The 5 p.m. cutoff for teams around the NHL to submit their opening night rosters has come, and the Minnesota Wild have unveiled theres.
Not featured on the roster are Filip Gustavsson and Brock Faber, both of whom will start the season on the injured reserve. Gustavsson is still recovering from off-season surgery, while Faber picked up an upper-body injury in a pre-season game.
Taking Gustavsson's roster spot is Calvin Pickard, whom the Wild acquired in the off-season on a one-year, $1 million contract.
Also making the opening-night roster are Charlie Stramel and David Spacek, both of whom competed for roster spots. Stramel beat out several other Wild prospects, while Spacek impressed the Wild coaching staff more than Carson Lambos, who cleared waivers and has joined the Iowa Wild in the AHL.
Besides Stramel and Spacek, there are no real surprises. Kirill Kaprizov and Marcus Foligno will wear the 'A's as alternate captains while Jared Spurgeon wears the 'C' as captain for the seventh season of his NHL career.
The Wild's NHL roster:
Forwards: Bobby Brink, Matt Boldy, Yakov Trenin, Joel Eriksson Ek, Charlie Stramel, Marcus Foligno, Blake Coleman, Danila Yurov, Ryan Hartman, Michael McCarron, Max Shabanov, Nick Foligno, Nico Sturm, and Kirill Kaprizov.
Defense: Olli Maatta, Zach Bogosian, Jonas Brodin, Quinn Hughes, Jared Spurgeon, Daemon Hunt, and David Spacek.
Goaltenders: Jesper Wallstedt and Calvin Pickard.
The Wild begin their NHL 2026-27 regular season on Thursday, Oct. 1 against the Nashville Predators on the road.
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He doubled down on that Monday, Sept. 28 in front of a packed room at 76ers media day.
"I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round," James said. "I know that for sure. Work needs to be done, and I’m ready to get to work."
The four-time NBA champion spent more than 18 minutes at the podium inside the 76ers' training facility on Monday, answering questions before a packed room that included team executives, Mike Gansey, the team's new president of basketball operations, with whom he had a previous relationship dating back to their Northeast Ohio roots and later their time together with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The session began with James cracking a joke as he removed his name tag from the table: "You guys know who I am, right?" But as his' introductory news conference continued, one overarching theme remained: Why Philadelphia?
Why return to the Eastern Conference and pick the 76ers, who got swept by the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs last season and haven't reached the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001 with Allen Iverson?
James has developed a close relationship with the Sixers' All-Star point guard over the years, as the two share the same agent, Rich Paul, the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, and have frequently worked out together.
LeBron on how his relationship with Tyrese Maxey served as a big factor in his decision to sign with the #Sixers: pic.twitter.com/Gv2E4vCtre
"I have a really, really good, great relationship with Tyrese," James said. " We talked a lot, and I kind of picked his brain a lot, not only about where he sees his career going, how he sees the franchise here, and how much he believes in the franchise. And if I was to come here, how does he see me fitting in? Do we think it'd be a plus, or do we think it'd be a negative?
"Because I understand my personality and what comes with me. Sometimes it can be a negative."
But in the end, when James weighed his options, which he said consisted of a group of five teams, Maxey was a main deciding factor in making the City of Brotherly Love the next stop in his Hall of Fame career.
"I was just asking all the questions I could ask him, and it wasn’t just one conversation," James said. "… When I broke a lot of the teams down, (when) I broke a lot of the franchises down that I could possibly play for, he was one of the main deciding factors."
"He called me one day, we chopped it up and I think he may be coming," Maxey said. "But him being here is really cool, really cool. I think it's going to be really good for our team, good for the organization, good for the city, for our team. He's someone who's done it before, who's won before. ... He's going to just uplift the whole entire team, entire organization."
James looking to bring veteran presence to 76ers
In addition to teaming up with Maxey, James will join a star-studded starting lineup featuring 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, and VJ Edgecombe., a member of the 2025-26 All-Rookie team.
Maxey is entering his seventh season in Philadelphia, while Edgecombe begins his second NBA campaign after finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting last season. Embiid and Brown bring plenty of experience as established veterans, with the Sixers' All-Star center still searching for his first NBA title despite an accomplished career.
The 76ers bench includes Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2026 first-round pick Labaron Philon Jr. and Dean Wade among others.
James hopes his championship pedigree, leadership and postseason experience can help unite Philadelphia's blend of young talent and veteran stars as the franchise looks to finally break through and make a deep playoff run.
"I have a lot of experience in this game, obviously, so I hope that I could bring that experience, bring that knowledge, bring the blueprint to guys that are trying to accomplish some things that they haven't done in their career," James said. "I've seen everything that this league has to offer on the floor and off the floor. I hope that every single day with my approach to the game, approach to the work that it can translate to every single guy and even guys that's being able to win at the highest level.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 25: President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon of the Detroit Pistons talk to the media for a photo during the Detroit Pistons press conference introducing Ebuka Okorie on June 25, 2026 at the Pistons Performance Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Media day has arrived once again, and while historically for the Detroit Pistons it has been about getting a sense of players’ offseason work, getting in the best shape of your life, and building on whatever you learned last season, this year it had a bit of extra drama — the Jalen Duren contract standoff.
Duren, the All-Star and All-NBA restricted free agent of the Pistons, was not in attendance at media day, and that left others to do the talking about Duren. There isn’t much people can say — Pistons president Trajan Langdon categorically refused to comment on anything even tangentially related to contract negotiations.
