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YouTube Gold: Don Nelson’s Biggest Moment As An NBA Player

Don Nelson, who died Sunday, was an unlikely candidate for a historical basketball figure.

He was not particularly gifted. He didn’t run fast or jump high. At 6-6, in his day, he was kind of too tall for a guard and verging on too small for a forward.

Nonetheless, he built a remarkable career, first as a player, then as a coach and an executive who constantly challenged convention.

He was one of the first, if not the first, to use the idea of a stretch-four or stretch-five. He had versions of small ball with Golden State, but he also let 7-7 Manute Bol rain threes. No Nellie, No Durant, No Nowitzki, no Karl-Anthony Towns.

Current Golden State coach Steve Kerr said this about him:

“Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today. He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game.”

Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach said this about Nelson: “He has great knowledge of the game. Someday he’s going to be a coach, and a very good one. He knows the game, and he plays it hard.”

Before he was a coach, Nelson played with the Chicago Zephyrs, then the Los Angeles Lakers, before signing with the Boston Celtics in 1965. He helped Boston win five NBA championships, and in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals, he had a moment most players would kill for.

John Havlicek dribbled the ball down the right side of the lane, then turned, and Keith Erickson of the Lakers made a brilliant defensive play from behind, swiping the ball loose from Havlicek.

Unfortunately, he knocked the ball straight to Nelson, who caught it almost exactly where you would want to start a shot.

Elgin Baylor was close but was slow to react as Nelson rose up. His shot hit the rim, then took a dramatically high bounce before dropping through to put Boston up 105-102, with just 1:33 left.

You might not notice this right away, but as soon as Nelson took the shot, he bolted for the defensive end, suggesting one of two things: coach Bill Russell had instructed him to do so, or Nelson was sure the shot was going in.

As it turned out, Boston won 108-106, for their 11th championship in 13 years.

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MLB power rankings: Brewers return to No. 1 spot without Tarik Skubal

Perhaps some time in October, the Milwaukee Brewers will regret not trading for Tarik Skubal. For the moment, they're the best team in the major leagues, and have one would-be Skubal pawn to partially thank for it.

The Brewers ascended to No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings thanks to two one-run victories over the Minnesota Twins in a taut battle of Upper Midwest playoff contenders. Their series-clinching victory came in 10 innings on a Jake Bauers walk-off single, but it was a catch by right fielder Luis Lara in the top of the inning - his second fantastic grab of the day - that prevented a huge inning and put Milwaukee in position to win.

Lara, 21, was among the players the Brewers roped off from Skubal talks, having signed him to a team-friendly extension and identifying him as a key part of their future. Ranked by Baseball America as the game's No. 35 prospect, he boosted Milwaukee on a day Jacob Misiorowski made history but couldn't close the deal.

No matter. Milwaukee's 74-44 record gives it a three-game edge over Atlanta for best in the NL as the Brewers maintain a 5 ½-game lead over the relentless Chicago Cubs.

A look at our updated rankings:

Luis Lara saved a pair of extra-base hits with outstanding catches against the Twins, as the Brewers maintained the best record in the major leagues.

1. Milwaukee Brewers (+1)

  • Four games at Dodger Stadium may evoke bad memories of last October - or a boost toward the next one.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (-1)

  • 9-15 over last 24 games. Still no reason for concern?

3. Tampa Bay Rays (+1)

  • Now 25 games over .500, but Griffin Jax's elbow discomfort a pop-up concern.

4. Atlanta Braves (-1)

  • Nearly swept in Yankee Stadium.

5. Chicago Cubs (+1)

  • Craig Counsell slots PCA in at DH for two games, the better to save his legs for the stretch.

6. New York Yankees (-1)

  • Cody Bellinger performing baseball activities, Aaron Judge receives semi-positive news. Sky, not yet falling.

7. Boston Red Sox (-)

  • Lose consecutive games for the first time since June 30-July 1 - against the Athletics, no less.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks (+1)

  • Starters held Dodgers to three earned runs in 19 2/3 innings of series victory.

9. Chicago White Sox (-1)

  • Hagen Smith, fifth overall pick in 2024, pitches two scoreless relief innings in major league debut.

10. Philadelphia Phillies (-)

  • Jesus Luzardo with a 2.25 ERA over his last 100 innings pitched.

