.
Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon during a game against the Valkyries on June 21, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
“I mean, he was that 1A dude,” Hammon continued. “But apologize, I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That’s what ESPN pays me for.”
Hammon infamously said in 2023 that the 6-foot-2 Brunson was too small to be the lead star on a championship team.
“If your best player is small, you’re not winning,” Hammon said on ESPN’s “NBA Today” back then.
Jalen Brunson carries the Larry O’Brien trophy during the Knicks’ championship parade on June 18, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said,” Hammon said in May. “I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago, I stand by it. There’s no air to be cleared. I said what I said.
“(If) he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong. Good for him.”
Brunson cemented himself as one of the Knicks’ best players in franchise history.
Hammon would argue that he’s the best.
“Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever,” she said. “Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take.”
For nearly four decades, Ice Cube has helped shape Los Angeles culture.
From helping launch N.W.A. and putting South Central Los Angeles on the global map through music, to starring in iconic films like Boyz n the Hood and becoming a fixture in the city’s sports scene, Cube has spent his career building brands rooted in his hometown.
Now, the Los Angeles native is betting on the future of another one of his creations: the BIG3.
Ice Cube says Big3 is built to last 100 years as the league goes public in a $290 million deal despite NBA investment hurdles. Getty Images for Red Lobster x BIG3
The 3-on-3 basketball league co-founded by Cube and entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz announced plans to go public through a SPAC merger with Graf Global Corp. at a reported $290 million valuation. If completed, the deal would allow everyday investors to buy stock in the league under the ticker symbol TONT later this year.
For Cube, the move is about more than raising capital. It’s about changing who gets to participate in the business of sports.
Head coach Stephen Jackson of the Trilogy, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Ice Cube and the Trilogy team pose for a photo with the trophy after Trilogy defeated Power during the BIG3 Championship Getty Images for BIG3
“Most leagues are owned by a bunch of billionaires,” Cube told Front Office Sports. “Fans, all they get to do is watch, buy some merch, get a ticket, and bet on the games. But they can’t invest. We want to change that. In my vision, we’re here 100 years, not just 9.”
That vision has helped carry BIG3 from a startup idea in 2017 into a league entering its ninth season. The concept was simple: give former NBA players a competitive platform to continue playing at a high level in a faster-paced 3-on-3 format.
The league has attracted recognizable names throughout its run, including Allen Iverson, Joe Johnson, Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers. Games are broadcast nationally on CBS, while ratings reportedly increased more than 25 percent last season.
Gerald Green of Bivouac goes up against Nasir Core of 3’s Company during the BIG3 championship game Boston Globe via Getty Images
Cube believes the appeal goes beyond nostalgia.
“We don’t just want your name,” he told Front Office Sports. “We want your game.”
The public offering also comes after years of challenges attracting investors. Cube told Front Office Sports that NBA ownership rules prohibiting team owners from investing in competing men’s basketball leagues have complicated fundraising efforts for BIG3.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2026 NBA Finals Legacy Project as part of the 2026 NBA Finals NBAE via Getty Images
Despite those obstacles, the league continues to expand. Four franchises currently have ownership groups in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Detroit, while additional teams remain available for purchase as BIG3 pursues long-term growth.
BIG3 opened its ninth season at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, where all eight teams tipped off the season before the league embarks on a nationwide tour, a fitting backdrop as Ice Cube’s league prepares to go public and pursues its biggest growth phase yet.
For Cube, the goal isn’t simply to build an alternative basketball league. It’s to create a sports property where fans can become stakeholders in the future he believes can last generations.
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Rob Pelinka, President of basketball operations and general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, attends the FIBA EuroBasket match between Slovenia and Poland in Katowice, Poland, on August 28, 2025. This is a European Basketball Championship game, group phase, Group D competition at Spodek Arena. (Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The summer of optionality is here for the Lakers. With few players on the books, the Lakers can have more cap space than any other team, allowing them to be as aggressive as they want this offseason.
However, having flexibility is only good if you know what to do with it.
Under the leadership of President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, the Lakers had some great hits and some tough misses.
Pelinka was able to trade for Anthony Davis, win a title and then move on from AD to acquire Luka Dončić in what’s considered one of the most one-sided deals in NBA history. But he also broke up his championship team, traded for Russell Westbrook and hasn’t found a long-term solution at center for the Lakers.
So, for our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask fans how much belief they have in the team’s decision makers ahead of free agency.
This feels like a litmus test of one’s Lakers optimism.
If you look at the good Pelinka has done, then voting on having a lot of confidence makes sense. This means you value his big trades and recognize how he has made small deals that have had a big impact, like trading Gabe Vincent for Luke Kennard at the deadline this year.
Now that the Lakers have open roster spots, cap space and their superstar in place, Pelinka will cook and turn this franchise into title contenders.
But if you see that the Lakers were not much of a factor in attracting interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and think the reason LA doesn’t have a center is that the front office can’t get a deal done, then voting with little to no confidence makes sense.
From that pessimistic angle, the Lakers’ optionality will amount to minimal changes. They’ll likely re-sign Austin Reaves, bring back LeBron James and sell the fanbase on end-of-the-rotation players other teams walked away from as being diamonds in the rough that will blossom with Luka as their teammate.
The Lakers will end this summer still far away from being a threat to the Spurs or the Thunder in the West.
So, what do you think? Do you believe the Lakers front office can build out a better team, or will this summer end with more excuses and less execution? Let us know by participating in our SB Nation Reacts survey.