However, if I am free to award myself the latitude of informed speculation and intuition, I think there was plenty to learn about the Jalen Duren saga from today’s media day. Here are my top 5 takeaways.
1. Jalen Duren WILL be a Detroit Piston this season
Look, everything could be positioning and a negotiating tactic. But Trajan Langdon provided little daylight in his expressed expectations regarding Duren this season. “He will be a Detroit Piston,” Langdon said. You can’t get more unequivocal than that.
Moreso, Langdon seemed to go into today’s media session with a game plan to make one thing clear — whenever this drama plays itself out to its inevitable conclusion, mission one was to make clear that it will all be water under the bridge when Duren does arrive back with the team, whether that be on a new long-term deal or on a one-year qualifying offer.
“He’s going to be a huge part of the team, regardless of which decision he does make. He will be a Detroit Piston, and we’ll do everything we can to support him and get the best version of him, which is what we’ve done the past two years, and that will not change. Those are things that we can control. His decision is not a point that we can control,” Langdon said.
2. Jalen Duren’s reps might be off of the Christmas card list this year
Langdon was exacting and elegant with his word choice, but I think it’s pretty clear that as much as it’s all water under the bridge once Duren is finally back with the team, there is no love lost between Duren’s reps and Langdon. When Langdon was asked about the media reports that indicate that Duren feels disrespected by the franchise over how these talks have played out, Langdon felt particularly measured. Sometimes its the sense of what you’re not saying that says a lot, you know what I mean. That didn’t mean Trajan delivered useless pablum.
“I won’t let anybody’s feelings get in the way of decisions that I make professionally. That has nothing to do [with it]. So reports that are out there are also meaningless to me.”
It felt clear to me that Langdon understands that this is a bit of asymmetric warfare where Duren’s people are able to easily plant narratives into the media and that he isn’t going to get into the business of playing the same game. Whether that amounts to understandable hardball or not negotiating in good faith, I can’t quite tell. But it feels like if there is any bad blood, it is not on Duren and is instead on Duren’s reps.
3. Trajan Langdon hasn’t spoken to Jalen Duren all summer
This is the most straightforward — Langdon literally said, “I have not spoken to the young man all summer” in regards to Duren. I wanted to list this as its own line item because I am speculating it might get picked up and aggregated on social media. But please understand that a GM not being in direct contact with a player during negotiations is completely normal and expected. When you get to the point of negotiating big contracts, it can involve big feelings. We’ve certainly seen that play out. So it’s best to have a bright dividing line between the hard work of putting dollar numbers to worth and personal relationships. Contract talks are for agents not for players.
4. Even if the fans are in their feelings, the players have no beef with JD
It’s just business. That was a clear message anytime a player was asked about Jalen Duren. Most notably, that was the message delivered by Cade Cunningham. Much was made in the media of the fact that Cunningham organized a team retreat, and Duren opted not to attend while he was still negotiating his contract. Cunningham couldn’t have seemed to care less. Cunningham equated it to the high-level negotiations he himself had with the Pistons last offseason, and that Duren was just doing what was best for him.
“I mean, that’s my brother. You know, on the court, off the court, we went to war together, obviously. But you know, we’ve had dinners together. I’ve met his family. He’s met my family. The negotiation is between front office and his representation, and so they’re gonna figure that out,” Cunningham said. “So the best thing I can do is be there for them to support them, encourage them, not let them get too down whenever it’s such a crazy time for them.”
5. In Paul Reed we trust
While Duren was the main topic of the day in the minds of the media, nearly everyone spontaneously had great things to say about Paul Reed, who will serve as Duren’s backup or maybe even the team’s starting center should Duren continue his holdout deep into the season.
JB Bickerstaff called him the hardest-working player he’s ever been around. That is not faint praise when you consider how many players Bickerstaff has been around during his long coaching career. Cunningham praised Paul. Javonte Green praised Paul. Isaiah Joe reminisced about how they both entered the league in Philadelphia together and that he was the first player he heard from after the trade from OKC.
As for Paul himself, he was his typical self — hates losing, obsessed with working hard, and not making anything more complicated than it needs to be. Just do what you do to help the team be successful. We will see just how much will get put onto Paul’s plate once the season finally arrives.
SAN FRANCISCO ― Jimmy Butler III is in a rehabilitative state following a torn ACL injury in January that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. He still isn't back.
General manager Mike Dunleavy told reporters during Monday's media day that Butler is doing light court work but won't be available for opening night.
Still, Butler's presence shines a light in the Golden State Warriors locker room. Butler is always good for an annual meme, especially on media day. He stared and smirked at teammate Draymond Green as he was finishing his interview session with media members.
They shared a warm embrace as Green left the podium and Butler took his place. Butler rocked a new haircut and dangling diamond earrings that shone from ear to ear as he shared how great he felt.
Jimmy Butler injury update
"Rehabbing every day. I'm to a point now where I get to start running a little bit," Butler said. "I can dunk a basketball, in case anybody wants to know. Very excited about that. But it's still a process, but at least I get to play basketball a little bit now, and I know that all the work that I have been putting in, it's starting to get to basketball."
A vulnerable Butler shared how tough the process has been for him, not being able to play the game he loves.
"I think it's difficult to me because I do love to play basketball, and I know that I will return still being able to play at a high level, but I want to hoop now. I wanted to hoop two months ago, three months ago," Butler said. "I want to go out there and compete with my guys, with Dray, be Robin again to Steph's Batman. I know I will be able to do that at an incredibly high level, but I just miss the game. I miss not being around my guys. So any time I get to be around them and laugh, joke, compete in ways that I can't compete, it's all a plus for me."
