Worldwide Sports News

July 28, 2026

Athletics' Shea Langeliers, Mark Leiter Jr. to have season-ending surgeries

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Athletics All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers and right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. are having season-ending surgeries.

The A’s injury report indicated Langeliers will have surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee and Leiter will have surgery to repair a right hip impingement.

Langeliers was hitting .263 with 23 homers and 51 RBIs in 93 games before his injury. The 28-year-old became the first A’s catcher to start an All-Star Game since Terry Steinbach in 1989.

Langeliers had been the subject of trade rumors as the A’s struggle through another disappointing season.

Leiter went on the injured list with a hip impingement for the second time this season. The 35-year-old has not allowed a run in 17 of his last 18 games, compiling a 0.50 ERA during that stretch. He is 0-1 with a 4.28 ERA and four saves in 36 relief appearances overall this year.

July 28, 2026

John Tortorella still open to coaching at age 68 after brief stint ends in Vegas

John Tortorella hasn’t closed the door on coaching at age 68, some two months after his latest, brief stint ended two wins short of a Stanley Cup and not being rehired by the Vegas Golden Knights.

“Oh, I want to coach,” Tortorella told The Athletic. “I want to coach now. I’m not sure if that happens, and that’s where I am in my career. But I wanted to coach that Vegas team. I told (general manager Kelly McCrimmon) that.”

Tortorella’s tenure in Vegas began with him replacing the fired Bruce Cassidy with eight games left in the regular season. And it ended in mid-June with the Golden Knights losing the Stanley Cup Final in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Though Tortorella pushed for his return, he said he respected McCrimmon’s decision to promote minor-league coach Ryan Craig.

“They’ve been developing (Craig) for a number of years there,” he said. “He’s a good coach and a good man.”

Tortorella has 24 seasons of NHL head-coaching experience, with the Golden Knights representing his seventh stop — including two separate tenures with the New York Rangers. He enjoyed his longest stint with Tampa Bay, spanning 2000-01 to 2007-08, during which he won his only Stanley Cup in 2004. He also coached in Columbus, Philadelphia and Vancouver.

From Boston, Tortorella is sixth on the NHL list and first among U.S.-born coaches with 1,628 games coached. Tortorella’s 777 career wins rank second among U.S.-born coaches behind Peter Laviolette’s 846. With a 70-72 career playoff record, he’s 20th on the NHL list in wins.

Tortorella lamented coming up short on winning a second Cup.

“I guess the word I’d use is disappointed,” Tortorella said.

“We didn’t finish the job, and I wanted some more time with that club to try to finish the job. That’s not my call. That’s the general manager and president’s call,” he added. “You just get about your business after that.”

July 28, 2026

What we learned about the Rockets this offseason

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Ime Udoka and General Manager Rafael Stone of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media during the NBA Media Day at Toyota Center on September 29, 2025 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Now that LeBron James has finally chosen the team he will, in all likelihood, finish his career with, all the major signings, trades, and additions have been made for this offseason.

This offseason will go down as one of the most active in terms of star-level players switching teams in recent NBA history. From Giannis Antetokounmpo to Jaylen Brown, NBA teams will look a lot different this upcoming season.

Some people around the NBA speculated that the Rockets may be one of those teams to try and make a major move this offseason, but that was not the case. The Rockets were coming off their second straight first-round defeat, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers, after an up-and-down regular season filled with injuries and inconsistent play.

The Rockets, however, felt they could not see the full potential of their team because of the above-mentioned injuries. Fred VanVleet, the Rockets’ on- and off-court leader, missed the entire season after a severe right knee injury consisting of a torn ACL and tears in both menisci.

VanVleet’s injury was a devastating blow, as the Rockets were never able to find a capable point guard to make up for his loss. Not having a legitimate point guard hampered the Rockets all regular season and even more in the playoffs.

The Rockets lost several games throughout because they couldn’t get the ball up the court without turning it over. They also couldn’t get into their offensive sets fast enough and at times looked lost on offense. The Rockets are hoping that VanVleet’s return will solve those issues.

