ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have not had an ideal offseason thus far — at least publicly. To summarize, the Cavaliers have lost both Keon Ellis and Dean Wade. While Ellis was expected to depart, Wade was someone who, as July 1 approached, seemed more and more likely to be out of Cleveland’s price range. With both of those “wings” off Cleveland’s roster, there is a king-sized hole in their wake.
For now, it appears that Koby Altman is getting creative to find ways to add wings with upside to the roster. As first reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Cleveland has interest in bringing in free agent Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who Kuminga last played for.
In order for this potential acquisition to take place, the Cavs would need to be under the first apron for a sign-and-trade to be legal. And while they are under the first apron right now, they still haven’t signed James Harden yet.
The Cavaliers find themselves $27.7 million under the first apron. However, Harden is expected to take much of that salary, therefore the Cavs would need to move the likes of Denis Schroeder and or Max Strus to make this work, as they would need to be under the first apron after the sign-and-trade is executed.
Kuminga is an interesting dart throw for a team like Cleveland. Presumably, Kenny Atkinson’s stint with Golden State is driving this reunion, so maybe there is more ceiling than floor potential.
An athletic wing is clearly a need on this Cleveland roster, where there is a dearth of options between 6’5” and 6’8”. Kuminga is an athletic slasher who hasn’t really hit his stride as a former lottery pick in 2021.
It feels like Cleveland should view Kuminga as their LeBron James backup option if the King decides to go elsewhere. I don’t think Kuminga really changes anyone’s expectations on the Cavaliers and might not replace the value that Dean Wade brought to the wing.
Last season, Kuminga averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on .463/.333/.724 shooting splits.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: John Collins #20 of the Los Angeles Clippers brings the ball up court during the second half of an NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Intuit Dome on April 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now that the door has closed on a Tobias Harris return as he has chosen to move on to San Antonio, John Collins appears to be the new starting PF in Detroit. Collins signed a 3-yr/$51 million deal and brings a different skillset than Tobias. However, John’s skillset is a much better fit around Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and (hopefully) Jalen Duren.
Shooting
Collins’ three-point percentage has increased the past three seasons, starting at 37.1% in 2023-2024 and eclipsing 40% this past year. Last season he averaged 13.6 PTS, 5.3 REB, and 1.0 AST and he’s a career 37% three-point shooter.
Collins does majority of his three-point shooting from the corners where last season he shot 45% from the left corner and 41% from the right corner. Tobias shot 43% and 35%, respectively. Playing off of Cade Cunningham, John will have plenty of open looks to knock down.
Harris’ offensive game is different due to his post creation and ability to get his own shot. That’s not Collins’ game, but Collins doesn’t focus on the midrange. I’m in favor of losing Harris’ midrange shots for more opportunities at the rim or behind the arc.
Harris FGA
Harris FG%
Collins FGA
Collins FG%
At the rim
144
59.0%
240
75.4%
Midrange
292
48.6%
196
46.4%
Three
224
36.6%
218
40.8%
While Harris took ~100 more midrange attempts, Collins took ~100 more rim attempts. I’d like to see Collins three-point attempts rise as he has never shot more than four per game, but given his efficiency from beyond the arc, it’s time to increase the volume as this team will benefit from it.
Finishing
Using the table above, Collins is an elite finisher. Harris’ inability to get to the rim with his athletic ability was the reason 44.3% of his attempts were midrange shots. Majority of Collins attempts come at the rim and he finished 8.4% higher than the NBA average of 67.0%. Not only is John a step above Tobias around the basket, but a step above most of the league.
This is the first time in a while that the Pistons have a real stretch four that can also play some small-ball five. I’m very intrigued with the idea of a lineup where Ausar can play next to a big man that can pull the defending center away from the paint. If you need Collins to be a five in short spurts, he can do it.
This is in no way an article shaming Tobias, but highlighting how I believe John Collins is a better fit for this current roster. In fact, go check out Sean Corp’s farewell to Tobias for some great thoughts on Tobi’s second visit in Detroit.