Jimmy Butler on missing the game
Being around the guys is infectious. Butler knows that his personality can bring up their spirits. He relishes that aspect of being a favored teammate.
"Probably just being very vocal and just being around the guys. Honestly, I think it's more about the smiling, even when it's not going the way that we would want it to go, it's still okay to have fun and to smile," Butler said. "I'm coming back from an ACL. I'm smiling, I'm happy. I get to be around these guys, some of the greatest players of all time, phenomenal organization. It's never all bad. I'm not going to sit here and say it's all good either."
"I think my main job is going to be like, hey, guys, I can't go out there and play with you individuals, but that doesn't mean that this is a bad day," he added. "You know, I still get to be around y'all. I still get to call myself an NBA player. So as bad as things might seem, I promise you, it's definitely not that bad."
He's not listening to any naysayers. He knows he's 37. He doesn't care, nor listen to what critics say about him recovering from injury and returning to the player he once was.
"I am confident that whenever I come back, I'll be more than ready, I'll be more than healthy, and I'll be more of a better player, all-around player than I was whenever I went down," Butler said.
He doesn't have a target but simply said, "when it's time, it's time".
EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After being massively underpaid for the first five seasons of his NBA career, Austin Reaves signed a four-year, $184 million deal this summer to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers for the foreseeable future. His 2025-26 salary ($41.2 million) rightfully ranks him among the league’s 40 highest-paid players as the 28-year-old presumably enters his prime and should vie for All-Star appearances out West over the next few seasons.
During Monday’s media day, Reaves described those contract negotiations as “weird” because he didn’t want to be anywhere else and told reporters he mostly took a hands-off approach by letting his agents handle things.
“It’s weird, to be honest with you. I’m glad that’s behind us and we got that over with. It’s difficult because I’ve been here for five years, this is going on my sixth year,” Reaves said. “This is home to me. I want to be here. Both parties wanted that to happen. It was just how can we figure out what’s best for our team, figure out what’s best for me at the same time. We had a good time doing it.
“I didn’t talk much. My agents took care of all that. Stay out of the way and then when we get a number we like, we take. Like I said, my heart was always here. I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I’m just happy to be back.”
Between Monday’s comments and ones he made during the summer, it’s evident the entire process weighed on Reaves. Shortly after he signed his new deal this summer, he called it “a sigh of relief” and a “breath of fresh air” to remain in Los Angeles.
Reaves clearly loves being a Laker and is ecstatic to be around for the long haul as the only franchise he’s ever known embarks on a new era with him and Luka Dončić leading the way.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 30: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees in action against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on June 30, 2026 in New York City. The Tigers defeated the Yankees 9-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yankees ace Cam Schlittler is keeping his recent rivalry feud top of mind heading into the Wild Card Series against Boston.
Schlittler, who grew up a Red Sox fan in Massachusetts, made headlines since the 2025 Wild Card Series for clapping back at outside noise directed at him, specifically from fans and Boston-based media outlets. However, during Monday’s media availability ahead of the upcoming Wild Card Series opener, the Game 1 starter relayed that he’s now using that noise as fuel for his fire.
“I wouldn’t say I’m always on my phone looking for that stuff. At the same time, I don’t really live under a rock as well, so I find ways to use that to my advantage. I think I’m good at keeping receipts, and at the end of the day, I’m locked in to go in there tomorrow and do my job.”
"It's gonna be an electric experience."
Cam Schlittler speaks on his preparation for Game 1 of the Wild Card and more: pic.twitter.com/6EebTWSNeh
Red Sox fans have been very sour towards Schlittler since he dominated the Red Sox in the 2025 Wild Card Series, throwing eight scoreless innings and striking out 12 during the 4-0 shutout win that advanced the Yankees to the ALDS against the Blue Jays. The most bitter fans even went as far as harassing members of Schlittler’s family on social media.
When the Yankees traveled to Fenway earlier this season, it was clear Red Sox fans were still lingering in their own spite. Schlittler was captured dodging objects as he was warming up before throwing for eight scoreless innings once again.
The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner revealed in July that New York Yankees director of organizational performance Chad Bohling showed Schlittler a clip from “Baseball is Dead,” an MLB podcast hosted by Boston content creator Jared Carrabis, before making his start in the 5-1 win against the Rays on July 6th. The personalities in the clip claim that the 25-year-old starter was regressing after giving up six earned runs and four homers in the 9-3 loss to the Tigers on June 30th.
The drama hit headlines once again after Carrabis’ podcast, “Section 10,” recapped the most recent rivalry series when the Yankees took three of four games. Rusey, a woman who was featured on the podcast in a rant session, took shots at Schlittler, calling him ugly and saying that “he literally did jack sh—,” despite pitching a scoreless 5.2 innings against Boston.
Schlittler, in a petty fashion, reportedly shared a distasteful answer to the comment on social media. It’s since been deleted, but not before it was circulated across all platforms. After taking two of three against the Angels in the following series, Schlittler shared an image of an emoji with glasses, seemingly taking another shot at the podcast in a more subtle manner.
For the sake of the drama, and to let Red Sox fans stay mad, it’s going to be fun seeing how Schlittler responds when the rivalry comes to a head. However, it’d also be nice to see him take the high road and stay humbly silent if history repeats itself and he dominates Boston once again.
A former Buffalo Sabres forward has finally found his home right before the start of the 2026-27 regular-season.
Former Buffalo Sabres forward Tyson Jost has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators for the 2026-27 season.
The Predators announced the news on Monday afternoon.
