PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 07: Dalen Terry #21 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the second half of the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 07, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was always going to be a longshot for Dalen Terry to make the Golden State Warriors roster. After Saturday’s roster moves, his best chance might be a spot on the Santa Cruz Warriors.
Terry was waived, along with 26-year-old forward Tyler Burton, and Australian Alex Toohey, a Warriors second-round pick from 2025. All three are candidates for the G League squad.
Burton played 12 games at the end of the season for the injury-decimated Memphis Grizzlies. Toohey played just two games for Santa Cruz last season before undergoing knee surgery in December, a procedure he’s still recovering from. Terry had a big preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up 23 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and four steals while most of the team didn’t make the trip. However, he has too much NBA experience to sign a two-way contract, so there’s really no spot for him on the roster.
The last spots on the roster still belong to Georges Niang and Brandon Williams, who will have his contract partially-guaranteed when he’s on the opening night roster. Niang and Charles Bassey each have partially-guaranteed deals, though waiving them wouldn’t open up much money to sign a replacement. Bassey figures to be a necessary part of the rotation, particularly while Kristaps Porzingis remains out.
It didn’t appear that there was a real competition for roster spots during training camp, though Williams impressed by scoring in double digits in his first four games, before sitting out the final game with back soreness. The Warriors remain quite close to the salary cap apron, which limits their options, and the team seems focused on staying afloat until Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler can come back from their own knee injuries.
Could there be a change in the team’s two-way contracts, which currently belong to Graham Ike, LJ Cryer and Malevy Leons? It really depends on who might become available during league-wide roster cuts, but the Warriors tend to value continuity, which favors Cryer and Leons. Like Bassey, Ike might play a lot out of sheer necessity, given the fragile center rotation.
The roster appears set. Santa Cruz looks like they have a nice roster as well. Dalen Terry, we’ll always have Portland.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 16: Keyonte George #3 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 16, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In this week’s Utah Jazz Reacts survey, I asked Jazz fans who they would prefer starting: Ace Bailey or Jaxson Hayes. That assumes Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. are locked into the starting unit. Here’s what Jazz fans said:
It’s pretty clear that a majority of Jazz fans want to see Ace Bailey starting over Jaxson Hayes. Obviously, this changes the starting lineup dynamics, but from what we’ve seen in Preseason, it is probably a better dynamic with Bailey starting.
So what are those dynamics? Well, the philosophy of starting a big next to Jaren Jackson Jr. is that it will help with his lack of rebounding and his high foul rate. It should also help defensively by adding size. At least that’s what I assume after listening to Will Hardy’s latest comments about what Tony Bradley brings to the table (“a lot of size”).
My only issue with that is that we’ve seen Jaren Jackson in foul trouble all preseason while playing next to Jaxson Hayes. On top of that, the Jazz also lost the rebounding battle in their latest preseason game against the Suns, where both teams played their main rotations through three quarters, one of the longest stretches of the season.
We’ve also seen what looks like a leap from Ace Bailey. He’s shooting 45% from the field, but that would be higher if he wasn’t shooting just 27% from three, something we know should improve. But it’s far from just the shooting that Bailey brings. Bailey is playing 23 minutes per game at the 3 and averaging 5.3 rebounds per game. He’s also averaging 1.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 9.5 points, with a 14.1 net rating, the clear best among the Jazz’s main rotation players. The next closest are Svi Mykhailiuk at 9.8, Lauri Markkanen at 5.2, and Keyonte George at 1.5.
Something is working!
At this point, Utah hasn’t seen a center like Hayes play next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and either improve his deficiencies or help the team win more. So it’s time to run Ace Bailey at the three and let Hayes come off the bench if Jaren Jackson gets into foul trouble, which he likely will.
You can always adjust again if you need to, but at this point we’ve seen enough of what we get with Jaxson Hayes starting and Ace Bailey playing off the bench that it’s time to give Bailey a chance to start. It might be what unlocks everything for the Jazz this season.
Throughout their history, the Vegas Golden Knights have earned a reputation as a team willing to do whatever it takes in pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The organization prioritizes winning above all, and they’re unafraid to sacrifice futures to accomplish their goals.
In nine years, the Golden Knights have won one Stanley Cup and reached two additional Stanley Cup Finals. However, that perpetual excellence came with a cost; they sacrificed almost all of their futures to remain in win-now mode.
Only one notable prospect remained in the organization as the Golden Knights mortgaged their future: Trevor Connelly, the 24th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Very few players in the league are truly untouchable, but the organization never hid how highly they valued Connelly, a California-born playmaking winger with talent for days. They saw something special in him, and their belief never wavered.
