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Spurs come up just short in Summer League opener against Heat

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 3: Tarris Reed Jr. #10 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on July 3, 2026 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Miami Heat downed the San Antonio Spurs 88-87 in the first game of the California Classic Friday. R.J. Davis had a chance to win it at the end for the Spurs, but his top-of-the-key trey was off-target.

The Summer Spurs started their three active draft picks (Terris Reed, Jr., Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maliq Brown), returning two-way player Emanuel Miller, and former Mavs two-way player Miles Kelly. Kelly led the Spurs with 16 points.

Observations

  • Reed’s 6-11, 265-pound frame was hard to miss on the perimeter. He was an active screener, both for players on the bounce and for cutters looking for passes at the top of the key. And these weren’t touch screens, either; he set solid picks even when he was looking to roll. In a pre-draft interview with No Ceilings, Reed talked about he’d intentionally flirt with the line between legal and illegal screens in college to make refs call the foul. He wasn’t whistled for a screening foul on Friday night.
  • In that same No Ceilings interview, Reed noted Isaiah Hartenstein’s success on floaters in the Western Conference Finals, but the rookie from UConn never really found his offensive stroke Friday. He scored his first basket about three minutes into the second period and finished with just 10 points (plus seven boards). Near the end of the first half, he had a nice face-up spin move into a baby hook that came up a bit short. Another highlight came early in the fourth quarter when he looked to be stuck down low, but stayed with it to finish with a tough layup in traffic.
  • Gillespie struggled mightily from the field (3 of 17 shooting; 2 of 8 from beyond the arc), but did have 10 points to go with his 8 assists and just one turnover. He flashed toward the end of the first half with a great challenge on a fast-break layup, followed by a hustle board and assist on the ensuing offensive possession. He also had a nifty floater and assist to Brown for a lob dunk midway through the fourth quarter.
  • Brown had a solid second half with 10 points and a couple of 3’s. He looked a bit like the Thunder’s Jaylin Williams on the floor given his long hair and build. They’re the same height (6-9), but Williams has 15 pounds on the rookie from Duke.
  • Davis made an early bid for this year’s “David Jones Garcia Award” with his 15 points and 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. If only that last-second 3 had gone down …
  • The post matchup between Reed and Heat two-way player Vladislav Goldin carried some college transfer portal history. After Reed moved from Michigan to UConn in 2024, Goldin succeeded him as the Wolverines’ starting center. Goldin followed new Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May from FAU to Michigan that offseason.
  • Corliss Williamson mentioned last week that the stars had never aligned for him to coach in the Summer League prior to helming the Summer Spurs this month. It’s interesting to note that he also never got the chance to play summer league ball. Sacramento played in the old Rocky Mountain Revue back in the 90s, but the NBA lockout cancelled the event in 1995 after the Kings drafted Williamson with the 13th overall pick out of Arkansas.

The Spurs are back at it Sunday at 6:00 pm CST against the host Golden State Warriors and No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg. We’re off and running!

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Basallo homers and Rogers battles, Orioles beat Reds 3-0

Jul 3, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tyler Wells (68) hugs catcher Samuel Basallo (29) after the victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

That’s a pretty good start to the weekend! The Orioles picked up their second straight win tonight, a 3-0 victory to kick off their weekend road trip.

Trevor Rogers and Brady Singer were the starting pitchers today, and while neither pitcher was on the top of his game, Rogers came out on the better end. They both only lasted five innings and they both walked a bunch of guys. But while Rogers was able to work out of his jams, Singer didn’t get so lucky.

The Orioles took the lead in the top of the first. Two of the first three batters reached via a walk for Gunnar Henderson and a single for Taylor Ward. As Pete Alonso disappointingly struck out, Henderson and Ward pulled off a double steal. Reds’ catcher Tyler Stephenson threw the ball into left field, allowing Henderson to score the first run of the game.

Samuel Basallo followed with a walk, the second of the inning, but he was stranded. It was the only inning where the Orioles stranded multiple runners. The Reds had several of those.

Rogers got in on the walks game immediately. He walked Elly De La Cruz to start the bottom of the first, and also gave up a single. But he struck out three batters and kept the Reds off the board.

