DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns plays against the Detroit Pistons during a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on October 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/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 Suns fans and fans across the country.
The battle for the starting center position in Phoenix has been one of the key storylines to follow throughout the preseason. Through three games, we’ve seen Oso Ighodaro start twice and Khaman Maluach get the nod once. We’ve had an opportunity to see how both players operate alongside the starting unit, although when Maluach started, the Suns were without Devin Booker and Miles Bridges.
From a statistical perspective, Ighodaro has combined for 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in his two starts. Meanwhile, Maluach made his lone start count, recording 10 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. Who has the edge? Perhaps it’s too close to call.
Both possess distinctly different skill sets, with Ighodaro serving as an offensive connector and Maluach providing a more productive defensive presence and rebounding ability. Oso gets the nod for his perimeter defense and rim running, while Maluach offers greater size and the potential to space the floor. Decisions, decisions!
It’s still too early to cast judgment on who should ultimately occupy the starting center position when the regular season begins. There are compelling arguments for both candidates, and each brings a distinct skill set to the table. But that’s exactly the subject of this week’s Bright Side Reacts survey. We’re asking you to put yourself in head coach Jordan Ott’s shoes and decide who you believe should be the starting center for the Phoenix Suns.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 12: José Ramírez #11 and Chase DeLauter #24 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrate after scoring runs during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the American League Championship Series at Tropicana Field on October 12, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Where to watch: TBS/HBO MAX, TruTV, Univision/ TUDN
The Guardians come into tonight’s Game 2 of the ALCS looking to take control of the series, while the Rays hope to even the series before heading up to Cleveland.
Tampa Bay and Cleveland came into Game 1 of the ALCS off of very different ALDS performances. The Rays breezed through a sweep of the Yankees, having only allowed five runs across the three games. Cleveland, on the other hand, came back from a 0-2 deficit to win three in a row and send the Chicago White Sox home in the most dramatic of this year’s Division Series. And so, as we’ve seen many times in baseball before, Game 1 saw the hot team beat the rested team, with the Guardians stealing a game in Tropicana Field.
Game 1 was won largely off the brilliance of José Ramírez and rookie Chase DeLauter. The Maryland-born DeLauter got Cleveland on the board with a solo HR in the 6th, setting the stage for Cleveland’s comeback. After Patrick Bailey homer tied it at 2 in the 7th, before Ramírez and DeLauter sparked the winning rally in the 8th.
J-Ram started the inning with a single and move to third on DeLauter’s double. Nathaniel Lowe then singled up the middle off Tyler Wells to give the Guardians a 4-2 and put them up for good. Cedric Mullins hit a solo homer in the bottom of the 8th to cut the deficit in half, but Ramírez and DeLauter would spark a three-run rally in the 9th to seal Cleveland’s victory.
Game 2 now sees a matchup of All-Stars Freddy Peralta and Parker Messick. Peralta continued his resurgence with the Rays in Game 2 of the ALDS, putting up a line of 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB and 3 Ks in a 5-2 win over the Yankees. That start lowered Peralta’s ERA to 3.15 since joining the Rays at the trade deadline, and 1.10 since the beginning of September.
The rookie southpaw Messick was brilliant in the regular season, but only so-so in two games against the White Sox. He took the loss in Game 1 against Chicago after allowing 2 runs across 4.2 IP while striking out six. In Game 4, he exited early due to a lack of control, walking 4 and allowing 2 runs in only 2.1 innings. Messick had a 1.35 ERA across 13.1 innings with 15 Ks against the Rays in the regular season. Peralta did not face the Guardians this year, last pitching against Cleveland in a 5-0 loss last year with Milwaukee.
Oct 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; A general view of the MLB postseason logo prior to game one of the ALDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs between New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Perhaps unexpected results in both games yesterday, though the Brewers won more games in the regular season than the Dodgers. Still, you’d probably have got long odds against Milwaukee winning the games started by both Skubal and Yamamoto. Still, they go to Los Angeles, knowing that they cannot be eliminated there. The Brewers either win the series there, or it’ll be returning to Milwaukee. Certainly, the Dodgers have not looked great this postseason especially on offense. They currently have a playoff OPS of just .591, which is the worst of the eight teams to get past the wild-card round. And that’s despite leading the post-season in HR, with eight.