“Trevor is different from any player in our organization,” said Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon at the start of training camp. “Elite hockey sense, elite talent. What he did last year in the American Hockey League as a 19-year-old… his ceiling is tremendously high.”
Now, their belief is paying off. The 20-year-old rookie scored just 15:22 into his NHL debut— a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks— and never looked back.
After 10 games, Connelly is emerging as a potential dark horse for the Calder Trophy. He leads all rookies in goals (4) and points (7), all while averaging just 13 minutes and 45 seconds of ice time a night. Connelly is a regular on the third line with Tomáš Hertl and Raphael Lavoie, and was recently elevated to the top power play unit.
It’s still early in the season, and Connelly could come back down to earth. He is a first-year player, and the NHL’s grueling schedule and constant physicality have worn rookies down in the past.
However, nothing about Connelly’s game suggests that his hot start is unsustainable. His defensive game improves every game, and he’s not cheating for offense. He has a great shot, and he’s shown he can drive play. He can even score against some of the greatest players in the game– on Saturday, he read and intercepted Sidney Crosby’s pass, went back the other way, and scored an unassisted goal.
Penguins have a rush, but Trevor Connelly reads Sidney Crosby like a book, picks him off, takes it back the other way, and goes top-shelf with Kaedan Korczak draped all over him.
Connelly is a rare talent, and everyone can see it. His teammates have nothing but great things to say about the talented young rookie.
“I have such confidence in him,” said Mitch Marner. “He’s such a good player. You see it daily, just the plays he makes, those little three-foot plays… You see his hockey sense out there. He just reads the plays so well. He makes so many great offensive plays, and he’s really building his defensive game as well.”
“I think he’s got incredible edge work and high-end skill,” said Golden Knights captain Mark Stone. “He’s done a really good job adapting to the game. He’s a competitive little guy. He’s only gonna get bigger as time moves on as well, so he’s just gonna be more and more effective.”
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 06: Josh Minott #00 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket while guarded by Pat Connaughton #21 of the Charlotte Hornets during their preseason game at Spectrum Center on October 06, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While NBA pundits and others, including fans of the New York Knicks, either ignore the Brooklyn Nets or alternatively dismiss any chances of success, the players and their coaches legitimately believe they can, as Julius Randle said, “shock the world.” Some might roll their eyes at that prediction or the more specific one that Brooklyn can win 50 games this season and think it’s ill-conceived optimism at best, maybe a casual comment at the least. It is not. It’s the driving force, the mantra, for the youngest roster in the NBA at 24.3 years of age. They believe it!
Now that Las Vegas sportsbooks put their season win total at 24.5, only four more than last season, and ESPN predicted they’d win 18 games, two fewer than last season, the reporters who cover the team day in and day out have their opportunity. The New York Post’s Brian Lewis and the New York Daily News’s C.J. Holmes published their season previews this weekend, the Post as part of a 20-page NBA supplement dominated by their take on whether Jalen Brunson and his Knicks can repeat. We should have ND’s annual reporter’s roundtable ready to go before Wednesday night’s opener at Barclays Center.
In general, Lewis and Holmes are not as pessimistic as the national writers, but no where near as optimistic as the Nets players. In different ways, they look at a 30-win season as something reasonable.
For Lewis, the more intriguing questions are how much further will the team travel on its path to contention … and what the roster looks like after 3:15 p.m., Eastern time on February 11, the trade deadline.
He recites what Sean Marks said back on Media Day on September 28,
“Yeah, it’s exciting that we’ve been able to add this youth to this team, watch these guys develop,” the Nets GM for the last decade said. “We’ve always said over the course of the last couple of years, we’re looking for the next Nets. Who are those guys? So we have a training camp and another year to figure this out as we build.
“We’ve kept flexibility over the last couple of years and know that we’re poised when the time is right. [It’s about] having a foundation. There’s certainly some players here on this roster that will be Nets long term. That’s exciting. … [To] see how they develop over the course of this next year is going to be really important. And it’s not just the young guys; it’s everybody we brought in. Jordi [Fernández] has always harped on developing a 28-year-old or developing a 31-year-old, it doesn’t matter. They’ve all got to show that this is an opportunity they’re going to be given, and how can they develop and take their games to the next level.”
There’s no numerical goal in Marks assessment. The tank may be over but the rebuild clearly is not … and while the GM may be setting goals internally, he’s not providing them publicly. His mantra remains development and that’s not limited to just the eight players on rookie deals, the second rounder on a tw0-way but also the 31-year-old Randle and the 28-year-old Porter Jr. (On two occasions when he’s discussed MPJ’s contract extension, Marks pointedly credited Fernandez’s role in putting MPJ in the right place within the Nets offense.)