11. San Diego Padres (-)

  • An odd setback for Nick Pivetta on rehab start road.

12. Miami Marlins (+1)

  • No one wants to play them at loanDepot Park. Really - they're an NL-best 36-24 at home.

13. Houston Astros (+1)

  • Yordan Alvarez leads all Triple Crown categories and only Junior Caminero (33 homers to Alvarez's 35) can likely prevent it.

14. Cleveland Guardians (-2)

  • Lost five of six after nifty trade deadline additions.

15. Texas Rangers (+2)

  • Jordan Montgomery, their 2023 World Series hero, appears in major league game for first time since 2024.

16. Minnesota Twins (-1)

  • Kaelan Culpepper arrives, homers in second career at-bat.

17. St. Louis Cardinals (+2)

  • Jettison Dustin May, JoJo Romero and Lars Nootbaar at deadline, then win series against Yankees, Rockies.

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (-2)

  • Have not won a series since July 19.

19. Washington Nationals (-1)

  • Andrés Chaparro starting to excel in pinch-hitting/platoon role.

20. Baltimore Orioles (+1)

  • Begin a Rangers-Twins-Rays-Yankees-Rays gauntlet by losing two in Texas.

21. Detroit Tigers (+1)

  • Jackson Jobe completes Tommy John surgery comeback with five scoreless innings.

22. Cincinnati Reds (+1)

23. Seattle Mariners (-3)

  • This incredibly disappointing year should probably produce consequences.

24. Toronto Blue Jays (-)

  • Daulton Varsho trade gives Brett Bateman a shot to turn heads in centre field.

25. New York Mets (+1)

  • Their season long since ruined, they're now spoiling it for others (Guardians, Pirates).

26. San Francisco Giants (-1)

  • Matt Chapman out for rest of year after sports hernia surgery.

27. Kansas City Royals (-)

  • Luinder Avila and Stephen Kolek both succumb to Tommy John surgery.

28. Athletics (-)

  • GM David Forst learns a lesson as old as time: Few get out of Yolo County alive.

29. Colorado Rockies (-)

  • Zac Veen with a three-homer, 5-for-5 eruption at Class AAA.

30. Los Angeles Angels (-)

  • Trade deadline prize shortstop Arjun Nimmala starts with Class AA Trash Pandas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB power rankings: Brewers return to No. 1 spot without Tarik Skubal

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SB Nation Reacts results: Do you consider Jabari Smith Jr. a Rockets draft bust?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 29: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Los Angeles Lakers after winning Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 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 Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country.

This week’s question asked you about Jabari Smith Jr. Many had him pegged as the best pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was slated to go number one overall to the Orlando Magic, who actually ended up taking Paolo Banchero, allowing Smith to fall all the way to the Rockets at three.

He’s been a mixed bag since, but he is coming off of the best season of his career. That being said, he hasn’t quite lived up to his draft status. Does that make him a Rockets bust?

Here is what you said:

Only 13 percent of Rockets fans think Smith is bust, and I do think that’s fair. Many of you know that I’ve always been high on Smith, and while he hasn’t quite lived up to my expectations either, he appears to be on his way up, averaging the most points and best three-point percentage of his career.

Smith is also still just 23, meaning he still has plenty of time to keep growing. When he hits 27 or 28, I do think he can be a force, particularly defensively. I still see the potential.

Don’t forget to check out or sponsor FanDuel for the basektball odds. The Rockets are +165 to win 50 games, meaning but $100 to win $165, and they are +3300 for the NBA Finals if you’re feeling really positive.

Thanks for voting, Be back soon!

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SB Nation Reacts results: Has Mitch Keller pitched his last game as a Pirate?

CINCINNATI, OHIO - AUGUST 02: Mitch Keller #23 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 02, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country.

This week’s question asked you about Mitch Keller. The Bucs pitcher is down for the rest of the year with an injury, and before getting hurt, he was having a terrible season with a 6-8 record, 5.26 ERA, and a 1.37 WHIP. We asked you of you thought Mitch had tossed his last game as a Bucco. Here is what you said:

Only one quarter of Bucs fans think that Mitch has pitched his last game as a Pirate. In all likelihood, teams are going to want to see him in action if the Bucs are going to shop him, but stranger things have happened.