Mind you, the overall OPS across all the playoffs is just .633, which is the lowest for a season since 1983. Pitching usually does tighten up in the post-season: the OPS there has been below .700 four of the past five years. But this year, it’s been a spectacular drop-off in offense. Anyway, just the one game today, the Rays seeking to even their series after an unexpected meltdown by their bullpen yesterday.
Cleveland Guardians @ Tampa Bay Rays (1-0): 5 pm, TBS/HBO Max
The Convention Center in the waterfront area and skyline landscape of buildings in Tampa Florida USA. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Game two of the ALCS, the Guardians won game one.
The starters tonight are Parker Messick (12-9, 2.56) for the Guardians and Freddy Peralta (10-11, 4.42) for the Rays. I picked up Parker in trade in OOTP Baseball, and he’s been pretty good for me.
I’m not cheering for either team. I figured that, while watching yesterdays game that I would figure out who I was cheering for, but I just enjoyed watching, without picking a team.
Now the Brewers Dodgers series, I know who I’m cheering for.
Shohei Ohtani, physically diminished and mired in one of the worst slumps of his major league career, will remain in the lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Ohtani, 32, has just three singles in 20 at-bats this postseason, with seven strikeouts and three walks. He has not hit a home run since Aug. 18, and finished the regular season batting .160 with a .284 on-base percentage over his final 88 plate appearances. The Dodgers finally put him on the injured list in early September, a concession to left knee and right biceps injuries that hampered him much of this season and reduced him to a one-way player.
It's a significant contrast from last postseason, when Ohtani hit eight home runs in 84 plate appearances, posted a .405 OBP and 1.096 OPS, while pitching at least once every series. The Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series, in seven games over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Facing a 2-0 deficit in this NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, Roberts held a long conversation with Ohtani in the off day before Game 3 and emerged confident Ohtani will begin producing.
"The word I would use is conviction: He was very convicted that he's on to something mechanically," Roberts told reporters in Los Angeles. "He was adamant that he can help us, he's well enough to help us win a baseball game. That's all we needed to hear."
The Dodgers and Ohtani have both kept the extent of his injuries vague, and Ohtani's performance since returning from the IL − a combined 8-for-41 including the postseason, with just one double and 15 strikeouts − have hardly tamped down concerns about his health.
Ohtani said Tuesday he believes the IL stint helped and that his health has improved.
"The symptoms have subdued a lot, especially when I was on the IL, spending that time just being able to reduce the symptoms," Ohtani told reporters in Los Angeles, via interpreter Will Ireton. "As of now with the swing, it's a daily process of trying different things, different feel on a daily basis."
Says Roberts: "It’s everything. It’s the upper body. It’s the knee. He’s just not perfect. But in his words, he’s ready to go."
In a sense, the fear of the Dodgers pulling the plug on Ohtani before he breaks out seems to exceed the concerns over continuing to run him out there. For now, the potential outweighs the empty plate appearances the Dodgers have received from their superstar through two NLCS games.
"We can all kind of analyze this. But no one knows what’s going to happen tomorrow or ensuing days," says Roberts. "But in this big moment, we’re listening to Shohei and we’re going to support the crap out of him and believe in him."
Ohtani refused to blame injuries for his poor performance, even as he's had to mitigate them for several weeks − and into the most scrutinized portion of the season.
"The symptoms shouldn't be the reason why I can't hit, and even if the injuries happen by accident, I take full responsibility," Ohtani told reporters. "I take that as an opportunity for me to just take full responsibility for it. Today it's going to be another process for me to tinker and try new things."
The biggest question in baseball has finally been answered.
Shohei Ohtani will remain in the Dodgers’ starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night.
Manager Dave Roberts announced that decision during an off-day workout on Tuesday, confirming that Ohtani will continue as the Dodgers’ designated hitter despite an ongoing slump at the plate amid injuries to his left knee and right arm.
“He’s adamant he feels good enough to be in there,” Roberts said. “He’s close to finding something with his swing. I feel great about it.”
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani runs out his ground out during the third inning of Game 2 of baseball’s National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Ashley Landis
Ohtani took the podium at Dodger Stadium after Roberts’ address, speaking to reporters for the first time since the start of the playoffs, and shared similar confidence in his ability to turn things around.
“The symptoms shouldn’t be the reason why I can’t hit,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, adding that he takes “full responsibility” for his lack of results so far this October.
“The No. 1 priority is for the team to win,” he added. “So whether that be for me to contribute on the offensive side, I do want to feel confident in the approach that I’m taking on that day, whether that be mechanical or anything else. So that’s really just been my focus overall.”
