Texas quarterback Arch Manning called his recent struggles frustrating because "I know I'm better than that."
Some Warriors coaches reportedly didn't prefer Jonathan Kuminga in 2021 draft
Some Warriors coaches reportedly didn't prefer Jonathan Kuminga in 2021 draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
As the Jonathan Kuminga free-agency saga continues with the Warriors, it was revealed that some within the organization reportedly would have preferred to select a different player with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
“A few” members of the Warriors’ coaching staff voiced a preference to draft eventual Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner instead of Kuminga, but Golden State owner Joe Lacob was the “driving force” behind selecting the Congolese forward, ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania reported, citing sources, in a piece published Monday. Wagner was drafted one pick later by Orlando with the No. 8 selection.
“Lacob has remained a staunch Kuminga supporter and vocal believer in his long-term future,” Slater and Charania wrote. “He voiced an unwillingness to include Kuminga in a proposed trade from Chicago for Alex Caruso a couple of seasons back, sources said, and was still glowing about Kuminga’s performance in May after he rose from out of Steve Kerr’s first-round rotation to the team’s leading scorer in the second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.”
Despite being drafted back-to-back, the two forwards have had vastly different experiences in their four years of NBA service.
In four seasons with the Magic, Wagner has played 291 games and was in the Orlando starting five for each game he played. In contrast, Kuminga has played 258 regular-season games with the Warriors and has started in just 84.
Wagner signed a five-year, $224 million contract with Orlando prior to the 2024-25 NBA season. Golden State has reportedly offered Kuminga a three-year, $75.2 million contract.
Kuminga’s usage has fluctuated throughout his four-year career with the Warriors. In the 2023-24 season, he logged a career-high 26.3 minutes per game and played in 74 of the 82 regular-season games. That number saw a downtick to 24.3 minutes per game last season, as he battled injuries and rotation changes while appearing in just 47 games, a career low.
The 22-year-old restricted free agent’s playing time under coach Steve Kerr took its biggest hit after the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat at the NBA trade deadline in February.
Kuminga played in just three of the seven games in the first-round NBA playoff series against the Houston Rockets. That changed in the next series, as he broke out in the Western Conference semifinals against the Timberwolves in large part due to the hamstring injury to superstar Stephen Curry in Game 1 at Minnesota.
In Curry’s absence, Kuminga was the Warriors’ leading scorer in the series, averaging 20.8 points per game.
An obstacle to the re-signing of Jonathan Kuminga for the Warriors is the question of a substantial role for the forward, a key concern for Kuminga and his camp in free agency according to Slater and Charania.
On the other hand, there has been no question about Wagner’s role with the Magic. Last season, the forward averaged 24.2 points per game, the second-most for the Magic behind NBA All-Star forward Paolo Banchero.
Unlike Kuminga, Wagner did not face much competition for rotation minutes early in his career. In their rookie seasons, Orlando finished with a 22-60 record, the second-worst in the NBA in the 2021-22 season. In contrast, the Warriors went on to win the NBA Finals in that season, a much harder team to play vital rotation minutes for as a rookie.
Although there was little difference in their draft position, there is a large gulf between Kuminga and Wagner in terms of contract size and team role in their young careers.
Red Wings Announce Initial Schedule for Centennial Jersey Nights
The 2025-26 NHL season is a special one for the Detroit Red Wings, as it officially marks a full century of play.
The entire theming of the campaign will be centered around the centennial celebration of the winningest U.S.-based NHL franchise, and to that end, the Red Wings released their special alternate centennial uniforms they'll be wearing on select dates this season.
Carefully crafted with meaningful design 🤌 pic.twitter.com/Rg7YR5A99G
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 15, 2025
The Red Wings have announced that the uniforms will be worn in each of their first two home games at Little Caesars Arena, both against fellow Original Six opponents.
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Detroit will face the Montreal Canadiens in the regular season opener on Oct. 9, followed by a matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 11. In both games, the Red Wings will take the ice in their newly released centennial uniforms.
Debuting next month 🔥
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 15, 2025
Preorder at https://t.co/ZiDiQSteTxpic.twitter.com/iM9lv6CImV
“Red Wings fans have long embraced the Winged Wheel, and we wanted our Centennial uniform to commemorate its legacy,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment via the Red Wings official website. “This design honors the traditions that make Red Wings hockey truly distinctive, while incorporating meaningful details to celebrate this remarkable milestone in a way that stays authentic to Detroit. It recognizes the outstanding players, the defining moments and above all, the devoted fans who have shaped us into who we are today. We believe this uniform will serve as a powerful reminder of our history, while inspiring anticipation for the memorable moments yet to come.”