Randle is both the most senior Net player at 32 (on November 29, six days after his return to Minnesota) and easily the most accomplished — three NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA teams plus Most Improved Player while playing for the Knicks.) He also said recently that he is at the peak of his game.
“Yeah, I feel like I’m the best I’ve ever been in my career. And I’m in a perfect situation to play my best under Jordi,” Randle told Lewis. “I think accumulation of wisdom and continuing to improve every single year, I feel like I’m at my best version of myself that I’ve been in my career, and I’m excited to be able to utilize that under Jordi and help this team the best way I can.
“Sean brought me here because of that, because it was time to win. … That’s what it is. … I’m not here to lose. I don’t think anybody’s here to lose this year,” Randle told The Post. “We’re playing to win. That’s as simple as I can put it.”
Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., of course, are what the average Nets fan is most excited by. They’re not only the highest ranking Nets draft picks in back-to-back drafts since Ed O’Bannon and Kerry Kittles in 1995-96. They’re also symbolic of the Nets overall strategy: build organically through the draft. As Lewis writes of Brown Jr., he is a rare combination…
As a Louisville freshman last season, Brown joined stars Steph Curry and Trae Young as the only college players since 2008 to have a 30 percent assist rate, 84 percent foul shooting, 35 percent free-throw rate, and high 3-point volume (over 14 attempts per 100 possessions). That rare intersection of elite passing, volume shooting, and on-ball juice teases a potential All-Star. But there are going to be turnovers and rookie growing pains. Brown is going to have to get bigger, stronger, hone his shot selection, and learn when to settle for safe rather than the high-risk home run pass.
Marks adds that MBJ doesn’t play or act like a rookie.
Demin too presents something new and interesting. After proving that he can shoot the three despite the preseason narrative that he couldn’t, his job now is proving he can go for the more traditional two, testing the lane and going to the line.
The lithe Russian wasn’t just a poor driver as a teenaged rookie, but an unwilling one. But added muscle and a more aggressive mindset have put Dëmin in a position to level up. He’s bigger, stronger, and getting downhill more. After going just 1-for-4 on 2-point baskets in summer league as a rookie, Dëmin came back a year later and went 22-for-29. The disclaimer is that it was just Summer League. Dëmin got extended looks at point guard in camp with Brown sidelined, and attacked the paint, but, again, that’s only preseason.
Then again, in limited action, the two 20-year-olds have displayed a great deal of chemistry. And Nolan Traore, who quite frankly looked like he was the fourth youngest player in the NBA last year, also looked so much better.
Lewis also treats at MPJ departure before or at the trade deadline as a given. After all, if he isn’t extended and the Nets have until June 30 to get it done, he’ll be a free agent days later. Marks & co. certainly don’t want to get noting in return. But on the other hand, this isn’t about helping a team like Detroit or Golden State make a playoff push in return for more picks. The Nets currently have a total of eight firsts in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The Nets’ leading scorer is 28 years old and set for unrestricted free agency, which means he’s going to be a prime trade candidate. The Aug. 11 deadline came and went to extend Porter and still have him eligible to be moved at the trade deadline. General manager Sean Marks has said he wants to see Porter show consistency, leadership, and defense. It also remains to be seen how the Nets perform, and what kind of offers Porter will draw.
The Daily News’ Holmes doesn’t commit to a win prediction, but argues getting from 20 to 50 wins (which would be the second highest total in Nets NBA history) would be extraordinary.
Beating the market would take 25 wins. A meaningful step would look more like 30. Reach the Play-In, and the season gets discussed differently. Getting to 50 would demand all of it at once: the veteran partnership working, the young players growing quickly, and the defense holding up without (Nic) Claxton.
He focuses a lot of his preview on how Randle and MPJ will work together. He thinks they can as do the players.
“We understand each other’s games really well and how we can really complement each other,” Randle told reporters. “We’re two guys that obviously can both really score the ball, but we do it in very different ways.”
Porter has described the same possibility from the perimeter. When Randle pulls a defender into the paint, Porter has room to shoot if the ball comes back out. That one possession obviously can’t account for 30 additional wins, but Brooklyn doesn’t need a historic leap to benefit from it. More paint pressure and higher-percentage looks for its best shooter could lift an offense with plenty of room to grow.
One reason for the optimism, as Holmes writes is that MPJ is as good as it gets in making a 3-pointer while heavily guarded. Just nine percent of Porter’s 3-point attempts were classified as wide open, the lowest share among 307 players who took at least 100 3-pointers. One the other hand, over the past seven seasons, Randle ranks fourth in the NBA in assists leading to 3-pointers, behind only Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić. Heady company.
