DETROIT, MI - JUNE 26: Detroit Tigers center fielder James Outman (43) celebrates after scoring a run during a regular season Major League Baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers on June 26, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Detroit Tigers (35-46) vs. Houston Astros (40-44)
Time/Place: 1:10 p.m., Comerica Park SB Nation Site: The Crawfish Boxes Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Framber Valdez (4-5, 3.91 ERA) vs. RHP Kai-Wei Teng (4-6, 4.03 ERA)
Jun 25, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto (7) hits a two run home run against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Main Tom is in the middle of the MS ride right now, and emergency backup Tom (me) is in the process of driving to B.C., so there may or may not be lineups in this post. Apologies for that. The starters are Dylan Cease and Cal Quantrill, though. The Jays can stull escape wirh a split against a wildcard competitor, so today and tomorrow are big games.
Sean Keys makes his Blue Jays debut today. He was 17 on our preseason top 40, but would rank significantly higher after torching AA and AAA. It’ll he exciting to see how he does with his first MLB opportunity.
[edit:] Well, we are five hours and counting late to leave, something I’m not stressed about at all, so here are the lineups after all:
New York Knicks Josh Hart rides atop an open-top bus during a championship ticker-tape parade celebrating the team's NBA Finals victory in New York City on June 18, 2026. (Photo by DAVID DEE DELGADO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Since the day the Knicks traded for Josh Hart, no player has become my favorite Knick faster. Josh Hart is New York. He embodies the same grit, toughness, and blue-collar mentality that made John Starks and Anthony Mason icons in the ’90s, the team that will always be “my Knicks.”
Braids or no braids, nobody has worn the “NEW YORK” crest with more pride over the last three and a half seasons than Hart. Every loose ball, every rebound in traffic, every extra effort play felt like a reminder of what this city values most. He never just played for the Knicks. He played like playing for New York meant everything.
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 1: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on before the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 1, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
No one was more excited about the trade deadline deal that brought Hart to New York from Portland in 2023 than his Villanova teammate Jalen Brunson. Those aren’t just words. It’s on video.
When Brunson was still a freshman at Villanova, Hart was a key contributor on the Wildcats’ national championship team alongside Mikal Bridges. Hart averaged 15.5 points per game that season and led all Big East guards in rebounding. More importantly, he helped establish the culture that would define Villanova basketball during that era.
What started as a teammate relationship in college, evolved into a lifelong friendship. Their bond has become the blueprint for what true friendship looks like. Knicks fans have gotten a front-row seat to that relationship through their wildly popular Roommates Show podcast, where the two regularly share stories, crack jokes, and give each other grief the same way they did as college teammates. That same dynamic carries over to the court and the postgame podium, where Hart and Brunson are constantly taking playful shots at one another during press conferences and interviews.
Whether it’s the nonstop ribbing, the public roasting, or the unwavering support they show on and off the court, their connection is genuine. In a league built on transactions and changing rosters, Brunson and Hart’s friendship has remained constant. That bond eventually brought them back together in New York, where they became cornerstones of a Knicks resurgence and helped restore relevance to one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – JUNE 13: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait after winning Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The numbers back up what Knicks fans have seen with their own eyes since Hart arrived in New York. Across four seasons in a Knicks uniform, Hart averaged 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 49.7 percent from the field. Those marks represent improvements over his career averages of 10.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. As his role grew, so did his production, culminating in a career-best 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game during the 2024-25 season while averaging nearly 38 minutes per night.
No statistic better captures Hart’s all-around impact than his triple-doubles. A player once viewed primarily as a hustle guy and role player evolved into one of the most versatile players in franchise history. By the end of the Knicks’ championship run, Hart ranked third on the franchise’s all-time triple-double list, trailing only Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Michael Ray Richardson. He also etched his name into the record books by setting a new single-season franchise record for triple-doubles, surpassing Frazier’s long-standing mark of eight.
Hart’s growth as a complete offensive player was just as impressive. During his first six NBA seasons before arriving in New York, he never averaged more than 4.1 assists per game. As a Knick, he became a trusted secondary playmaker, averaging 4.8 assists while helping initiate the offense alongside Jalen Brunson. His rebounding reached another level as well. Despite standing just 6-foot-4, Hart pulled down 8.3 rebounds per game as a Knick, a number many forwards and centers would envy. For a player whose game was built on doing whatever his team needed, his evolution into one of the franchise’s most productive and versatile players felt like a natural progression.
His efficiency has improved as well. Hart owns a .563 effective field goal percentage with the Knicks compared to .553 for his career, while posting the highest field goal percentage of his career during his time in New York. The combination of increased production, improved efficiency, and his trademark hustle has transformed Hart from a valuable role player into one of the league’s most unique and impactful glue guys. The box score tells part of the story, but the growth in nearly every major statistical category since arriving in New York shows just how much Hart has flourished in a Knicks uniform.
During the Knicks’ 2026 playoff run, Josh Hart once again proved why he’s one of the league’s ultimate glue guys. The box score only tells part of the story, but it’s still impressive: through 19 playoff games he averaged 10.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while logging heavy minutes and impacting nearly every possession. For a 6-foot-4 wing to average nearly 12 rebounds a night on a deep playoff run is remarkable in itself.