Rogers and Singer each walked another in the second inning, but no runs were scored. Samuel Basallo changed that in the third. After a leadoff double by Adley Rutschman and a walk from Taylor Ward, Alonso stepped to the plate. Before I even had time to wonder if he could knock in a run, he grounded into a double play. Come on, Pete! Frustrating.

With Rutschman on third base, Basallo stepped to the plate. Singer had gone 3-0 on Basallo in his first at bat and then walked him. He went 3-0 again, and probably would have rather walked him again. Instead, Basallo went the opposite way on a 3-1 sinker that didn’t do much sinking. The ball landed just over the fence in left field, a home run in just 16 out of 30 ballparks. That part doesn’t matter on the scoreboard, though. The Orioles were up, 3-0.

Rogers walked two more in the fourth inning and another in the fifth. Singer actually cleaned his act up a bit after the Basallo homer. He only allowed one baserunner in innings four and five, a walk to Henderson that was erased when Henderson got himself picked off. Another frustrating moment. Henderson reached base twice, stole a base, scored a run, and made some nice plays on defense. But I’ve watched him get picked off too many times this year.

After five innings, both starting pitchers were out, and it was up to the bullpens. Rogers’s final line: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB. He threw 93 pitches. It was good to see him prevail despite not having good control, but certainly frustrating to watch in the moment. Singer also threw 93 pitches and walked five batters, but he was on the losing end of this particular battle.

Rico Garcia took over for Rogers in the sixth inning. He has struggled a bit of late, and that continued in his first inning of work. He allowed two baserunners, a single and a walk, but got out of it. I was surprised to see him come back out for the seventh inning, but I guess Craig Albernaz knew what he was doing. Garcia looked fantastic, getting a quick 1-2-3 with two strikeouts.

Garcia was followed by Yennier Cano, who was good himself. Noelvi Marte was awarded an infield single on a ball that he chopped in front of the plate. Basallo couldn’t make a clean play and threw the ball away. But Henderson made a great barehanded play to get the final out.

The Orioles offense was unable to do much against the Reds bullpen. They had just one baserunner over the final four innings, a single from Alonso. He was wiped out on a double play. Thankfully, they didn’t need any more runs.

With Ryan Helsley on the IL, Tyler Wells came in to attempt the save. I was prepared for more drama, because I always am. This is the Orioles. But Wells was fantastic. He needed only 10 pitches to retire the side in order, a bottom of the ninth that lasted just a few minutes.

Orioles win, 3-0! They’ll be back in action tomorrow for an Independence Day game. Game time is 7:10 with Kyle Bradish scheduled to take the mound for the O’s.

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Mets start series at Braves with 5-3 loss

The Mets started this weekend's four-game series at the Atlanta Braves with a 5-3 loss.

Takeaways

  1. Christian Scott allowed two hits in four innings, but his mistakes were costly. He put the Mets (36-52) in a 2-0 hole after Mauricio Dubón's leadoff walk and Michael Harris II's home run. Scott (2-1, 3.49 ERA) surrendered a one-out solo shot to Ozzie Albies in the third inning that broke a 2-2 tie and put the Braves (51-35) back ahead. New York pulled Scott, who had seven strikeouts and four walks while allowing three runs, after 51 strikes on 82 pitches. The Mets' offense did not help Scott, but they also need more from their starters. Scott has not pitched five innings or more since June 5, a 5-0 win at the San Diego Padres, in which he went 5.2 IP while throwing 67 strikes on 98 pitches.
  2. Juan Soto's 18th home run of the season, an opposite-field smack down the left-field line with one out in the third inning after A.J. Ewing reached first base on a fielding error, tied the 2-2 game and was a bright spot during New York's otherwise frustrating night at the plate. Soto's 2-for-4 evening included a successful challenge in the seventh inning, turning what would have been a 3-2 count into a five-pitch walk with two outs. Soto has 41 RBI through 69 games.
  3. Ewing's first game as the Mets' leadoff batter saw him score a run, via Soto's aforementioned homer, but ultimately go hitless in three at-bats. Ewing flew out to center field twice before Tyrone Taylor's pinch-hit appearance in the seventh inning.
  4. Among the Mets' relievers after Scott,Kodai Senga pitched 2.2 IP. Senga allowed one run on two hits while striking out four with 44 pitches (26 strikes) from the sixth inning until exiting with two outs in the eighth.