“We understand each other’s games really well and how we can really complement each other,” Holmes quotes Randle. “We’re two guys that obviously can both really score the ball, but we do it in very different ways.”
There was a little of that in preseason. Who knows, maybe Fernandez was hiding how much he’ll be using said combination. Every smart coach does hide some plays. Despite that, the Nets did lead the league in preseason offensive rating. Over last season with Noah Clowney starting 60 games at power forward, Brooklyn ranked dead last. As Holmes wrote, “Last season gives the Nets little room to pretend the climb is short.”
Still, the optimism is there. “And it’s going to take day by day, step by step,” Brown Jr. said when he first mentioned Randle’s “shock the world” quote to reporters. In the meantime, it’ll be “just getting 1% better every day.”
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 07: Jacob Young #30 of the Washington Nationals looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Yankees’ outfield was one of the main topics of discussion heading into this offseason, with a lot of uncertainty about what the future of the center field might look like.
Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer ahead of the 2026 season, held the position throughout the season until he was placed on the injured list during the summer with a hamstring injury. Spencer Jones took over the position in his place, performed well down the stretch, and went on to make his MLB postseason debut in the Wild Card Series against Boston.
After striking out to end the Yankees’ season in Game 3 of the ALDS against Tampa Bay, the free agent Grisham probably won’t be returning for another year in pinstripes. That leaves the position up for consideration ahead of the offseason, and right field likely won’t be an option with Aaron Judge returning to health. With Jones still getting a handle on manning center following some misplays and looking to also develop by solving his consistent strikeout problems at the plate, is it a good idea to bring in another player for center field next season?
MLB insider Joel Sherman recently reported that the Yankees expressed some interest in Nationals center fielder Jacob Young, who finished the regular season batting .252 with a .318 OBP and .708 OPS. He only recorded 78 strikeouts this season in 140 games with the Nationals, while Spencer Jones recorded 105 in 86 regular season games (though he did out-produce Young with a .742 OPS). Young also brings a lot of grit to both sides of the ball, stealing 18 bases this season and posting an 11 OAA on defense with a 92-percent success rate per Statcast. He has a solid arm too, reaching a high of 94.2 mph in 334 total throws this season.
Young is eligible for arbitration, and it’s likely that the Nationals will give him an offer. He won’t have the chance to walk because he’s under club control until 2029. If he doesn’t like their pitch, however, Young will be free to submit his own offer and go through the arbitration process. If the Yankees are serious about pursuing Young, they’ll have to come up with a trade package that will attract the Nationals’ interest.
There are several clubs also in need of a steady starting outfielder, including the Astros, Rangers, Reds, Orioles, and Blue Jays. The 27-year-old center fielder may make a good fit in the Bronx to give Jones some more room for development, but the question is: will the Yankees move to secure him this offseason?
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates during Game One of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 12, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Rays and Guardians are putting together a very entertaining ALCS. The series is tied 2-2, with the teams alternating wins in each game.
Last night, the game was close until the late innings when the Rays pulled away. The bullpen game didn’t work to well for Cleveland, with five diffrent pitchers allowing at least one run in the game. And their defense didn’t help, either, with two errors. One led to an unearned run.
Drew Rasmussen starts for the Rays tonight against Patrick Messick for the Guardians. Rasmussen started game one of the series and pitched six innings with two runs. Messick allowed three runs in five innings in game two. All three runs were unearned after an error by José Ramírez extended an inning.
Because of the rainout on Friday, there will be no off day after tonight’s game. When it ends, both teams will hop a plane back to Florida for game six tomorrow night.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 15: A general view of fans prior to game three of the American League Championship Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 15, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game five of the ALCS is an afternoon game, or a late afternoon game. It is going to be about 16 C at game time, so they can’t complain about the temperature.
With the teams tied at two, the winner of game five wins about 65% of the time. I thought the number would be higher. I enjoy last night’s game. I still don’t care who wins, but it was interesting baseball.
Today’s Lineups
RAYS
GUARDIANS
Yandy Diaz – DH
Steven Kwan – LF
Jonathan Aranda – 1B
Jose Ramirez – 3B
Ryan Vilade – RF
Chase DeLauter – RF
Junior Caminero – 3B
Jo Adell – DH
Chandler Simpson – LF
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Jonny DeLuca – CF
Travis Bazzana – 2B
Liam Hicks – C
Patrick Bailey – C
Ben Williamson – 2B
Petey Halpin – CF
Taylor Walls – SS
Brayan Rocchio – SS
Drew Rasmussen – RHP
Parker Messick – LHP
They play again tomorrow and Tuesday.