Hart’s rebounding was arguably his biggest contribution. Time after time he cleaned up defensive possessions, grabbed contested boards in traffic, and created extra opportunities with offensive rebounds. His ability to finish possessions allowed the Knicks to survive against bigger frontcourts and helped fuel their transition attack. When games became physical, Hart often looked more like a power forward than a guard.
He also became a secondary playmaker whenever defenses loaded up on Jalen Brunson. Hart averaged 4.6 assists during the postseason and frequently initiated offense, pushed the pace after rebounds, and found shooters or cutters before the defense could get set. That versatility eased the burden on Brunson and gave the Knicks another ball-handler who could make winning plays without needing touches called for him.
Defensively, Hart brought the edge and versatility that defined the Knicks’ playoff identity. He guarded multiple positions, chased wings around screens, and consistently competed on every loose ball. The hustle plays rarely show up in traditional stat lines, but they often swung momentum. Whether it was diving on the floor, taking contact, or extending a possession, Hart delivered the kind of effort that becomes contagious in a playoff environment.
Beyond the numbers, Hart provided toughness and emotional energy. He was one of the team’s emotional leaders, setting a tone with his competitiveness and willingness to do the dirty work. In a postseason that demanded resilience, Hart became the player who connected stars, role players, offense, and defense into one cohesive identity.
For my entire life, when I saw a Knicks No. 3 jersey, the first player who came to mind was John Starks. When we ran the Who Wore It Best? series, Josh Hart hadn’t quite done enough to take that mantle from one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
These days, that’s no longer the case.
Now, and for the rest of time, when I think of No. 3, I’ll think of both Starks and Hart.
What Hart accomplished in New York transcended statistics, accolades, and even championships. He became the embodiment of everything Knicks fans have always cherished: toughness, sacrifice, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to winning. Nothing will ever diminish what John Starks means to this franchise, this city, or its fans. But Hart didn’t need to replace Starks to cement his own place in Knicks history. He built a legacy that stands beside him.
And when it’s all said and done, I believe Josh Hart will have earned the right to see his No. 3 hanging in the Madison Square Garden rafters one day. Right alongside Jalen Brunson’s.
–
(P&T will be doing player-by-player article tributes over the next few weeks to commemorate the special team that ended our long, half-century nightmare)
Jun 25, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (left) and first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (29) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Baseball is a long season filled of 162 games but believe it or not we are already at the halfway point of the season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners this past Thursday, the Pirates played their 81st game of the season, and they were 41-40. They dropped to .500 after Friay’s loss, but at the halfway point, the Bucs are a .500 team, which is a start they haven’t had since over a decade.
The Pirates have faced plenty of injury trouble, from missing starter Jared Jones for the first two months to losing key offensive weapons Konnor Griffin, Oneil Cruz and now Spencer Horwitz. Yet Pittsburgh has managed to stay afloat as it enters a pivotal second half, increasing its win total by 9 from last season at this point and accomplishing its best first half since 2015, the last time it reached the postseason.
In 2025, the Pirates ranked dead last in home runs and finished last in the NL Central with just 71 wins. They made some serious changes in the offseason to fix the offense by trading for Brandon Lowe, who leads the team with 19 home runs. The team also brought in Marcell Ozuna and Ryan O’Hearn who have helped offensively as well.
Lowe said he and O’Hearn talked about the prospect of Pittsburgh’s lineup at full strength after Wednesday night’s 11-run barrage with no home runs. Lowe described the team as “scary” once weapons like Griffin and Cruz return.
We already saw the impact Griffin has on this lineup after his leadoff home run in the 6-4 loss the Pirates had to the Cincinnati Reds.
Reynolds is the longest-tenured position player on the Pirates. He said this season is different from past first halves, but there’s still plenty of baseball left.
“Do I think that we’re better than a .500 baseball team through 81 games? Yeah, absolutely,” said Jake Mangum, who filled into the leadoff spot for Horwitz on Thursday. “But at the same time, we’re still learning how to win, and we haven’t played our best baseball yet. If I could pick a time to play your best baseball, it’s the second half.”
The start that team has been on has been fun to watch, but they have struggled in the month of June with a record of 9-13. The team feels very optimistic about the start and what they can do in the second half of season but if they want to snap their playoff drought the bullpen needs to play better and they have to make some moves during the trade deadline.
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 22: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates with Timofey Mozgov #20 after their 94 to 82 win over the Atlanta Hawks during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2015 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on May 22, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Members of the Cleveland Cavaliers‘ 2016 championship team celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their comeback victory over the Golden State Warriors in Europe last week. Those included in the festivities were LeBron James, Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Iman Shumpert, Tristan Thompson, and Matthew Dellavedova.
There were a few notable absences from the group. One of whom was Kyrie Irving. He was invited but decided not to attend. Irving clarified that “Me and my brothers, who played on the Cavs, bro we’re good,” in a video he posted on social media last week.
We don’t know the reasons behind Mozgov not receiving the invite, but it is disappointing to find out that not every member of the team was given the opportunity to celebrate one of the most memorable championships in basketball history.