The new look incorporates elements from past uniforms the Red Wings have worn throughout their history, including when they were initially known as the Cougars and Falcons.
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All You Need To Know About The Three Players The Hurricanes Signed To PTOs
The Carolina Hurricanes signed three players to PTOs heading into training camp, as they will compete to make the Hurricanes’ opening night roster.
Here’s all you need to know about these three players:
Kevin Labanc:
Lebanc has spent eight of his nine NHL seasons playing for the San Jose Sharks, while he spent last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In 512 career games, Leblanc has recorded 84 goals, 153 assists, and 237 points.
The 29-year-old forward’s career best season came during the 2018-19 campaign with the Sharks when he tallied 17 goals and 39 assists for 56 points.
Oliver Kylington:
Oliver Kylington was most recently with the Anaheim Ducks where he played in six games.
This past season, Kylington was traded twice. He was first dealt from the Colorado Avalanche to the
New York Islanders as part of the Brock Nelson trade, and the Islanders quickly shipped him off to the Ducks for future considerations.
In his seven NHL seasons, Kylington has played for the Calgary Flames, Avalanche and Ducks. In 220 career games, the 28-year-old defenseman has recorded 18 goals, 42 assists, and 60 points.
Givani Smith:
Smith was also traded twice during the 2024-25 campaign. He was traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Avalanche in a deal that included Alexandar Georgiev and Mackenzie Blackwood in December.
Full Look At The Hurricanes' Preseason ScheduleWith the start of training camp just around the corner, here's a full look at the Carolina Hurricanes' preseason schedule.
Right before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, he was dealt from the Avalanche to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Erik Johnson.
In six NHL seasons, Smith has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Sharks, Florida Panthers, and Avalanche. The 27-year-old forward has recorded nine goals, 13 assists, and 22 points in 168 career games.
Hawks trade point guard Kobe Bufkin to Nets for cash considerations
Kobe Bufkin has played in just 27 NBA games across two seasons — because of time in the G-League and injuries — but at Summer League in Las Vegas this July he showed some potential as a point guard who could run the pick-and-roll, like during his 29-point outing against the Heat (17 in the fourth quarter to spark a comeback win).
Kobe strong to the hoop with the right for the and-1 pic.twitter.com/2A9IperEPj
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) July 11, 2025
That was enough to get the Nets to take a chance on him.
Atlanta is trading Bufkin to Brooklyn for cash considerations, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN.
For Atlanta, this is a salary dump. The Hawks save Bufkin's $4.5 million salary, putting them $7.7 million below the luxury tax line and $15.4 million below the first apron, where they are hard-capped (plus they create a trade exception they can use for the next year). For the Nets, this move puts them above the league's salary floor, but they still have $11.4 million in cap space to facilitate trades.
The Nets also get a one-year roll of the dice on Bufkin, to see if he is the point guard who was putting up so many points in Las Vegas, or if he is more the guy who was committing turnovers and not shooting consistently while he was doing so. This is the kind of move Nets GM Sean Marks made a lot during his first rebuild, taking a shot on a flawed player with potential to see if other teams have given up too quickly. Sometimes that works out, sometimes it doesn't, but it's a risk worth taking for the Nets, who are in the middle of another rebuild.
Kings 2025-26 Player Preview: Francesco Pinelli
As the Los Angeles Kings prepare to try and finally make a deeper playoff run than in the previous few seasons, some players in the organization may be players to watch as potential call-ups throughout the campaign.
In this article, we take a look at Francesco Pinelli's 2024-25 season, what to expect out of him in the 2025-26 season, and his potential role in the Kings' organization.
Pinelli's 2024-25 Season
Pinelli, who is 22 years old, played with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season, scoring 15 goals and adding 14 assists for 29 points through 70 games.
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It was his second professional campaign with the Reign. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 13 goals and added seven assists for 20 points through 67 games.
He was the Kings' second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft at 42nd overall, and while he hasn't yet exploded offensively at the professional level, it seems as though there is still plenty of time to grow as he continues to try and turn himself into an NHL contributor one day down the line.
2025-26 Season & Expectations
As he looks to increase his production at the AHL level, there is a chance he becomes a player the Kings could call up if they run into some injury trouble.
There is a very slim chance that he makes the Kings' opening night roster, but a long shot is more than nothing. It's more than likely that he starts the season in the AHL with the Reign, where he will look to continue building on his offensive production and fine-tuning his defensive game.
