We may be one step closer to having two more teams join the NBA.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver first acknowledged the possibility of expansion in a news conference before the 2020-21 season, and then, a few months ago, said he believes he will have a resolution on the idea at some point in 2026. It seems that the time for a resolution is nearing, and that could very likely lead to two new teams joining the NBA.
Think it's going to be an extra-great year for Seattle. I'm hearing NBA Board of Governors likely to vote on expanding by two teams this summer and Las Vegas and Seattle are favored.
Back in December, Silver said, "I think Seattle and Las Vegas are two incredible cities. Obviously, we had a team in Seattle that had great success. We have a WNBA team here in Las Vegas, the Aces. We've been playing the summer league here for 20 years. We're playing our Cup games here, so we're very familiar with this market. I don't have any doubt that Las Vegas, despite all of the other major league teams that are here now, the other entertainment properties, that this city could support an NBA team."
The issues holding up the vote on expansion were purely financial.
"As I've said before, domestic expansion, as opposed to doing a new league in Europe, is selling equity in this current league," said Silver in that same interview back in December. "If you own 1/30 of this league, now you own 1/32 if you add two teams. So it's a much more difficult economic analysis. In many ways, it requires predicting the future. I think now we're in the process of working with our teams and gauging the level of interest and having a better understanding of what the economics would be on the ground for those particular teams and what a pro forma would look like for them, and then sometime in 2026 we'll make a determination."
It seems the economic questions may have been answered on the league side, with the Dallas News reporting that the NBA Board of Governors is likely to vote this summer to expand by two teams. The idea that Seattle is a favorite for one of those spots was only furthered by news that Seattle Governor Bob Ferguson met with Silver earlier in February.
The governor’s office confirmed afterwards that the meeting was indeed about bringing the Sonics back to Seattle. The governor’s office also mentioned that the meeting was an introductory Zoom call between Ferguson and Silver, and that the two of them had a good conversation. Ferguson confirmed that he would do whatever he could to help bring an NBA team back to Seattle.
If Seattle is chosen, it would be the first time the city has had an NBA team in nearly 20 years. The Sonics were moved to Oklahoma City after the 2007-2008 season and renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder. Seattle’s continued absence from the NBA has led to plenty of protests from fans, demanding a return of an NBA franchise to their city. In addition to their NBA legacy, Seattle is a strong choice for an NBA franchise based on the city's overall strong income, steady population growth, and ready-to-go fanbase. All of that means Seattle feels inevitable to get its team back.
While Las Vegas may not be the obvious choice as the second city, it makes sense as a selection based on the NBA's current relationship. Las Vegas has an existing relationship with the league, hosting the Summer League and NBA Cup games. There is also media appeal to Las Vegas and some momentum building as a sports city, with the MLB also reportedly moving the Athletics there. Those factors could help make up for the fact that Las Vegas has a few other franchises nearby and has some economic volatility as well.
If the NBA does vote to expand, that would leave the league with 32 teams, and, perhaps more importantly, two more teams in the Western Conference (if it is Seattle and Las Vegas). That would mean that at least one team would have to move to the Eastern Conference in order for the league to have 16 teams in each conference. Geographically, the teams that make the most sense would be Memphis, Minnesota, or New Orleans.
Those are the other dominoes that would fall, but the first one needs to be knocked over first with the vote. That could come in just a few months.
Flagg (-1000) is considered the favorite, followed by Knueppel (+600) and Edgecombe (+8000).
Flagg has averaged 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in 48 games played this season.
All three rookies were selected in the first round by the game's honorary coaches. NBA alumnus Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter are serving as the honorary coaches for the three respective teams. Austin Rivers will also coach a team made up of G League players.
The four teams will compete in a mini tournament at the Intuit Dome. A winner will be decided in the semifinal games when a team is the first to reach or surpass 40 points. The championship game winner will be decided with the first team to reach or surpass 25 points.
Baron Davis and Quentin Richardson were among the former NBA players to have played in the game.
Richardson was a participant in the game when it was referred to as the NBA Rookie-Sophomore Challenge in 2002. Davis competed in the game a year prior.
Looking ahead at this year’s talent, Davis mentioned Flagg, Edgecombe, Derik Queen and Kyshawn George as players he’s excited to watch.
“All these young kids are so good now,” Davis said. “To watch them play and go at each other will be a different type of vibe and be highly competitive. They all want to be No. 1.”
Richardson believes the game and weekend will serve as a rewarding experience for the younger talent, especially those willing to make the most of it.
“I would say to take part in the weekend,” Richardson said. “I know, as some of the younger players, they will have to make appearances and things like that, but that was one of the things I was happy to do. … Sometimes you go to those events and have a great time and meet people you wouldn’t have met.
“Don’t be the guy who’s just turning things down. That’s what the weekend is about: Having fun, but there’s also a lot of business around that weekend.”
Even in the years following his retirement, Davis has served as an example for the younger generation of players when it comes to staying involved within the NBA off-court community and activities.
Davis served as a host for a competition put on by the NBA Foundation and the LA Clippers.
The All-Star pitch competition brought Los Angeles-based companies focused on driving community impact to pitch innovation solutions to a panel of business leaders, investors and other entrepreneurs.
The competitors are competing for $200,000 in total cash prizes.
“What is super exciting is that there are so many young and great minds, especially in this city of Los Angeles, that are building businesses that can be extremely explosive and that can create a lot of jobs,” Davis said. “What the NBA is doing with the foundation and really pouring into the entrepreneurs is not just with the competition, but it's also the time and the platform they are allowing them to stand on.”
Who will play in the NBA Rising Stars Game?
Team Melo: Cooper Flagg, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears, Donovan Clingan, Collin Murray-Boyles
Team T-Mac: Kon Knueppel, Kel’el Ware, Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Ajay Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Cam Spencer.
The Orioles took a big swing when they signed Pete Alonso away from the Mets — who didn’t seem all that interested in bringing back the franchise home run leader. Ryan Helsley, a disaster with the Mets after a midseason trade, also signed with Baltimore to be its closer. And the Orioles added Andrew Kittredge to the bullpen, as well as Shane Baz to the rotation and Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras to the outfield.
Pete Alonso (25) is pictured at his introductory press conference with the Orioles in December 2025. AP
Key losses
To acquire Ward from the Angels, the Orioles traded Grayson Rodriguez, their first-round pick from 2018 who showed plenty of promise — especially in 2024, but he didn’t pitch last season due to a variety of injuries and was shut down after elbow surgery. Former Yankees catcher Gary Sánchez is still a free agent, as is right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who made 30 starts for them as a 35-year-old rookie.
Storylines to watch
Even after an eventful offseason, the Orioles could still use another veteran starter and had been linked to Framber Valdez before he signed with the Tigers. As spring training approaches, plenty of options remain available. Much of the spotlight will be on Alonso and his five-year, $155 million contract. His presence in the lineup is sure to help Baltimore’s young offensive core, including Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Adley Rutschman as they look to bounce back from 2025’s disappointment.