This roster plays fast and they should. Trajan Langdon has given Cade Cunningham a third lob threat in the starting lineup, so good luck stopping this team in transition. They’re all great rim finishers and elite athletes who best play with pace and space. Collins is best used in an offense that focuses on getting inside or finding an open three and he excels at both. I’m hoping he can maintain his efficiency while increasing his three-point volume, but I have no doubt he’ll surpass Harris’ 13.5 PPG over the last two seasons.
I’m still waiting on that big offseason domino to fall, Trajan. (please get TMIII)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on April 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In all likelihood, the LeBron James Decision 4.0 will drag on for a while. That’s great for me, as someone who benefits from a lengthy news cycle with one of the most popular players in NBA history. It’s a little less fun for impatient fans who want to know whether the league’s all-time leading scorer will be joining the Golden State Warriors.
I don’t know, and you don’t know, and LeBron himself doesn’t know. And that means one thing: the Warriors don’t know. According to a recent report from ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Dubs have reason to believe that they are one of the teams that James has a strong interest in joining … just not the team at the top of the list.
“The Warriors, meanwhile, have been given indications from James that they remain on his short list,” Slater wrote, “but team sources have expressed a recent belief that they aren’t necessarily at the top of that short list, as James continues to survey the landscape.”
It’s unclear who is at the top of James’ list of potential teams, but we know that the Philadelphia 76ers, after making a shocking trade for Jaylen Brown, have strong interest in bringing James on board. Not surprisingly, he has also been linked to reunions with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, while other top teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets have made pushes for his services as well.
With the Dubs on the short list, there’s only one thing to do: send in Steph Curry and Draymond Green for a recruitment meeting. Maybe in the Hamptons?
New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange #84, pitching in the 2nd inning.
The Yankees’ hopes of calling up Carlos Lagrange as a bullpen weapon in the second half have hit a potential snag.
The top prospect landed on the seven-day injured list Thursday at Triple-A with a shoulder injury, a source told The Post. Lagrange is scheduled for an MRI to determine what he is dealing with and how long he may be out.
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The flame-throwing right-hander was in the midst of a transition from starter to reliever, which the Yankees put into motion at the beginning of June to see if he could impact the big league bullpen later in the season.
Lagrange last pitched Sunday, throwing on two days’ rest, when he gave up five runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. He threw 20 pitches in the outing and averaged 98.8 mph on his fastball, topping out at 100.9 mph.
It was his seventh relief appearance and second time throwing on two days’ rest, as the Yankees had carefully scaled down his workload over the course of the month.
The 23-year-old had made a strong impression on teammates and coaches this spring in his first big league camp, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball.
Yankees pitcher Carlos Lagrange pitching during spring training. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
They are not saviors, but Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon’s expected return to the Yankees on Friday should at least offer some version of a life raft for a team that has spent the past week sinking.
Grisham and McMahon are set to be activated off the injured list ahead of a series against the Twins at Yankee Stadium, getting back two players that should help steady things at least defensively.
“Hopefully they’re a part of the equation [of getting back on track], absolutely,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Add some length to things. I think when you get guys back in the mix, then all of a sudden guys start slotting in a little bit more where they should be and you get more threats at different spots. So hopefully that’s something that’ll be a good thing for us.”
Grisham played in a rehab game Wednesday night, while McMahon, after dealing with food poisoning Wednesday, did not play in one Thursday, as the club had initially planned.
Grisham, who landed on the IL on June 13 with a right hamstring strain, should solidify center field again, allowing Cody Bellinger to remain in left field where he is best defensively and José Caballero to get the bulk of his playing time in the infield.
Before getting hurt, Grisham was one of the Yankees’ hottest hitters, batting .290 with an .847 OPS over his last 36 games. He should reclaim his leadoff spot against right-handed starters, with a ripple effect down the lineup.
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McMahon, meanwhile, will shore up third base after he missed the last 10 days on the IL recovering from a peritonsillar abscess — with the Yankees cycling through Caballero, Amed Rosario and Oswaldo Cabrera there in his absence. Despite some rough stretches offensively, the lefty hitter had been respectable of late, batting .258 with a .790 OPS over his last 24 games.
Cabrera, who was called up from Triple-A when McMahon landed on the IL, is likely to head back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, while the Yankees will have to open another roster spot for Grisham. It’s possible that could be Spencer Jones, since his playing time would likely be limited with Grisham back, though he has been one of the few Yankees who have actually been hitting of late.