Feeling so sad for the people and their families effected by the fire in Wainwright.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 17: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates after hitting an RBI Double during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians in game four of the American League Championship Series at Progressive Field on October 17, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s a brisk, fall afternoon by the lake in Cleveland, Ohio as the Tampa Bay Rays and Cleveland Guardians continue the fight to punch their ticket for the 2026 World Series.
With a Rays victory last night, this series is guaranteed to go at least six games and return to Florida. The results of this afternoon’s game will determine which team is on the back foot and facing elimination tomorrow night.
On the mound for the Rays is the right-handed Drew Rasmussen, who has been one Tampa Bay’s keys to success this post-season. Starting with a near no-hitter against the Yankees, Rasmussen has anchored the Rays rotation with just two earned runs allowed over 14 innings.
Pitching for the Guardians today is 25-year-old lefty Parker Messick. Messick gave up four earned runs but struck out 11 across 6.2 innings against the Chicago White Sox, but posted his first scoreless start of the post-season against Cleveland in game one of the ALCS.
Tampa Bay Rays (2-2) at Cleveland Guardians (2-2) — 3:08 PM MDT
The Celtics officially converted Devin Carter to a two-way deal. While the team is excited that Carter is sticking around, he won’t be suiting up for a little while.
Carter has mononucleosis, according to multiple reports Sunday. That explains the illness that has kept him out since the preseason opener. There’s no firm timeline for his return, though the Globe’s Gary Washburn reported he could miss a few more weeks.
Devin Carter has been diagnosed with mononucleosis and could miss a few more weeks. #Celtics did announce he has signed their final two-way deal.
That opener was a wonderful introduction. Carter scored 17 points in 25 minutes against Cleveland on 5-of-9 shooting. He went 6-of-6 at the line, putting a ton of pressure on the rim. He also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He showed a lot of the promise that made him a lottery pick for Sacramento two seasons ago.
His audition was unfortunately cut short after one game, but this lone performance was strong enough and his potential is too much for Boston to pass up on.
Joe Mazzulla pointed to Carter’s ceiling as the reason for the deal. “You see the talent, the impact that he could have, and you want to be able to invest in that,” he said.
Mazzulla on the Celtics signing Devin Carter: "Very talented. Has done some good things in the league … but with us, just gotta put his head down. Really impactful on the defensive end of the floor … came in with a great attitude, did what we asked him to do." @CLNSMediapic.twitter.com/JMiKpQEmRN
Carter is on his third team in four months. Sacramento took him 13th in 2024 and traded him to Atlanta in June. The Hawks then waived him in September to get down to 15 players. Mazzulla said Carter has talent and has shown flashes as a pro, but he needs to put his head down in Boston. So far, that’s exactly what he’s done.
“Came in with a great attitude. Did what we asked him to do,” Mazzulla said.
The Celtics have a lot of options in their development pipeline, but the team uses their G League affiliate in Maine about as well as anyone in terms of investing in young talent and guiding their growth. The two-way deal gives Boston more control of Carter’s trajectory. He’ll fill the team’s third two-way slot alongside Dillon Mitchell and Amari Williams.
Carter can also remain available when the Celtics need depth throughout the year, like we saw with Williams last season.
This is a second draft opportunity for both sides. Carter gets a change of scenery, and Boston takes a shot at a player with real NBA skills that has more room for growth.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 08: Devin Carter #99 celebrates with Mike Conley #45 of the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Boston has already hit on Neemias Queta, who came off the Kings’ scrap heap as well. Ron Harper Jr. went from an Exhibit 10, to a two-way, to a three-year extension. Carter could have a similar journey in store for him.
He’s a smart and tenacious defender, and Mazzulla called him “really impactful on the defensive end of the floor.” The shooting is a question mark. He shot 27.4 percent from three over his first two seasons. He has other skills worth betting on, but if the jumper comes along, he could find a home here like Queta, Harper, and others have.
Mono will delay that, but Boston’s guard room is in good shape with Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Mike Conley all healthy. While the Celtics might need Carter at some point, getting him healthy and sharpening his tools in Maine is the short-term focus.
The Celtics see the vision with Carter, and hopefully this is just a brief delay before it starts coming together once he returns.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 30: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during player introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on November 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Payton Pritchard has been a starter and a sixth man. Overlooked and then underpaid. Scouted as too small, then played a big part on a championship team. Now, he’s gone from making about $8 million a year to signing a two-year, $44.2 million extension. Through all of it, he says the starting label matters a lot less than what he does once he’s on the floor.
“To me, a starter is the amount of minutes you play,” Pritchard said after Sunday’s practice. “Do you finish games? Are you playing 30-plus minutes? Then you are a starter. You know what I mean?”