Ranger Suárez throws a pitch for the Phillies during a September 2025 game. AP
Key losses
Boston’s offseason took a turn when Bregman signed with the Cubs after the Red Sox were confident in bringing him back following his opt-out. Rob Refsnyder, Steven Matz and Dustin May left as free agents, while Jordan Hicks was traded to the White Sox. Lucas Giolito remains a free agent.
Storylines to watch
With Bregman gone, how will Boston’s offense respond? Adding Suárez to a rotation that already included Garrett Crochet will bolster their pitching — as will Gray, if he can handle the pressure of pitching in Boston, something he didn’t do with the Yankees. And their new young core in the lineup — including Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kristian Campbell and Triston Casas (injured for much of last season) — as well as Durbin — will be counted on even more.
Tampa Bay Rays
2025
77-85
Manager
Kevin Cash (12th season)
Spring training site
Port Charlotte, Fla.
Key additions
The notoriously penny-pinching Rays didn’t sign any big-name free agents, although veterans Nick Martinez and Steven Matz give the pitching staff some depth. They also hope experienced outfielders Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley can bounce back. They were busy on the trade market, bringing in infielders Gavin Lux and young third baseman Ben Williamson, as well as outfielder Jacob Melton.
Steven Matz throws a pitch for the Red Sox during their Oct. 1 game against the Yankees. Charles Wenzelberg
Key losses
A team already weak in major league talent saw some solid performers end up elsewhere, as Pete Fairbanks signed with Miami and Shane Baz, Brandon Lowe and Josh Lowe were all included in trades. Jake Mangum and Christopher Morel are also gone.
Storylines to watch
On the bright side, the Rays will at least have a real home this season returning to Tropicana Field after it was damaged by a hurricane and playing last season at the Yankees spring training home in Tampa, Steinbrenner Field. And as Tampa Bay again looks to the future, they will keep an eye on top prospect Carson Williams, who debuted with them last season at shortstop.
Dylan Cease throws a pitch for the Padres during their May 2025 game against the Yankees. Jason Szenes for the NY Post
Key losses
Bo Bichette left for the Mets, leaving a hole in the infield and the lineup. Right-hander Seranthony Domínguez signed with the White Sox and key starters Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt remain unsigned, as does INF Ty France. Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed with Boston.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 07: A general aerial view of Camelback Ranch on January 07, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium is the spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers invited 32 non-roster players to big league camp in spring training, a mix of veterans on minor league deals plus top prospects Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Jackson Ferris, and others.
Among the 32 initial non-roster invitees to Dodgers camp are 17 pitchers, five catchers, and 10 other position players. Here’s a little more on each player.
Pitchers
RHP — Chris Campos 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 25 How acquired: 2022 draft, 7th round
Campos in a full year at Double-A Tulsa in 2025 had a 4.19 ERA with 111 strikeouts and 32 walks in 126 2/3 innings. He got engaged in December.
RHP — Patrick Copen 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: 2023 draft, 7th round
After taking a line drive off his face and losing vision in his right eye to end his 2024 season, the tall right-hander had a very nice bounce-back season in 2025, posting a 3.59 ERA in 26 starts and 117 2/3 innings between Great Lakes and Tulsa, and led all Dodgers minor league pitchers with 152 strikeouts.
Originally signed by the Dodgers out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Durán last April was traded to the A’s for outfielder Esteury Ruiz. The right-hander made his major league debut with the A’s in May, but allowed three runs and recorded one out in his only major league appearance to date. Sent outright off the A’s 40-man roster in June, Durán had a 5.74 ERA in 62 2/3 Triple-A innings with nearly as many walks (55) as strikeouts (67) before reaching minor league free agency at the conclusion of the season.
LHP — Jackson Ferris 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 22 How acquired: trade with Cubs, January 11, 2024
Named to several top-100 prospect lists prior to the 2025 season, after winning the Branch Rickey Award as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year in 2024, Ferris took a bit of a step back in his full season in Tulsa, with a 3.86 ERA in 126 innings, with a slightly lower strikeout rate (24.2 percent after 27.4 percent) and slightly higher walk rate (10.8 percent to 11.8 percent) than the season before. But he improved down the stretch for Tulsa in 2025 — after a 6.58 ERA and 4.45 FIP in his first 12 outings, Ferris had a 2.19 ERA the rest of the way, with only three home runs allowed over his final 14 starts.
LHP — Luke Fox 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: 2023 draft, 17th round
Fox split time between High-A Great Lakes and Double-A Tulsa, combining for a 2.85 ERA in 22 games, including 21 starts, with 110 strikeouts and 53 walks in 98 innings.
Frasso was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Mitch White trade in August 2022, and spent the last two seasons on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster, though he hasn’t yet pitched in the majors. After shoulder and hip surgeries wiped out his 2024 season, Frasso had a 5.49 ERA in 43 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2025, with 68 strikeouts and 42 walks in 77 innings, before getting non-tendered in November.
Hobbs pitched in the back end of the bullpen for both Great Lakes and Tulsa, putting up a 2.04 ERA in 42 games, with 63 strikeouts and 21 walks in 53 innings. His 20.9-percent strikeout-minus walk rate was third-best in the Dodgers minors with a minimum of 50 innings.
LHP — Cole Irvin 2025 spring training: Doosan (Korea) 2025 highest level: Korean Baseball Organization 2026 age: 32 How acquired: minor league deal, February 3, 2026
The veteran starter pitched six seasons in the majors for the Phillies, A’s, Orioles, and Twins before heading over to the KBO in 2025. Irvin put up a 4.48 ERA in 28 starts for Doosan last year, with 128 strikeouts and 79 walks in 144 2/3 innings.
LHP — Antoine Kelly 2025 spring training: Rockies (minors) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 26 How acquired: minor league deal, November 14, 2025
A second-round pick of the Brewers in 2019, Kelly has pitched six seasons in the minors in the Brewers, Rangers, and Rockies systems. He had a 5.63 ERA in 34 relief appearances in 2025 for Triple-A Albuquerque, with 41 strikeouts and 27 walks in 38 1/3 innings. On the road last year, away from pitching on the moon, Kelly had a 3.43 ERA, 25 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 21 innings, plus zero home runs and a .345 slugging percentage allowed.
McDaniels struggled in his brief time in the majors in Anaheim, but once he returned to the Dodgers put up a 3.30 ERA in 25 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City, with 36 strikeouts and 17 walks in 30 innings.
RHP — Wyatt Mills 2025 spring training: Red Sox (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league free agent, August 16, 2025
After pitching parts of two-seasons for the Mariners and Royals, Mills had Tommy John surgery that wiped out his 2023-24 seasons. Last year in Triple-A Worcester, Mills put up a 3.12 ERA in 52 innings, with 49 strikeouts and 30 walks.
