SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 25: Tyler Soderstrom #21 of the Athletics rounds third base to score on an RBI single hit by Lawrence Butler #4 against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the ninth inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on June 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The squad continues to get healthier. Just hours before their second game against the Detroit Tigers the Athletics announced the activation of left fielder Tyler Soderstrom from the 10-day IL, while optioning infielder Max Muncy to make room on the active roster:
It turns out to be a best-case scenario for Soderstrom and the club as hip issues can sometimes snowball into more serious problems. The lefty swinging Soderstrom will return to the club after missing just over a week with the left hip impingement and the 24-year-old will be a welcomed return to the lineup. Soderstrom has been one of the better hitters in the lineup this season, slashing .242/.343/.460 with 13 long balls along with his solid play in left field, and was having a quality June before heading to the shelf. The club could have been extra cautious with the All-Star break just days away so the activation could be a great sign that he’s completely recovered and ready to roll.
As for Muncy, the club’s Opening Day third baseman has just not found his stroke at the big league level quite yet. The former first round pick has hit just .227/.303/.369 with five home runs this season, which comes out to 11% worse than league average. He missed some time with a hand fracture but he’s been off the IL for exactly a month and continued to struggle both in the batter’s box and in the field. He’ll now head to Triple-A and work on his mechanics and hopefully straighten things out in a lower-pressure environment. In the meantime the hot corner will likely be occupied by some combination of Zack Gelof and Joshua Kuroda-Grauer. That duo should definitely provide more offense than Muncy.
STATELINE, Nev. — Austin Reaves was somewhere near a fairway in the middle of a golf course when he learned he and LeBron James would no longer be Lakers teammates.
The news put a complete damper on his afternoon, he told The California Post on Wednesday.
Austin Reaves dribbles upcourt against the Golden State Warriors. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLeBron James reacts after making a three point shot. Getty Images
“I texted him,” Reaves said of his initial reaction to James bolting from Los Angeles, “and told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it.”
James informed the masses on June 30 that he would don a new uniform in 2026, and Reaves told The Post while out at the American Century Championship in Nevada that the decision affected him.
Reaves, who signed a $185 million extension to remain with the Lakers just a week before James made his choice, has never played an NBA season without the 41-year-old on his team, and he explained it’s going to take some time to get used to.
“I don’t have enough time to explain how much he means to me and my career and what he’s done for me,” Reaves said.
The 28-year-old, though, made it clear he’s harboring no ill-will toward his longtime friend over the move.
“There’s nothing but love and respect,” Reaves said. “And when he comes to LA, I need to see him out on the golf course. Maybe play a couple holes or something.”
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On Wednesday morning, the San Jose Sharks announced that they had reached an agreement with former New York Rangers defenseman Libor Hajek on a one-year, two-way deal.
Hajek, who had spent the past three seasons back in his native Czechia, last played an NHL game for the Rangers during the 2022-23 season. The 28-year-old defenseman has had considerable success since returning to the Czech Extraliga as he led the league in game-winning goals by a defenseman during the 2023-24 season, led the league in postseason plus/minus during the 2024-25 campaign, and then won the Extraliga Championship with HC Dynamo Pardubice during the 2025-26 season.
Over the summer, Hajek also represented Czechia at the IIHF World Championship, failing to record a point in eight games, but finishing the tournament as a +3.
When Hajek signed with Dynamo Pardubice, the contract was reportedly set to run through 2028, but it appears he either had an NHL out-clause in his deal or the Sharks opted to buy him out of his contract.
During his NHL career with the Rangers, Hajek appeared in 110 games, scoring four goals and 12 points in the process. He also registered 40 penalties and was a -9.
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 10: John Collins #20 of the LA Clippers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 10, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA has captured the Detroit Pistons mega-trade that includes five other teams, 10 players, and a handful of draft picks trading hands on its official website. That is a sign that the deal is complete and, importantly, not getting any bigger.
There has been no official press release sent by any of the teams involved, but let’s be honest, that’s a lot of stuff to type up.
The key players in the deal, from Detroit’s perspective, are all names we’ve heard before. Detroit is sending out Isaiah Stewart (to the Memphis Grizzlies), Caris LeVert (to the Milwaukee Bucks), and Marcus Sasser (to the Dallas Mavericks). Incoming to the Pistons will be John Collins (from the Los Angeles Clippers), and Taurean Prince and Gary Harris (from the Bucks).
The deal is unofficially even bigger than it looks because the draft considerations Detroit received from the Grizzlies for Stewart are the exact picks Detroit sent to Memphis as it moved up the draft board on NBA Draft night to select Ebuka Okorie at No. 17.