VanVleet wasn’t the only Rocket to miss time; Steven Adams, the Rockets’ best screen setter and rebounder, missed the last few months, including the playoffs, after he suffered a season-ending injury.

The most devastating injury to the Rockets’ playoff chances, however, didn’t happen right before the playoffs when Kevin Durant, who only missed four games all season, played in only one playoff game after suffering two separate injuries, one right before the playoffs and another in the one game he did play in.

That injury was the straw that broke the camel’s back as the Rockets lost to the Lakers 4-2. The injuries also played a big part in the Rockets’ offseason plans and showed why they made the moves they did and did not make.

The Rockets front office and coaches want to see the team fully healthy

The Rockets, unlike some teams this offseason, had a fairly quiet offseason. They didn’t make any major splashes in free agency and have not made any trades so far this summer.

The Rockets did bring in two veterans to help solidify their league-worst bench. Marcus Smart was their first signing, and the Rockets hope he can bring much-needed help to their backcourt, even with VanVleet expected to be ready for training camp.

Bogdan Bogdanovic was also signed during free agency. The veteran is known for his instant offense off the bench, something the Rockets lacked all season as their bench was one of the lowest scoring in the league.

Both moves will help the team, but neither is as seismic as last year’s trade for Kevin Durant or the blockbuster moves some other teams made this offseason.

That shows the Rockets were content to run it back, but this time with a healthy team. Rafael Stone and Ime Udoka both stated after the season that they wanted to see how the team would look with a healthy roster, something they did not get to see at all last season.

We learned from the lack of major moves and the signing of Tari Eason to a long-term deal that the Rockets are going to give this current version of the Rockets a full, healthy season before they potentially “blow it up,” as some other playoff teams have done recently.

The league has not had this much parity in a long time, so the Rockets should know by the end of next season whether this is the team to lead them into the future.

July 28, 2026July 28, 2026

Cubs vs Cardinals Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

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After lighting up the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night, the Chicago Cubs will look to keep the bats rolling in tonight's rematch.

Chicago is -112 on the moneyline, and my Cubs vs. Cardinals predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, July 28, see the Cubs take down the Cardinals once again.

Who will win Cubs vs Cardinals today: Cubs (-112)

Even with right-hander Colin Rea taking the mound for the Chicago Cubs this evening, I still expect the visitors to come out on top.

I don't care that Rea owns a 5.51 ERA, 5.10 xERA, and 1.35 WHIP over his last three outings. The St. Louis Cardinals offense has been lifeless, posting a 68 wRC+, .265 wOBA, and .578 OPS over its last 12 games.

On the other side, right-hander Michael McGreevy has allowed nearly a 52% hard hit rate and over a 15.5% barrel rate across his last three starts. Meanwhile, the Cubs offense has been on a tear, owning a 128 wRC+, .358 wOBA, and .193 ISO over its last 21 games.

Despite Rea's struggles this season, I think the Cubs offense does enough to carry them to a win.

I'll take the Cubs on the moneyline down to -115.

COVERS INTEL: McGreevy owns a poor Batters-Box pitcher rating and grades out poorly in matchup ISO, hard-contact rate, and strikeout rate. He will also face three elite-rated hitters and another with a strong rating.

Cubs vs Cardinals Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (-121)

With two below-average pitchers on the mound tonight, I have to lean toward the Over, right?

Rea owns a 6.45 ERA, 5.66 xERA, and 1.61 WHIP on the road this season, while allowing an 11.05% barrel rate to opposing hitters. Meanwhile, McGreevy owns a 4.58 expected ERA on the road and has allowed a 41.57% hard hit rate and 9.55% barrel rate.

At least one of these arms is giving up some runs tonight.

While I like the Over 8.5, I wouldn't play it past -125.

Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record

2026 MLB Record: 343-666, -12.6 Units

Cubs vs Cardinals weather

Should be another hot one in St. Louis, with temperatures in the upper 80s and slight winds blowing in.