However, a source with knowledge of the situation later said the decision would come down to whether Ohtani still felt healthy enough to continue in his role as the two-time defending champion’s DH.
And, in a meeting with Roberts, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes in the manager’s office earlier Thursday afternoon, Ohtani strongly expressed that he did.
“He was very convicted that he is onto something mechanically,” Roberts said. “He was adamant that he can help us, he’s well enough to help us win a baseball game. So that’s all I needed to hear.”
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in game two of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Entering October, the Dodgers knew Ohtani’s injury issues would be difficult to manage. The two-way star had been at less than 100% since June, when he first developed a left knee problem that ultimately sidelined him as a pitcher. His right arm ailment had also become increasingly problematic down the stretch of the regular season, forcing him to spend two weeks on the injured list in September and contributing to a home run drought that dates back to Aug. 18.
“It’s everything,” Roberts said when asked specifically what is ailing Ohtani most right now. “It’s the upper body, it’s the knee. He’s just not perfect. He’s not.” But in his words, he’s ready to go.”
“We’re better with him in the lineup,” he said. “Everyone knows that.”
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) and pitching coach Mark Prior (99) look on against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning in Game 2 of the NLCS at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Granted, that wasn’t the case on Monday, when Ohtani had his worst postseason performance yet. He struck out twice, failed to reach base safely for the first time in this year’s playoffs and looked glaringly out of sync with a number of awkward, uncomfortable swings.
But, Roberts said his confidence in the slugger has “never wavered” and clarified that his Monday night comments were not intended to be taken as a potential “benching.”
“It’s more of [asking him], ‘Hey, man, if you’re not feeling good enough that you feel like you can perform up to your ability, then we’ll pivot, give you a couple days,'” Roberts said, comparing Ohtani’s situation to that of Freddie Freeman’s in the 2024 playoffs, when the first baseman was given several off days in the early rounds of the postseason before going on to win MVP honors in the World Series.
“Talking to [Ohtani], he feels like he’s close to finding something and was close yesterday in finding something mechanically,” Roberts added. “With that, I’m excited. I’m all about it. So he’ll be in there.”
Roberts’ hope is that Ohtani will take all the renewed questions about his performance as a “personal challenge.”
“All great players have that in the biggest moments,” he said. “They expect to perform more than anyone.”
Whether Ohtani can do that in his current condition remains to be seen.
But for now, he will at least continue to get the opportunity, with the club deciding against the drastic move of dropping him to the bench.
“At the end of the day, in this big moment, we’re listening to Shohei,” Roberts said. “We’re going to support the crap out of him and believe in him, and that’s it.”
Oct 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (middle) in the dug out against the Cleveland Guardians in game one of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Los Angeles Dodgers are down 0-2 in their series agaisnt the Milwaukee Brewers after dropping both games road games. The two squads now get a day off to travel to Los Angeles where the series will continue, and possibly end if the Dodgers aren’t able to wake up. The reigning champions are more vulnerable than ever over the past three years and it’s almost like the entire baseball world is rooting for anyone other than LA. If they can’t win tomorrow that might be it for the defending champs.
We do have baseball today though as we shift our full attention to the American League. The Cleveland Guardians were able to snatch the first game yesterday evening, using some late offense to steal Game 1 in Tampa Bay and putting themselves in a great early position against the AL’s #1 seed. Led by manager and former Athletic Stephen Vogt, the Guardians are looking to break the second-longest championship drought across the four major American sports, bested only by the NFL’s Cardinals. After 78 years, I think Cleveland is ready to experience a parade.
Guardians at Rays (8:00 PM EDT)
Tampa Bay is the league’s #1 seed and looked like it for the first half in last night’s series opener. The final frames however were ugly for the Rays as their bullpen imploded and cost them the game. They might not have hit the panic button just yet but if they drop both of their home games, they’re in serious trouble.
For tonight they’ll have right-hander Freddy Peralta (5-2, 3.25 ERA*) taking the ball for this critical contest. The veteran has looked much better since his mid-season trade to Florida, helping to stabilize a Rays rotation that has plenty of upside but lots of health questions as well. Peralta has plenty of experience pitching in playoff games and tonight’s could be the biggest of his career. The Rays can not afford to go down 0-2 in this series before heading to Cleveland. They might not make it back to The Trop if they can’t secure the W tonight.