Here is how the trade officially breaks down for all involved.
Detroit Pistons Receive:
Gary Harris (Bucks)
Taurean Prince (Bucks)
John Collins (Clippers)
Draft Considerations (Grizzlies)
Dallas Mavericks Receive:
Santi Aldama (Grizzlies)
Marcus Sasser (Pistons)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive:
Isaiah Stewart (Pistons)
D’Angelo Russell (Wizards)
AJ Johnson (Mavericks)
Draft Considerations (Wizards)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive:
Caris LeVert (Pistons)
Draft Considerations (Pistons)
Washington Wizards Receive:
Khris Middleton (Mavericks)
Draft Considerations (Mavericks)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive:
Draft Considerations (Pistons)
Because several players were traded for draft picks, there are also some sizeable trade-player exceptions involved that will expire in a year, will likely go unused, but are always helpful to have at your disposal in case the right kind of deal presents itself.
Several of the teams are also hard-capped because of players obtained in sign-and-trade deals, including the Pistons.
Here is a not-so-helpful visual representation of the deal, included just because it’s kind of funny. When the deal is represented on the basketball-reference transaction log, it will also look like an Infinite Jest-sized chunk of text.
Who is the most important player in this deal? John Collins? Isaiah Stewart? Santi Aldama? Who knows. But it’s done.
A couple of fun Silly Goose Parlays to kick off this fully loaded Wednesday night slate. A few bats I'm looking to back, along with a handful of struggling arms I'm fading to continue their recent woes.
In Schwarber's last 60 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, he is batting .320 with a .560 SLG, .977 OPS, and a hard-hit rate north of 74%. On the other side, Harper during that stretch is batting .320 as well, with a .607 SLG and .957 OPS. He also owns a 95% arsenal coverage against all of Chase Burns' pitches.
Burns has struggled against left-handed hitters in his recent outings. Over his last 60 left-handed batters faced, he is allowing a 70.4% elevation rate, a 10.8% barrel rate, and an expected slugging percentage of .501.
I am expecting a lot of production from the Phillies offense this evening, starting with their two stars.
I am very high on the Colorado Rockies this evening, as they bring an elite-rated offense to the table, according to Batters-Box. They have nine hitters in prime spots against Roki Sasaki. The Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander has struggled all season, and his recent form has been even worse. Over his last three outings, he owns an 8.53 ERA, 5.61 xERA, and 1.74 WHIP.
On the other side, adding Shohei Ohtani for some reverse correlation feels right, especially with how well he has been swinging the bat and seeing the baseball lately. At +470, this should be one of the more exciting sweats of the day.
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler has been seeing the ball extremely well over the last few weeks, posting a .510 SLG and .827 OPS while generating a 54% hard-hit rate and 71.8% elevation rate against the last 60 left-handed pitchers he has faced.
Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs has struggled in recent outings, especially against right-handed bats. Over the last 60 right-handed hitters he has faced, opponents are elevating the baseball at nearly an 80% clip, setting up well for Detroit's right-handed power.
With the Athletics offense ice cold over the last few weeks, the Tigers feel like the right side to back, especially with how much Springs has been struggling.
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: DSN, NBCS-California
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
SGP picks: 277-520, -16.4 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 24: Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander (35) is seen in the dugout during a regular season Major League Baseball game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers on June 24, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Justin Verlander, one of the all time great pitchers who will almost certainly be a first ballot Hall of Famer, has announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2026 season.
The 43 year old Verlander, who is currently on the injured list for the Detroit Tigers, was originally drafted 2nd overall in the 2004 draft by the Tigers, with the San Diego Padres making a Steve Chilcott/Reggie Jackson-level bad decision in passing on Verlander to take local product Matt Bush with the first overall pick. Verlander made his professional debut in 2005 and, in his one minor league season, put up a 1.29 ERA in 118 innings over 20 starts that year while also making a couple of spot starts in the big leagues in July.
Verlander started the 2006 season in the rotation for a Tigers team that made a tremendous turnaround, going from 71 wins in 2005 to 95 wins and a World Series appearance in 2006. Verlander put up a team-best 3.63 ERA in 30 starts, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award, finishing 7th in the Cy Young balloting and 15th in the MVP voting.
It was the start of a lengthy run of greatness for Verlander, who ended up winning the Cy Young Award three times and being named the American League MVP in 2011, as well as having three 2nd place finishes in the Cy Young voting and three other top five finishes.