Cubs vs Cardinals odds

Moneyline: Cubs -108 | Cardinals +104
Run line: Cubs -1.5 (+150) | Cardinals +1.5 (-156)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-117) | Under 8.5 (+113)

Cubs vs Cardinals trend

The Chicago Cubs have hit the moneyline in 16 of their last 21 away games (+11.80 Units / 51% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Cardinals.

How to watch Cubs vs Cardinals and game info

Location	Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO
Date	Tuesday, July 28, 2026
First pitch	7:45 p.m. ET
TV	TBS
Cubs starting pitcher	Colin Rea (7-7, 4.85 ERA)
Cardinals starting pitcher	Micheal McGreevy (4-8, 3.07 ERA)

Cubs vs Cardinals latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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July 28, 2026

Guardians Trade Target: Ty France

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 26: Ty France #25 of the San Diego Padres hits a single against the Miami Marlins in the second inning of the game at loanDepot park on July 26, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The solution to the Guardians’ offensive problems is, obviously, a journeyman first baseman.

You can view our larger trade deadline piece here as we discuss a wider pool of options the Guardians may consider. To make my position clear, I expect the Guardians to make smaller moves, like trading Bo Naylor and getting a castoff/undervalued reliever. But, in the interest of exploring potential larger moves, we are doing a series looking at some of those bigger names. So far, we have discussed Spencer Steer, Luis Arraez, Shea Langeliers, Taylor Ward, Heliot Ramos and Jo Adell.

The Guardians chose Rhys Hoskins over Ty France when looking for a right-handed hitting first baseman this offseason… and that was a poor choice, so far. Hoskins has a 92 wRC+, .289 xwOBA/.301 wOBA, 32/15 K/BB%, 11 homers and terrible defense. France has a 142 wRC+, .334 xwOBA/.376 wOBA, 23.4/4.8 K/BB% and 16 homers for the San Diego Padres while playing the best first base defense in baseball.

Will the Padres be selling? They are .500 and 1.5 games out of the third wildcard spot. There are no guarantees. They will certainly want an overpay for France, given how he has played, if they trade him, and it’s important to note that he is producing about .040 points better than his xwOBA. Would the Guardians consider trading Manzardo for France and a Padres’ prospect they are interested in? Is there a chance they do a Francisco Mejia-type move and trade Kody Huff for the chance of putting a 142 wRC+ right-handed hitter in the middle of their lineup?

France is putting up career highs in average exit velocity, barrel rate and bat speed. Every metric makes it clear that his season is not a fluke. Rather than double-down on the mistake of trusting in David Fry and choosing Hoskins, the Guardians should correct their error and see if an overpay offer convinces AJ Preller, Padres GM, to do a little threading the needle dealing, selling high on France’s breakout.

Let me know what you think about the idea of acquiring Ty France in the comments below!

July 28, 2026

Padres Reacts Survey Results: Mason Miller can bring haul, but his departure could leave hole

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres prepares to pitch during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Petco Park on July 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The MLB Trade Deadline is a week away and once again the San Diego Padres are getting a lot of attention. In recent seasons, the Padres and their general manager A.J. Preller have been on the prowl looking for pieces to add to their lineup that could finally bring a championship to San Diego. While that may be the case this season, the truth is no one knows — except Preller and his closest advisors of course. Actually, Preller may honestly not know which way the deadline will go, and he may not know until the homestand against the Colorado Rockies and the San Francisco Giants concludes.

Even if the Preller and the Padres are undecided, the baseball world has been speculating for weeks that San Diego’s All-Star closer Mason Miller could be on the move. With a low salary and multiple years of control, a trade involving Miller could bring the type of return that significantly impacts the depth in the Padres system — at the major league level and the farm system. Miller is a closer and yes, closers typically do not bring back significant talent, but he is not just any closer. Miller is the MOST DOMINANT closer in the game.