Mozgov played for the Cavaliers for two seasons and was a key part of two runs to the NBA Finals. The 7’1″ center from Russia was the Cavs’ second-leading scorer in the 2015 Finals. He started 48 games and played in 76 for Cleveland during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game that season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins continued to add to their defensive prospect pool during the second round of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.
With their 54th overall pick on Day Two, the Penguins selected defenseman Tomas Galvas out of Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Czech league. In 32 games during the 2025-26 season, he registered eight goals and 24 points, and he also put together a standout performance in the World Junior Championship with three goals and nine points in seven games en route to a silver medal.
Galvas, 20, was draft-eligible for two years prior to 2026 but was not selected. The left-side blueliner is listed at 5-foot-10, 168 pounds, and he experienced significant growth in the past year to skyrocket to a second-round selection in his third stab at the draft, with his growth likely giving the Penguins the confidence that they can project what he'll be at the NHL level.
He is a mobile defenseman who excels in transition, and he has the footspeed and the defensive ability to complement a pretty complete toolset. In addition, he fulfills a need for the Penguins, who want to keep adding to their defensive prospect pool.
Their next selection will come at 86 in the third round.
Each week, The California Post will power rank MLB’s 30 teams and check in on one intriguing awards race. Here is this week’s edition (records through Saturday morning):
1) Dodgers (52-30)
It wasn’t the Dodgers’ best week. They dropped a series to the Orioles. They saw Roki Sasaki regress in a rivalry game against the Padres. And they had to diffuse some obvious frustration between Shohei Ohtani and catcher Dalton Rushing in Minnesota. Still, by sweeping the Twins during that trip to Minnesota, they remain the majors’ winningest team — and No. 1 in these rankings. (Last week: 1st)
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani has led the team to 52 victories through Friday night. AP Photo/Matt Krohn
2) Brewers (50-29)
The Brewers have the sport’s hardest thrower in Jacob Misiorowski (who hit 105.5 mph on Friday) and, evidently, the sport’s most pain-tolerant manager in Pat Murphy, who was in the dugout — or, more accurately, in the tunnel just behind it — a day after undergoing 2 ½-hour back surgery. Together, they’ve helped Milwaukee win five straight. (Last week: 4th)
3) Yankees (48-33)
The Bombers, surprise surprise, have not been as good since Aaron Judge got hurt, going just 12-10 without him in June. But their pitching remains elite, headlined by the continued breakout season of Cam Schlitter (8-4, 1.62 ERA). If this is the treading-water portion of their season, they’re doing enough to get by. (Last week: 3rd)
Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler already has eight wins and a 1.62 ERA. David Butler II-Imagn Images
4) Braves (49-31)
The feel-good Braves are going through their first rough patch, having lost 10 of their last 14. In that stretch, their offense has scored five or more runs just four times. It might only be a blip. But for now, it is opening the door for the … (Last week: 2nd)
5) Phillies (46-36)
Look who is suddenly just four games back in the NL East. The Phillies are on another winning streak, having won four in a row (albeit, with plenty of help from the Nationals’ bullpen). Cristopher Sánchez has cooled off a bit, but Zack Wheeler is back in dominant form. Now, if someone could just tell Bryce Harper that ring finger taunts of Nationals fans don’t exactly land the way he might hope. (Last week: 5th)
6) Rays (46-33)
Craig Kimbrel (yes, he’s still pitching) couldn’t complete a combined no-hitter bid in the ninth inning this week. But Tampa Bay has nonetheless steadied against a weak part of the schedule, keeping itself on the Yankees’ heels in the AL East. (Last week: 7th)
7) White Sox (42-38)
The latest evidence the White Sox are a truly viable playoff contender: How about a 22-run onslaught against the Royals on Friday, second-most runs in the franchise’s history. The vibes on the South Side remain up. (Last week: 9th)
8) Cubs (44-38)
The Cubs, who already have a pair of 10-game win streaks this season, are on the upswing again thanks to a recent Pete Crow-Armstrong-fueled 10-3 stretch. Then again, we’ve seen this movie before. We’ll see if they can avoid cratering immediately after. (Last week: 10th)
9) Cardinals (42-37)
The main goal in the Cardinals’ clubhouse should be simple: get to the trade deadline in a place the front office (which had planned for this to be a rebuilding year) has to go out and be at least somewhat aggressive. A current 2-6 skid, however, isn’t helping that. (Last week: 6th)
10) Mariners (42-41)
The American League remains stunningly mediocre. Underperforming contenders like the Mariners are a good example why. They should still run away with the AL West at some point. That they haven’t yet, however, is allowing a bunch of other teams to keep hanging around. (Last week: 8th)
11) Padres (43-37)
For the first time in a while, the Padres are showing renewed signs of life. They swept the Braves, then routed the Dodgers on Friday. They’re finally getting better production from Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. Even Walker Buehler is finding a groove. (Last week: 14th)
12) Guardians (42-40)
Like the Yankees, the Guardians are in the treading-water portion of their season in the wake of an injury to José Ramírez (and rookie star Chase DeLauter). Unlike the Yankees, however, they aren’t getting by all right, having lost seven of 10. (Last week: 11th)
13) Pirates (41-41)
Little new with the Pirates lately, other than rookie sensation Konnor Griffin returning from a monthlong IL stint with a home run Friday. (Last week: 12th)
14) Diamondbacks (41-40)