Who's the MVP?

Matt Olson, whose two home runs -- respective solo shots in the fifth and eighth innings -- widened the gap for the Braves after Albies' aforementioned go-ahead homer.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets and Braves continue their series with Saturday's 8:08 p.m. game.

LHPs Sean Manaea (1-3, 4.71 ERA) and Chris Sale (8-6, 2.10 ERA) are set to start.

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Dodgers vs. Padres game chat

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers (57-31) continue their four-game battle against the Padres (43-43) at Dodger Stadium Friday night. 

Shohei Ohtani (8-2, 1.58 ERA, 0.90 WHIP) makes his 14th start for the Dodgers in the series opener.

Michael King (5-7, 3.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) toes the rubber for the Friars.

Lineups

Friday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Padres
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
  • Time: 7:10 p.m.
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Homer Happy Braves secure win against Mets in series opener

Jul 3, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) hits a home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for a place to look at all of the Atlanta Braves’ home runs of the night in their 5-3 win against the New York Mets, you’ve found the place.

Because this might be the turnaround we discussed in the preview, we’re going to do something a little different.

Starting with a quick recap of pitching, tonight wasn’t a great outing from Grant Holmes, but a fair one. Throwing 82 pitches through his five innings pitched, Holmes finished his stat line with five allowed hits and two earned runs (which was a two-run homer from Mets’ Juan Soto).

What does this tell us? Well, not a whole lot on the improvement sector, but at least it’s not a setback.

Ok, before we get to highlights, let’s just acknowledge that though the offense improved, they can’t always rely on the big plays to get them out of a jam, or to get runs on the board in general. At the beginning of the season, the Braves did well combining their small ball strategy with their home runs, but now it seems they can only get ahead if multiple players can go yard.

Regardless, a win is a win, and the home runs were very much needed in tonight’s matchup to click the four-game series off.

So, without further ado, let’s enjoy some homers.

We started with Michael Harris II putting the Braves on the board with a two-run homer.

Ozzie Albies followed up to take back the lead.

It’s not a homer night without adding one from Matt Olson.

And yet another solo shot from him in the bottom of the eighth.

And in that order, the Braves set the tone for a successful game one. Games two through four will need to pick up where they left off, or better yet, surpass tonight’s performance.

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Utah Jazz sign defensive wing to roster

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Josh Okogie #20 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

According to Shams Charania, the Utah Jazz signed Josh Okogie to a 2-year $12M deal.

Okogie shot 38.5% from three last season in Houston, as Charania mentions, and fills a need for the Jazz, who are looking for defensive help on the perimeter.

It’s a clear sign that Utah is in the business now of building its roster to compete next season for a playoff spot. After the Walker Kessler trade, the starting lineup will likely be Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jusuf Nurkic. But Utah needs depth and defense. With Okogie on the roster, the team gains a veteran presence and a defense-first player who can also shoot. It’s likely to be a trend for Utah going forward that they bring on players with size who defend but are also capable shooters and scorers on offense. At this point, Utah is not in the business of taking on project players but is looking to fill needs on its roster. Okogie does just that.

At this point, the most likely potential signings, or trade, could be more center depth after the Kessler trade, and possibly another ball-handling guard. It’s not clear if Utah is done with the roster but this signing will add nice depth.

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Friday Night Orioles Victory GIF Party

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 03: Samuel Basallo #29 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 03, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is Friday night.

The Orioles have defeated the Reds, 3-0, to start their road trip off on a good note. Samuel Basallo hit a two-run homer. Gunnar Henderson played dazzling defense. And Tyler Wells earned his first save since 2023. Trevor Rogers struggled with walks but pitched five shutout innings to earn the win. The Reds left 10 batters on, so thanks for that one guys.

You know what must be done.

GIFS!

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San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 02: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a three run home run in the second inning during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

San Diego Padres (43-43) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-31), July 3, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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Knicks sign veteran big man Andre Drummond to one-year deal

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes up for the rebound during the game against the New York Knicks during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks have spent the last few days searching for their new backup center after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, and they seem to have found their man.