Verlander seemed like someone who would be a Tiger for life until he was sent to Houston at the 2017 trade deadline. Verlander was with the Astros until 2022 — although missing the entire 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery — before signing with the New York Mets prior to the 2023 season. The Astros acquired him at the deadline again in 2023, however, and he pitched for the Astros through 2024. After spending 2025 with the San Francisco Giants, he returned to Detroit for 2026, though he has only be able to make one appearance this season due to injury.
Verlander is currently 8th on the all time strikeout list, with 3,554, and his 266 career wins are 37th all time. He’s also 29th in games started and 66th all time in innings. To put his innings total into perspective with the modern game, the next closest active pitcher in innings pitched is Max Scherzer, who is #141 on the list, more than 500 innings behind Verlander. The next after that? Chris Sale, who is 357th all time, and almost 1500 innings behind Verlander.
Verlander is 24th all time in career bWAR for pitchers, between Mike Mussina and Nolan Ryan, and his adjusted JAWS score is 18th all time, between Eddie Plank and Gaylord Perry.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- For those that are familiar with the sports scene in St. Louis and the landscape of baseball, the Cardinals and Busch Stadium are pillars of the sports landscape.
For one St. Louis Blues prospect who got to witness the scene for the first time, it was an eventful experience, and one he won't soon forget.
Dmitry Buchelnikov, acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in the Match 6 trade as part of the Justin Faulk deal, and fellow prospects -- as part of their experience of being in St. Louis -- took in the experience of baseball for the first time and was amazed.
"It was a great experience for being in baseball stadium," the 22-year-old said. "I've never been before. We were catching; never did that before. And what is that, like swinging (a bat)? This is an amazing time spending here. Then a little soccer. We were doing penalties with MLS goalies. I scored, yeah, 100 percent! I really liked this."
Yes, there was a visit to the facilities of St. Louis City SC and Energizer Park. Soccer is more familiar in Russia than baseball, if at all, but it was an opportunity for the second-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft to soak in the experience of even a glimmer of life in the NHL.
It was Buchelnikov's first in-person experience with the organization that took a liking to him after being traded, a trade that didn't surprise him, and a trade he welcomed.
"No, not really," Buchelnikov said. "They just call me that I got traded. I told them, 'Thank you for everything.' But this is a new (chapter) for me.
"It was like a good feeling, the same when you were drafted. You just have an opportunity to be here. This is amazing. This is for what you want to be. This is why the people here believe in you."
It was a key reason why the Nizhny Tagil, Russia native felt it was important to come to North America and spend a few days with his new NHL organization, to get to know the city and a new fan base that will be pulling for him.
"No, I just know about this team before. It's kind of a cool moment for me," Buchelnikov said. "I'm just switching (teams) and I'm here and at development camp. It's been amazing, my first time here. I like the city, I like what we (did) here for this week. Fun time."
The 5-foot-10, 173-pound left wing, who has played the three seasons in the KHL after a 10-game stint there as a 19-year-old in 2022-23 with SKA St. Petersburg. Last year was a bit tumultuous after spending three months from Nov-Feb. rehabbing a surgically-repaired shoulder that limited him to 44 games with CSKA Moskva (25 points; 14 goals, 11 assists) plus another 10 games competing for the Gagarin Cup.
"It was a really good year. Yeah, I had the injury in the mid-season," Buchelnikov said. "I spend like three months for doing my rehab. I played 10 games before playoffs started and it's good having that new experience for me. I just played first time in playoffs in my adult career. Before I just played in juniors league or minor league. It was a really good experience for me and for what I need to work (on) and what I need to do."
And make no mistake, Buchelnikov said his aspiration is to play in the NHL, and he fully understands there are areas of his game that need to meet the standards before subjecting himself to what he terms "the best league in the world."
"Be more physical," he said. "That's probably first because this is a tough league. You need to be ready every time. Also thinking more quick. This is why they call (the NHL) the best league in the world. I just need to be ready for that."
And playing in another season in the KHL best suits him for this, he feels, because the KHL competition is top notch.
"Probably yes. This is the kind of league where you have guys that can give you that kind of experience and opportunity for being better," Buchelnikov said. "I like this league. My team was believing in me, giving me ice time, so yeah. I like it."
Buchelnikov, who has 108 points (42 goals, 66 assists) the past three seasons, signed on for one more year with CSKA; he didn't want to say without having those discussions with the Blues what his future beyond the upcoming season would be, but he sure sounded like someone committed to coming to North America, a kid that had a dream of playing in the NHL that now wants to make that a reality.