RHP — José Rodríguez 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, 2019
RHP — Jerming Rosario 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, July 2, 2018
Rosario repeated with Double-A Tulsa last season and switched from starting to relief pitching, putting up a 4.67 ERA with 87 strikeouts and 51 walks in 79 innings.
The older brother of Dodgers pitcher River Ryan, Ryder pitched in parts of 2023-24 in the majors with the Mariners and Pirates. Last year in the Pirates system, Ryder Ryan had a 4.73 ERA in 42 games, with 61 strikeouts and 38 walks in 72 1/3 innings in Triple-A Indianapolis.
LHP — Adam Serwinowski 2025 spring training: Reds (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 22 How acquired: 3-team trade, July 31, 2025
RHP — Jordan Weems 2025 spring training: Braves (NRI) 2025 highest level: MLB (Astros) 2026 age: 33 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 9, 2026
Weems pitched in the majors in each of the last six seasons, including allowing seven runs in 4 1/3 innings for Houston in 2025. Between Gwinnett and Sugar Land in Triple-A, the right-hander had a 4.44 ERA in 39 games, with 49 strikeouts and 23 walks in 46 2/3 innings.
RHP — Lucas Wepf 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: non-drafted free agent, 2022
Wepf had a 2.79 ERA in 23 games for Tulsa last season with 36 strikeouts, 16 walks, and no home runs allowed in 29 innings. But his season ended in June, missing the final two and a half months on the injured list.
Catchers
C — Eliézer Alfonzo Bats both, throws right 2025 spring training: Tigers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 26 How acquired: minor league free agent, November 17, 2025
Alfonzo spent the last nine years in the Detroit Tigers’ minor league system. He hit .247/.297/.322 with 14 doubles in 65 games last season, including eight games with Triple-A Toledo in his first time at that level. His father, also named Eliézer Alfonzo, played six seasons in the majors and was a non-roster invitee in Dodgers camp in 2013.
C — Griffin Lockwood-Powell Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 28 How acquired: non-drafted free agent, 2021
Hit .226/.350/.326 in 81 games last year while repeating in Double-A Tulsa. Started five games at first base and five more at designated hitter in addition to his team-leading 69 starts behind the plate in 2025.
C — Nelson Quiroz Bats left, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 24 How acquired: international free agent, April 1, 2019
Quiroz split time between Great Lakes and Tulsa last season, and hit .333/.393/.441 with 13 doubles and a 139 wRC+ in 55 games between both levels.
C — Chuckie Robinson Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Angels 2025 highest level: MLB (Dodgers) 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league deal, December 18, 2025
Robinson spent time on the 40-man rosters of the Angels, Dodgers, and Braves in 2025, but only played in the majors in one game, with Los Angeles in September. After ending the season in the minors with Atlanta, the veteran backstop signed a minor league deal with Dodgers in December.
C — Seby Zavala Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Red Sox (NRI) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 32 How acquired: minor league free agent, February 5, 2026
Zavala played parts of five seasons in the majors. Last year he his .165/.274/.340 with eight home runs in 67 games for Triple-A Worcester.
Position players
OF — Josue De Paula Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: international free agent, 2022
De Paula is the highest-rated Dodgers prospect by average ranking entering 2026, ranked between 14th and 24th in baseball by Baseball Prospectus, MLB Pipeline, The Athletic, ESPN, and Baseball America. This came after a .250/.391/.400 season with a 132 wRC+ and 32 steals, mostly for Great Lakes before getting promoted to Tulsa for the final week of the season. De Paula also homered in the 2025 MLB Futures Game in Atlanta to win game MVP honors.
OF — Zach Ehrhard Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Red Sox (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Boston, July 31, 2025
A fourth-round pick of the Red Sox in 2024, Ehrhard came to the Dodgers in the Dustin May trade along with fellow NRI James Tibbs III. Ehrhard hit .282/.391/.466 with a 143 wRC+ and 13 extra-base hits in 35 games with Double-A Tulsa.
IF/OF — Ryan Fitzgerald Bats left, throws right 2025 spring training: Twins (minors) 2025 highest level: MLB (Twins) 2026 age: 32 How acquired: waiver claim, January 9, 2026
The utility man made his major league debut with the Twins at age 31 last season, splitting his time almost evenly between shortstop, second base, and third base. In his minor league career, Fitzgerald has started at all three outfield spots and all four infield positions. Fitzgerald was designated for assignment when the Dodgers signed Andy Ibáñez on January 13, then a week later after clearing waivers was sent outright to the minors.
OF — Kendall George Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: High-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: 2023 draft, first round
The speedy center fielder stole an eye-popping 100 bases for Great Lakes, just the fourth player in Dodgers organizational history to do so. He got there with a strong second-half kick that improved his seasonal line to .295/.409/.370 with a 131 wRC+.
1B/OF — Matt Gorski Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Pirates (NRI) 2025 highest level: MLB 2026 age: 28 How acquired: minor league free agent, July 23, 2025
Gorski made his major league debut last April with the Pirates, got hurt in Triple-A Indianapolis in May, and was released in July. The Dodgers signed him to a minor league deal last July, but he spent the rest of the season on the injured list and has not yet played in the organization.
OF — Zyhir Hope Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (NRI) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 21 How acquired: trade with Cubs, January 11, 2024
Hope hit .266/.376/.428 with a 131 wRC+ mostly for Great Lakes, and was promoted with De Paula to Tulsa for the final week of the season. Hope’s average rank of the five national outlets so far is the 37th-best prospect in baseball heading into 2026, topping out at No. 18 at Baseball Prospectus.
SS — Noah Miller Bats both, throws right 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Twins, February 27, 2024
Acquired for Manuel Margot before the 2024 season, Miller struggled at the plate in his first taste of Triple-A, hitting .238/.269/.344 in 59 games for Oklahoma City. But strong defense his his calling card. Baseball America rated Miller the Dodgers’ 23rd-best prospect in the system and said, “Miller is the Dodgers’ best infield defender and has the skills to lock down any position on the dirt. He is quick, agile and fearless and has a strong, accurate throwing arm as well. Those skills alone should get him to the big leagues and keep him there for a long time.”
OF — Chris Newell Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Dodgers (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 25 How acquired: 2022 draft, 13th round
Newell hit .241/.346/.428 with a 118 wRC+ for Tulsa last season with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Coupled with his 25 home runs and 31 steals in 2024, Newell is the only Dodgers minor leaguer with a 20-homer, 20-steal season (let alone two) in the last four years.