Jost attended Nashville's training camp on a professional tryout (PTO) with the hope of landing a contract for the season from the Central Division club. Now, the former Sabres forward has successfully done just that.
Jost appeared in 69 games last season for the Predators, where he recorded eight goals, eight assists, 16 points, and a minus-21 rating.
Jost spent two seasons with the Sabres from 2022-23 to 2023-24. In 102 games with the Sabres over that span, the 28-year-old forward recorded 10 goals, 18 assists, and 28 points.
Jost's time with the Sabres ended during the 2024 NHL off-season when he signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes in free agency.
For the Dodgers, that’s all that stands between them and baseball immortality.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, second from left, and Teoscar Hernández, second from right, celebrate with teammates in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Now, even more rarefied air awaits, as they try to become the first-ever National League team, and only the third MLB franchise overall, to win three consecutive championships.
Eleven more wins, and more history will be made.
The Dodgers won’t know their exact road to a three-peat for a few more days, as they await the winner of this week’s Braves-Phillies best-of-three wild card series in the NLDS, which will begin next Saturday.
In the meantime, though, the California Post analyzed each of their potential opponents in each round of the upcoming playoffs –– picking the best (and worst) matchups they might face on their quest to more October glory.
National League Division Series
Best matchup: Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies gather for a team photo after clinching a wild card spot in the postseason. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There were times this summer that the Phillies seemed like the biggest potential threat in the NL. However, they moonwalked into the postseason, having to win their final game of the season on Sunday to avoid what would have been an historic September collapse. And now, they are in scramble mode entering this week’s wild-card series in Atlanta.
The Phillies will turn to the recently injured Jesús Luzardo to open Game 1. In Game 2, they will hand the ball to staff ace Cristopher Sánchez –– which will likely limit him to just one outing in the NLDS if they advance. It’s also possible that co-ace Zack Wheeler, who pitched in Sunday’s playoff clincher, will be needed out of the bullpen in the wild-card series, which could hamper his availability for the NLDS.
They do, of course, have big names at the top of their lineup in Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. But that trio went just 10-for-48 against the Dodgers in last year’s NLDS. And beyond them, the Phillies’ lineup thins out quickly, especially with trade deadline acquisition Luis Arraez battling an ankle injury sustained during the final week of the regular season.
Worst matchup: Braves
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale delivers to a Cincinnati Reds. AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
Regular-season records don’t mean much once the slate gets wiped clean in the playoffs. Still, the two times the Dodgers met this Braves this year, Atlanta got the better of them –– going 5-1 overall, including in a three-game sweep at Truist Park last month.
The Braves also boast a better bullpen than the Phillies (who ranked last in reliever ERA during September) and a more balanced lineup (albeit, one that cooled off in the second half of the season by ranking just 13th in scoring and 16th in OPS after the start of July).
National League Championship Series
Best matchup: Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski tips his cap to fans after pitching in his last regular season game against the St. Louis Cardinals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
No disrespect to the Brewers, who were the winningest team in the majors for a second-straight season with a franchise-best 103-59 record. But remember what happened last October, when they scored just four runs in four games while getting swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS.
However, the Brewers have just one other starter (rookie Logan Henderson) with a sub-3.80 ERA. Their talented bullpen will be less of an advantage in a longer seven-game series. And, most importantly, there are still plenty of questions about how their small-ball offense (which had the second-fewest home runs in the majors this season) will translate against October pitching.
That was their undoing against the Dodgers last year. And it would represent a favorable matchup for the two-time defending champions once again this fall.
Worst matchup: Padres
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres celebrates with Fernando Tatis Jr. after hitting a three-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Getty Images
The Padres’ offense isn’t quite as potent as the Cubs’ (the third potential opponent the Dodgers could draw in the NLCS) but has nonetheless been revived by late-season turnarounds from Jackson Merril, Xander Bogaerts and Fernando Tatis Jr. most of all (his .978 OPS in August and September was sixth-best in the majors).
San Diego’s rotation is also a question mark, but can be compensated for by an uber-deep bullpen led by superstar closer Mason Miller.
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada, right, presents Yordan Alvarez with a championship belt after defeating the Athletics 9-0 to win the American League West. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP
The Astros are not only the worst MLB playoff team ever, squeaking in as champions of a dismal AL West division with an 81-81 record (the first team in league history to qualify for the playoffs without an above-.500 mark).
But, they would also present the most narratively enticing potential World Series opponent for the Dodgers –– who, almost a decade later, still bear the scars of their 2017 Fall Classic defeat to Houston’s infamous sign-stealing, trash-can-banging title squad.
The Astros’ pitching staff has been a mess all season. Their aging veteran offense has been extremely dependent upon AL MVP frontrunner Yordan Alvarez.
And while they do have plenty of October experience, nothing would be a better capstone to this Dodgers dynasty than getting revenge on the team that –– as they see it –– cheated them out of their first opportunity to win a championship.
Worst matchup: Yankees*
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is on the dugout fence during the seventh inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post
In a relatively weak American League, the Yankees still boast the most talented roster.
The superstar slugger is questionable for this week’s best-of-three wild card round against the Red Sox. He has hardly played since the first couple months of the season because of a stress fracture in his ribs and a calf injury he sustained in a short-lived return to action earlier this month.
If Judge is healthy, however, no AL contender has as many weapons as the Yankees.
Their rotation is stacked, with veterans Gerrit Cole and Max Fried lined up behind presumptive Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler. Their offense is dangerous, ranking second in the majors in home runs (41 of which came from breakout star Ben Rice). And a potential World Series meeting with the Dodgers would provide them with their own shot at redemption, looking to avenge the Dodgers’ dramatic triumph in the 2024 Fall Classic.