The Yankees entered Wednesday with two sacrifice bunts on the season, then doubled their total with sacrifice bunts from Cabrera and Caballero. Both got runners to third (in the eighth and 10th innings, respectively) with one out, but the Yankees could not ultimately score them either time.
Punishments are coming for Willson Contreras and Cade Cavalli.
Both the Red Sox slugger and Nationals pitcher will face seven-game suspensions for their actions during the benches-clearing incident during Washington’s 10-2 win over Boston earlier this week, the MLB announced Thursday.
Additionally, both players will receive an undisclosed fine as part of their discipline.
Boston Red Sox’s Willson Contreras (40) is held back as tempers flare during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
In the bottom of the fourth inning during Tuesday’s game, Cavalli struck out Contreras on a 3-2 sweeper for what looked to be a routine strikeout.
But it escalated into much more as Cavalli shouted, “Sit down, boy!” to the Red Sox first baseman, prompting Contreras to retaliate and say, “Are you talking to me?”
Contreras eventually moved toward Cavalli, leading to both benches exiting the dugout.
Contreras tried to throw his helmet at Cavalli in the mix of players pushing and shoving each other around. Numerous teammates pulled Contreras back before the fight eventually settled down.
Washington Nationals’ Cade Cavalli, front right, is held back as tempers flare during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox. AP Photo/Charles Krupa
While Cavalli wasn’t ejected, Contreras, along with Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton, Washington right-hander Miles Mikolas and Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, were tossed.
Mikolas was suspended five games and Eaton was suspended for three.
On Wednesday, Cavalli apologized for using the word “boy,” which has a racially charged history in the United States.
“I’m extremely torn up about the way that things were perceived,” Cavalli told reporters Wednesday. “Obviously, there was no ill intention behind that. My teammates know me, my family knows me, this organization knows me. I couldn’t sleep because of it.”
Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox is held back after an altercation against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Fenway Park on June 30, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. Getty Images
Contreras also chimed in on the incident.
“He struck me out on a good pitch, I was walking back to the dugout, and then he did what he did,” Contreras told reporters after the game. “He was like, instigating and I snapped.”
After being thrown Monday and Tuesday, Contreras became the first Red Sox player in history to be ejected in two straight games, according to The Associated Press.
Yankees prospect Carlos Lagrange was placed on the seven-day IL by Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday night.
While the cause of the injury was not released, a source told The Athletic's Chris Kirschner that Lagrange is dealing with a shoulder injury and an MRI has been scheduled.
Lagrange, 23, was in the midst of a potential roster-breaking season. After being the talk of spring training, the flamethrower has impressed in Triple-A. While his ERA (4.55) is a tad high, the strikeouts are eye-opening. He's punched out 83 batters in just 63.1 innings pitched this season after striking out 168 batters between Double-A and Triple-A a year ago.
The Yankees' plan for Lagrange is to convert him into a reliever to bolster a bullpen that needs it as the calendar inches closer to the postseason.
After making 11 starts to begin the minor league season, Lagrange made seven relief appearances. His last appearance -- June 28 -- saw Lagrange allow five runs on four hits and two walks across 0.2 innings.
Lagrange was recently announced to participate in this year's Futures Game in Philadelphia over the All-Star break to play alongside Scranton teammate George Lombard Jr.
Jun 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates his solo home run against the New York Yankees with on deck hitter Colt Keith (33) during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (38-49) vs. Texas Rangers (44-43)
Time/Place: 8:05 p.m., Globe Life Field SB Nation Site:Lone Star Ball Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (4-5, 4.05 ERA) vs. RHP Nathan Eovaldi (8-7, 3.95 ERA)
In June, Gabriel Moreno had outstanding batting. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brewers care about when to challenge ball/strike calls.
In spring training, they tested a system that involved green index cards that were posted in the dugout in the best situations to challenge. Apparently, MLB told them to stop posting cards.
An unique suspension.
Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe was suspended for one game (served on 24 June) for making a WWE gesture called a crotch chop after striking out a batter. Perhaps, he was (and always will be) the only player in the Majors to make that gesture. Will that gesture get him mentioned at the baseball Hall of Fame?