Why, exactly, didn’t the Dbacks try to reunite with Paul Goldschmidt this offseason? While the former MVP is enjoying a renaissance season in the Bronx, the Dbacks just released their offseason first-base acquisition Carlos Santana. A bad calculation for a team with fine margins for error. (Last week: 13th)
15) Marlins (43-39)
It was this time last year the Marlins quietly went on a second-half surge to stay on the fringes of the playoff picture. Right now, it might be happening again, as they’ve reeled off seven wins in eight games. Consider us intrigued. (Last week: 17th)
16) Blue Jays (39-43)
Toronto still isn’t winning enough games. But it certainly showed out in the All-Star Game fan vote, where Ernie Clement nearly got as many selections as Ohtani to punch his Midsummer Classic ticket and the Blue Jays had Phase 2 finalists at every other position. It will be something when they have half-a-dozen All-Stars and still miss the playoffs. (Last week: 15th)
17) Athletics (40-42)
Our complaints of AL mediocrity will continue here. Because the A’s, despite being under .500 with a run differential of nearly minus-50, are in a playoff spot as of now. Maybe this could be the year of a losing record making October. (Last week: 18th)
18) Astros (40-44)
We’re not sure if we’re ready to really buy the Astros as being back, despite a 7-3 stretch that has brought them back within a game of a wild-card spot. Then again, in this AL, you might not need to actually be good to be a postseason contender. (Last week: 20th)
19) Rangers (40-42)
Everything we wrote above about the Astros applies here as well. And MLB is really sure “more parity” is the answer to fixing the game’s supposed woes? (Last week: 21st)
20) Nationals (41-42)
Maybe the MLBPA should use the Nationals as a counter-example to concerns over parity. After all, if the club had put even modest resources into its bullpen this year, it might be in the playoff spot. Instead, they suffered three late-game nightmares to the Phillies this week, stalling the momentum their young and exciting lineup keeps generating. (Last week: 16th)
21) Twins (39-44)
Yet another bad AL team within a couple games of a wild-card spot, even after getting swept by the Dodgers this week. At least it means Byron Buxton could play in some meaningful second-half games as he makes a case for MVP consideration. (Last week: 19th)
22) Orioles (39-44)
Have we mentioned the AL is letting bad teams hang around? Oh look, here’s another example with the Orioles. They finally had an impressive result last weekend by taking two of three from the Dodgers in LA … only to turn around and drop two of three to the Angels in Anaheim, including a wacky walk-off in the rubber match. (Last week: 23rd)
23) Tigers (35-47)
Where the AL standings could add some legitimate intrigue in the near term is at the trade deadline. The Tigers remain five games back for now, but one good run in the next couple weeks could put them right back in the mix … and maybe make trading Tarik Skubal a somewhat tougher proposition. (Last week: 26th)
24) Reds (38-42)
The Reds should probably be lower. But at least they haven’t displayed the sheer organizational incompetence of the team’s soon-to-come at the bottom of this list. So we’ll give them a half-break. (Last week: 22nd)
The Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. is emerging as a front-runner for American League MVP. Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
25) Royals (34-49)
Bobby Witt Jr. could make a run for history. The Royals are on pace for 66 wins, yet he is emerging as a front-runner for MVP. If both things happen, it would be a record for the fewest team wins ever from an MVP winner, a mark currently held by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1991 with the 67-win Orioles. (Last week: 25th)
26) Red Sox (34-46)
At least the Red Sox are showing that there are some limits to how bad you can be while hanging around the AL playoff picture. A series loss to the Rockies this past week (the Rockies!) has them five games out. At least they won a couple games against the Yankees since. (Last week: 28th)
27) Mets (34-48)
All it took for Carlos Mendoza to get fired, it turned out, was a historically putrid effort from the Mets’ defense (six errors in one game) to punctuate an unbelievably putrid run of form yet again (seven straight losses). What is there to say at this point, other than speculate about David Stearns’ job, too? (Last week: 24th)
28) Giants (33-48)
At least the Mets’ problems are just baseball-related. In San Francisco, the Giants have been blundering PR crises on multiple fronts, from the Pride Night controversy to Rafael Devers’ immaturity. They are watching Buster Posey tarnish his legacy in the city. And, oh yeah, they still aren’t winning games, now owning a record just as bad as the Angels. (Last week: 27th)
29) Angels (34-49)
Speaking of the Angels, they got in on the firing spree this week, Friday-news-dumping an announcement that GM Perry Minasian had been fired and replaced by former Cardinals exec John Mozeliak. Maybe this is a step in the right direction for the club. Maybe it’s just a ploy to get Albert Pujols (very familiar with Mozeliak from their Cardinals days) as manager. Either way, there will be no unbridled rejoicing until the day Arte Moreno announces he’s selling the team. (Last week: 29th)
30) Rockies (32-50)
Well, at least the Rockies aren’t dealing with the above dysfunction. Their problems are much simpler: They still have a big-league roster that stinks. The latest example, Friday’s loss in Minnesota, when they erased an eight-run deficit just to get walked-off in the ninth. (Last week: 30th)
The Astros’ Yordan Alvarez leads MLB in OPS. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
By the time Judge returns from a stress fracture in his rib, he will have missed three-plus months. That means that for the first time since 2020, the AL MVP will be a player other than Judge or Ohtani. The favorite now is Alvarez, an all-around hitter who leads the major leagues in OPS.