It’s a useful way to think about a lineup spot, especially on a Celtics team that will need to figure out how its pieces fit together. The starting five will get plenty of attention. Pritchard’s point is that the label doesn’t tell you much by itself.
“How do you impact the game is what really matters to me.”
The label matters less than the minutes
Pritchard has seen both sides of the conversation. He started every game through the first half of last season, then moved to the bench in February as Joe Mazzulla adjusted the rotation. He remained an important part of the team in both roles. Boston didn’t suddenly need less from him because he stopped being introduced with the starters.
On the heels of his contract extension, Payton Pritchard reflects on going from being out of the Celtics’ rotation to everything he has accomplished since:
“You go through so many ups and downs, you’ve just gotta keep going, keep getting better every day. You just don’t know how… pic.twitter.com/SNY5Mhe2Dy
Now, the Celtics are working through another version of that question. Jayson Tatum is back, Jaylen Brown is gone, and Paul George joins Derrick White and Pritchard in a backcourt with a lot of responsibility to sort out. Pritchard could start or he could come off the bench. The decision will likely depend on what Mazzulla thinks the group needs at different moments.
Pritchard sounds comfortable leaving that choice to the coach. “If that’s what Joe thinks benefits the team the most,” he said of coming off the bench. He’ll try to be the best player he can in those minutes.
That isn’t the same as saying the role doesn’t matter. Pritchard has been clear about wanting opportunities to play and show what he can do. Rather, he seems less interested in the status attached to a role than in what he can do once he has one. A starting spot is one way to get minutes, but it isn’t the only way to matter. Pritchard knows that better than most.
Boston’s expectations suit him
He has reasons to value the demands that come with playing in Boston. Asked what he loves about the city and organization, Pritchard pointed to the expectations.
“You go for championships,” he said. “They hold you to a high standard. The media holds you to a high standard, organization too, and I appreciate being in an environment like that.”
That standard can make every rotation decision feel loaded. If a player starts, fans can read it as a sign of trust. If he comes off the bench, they might wonder what’s wrong with him. Pritchard is offering a much less dramatic read: look at how much he plays and how he affects the game.
He has earned the right to make that case. Pritchard is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 17 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds, a year after winning Sixth Man of the Year. He just recently signed a two-year, $44.2 million extension, giving the Celtics a longer commitment to a guard whose role has grown steadily.
Payton Pritchard on his extension: "It means a lot."
"$22M a year is a lot of money … sometimes I just like to take that and you can always work for the next one, stay hungry, go after the next one, be a better player … and then hopefully I'm awarded like that again." pic.twitter.com/OCakpw8GXO
Still, he isn’t talking like the contract or the award entitles him to a starting spot. His focus is on how good he can become. “I’m going after my personal greatness for basketball,” he said. “I’m not chasing anybody but myself.”
That’s a pretty ambitious goal for someone who also says he doesn’t care about hearing his name during introductions. The two ideas fit together, though. Pritchard wants to keep improving and take on more. He just doesn’t seem to think the starting lineup is the scoreboard for that.
The Celtics will have plenty to sort out before the season gets rolling. Whether Pritchard is in the first group or first off the bench will be one of the easiest things to track, and probably one of the least useful ways to measure his importance. For him, the real question is what he does after the introductions are over.
NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Jurickson Profar #17 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hey look, it’s a Jurickson Profar post.
The last time that this guy was mentioned as the topic of discussion on this particular blog site was back when he was in the middle of his second PED-usage scandal in as many seasons. The second failed test caused Profar to miss the entirety of the 2026 season without pay, which meant that the Atlanta Braves were missing what could’ve been a useful DH bat for the entire 2026 season.
My assumptions that Profar would be back with the Braves in 2027 were put to the test when President/GM Alex Anthopoulos didn’t exactly confirm that the embattled hitter was a lock to return to the team going forward. As such, Profar has got something to prove for this upcoming season and he’ll be plying his trade for Los Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League this offseason. Lindsay Crosby was the first to report the news a few days ago. User Heydude2026 pointed it out over in The Feed so I’m sharing it over here, as well.
He also made a good point about the fact that Profar has signed with the team that Ronald Acuña Jr. has played multiple seasons of Winter ball for in the past. If Acuña goes back home to play as well, then I’d imagine that this could definitely be part of a clubhouse “goodwill assignment” of sorts, since I’d also imagine that Profar has a long, long way to go in order to smooth things over with the teammates that he has left high-and-dry for exactly 243 games over two seasons now.