Home runs are close to the same.
This season, the Brewers and the Diamondbacks ranked in the bottom four teams for home runs (70 and 71 homers in games through 24 June).
This balance in homers contrasted sharply with total runs. The Brewers ranked in the top three teams in total runs (407), while the Diamondbacks are average. In past seasons, the Diamondbacks have ranked high in total runs scored. Perhaps they will break-out in this series. Instead of homers, small-ball will likely decide the winner of the series. The Diamondbacks will be challenged, but could play better than expected.
The Brewers are less fearsome, but the series will be challenging for Diamondbacks.
“To close things out with my three-axis framework, I think that the Brewers sacrificed some Championship Probability Distribution in 2026 in an attempt to push it higher in future years. Their full organization looks better than it did to me last year, even if the major league team isn’t quite as fearsome. I also like how they left spots for breakouts in the infield, outfield, and on the mound because of the way they moved on from good-but-not great players.” — Ben Clemens, March 2026
On the other hand, the context makes a big difference. Despite the Brewers being less fearsome, this series will be a challenge for the Diamondbacks. Two aspects of the context follow.
Last season, the Brewers made it to the NL Championship series, and lost to the Dodgers.
This season, the Brewers lead the NL Central Division, with 95.3% odds of making the playoffs.
Let’s compare the teams.
Offense. This season through 30 June, the Brewers averaged more runs scored per game (5.18 vs 4.27 runs per game).
Runners Left On Base. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks left fewer runners on base per game (6.61 vs 7.45).
Defense. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks had much better defense (28 vs 2 OAA, 28 vs 19 DRS)
Bullpens. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks and Brewers each had 74 shutdown performances by the bullpen.
Starting Pitcher Matchups. This season through 30 June, the Diamondbacks had the most quality starts (33 vs 27).
Brewers Players to Watch.
From 1-24 June, the league average OPS was .746. In that same stretch, the Brewers had five players with an OPS over .900. Their batting is worth watching. The players were:
Andrew Vaughn, 1.019 OPS
Chourio Jackson, 1.017 OPS
Jake Bauers, .996 OPS
Blake Perkins, .945 OPS
Gary Sanchez, .931 OPS
Diamondbacks Player to Watch.
Gabriel Moreno. From 1-24 June, he leads the Diamondbacks with an .931 OPS. After missing most of April due to injury, he is back. His batting was outstanding, especially from mid-May onward!
Pitching Matchups.
Friday, 6:45 PM MST.
Jose Cabrera vs Kyle Harrison. The statistic of interest is walks plus hits per inning (WHIP). Looking at Diamondbacks starting pitchers, Cabrera’s 1.20 WHIP has the third best (only Rodriguez’s 1.176 and Soroka’s 1.085 were better). And Cabrera’s WHIP seems sustainable because it was 1.19 in Reno. On the other hand, this season Harrison’s 1.039 is his career best. But will he regress?
Perhaps the deciding factor will be ERA. In June, Jose Cabrera started 2 games and had the better ERA (3.60 ERA vs 4.62 ERA).
This matchup is very slight advantage Diamondbacks.
Saturday, 6:40 PM MST.
Merrill Kelly vs Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff was on the injured list from 1 May to 22 June due to a shoulder injury. In June Woodruff (2 games) had the better ERA (0.00 ERA vs 7.31 ERA).
Despite being ceredited with a loss in all 5 starts in June, Kelly had more quality starts than Woodruff (2 QS vs 1 QS). In June, Merrill Kelly allowed 8 home runs. If those had not happened, his June ERA would have been a respectable 4.45.
This matchup is advantage Brewers.
Sunday, 1:10 PM MST.
Eduardo Rodriguez vs Brandon Sproat. In June, Rodriguez had the better ERA (2.02 ERA vs 3.46 ERA), and Rodriguez had more quality starts (4 QS vs 2 QS).
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Pat Spencer #61 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second quarter at Chase Center on April 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are bringing back a lot of the band for the 2026-27 season, but there’s one fan favorite who won’t be returning: scrappy guard Pat Spencer. According to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Spencer agreed to a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
Spencer, who was a lacrosse superstar in college, spent his first three years playing for the Warriors, with his role increasing each season. He played in just six games as a rookie, then in 39 during the 2024-25 season, but while averaging just 6.4 minutes. But during this past season, Spencer appeared in 66 games and started 14, while averaging 18.6 minutes, 7.2 points, and 3.5 assists, while earning high praise from the fans and coaching staff.