San Diego came out of the All-Star break on a 10-game road trip that saw them play against the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. The Padres entered the weekend series against the Marlins with a 2-5 record coming out of the break. The possibility of Miller being traded increased with each loss and baseball pundits began to imagine what trade packages could be cobbled together by teams like the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Then San Diego went into Miami and swept a three-game series and Miller added two more saves to his season total which sits at 27. He is by far the most valuable trade piece for the Padres at the MLB level.

Should Preller and the Padres decide to buy and add to the current roster, the minor league system could get thinned out more than it already is. The top player in the farm is catcher Ethan Salas, a switch-hitting, defense-first catcher that has been destined for stardom since the Padres signed him at 16 years old. The combination of talent and potential makes Salas attractive to any team in the league outside of maybe the Detroit Tigers, who have one of the top young catchers in baseball in Dillon Dingler. It is believed that Salas is still a couple years away from reaching the majors, but that is not long enough to deter teams from inquiring about him should Preller covet one of their players. The question is, “Is Salas this year’s Leo De Vries.” The shortstop prospect was moved to get Miller and JP Sears from the Athletics at the deadline last season.

Miller and Salas both have value. Miller has current value and Salas has future value. Losing either player could affect the Padres and their fans in a number of ways. In a perfect world, San Diego continues to win, Preller decides to add and he does so without sacrificing Miller or Salas, but that is a lot to ask. The Padres Reacts Survey from Gaslamp Ball last week asked respondents to determine who had more value (Miller or Salas) and which player would be more difficult to lose. The numbers on the poll were relatively close, but the majority determined Miller had more value than Salas and that losing Miller over Salas would be the more difficult subtraction from San Diego.

Again, there is no way to know what Preller is going to do considering the way the team is playing at the moment, but Aug. 3 is coming quick and he may have to be ready to use or lose one or both of Miller and Salas and the Friar Faithful may have to wait until the last minute to know the answers to all of their questions.

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July 28, 2026

Rays Reacts: Will the Rays win the AL East…?

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 22: Jonathan Aranda #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates after hitting an RBI double in the eighth inning during the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Friday, May 22, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

With the August 3 trade deadline holding the potential to swing the season for the Tampa Bay Rays, let’s ponder the Rays trajectory.

As things stand, the Rays (62-43) hold a 2.5 game lead over the Yankees (60-46). Making the playoffs is essentially a forgone conclusion, with FanGraphs putting those odds at 98.6%, but winning the division only 50.3%, with the Yankees chances of taking the division at 44.5%.

What do the Rays need to do to hold onto their lead? Let’s see your vote!

July 28, 2026

Canadiens Land Outside Of Top Three Goaltending Rankings In The Atlantic Division

It’s quite clear that the Atlantic Division will be the toughest decision in hockey this season. The Florida Panthers will be back at full strength after a campaign lost to injuries, the Tampa Bay Lightning will remain a top team, the Buffalo Sabres will want to prove that last season wasn’t a one off, the Boston Bruins will be holding on for dear life not to slip out of the playoffs picture, just like the Ottawa Senators while the Toronto Maple Leafs will want to prove that last year was a one off. Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens will hope to keep moving forward and remain near the top of the division and the league as well, of course.

In a recent article, THN’s Ryan Lambert has given his top-three goalies in what he calls the league’s best goaltending division, the Atlantic. Nobody will argue with his top choice: Andrei Vasilevskiy. The Bolts netminder has got nothing left to prove and has a couple of Stanley Cups to his name already. Last season, he posted a 2.27 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage with a 39-15-4 record. However, in the playoffs, he was 3-2-2 with a 2.18 GAA and a.897 save percentage; the Habs’ Jakub Dobes outdueled him, and Vasilevskiy fell in the first round.