"I just don't know what I want to say for that. I have a contract in Russia," Buchelnikov said. "This is like when I was a kid, the dream to play in the NHL. This needs to be goal, not to be (just) a dream right now because you (feel) you have the skill, you have the potential. You need to work with that and be better every day.
"This team believes in me. It's a great opportunity for me. I have one more year in Russia. I need to spend (that) time to be better, more physical. I need to work for that."
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Former Mets pitching coach Phil Regan has passed away at the age of 89, reports ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Regan's career in baseball spanned seven decades.
The right-hander first broke into the league when he signed with the Tigers in 1956.
He racked up 61 wins and a 3.76 ERA as a starting pitcher in Detroit's minor league system, before receiving the call up to the big league level after four years in the minors.
Regan spent six seasons with the Tigers, three with the Dodgers, five with the Cubs, and one with the White Sox.
He was a one-time All-Star, racking up 96 wins, 92 saves, and 743 strikeouts in his career.
Upon retiring, he began coaching at the collegiate level, before making the jump to the majors as a Mariners scout.
Regan received one managerial opportunity with the Cubs, but otherwise served as a coach.
He was the St. Lucie Mets pitching coach for four years, was the organization's minor league pitching coordinator, and was the promoted to the big-league staff at 82 years old following Dave Eiland's firing in 2019.
Jun 22, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) signs autographs before a game against the Houston Astros at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
George Springer is back playing today and batting fourth, which is a choice.
I don’t know, it likely better than him leading off. I know that we worry too much about batting order, because that’s one of the things we can easily see, judge.
Lineups:
Today’s Lineups
BLUE JAYS
GIANTS
Ernie Clement – 2B
Heliot Ramos – LF
Nathan Lukes – RF
Luis Arraez – 2B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1B
Casey Schmitt – 3B
George Springer – DH
Rafael Devers – 1B
Daulton Varsho – CF
Jung Hoo Lee – RF
Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
Willy Adames – SS
Alejandro Kirk – C
Bryce Eldridge – DH
Jonatan Clase – LF
Drew Gilbert – CF
Andres Gimenez – SS
Eric Haase – C
Dylan Cease – RHP
Logan Webb – RHP
So now the team has a toy dragon. I was going to say just dragon, and then I should I should say toy…..like you’d think they have a real dragon. Even Rogers can’t do that.
I think anything to remind the players to have fun is a good thing. I’m even ok with say that’s the reason they scored so many runs.
We are losing some of our favourite bad umpires at the end of this season. CB Bucknor, Laz Diaz, Brian O’Nora, Lance Barksdale, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo and Andy Fletcher are all leaving after being offered a ‘buyout’. Nice that MLB is finally being proactive. Many years too late, but still, good for them.
It is an early game today. 3:45 Eastern.
Late add. Very sorry for Braydon Fisher and his family.
Braydon Fisher is back from bereavement leave.
Fisher shared that his father Norm, 65 yrs old, suffered a stroke and died. He was en route to checking into their hotel on SF.
DETROIT — Justin Verlander plans to call it a career later this year.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion and 2011 AL MVP will retire after this season with the Detroit Tigers.
Verlander made the announcement on Wednesday, shortly after he was added as a Legend Pick to the American League All-Star roster.
“While I’m fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I’ve decided this will be my last,” Verlander shared on social media. “It’s fitting that I get to finish where it all started — with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity.”
Oldest player in the majors
The 43-year-old Verlander is the oldest player in Major League Baseball. He signed a $13 million, one-year contract to rejoin the Tigers in February.
Verlander allowed five runs in 3 2/3 innings during a 9-6 road loss at Arizona on March 30.
That was his only start this year.
“It’s time for the next chapter,” Verlander said. “But first, I’m excited to finish this season the only way I know how — with everything I’ve got.”
Verlander has dealt with injuries this season
He went on the injured list with hip inflammation early in the season and when the right-hander was nearing a return last month, he pulled a hamstring during a bullpen session.
“I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar,” Verlander said. “I wanted the game to tell me when it was time. Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come.”
He was scheduled to pitch in June and make what would have been his first start with the Tigers at Comerica Park since August 30, 2017 — the day before he was traded to the Astros.
Cy Young winner and World Series champion
He went 183-115 from 2005 to 2017 with the Tigers. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2006 and both the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011. He helped Detroit reach the World Series in 2006 and 2012 along with four straight division titles from 2011 to 2014.
Verlander was the 2017 ALCS MVP in Houston and helped the Astros win the World Series that year and was a key player for them when they won another title in 2022. He won his second and third Cy Young Award in 2019 and 2022.