It’s a little surprising to see Spencer sign a two-way deal this early in the offseason, as it seemed like there was a possibility that someone would give him a standard contract. But apparently his agents felt that wasn’t a possibility, and jumped on a chance to sign a two-way deal with a preferred team. With Phoenix having recently traded Grayson Allen, there will likely be backcourt minutes available for Spencer, who will have a chance to earn a standard contract as the season goes on, as he did late in each of the past two seasons.
Spencer, whose brother Cam plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, ends his Warriors career having appeared in 111 regular season games and eight playoff games. Since this is his fourth season in the NBA, it’s his last year having two-way contract eligibility.
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 5: Head Coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 5, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After lead assistant coach and defensive guru Sean Sweeney departed San Antonio for the head coaching position with the Orlando Magic, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson was tasked with his most important hire for the second straight year. Suffice it to say, he nailed it again with the hiring of legendary college coach, NBA veteran head coach and Hall of Famer Billy Donovan, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Billy Donovan has agreed to become the lead assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and head coach Mitch Johnson, sources tell me and @PeteThamel. After 11 seasons as a head coach in Chicago and Oklahoma City, Donovan accepts the position with the Western Conference champions. pic.twitter.com/HdhjtsQG2K
Donovan made a name for himself as the head coach at the University of Florida from 1996-2015, where he won back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007. He joined the NBA in 2015 as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, where the made the playoffs in each of his five years there, including the conference finals his first season. He then spent the last six seasons as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, where they were mostly a bubble team under his watch. He stepped down after this season, citing “a series of thoughtful and extensive discussions with ownership regarding the future of the organization. … I believe it is in the best interest of the Bulls, to allow the new leader to build out the staff as they see fit.”
While his success levels as an NBA head coach don’t match his college days, his strengths align perfectly with what the Spurs need (and lost with Sweeney’s departure). He is known as a teacher of the game for his player development skills and helping refine basketball IQ, which is perfect with the Spurs young core. He is also known for his offensive and defensive schemes and ability to adapt them to fit the personnel, which is again exactly what the Spurs need.
With the draft and free agency going on, it was easy forget about the coaching vacancy, but this is the second straight year that Johnson has made an excellent hire for his right-hand man, and with Donovan being a veteran of the game with head coaching experience and content to take on a lesser role, he’s likely to last more than one season, while Sweeney was always on borrowed time.
The past week has been a whirlwind for the NHL, beginning with the 2026 Draft on June 26-27 and continuing with a frenzy of free agent signings and trades made across the league.
As the dust begins to settle, it's time to take a first glance at how the Rangers roster could look next season under head coach Mike Sullivan.
Forwards
Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury spent much of the past seven months expressing his desire to build a younger, faster, and more dynamic Rangers offense. Drury stuck to his word, and the blockbuster addition of Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights via trade means that the Rangers top forward line should look and play very differently next season.
Dorofeyev is physical, aggressive, and intelligent as a forechecker, gets into dangerous areas off the puck, and puts away goals by the bucketload. The 25-year-old Russian winger is a two-way star who draws plenty of attention from opposing defenses, meaning he should make life a lot easier for his projected linemates, center Mika Zibanejad and winger Alexis Lafrenière.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Will Cuylle, Noah Laba, and Gabriel Perrault are talented young players each entering the final year of their current contracts, meaning they will all be restricted free agents (RFAs) in the summer of 2027. Cuylle is out to prove that he can be more than a decent middle-six forward following two straight 20-goal seasons. Meanwhile, Laba and Perrault should see increased playing time, and with it, the opportunity to break out into reliable pieces of the forward core.
The Rangers also brought in free agents Oliver Bjorkstrand and Joe Veleno, both on one-year contracts. Bjorkstrand is a crafty winger who lost a bit of his scoring touch last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but remains a useful playmaker who can hold his own defensively. Veleno is a fourth-line center who saw his faceoff percentage and penalty kill usage reach career highs last season with the Montreal Canadiens.