Witt returned to the Royals’ lineup on Friday after missing six consecutive games with a sprained knee. Even with the missed time, Witt remains the major league leader in wins above replacement, according to Baseball Reference and FanGraphs. Witt leads the AL with 28 stolen bases.
Ben Rice of the Yankees and Dillon Dingler of the Tigers deserve to be considered for this spot, but the pick here is Kurtz, who leads the majors in RBIs and walks (73). Kurtz’s firepower has the A’s in the running for a wild-card spot.
Q: You talk about chasing greatness. What does chasing greatness for you entail?
A: Chasing greatness is just the ability to max out my potential and understand what I’m capable of and hit that goal by any means necessary.
Q: What do you think you’re capable of?
A: Being one of the all-time greats.
Q: People say you have the it factor. What is your it factor?
A: I feel like there’s nothing that I can’t do on the court.
Q: Your general manager (Sean Marks) said that you have a chip on your shoulder, tell me why.
A: Just because at the end of the day there’s people selected over me. So that just drives me every single day. I’m self-driven to be the best version of myself. So that means I have a chip on my shoulder wherever I go.
Q: You’re going to have a natural rivalry with Darius Acuff. What are your thoughts on that?
A: Basketball nowadays, that rivalry brings along a lot of fans, and more people want to watch and it’s competitive. We know we’re going to see each other for the rest of our lives, so buckle up.
Q: I read one opinion that called you one of the bigger risk-reward prospects in the draft.
A: I’m not a risk just because I know night in and night out what I can bring to a team.
Q: What did your father tell you and what did you tell him after you were drafted by the Nets?
A: We said, ‘What are they going to say now?’ Just because when it comes people said I was too small, or I wouldn’t make it. So just beating the odds, I think me and him really took an embrace on.
Mikel Brown Jr. gestures after being selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the No. 6 overall pick in the NBA draft in the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura
Q: How much did it piss you off hearing that before your growth spurt?
A: It’s motivation. When people put more wood in the fire, it’s another log, that’s how I look at it, it’s another log in the fire to go out and compete.
Q: When your name was announced by the commissioner, what did you say to your mother when you hugged her?
A: I said, ‘I told you!’
Q: How long have you been telling her?
A: (Laugh) I’ve been telling her for ever since I started this game.
Q: How old were you?
A: Three years old.
Q: Describe your on-court mentality.
A: Passionate, competitive, me being a dawg and also just me being able to create for others, like being a connector as well.
Q: I’m getting the feeling that you see yourself as a killer or an assassin on the court? Am I right?
A: Yes.
Q: How so?
A: The people that I’m going to be going up against for the rest of my life, my goal is to win every single battle, and every single matchup.
Q: Why don’t you feel pressure?
A: Because I hold myself to a certain expectation that I expect to hit every single time just because I know how much work I’ve put in.
Q: If you could build the perfect point guard, what would you take from Mikel Brown Jr.?
A: We would take his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others.
Mikel Brown Jr. is interviewed during the 2026 NBA Draft. NBAE via Getty Images
Q: What one area do you think you need to improve on?
A: Every single aspect of my game.
Q: Describe your range for me.
A: Shoot — as soon as I step past halfcourt.
Q: On a scale of 1-10, what grade do you give yourself for vision?
A: I’ll say like an 8 as of right now. I definitely think that I have arguably, if not the best vision in this draft class, but I also do think that there’s still a lot of things I can clean up as well.
Q: Your defense on a scale of 1-10.
A: I’ll say a 7. I really do think that I can guard at a high level. It’s just about me bringing that consistently.
Q: 1-10, instincts.
A: 10. I play off of instincts naturally.
Q: How is your hesi-pull?
A: (Laugh). A hesi-pull is definitely lethal. I could definitely sell it and get it off quick, so …
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: Lead by example and also lead by voice, just making sure my teammates are doing what they’re supposed to be doing, and holding them to a standard that I know they can hit.
Q: Why would I enjoy playing with you?
A: Just because I’m always for my teammates, I’m always about making other guys better around me, putting them in the right positions to whether that’s score, defensively, just constantly communicating with them. And I also think I’m a great teammate as well, very personable, I want to get to know you because that transmits to on the court as well so now you got the true trust in you that you know what you’re doing.
Mikel Brown Jr. is drafted sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images
Q: Do you talk trash?
A: A little bit. Not a lot.
Q: Does it get you going when others talk trash to you?
A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. It gets me going for sure.
Q: What happens?
A: I black out (laugh).
Q: Who are some of the guards you’re looking forward to guarding?
A: Everybody. I’m looking forward to guarding everybody.
Q: Do you study tapes of old-time point guards?
A: Like ’90s?
Mikel Brown Jr. played at Louisville for one season. Getty Images
Q: ’90s, ’80s, even before that?