Pinelli has been praised previously for his offensive IQ and his ability to support his teammates while creating scoring opportunities for them and himself. He has been referred to as a craft playmaker who has a knack for finishing with the puck on his stick, and the Kings will be hoping he can continue to grow into a solid two-way contributor.
According to the depth chart, Pinelli would have to beat out some really strong players to make the Kings out of training camp. So, the Kings are taking their time with Pinelli and letting him build confidence as he figures out his game, which is the right thing to do, rather than rushing him, so this will be another development campaign for the prospect.
Stay tuned in with your Los Angeles Kings here at The Hockey News, as the 2025-26 season inches closer.
LSU coach Brian Kelly apologizes for lashing out at reporter after Florida win
LSU football coach Brian Kelly issued an apology for his postgame outburst on Sept. 13 following a win over the Florida Gators.
Mrtka’s Future May Not Include Return To WHL
The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up their 2025 Prospects Challenge with a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at LECOM Harborcenter on Monday afternoon. The weekend marked the first time that Sabres fans got a look at defenseman Radim Mrtka, who was selected ninth overall last June.
The 18-year-old blueliner showed off his skating and physical attributes, and he will get a long look at the club’s training camp when it opens later this week, but after that, it is unclear whether the big defenseman will be heading back to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds or to the American Hockey League.
"I think he's in the same situation as (2024 first-rounder Konsta Helenius) was last year because I think he was signed and (is) eligible to play (in Rochester),"Amerks head coach Michael Leone said after the game. "Whatever (Sabres management) chooses to do, we support, but I think it's more of a conversation of what is the best for him and his development going forward."
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Helenius played exclusively for Jukurit in the Finnish SM-Liiga prior to being drafted by the Sabres in 2024, and came over to North America last season, earning a selection to the AHL All-Rookie team. Mrtka played at the junior and pro level for Ocelari Trinec in Czechia before heading to Seattle and playing 43 games for the Thunderbirds. When asked where he thought he would be the best fit, the young defenseman said he wasn’t thinking about that, but Leone cautioned what the 18-year-old playing professionally in the AHL would be like.
“With forwards, it’s a little easier to hide in pro hockey. With defensemen, it’s a different animal.” Leone said. “Either way is a possibility, but (Assistant GMs) Jerry (Forton) and Jason (Karmanos) and the management staff will make a decision after that.”
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Sabres goaltender Scott Ratzlaff did not play in any of the three games due to illness. Topias Leinonen, Ryerson Leenders, and 2025 draftee Samuel Meloche went the full 60 minutes in losses to New Jersey, Columbus, and Pittsburgh.
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It's been a surreal season for Phillies' Otto Kemp
It's been a surreal season for Phillies' Otto Kemp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
LOS ANGELES – Surreal. It’s the best one-word description that Phillies third baseman Otto Kemp can give to describe his first time playing in the big leagues.
And Monday night’s series opener will add to all of it, as he has close to 30 family members in the stands of Dodger Stadium to watch him try to help the Phillies clinch their second consecutive National League East title. Kemp was penciled to hit sixth and play third base for the Phillies.
Kemp was called up from Lehigh Valley on June 7 and played 46 games with the Phillies until being sent back down to the IronPigs on August 15. He came back to the big club on September 8 and has gone 9-for-24 (.375) with three home runs and seven RBIs.
“It’s been really cool,” said Kemp, who is batting .249 on the year. “Been nice to kind of have that first little stint to get comfortable and see what everything’s about and just kind of accept it as the learning curve and now that we’re back I feel like my feet are under me and feel a lot more comfortable. I feel like I’m a part of this team with all these guys in this clubhouse.
Getting to know Philly, the stadium, the game, the area, all of it. It was all kind of new at the beginning. I’m just the kind of guy that kind of takes a lot in and it takes me a second to get my feet under me and get comfortable. That was kind of the story at every level. Just getting a little more comfortable. To go back, reset for a second and come back and try and contribute was the right formula for me. “
Monday, the Fullerton, California native was showing off his formula in front of all those family members in a stadium that he had been to as a kid, but never played in. Another new experience to add to the list.
“It’s cool to be back in the home state. I grew up closer to Anaheim, so I was more of an Angels fan than a Dodgers fan. It’s still unbelievable to be here. It’s a historic place. Family has a lot of history of being Dodgers fans and growing up in this area and around this ballpark and seeing a lot of the Dodgers legends pass through here. Cool to be here and experience this place.”
Still, there is a job to do and when so much is on the line, it certainly adds some pressure, no matter how hard you try to block that out of your mind.