The Rangers still have a good chunk of cap space to work with, close to $8 million according to Puckepedia, so don't be surprised if they're not done adding to this new-look group, as the team's depth chart looks a bit thin when it comes to bottom-six forwards.
Defensemen
The duo of Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov is one of the most dynamic and dangerous top-line defensive pairings in the NHL. The issue is that Fox played just 55 games last season due to injuries, and with Fox out of the lineup, the Rangers were a putrid 8-16-3 in 2025-26. As a result, this offseason, the team's front office looked to ensure that the Rangers have multiple defensive pairings that can provide offensive production and puck possession (rather than just one, Fox and Gavrikov).
The performance of New York's brand new second-line defensive pairing of Sean Durzi -- acquired from the Utah Mammoth in the Vincent Trocheck trade -- and Marcus Pettersson -- acquired via trade from the Vancouver Canucks -- will be a massive factor in whether the Rangers can return to the playoffs next season. Both players join the fray in the prime years of their careers, and on paper, their combined skillsets fit very nicely. Durzi is a right-handed defenseman who is a point producer for himself and his teammates with strong offensive zone passing skills. Pettersson is a left-handed defenseman who is no slouch offensively, but really excels by doing the dirty work: retrieving pucks, eating hits, blocking shots, and killing penalties.
The third-line defense for the Rangers projects to be another lefty-righty pairing in the form of Urho Vaakanainen and Braden Schneider. Vaakanainen is a no-frills defense-first defenseman who played just 34 games last season for the team, but held his own and proved that he's worthy of a full-time spot as a depth piece in the lineup moving forward. Schneider, once tipped as a surefire top-four defenseman for the present and future of the team, has seen his stock fall significantly over the past couple of seasons, and currently slots in as a talented but inconsistent bottom-line defenseman. Schneider is currently an unsigned RFA, and although the Rangers just extended Schneider with a one-year qualifying offer, it isn't certain whether he'll be wearing Ranger blue or a different team's uniform come the fall.
Fifth overall selection Albert Smits was considered by many to be the most "NHL ready" defenseman in the 2026 draft class, but the Rangers will likely be in no rush to insert the 18-year-old Latvian draftee into their lineup. Still, Smits could feature at some point in 2026-27 and should be a player worth watching for years to come.
Goaltenders
Igor Shesterkin missed 13 games due to injury in 2025-26. In the 31 games without their franchise netminder between the pipes, the Rangers went 9-20-2 (this includes games where Shesterkin was rotated out of the starting spot, a common occurrence for "workhorse" starting goalies). When healthy, the 30-year-old is one of the best goaltenders on the planet, able to turn potential losses into wins with stunning stops that demoralize the opposition.
The Rangers acquired Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins, who will compete with Dylan Garand for the role of Shesterkin's backup. Korpisalo is vastly experienced for a 32-year-old (still in his prime in goalie years), as he will enter his 12th NHL season with a proven track record as a solid backup goalie. Garand, meanwhile, made waves despite playing just three games towards the tail end of last season. In those three starts, the 24-year-old posted a .954 save percentage, saving 3.9 goals above expected as the Rangers went 2-0-1. Garand will be looking to carry over that momentum into next season.
The San Antonio Spurs were just a few wins away from an NBA title in 2026. Rumors have swirled since their defeat regarding their next moves to ensure they can get over the hump and hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy next season.
Well, they've made their first move, adding Billy Donovan to their coaching staff, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Donovan had spent the last 11 seasons as a head coach in Oklahoma City and Chicago, but will now take a step back, operating as the Spurs' "lead assistant coach" under Mitch Johnson.
Who is Billy Donovan?
Donovan took over as head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, nearly leading the Thunder to the NBA Finals that season, but falling in seven games to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals.
Despite losing Kevin Durant the following season, Donovan experienced solid regular season success, reaching the playoffs in each of his next four years as the head coach in OKC. Unfortunately, he never made it out of the first round of the playoffs again.
Donovan and the Thunder mutually agreed to part ways following the 2019-20 season. Donovan then joined the Chicago Bulls and helped lead them to the postseason in just his second year with the team, marking their first postseason appearance in five years. They lost in the first round, though, and have not been back to the playoffs since. In fact, since that season, Donovan's Bulls never posted a record above .500.