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In second place, he has Jeremy Swayman, who finished third in voting for the Vezina Trophy with a 31-18-4 record, a 2.69 GAA and a .908 SV. The Bruins performed much better than most people hoped, and Lambert sees Swayman as one of the main reasons why. It’s hard to argue with that when most believed they would be out of the playoff picture. Of course, Swayman did have that one miserable season in 2024-25 when he was stuck in a contract dispute early on, which led to him missing the preseason, and he never really caught up. He ended the year with a 22-29-7 record, a 3.11 GAA, and a .892. He bounced back perfectly last season and put that year squarely in the rearview mirror.

Finally, Lambert gives the third spot to Swayman’s former partner in Boston and now main guy in Ottawa: Linus Ullmark. The Sens’ masked man ended the season with a 28-12-8 record with a 2.73 GAA and a .891 SV. He helped the Senators scrape into the playoffs but was swiftly dispatched in four games by the champions-to-be Carolina Hurricanes. That wasn’t on him, though; he lost the four games, but he posted a 2.03 GAA and a .932 SV. Ullmark couldn’t have done any better in the postseason.

Meanwhile, Dobes had a 29-10-4 record with a 2.78 GAA and a .901 SV. While he finished the year with respectable numbers, it has to be said that he had some tough stretches during the season as the Canadiens kept trying to get Samuel Montembeault back on track without regard to what going back to the Quebecer time and time again would do to the Czech netminder’s confidence. Once the Canadiens put their chips on Dobes, though, he rose to the occasion and was also great in the playoffs, finishing with a 9-6-4 record, a 2.66 GAA and a .908 SV.

What Dobes did from the moment he was given the reins of the team was enough to convince the Canadiens to sign him to a three-year contract extension even though he still had a year left on his contract. However, it wasn’t enough to convince the rest of the league of what kind of goaltender he would be in the future. That was his rookie season; he was still young and seen as an unproven commodity. He did catch a lot of people’s eyes, though, and if he can perform out of the gate this season as he did at the tail end of last season, he may very well make his way into this top three next offseason.

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July 28, 2026

Yankees Birthday of the Day: Elmer Miller

American baseball player Elmer Miller, the Yankees' opening batsman, during the first game of the World Series, between the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, at the Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan, New York City, New York, 5th October 1921. The Yankees won the game 3-0. (Photo by European/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images) | Getty Images

They say you never forget your first. However, in sports there are so many firsts that one or two are bound to be forgotten over time. Today, we celebrate the birthday of a man who owns one of the most unique firsts in Yankees history. That man is Elmer Miller, the first New York Yankee to bat in a World Series and the first to record a World Series hit.

Elmer Miller
Born: July 28, 1890 (Sandusky, OH)
Died: November 28, 1944 (Beloit, WI)
Yankees Tenure: 1915-18, 1921-22

In all fairness, we say today is his birthday and that it would have been his 136th. Even that is up for debate; not the day, but the year. Some sources list Miller as being born in 1888 in Wisconsin instead of 1890 in Ohio. Semantics aside, Miller grew up in Sandusky before beginning a professional baseball career.

A right-handed hitting outfielder, Miller’s journey to the big leagues began in 1911 with the Duluth White Sox. Following that season, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. After just one season with Cincinnati, Miller was released and claimed by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals gave Miller his first taste of the major leagues in 1912. That season, he bounced between St. Louis and two minor league affiliates. In the majors, he appeared in 12 games, collecting seven hits in 37 at-bats. Miller never made it back to the big leagues with the Cardinals, instead spending the next three seasons primarily in the Southern League.

On July 23, 1915, the Yankees purchased Miller from the Cardinals. Much like his first stint in St. Louis, he struggled to stick in the majors and bounced between New York and the minor leagues. From 1915 through 1918, Miller appeared in 250 games for the Yankees, collecting 190 hits while slashing .233/.308/.298. He was exempted from World War I service due to his dependents, but he spent much of the next three years with the St. Paul Saints.

After that first run with the club, Miller would not appear in another game for the Yankees until August 1921. That season proved to be the best of his career. Miller hit .298 across 242 at-bats, caught fire during the final month of the season, and became the Yankees’ regular leadoff hitter as they charged to the American League pennant, the first the club had ever captured.