Devin Booker kicked off his 12th season for the Phoenix Suns with a new number, but just as cool and as confident as ever.
As Booker approaches his 30th birthday in October, he has accomplished a lot in his career, but there is still a lot left in the tank.
“I love the game more than ever,” said Booker during his media day press conference. “Honestly, my body feels better than it’s ever felt going into a training camp. So, I think, you know, as you get older you know, you learn new ways to train, new ways to take care of your body… I’ve been a sponge to, you know, a lot of guys that have had success and played a lot of years in their career.”
Last year, Booker played in just 64 games and averaged 33.5 minutes per contest, both his lowest marks since his rookie season. No matter what version of him we get this season, the Suns need him healthy and confident to be the best team they can be this year. His level of play and status have fallen in the NBA player hierarchy, but the Suns cannot function without him in the lineup.
Because the Suns brought back almost the entire roster from last season, Booker expects more success and growth from the team this season.
“I’m excited about it. In the past, you know, I’ve been more successful; the team has been more successful when you know, we know what to expect going into the year,” said Booker.
“We’re coming in all with the same mindset to win. So time will tell, but you know, it’s definitely gonna be nice seeing some familiar faces back, with the same coach. We’re all on the same page. This summer was a big summer for us to keep all the same guys in the same building.”
For Booker, Jordan Ott is only the second head coach he has played consecutive seasons for in his career, with the other being Monty Williams. That alone, plus bringing back most of the roster, puts the Suns and Booker in a better position to begin the season strong.
“We got together a few times, you know, as a full team,” Booker said. “You know, I know Dillon [Brooks] had about half the guys in Toronto too. We all met in Vegas. We all were in Flagstaff, and you know, this past month we’ve been running a lot of open gyms, probably three times a week in the facility… There isn’t an off season anymore. You know, we’ve been building; we’ve been getting that chemistry together.”
For Booker, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, building chemistry together is vital to the Suns’ success this season, with the trio only playing in 10 regular season games last season. Throw Miles Bridges and Khaman Maluach into the mix, and there is still a lot of untapped continuity for this team to figure out.
As for Maluach and Booker’s chemistry, the two have been working together this offseason to figure it out.
“You know, we would end up being in the gym at the same time late night, and then one time he just texted me and was like, you know, can we get some work in together?” said Booker. “So, you know, I think that guard and big relationship is super important, and you know, he’s way ahead of the curve.”
With all the Suns’ offseason work and hours together, they need to start fast and start healthy.
“To start the season, we’re gonna be definitely ahead of where we were to start the season last year,” said Booker.
“We have to remain healthy, and you know, we’re gonna get that chance to, you know, like I said, start this season off more on the same page than we were last year.”
Booker and the Suns have the chance to hit the ground running this year because of their depth and continuity, and the Suns franchise player has been leading the way all offseason.
SAN FRANCISCO ― Draymond Green is excited for the 2026-27 season for plenty of reasons.
Green signed a one-year, $27.7 million deal to return to the Golden State Warriors; he's back paired with his right-hand Steph Curry and he's the vet who will teach rookie Yaxel Lendeborg the ropes. They immediately developed a friendly banter, having gone to rival schools: Lendeborg to Michigan, and Green to Michigan State. College rivalry aside, Green likes what he sees from their rookie.
"Needless to say, he's going to be -- obviously we know what Steph does, myself, but he's going to be important," Green said about Lendeborg. "I think from what I've seen already, I think my role for him will be to make sure he's always aggressive. You know, he's one of those guys that has the skill set to do certain things, but the way you see the game could affect that negatively. Meaning I can just go get a bucket, but I'm watching this play out, so let me try to make this play. It's, like, no, the right play is actually for you to probably go get the bucket."
Green made a point to himself to stay on top of Lendeborg's development in the league. Mainly, staying aggressive.
"At all times you should be downhill trying to get to the rim. Like, there will be a time in his career where, you know, you may become, like, the playmaker, but I don't know if everybody is going to need him making plays for them his rookie year," Green said. "You need to have the play made for you, and not necessarily made for you because he can make the play himself, but let guys be making the play for you and you're going to score."
Draymond Green on new challenges
With the amount of injuries that the Warriors have suffered, it will be on everyone to step up, including more from Green. Head coach Steve Kerr expressed a change in their offense, going to a more modern style with five-out on the perimeter.
There will be more offensive expectations from Green, especially with injuries to guys like Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody to start the season.
“[Yaxel] is REALLY good, I was very impressed. I actually hate to say it because that means he was really good last year at Michigan.” 😅🤝
Draymond Green says he’s impressed by Yaxel Lendeborg’s game and believes he will be an important piece this season. pic.twitter.com/9tiohDmKcI
"It was like the longest, shortest summer ever — but it was well worth it."
That's how Jalen Brunson described the Knicks offseason, which started when they won the franchise's first title in 53 years, had a parade in Manhattan, and the party seemed to continue all summer long. That party will roll again on Oct. 20 when the Knicks raise that championship banner and Jalen Brunson and his teammates get their championship rings, in an opening-night ceremony you can watch on NBC (or stream on Peacock), before the Knicks face the 76ers.
However, the question all too quickly becomes, "What's next? How do they do it again?"
"I think for us now, the way we approached last year, is taking one day at a time, every single day," Brunson said at Knicks Media Day, one of several comments he made about sticking to the process. "So not talking about certain things. Obviously, we know what it takes, but just going into this with the same mindset for this journey. It's a new journey, it's a different journey, the approach has to be the same, if not better."