While the Rays have a grizzled veteran going for them tonight, Cleveland have rookie right-hander Parker Messick (12-9, 2.56 ERA) on the mound in this one. The righty is wrapping up his first full season as a big league pitcher and his 2026 couldn’t have gone much better. The 25-year-old made all 32 of his scheduled starts after claiming a spot in the season-opening rotation. Outside of a tough June Messick was pitching like an ace all season long and his 2.56 ERA ranks sixth in the entire sport. The Guardians got to like their chances with him on the mound, though they’ve been careful with him in his two postseason starts so far.
And here’s how the Guardians will line up this evening:
Who you guys got taking tonight’s game? Do the Rays find themselves in an 0-2 hole heading back to Cleveland or will they be able to snag their second home game from the Guardians. We’re about to find out!
*Statistics are with Rays only after his acquisition from the Mets at this summer’s trade deadline
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Gabe McGlothan #41 of the Boston Celtics guards Meleek Thomas #15 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter of the preseason game 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
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country.
The Cleveland Cavaliers had a busy offseason. To simplify things, they exchanged Max Strus, Dean Wade, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis for Peyton Watson, Mario Hezonja, and Meleek Thomas.
Watson, Hezonja, and Thomas enter the year with very different expectations, and have each shown something different during these exhibition games.
Watson has the potential to be a breakout player. The 24-year-old, 6’8” wing has shown flashes of being a two-way impact player during the first four years of his career with the Denver Nuggets. The Cavs are giving him more opportunities to help him develop. And they gave him a four-year, $88 million deal, believing that he will be a consistent, high-level two-way player.
Hezonja isn’t joining the Cavs with those expectations. Cleveland is hoping that the once top-five pick can be a versatile, do-everything backup four that is on a veteran minimum deal. Not nearly as much is invested in this low-risk, high-reward gamble.
The Cavs are high on Thomas. The 20-year-old second-round pick has shown glimpses of being an efficient, score-first guard during Summer League and at times in the preseason. Thomas probably won’t be a high-impact player right away. It’s rare that a rookie taken in the second round makes a meaningful contribution on a contending team, but maybe Thomas can be the exception.
So, which one of these three players has impressed you the most in preseason based on your expectations coming into this preseason?
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 04: Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) and Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) wait for the puck to drop during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche on April 4, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s Frozen Frenzy day, with all 32 NHL teams playing in 16 games starting at 4 p.m. MT, and the Avalanche will meet the Dallas Stars in Texas for the first of a home-and-home series at 6:30 p.m. MT!
The Stars are fresh off a 2-1 SO loss in Pittsburgh, and the Avalanche arrive in Dallas on the heels of their worst loss of the short season against Toronto on home ice. Which Central Division powerhouse will prevail in ‘Big D’?
Colorado Avalanche: 3-2-0
The Opponent: Dallas Stars (2-2-1)
Time: 6:30 p.m. MT
Watch: ESPN, ESPN+
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche are likely pining to hit the ice again after their performance against the Maple Leafs this past Saturday. The days since have been filled with talk of potential goalie concerns, defensive lapses, and, of course, more on Avalanche power-play production.
I find myself dancing between seeing genuinely concerning things and knowing it’s far too early in the season to draw many conclusions about this Colorado club. Many of my fears about this team have surfaced in their two losses, but even more about why they should be a legitimate threat to win it all bubble up in their victories.
I’d love to see the Avalanche win a defensively structured, playoff-like game in this home-and-home against Dallas, as I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect at least a split series. That said, they are far more likely to secure the sweep if they tighten up their defense and stop playing like a team still in summer shinny mode. Colorado needs to raise their grown-up game against their fiercest rival.
Speaking of raising the level, Mackenzie Blackwood will get the net tonight, so he’ll have a chance to sway some detractors and show resolve after a tough 17-save, 23-shot evening in his last start. If that doesn’t happen, former Star Scott Wedgewood will get a crack at planting the seeds of a goalie controversy tomorrow night.
The Stars have gotten off to a slower start than I think most fans and pundits expected, but it’s not because of a lack of production from former Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen, who has 6 points (2 goals, 4 assists). Scoring, however, has been the issue for the group as a whole. Dallas has scored 1 or fewer goals in each of its three defeats, including a shutout by the St. Louis Blues in their home opener.
Goaltender Jake Oettinger has looked excellent in his four starts, posting a 0.74 goals-against average and a .963 shot percentage, with two shutouts already on the books. Historically, Oettinger has been just okay against the Colorado Avalanche in the regular season, with a career regular-season 7-3-3 record, a .911 sv%, and a 3.05 GAA. Colorado’s 40 regular-season goals against Oettinger are the most he’s allowed to any one team in his career.