“I’ve been fortunate to play with and against incredible players, for outstanding organizations, and compete in front of fans who deeply appreciate the game,” Verlander said.
All-Star Game tribute
While he will not play in the All-Star Game, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Verlander will be at the game in Philadelphia on Tuesday and will be honored during the festivities.
“The opportunity to attend once again is something I’ll cherish and it will be an incredibly special moment for me and my family,” said Verlander, who is married to model Kate Upton and has two children.
Verlander has a career record of 266-159 with a 3.33 ERA in 556 starts across 21 Major League seasons with the Tigers, Astros, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. He has 3,554 strikeouts while tossing 26 complete games, including nine shutouts.
He joins Bryce Harper of the host Philadelphia Phillies as a Legend Pick for the 2026 Midsummer Classic. Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Clayton Kershaw in 2025 have been recognized as baseball legends at previous All-Star games.
And the summer league slate features several head-to-head matchups between big-name rookies, including Dybantsa taking on Peterson in a showdown of the top two picks.
So, from the format to the schedule and how to watch the games, here’s what to know about Las Vegas Summer League:
How does the NBA Las Vegas Summer League work?
The Las Vegas Summer League features all 30 teams playing at least five games. The top four teams in the standings through four games qualify for a semifinal round, while the other 26 teams play in a final consolation game.
The semifinal winners then meet a championship game to close out the tournament.
Where are NBA Las Vegas Summer League games played?
Games are played across two venues on the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, (UNLV) campus: the Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.
FILE — Exterior view of Thomas & Mack Center during the 2019 NBA Las Vegas Summer League. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
What are the NBA Las Vegas Summer League rules?
Here are some of the main rules to know:
Games feature four 10-minute quarters, with an eight-minute halftime.
Teams are given two timeouts per half. They also have one challenge to trigger a replay review of fouls, out-of-bounds violations or goaltending calls.
A player fouls out after committing his 10th foul, unless it’s a semifinal or championship game. For those playoff contests, a player fouls out after his sixth foul.
In the event of a tie game after four quarters, a two-minute overtime is played. If the score is still tied after OT, the game heads to a sudden death period where the first team to score wins.
The NBA is using a “one free throw rule” in summer league games this year. Under the rule, most foul shots result in just one free throw. For example, if a player is fouled on a missed 2-point shot, he shoots one free throw worth two points. If a player is fouled on a missed 3-point shot, he shoots one free throw worth three points. The rule, which has been used in the G League for several years, is applied to all foul shots occurring before the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.
And the summer league slate features several head-to-head matchups between big-name rookies, including Dybantsa taking on Peterson in a showdown of the top two picks.
So, from the format to the schedule and how to watch the games, here’s what to know about Las Vegas Summer League:
How does the NBA Las Vegas Summer League work?
The Las Vegas Summer League features all 30 teams playing at least five games. The top four teams in the standings through four games qualify for a semifinal round, while the other 26 teams play in a final consolation game.
The semifinal winners then meet a championship game to close out the tournament.
Where are NBA Las Vegas Summer League games played?
Games are played across two venues on the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, (UNLV) campus: the Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center.
FILE — Exterior view of Thomas & Mack Center during the 2019 NBA Las Vegas Summer League. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
What are the NBA Las Vegas Summer League rules?
Here are some of the main rules to know:
Games feature four 10-minute quarters, with an eight-minute halftime.
Teams are given two timeouts per half. They also have one challenge to trigger a replay review of fouls, out-of-bounds violations or goaltending calls.
A player fouls out after committing his 10th foul, unless it’s a semifinal or championship game. For those playoff contests, a player fouls out after his sixth foul.
In the event of a tie game after four quarters, a two-minute overtime is played. If the score is still tied after OT, the game heads to a sudden death period where the first team to score wins.
The NBA is using a “one free throw rule” in summer league games this year. Under the rule, most foul shots result in just one free throw. For example, if a player is fouled on a missed 2-point shot, he shoots one free throw worth two points. If a player is fouled on a missed 3-point shot, he shoots one free throw worth three points. The rule, which has been used in the G League for several years, is applied to all foul shots occurring before the final two minutes of the fourth quarter.
Outside of Eye Designs of Westchester, I squint like Clint Eastwood through the sun at the VW Beetle. Unlike Clint, I’m not cool. I’ve got a bladder full of Gatorade and nerves. Never have I interviewed a sports professional in person. A line of fanboy questions waits in my head as my trembling thumb opens my iPhone’s Voice Memos app, ready to record my exchange with Mike Brown, skipper of the World Champion New York Knicks.