Per Shams Charania, the Knicks have signed two-time All-Star Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million contract.

The veteran big man had spent the last two seasons with the rival Philadelphia 76ers and will enter the 2026-27 season with his seventh team in 15 seasons.

Selected No. 9 overall out of UConn by Detroit in 2012, Drummond broke into the starting lineup by Year 2. He changed the trajectory of the Pistons’ franchise after previously planning to build around former lottery pick Greg Monroe. He averaged 7.9 points and 7.6 rebounds as a rookie, finishing fourth in the 2012-13 Rookie of the Year voting.

He immediately gained a reputation as one of the league’s premier rebounders, leading the league in offensive rebounds in seven consecutive seasons while becoming a force around the rim offensively. His breakout came in 2015-16, when he averaged 16.2 points and 14.8 rebounds, made the All-NBA Third Team, and got down-ballot Defensive Player of the Year votes.

After another all-star nod in 2018 and a strong start to 2019-20, the rebuilding Pistons finally cut him loose, trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2020, but only played eight games before the COVID-19 pandemic ended the season short. He re-signed with Cleveland that offseason, but was waived after just 25 games in late March 2021 before joining the Lakers for the playoff run.

Since then, he’s become a journeyman of sorts. He started 2021-22 in Philadelphia, but was sent as matching salary to Brooklyn in the James Harden trade that February. He inked a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls for 2022-23 and 2023-24, during which he served as the primary backup to Nikola Vucevic.

His last two years with the Sixers have been a fundamental shift in what he is as a player. He remains a premier rebounder, averaging 15.6 rebounds (5.8 offensive) per 36 minutes, but has significantly slowed defensively as he enters his mid-30s.

The biggest shift, though, has been his offensive evolution. After attempting just 120 threes total in his first 12 seasons, he’s attempted 110 in the last two seasons in Philly, including a startling 32-for-90 in 2025-26. He hit three of them, all in the corner, against the Knicks in December.

He’s also gotten much better as a free throw shooter, improving from a career 48.2% mark to 63% over the last two seasons. With Robinson’s flaws at the free throw line and his offensive versatility, Drummond will provide an upgrade there while making up a lot of the rebounding loss at 6’11”.

While Drummond signed for $3.9 million, the CBA dictates that the cap hit will be at just $2.457 million. Veteran players earn more total salary on minimum contracts, but the cap hit remains low to incentivize teams to sign them. Therefore, the Knicks did not use any of the potential Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception that they can partially use if they so choose.

Ian Begley reports the Knicks are not done in the center market, showing interest in Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas as a third center if he is bought out.

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D-backs vs. Brewers Discussion

The Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, US, on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. There are now about 100 EV charging stations in US national parks, almost all of them relatively slow, so-called Level 2 facilities. Photographer: Erin Trieb/Bloomberg via Getty Images | Bloomberg via Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

BREWERSDIAMONDBACKS
Christian Yelich – DHKetel Marte – 2B
Jackson Chourio – LFGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Brice Turang – 2BCorbin Carroll – RF
William Contreras – CGabriel Moreno – C
Jake Bauers – 1BLourdes Gurriel – LF
Garrett Mitchell – CFNolan Arenado – 3B
Sal Frelick – RFIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Cooper Pratt – SSLuJames Groover – DH
David Hamilton – 3BTommy Troy – CF
Kyle Harrison – LHPJose Cabrera – RHP

Back to the grind – for both the D-backs and me. I’ve returned from a very pleasant week in Wyoming, Mrs. SnakePit and I visiting a friend in Jackson Hole. Expect pics of the places we visited to be appearing in the Gameday Threads for this series! It was a very pleasant trip: the air and scenery up there are both amazing. I also enjoyed the whole de-stressing thing. Getting off social media and, to a large extent, the Internet in general, for a few days is something I highly recommend. It’s tough initially: I kept wanting to reach for my phone. But after a while, I realized life elsewhere was going to continue, regardless of whether or not I was checking in on an hourly basis.