"I've made it known that I want to play here. I've been a fan since a kid. I would like to get one done. I'd like to get it done and step on the floor and feel as comfortable as possible."
Would he be more comfortable getting the deal done before the season starts, or is he comfortable with talks going on during the season?
"I think in this situation there's no comfortability to be had."
Hart said he would like to get an extension done "as soon as possible," but he knows this is a business and things drag out.
Here are some other things Brunson said at his media day press conference.
He said he hasn't watched his entire Saturday Night Live episode yet and doesn't have a favorite sketch right now. He said he has only watched the monologue.
On losing Michell Robinson to free agency (Boston), and Andre Drummond stepping into that role: "Definitely tough. It's my guy. I think no matter what, I'm happy for him. Obviously, it's another opportunity. Got paid as well, and so it's definitely difficult. But you love to see someone advance some generational wealth, and so it's cool to see from that aspect. And I'm just getting Andre, and I'm very excited. I think he could be a big key to this team."
What did Brunson learn from winning a title in college that can apply to this season? "Just about not being satisfied. I think it's the biggest takeaway moving forward. You still want to figure out how you can grow as a person, as a player. So I'll use that experience....
"You just have to find a way to turn the page, move on, and I think it starts with the people who surround you. How quickly can they move on to the next thing? So, just understanding your environment and making sure you do what's best for your mental approach."
Was there a point last season when he felt the team clicked together? "You never know when things are going to turn for you, when things are going to click for you, but as long as you keep putting the work in every single day — keep tapping the rock, tapping the rock, eventually it's going to break. So you just never know when, though. It wasn't necessarily a turning point. It's just you can continue to do the things you're supposed to do every single day, and at some point, it all falls in your favor."
On how much the continuity of the roster helps him and this team: "The first couple weeks or whatever of the season is going to show us who we are and where we are. So, no matter what we're doing, whether we're playing great, playing bad, how are we going to be able to learn? We'll find a way. We'll hold each other accountable, just like we did last year, and then we'll be better....
"I think we have the confidence knowing that we did do it. That's going to help us, but that can also hurt us. So it's all about how we go into training camp and how we go into these first few weeks to see where we are as a team, and then we'll be able to adjust or continue to grow."
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Chase Center on April 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There’s no doubting that the Golden State Warriors will enter the 2026-27 NBA season with a whole lot of talent. Instead, the question with the Dubs has always been whether they can stay healthy, with Steph Curry and Draymond Green’s mounting list of ailments, Jimmy Butler III’s ACL, and Moses Moody’s patellar tendon.
The biggest injury question mark, however? That of Kristaps Porziņģis. After trading Jonathan Kuminga for him at February’s deadline, the Warriors somewhat surprisingly gave Porziņģis a two-year, $40 million extension to kick off the offseason.
When the Dubs inked the All-Star to that extension, the reasoning was simple: he fit in brilliantly both on offense and defense in his short stint last season, and can transform the team on both ends of the court. The concern was equally simple: for a variety of reasons, the 7’2 Porziņģis has been unable to stay on the court throughout his career. Just look at his games played totals for the last nine seasons:
48 0 57 43 51 65 57 42 32
And unfortunately, that trend is already continuing to start this season. When the Warriors arrived in Hawaii to start training camp on Monday, the 31-year old Porziņģis was not there with them. He is officially listed as out indefinitely due to a health issue, though the team has not provided more details than that.
According to GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., Porziņģis was fully cleared last week, but informed the team on Sunday of a health issue, and won’t join the team in Hawaii. The Dubs are in Hawaii for the first week of camp, which includes a preseason game on Sunday against the LA Clippers in Honolulu. They return to the Bay Area after that, as they host the Los Angeles Lakers next Tuesday in a preseason contest.
While the Warriors are being vague about what Porziņģis is dealing with, Dunleavy did try to temper concerns, tell reporters that the center is out for the week, but has not been ruled out for the start of the season in late October.
Dunleavy on Porzingis: "I'm not marking him down as being out to start the season or anything like that. He's just not available this week."https://t.co/ec5irIUgXC
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 16: Petey Halpin #0 of the Cleveland Guardians runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run during the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on September 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a 162-game season, it’s hard to point to precise moments that defined a baseball team’s rise or fall – but that’s not going to stop us from trying.
As we prepare for the Guardians to take on whoever emerges from the matchup of the Astros vs. the White Sox, let’s take a quick look back at six wins that proved absolutely crucial for the taking of their third straight AL Central title:
Gabriel Arias and Jose Ramirez both hit two-run homers and Gavin Williams struck-out 10 Dodgers in seven innings. The only run for the Dodgers came off a 9th inning Freddie Freeman bomb off of Cade Smith. This win secured the series win for the Guardians in L.A., meaning they would have a successful early road trip on the West Coast, after the Guardians split their season-opening series in Seattle. There was so much more of the season to be played, but in terms of this team establishing an identity that “We are good”, I believe being able to fall back on a series win over the reigning world champ and bank some early road wins turned out to be pivotal.