Profar also just has a lot to prove in general. He posted some fine numbers at the plate during his 2025 season where he hit .245/.353/.434 with a .346 wOBA, 14 home runs and 123 wRC+ in 80 games played but the PED usage still hangs a big cloud over that production. He also didn’t seem particularly thrilled about serving in the DH role as the Braves were heading into this season and I’d assume that he’ll either try to play some outfield in Venezuela to show that he’s capable of being reliable out there or he’ll strictly focus on hitting going forward so he can fit in the role.
Either way, this is just a step in Profar’s quest to hopefully smooth things over with the Braves on all levels going forward. He’s still under contract but Anthopoulos’ comments about him during his end-of-season press conference certainly implied that his spot on the team may be in jeopardy regardless. We’ll see what happens going forwad, y’all.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 03: Brandon Woodruff #53 of the Milwaukee Brewers speaks to the media before game one of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres at American Family Field on October 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On the 4th of July, Brandon Woodruff threw what he and many thought would certainly be his last pitch of 2026 and potentially the last pitch of his entire career. Soon, it was revealed that doctors believed surgery would be required to again fix the shoulder capsule in his throwing arm. Two major shoulder surgeries in just over three years would have been devastating.
Then, a sudden turn of events. Woodruff initially held off on surgery and went in for his four-week follow-up in August to determine if surgery was ultimately necessary. But the doctors found that Woodruff’s shoulder was healing much faster and better than expected. They decided not only did Woodruff not need surgery, but that it was safe for him to begin a throwing program.
The window was going to be tight. Woodruff needed a five-week throwing progression just to get his arm ramped back up before he could even get on a mound and that would take him to the end the regular season. Then he would need to be cleared to throw off a mound, get some bullpen sessions in and then face live hitters.
The margin for error was zero. Any sort of delay or setback and the hopes of making it back to the field in time for this postseason were going to be dashed. Woodruff has had numerous setbacks and delays in his previous returns from shoulder injuries, so the odds seemed slim.
Woodruff told reporters prior to the NLDS that the earliest he could possibly return to the field would be the World Series, should the Brewers get there.
Now, here the Brewers are, their spot clinched in the World Series and Woodruff remaining on time and on schedule in his comeback.
In the NLCS clinching celebration, Woodruff told Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that “it’s gonna be hard to keep me off that roster.” He threw a high-intensity 31-pitch bullpen in Los Angeles and according to Woodruff the stuff looked good.
All along this process, it seemed clear that it would take an absolute perfect storm of circumstances to get Woodruff back in a game in 2026.
I think that perfect storm has come to fruition. Woodruff has made it through without any setbacks in his recovery, the Brewers have made their way to the World Series, and there are essentially available spots on the pitching staff. To this point in the postseason, Pat Murphy has not called upon Kyle Harrison nor Chad Patrick. Shane Drohan was in that group as well before he started Game 4 of the NLCS and lasted little longer than an inning.
Not long ago, it was hard to imagine Harrison and Patrick not playing important roles on this pitching staff in the postseason. Now, it’s hard to imagine the Brewers finding a spot for them to get in a game.
Murphy has consistently talked about how much Woodruff means to the organization, how much he’s done for the team, not only this year but over his whole career. For the Brewers to reach the World Series, to have Woodruff available for it would be poetic and perfect. Woodruff helped build the Brewers to get to this point, it’s only fair he would get a shot to pitch in the Crew’s first World Series in 44 years.
However, life isn’t always fair, especially in sports. The storybook ending doesn’t always happen. The Brewers have finally gotten to a World Series berth. The next one isn’t promised. They have one shot at this, and will the Brewers, a team that generally doesn’t take the biggest risks, risk putting a pitcher who hasn’t pitched in a game since July 4th, on the roster for the most important seven-game stretch in the organization’s history?
Provided facing hitters in live BP during the week leading up to the World Series goes well, I think they will. I think Woodruff will be put on this roster and he will pitch in the World Series for this organization. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in Game 1 or Game 2 so he’s in front of the home crowd. Woodruff wants it, the organization wants it for him, and the stars appear to be aligning.
Woodruff has shown he can still get outs, even with diminished stuff. He doesn’t need to be fully stretched out, just getting an inning or two. The Brewers have two pitchers that have been unused all postseason, that makes it easier for them to switch Woodruff onto the roster in place of someone. For most players, there’d be the concern of if the stuff would be good enough for that important of a game to bring him off the IL for. For Woodruff though, he’s as trusted a big game pitcher the Brewers have.
Is there risk? Absolutely. Is it a risk the Brewers are willing to take? I think so. We won’t find out for sure until the roster drops on Friday morning.
What a story this season has been for the Brewers. Not only are they looking for the storybook ending with a World Series title, but to get Woodruff back on the mound and be a part of it, that would be poetic justice.