Dallas Stars netminder Jake Oettinger has let in more regular-season goals (40) when facing the Avalanche than he has against any other team in the NHL.#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey
NOTE: Don’t forget to download the new SB Nation app for a more mobile-friendly way to follow tonight’s action and engage with Mile High Hockey’s match threads. The Game Chat feature makes it easier than ever to comment and interact with your communities. The app is currently available in the U.S. and Canada on iOS and Android devices.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: A detail shot of an ALCS base 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
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers move to the City of Angels for Game 3 of the NLCS, tonight, attention focuses on the American League Championship Series as the Cleveland Guardians play their second game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 12: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on 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
Oct 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) runs the bases against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eighth inning in game one of the ALCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
While the NLCS is on hiatus Tuesday as the Dodgers and Brewers travel to Los Angeles with Milwaukee ahead 2-0, there will still be baseball on our televisions Tuesday evening.
The Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays play Game 2 of their ALCS at 8 p.m. (TBS, truTV and streaming on HBO Max) with the Guardians ahead 1-0 after rallying for a 7-3 win Monday night.
Tampa Bay, looking to avoid dropping both games at home to begin the series, sends Freddy Peralta (0-0, 1.93 ERA) to the mound after acquiring him from the Mets ahead of the trade deadline. Cleveland has Parker Messick (0-1, 5.40 ERA) making his third start of the postseason.
The Guardians have won four straight playoff games since losing their first two, while Tampa Bay saw its postseason-opening three-game win streak snapped in Game 1.
For those who are still invested even with the Braves eliminated, share your thoughts below when things get underway tonight in St. Petersburg, Fla.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 12: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Nolan Traore #10 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half of a preseason game at Capital One Arena on October 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the second straight year, Nolan Traore will be the youngest player on the youngest team in the NBA, a 20-year-old on a team whose average age is, again, a little more than 24. At 20 years and five months old, he is six weeks younger than Mikel Brown, the Nets No. 6 pick in the 2026 Draft. (Brown is also three weeks older than Ben Saraf.)
But in the NBA, youth only gets you so far and now in his second year, Traore is starting to show he belongs. It’s early and there’s only a small sample to work from, but as C.J. Holmes points out in the Daily News Tuesday, the 6’4” point guard with a shooter’s touch has growing confidence.
Traoré’s scoring has climbed with each appearance. He had 10 points against the Charlotte Hornets, 12 against Philadelphia 76ers and 17 Monday. Through three games, he’s averaging 13 points while shooting 65% overall and 57.1% from 3-point range. The percentages come from a small sample, but the confidence behind the attempts is clear.
A far cry from this time last year when there were doubts about about the No. 19 pick even inside the executive offices at 168 39th Street in Sunset Park. Like the top four picks in Nets historic draft, at least by numbers, he was considered somewhat of a reach. ESPN’s final mock draft had him going at No. 22. Never mind that he had once been seen as at top 5 prospect in the generational draft or the general assessment that he was the quickest guard in the Draft.
While fans wanted a finished product, others inside the front office understood that it was going to take time. He was new not just to the NBA, but the USA. He needed time to develop physically as well as mentally. And at the end of last season, after a 13-game stint with Long Island, he was putting up numbers, even if inconsistently. In the last six weeks in Brooklyn, he put up 13 points a game along with four assists and it seems he was more under control. But he had a lot to work on. As Brian Lewis reported, of every player who attempted at least 100 layups, his 44.4% was dead last.
Then over the summer, after arthroscopic surgery on his knee, he grew, like physically grew. He picked up an inch in height and about 12 pounds of what sure looks like muscle. He spoke about his transformation at Media Day.
“Definitely the more I play, the more confident I’ve gotten,” Traore told The Post. “I get a little better every game. I just feel great, and I hope it’s going to keep going.”
“My knee is completely fine now, so there’s no concern,” Traore, 20, said. “For me, [the offseason] was more the physical aspect. Obviously the shooting, too. I worked a lot on it and I feel good now. Changed a few things, too.
“Offseason was a lot of [time in the] gym. That was the main thing. Focusing on just getting better as a player, watching clips from the playoffs or watching reads. Working on my shot, too.”
His teammates and his coach noticed.