It was assumed entering 2026 that the Guardians’ primary competition for the AL Central crown would be the Detroit Tigers who signed Framber Valdez and elected not to trade ace Tarik Skubal in the offseason. However, the Guardians opened up the season with a four-game sweep of the Tigers, including this third win of the series in extra innings. Tanner Bibee allowed one run in eight innings of work and Erik Sabrowski, Colin Holderman and Cade Smith kept the Tigers off the board. Daniel Schneemann and Travis Bazzana singled in the top of the 9th, as the Guardians were down 1-0, and Steven Kwan in the middle of terrible early-season struggles, laid down a sacrifice bunt, allowing Patrick Bailey to drive in Schneemann with a groundout. That was all it took to get the game to extras where an Angel Martinez triple and Jose Ramirez double gave them the lead that Smith needed to close the door. The Guardians would go 10-3 against the Tigers in 2026, the difference between 1st and 3rd place in the Central.
Everyone should remember, with horror, June 13th, the game where Chase DeLauter broke a rib, Angel Martinez broke a foot, and Jose Ramirez broke a hamate bone. By the 24th of the same month, the Guardians were flailing just to keep their heads above water, especially against the upstart White Sox who had taken the first two games of this series from Cleveland. Things were going very well with the Guardians up 3-1 and another clutch outing from Bibee who went six scoreless. But, the White Sox showed their mettle by scoring off of Erik Sabrowski in the 7th and then TYING the game in the 9th with two home runs off the normally untouchable Cade Smith. Somehow, the Guardians picked themselves up off the mat with a clutch RBI single from Kahlil Watson, of all people, and then a shutdown bottom of the 10th inning from Shawn Armstrong, also of all people. Every win against the White Sox proved crucial, and this win showed how the team got contributions from the breadth and width of their roster to finally triumph. The Guardians would head out of this game and win their first series post-Jose injury over the Mariners.
Slade Cecconi had a bad day on his way out of the rotation surrendering five runs in five innings, but then turned it over to a Guardians’ bullpen B-team that refused to give up a run. One and two-thirds scoreless from DANIEL ESPINO (BACK FROM THE SHOULDER DEAD!), one and a third scoreless from Shawn Armstrong, and one clean inning from Tim Herrin. Travis Bazzana went two for three with a walk, driving in two with a double, and David Fry hit a homer to bring the game within one run headed into the ninth. And, that, my friends, is where who else but Brayan Rocchio stepped up against Grant Taylor (who is an excellent reliever) and delivered a two-run homer to walk it off (scoring Daniel Schneemann who had pinch-run for Rhys Hoskins after Hoskins delivered a 9th inning walk). All of this seems pretty wild in hindsight, but every win against the White Sox was desperately needed for the journey on which the 2026 regular season would take the Guardians.
After numerous disappointing series in August, the Guardians finally got into the easy part of their schedule, and, coming into this game, had taken five straight from the hapless Rockies and Angels. They needed to sweep this series. Too many earlier contests had slipped through their fingers to not find a way to sweep the six against two of the worst teams in MLB. Unfortunately, the Angels jumped out to a 3-0 lead on Joey Cantillo, but Cantillo buckled down and found a way to deliver four shutout innings to end his six inning stint, striking out seven. Meanwhile, the Guardians’ offense clawed back with one run in the fifth, one in the eighth and two in the ninth, keyed by a double from the resurgent Steven Kwan and the go-ahead sacrifice fly from Travis Bazzana. These are the regular, everyday wins in a baseball season that can slip through the cracks. But, when you take care of business, you eventually reap the rewards.
Obviously, you could choose September 15th’s Brayan Rocchio walk-off as the key win in September, but given that it was highly aided by a very poor defensive play from Sam Antonacci, I am going to go with the following day’s heroics, led by Petey Halpin. Parker Messick won this game, and he certainly deserves a shoutout since his consistent excellence all season was absolutely determinative for the Guardians makine the playoffs. Unfortunately, Tommy Pham convinced White Sox GM to give him a roster spot in an elevator and Pham hit a hanger from Messick into the bleachers for a three-run homer that had the White Sox up 3-2. But, then, with two outs and two on (David Fry and Austin Hedges via walks off dominant lefty Hagen Smith) in the sixth, Petey Halpin crushed a pitch from a tough lefty in Sean Newcombe for an unexpected three-run homer of his own. After a Jose RBI double, Hunter Gaddis, Erik Sabrowski and Cade Smith slammed the door shut on the White Sox for three scoreless innings. Though the Guardians lost the season series to the White Sox by one game, this game was the one that gave Cleveland a chance to complete the comeback and win the Central the final week of the season.
What are some other games that stand out to you ask key in the 2026 season for the Guardians? Which will stand out in your memory of another special season resulting in October baseball? Tell us in the comments below
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 11: Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on July 11, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With three starters from last year’s team now gone — LeBron James, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura — the Los Angeles Lakers have dramatically overhauled their roster, led by a lively series of transactions during free agency.
Among those brought in to help Los Angeles compete near the top of the Western Conference was Quentin Grimes, who has a chance to earn a starting spot alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. During Monday’s media day, Grimes told reporters that a Lakers team full of new faces is getting along well and gelling rather quickly.
Quentin Grimes says that the team has gotten along well quickly, and has gelled on the court at a rapid pace.
Grimes says that the Lakers will "shock" a lot of people in the NBA season ahead.
Quentin Grimes wants to win a starting spot as he joins the Lakers. He says they’re talented enough to “shock a lot of people this year, for sure.” pic.twitter.com/wHQcyPF9UH
With his point-of-attack defense, outside shooting, finishing and connective passing, Grimes profiles as an ideal fit next to Dončić. He briefly played with Dončić on the Dallas Mavericks and spent 2.5 seasons alongside Jalen Brunson in New York, so he’s experienced in the sort of role he’ll likely enjoy alongside Dončić and Austin Reaves moving forward.