IF/OF — Nick Senzel Bats right, throws right 2025 spring training: Mexican League (independent) 2025 highest level: Triple-A 2026 age: 31 How acquired: minor league free agent, May 1, 2025
Senzel played parts of six seasons in the majors (2019-24) with the Reds, Nationals, and White Sox before joining the Dodgers last season. In 2025 with Oklahoma City, Senzel started games at third base, left field, right field, shortstop, second base, and center field.
OF — James Tibbs III Bats left, throws left 2025 spring training: Giants (minors) 2025 highest level: Double-A 2026 age: 23 How acquired: trade with Boston, July 31, 2025
A first-round pick of the Giants in 2024, Tibbs was traded for Rafael Devers in June, then dealt with Ehrhard for Dustin May in July. With Tulsa, Ehrhard hit .269/.407/.493 with a 155 wRC+ and seven home runs in 36 games after the latter trade. Tibbs was rated the Dodgers’ ninth-best prospect heading into this season by FanGraphs.
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool's season has been far from perfect. Now coach Arne Slot says the remainder of the campaign will have to be near-faultless if the defending Premier League champion is to secure Champions League qualification.
It says everything about Liverpool's ever-worsening title defense that Slot is focusing on a top-four finish with 13 rounds still to play.
Liverpool is still in the Champions League and the FA Cup, so there is a lot yet to play for. But in the Premier League, at least, Slot, who won the title in his debut season last year, has had to lower his sights.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's game at Sunderland, Slot said his team had to be “close to perfection” to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
The top four places qualify for European club soccer's elite competition. England is likely to receive a fifth spot because of the performances of English teams in Europe this season.
Liverpool is sixth — five points behind Manchester United in fourth — and four back from fifth-place Chelsea.
“So to close the gap of four or five points towards the number three, four or five that means you have to win a lot,” Slot said Tuesday. “And that’s not what we’ve done this season a lot, so that’s why that has to be better and we have to come close to perfection.
“If we don’t have Champions League football it has definitely not been an acceptable season.”
Liverpool has won one of its last seven Premier League games and Slot said it was the most challenging season he has had as a coach.
“The players are not used to losing a lot or having a lot of draws. I’m not used to that as well,” he said. "It’s always more of a challenge after you lose a game of football to get them going again than after a win (and) telling them we were not as good as they might think they were.
“So, yes, this season has been more challenging for me as well, but you also take nice things out of it, weird (as) that may sound because I also look at how much improvement we are making.”
MILAN — Sidney Crosby doesn’t need the Olympic Winter Games to define his legacy.
Three Stanley Cups, multiple Hart Trophies, international gold already tucked away — his résumé is secure. And yet, the way he talks about the Olympics still sounds like someone chasing a childhood dream rather than a player who has spent two decades on the world’s biggest stages.
Sidney Crosby has all the feels looking back at the 2016 @penguins team that won the #StanleyCup 🏆
“I have always wanted to play in the NHL, but watching the Olympians was always a special moment as someone who grew up playing a lot of sports,” Crosby said. “I know how important it is. There is so much to love about it, so anytime you can put on that Canadian jersey, there is so much pride.”
That feeling hasn’t dulled with age. If anything, it has sharpened. Pulling on the Canadian jersey still carries weight, still demands something extra. Crosby doesn’t speak about it lightly. There is pride in the crest, but also responsibility—an understanding of what it represents to players who grew up the same way he did, staring at their televisions and dreaming of just having the chance to compete on that stage, let alone win a gold medal. Today, the screens may be smaller in some cases and the platforms more varied, but the dream flickering behind them remains exactly the same.
The Uncertainty of Missed Olympics
The past two Olympic cycles only reinforced that appreciation. With NHL players prohibited from competing in the Winter Olympics in 2018 and 2022., the uncertainty took a toll. Crosby admitted it was difficult not knowing whether he would ever get another opportunity.
“It was difficult. You try not to get your hopes up too much, but you also had to be ready in case we did go,” he explained. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster. I am really happy we have the opportunity to come back here. It is an amazing experience.”
Now that the opportunity is real again, Crosby — along with a host of his fellow Olympians — feels a sense of relief. There is gratitude in his voice for another chance to lead his country on the Olympic stage. The memory of the game-winning overtime goal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics still lingers, not because of the goal alone, but because of the weight attached to it. The country was watching. The world was watching. The moment demanded something extraordinary.
Those are the games Crosby still craves at 38 years old. The competitiveness that defined him as a teenager hasn’t faded. He still yearns for another trip to the podium — or at the very least, a chance at one. These are the games where the noise is deafening, the stakes unmistakable, and the outcome remembered long after the final horn. That has been the essence of Crosby’s career, whether it was a Stanley Cup victory, the golden goal in Vancouver, or scoring the game-winner in a shootout at the inaugural NHL Winter Classic.
Crosby Thrives Under Pressure
Pressure comes with the territory. It always has. Crosby has lived his entire career under it. Asked to compare a Stanley Cup playoff Game 7 to an Olympic gold medal final, he didn’t hesitate. To him, they are cut from the same cloth — one game, everything on the line, no margin for error.
Credit: Aaron Doster. Crosby hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2017.
“They are pretty similar. Think about game seven (in the Stanley Cup) versus going for a gold medal – it is one game, especially playing in Canada (at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games). There were a lot of expectations.
“Both are pressure-packed for different reasons, but those are the games you want to be in.”
When asked whether that golden goal in overtime remains the highlight of his career, he didn’t deflect.
“It is up there, and it would be hard to beat. It was an amazing game and an amazing Olympics.”
One More Opportunity
Now, with the possibility that this could be his final appearance on the Olympic stage, Crosby comes across as more reflective than ever. He speaks with appreciation — not only for the opportunity to still be here, but for the fact that he is still regarded as one of the world’s elite players. He is quick to praise his younger teammates, seeing flashes of his younger self in them: hungry, driven, and eager to test themselves in front of the entire world. He has been in their skates before, and he knows exactly how much a gold medal would mean to them and their families.
"Hopefully (we capture gold)," Crosby added. "I'll see how long I can go. I definitely appreciate the opportunity.
"Just knowing how competitive it is – I see so many guys that want to be part of this team. It means a lot to them."
For Sidney Crosby, the Olympics are not a detour from his NHL legacy. They are a return to its starting point — a reminder of why he fell in love with the game in the first place.
I am not at all unhappy to see Caleb Durbin heading to Boston. The guy is a pain in the ass at the plate. Plus it means that Matt Shaw/Nico Hoerner are even more likely to stay put.
The Super Bowl is over. It’s time for baseball.
“We’re taking the afternoon off”
*means autoplay on, (directions to remove for Firefox and Chrome). {$} means paywall. {$} means limited views. Italics are often used on this page as sarcasm font. The powers that be have enabled real sarcasm font in the comments.
Please be reminded that Cub Tracks and Bleed Cubbie Blue do not necessarily endorse the content of articles, podcasts, or videos that are linked to in this series. We will not wittingly publish A. I. – driven articles or clickbait, and insist on unimpeachable sources.