A: A little bit, a little bit, a little bit. Like Mark Price, I feel like he was the one that created the split screen. … Tim Hardaway, Allen Iverson, Isiah Thomas.
Q: Do you take bits and pieces from each of them?
A: Yes I do, yup, yup. Yes I do.
Q: Which one of those have you taken the biggest piece from?
A: Isiah Thomas’ defense, Mark Price’s ability to split the ball screen when they jump, Allen Iverson’s ability to create a shot for himself. And Tim Hardaway’s twin cross, his shiftiness.
Q: How much work do you put in being a student of the game?
A: Hours, hours, nights, early mornings, days, years. … I mean, I’m a savant when it comes to that stuff.
Q: Why do you like the big stage, the bright lights and the big games?
A: Just because I know much work I put in to get to that point and to be able to play on that stage.
Q: What have you learned about your new head coach (Jordi Fernández)?
A: Just a great guy, he’s a player’s coach. Hard worker, loves his family, he’s a big family guy. He actually reached out to me recently because I went to go watch my sister play and he asked me how my sister did and stuff like that. He’s a player’s coach and that’s a coach you really want to play hard for and give it your all for.
Mikel Brown Jr. poses for a photo during the 2026 NBA Draft. NBAE via Getty Images
Q: What do you know about Julius Randle as a player?
A: He’s a great player. He’s won at this level, so to be able to pick his brain and talk to him, you can tell that he’s a good person and a great guy to be around, to learn from him and ask him his experiences of some of the greats that he’s played with.
Q: Are you 6-4, 6-4 ¹/₂ ?
A: 6-4 ¹/₂ with shoes.
Q: You weigh 190. Do you plan on gaining weight?
A: Yeah. … That’s something that I haven’t spoken with the staff yet and the trainers as well. That’s something that we’re going to talk about soon.
Q: You can go one-on-one with any point guard in NBA history.
A: I’d probably say Kyrie Irving.
Q: Why him?
A: Just because I can learn a lot from him guarding him, just understanding his movements and then he could also teach me his moves as well.
Q: Whatever comes to mind: Steve Nash.
A: Cerebral.
Q: Rondo.
A: Playmaker.
Q: Steph Curry.
A: An anomaly.
Q: Trae Young.
A: Quick.
Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against NC State at the KFC Yum! Center. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Q: Did you have any other favorite point guards growing up?
A: I was a big CP3 guy, Dame Lillard. … I really don’t have specific point guards. I watch everybody, because I think everybody has something special that I can learn from.
Q: The low point emotionally at the end of last year with your back.
A: Not being able to play and compete with my (Louisville) teammates.
Q: Describe your mother.
A: Loving, caring, passionate at what she does and passionate in support of our dreams, not just me, but my brother’s and sister’s dreams as well.
Q: Tell me what is so neat about her and your Puerto Rican heritage.
A: Having a close-knit family, hard-working family, my grandfather served 22 years in the Army so he’s very disciplined about his work and then my grandmother knits and she sells clothes at shows. And also big on her faith as well. To be able to represent my country and represent Puerto Rico as well and represent my grandparents. That whole side of the family means a lot to me.
Q: Describe your father.
A: Same way, just supportive, passionate, and he’s going to do everything in his power to try to help us and give us as much information needed so we can accomplish our dream.
Q: Tell me about the tough love he gave you on the court.
A: That tough love was great. I think it was needed, ‘cause without that, I wouldn’t be here today where I am now. It pushed me and it also shaped me to be who I am, that self-driven guy who wants to be the best.
Q: How old is your brother Zackariah?
A: He’s 15.
Q: Is he on his high school team?
A: We’re trying to figure out where he’s going to go for high school basketball actually right now.
Q: Is he a point guard?
A: Yes he is.
Q: Your sister Arianna?
A: She does volleyball. She just turned 14.
Q: You’re a Jalen Hurts fan?
A: I mean, his mentality and just understanding his work, and not caring what other people say or think about him because he knows who he is at the end of the day. He won a championship, so he has that pedigree.
Mikel Brown Jr. poses for photos on the red carpet before the 2026 NBA Draft. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A: Brooklyn’s great. I thought it would be like more hectic like New York City, but actually Brooklyn is very chill, peaceful, definitely calm.
Q: Why did you choose to have a Michael Jackson handwritten lyric on your shoes on draft night?
A: Everybody loves Michael Jackson. I actually got to watch the movie, you got to see who he was as a person. Just a great dude that cared for others all the time. And he’s also about the people, and also about getting better, wanting to be the best artist, the best entertainer in the world, so …
Q: Do you have any favorite inspirational quotes that you use?
A: I had one on my shoe — I believe in me so you believe in you … shoot, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. And then tomorrow is not promised, so value every single moment and take it on with purpose.
Q: What do you remember about your earliest NBA dream as a kid?
A: Shoot, I remember me hitting the game-winner. As a kid you always kinda mimic, you have a little mini-hoop and you try to mimic you hitting the game-winner … you’re saying “Kobe” after you shoot a fadeaway … you dunk and you yell like LeBron. You take the pull-up like MJ. Those moments right there I definitely remember the most. And I always said to myself “I want to make it to the NBA.” It’s been a dream of mine since I just really started taking this ball stuff serious, so …
Mikel Brown Jr. celebrates with his family after being selected sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA Draft – Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center. NBAE via Getty Images
Q:. What gym were you in?