Don’t forget to head over to FanDuel for the MLB Playoff odds. As of this morning, the Bucs are +1260, so if you feel they can somehow still pull this thing off, there’s a hefty payout in it for you.

Thanks for voting. Be back soon!

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Yankees news: Aaron Boone believes offense will improve

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 05: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees looks on prior to the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Hailey Leonard/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Athletic | Brendan Kuty: I wish I believed in anything as much as Aaron Boone believes the Yankees’ offensive woes will just magically fix themselves. Since Tuesday, the day their big trade deadline acquisitions made their debuts, the Yankees have scored just 12 runs in five games. Boone acknowledges this team can be really good but needs the offense to improve in order to get there as the starting pitching, at least, has held things down extremely admirably. Yet, there doesn’t seem to be any answer to the problem outside of hoping and praying Aaron Judge returns as soon as possible.

MLB Trade Rumors | Mark Polishuk: Some notes from around the AL East, but the key point of focus here is Aaron Judge being cleared to begin some upper-body training and light running drills earlier this week. While he’s still got a long way to go and there’s still no timetable for his return, it’s at least some glimmer of hope that hadn’t previously been there for a long time. Though, Brian Cashman reiterated yesterday that he will need to be 100% before they think of bringing him back as they don’t want to risk him injuring something else in a rush to come and save this team. Some of those words are paraphrasing by yours truly, but that’s the gist of it.

MLB.com | MLB.com Staff: When the Yankees signed Antonio Gomez as an international free agent in 2018, they did so as a catcher. Eight years later, Gomez was making his season debut for Single-A Tampa as a pitcher and came out dealing. Ranked with a 70-grade arm, Gomez threw a scoreless inning in relief, averaging 99.9 mph on his fastball and touched or passed 100 mph five times in his 15 pitches of work. Though he transitioned to the mound last season while with Double-A Somerset, he was hurt to start the year, thus making his debut in Tampa.

NJ.com | Keith Sargeant: It’s always a cringeworthy moment when a bat or ball makes its way out of the playing surface and strikes someone. That’s exactly what happened earlier in June when a New Jersey woman was attending a game against the Cleveland Guardians. She’s now suing the Yankees, Yankee Stadium, and companies that her complaint identifies as being involved with the stadium’s protective netting system, for what’s described as “preventable” injuries. They claim the netting was lower in her section than others after a José Ramírez bat made its way into the stands.

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Dan Hurley swats away roster moves amid 'total chaos' of re-opened transfer portal

STORRS, CT – Norman Dale, the fictional coach at the center of "Hoosiers," had his five starters.  

Dan Hurley has his roster, and on Friday, the UConn men’s basketball coach made clear he has no intention of shopping for any more players, even as college basketball’s portal chaos rages on around him. 

"My team is on the court," Hurley said after Friday’s practice, riffing on the "Hoosiers" line to make clear the Huskies are done making changes to their roster.  

More: Dick Vitale announces he's progressing well in latest cancer battle

The quip doubled as a statement of contentment, with Hurley closing UConn’s summer practice slate by saying he’s not looking to add any new players to his roster following the recent pool of players who were granted eligibility.

Last week, a federal judge in Colorado ruled athletes from the high school class of 2022, who used up their fourth season of eligibility this spring, can return for a fifth year in 2026-2027. It’s a decision the NCAA is expected to appeal, and one that threatens to upend rosters just as school gets underway.  

The ruling effectively opened a fresh, unplanned wave of transfers in the first week of August, with dozens of newly eligible players searching for a landing spot.  

For Hurley, who has been outspoken about the state of college basketball, the timing only sharpened his frustration.  

"Now let's unleash 80 players into the sport in the first week of August," Hurley said. "We can't go on like this. And anyone who acts like it's great, it's good for college basketball, they've already taken the stance that this is what they've wanted, and now they're just defending their position. It's total chaos and it's not sustainable." 

Hurley said the summer has been a “roller coaster,” but he’s impressed with the talent and depth of this year’s group.  

"There are days you walk out of here and you want to let the company that makes the banners know that we might have a shot at one this year. And then there's days you walk out of here and think your team sucks, and you want to beat your head against the wall,” Hurley said.  