Sep 19, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Outfielders (4): Isaac Collins, Kyle Isbel, Jac Caglianone, Lane Thomas The Royals will have a ton of outfielders in camp this spring, but it’s pretty clear that Collins will play left and Isbel will play center. Thomas will be on the team, it’ll just depend on the day as to where he’s playing. Caglianone is competing for the job in right field, but likely has the leg up given that he needs to get reps at the Major League level. Other competitors include Kameron Misner, Drew Waters, Dairon Blanco and John Rave.
Now that the NFL season is done, Craig Brown is ready for baseball and talks about WBC rosters.
I had assumed that Lugo would not be on Team Puerto Rico, due to the injury that kept him sidelined for most of the second half of 2025 and the fact that several of their key players had difficulty securing insurance, but you know what they say when you assume…
Also, I did not anticipate Michael Wacha being on Team USA. The presence of 2/5ths of the Royals starting rotation out of camp doesn’t exactly excite me. The same goes to a degree for Cerantola, a reliever who is on the 40-man roster yet is ticketed to open the year returning for an encore in Omaha. Hopefully, team federations have learned from the past how to keep pitchers in this tournament on their preseason routines so those involved can do their duty for country and then get back into action with their club.
Royals: What does the lineup look like around the core? We know Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Maikel Garcia will hit somewhere between 1-4 or 2-5. Where Isaac Collins hits remains to be seen. The rest of the lineup will include some combination of second baseman Jonathan India, catcher/DH Carter Jensen and outfielders Kyle Isbel, Lane Thomas and Jac Caglianone. Nick Loftin, Tyler Tolbert, John Rave, Drew Waters and more are all competing for bench spots. How the Royals maximize their roster for better offense in 2026 will be a focus all spring.
Meg Rowley and Ben Lindbergh preview the Royals on their Effectively Wild podcast with Anne Rogers.
The beloved Dollar Dog Night, where guests can enjoy $1 hot dogs at concession stands all around Kauffman Stadium, was hosted every Tuesday home game in 2025. New in 2026, the event is only available for the first Tuesday home game of each month during the regular season.
The promotion is only available for six home games this year: April 21, May 5, June 9, July 21, Aug. 4 and Sept. 1. It’s half of the Dollar Dog Nights offered in 2025, when there were two times fans could indulge on the Ball Park Brand hot dogs each month.
Caleb Moody at Kings of Kauffman talks about the decision to retain India.
The Red Sox traded for Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin.
The Rays are signing Nick Martinez to a 1/$13M deal.
The Pirates are signing Marcell Ozuna to a 1/$12M deal.
The OKC Thunder are being investigated for sitting 10 players against the Spurs in a nationally televised game. I watched some of this game, and the Thunder’s third-stringers nearly took down Wemby and the Spurs. I’m not sure the Thunder are the problem here.
Off Topic: The ads for the Super Bowl sucked. The AI ones especially, but all of them in general.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: A general view of the stadium during the sixth inning of the Spring Training game between the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 10, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!!
Today is the day! The most exciting day of the baseball year! The day in which nothing meaningful really happens, but no one cares because PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT TODAY!
That’s right, friends, we’ve made it through the long winter. And the San Francisco Giants pitchers and catchers will be reporting for duty in Scottsdale, AZ today.
We’re gonna get pictures, we’re gonna get interviews, we’re going to get PEAK “best shape of his life” content and I’m ready for it.
So go get your coffee, hit play on the video below, enjoy the vibes and let me know how you plan to celebrate down in the comments!
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Charlie Condon #6 of the Salt River Rafters in defensive position at first base during an Arizona Fall League game against the Scottsdale Scorpions at Scottsdale Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Remember back in December when I wrote about about “tractability?”
In this column, I want to look at a second concept Moura discusses, “optionality.”
Here, he explains how Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman approaches decision-making:
Every decision he made was governed by the guiding principle of optionality [emphasis added], a term co-opted from Wall Street, where he had his professional start. The idea is to render no decision absolutely necessary, to preserve as many possible choices as long as possible. It manifests in many ways, most notably in the Dodgers’ relative lack of desperation. Desperate teams make decisions they will regret. Because of Friedman’s patience and ownership’s resources, the Dodgers stand perpetually ready to seize on opportunities created by another team’s desperation.
So, for Friedman’s Dodgers, maintaining flexibility for as long as possible was key. We watched the 2025 Rockies play from a place of desperation — that’s why players were promoted before they were MLB ready — and we saw the results. The Dodgers would have never allowed themselves to get into that position.
But let’s return to the idea of optionality. The poster child for this concept is Mookie Betts. Here’s Moura:
Betts is the human embodiment of optionality, always available to boost the team in one facet or another. He could connect on a home run. He could beat out an infield single. He could unleash an unreasonably accurate throw. He could make a leaping, or diving, catch. He could steal second base, or he could score from first on a single, as he did to finish his final game with the Red Sox. He could demand his teammates establish a new, higher standard of effort, as he did before his first game with the Dodgers.
Look, the Dodgers moved Betts from the outfield to shortstop with very little effort. That’s how versatile he is. He gets hits; he’s athletic; he makes plays; and he does whatever is asked of him. It’s why he’s such a valuable player.
Finally, let me cite one more passage from Moura, this one on Max Muncy:
In 2019, Max Muncy became the fifth major leaguer to appear at least sixty times at both first base and second base. This flexibility, or optionality, is essential to how the Dodgers operate. It frees them to pursue off-season and midseason improvements at more positions than their peers, because somebody can always slide somewhere to accommodate a newcomer. It liberates Roberts to use the best available pinch-hitter in any game situation and not burn another reserve to defend, because, again, somebody on the field can always slide somewhere. And it insulates the team against the impact of injury. No matter where the hurt player played, the team’s best reserve can move from the bench into the lineup, because, of course, somebody—or somebodies—can always slide somewhere.
The ideas in this passage are key to the Rockies’ rebuild. It’s less about having “specialists” — though every team needs a few, say Will Smith at catcher and Freddie Freeman at first — than having highly athletic players who are willing to learn and, to quote a favorite Josh Byrnes phrase, “max out” and play a number of positions with ease.
(I’ll have more to say about “maxing out” in a separate column. I asked Byrnes about it, and his answer was interesting. I also have some ideas about the Rockies’ possible Mookie Betts, but they’re too undercooked to share right now.)
Here’s my working theory as we head into the 2026 season: Whenever you wonder what are president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes doing, ask yourself, “What would the Dodgers do?”
That’s probably influencing their thinking.
Okay, hold that thought, and let me return to the spring training and non-roster invitees list we got last week.
Let’s leave pitchers out of this and just talk about position players.