Has Billy Donovan ever won Coach of the Year?
No. He finished third in voting in 2020 after leading the Thunder to a 44-28 record and the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.
That said, he was named the co-recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA (National Basketball Coaches Association) Coach of the Year award for the 2019-20 season.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 1: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres strikes out during the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on July 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the least-swept teams in baseball found themselves on the wrong end of history yesterday. The San Diego Padres were swept for just the third time this season after the Chicago Cubs scored 23 runs against the Friars. That total ties the Padres’ record for runs allowed in a game. It was a tough one to stomach for a team that has showed fight the last few games.
With starter Walker Buehler on the mound, it was the first pitcher that the Friar Faithful could feel confident about. Instead, Buehler disappointed and was tagged for nine runs in the blowout loss, seven coming via the long ball. It felt like the ball flew out of the yard for everybody but the Padres, who only put up three runs. They went a miserable 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
It’s been a part of a continuing trend toward mediocrity. The Friars need a win now more than ever and the schedule does not get easier from here. They’ll face the rival Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time this week, needing a turnaround to the slump San Diego has been mired in.
Taking the mound
Roki Sasaki (LAD) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
Sasaki started for L.A. in the only Padres’ win of last week’s series. All things considered, he pitched well apart from an 0-2 mistake to Ty France that ended up in the left field seats. The righty has been serviceable for the Dodgers this year, helping to bolster a rotation struggling with injuries.
He’s also looked better lately, with a 3.99 ERA across his last 38 1/3 innings compared to a 4.88 mark this season. Sasaki’s command has gotten better lately too (1.07 WHIP) despite walking five batters in last week’s contest against San Diego.
Vásquez continues to underwhelm on the mound. He owns a 7.34 ERA in his lasts seven starts. He’s only gone 6 2/3 combined innings across his last two games, and surrendered 10 runs in those frames. It’s been rough going for the young right-hander.
Which is why it’s tough for the Padres to pin their hopes on him as a stopper. San Diego is on a five-game losing streak. They need a win any way they can get it, and Vásquez will need to pitch the game of his life in order to turn things around for the Friars.
Batter up!
Two good things happened in yesterday’s blowout loss. Sung-Mun Song hit his first MLB home run! For a player who was signed for his pop in the KBO, it’s comforting to see that first one. (Hopefully they come in bunches.) And Jake Cronenworth went 3-for-4 at the plate in his second game back. He’s now batting .429 since coming off the IL Monday (7 at-bats).
Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
Samad Taylor, LF
Manny Machado, 3B
Gavin Sheets, DH
Ty France, 1B
Jackson Merrill, CF
Xander Bogaerts, SS
Freddy Fermin, C
Jake Cronenworth, 2B
At this point, the offense looks almost irredeemable. Almost. This is still the team that stormed back from a middling 50-49 record at the 2024 All-Star break to post the best second-half record in all of baseball (43-20). Baseball is a game that can change in the blink of an eye. It’s never over until the last out is recorded. The lineup has shown some potency. If it can add consistency to that, it could be the best in all of MLB.
Relief corps
To call it a 23-run blowout is a bit of a disservice. The Cubs scored eight runs against catcher Rodolfo Durán in their final frame. He covered two innings for the Friars to help rest their ‘pen. Even accounting for that, a 15-3 loss is still a blowout. Thanks to Durán, only Kyle Hart was called on out of the bullpen.
Thankfully, Vásquez will have some breathing room with the entire bullpen (excluding Hart) available tonight. Jason Adam, Ron Marinaccio, Yuki Matsui, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez are all available to pitch out of the ‘pen. That said, San Diego doesn’t have an off day until the All-Star break. It would be nice to give the relief corps a rest after covering 10 innings in Chicago.
The pitching staff has been asked to be perfect time and again, and now that has begun to implode San Diego’s club. San Diego pitchers have surrendered 47 runs in their last six games. During the five-game losing streak, it’s 46 runs. The lineup needs to produce more to give their pitching some leeway.