UConn returns stars Braylon Mullins and Silas Demary Jr., but also has had an infusion of notable transfers such as Na'jai Hines, Oskar Giltay, Nils Machowski and Nik Khamenia.  

The Huskies will have a gauntlet of a nonconference schedule that includes matchups with Duke, Kansas, Arizona, Illinois and Michigan.  

Silas Demary ready for bigger role with UConn in 2026-27

Demary is having a great summer so far.  

The all-Big East first-team selection and 2026 Naismith defensive player of the year showcased a jump in his offensive game during the scrimmage portion of Friday’s practice. Demary was dominant as a pick-and-roll ball handler while also showcasing high-level shot making from all three levels.  

But while the work on the court has improved, Demary is hoping to take another leap as a leader.  

“I think being a senior here and being a returner is definitely a lot,” Demary said. “I think just talking to the coaches and knowing that I'll have to step up in that leadership role. They’re helping me, even on my tough days. They’re still telling me how to be a leader and how to figure those things out.” 

Demary started all but one game last season when he averaged 10.5 points and 5.7 assists. He said he learned a lot from last year’s seniors Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. to adjust to being in a front-facing role.  

“Just being able to go through last year with them and then now being that that older guy to experience the senior on this team, like it's cool. It's a lot of fun, it's cool to see them come to me and ask me about different questions about plays and different reads. I feel like I'm in a great spot, and it's great to see those guys leaning on me.” 

UConn basketball freshman standouts 

Wheeler Wildcats forward Colben Landrew (3) dunks during the fourth quarter of a City of Palms Classic first round game against the Bishop McNamara Mustangs at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

Guard Junior County and forward Colben Landrew were among Friday’s standouts.  

County, the 2026 Utah Gatorade player of the year, averaged 19.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game this past season at Wasatch Academy.  

“Junior is one of the most prepared freshmen we've had come in here,” Hurley said. “The guy's maturity level, the high school program, his parents –– he came in with great pedigree. You have summers where you just love the way a player comes in, and he probably stands out more than anyone this summer.”  

Landrew was a highly touted prospect coming out of Wheeler High School in Georgia. The 6-6, 236-pound forward was a two-sport star as an all-state wide receiver. 

“Colben is talented like these early entry guys to the draft have looked like,” Hurley said. “It's the hardest work he's ever done in his life. ... As his body and his mind and his emotions learn to handle that, he'll unleash all of his abilities. But he's got early entry NBA ability.”  

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dan Hurley swats away roster moves amid 'total chaos' of re-opened transfer portal

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Vondrousova’s antics put tennis doping tests in spotlight – a far cry from football’s view | Tumaini Carayol

Former Wimbledon champion’s suspension comes as Mykhailo Mudryk returns for Chelsea, exposing stark contrast in processes

In the months between the first announcement of Marketa Vondrousova’s doping test refusal and the release of the full reasoned decision after her four‑year ban, the 2023 Wimbledon champion did her best to grab hold of the narrative. Between her social media posts and later interviews, Vondrousova explained that she had serious concerns about her safety during the encounter, that the doping control officer at her door had acted improperly, and that her mental health problems had affected her judgment.

Then came the 58-page document, a summary of the court tribunal process, which was finally released a little over a week ago. Among the ample questionable decisions it showed Vondrousova to have made that evening, the text to her boyfriend shortly after the doping control officer arrived was particularly revealing, an indication that she felt disdain towards the tester rather than fear: “So like here is ringing some cunt from the doping,” she wrote.

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St Helens’ decline reaches breaking point with stench of failure lingering

Record 10-time Super League champions are poised to miss out on playoffs for the first time but their problems run deeper than poor results

Perhaps the biggest concern as the full-time hooter sounded on another miserable evening for St Helens on Thursday was that the anger, along with thousands of supporters, had long since disappeared and had been replaced with a sense of apathy.

No club have been as consistent a force in the history of Super League quite like Saints. Wigan were almost relegated 20 years ago, Leeds have finished in the bottom half on multiple occasions and the other two champions, Bradford and Hull KR, have spent extended spells outside of Super League. And that is why this is such a story.