To my disappointment, and some relief, the driver emerging from the car is not Coach Brown. Unless his disguise is a blonde wig and a stuffed blouse. The woman smiles as she enters Eye Designs and nods at my shirt, saying, “Yeah, Knicks!”
Yeah, whatever. Everybody is a fan these days. Not long ago, that wasn’t the case. The last of the worst was the 2019-20 season, when the best the team could attract was not Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant but players like Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, and Reggie Bullock. After two decades of mediocrity—and worse—fans were more interested in watching the gyrations of the Knicks City Dancers than the ball-handling of Elfrid Payton.
Oct 25, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach David Fizdale (right) coaches New York Knicks small forward RJ Barrett (9) and center Julius Randle (30) during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In the 2019 draft, team president Steve Mills chose RJ Barrett with the third pick, missing out on Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. (In retrospect, two bullets dodged.) Sophomore coach David Fizdale went 4-18 before receiving the ax, and interim coach Mike “Really Likable” Miller finished out the season. The team’s 21-45 record put them in 12th place.
Owner James Dolan dropped Mills on February 4, 2020, and hired his replacement, Leon Rose (of CAA), on March 2, 2020. That summer, Rose rescued Tom Thibodeau from the coaching pile and drafted Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley. We couldn’t yet see the vision but were thrilled when Thibs led his ragtag roster to a postseason appearance and won Coach of the Year. For the first time in what felt like forever, the Knicks’ leadership seemed competent.
<p>NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks huddles with his team during a time out during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 16, 2020 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> | NBAE via Getty Images
In the next draft, New York selected Quentin Grimes, Miles McBride, and Jericho Sims. Rose rolled the dice on Kemba Walker and found his knees were toast. The roster became a mess, as evidenced by the 23 names listed at Basketball-Reference.com. It’s no surprise they finished 37-45, and the ice beneath Thibs was thinning faster than his hair.
Then the vision came into focus. Rose signed Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason and flipped Cam Reddish for Josh Hart at the in-season deadline. With improved talent at his disposal (especially with the additions of Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges), Thibs marched his troops into three straight playoff appearances. The mood of the fanbase went from We Here to We Believe.
The run reached the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, when the Indiana Pacers stole Game One and then the series, 4-2. Fans were mixed after losing to the lesser team: should Thibs keep his parking spot after finally bringing the team back to the ECF, or were his predictable tendencies the last obstacle to reaching the Finals?
Leon Rose settled on the latter. Three days after the team’s last loss, Thibs was canned. The search for a new coach commenced.
Veteran coach Mike Brown was not their first interview. They requested access to several sitting head coaches (including Ime Udoka, Jason Kidd, and Billy Donovan) but were denied. For a brief moment, the ghosts of LOLKnicks rattled their chains. Did Leon and Wes really fire Thibs without a successor in place? What an unforced boner!
The brass pivoted toward available options like Taylor Jenkins (formerly of Memphis) and Brown, who had interviewed multiple times and had strong ties within the organization, including with executive William Wesley. These options seemed more like lateral moves from Thibs, though. Some fans began to wonder if there was any point in the change after all.
Following many meetings with the front office and Dolan, the Knicks hired Brown on July 7, 2025.
TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – JULY 08: Head coach Mike Brown speaks to media during his introductory press conference at Knicks Training Facility on July 08, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It wasn’t a bad gig to walk into. Brown inherited a roster that Thibodeau had helped transform into a contender, built around some of the NBA’s best talent. Mike’s challenge was not to build a culture from scratch but to elevate an already successful team.
Back in Scarsdale, noon has passed and this face needs food. I walk over to Sal’s Market and order a meatball sub. The guy behind the counter, presumably Sal, points his pen at my chest.
“Your shirt has Mike Brown on it, and meatball subs are what he always orders.”
Ahhh! I knew it! I knew it!! I always knew that if Mike and I ever met, we would find ourselves totally simpatico.
“What a great coach,” Sal continues, now scratching behind his ear with the pen. “Did you know that one of his first priorities as coach of the Knicks was relationship-building?”
Yes, I had heard that. Sal goes on: “Mike says that leadership must eventually come from within the locker room.” He casts a quick glance at his staff members working behind him. “I run a tight ship here, just like Mike. Everybody in lockstep.”
I smile and back away from the counter, hoping to indicate that the conversation is over and Sal should get cracking on my sangweech. Taking a Diet Coke to the front table, which has a view of the Eye Designs parking lot, I wait and reflect on Mike’s coaching style.