A: At the moment, growing up, the Cavs and the Warriors were going back and forth, so I’ll probably say like Oracle or Quicken Loans.
Q: Personal goals for this season?
A: At the end of the day, our goal’s to win a world championship. And also, getting to understand my teammates better and push towards a winning season this year. But also, the more you win, the more individual accolades will come.
Q: How big of an impact do you think you can make this season?
A: I feel like I can come in and make an impact from Day 1. I’ve prepared myself for this moment, I’ve prepared myself to be in this situation that I’m in, and also I’m feeding off my teammates as well, it ain’t no one-man show.
Q: Your career goal?
A: Obviously being a superstar in this league. Continue to work to that mindset. It’s not going to be easy, taking it day by day, brick by brick and it’s going to turn out that way.
Q: What is your message to all of Brooklyn and to Brooklyn Nets fans about Mikel Brown Jr?
A: Somebody that’s going to come to work every single day with a hard hat on, great attitude, big mentality … as a team our goal is to try to bring back that winning culture and bring a world championship to that city. We know how much pride those people take in being from Brooklyn, so that pride will not be taken for granted, and we have a chip on our shoulder.
The Vancouver Canucks have selected goaltender Dmitri Ivchenko with the 78th-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
A 6-foot-3 goaltender, Ivchenko split time between Yastreby Omsk of Russia's U-18 league and Omskie Yastreby of the MHL during the 2025-26 season. In the U-18 league, he registered a 2.11 GAA and .915 SV% in eight games, while he logged a 1.91 GAA and .922 SV% in the MHL.
As it stands, Ivchenko is projected to stay in the MHL for the 2026-27 season.
Ivchenko is the first goaltender the Canucks have selected in this year's draft as well as the first non-forward picked by the organization. Last year, Vancouver selected goaltender Aleksei Medvedev in the second-round of the NHL Draft.
Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Vancouver Canucks logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Prior to picking Ivchenko, Vancouver selected Caleb Malhotra (3rd) and Adam Novotný (24th) during the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. The Canucks then went on to select Brooks Rogowski 33rd-overall and Niklas Aaram-Olsen 41st-overall during the second round. They have yet to select a defenceman in this year's draft.
Vancouver will not select again until the fourth round, in which they’ll pick 97th-overall.
Follow along with the Canucks’ 2026 NHL Entry Draft picks via our tracker:
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The Seattle Kraken have had six first-round selections in franchise history since joining the NHL in 2021.
As the 2026 NHL Draft is underway, it is time to evaluate where each first-round draft pick is now and what they have accomplished since being selected.
First Rounders:
Matty Beniers - 2021 - 2nd overall
The team's first draft selection was Matty Beniers in 2021. Beniers was the number two selection in the draft. Beniers has played five seasons with the Kraken. He won the 2022-23 Calder Trophy for the best rookie in the NHL as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. In his rookie season, he led all first-year players in points with 57. The 23-year-old has appeared in 331 games with the Kraken, recording 82 goals and 114 assists. Last season, he appeared in all 82 games, recording 20 goals and 30 assists.
Shane Wright - 2022 - 4th
Shane Wright was the team's second-highest selection in franchise history. Wright was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. He has played four seasons with the Kraken. The 22-year-old has appeared in 169 games for the Kraken, recording 36 goals and 42 assists. Last season, he appeared in 74 games, recording 12 goals and 15 assists.
Eduard Sale - 2023 - 20th
The Seattle Kraken selected Eduard Sale with the 20th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The 21-year-old spent one season in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers in 2023-24, appearing in 24 games and recording 18 points. He then joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2024-25, where he played 51 games and recorded 21 points. Sale played for the Coachella Valley Firebirds again last season, appearing in 58 games and tallying 27 points. He has yet to make his NHL debut.
Berkely Catton - 2024 - 8th
The Kraken selected Berkly Catton with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Catton signed his entry-level contract on July 5, 2024. The 20-year-old has played one NHL season, 2025-26. He appeared in 66 games for the team, recording seven goals and 10 assists.
Jake O’Brien - 2025 - 8th
Jake O’Brien was selected eighth overall in 2025 by the Seattle Kraken. O’Brien spent last season in the OHL with the Brantford Bulldogs, appearing in 53 games and recording 28 goals and 65 assists. He signed his entry-level contract on July 3, but the 19-year-old has not made his NHL debut yet.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 22: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Monday, June 22, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
After stumbling to a series-opening loss to the Red Sox on Thursday, the Yankees found themselves completely shut down by Payton Tolle as the Red Sox jumped on a struggling Will Warren to clinch a breezy 6-1 victory. They’ve guaranteed themselves at least a series split; now it’s up to the Bombers to claw back the final two decisions. The effort will begin with Gerrit Cole on the bump.
Like the Yankee lineup, Cole is looking for a mulligan. He struggled through 4,1 innings as a meek Tiger offense awoke for five runs on nine hits against him. While there were flashes of the usual Cole between the loud noises, he was not able to execute big pitches in key spots. The Red Sox offense has been doing their homework–they have not looked overawed by the task of facing Yankee pitching in this series.