The D-backs went 2-2 in my absence, being swept by the Rays, before taking two of three from the Giants. Though losing even a single game to San Francisco feels like a defeat. That leaves them at a perfectly even 43-43 record, and a tough series beckons against the Brewers, who have the second-best record in all baseball, behind only (and this is my unsurprised face) the Dodgers. This season, LA has scored more runs per game and conceded fewer, than any other team in baseball. Milwaukee, however, are not exactly slouches – by the same metric, they rank fifth- and second-base respectively. Nope, it ain’t going to be easy. One win will be okay. Two? A triumph.

Arizona are still desperately short of production at 1B. Their seasonal OPS is a woeful .559, which remains the worst at the position by any team since 1920. It’s sixty-six points worse than anyone else. Mind you, center field is hardly any better at .587. At least that is ahead of someone: specifically, the Cleveland Guardians, whose CFs are collectively sixteen points below us. Designated Hitter, at .620, completes the trifecta of positional suck, ranked 28th (above the Tigers and Royals). With basically three positions – two of them generally considered offensively minded ones – acting as black holes, it’s kinda impressive the D-backs are still at .500. Whether they will be by Sunday night remains to be seen…

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How Keyonte George Is Becoming the Leader of the Utah Jazz

Every great team has leaders. Players who inspire, teach, and motivate — sometimes with words, sometimes just by outworking everyone else. A team’s leader doesn’t always have to be its best player (although it helps if they are). The Warriors’ dynasty had Draymond Green as a great vocal leader. The Celtics had Marcus Smart for a long time as their emotional leader and communicator. Both of these guys set the tone, and their teammates followed. But leadership doesn’t always look like Draymond barking on defense. Sometimes it looks like a 22-year-old flying his teammates to his hometown for a week of training. Keyonte George is becoming that tone-setter for the Utah Jazz.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3, Taylor Hendricks #0, Lauri Markkanen #23, and Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz walk toward the huddle during a time out in the first half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Delta Center on October 16, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah.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 Gardner/ Getty Images) | Getty Images

Keyonte George has shown leadership qualities as early last summer. According to Sarah Todd of Deseret News, George took it upon himself last off season to ask Will Hardy for permission to fly his teammates to his hometown of Lewisville, Texas. Will Hardy was of course on board, and noted that the best teams he has been around have really strong human connection. One way to build that connection is by spending time together. The group that ended up going to Texas included Ace Bailey, Taylor Hendricks, Brice Sensabaugh, Elijah Harkless, Walter Clayton, and John Tonje.

In Texas, the Jazz players went through conditioning drills, played pickup games, and lifted weights together. They also had a chance to bond off the court, going to football games, concerts, and eating out. Will Hardy noticed immediate impact at camp in the way they were able to be more honest and blunt with each other.

Another great way George has been leading this team is by his example. After his 3rd straight 30-point game last December, his teammate, Isaiah Collier, called him a “great leader for us as a team,” pointing to the offseason work everyone on the team had witnessed and noting that it was “contagious.” Coach Will Hardy went further, explaining that he didn’t want to claim George was the sole reason his teammates were working hard, but that “the way that he works and carries himself rubs off on a lot of our team.”

This kind of work ethic and example George is setting for his teammates is so important for a young team like Utah who is still looking for an identity and trying to build a lasting culture. His breakout season has shown the other young players what can happen if they put in the work over an entire offseason.

Furthermore, George showed his commitment to the team earlier this year in March when he went down with a hamstring injury. According to Sarah Todd, although the injury eliminated his chance of winning the Most Improved Player award, George “cheered on his teammates from the sidelines. He offered advice during dead balls and shared laughs during timeouts.”

Great leaders put others before themselves, and understand that team success is more important than personal accolades. George could have let missing out on a chance to win Most Improved Player make him angry, but instead he put the Jazz first and showed up for his teammates.

George’s leadership hasn’t stopped with the players already in the locker room, he has made a point of welcoming new ones, too. When Darryn Peterson was selected with the No. 2 overall pick, George didn’t wait until training camp to start building a relationship with him. The two had dinner together Peterson’s first night in Utah.