Look at all those utility players. The Rockies have listed seven utility players. (I know: Kris Bryant? I just work with the list I was given.) Tyler Freeman is no longer just an outfielder; they view him as a utility player. And Troy Johnston, generally seen as a first baseman, is also a utility player. Willi Castro was signed because of his versatility.
Here’s perhaps the most interesting point. As Cory Ryan Knowles pointed out last week on the Purple Row board, “The thing I am most intrigued by is that they designated Condon as a utility player. That says to me that the current front office may not be locked in to him being a 1B exclusively going forward.”
Absolutely.
Under the former front office, it was just assumed Charlie Condon (No. 2 mid-season PuRP) would become a first-base specialist in the tradition of Todd Helton.
Not so fast.
DePodesta et al are more interested in seeing what Condon — and a lot of other players — can do.
At Rockies Fest, DePodesta made an off-hand comment that has stayed with me: Fans should expect to see players at spring training playing positions that they perhaps hadn’t expected to see those players playing.
I’ve called this an “inventory” year for the Rockies as the new front office tries to figure out what they have — and I think that’s still true — but part of that inventory involves determining who’s tractable (or teachable) and comfortable with optionality.
A comment on the Purple Row board last week was that the Rockies had replaced their worst players with less-worse players. I agree. But they’ve also been replaced with more athletic and versatile players. It’s like a table reading for the first season of a television drama as the show runner figures out who they have and what they’ll need.
Clearly, not all the non-roster invitees will make the roster, but I expect a number of those players to break camp with the Rockies. Most fans are not going to be excited about an Opening Day roster with Blaine Crim and Troy Johnston platooning at first; Edourard Julien at second; Ezequiel Tovar at short; and Willi Castro at third with, say, Tyler Freeman, Chad Stevens, and Vimael Machín as depth pieces.
But it may happen.
The Rockies are going to delay decision making and give themselves options, both in terms of their roster and in-game decision-making. This approach will also give their prospects time to develop more fully in Albuquerque or Hartford. (How DePodesta will approach Albuquerque is another interesting question.)
And DePodesta et al are going to be implementing a system not just for players but also for the coaching staff. Manager Warren Schaeffer will need to change his approach to in-game management. I’m not worried about that because Schaeffer has shown he’s as eager to learn as any player on the roster, but that’s going to take some practice.
My sense right now is that fans are not going to get the Opening Day roster they think they want.
SDS asked, “Would you please ask Dan to give us a projection for just how much worse that lineup would be than the weakest MLB team’s starting nine?” Dan Szymborski’s answer does not disappointment as he explores how the Colorado Rockies would fare in this scenario.
The Dodgers open spring training this week, with pitchers and catchers scheduled to report on Thursday, February 12.
Here’s an inside look at where the team stands as camp begins:
Shohei Ohtani pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Getty Images
Best position battle
If the Dodgers get through spring with a fully healthy roster, most positions should take care of themselves. However, Tommy Edman is uncertain for opening day as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. So too is Blake Snell, after slow-playing his winter throwing program while treating a lingering shoulder injury.
If Edman starts the year on the IL, it will create at least a temporary opening at second base. Miguel Rojas would figure to get plenty of the at-bats, but there could also be a runway for either Hyeseong Kim or Alex Freeland to carve out an opening day role.
In the rotation, a potential Snell absence could open a spot for one of the Dodgers’ younger arms, such as River Ryan or Gavin Stone, among others, to earn an opening-day spot.
Most intriguing minor leaguer
There has been growing excitement around the organization in Ryan, who debuted as a top prospect in 2024 and posted a 1.33 ERA in four starts before going down with Tommy John surgery. Since then, the right-hander has bulked up by roughly 30 pounds, added life to his upper-90s mph fastball, and impressed club officials in his throwing program this winter.
Whether or not he starts the season in the majors, he’ll almost certainly have a role to play at some point. And if his brief debut a couple years ago was any indication, he could be primed for a breakout campaign.
Tommy Edman runs the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees. Getty Images
Story to watch develop
The Dodgers have been open about their need to manage the starting rotation’s workload this year, coming off the heavy burden they shoulder in the 2025 playoffs. It’s why the team is already preaching patience with Snell. And it will be a subplot to follow as other veteran arms ramp up for the year.
Outside of Snell, the Dodgers’ other starters have reported feeling OK so far with the quick turnaround from last season. But as intensity heightens in the spring, so too will the threat of lingering after-effects being felt. By the time they get to opening day, the Dodgers should have a better idea of how their pitching staff rebounded from last October.
Manager’s toughest challenge
The Dodgers will have one of the oldest lineups in the majors this year. And manager Dave Roberts has already acknowledged the need to find his veterans more regular rest.
It won’t be easy. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, for example, have been loath to off days in recent years. Thus, Roberts will have to find the right balance between keeping his older bats fresh, and keeping them happy and in-rhythm as they continue to age. It will be an ongoing challenge for the 10th-year skipper.
Blake Snell pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays. Getty Images
Most intriguing newcomer
It’s been five years since Kenley Jansen left the Dodgers. Since then, they’ve struggled to find a defined, consistent closer, having not had one reliever with a 25-save season.
That should change now, with the arrival of Edwin Díaz and his 253 career saves. The Dodgers invested $69 million in him to anchor the relief corps. And as long as he clicks, a weak Dodgers bullpen from last season should be a strength in their three-peat bid.
Most notable absence
For two decades, Clayton Kershaw has been the face of the Dodgers franchise. For the first time since 2006, he won’t be at camp for spring training.
The Dodgers, of course, have plenty of options to replace the retired left-hander in the rotation. But his clubhouse presence will leave a void, creating a Hall of Fame-sized hole that will be felt this spring.
Miguel Rojas celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays. Getty Images
Don’t be surprised if it becomes an issue
Injuries, and not just to the rotation. Freeman will be 36 this year, Max Muncy 35, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez both 33, and Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani and Edman all 31. While the Dodgers have battled injuries in recent years, they’ve largely had their entire lineup healthy come the playoffs. Accomplishing that again will only get harder as time goes on.
Pitching absences are already expected. The Dodgers have to hope position player losses don’t become a problem either.
Biggest comeback
Ohtani completed his two-way comeback last year. But now, he will enter a season without any health restrictions for the first time since 2023, when he had arguably his most complete career year.
Ohtani will begin this campaign as the frontrunner for his fifth MVP. He could very well wind up in the Cy Young conversation, too. The Dodgers have already seen historic feats from their $700 million star. Now, they’ll get their first look at a full season of Ohtani playing both ways full-time.
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 10: Troy Melton #52 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the 10th inning during Game Five of the American League Division Series presented by Booking.com between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
While we’re a SABER based site that tries to keep a cool head, every baseball fan has their favorites. Whether due to personality, background, or skill set, some players just naturally appeal to you. In other cases, team needs push additional hope onto a player of still questionable ability. All these factors can play a role in rooting interest.