The keys for Grimes will be to streamline his offensive decision-making and ratchet up the defense to his pre-Philadelphia ways. Sometimes, he’s a bit erratic and rushed attacking closeouts while he never really resembled the menacing on-ball defender folks were previously accustomed to during his tenure as a Sixer.
If he refines those areas, he’ll be a wonderful complementary starter for the Lakers and play a major role in whether they can actually surprise for the better this season.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 17: President of Baseball Operations David Stearns of the New York Mets looks on during batting practice prior to the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns held his end-of-season press conference today. The Mets missed the playoffs for the second straight year and finished last in the NL East despite a sky-high payroll and high expectations.
Stearns had to walk a tightrope with his answers, acknowledging his mistakes in building the 2026 squad while also sharing a message of optimism with a team that finished 34-31 after the All-Star break.
It didn’t take long for Pete Alonso or the now-cursed phrase ‘run prevention’ forever associated with Stearns to be brought up. Still, the executive pointed to the team’s improved cohesiveness after Andy Green took over managerial duties following Carlos Mendoza’s firing, as well as the exciting young talent that flourished as the season went on.
“The disappointment of this season is very true and real. I feel that, we as an organization, feel that, our fan base feels that. There’s no denying any of that, Stearns said. “There is also the real foundation here for the level of success and competitiveness that we expect to have, and that is also real.”
The Mets’ brutally slow start to the season, including a 12-game losing streak and injuries to Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, was essentially a worst-case scenario for the club and stood out to Stearns when asked what he could do to make sure missing the playoffs in such mediocre fashion wouldn’t happen again.
“We and I made a number of decisions that created the potential for almost an uncapped downside scenario,” he said. “We had a lot of change. I think that change in New York is probably different than change in other markets. We lived that. I think in addition to that change, we had different elements of our roster that didn’t have enough flexibility, so when we had underperformance, it made it very difficult for us to make in-season, on-the-fly adjustments.”
With another season of missing the playoffs, and Mets fans quick to call for Stearns’s scalp at games and online, he was asked if he feels pressure to turn it around.
“I’m always under pressure,” he said. “My job is to put a winning team on the field every year. That hasn’t changed from the day I sat up here for my introductory press conference to when I’m sitting up here right now.”
Alonso’s departure in free agency to the Orioles and his subsequent career year at the plate, combined with the Mets struggling to find a solid solution at first base, raised questions about what he learned from the situation.
“The truth is, in this job, I don’t get mulligans. I also recognize that Pete had a tremendous year, and the totality of our production at first base wasn’t good enough,” Stearns said. “It’s my job to ensure that we’ve got better success across our roster, but for the entirety of the season, better success at first base as well.”
The idea that it’s hard for players to perform in New York came up repeatedly. It was something Stearns acknowledged to be a truth, and that evaluating which free agents would be up for performing on the big stage is something he’ll be considering more in the future.
“This is a unique place to play. It’s different here,” he said. “I’ve lived it as a fan, and as an executive, when you win here, it’s the greatest thing in the world. There is nothing like coming to this ballpark in a playoff atmosphere and experiencing that. It’s equally extreme when things aren’t going well, and certain players struggle with that, and I’m cognizant of that.”
Stearns said his vision of run prevention didn’t work out too well, especially in the first half of the season.
“I think I’ll retire the phrase run prevention. I don’t know if that one wore particularly well,” he said. “I think our pitching and defense was much better in the second half than we were in the first half.”
Other key points discussed:
Stearns answered in the affirmative when asked if the club needs more viable starting pitching, saying, “I do think it’s necessary to add to our starting rotation. We can do that in a variety of different ways….Over the long term, what we need to do is develop pitchers at the top of our rotation, and I think we’ve proven we can do that….We also need to have more options, and we need the flexibility to go out and get those options when they’re needed.”
When asked how the club can prevent key injuries and make sure players coming off injury are ready to go, Stearns said reevaluating everything, including spring training ramp-ups, is on the table. “All of that is being looked at, and I imagine there will be some changes in how we do some of that,” he said.
When asked about which way Bo Bichette was leaning regarding his player option, he said, “I have not had those discussions with Bo. He’s got the right now to take some space and discuss things with his family and his agent. I’m sure he’ll get back to us.”
Stearns was once again noncommittal regarding hiring a general manager, but praised the recent addition of Derek Falvey to the front office. Similarly, he said he would discuss coaching staff additions with Green in the coming days.
Stearns said that the club will evaluate Kodai Senga’s role on the team during next year’s spring training. “We need a level of production in whatever role he’s going to be in to contribute to a winning team.”
When asked about the plans for the back end of the bullpen, Stearns praised Devin Williams’ work to get healthy and get some innings in before the end of the season. “He’s healthy, he feels great, and we expect him to be a big part of the back end going forward. We also feel good about the younger guys that stepped up in the last few months in a big way.”
Stearns said that Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett are progressing in their recovery from elbow surgery and that both have been around the team recently, with the expectation of being available to compete in spring training.
Stearns confirmed that Ronny Mauricio is still considered to be in the mix as an infield option moving forward. “We saw the flash of potential over the last couple of days. That was exciting for us to see, and I think it was great for him to experience heading into the offseason….I think he comes into spring training next year competing for a spot.”
When asked what the team could do to take the next step and be contenders, he said, “There’s the continued maturation and growth of (our young) group, there is more consistent play and more available play from a group of veterans that we think is really good, and then there’s whatever external acquisitions we bring in this offseason, along with the upper level of our (farm) system that we believe will contribute in a meaningful way this offseason.”