Cole hasn’t pitched at Fenway Park in nearly four years; you have to go back to September 13, 2022, in which he struck out 10 batters but allowed four runs in a no-decision. He has not had success in Boston in his career; his career ERA there is 5.52, and that’s before you include his two postseason losses there. But every start is a blank slate.
Jake Bennett is another of the Red Sox’ seemingly limitless supply of talented young left-handers: the third New York will face in this series. Bennett took the rotation spot of the struggling Brayan Bello, and has turned in a solid 3.71 ERA in his first five turns. Last time out he dazzled with six scoreless innings against the Rockies, but Boston got walked off in the ninth inning on a triple by Jake McCarthy. Bennett features a pair of fastballs and a changeup in addition to three other pitches he sprinkles in every so often. He attacks same-siders with the sinker but favors a more balanced three-pitch approach against righties.
Ben Rice draws back into the starting lineup today; he’ll bat second after Paul Goldschmidt. Amed Rosario hits third and returns to third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will hit the bench today–José Caballero will man the keystone. Max Schuemann will play in center field with Cody Bellinger and Jasson Domínguez in the outfield corners. Austin Wells will catch for Cole.
How to watch
Location: Fenway Park – Boston, MA
First pitch: 1:10 pm ET
TV broadcast: ABC
Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (NYY) | WEEI 93.7, WESX 1230 AM, WCCM 1490 AM (BOS)
Zach Thornton is headed back to the minors...for now.
The Mets optioned the young southpaw back to Triple-A on Saturday to open a roster spot for Christian Scott to be activated from the injured list.
Thornton certainly figures to have earned himself another turn in the rotation, though.
The youngster did just about everything he could to try to help the struggling Mets snap their long losing streak, keeping the high-powered Phillies lineup in check in just his second big league outing.
He settled in nicely after being knocked around by the first four batters, holding the division rivals to just one run on five hits and a walk while striking out seven across six innings of work.
It was Thornton's first career quality start, and just the 18th from a Mets starter all season.
"It just gives me confidence that I can compete with the best out there and get anyone out," the rookie said. "I want to pitch in the big leagues for a long time, and I think I can do that."
Though he's heading back to Syracuse for now, Thornton certainly figures to be back.
As far as Scott, he'll take the ball on Saturday after being sidelined for two weeks due to a right hip impingement.
Scott was settling in as one of New York's most reliable arms prior to the injury, pitching to a 2.97 ERA with 46 strikeouts across his previous eight starts.
Day 2 of the 2026 NHL Draft is off and running. Early in the second round, the Chicago Blackhawks banked two picks nice and early.
First was pick 34, which the Blackhawks used to select defenseman Xavier Villeneuve of Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. In 37 regular-season games with them, he scored 6 goals and had 32 assists for 38 points.
Being a point-per-game defenseman in the QMJHL earned him a second-round selection, but there is more work to go for Villeneuve. As an undersized defenseman, he will have to work extra hard to make it to the highest level.
He is a dynamic player who has a tremendous amount of confidence in his game. He compared himself to Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens, who is also an undersized defenseman who can put up big-time offensive numbers.
Next season, Villenueve will attend Boston University, which is a great program when it comes to developing players who have high offensive ceilings. That doesn't only apply to defensemen, but Lane Hutson and his brothers have done great work there, which has allowed them to become NHL players.
After making pick 34, the Blackhawks traded up to 35 with the New Jersey Devils. They traded up two spots from 37 and gave up pick 119 to do so.
With that selection, the Blackhawks selected Ryan Roobroeck. He is a big 6'4", 216 lb center coming from the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL.
In 49 games for the IceDogs in 2025-26, Roobroeck scored 30 goals and had 28 assists for 58 points. He sees himself as a big power forward who is going to score and create chaos on the ice.
Roobroeck compares himself to Leon Draisaitl and Mikko Rantanen, who are the best versions of a power forward in the NHL. With the right development plan, he could become a top-six forward in the NHL due to his size and skill.
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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Flyers wrapped up their 2026 NHL draft work by taking Max Laatikainen in the seventh round at No. 213 overall.
The 17-year-old defenseman played this season mostly at the junior level in Finland. He had 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-10 rating in 22 games for Kiekko-Espoo.
He got a taste of Liiga, Finland’s top pro league. He had two assists in six games.
Laatikainen was the third defenseman the Flyers grabbed in this draft.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 23: Cal Quantrill #44 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on June 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Sam Navarro/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for June 27, 2026 against the Toronto Blue Jays: starting pitchers are Cal Quantrill for the Rangers and Dylan Cease for the Blue Jays.
The Rangers clinched at least a series split in Toronto yesterday, and are trying to clinch a winning series in Toronto today. They have their most challenging matchup of the series today, with Cy Young contender Dylan Cease going for Toronto. Corey Seager is back in the lineup, while Ezequiel Duran gets a day off.
The lineup:
Pederson — DH
Langford — CF
Seager — SS
Nimmo — RF
Jung — 3B
Burger — 1B
Kelenic — LF
Diaz — C
Lopez — 2B
2:07 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +155 underdogs.