So who, perhaps even despite your better judgement, are you really pulling for in spring camp? Maybe there’s a reliever that caught your eye, or a minor leaguer you’ve believed in is finally getting a chance to show their stuff in major league camp. Perhaps you’re just particularly worried about a position like shortstop or center field, and hoping someone can really show out and lend some confidence at that spot headed into the season.
Personally, I can’t help riding with Colt Keith this season. It feels like most of the fanbase has already moved on from the former top prospect. Still only 24 years old, Keith has handled himself pretty well and been a productive hitter overall through two seasons. However, he hasn’t gotten to the power production we saw in the minor leagues, and has had stretches of looking a bit overwhelmed. It doesn’t help that the Tigers have had him preparing for a different position every offseason, without any kind of consistency to help him settle into the roster. That’s just a function of need, but I can’t help feeling like Colt is going to break through as a more impactful hitter through his mid-20’s, so he’ll be someone I’m paying extra attention to this spring.
I can’t help having a soft spot for Keider Montero as well. On at least 10 teams around the league, the right-hander would be a lock for a starting rotation job with the chance to grow in that role. Instead, he’s handled a lot of mixed use pretty well, and really came through for the Tigers in the ALDS last October too. He’s still flawed, but he does have the stuff to succeed and I’m hoping he’ll put it together more in 2026.
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 9: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after making a three point basket during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on February 9, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Chris Swann/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Vibes matter in the NBA. They always have.
The Cleveland Cavaliers built a historic 64-win team last year largely on vibes. Sure, immense talent across the roster is a barrier for entry. But we’ve seen talented squads struggle to play with the joy and harmony the Cavaliers played with last season.
Even the Cavs themselves had trouble replicating it.
This team fell flat on its face in the first two months of the season. Constant injuries threw multiple curveballs at them, while disappointing efforts and dysfunctional chemistry led to a 17-16 record by late December. Nothing was working, and the team was running out of time to figure it out.
During that brutal stretch to open the season, Kenny Atkinson referenced his championship with the Golden State Warriors — and how adversity can be par for the course.
“Everyone thinks it’s a smooth ride, but it definitely isn’t smooth,” Atkinson said. “That year we won the championship, I think we had a stretch where we went 7-16, we lost 9-out-of-11 at one point, 7-of-8 [in a different stretch] — nothing was screaming championship that season, as a matter of fact, it was like ‘oh my gosh, this is falling apart.”
That quote feels more relevant now, on February 10th, as the Cavaliers have won 16 of their last 21 games and have the best record in basketball since December 29th. They’ve turned things around in the midst of more injuries and franchise-altering trades.
All the while, they feel more legit than ever before as a result of overcoming their slow start.
“We’re continuing to show that [toughness],” said Sam Merrill after Cleveland’s latest win over the Denver Nuggets. “I say this all the time, it hasn’t been perfect this year. Wasn’t perfect last year, but I think this group is continuing to grow.”
The Cavs began their recent road trip with a few devastating blows. Darius Garland had re-injured his toe just a few games before the trip, while Evan Mobley would go down with another calf injury shortly after. So, Cleveland hit the West Coast undermanned and was promptly dismantled by the Phoenix Suns. It felt like this could be another two steps backwards for a team that had just started to gain momentum in January.
Instead, the team rattled off four consecutive wins and picked up some new talent along the way.
Jarrett Allen put up a historic 40 points and 17 rebounds to beat the Blazers. After that, the Cavs dealt Garland for 11-time All-Star James Harden in a gutsy, all-in move that shocked the NBA. Cleveland proceeded to thrash the LA Clippers one night after the trade — before welcoming Harden to their lineup for a thrilling win over the Sacramento Kings later that week.
The Cavs then traveled to Denver for their final game of the trip. Playing in high altitude after a grueling two-weeks away from home took a visible toll on them. They looked exhausted, at times, and trailed for 43 minutes of the game. Yet they never folded, and it was a combination of Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Jarrett Allen who pulled this team across the finish line for their fourth straight win.
“We found a way to get it done,” said Harden. “It’s our second game [together]. No practices, a couple of film sessions, not the way it’s supposed to happen.”
Getting this team back into a groove is one thing. Inserting another ball-dominant guard into the mix without throwing off the chemistry is another challenge altogether. Pulling off both of those feats in consecutive comeback victories is special. This Cavs team is harkening back to the good vibes that made them successful a year ago.
“There are so many things that we’ve found, and we still haven’t practiced yet,” said Mitchell. “We’re just hoopin off vibes.”
Talent can only get you so far. The Cavs saw this for themselves in November and December. But as the front office pushes the right buttons to add more talent to the roster, the Cavaliers have responded by getting themselves organized and on the same page. Winning only makes the process that much easier. Just as quickly as things fell apart, they can come back together again.
“It’s go time,” said Harden, before heading back to Cleveland for his home debut. You won’t want to miss it.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks controls the ball during the second half against the Boston Celtics at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA trade deadline charts the course for the rest of the season, and now it’s in the rearview mirror ahead of the 2026 playoffs. In the wake of the trade wreckage, there’s a small inner circle of championship contenders, and a slightly larger group of teams with a puncher’s chance of winning it all. Some teams, even good ones, realized they probably have no shot at the title, so they decided to simply cut their payroll or make smaller moves around the margins that could impact the roster next year. Then there are the teams whose top objective was maximizing their ping-pong balls for the upcoming NBA Draft lottery for a stacked 2026 class with three potential No. 1 overall talents leading the way. Read our latest 2026 NBA mock draft for more on this class.
It was easy to see a massive tank race eventually forming even before this season started. Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer, and BYU wing A.J. Dybantsa were all no-brainer elite prospects coming out of high school who were destined to leave NBA GMs salivating. When North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson and Houston guard Kingston Flemings also emerged as excellent prospects in their own right, the 2026 draft had a legit top-5 that rivals any in my 13 years on the beat here.
The current NBA rookie class is already so good, and next year’s could be even better. As the trades were going down on deadline day, I noticed there were a ton of teams incentivized to lose every game the rest of the season if they could. It might be even worse than it looks:
We are about to see the gnarliest tank race in NBA history. The bottom 8 teams + the Bulls + the Bucks if they can pacify Giannis would all prefer to lose every game the rest of the season. There is no competitive integrity to be found here. pic.twitter.com/BnNhTNT1NU
Three of the biggest trades at the deadline involved tanking teams as buyers: the Jazz acquired Jaren Jackson Jr. for a package headlined by three future first-round picks, the Wizards made a shocking deal for Anthony Davis, the Pacers went out and got Ivica Zubac for two premium future first round picks. Does that mean that these teams are going to start trying to win games immediately?