EL SEGUNDO, CA - APRIL 3: Anton Watson #22 of the South Bay Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers during the 2026 G League Playoffs Semifinals on April 3, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After spending the full season with the G League’s South Bay Lakers, forward Anton Watson was listed on the Los Angeles Lakers Summer League roster. Watson averaged 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 2025-26.
Forward Drew Timme, who was on a two-way contract with the Los Angeles and South Bay organizations for the 2026-27 season, was not named to the roster alongside Watson.
That now makes for five Gonzaga Bulldogs alumni participating in the different NBA Summer Leagues during the month of July.
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard
Golden State Warriors forward Graham Ike
San Antonio Spurs wing Tyon Grant-Foster
Indiana Pacers wing Jalen Warley
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anton Watson
The 2026 California Classic, a summer league taking place inside both the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center and Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center, starts on July 3 through 6.
San Antonio’s Grant-Foster will kick everything off at the Chase Center against the Miami Heat on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m. PT on ESPN/Prime Video. The second game of the day will be Ike and Golden State’s Gold squad against Los Angeles’ Watson at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPNU/Prime Video.
Following the California Classic, the 2026 NBA 2K27 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada, runs from July 9 through 19.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
KANSAS CITY, MO - JUNE 14: Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Stephen Kolek (32) throws a warm up pitch before a MLB game between the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals on June 14, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Despite having been a fan for nearly 30 years, this is quite possibly the most painful season I’ve ever watched. I think I was shielded a bit during the aughts by my childish belief that the Royals could go on a 15-game winning streak at any moment. I used to believe that pitcher ERAs entering a game significantly influenced who likely had the upper hand. And, honestly, I simply didn’t pay as close attention because I was so much busier during the times baseball was being played and didn’t have a computer in my pocket to keep me up to date on every single play.
Few series this year have been as painful as the ones against AL East opponents. The Royals are 3-15 against AL East opponents. The series against the Orioles, where they won that third game, feels so long ago I’d almost forgotten it. Of course, they won their first two matches against Tampa Bay in Tampa, so things were feeling quite a bit better this time last week, but, these are the 2026 Royals. They’ll win 5 of 6 just so they can lose 9 of their next 10 and really drive home how disappointing all these losses are.
The good news is that Stephen Kolek will return to the mound for KC tonight. He went on the Parental Leave list last weekend ahead of the birth of his first child. Then, because she was born prematurely, he was shifted to the Family Medical Emergency List (There are a lot of lists for players to be on) earlier this week to spend more time with his family. But he’s back now, so hopefully that means good things for the health of his growing family, and it also means we don’t have to watch Mitch Spence tonight.
Jose Cuas is the one who got demoted after throwing two innings last night, which is unfortunate for him, but hopefully, he’ll be back soon.
The Rays will be using Ian Seymour, the author of the beginning of the latest disaster period. (I like to think of Griffin Jax’s victory in the third game of the series last week as the prologue.) Last time, Seymour pitched as a bulk reliever and pitched a hitless 6.2 innings. This time I guess the Rays thought they’d let him see if he could get the no-hitter by himself. I’m not betting against him.
Lineups
Salvador Perez is getting another day off after hitting into two double plays last night. Unfortunately, that means the middle third of the Royals’ lineup goes Lane Thomas, Starling Marte, and Nick Loftin. In an ideal world, none of those guys would be batting in those positions either. But the Royals stopped playing in an ideal world almost before the season started.
Also, apparently, it might mean Salvy is hurting. The Royals designated Eric Cerantola for assignment and demoted John Rave (who absolutely did not deserve it, but what can you do) to add Luke Maile back to the roster. If the Royals think they need three catchers and one of those guys is catching and leading off tonight, you don’t have to be all that good at math to know something is adding up bad for the other guy.
Of course, the Rays have Victor Mesa Jr., Chandler Simpson, and Cedric Mullins in the same spots. They wouldn’t be my first, second, or third choices to bat there either. The Royals will have to find another reason for their failures than having guys out of position in the lineup, perhaps.
Junior Caminero is still in the Rays’ lineup. I’m torn between wanting the Royals to intentionally walk him every time and just let the guy hit some more dingers because what harm can it do KC, and it would be awful to end his homer streak by intentionally walking him in every AB. Don’t forget, no baseball tomorrow because of the World Cup. Enjoy the break!