“You have to get used to it,” Kemp said. “In order to have success you have to push that to the side a little bit. For me, when I first came up, I think I let a lot of those little things play in my head a little bit more. My first time I didn’t know what the right mentality was to have success up here was. We got a job to do and I think the setting just changes a little bit. It’s the same game between those lines so I’m trying to treat it like any other day, which is hard to do. For me, that’s just the adjustment I’ve made. I belong here and sticking to my guns and doing what I do.”
His hope, obviously that he does stick for the playoff roster. That’s a decision manager Rob Thomson and the front office will have to make in a couple of weeks. For now, Kemp is still just soaking it all in.
“If you let your mind wander that’s when it starts to be harder and harder to get to that one point to where you want to go,” he said. “Not giving it more energy that it needs and it’s just another game. We’re going to get there. But the more we try and force it the worse it’s going to be. Just playing the game for what it is.
“You have ideas of where you think you can go but when pencil comes to paper it’s pretty unbelievable to think last year I was in double-A at this time and transitioning to triple-A not knowing what was next after that. Kind of hoping I had a shot at the big leagues, but little did I know it was right around the corner. You can make a lot of stuff up in your mind and you can create a lot of situations – create the worst case, create the best case – but it’s pretty surreal to be sitting here and having a chance to go and win a title.”
Injury updates:
There is never a good time of the year for injury, obviously, but the small dings that have hit the Phillies recently seem to be improving well.
Trea Turner, Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa all have missed time recently with various injuries but are progressing well, according to Thomson.
“Hope so,” said Thomson when asked if Bohm should be ready by Friday. “He’ll work out today, so we’ll know more after today. Same thing with Sosa and then we’ll reevaluate tomorrow.” Thomson said there’s a possibility Sosa could be back from his groin strain as early as tomorrow. Bohm is working out soreness in his shoulder.
Turner, diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, appears to be progressing ahead of schedule.
“Stayed in Philly. Did a full workout today,” said Thomson of Turner. “Did a little bit of jogging. Hit in the cages, tee and toss, ground balls. Really good. He feels good. We’re hoping (Turner will return before playoffs). Said he feels really good.”
Travel troubles
For the umpteenth time this season, the Phillies had travel issues in getting out to the West Coast.
“It was mechanical, and we had to wait for another plane. That’s the way it goes,” said Thomson, adding the team got in around 2 a.m. “I slept most of the time. All the way out pretty much, then I got to bed and slept some more. We kind of pulled back on (the players) because of how late we got in last night. Some later busses (to Dodger Stadium) and going to keep the workload to just make sure they’re ready to play.”
Pitching change
The Dodgers announced Monday that they would be starting left-handed reliever Anthony Bande instead of previously listed starter Emmet Sheehan. Thomson said he didn’t make a change to the starting lineup that he told his team on Sunday.
The Wraparound: Will Morgan Rielly's Offensive Production Rebound In Toronto?
The Wraparound is here with new, rapid-fire NHL and hockey discussions.
Will Morgan Rielly's Offensive Production Rebound In Toronto? by The WraparoundundefinedHere's what Emma Lingan, Michael Augello and Jon Bailey discussed in this episode:
0:00: Could the Pittsburgh Penguins convince Marc-Andre Fleury to come out of retirement?
4:51: Should the Los Angeles Kings be concerned about Corey Perry’s injury?
8:10: Will Morgan Rielly have a strong offensive season for the Toronto Maple Leafs?
11:33: Breaking down Spencer Knight’s three-year extension with the Chicago Blackhawks
15:10: Could the Boston Bruins possibly trade Jeremy Swayman if things go wrong this season?
18:55: Should the Tampa Bay Lightning be considered contenders this season?
23:10: Which Edmonton Oilers youngster will have a bigger impact this season: Isaac Howard or Matthew Savoie?
27:45: Will Luke Evangelista continue to hold out on a contract extension with the Nashville Predators?
See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.
How Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge fared in MLB debut vs. Diamondbacks
How Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge fared in MLB debut vs. Diamondbacks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Top Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge made his highly anticipated MLB debut against the Diamondbacks on Monday in Arizona, batting fifth in the lineup as the designated hitter.
While he put together an 0-for-3 performance with one groundout, one strikeout and one flyout, there still was plenty to like from the young slugger’s first game in The Show which proved he is more than capable of handling big-league pitching.
As he walked up to the Chase Field plate for his first major league at-bat in the top of the second inning, Eldridge received a loud ovation from his family and friends in attendance.
With no one on and one out, the 20-year-old worked his way to a full count against Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen before grounding out sharply to first baseman Ildemaro Vargas.