Of course not! Utah’s pick is top-8 protected to the Thunder, and they just pulled all of their starters with a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost. The Wizards have already indicated Davis and Trae Young probably won’t play a game for the organization this season. Zubac had been healthy and productive for the Clippers this season, and now the Pacers will have to figure out how to proceed with him after trading a top-4 protected 2026 first-round pick that morphs into an unprotected 2031 first-rounder if it lands in the protected zone.
NBA draft lottery odds by spot and rules
The bottom three teams all have a 14 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick and a 52.1 percent chance to land in the top-four. Final lottery positioning is still important: teams can only fall a maximum of four spots after the lottery, meaning the team that finishes with the worst record can do no worse than the No. 5 pick, the team with the second-worst record can’t fall further than No. 6, and so on.
Here are the odds for the No. 1 pick and each top-4 slot from every spot in the lottery:
At this point, the entire bottom-10 is incentivized to try to lose out. Let’s run through the stakes for each team looking at the standings as of Tuesday morning:
Sacramento Kings (12-43): Tried to win with veterans like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan, but never had any chance. The roster never fit, and most of the key pieces struggle to impact winning despite putting up solid numbers. This tank is as ethical as it gets, but this franchise just feels hopeless.
Indiana Pacers (13-40): Gap year without Tyrese Haliburton. Pick is traded to the Clippers for Zubac, 1-4 protected. The Pacers basically decided they only want Boozer, Peterson, Dybantsa, or Wilson, and were otherwise willing to give up the pick. Pacers brass is going to be watching the lottery with bated breath. Indy deserves lottery luck more than any other team after watching Haliburton get hurt in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last year.
Washington Wizards (14-38): The Wizards will be resting Trae Young and Anthony Davis the rest of the season it seems. Washington’s rebuild could suddenly look really interesting if they can land inside the top-4.
New Orleans Pelicans (15-40) -> Atlanta Hawks: The Pelicans traded their unprotected 2026 first-round pick to Atlanta to move up to select Derik Queen. New Orleans was always in danger of being horrible this season, and that’s exactly what happened. The Hawks played their cards perfectly and could luck into a top prospect without tanking.
Brooklyn Nets (15-37): The Nets owe a pick swap to the Houston Rockets next year, so they need lottery luck now while they can still get it.
Utah Jazz (16-37): The Jazz are blatantly tanking by resting their starters in the fourth quarter. The Jazz would seemingly love to keep Dybantsa in Utah.
Dallas Mavericks (19-33): The Mavs have to get lucky in the lottery too without control of their first-round pick until 2031 due to trades the franchise made to build around Luka Doncic. Whoops. Dallas cashed in on a 1.8 percent chance from the No. 11 spot last year to Cooper Flagg, and needs to find him a co-star this year.
Memphis Grizzlies (20-31): Traded Jaren Jackson Jr. after trading Desmond Bane over the summer. The Grizzlies are loaded with future picks and are set to rebuild around Zach Edey, Cedric Coward, and the rest of their young core.
Milwaukee Bucks (21-30): The Bucks can pick as high as No. 2 this year with lottery luck, because the Hawks have the most favorable of their pick and the Pelicans’ pick. The front office probably wants the team to try to lose out, but will Giannis Antetokounmpo push them to compete if he comes back healthy?
Chicago Bulls (24-30): The Bulls have refused to tank for years, but finally played the role of sellers at the trade deadline. If the NBA wants to reward teams who don’t lose on purpose, the Bulls deserve some lottery luck. They haven’t had a top-3 pick since they selected Derrick Rose at No. 1 in 2008 despite having the NBA’s fifth-worst cumulative record since the start of the 2017-2018 season. The Bulls have some solid role players, but they haven’t had a superstar in a long, long time.
The NBA’s tanking problem could solve itself after this year … for a little bit
Why did the Jazz and Wizards both make win-now trades for veterans after being long-time tanking teams? My theory is because the 2027 NBA Draft doesn’t look like it’s worth tanking for. While we knew prospects like Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, and Cameron Boozer were studs by the time they were sophomores in high school, there’s no one that looks the part of a future NBA superstar yet in the current senior class. I’d say the top prospects in 2027 right now are Tyran Stokes, Caleb Holt, and Anthony Thompson, but none of them are even close to a sure thing. The 2028 NBA Draft also doesn’t have an obvious top prospect at this point.
Obviously, a lot can change between now and the day of the 2027 and 2028 drafts, but at this point I’m expecting weaker classes the next two years. I want to stress I could be very wrong about that, but it’s just how it feels right now based on the top player juniors and seniors plus the international classes. My guess is the Wizards and Jazz wouldn’t have made their deadline deals if another Wembanyama or Flagg was coming next year.
Every draft has good players, even bad ones. I covered the 2013 NBA Draft here when Anthony Bennett went No. 1. That was a bad draft. It also had two Hall of Famers picked after the lottery in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert, plus a ton of solid players mixed in. My two cents is that every draft has good players, but not every draft is worth tanking for.
The NBA has already introduced anti-tanking measures this year. These are all up for debate:
Shams: NBA looking into ways to prevent teams from tanking.
Proposed ideas include: – Limiting pick protections to either top 4 or 14 and higher – Not allowing a team to draft in the top 4 in consecutive years – Locking lottery positions after March 1
There’s nothing the NBA can do this year to discourage tanking. I predict the next two years won’t have anything like this tank race.
The lottery has given us some true stunners in recent years. The Hawks moved from No. 10 in the lottery to the No. 1 pick in 2024. The Mavericks moved up from No. 11 to win the rights to Cooper Flagg. That’s some hope to cling to for Chicago, Milwaukee, and Memphis right now.
Most teams still have about 30 games left before the end of the year. That means there’s going to be a lot of bad basketball in the name of trying to get the best odds possible to land a top prospect. I don’t think this will be an issue every year, but there’s no saving the NBA’s competitive integrity for the rest of this season.
MILAN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 09: Players of Team United States pose for photographs during training on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 09, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hockey will get underway this week at the Milan Olympics featuring NHL players for the first time in more than a decade.
Here’s a reminder and refresher that the rules at the Olympics will be a bit different than when you watch your typical NHL game.
During the preliminary rounds of the Olympic hockey tournament, if games are tied after regulation, there will be a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime, followed by a five-player shootout if the tie isn’t broken.
In the quarterfinals and semifinals, the overtime period will be extended to ten minutes.
In the gold medal game, there will be no shootout, but the overtime period will be played as 3-on-3.
During the Olympics, fighting is not allowed and the penalty for doing so is ejection. Playing without a helmet subjects players to a minor penalty.
Roster sizes allow teams to have a maximum of 23 players, consisting of 20 skaters and 3 goalies.
Teams are allowed to dress two more players than allowed during NHL play, meaning that a game lineup can feature 13 forwards and 7 defensemen.
Rink sizes at the Palaltalia Santa Giulia and the Fiera Milano arenas will be NHL-sized, smaller than traditionally used for the Olympics.