Ben Simmons tore his right Achilles tendon in practice on Sunday, ending his comeback attempt this season with the Sacramento Kings before the season even started.
The Kings said Simmons hurt himself during a live drill and will need to undergo surgery three days before the season opener on Wednesday night on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons had signed a one-year deal with Sacramento this summer as he tried to revive his career.
The 30-year-old from Australia is a former No. 1 draft pick, three-time All-Star and Rookie of the Year, but he has struggled to perform and stay healthy in recent years. He sat out last season while dealing with back and leg injuries after ending the 2024-25 season in a reserve role for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Simmons was the first overall pick by Philadelphia in 2016 after playing one season in college at LSU. He sat out his first season with an injured foot but quickly developed into a star player for the 76ers once he returned. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2017-18, was an All-Star the following three seasons, as well as a third-team All-NBA player in 2019-20 and a first-team All-Defense selection in 2019-20 and 2020-21.
He was sent to Brooklyn at the 2022 trade deadline but missed the rest of that season with a bad back. He then played 2 1/2 seasons with the Brooklyn before getting cut in February 2025. He finished that season with the Los Angeles Clippers before sitting out last season.
But he never came close to his level of play early in his career in Philadelphia, averaging 5.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists during his time with the Nets and Clippers.
Sacramento is coming off a 22-60 season and is trying to rebuild around rookie Darius Acuff Jr., who was picked seventh in the draft after a stellar freshman season at Arkansas.
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While the Montreal Canadiens ultimately got the two points out of their tilt with the Buffalo Sabres, they still gave up a point, and that point means the Sabres are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference while the Canadiens are ninth. Yes, it’s early, but the Habs are falling in the same pattern that cost them home-ice advantage in the playoffs last season. They had 106 points, like the Tampa Bay Lightning, but regulation wins are the tiebreaker: Jon Cooper’s men had 40, while the Canadiens had 34.
The problem is the Canadiens can't stay focused for a full 60 minutes to close out a regulation game. Saturday night’s game against the Sabres was a good example. When Montreal led 3-1 and was on the power play, Jack Quinn cleared the puck deep into the Habs zone. Zach Benson beat Dobson to the puck and moved it before the Canadiens’ defenseman could do anything. The puck made its way to the front of the net, and it was the same Quinn who was first to the puck in front of Jacob Fowler, a step ahead of Lane Hutson, who could only watch. Those are the kind of small mental errors the coach talked about in his post-game media availability:
It has to be better than this from that angle: how we behave on the ice. We play good games, but small mental errors creep in at times and hurt us. I’m generally proud of how we play as a team and all that, but those small mental errors…you lead by two; it should be over.
Then, on Buffalo’s third goal, three Habs were between Josh Doan and Tage Thompson, and none could cut the cross-zone pass Doan sent to Thompson on the doorstep. The puck even crossed the crease on that play. After the game, Fowler also explained:
I feel like we played pretty good, kind of like it was awesome, a lot of big blocks tonight. We’ve been playing a lot of these games where the other goalie makes some big saves, and it comes down to textual hockey there. I feel I could have got a couple of sticks on a couple of those passes there not to give up some of those goals, but you know, Cole doing what he does on Saturday.
Asked about his team’s power play and the fact that the Habs had once again surrendered the lead, the bench boss added:
It was okay, but we’re better than this. […] It would be fun to put the final nail in the coffin. Buffalo is not an easy team to play with a lead; they play a wide-open game, and you have to be calculated in your actions. Even in the offensive zone, you can’t make a risky incomplete play; they thrive on that. They’re just waiting for you to try a play and fail, and then they take it the other way. You have to be patient and manage the puck in the offensive zone. It’s not necessarily about manufacturing a scoring chance, but it’s about managing the puck and forcing them to defend. When you can extend your time in the offensive zone and force them to defend, even if you make a risky play that ends up incomplete, they’re too tired to take advantage of it. But if you do that early, they pounce on the attack, and it’s not three guys attacking; it’s all hands on deck.
- St-Louis on putting games away
The coach explained how hard it is to balance killer instinct with patience and calculation. Of course, padding your goal total is always the aim of a team that’s playing with the lead, but you need to pick your moment to attack without leaving yourself vulnerable. In a boxing match, if you try to land a big uppercut and take too much of a wind-up, you leave yourself open to a quick jab, which you must avoid. There’s no magic recipe for avoiding that; it comes from experience, and while the Canadiens’ core has been together for a few seasons, they remain one of the league's youngest and least experienced teams. St-Louis knows they shouldn’t be dropping points like that, especially not to division rivals, but that’s part of the team’s growing pains.