“I like his aggressiveness shooting the 3, and his shot looks very confident. Credit to the work he’s put in the whole summer. And just want to challenge him to improve defensively. There’s just a couple of hiccups that he could’ve been better; but I know he is tough and he’s up for the challenge.” head coach Jordi Fernández said postgame.
Traore also said the Nets more open offense this year is a big help to his individual game.
“It’s helped me a lot,” Traore told Lewis. “I think I’m better when the defense is not set because I can take gaps quickly and make plays off of that. So the more we play fast, the better I’m going to be.”
And the better Traore is, the better off Brooklyn will be.
Things will change, of course, Thursday night in Miami, the team’s final preseason game. Mikel Brown Jr. will finally make his NBA debut and there will be more competition for minutes among him, Brown Jr., Demin and Keon Ellis who Fernandez has started, liking his point-of-attack defense and 3-point shooting. Traore knows he will have fight for minutes and a role.
As Holmes wrote.
The opening-night depth chart remains unsettled, and Brown’s return will make the competition more complicated. Traoré has made an encouraging start. His best argument is to keep producing whenever Fernández gives him the ball.
“It was more focused on just having the same form every time, basic stuff,” Traoré said.
Pack your patience, Dub Nation. Eight days before the 2026-27 NBA regular-season opener, it is abundantly clear there will be moments of frustration as the Warriors apply the revamped offense coach Steve Kerr is trying to install.
One such moment came Tuesday night in a 101-89 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Barely two minutes into the game, Kerr was hopping off the bench signaling for a timeout, displeased with seeing a flaw reappear after being directly addressed one day earlier: Turnovers that give easy points to opponents.
“We have, I think, 90 (actually 84) turnovers through four games,” Kerr told reporters Monday after practice. “I haven’t harped on them until now because I know we’re really teaching a lot of things that are new for our guys. But now is the time. We only have two exhibition games left. We start the season a week from (Wednesday), so much of the film session was about our decision-making and showing poor decisions from the other night. Time and score, risk/reward type stuff.
“I give our guys a lot of credit; they really took the film session to heart. In the scrimmage part of our practice today, they did a great job.”
Or so Kerr thought – until the third minute of the game.
When Kerr signaled for timeout with 9:27 remaining in the first quarter, it was three seconds after Brandin Podziemski flipped an errant hook pass that was stolen, launching Los Angeles toward an easy transition bucket.
Golden State’s immediate response was an 8-0 run for its first lead of the game (12-11). Problem solved? Well, no. The Warriors in the second quarter committed nine giveaways, giving the giddy Lakers 12 points that fed their 63-50 halftime lead.
“Just mindless turnovers that completely allowed the game to get away from us,” Kerr told reporters at T-Mobile Center in Las Vegas. “The first quarter, you could see we’re still need a lot of work on everything that we’re talking about. Winning the game in the margins.”
Not until the second half, mostly against LA’s second and third wave of reserves, did Kerr’s message seem to be absorbed. While the Warriors were cleaner and more careful, the Lakers submitted a woefully pathetic performance, with almost twice as many turnovers (18) as field goals (10) over the final 24 minutes.
“Much better second half, overall, the energy and effort,” Kerr said. “But we’ve got to execute better. We have to finish in transition, make the easy plays and we’re not close yet.”
The second-half recovery – nine turnovers, giving LA the Lakers only four points – was enough to secure Golden State’s third victory in its first five preseason games. The finale comes Friday night at Chase Center against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kerr and his staff, as well as every member of the roster, understand that what matters most in the preseason is not the score, but process and execution.
“We’re not anywhere close to where we want to be,” Kerr said. “But we are working on the right things, we have a clear vision, the players are great guys, they’re committed, they want to do well. But our execution is just scattered at this point. You just got to keep working. It’s not going to happen overnight.”
Coming off this game, the Warriors have more to critique than celebrate. More areas of concern than confidence.
Consider that on a night when advanced vets Draymond Green and Al Horford were allowed to rest, solid point-of-attack defense and rim protection were MIA. Luka Dončić didn’t play, so Austin Reaves consistently got to the cup, torching a procession of defenders.
Consider that Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State’s Great Rookie Hope, rolled his left ankle in the third quarter. He left briefly, got checked out and later returned. This is, at the very least, worth watching.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 11: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jevon Carter #2 of the Orlando Magic dive for a loose ball during the first quarter of a preseason game at Rocket Arena on October 11, 2026, 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
The Cleveland Cavaliers wrap up their exhibition slate with a rematch against the Orlando Magic. The Cavs won the first meeting on Thursday 119-105.
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