Brown sought out conversations with Brunson and the team’s leaders, laying a foundation of trust before implementing changes. He wanted to modernize the offense by increasing ball movement, player movement, and three-point volume while preserving the physical identity established under Thibs.
He also adjusted the way the Knicks approached the regular season. Unlike his predecessor, who demanded maximum effort for 48 minutes of every game, Brown emphasized preserving players for the postseason. “The biggest thing is trying to make sure you watch everybody’s minutes instead of trying to chase games,” Brown said. “There might be some games where maybe you throw in the towel early . . . we don’t want anybody worn out by the end.”
More important than the tactical changes was Brown’s leadership style. He established an open-door culture in which players, assistants, executives, and support staff all had a voice. Brown regularly sought input from players on schemes, rotations, and play calls. Reportedly, he shared rotation plans with Leon Rose before games, thereby keeping the leadership aligned from the top down.
He empowered assistants to diagram plays during timeouts. When his staff unanimously disagreed with him, Brown often reconsidered his own position rather than relying solely on authority. One of his ideas, to relegate Josh Hart to the bench unit, proved detrimental to winning, and when his staff challenged it, Brown acquiesced.
<p>LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Mikal Bridges #25, OG Anunoby #8, Jalen Brunson #11, Josh Hart #3 and Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks during the NBA Emirates Cup Final on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> | NBAE via Getty Images
Sal brings my sub to me, and I dive in. I’m surprised by how hungry waiting in the sun has made me. For a few minutes, I forget about my assignment and focus on rapidly putting this delicious food into my belly. There’s so much red sauce on my face that I look like Diane Ladd in the lipstick scene from Wild at Heart. I don’t care that I’m a horror show, and neither would Mike, because his defining trait is humility.
Brown openly admitted mistakes, publicly held himself accountable, and encouraged disagreement. He believes that people commit more fully when they help shape the process. Mike restored elements of Thibodeau’s defensive system when players and coaches believed it would help. The savage Mikal Bridges, who reportedly was not especially disappointed by Thibodeau’s ouster, noted that Brown willingly discarded ideas that did not fit the roster, and Josh Hart praised Brown’s openness to player-led adjustments during games. The club won the In-Season NBA Cup tournament and finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, their best in 13 years.
Flexibility became critical during the 2026 playoffs. After falling behind 1-2 to the underclassed Atlanta Hawks, Mike remained calm despite criticism. He reimagined the offense around Karl-Anthony Towns’ passing ability, moved Towns into more of a facilitating role, redistributed playmaking responsibilities, and made key defensive matchup adjustments. The Knicks responded by going on a historic 13-1 run to win their first championship in 53 years.
Brown’s confidence never wavered, even when the opponent was the franchise where he had won his first championship as an assistant. Before facing San Antonio in the Finals, Brown joked, “They definitely want to beat me, and I want to kick their ass. I love them, and you can always love them before and after.”
By defeating the Spurs, Brown became only the second coach in Knicks history, alongside Red Holzman, to lead the franchise to an NBA championship. Not bad company.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (R) gives New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown the Keys of the City during 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
In the immediate aftermath of the championship, Brown laughed when asked how he felt. “I am so tired,” he said. “I mean, I’m gassed. You know, this stuff is harder than what you think.”
No kidding, Mike. Covering the season for Posting & Toasting was a bear, too—but to finally be able to call our Knicks World Champions was worth it. For delivering the title, Mike Brown deserves to be adored by the fanbase forever. I’m feeling enthusiastic about telling him as much when we meet, nerves be damned.
With my meatball sub conquered, I dispose of my trash, wave goodbye to Sal, and head over to Eye Designs. To my alarm, I see a car—a red Mini Cooper!—turning out of the parking lot and into traffic. Frantically, I charge into Eye Designs.
“You again,” groans the receptionist.
“Did I just miss–? Was that–?” I can’t get out the words and can only point at Mike Brown’s face on my t-shirt. The woman gives me a cold smirk and merely shrugs.
In a stunned stupor, I trudge outside. The sun looks angry through the trees. I feel dizzy and dumbfounded on the sidewalk. After a moment, I consider what Mike would tell me right now. The wise sensei would say: Every experience teaches you something. He would ask: What are you gonna do next?
For Mike Brown, the championship was about more than the final outcome. It represented the culmination of nearly three decades of growth, setbacks, reinvention, and perseverance. He had coached alongside or worked with Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Reggie Miller, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevin Durant, Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns. All Hall-of-Famers in my book, and all different personalities, from dawgs to divas. He had won two Coach of the Year awards, endured multiple firings, reinvented his philosophy, and adapted to every stage of the modern NBA. Mike is humble. Mike evolves. Indeed, this is a Mike we should all be like.