Eldridge tried to check his swing but couldn’t hold back on the first pitch of the at-bat, a 93.6 mph four-seam fastball, before Gallen threw him four straight changeups low and away — one of which was a swing-and-miss.
He hit the sixth pitch of the at-bat, a 94 mph four-seamer, 99 mph off the bat to conclude a quality showing for his first big-league hacks.
The next at-bat against Gallen didn’t go as well. With the count 2-2, Eldridge struck out on a knuckle curve for the third out in the top of the fourth inning.
For a moment, it looked like Eldridge had his first big-league homer during his third at-bat in the top of the seventh inning, which came against Diamondbacks right-hander Taylor Rashi. With Matt Chapman on first base, the slugger hit a ball 407 feet to the deepest part of the outfield in center, but Jorge Barrosa made a leaping catch on the warning track.
Even Eldridge’s cheering section thought the ball was out — and it actually would have been a home run in 23 other ballparks.
The flyout was made all the more impressive by the power Eldridge showcased on an inside pitch, casually flipping the four-seamer over 400 feet the other way.
All in all, Eldridge wasn’t the only Giant who didn’t record a hit in San Francisco’s 8-1 loss. In fact, Casey Schmitt had the Giants’ only two hits of the game.
But there certainly were some promising at-bats from San Francisco’s top prospect, who hopes to make an impact as the Giants continue their quest for an MLB playoff spot.
Yankees' Aaron Judge named AL Player of the Week after homering five times in six games
Aaron Judge, likely in the midst of another MVP season, took home a different award on Monday, as he was named the American League Player of the Week.
In six games from Sept. 8-14, Judge slashed .450/.560/1.200 with five home runs and nine runs scored. His 1.760 OPS during that span also led all American League hitters.
The Yankees went 3-3 last week and are currently 4.0 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East and are 1.5 games ahead of the Boston Red Sox for the top Wild Card spot.
Judge, the AL MVP in 2022 and 2024, is the overwhelming favorite to win the award again this season, with Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh the other player in contention.
Judge has once again put up absurd numbers hitting .326, which would be a single-season best for him, to go along with a .447 OBP, a .678 slugging percentage, 48 home runs, and 102 RBI.
Nets acquiring Kobe Bufkin for cash considerations in trade with Hawks: report
The Nets are acquiring guard Kobe Bufkin in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, reports ESPN's Shams Charania.
Brooklyn is sending the Hawks cash considerations for the 21-year-old who was selected 15th overall out of Michigan in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Appearing in just 10 games for Atlanta last season, Bufkin averaged 5.3 points on 38.3 percent shooting (21.1 percent from three). He also added 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists while playing 12.4 minutes per game. He played in 17 games during his rookie season and has spent most of his professional career playing for the Hawks' NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
Bukin, 6-foot-4 and 194 pounds, will join a crowded Nets roster and will look to make the team out of camp as perhaps a backup point guard.
'This Is Where I Want To Be': Sidney Crosby Reaffirms Commitment To Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby made it clear on Monday that he is sick and tired of the trade rumors surrounding him.
Crosby took some time to meet with local reporters while he was delivering season tickets to fans and confirmed that he wants to be a Penguin. It comes after Pat Brisson, his longtime agent, made some comments to the national media about Crosby's future last week.
"I don't take those rumors or some of those things lightly. Like I said, this is where I want to be," Crosby told reporters. "It's a special place, and it's something that is hard to put it all in a soundbite, but it means a lot."
Crosby has been a Penguin his entire career since he was drafted first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft and doesn't want that to change. He's heading into his 21st NHL season this year and is focused on winning, despite the team being in a rebuild.
It's the way he's wired, having helped the Penguins win three Stanley Cups during his playing career and having appeared in four Stanley Cup Finals and five Eastern Conference Finals.
The Penguins will open training camp this Thursday, and Crosby will obviously be there with the rest of his teammates as they get set for the regular season. The Penguins will open the regular season against the New York Rangers in Madison Square Garden on October 7.
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No ‘funky rugby’: new England coach Lee Blackett targets substance over style
Steve Borthwick’s new attack coach believes he has time to create a winning culture before the World Cup in 2027
To say England have been through a few attack coaches in recent times is an understatement. The latest cab off the rank, Lee Blackett, is the 11th individual to take on the role in nine years but it may just be that the national team have found the ideal catalyst to enhance their chances at the next Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Blackett, 42, auditioned successfully for the job in the summer tour of Argentina and the US, where England scored 13 tries in three Tests, and he has emerged as the big winner in Steve Borthwick’s latest cabinet reshuffle with Richard Wigglesworth switching to defence and Joe El-Abd helping out with the forwards.
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