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Rangers midfielder Diomande set for move to Turkey – gossip

Turkish Super Lig club Corum are discussing the final details with Rangers for the transfer of Mohamed Diomande, with the 24-year-old midfielder expected in Istanbul on Monday for a medical and contract talks. (Ertan Suzgun on X)

Corum are closing in on a move to sign Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande for a fee of around £4.5m. (Rangers Review)

Çorum have made an official offer of £4.8m to Rangers for Mohamed Diomande. (Yagis Sabuncuoglu on X)

The bid rejected by Rangers for striker Youssef Chermiti was from Galatasaray for £22m, which would have been a club record sale. (Rangers Review)

Frosinone's asking price of £17.1m for Farès Ghedjemis has coolled the interest of quite a few clubs, including Rangers, in the 23-year-old winger. (Foot Mercato)

Rangers are exploring a deal for 20-year-old Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic. (Daily Record)

Rangers are considering taking Serbia right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Aston Villa on a season-long loan. (The Herald)

PSV Eindhoven head coach Peter Bosz insists Rangers transfer target Couhaib Driouech was left out of their Eredivisie opener against Fortuna Sittard due to a lack of fitness as the Ibrox club look to strike a £7m deal. (Daily Record)

After having a £6m bid rejected, Rangers remain in talks with PSV Eindhoven over a deal for 24-year-old winger Couhaib Driouech, with Burnley and Celta Vigo also interested. (Sky Sports)

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

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NBA world reacts to the passing of Don Nelson

Don Nelson was just fun to be around.

He was more than that as a basketball lifer: Five-time champion as a player with the Boston Celtics, three-time Coach of the Year, an innovator on offense and a Hall of Famer. But also, people just liked being around Nelson, listening to him.

On the news of his death Sunday, the tributes poured in from former players, fellow coaches and the NBA family.

"One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Stephen Curry said in a statement. "The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I'll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him. He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He's a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career. Sending my love to Joy, his family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him."

"Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA – winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations.

"I send my deepest condolences to Don's family and many friends throughout our league."

"Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game. His impact on the Warriors is just as significant. He helped shape some of the most memorable teams and moments in franchise history and built a lasting connection with generations of Warriors fans. His legacy will always remain an important part of this organization. My thoughts are with the entire Nelson family."

"Don Nelson had an impact on my life that went far beyond basketball," former Warrior and Hall of Famer Chris Mullin said. "At a time when I needed it, Nellie was there for me. He cared about me as a person first, and I'll never forget the support, honesty and belief he showed me during a difficult time in my life. We shared so much together over the years, and I'll always be grateful for the role he played in my life and career. Nellie was more than a coach to me; he was someone who truly cared. I loved him, and my thoughts are with Joy, Donnie and his entire family."

"When I think of Nellie, I'll always think of the 'We Believe' team and our incredible run in 2007," said Baron Davis. "He understood what made us go and made us believe we could beat anybody, ultimately helping us make history as the first No. 8 seed to defeat a No. 1 seed in a seven-game series. That time in my life and career was truly special, and Nellie was a huge part of making it possible. I'll always be grateful for the memories, the laughs and everything we accomplished together. I'm thinking of Joy and the entire Nelson family, remembering the happiness he brought to so many."

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Padres Reacts Survey Results: Fans not overly impressed with Trade Deadline additions

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 07: Robbie Ray #38 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Houston Astros during the second inning at Petco Park on August 07, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country.

The San Diego Padres fanbase has been through a lot this season. It started with early season reports that San Diego had the worst farm system in the MLB. That transitioned to an MLB offense that was ranked near the bottom of the league in every statistical category, a pitching rotation decimated by injury and a patchwork of arms that was unwatchable at times. Despite all of that, rookie manager Craig Stammen had his team playing well and at one point 11 games over .500. Talk at the time was that how the Padres were winning games was unsustainable. Then the crashed happened. San Diego hit the skids and had a losing streak that saw them fall below .500 as the team headed into the All-Star break.

Coming out of the break, the conversation among fans, Padres front office personnel and the baseball world turned toward what the team should do at the MLB Trade Deadline. The Padres had hoped to come out of the All-Star break and jump right into a winning streak that would compel San Diego president of baseball operations and general manager to buy at the deadline, or at the very least keep what was in place. Instead, the Padres dropped two games to the Kansas City Royals and three games to the Atlanta Braves and started their post-All-Star road trip 2-5 heading into a three-game series at Miami.