What I’m doing next is plucking up my spirits, heading to my car, and driving back to Binghamton. The lesson of today’s adventure has yet to reveal itself, but maybe I can ask Mike about it when he returns for his next six-month checkup.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Wednesday afternoon, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander was selected to the 2026 MLB All-Star Game as the American League Legend’s pick. Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper was also named a Legend’s Pick on the National League team by the Commissioner’s office. Both will be honored during the All-Star Week festivities. Verlander also announced on his own social media that the 2026 season will be his last as a major leaguer.
The latter announcement comes as no surprise. Verlander made his first start of the 2026 season back on March 30 in Arizona against the Diamondbacks. Shortly thereafter, he was shut down with a left hip impingement, spent April and May rehabbing the injury, and then injured his hamstring, keeping him on the 60-day injured list. What should have been his 20th full season in the major leagues has unfortunately become a retirement tour instead.
In Verlander’s statement, he acknowledged that “This season has challenged me in ways I haven’t experienced before, both physically and mentally.”
“I’ve always believed that as long as I could compete at the level I expect of myself, I’d keep playing. I never wanted to retire because of a milestone, a number, or a date on the calendar. I wanted the game to tell me when it was time.
“Over the last several months, I’ve realized that time has come. While I’m fully committed to giving my team everything I have for the rest of this season, I’ve decided this will be my last. It’s fitting that I get to finish where it all started – with the Detroit Tigers, the organization that drafted me and gave me my first opportunity.”
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) July 8, 2026
Recent Commissioner’s “Legend Picks” included Clayton Kershaw in 2025, as well as both Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera in their final seasons.
Perhaps we’ll still see Verlander pitch a bit for the Tigers after the trade deadline, depending on the circumstances. More than likely he’s in his player-coach season, as we’ve seen him spending a lot of time talking with Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, and Casey Mize, as well as with the younger Tigers’ starters in the dugout during games.
The future Hall of Fame right-hander holds a 266-159 record with a career 3.33 ERA and 3554 strikeouts, 8th most all-time. He’s also 16th best all-time in terms of FanGraphs WAR, the leading active player in both strikeouts and WAR. He also holds an entire season’s worth of postseason performance, with 226 postseason innings pitched and a 3.58 ERA. Only Andy Petite has thrown more postseason baseball than Verlander.
Verlander was the 2006 AL Rookie of the Year, and won the 2011 AL MVP award, as well as the 2011, 2019, and 2022 AL Cy Young awards. He won rings in the 2017 and 2022 World Series with the Houston Astros.
Other than the All-Star Game selection, none of this is going to come as a surprise to Tigers fans. Unfortunately, preseason hopes for a resurgent season, his own version of former teammate Kenny Rogers’ 2006 campaign, just haven’t panned out for the 43-year-old legend. It’s been clear for a while now that this would almost certainly be his final season in the major leagues. We’ll enjoy having him around the franchise to mentor the younger pitchers, and he’ll no doubt remain around the franchise as a special assistant to the front office beyond retirement, just like long-time teammate, Miguel Cabrera, making the occasional appearance, dropping in for spring training and for various ceremonies. And it’s still possible we seem him on the mound at least one more time in Comerica Park before this season concludes.
Congratulations to a Tigers great, and one of the greatest to ever do it.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JUNE 25: New Dallas Mavericks player Morez Johnson Jr. holds a jersey during a press conference at American Airlines Center on June 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. Johnson was selected ninth overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Michigan fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Three Michigan men’s basketball players were selected last month in the 2026 NBA Draft. But which of the three will have the best rookie season? Vote in this edition of SB Nation Reacts.
Forward Morez Johnson Jr. was selected No. 9 overall by the Dallas Mavericks. Johnson will reunite with Michigan head coach Dusty May, who took the Mavericks a day before the draft.
Forward Yaxel Lendeborg was selected No. 11 overall by the Golden State Warriors. Lendeborg, the Big Ten Player of the Year,
Center Aday Mara was selected No. 12 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
All three players are in solid situations heading into their rookie campaigns. Johnson has familiarity in May’s scheme, Lendeborg will be on a team with future Hall of Famers in Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, while Aday Mara joins a Thunder squad just a season removed from an NBA championship. Johnson could receive the most minutes of the bunch, with Lendeborg and Mara being more rotational pieces in their rookie campaign.
PHI vs 
CIN 
COL vs 
LAD
ATH vs 
DET