Peterson later shared what George had told him to expect heading into his first Summer League practice: “Whatever you think is hard, just multiply it by ten.” Peterson said the advice didn’t scare him, but prepared him to work.

That mentorship continued into Summer League practices, where Keyonte George has been a constant presence despite not being on the Summer League roster himself.

During one practice, George drew up a play to get Darryn Peterson the ball and it ended up working. What started as a joke about putting Keyonte George on the coaching staff is now becoming a reality. George agreed to join head coach Steve Wojciechowski’s staff as an assistant coach for their Summer League opener on July 9th against the Washington Wizards.

One of the rare instances of an active player taking on a coaching role like this, and reportedly had to be cleared with the league office before becoming official, showing just how invested George is in Utah’s young core.

At just 22 years old and coming off the best season of his career, Keyonte George could be spending his summer on vacation or locked in on his own offseason training. Instead, he’ll be on the sideline with a clipboard, helping develop the next generation of Jazz talent in Ace Bailey, Darryn Peterson, and Cody Williams.

As Utah enters the next era of Jazz basketball, they need cornerstones to build the franchise around. Maybe Ace Bailey or Darryn Peterson become the next Jazz superstar. But every great team also needs someone to set the standard for everyone else.

Keyonte George is already doing that.

Whether it’s organizing offseason workouts, setting the standard with his own preparation, mentoring rookies, or spending his summer helping coach instead of taking time for himself, George has consistently shown that he’s invested in something bigger than just his next contract.

The Jazz have a lot to do before they win a championship. But when they do, don’t be shocked if people look back on moments like these and see the foundation of the culture that made it possible.

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Mariners Game #89 Preview and Discussion: 7/3, TOR at SEA

TORONTO, ON - MAY 10: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners poses with the ball used to record the final out of his no-hitter two days earlier before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 10, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** James Paxton | Getty Images

Not satisfied with hosting all these international visitors for the World Cup, Seattle will now tolerate the presence of 30,000 Candians for the annual series against the Blue Jays. The Mariners will look to get a little revenge for their Game 7 loss in last years ALCS, but they’ll have to do it without their star centerfielder. Julio Rodríguez was transferred to the 7-day concussion IL after getting hit in the back of the head by an errant throw on his way to second base last night. Víctor Robles was also taken out of last night’s game after getting hit by a pitch on the forearm, but he is doing OK today and will take Julio’s place in centerfield. Miles Mastrobouni takes Julio’s place on the 26-man (and gets on the 40-man by way of Cooper Criswell being transfered to the 60-day IL).

Lineups

Sorry for the bad graphic. Elon now wants you logged in to get access to the team’s fancier graphics they post on Twitter. Such are the limits of my service journalism.

Tonight’s starting pitchers will be Dylan Cease for the Jays and Luis Castillo for Seattle. Cease was Tornoto’s big offseason acquisition, and has totally delivered. Rocking the second-lowest ERA, xERA, FIP, and xFIP of his career, Cease is right in the thick of the AL Cy Young conversation as the second half gets rolling. Castillo’s season is unfolding . . . differently.

Game Info

First Pitch: 7:10 PDT
TV: Simulcast on Mariners TV and over the airwaves on KING 5
Radio: Old reliable

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Penguins Sign Ex-Capitals RFA Forward To Two-Year Contract

With things picking up on the offer sheet front and in the RFA market in the days following NHL free agency, the Pittsburgh Penguins have some bigger rumors swirling about them.

It may not be a very high-profile RFA move like some want, but they did make an RFA-related signing on Friday.

The Penguins came to terms on a two-year deal with RFA forward Hendrix Lapierre, who was extended a qualifying offer on Jun. 30. The contract is worth $1.3 million annually.

Lapierre, 24, had his RFA rights traded to the Penguins by the Washington Capitals on Jun. 25 for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Penguins Acquire Forward Hendrix Lapierre From CapitalsPenguins Acquire Forward Hendrix Lapierre From CapitalsIf Pittsburgh Penguins' fans are hoping for GM and POHO Kyle Dubas to be active leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday and Saturday, it appears the first domino may have fallen.