The Padres went on to sweep the Marlins and finished their road trip 5-5 and headed back to San Diego for a homestand against the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants. There was still no indication what the Padres would do at the deadline and with a two-game sweep of the Rockies and taking three out of four games against the Giants, Preller and his team became buyers. However, there was still talk San Diego could try to be a buyer and possibly sell some pieces to improve the poorly ranked farm system. By the time the deadline had come and passed, the Padres had acquired two of the top starters available and a utility player and kept the roster intact.

San Diego added starters Robbie Ray, who had just got the win for San Francisco when the two teams met, and Casey Mize and Gage Workman from the Detroit Tigers. It was good to see Preller address the rotation, which proved to be the most glaring need at the deadline, but he paid the price for adding two rental arms, further depleting his farm system. Some people were unhappy with the decision not to trade players in the final years of their contracts like Adrian Morejon or Ty France. Some were unhappy that players with options at the end of the year like Michael King were not traded. But throughout baseball Preller and the Padres were lauded for the work they did at the Trade Deadline.

The Padres Reacts Survey question from this week asked respondents to give their take on the deadline moves. There were multiple options to choose from, including “Great,” “Good,” “Fair,” “Poor,” and “Terrible.” The majority were right in the middle with no one getting too high and no one getting too low. After seeing the first two starts from Ray and Mize the responses might look different, but both players were out of routine and are expected to bounce back in their next outings. The Padres, Preller and the Friar Faithful all hope so or this could turn into one of the worst deadlines of Preller’s tenure.

Brought to you by FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

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Adelaide great Taylor Walker to retire at end of AFL season: ‘I knew it was the right time’

  • Crows key forward, 36, to call time on career after one last shot at flag

  • ‘I have treated it like my last year for the past six years,’ he says

Adelaide great Taylor Walker says he doesn’t need a premiership to be fulfilled with his AFL career – but he sure would love one. The 36-year-old decided to retire at the end of the season when he woke in an emotional state at 3am last Wednesday.

“The closer I have got to the end, it has probably become a little bit more evident that it might be this year – but I have treated it like my last year for the past six years,” Walker told reporters on Monday.

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Yankees still waiting for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to ‘get dialed in’ as slump continues

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after striking out.
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after striking out in the ninth inning during a game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

The Yankees keep waiting for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to take off.

With 44 games left in the season, it has yet to actually happen.

At a time when the Yankees are going through a brutal stretch offensively — including Sunday’s 2-1, 10-inning loss to the Braves — without Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton, they could sorely use someone to spark the lineup. Chisholm has the skill set to make that happen, except he has not been able to put things together consistently all season, finishing Sunday batting .216 with a .691 OPS through 109 games.

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“I think all year, just struggling to really get dialed in,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s never had that real hot streak, which he’s certainly capable of. We’ve seen over the last couple years, where it’s two, three, four weeks of impactful damage, speed, getting on, things like that.”

Chisholm went 1-for-3 with a walk Sunday (while also committing a throwing error on a chopper-turned-infield-single that he could not cleanly grip out of his glove).

Though he is certainly not alone in his offensive struggles, the pending free agent is as capable as anyone on the Yankees of single-handedly changing a game.

He just has not been able to do it often enough.

New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reacts after striking out in the ninth inning during a game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY. Jason Szenes for the New York Post

“I’ve been feeling OK,” Chisholm said. “Hit it hard, get out. Sometimes not even making contact. But every day, going out there and grinding, trying to make things happen for the team.”

After throwing 48 pitches in 2 ²/₃ innings Saturday night in his first rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Carlos Rodón (left elbow inflammation) will likely make another this week before returning to the Yankees.

“I watched his outing this morning, thought he looked pretty good, thought he threw the ball pretty well,” Boone said. “So I would assume we’ll probably have another one for him at least.”

Cody Bellinger, now two weeks removed from suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, has been running and hitting, though it is unclear if he could beat the four-to-six week timeline he was given.

“It seems like he’s doing pretty well, but until we get to that finish line …” Boone said.

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Clarke Schmidt, who experienced forearm cramping during his live bullpen session Tuesday, has played catch but has yet to throw a bullpen session since then.

“I think we’re good, but we got to get to that point where he’s back on the mound, which hopefully is the next couple days,” Boone said.

Giancarlo Stanton (right calf strain) did some more running in the outfield Sunday at what appeared to be a pretty good intensity, but he still did not run the bases.

Anthony Volpe got his first start at second base at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday night and handled all three ground balls hit to him cleanly. He was back at shortstop Sunday as he gets eased into the new position that could be how he gets back to the big leagues, whether that is this year or next.

Chris Sale, apparently still annoyed at the balk called on him Saturday that scored the go-ahead run, was ejected before first pitch Sunday.

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Victor Eklund putting in the work with battle Islanders roster spot ahead of him

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A New York Islanders player #73 skates across the ice with his hockey stick, Image 2 shows New York Islanders player #73 wearing a blue jersey and holding a hockey stick

The Islanders don’t want to rush their prospects, and as underwhelming as this offseason was, they will head into training camp about a month from now with a depth chart Victor Eklund will need to earn his way up.

This probably did not play into the rationale for keeping around Ondrej Palat, Anthony Duclair and Pierre Engvall — if so, it was a very small piece of the puzzle. But it is a good situation for Eklund’s development.

The Islanders’ depth chart on the wings ensures a competitive training camp in which Eklund will not be given a spot by default. It is also highly likely that, if Eklund isn’t part of the roster Sept. 29 in Toronto, circumstances will conspire to get him a chance sooner rather than later.

This is not a redux of Matthew Schaefer, who walked into the NHL like he was armed with a machine gun against machetes. Almost nothing is. The 19-year-old Eklund, who played most of last season with Djurgårdens, his hometown SHL club, will occupy a similar role in the upcoming training camp as Cal Ritchie did a year ago.

Victor Eklund of the New York Islanders skates against the Carolina Hurricanes while playing in his first NHL game at UBS Arena on April 14, 2026, in Elmont, New York. Getty Images

Ritchie, recall, came into camp as the obvious 24th man on an eventual 23-man roster. He excelled throughout and made it obvious he would be in the NHL sooner rather than later before a minor injury spared the Islanders from making what would have been an incredibly tough, albeit inevitable, decision to send him to Bridgeport. He ultimately played one game in the AHL before being promoted, and spent the season with the Islanders.

Should Eklund follow a similar path, his 2026-27 season would be a rousing success.

“I think the question is not if he’s going to be able to play in the NHL. The question is how much can you get out from him to his maximum, if you know what I mean,” Michael Holmqvist, a Djurgårdens assistant coach and Eklund family friend, told The Post on Sunday, “because I think a lot of players can survive playing and doing the job, getting the pucks out, getting the pucks deep and stuff like that and be an energy guy. But I think there’s a lot more to Vic than just being that.

“So the question for me is, what’s the best thing for him to do right now? Is it to work himself into the NHL right away and trust the process, stuff like that? Or get more time practicing his offensive game. I think that’s the question for the Islanders.”

Eklund, along with Anton Frondell, Viggo Björck and fellow Islanders prospect Calle Odelius, has been practicing with Djurgårdens recently as SHL training camp has picked up. He’s put on a few pounds of muscle, and that will need to continue being a theme as he grows.

Victor Eklund (73) of the New York Islanders records his first NHL assist in his first game on a second-period goal by Bo Horvat (14) against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 14, 2026, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. For Horvat, the goal was his 300th in the NHL. Getty Images

Even with a wiry frame, 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, he has a terrific reputation for winning puck battles and one-on-ones along the boards. There is some question whether he’ll need more muscle for it to translate to the NHL, but, Holmqvist said, he wondered the same when Eklund went from the Allsvenskan — Sweden’s second division — to the SHL, only for his compete level to keep shining through.

Eventually, that relentlessness could translate into Eklund being an effective net-front player, something the Islanders desperately need with Anders Lee’s exit. There is still, though, a long way to go.

“I talked about that three days ago with him,” Holmqvist said. “Because we talked about it last year to find that spot and that’s probably where he’s going to find most of his goals and points. So he’s aware of it, but he needs someone to be there every day and remind, remind, remind..”

What the finished product looks like is a question that won’t be answered this year. For an Islanders club in transition, that’s perfectly fine. They have the luxury of being able to cater to what’s best for their prospects. As for what that is?

“I think the next couple months will tell,” Holmqvist said.