The former first round pick (22nd overall in 2020) never quite fully found his footing in parts of four seasons with Washington, amassing just 13 goals and 47 points in 158 NHL games with the Capitals. The 6-foot, 190-pound center has played in a bottom-six role to start his career, and he joins what currently looks like a crowded forward group.

Already having 14 forwards listed on their NHL roster, the Penguins will have some decisions to make. With rumors about the Penguins being involved in some trade discussions - most notably, pertaining to RFA superstar forward Jason Robertson - going around, it's possible that the number of forwards on their NHL roster will decrease by the time training camp rolls around.

As of Friday, Pittsburgh has yet to sign RFA forwards Egor Chinakhov and the newly acquired Nicholas Robertson, and they also figure to come to terms with RFA goaltender Arturs Silovs. 

Jason Robertson And The Pittsburgh Penguins Might Make More Sense Than You ThinkJason Robertson And The Pittsburgh Penguins Might Make More Sense Than You ThinkThe Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson appear to be on the verge of a potential breakup - and the Pittsburgh Penguins may actually make a great deal of sense as trade partners.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!  

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Blue Jays @ Mariners Game Thread

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 15: A general view inside the stadium and of the skyline during Game Three of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Late night baseball, especially for you guys out east. I’m going to put the thread up early, mostly so I don’t forget.

There is a little bit of news:

  • George Springer has a new baby boy.
  • Max Scherzer threw three innings and 49 pitches for the Canadians. He gave up 3 hits, 2 earned, 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. He’ll be doing a couple more rehab starts (at least).
  • Yimi Garcia, Addison Barger and Jesus Sanchez are all in Florida, building towards playing again.

Tonight’s lineups:

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSMARINERS
Nathan Lukes – RFJ.P. Crawford – 3B
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BRandy Arozarena – LF
Kazuma Okamoto – 3BDominic Canzone – DH
Daulton Varsho – CFCal Raleigh – C
Alejandro Kirk – CJosh Naylor – 1B
Yohendrick Pinango – LFLuke Raley – RF
Ernie Clement – 2BCole Young – 2B
Sean Keys – DHVictor Robles – CF
Andres Gimenez – SSColt Emerson – SS
Dylan Cease – RHPLuis Castillo – RHP

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Combat Sports World Joins NBA Superstar LeBron James Sweepstakes

The combat sports world has joined in on the festivities as sports fans everywhere await Lebron James next move.

In case you don’t know, the legendary NBA superstar is no longer a member of the Los Angeles Lakers where he has played for the past eight seasons. This includes an NBA Championship back in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. James has been defying the odds ever since as the now 41-year-old continues to play at an elite level.

As of now, Lebron is officially an NBA free agent, which means he can sign with any team he wants. The legendary basketball player isn’t looking to score a big payday ahead of his incredible 24th NBA season. Instead, James simply wants to join a team that gives him the best chance to win another title. That could be with the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, or even the New York Knicks, who are coming off their first NBA title in 53 years.

That is, of course, if Lebron doesn’t take his talents to the cage.

This week, the mixed martial arts (MMA) community took to social media to suggest that Lebron was moving from the NBA to combat sports. Obviously this is a joke, but it goes to show you the global reach of James. There may have been a time when a younger James could have utilized his elite size and athleticism to make some noise as a professional fighter, but that time has passed.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the MMA community from trying. Check it out below:

“LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH THE MMA! After months of contract negotiations, LeBron has decided to take his talents from the hardwood to the cage. Sources say his first goal is becoming the UFC Heavyweight Champion.”

“The decision has been made. LeBron James is taking his talents to ONE!”

“Following the announcement of his departure from the Lakers, the entire sports world is waiting to find out where LeBron James will go…

HEXAGONE MMA is proud to announce a totally unprecedented addition to its roster…

LeBron James (@kingjames) officially joins the organization… and embarks on a new adventure.

After making basketball history with the Lakers and the NBA, the American legend is turning a historic page in his career to take on a new challenge in the cage. With his extraordinary physical power, explosiveness, and flair for the dramatic, LeBron James is set to shake up the heavyweight division and draw all eyes to HEXAGONE MMA.

This signing, as unexpected as it is explosive, once again confirms the league’s commitment to writing unique chapters and shining a spotlight on MMA on the international stage.”