The Yankees met the Giants in the 1921 World Series. Batting first as the visiting club in Game 1, Miller led off the series with a single before eventually scoring on a Babe Ruth hit later in the inning.

Just like that, Miller became the first Yankee to bat in the World Series, the first to record a World Series hit, and the first to score a World Series run in franchise history. The Giants would ultimately win the series five games to three, but Miller’s name was forever inked in the history book pages.

Coming off the best season of his career, Miller quickly returned to earth in 1922. That July, the Yankees packaged him with Chick Fewster, Johnny Mitchell, Lefty O’Doul, and $50,000 in a trade with the Red Sox that brought Joe Dugan and Elmer Smith to New York. Dugan would go on to help the Yankees blossom into the dynasty fans came to know and love. Fate would not be nearly as kind to Miller.

In addition to missing out on the Yankees’ run of championships, Miller struggled with Boston and was out of the major leagues after the 1922 season. He continued playing for several semiprofessional clubs before eventually moving into coaching in Wisconsin and passing away due to heart issues at age 54. Miller’s career has largely been forgotten, but every Yankee who has dug into the batter’s box in the World Series since has done so in Miller’s footsteps.

Happy birthday, Elmer!

See more of the “Yankees Birthday of the Day” series here.

July 28, 2026

Blackhawks hoping Patrick Kane will ignite Chicago’s weak offense for a second time

CHICAGO — When the Chicago Blackhawks selected Patrick Kane No. 1 overall in the 2007 draft, they counted on the forward, then just 18, to give their rebuilding team and its sputtering offense an immediate boost.

Fast-forward 19 years: The Blackhawks again hope that Kane, now 37 and entering his 20th NHL season, will do the same after signing the all-time scoring leader among U.S.-born players to a two-year, $16 million deal.

“I mean that’s kind of always what I’ve been known to do is help produce,” Kane said at the Blackhawks practice facility. “I don’t think that’s going to change any time now. I’m excited to come back and try to produce and fit in with all these young players and guys that I can play with, help build chemistry, learn. So do all those things. Help the team win. Help the team score.”

Kane said he feels strong three years after undergoing a major hip resurfacing surgery and rehabbing his way back for three solid seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

Kane has 1,400 points in 1,369 career NHL games (508 goals and 892 assists). He cranked out 16 goals and 41 assists in 67 games last season for Detroit and says he’s not slowing down.

The homecoming is nice but the Blackhawks need production

Kane had discussions with his hometown Buffalo Sabres after becoming a free agent on July 1. But it seems to have been an easy decision to return to Chicago, where he spent his first 15-plus NHL seasons and helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships as one of the NHL’s most electrifying players.

Kane said there wasn’t one deciding factor in returning to Chicago, where he has spent his summers. He acknowledged the homecoming, but said his biggest focus is helping a team “that’s on the rise, a team that’s looking to make some big steps forward and trying to make the playoffs”

“It’s not like I’m just coming back home, to you know, ride off into the sunset or whatever it is,” Kane said “You know I want to be a big player here and help the team win.”

Kane is looking forward to skating with Connor Bedard

Part of that will be meshing with Chicago’s young forwards. That starts with center Connor Bedard, the Blackhawks only other No. 1 overall draft pick who was selected in 2023.

Bedard will miss the early part of the season after left shoulder surgery on July 8. Bedard, who signed a five-year, $75 million contract, got hurt skating with a group of NHL players near his home in suburban Vancouver. Once Bedard returns, Kane can’t wait to skate with him.

“He’s such a special player,” Kane said. “This will be my 20th year in the league and I’ll probably see passes I’ve never seen before playing with him. But I mean, wherever I fit in, I fit in. No matter who it is, I’m going to try to make the most of it.”

The statistical symmetry between the Blackhawks in 2006-07, the season before Kane entered as a rookie, and last year’s team is stunning.

The 2006-07 Blackhawks scored just 201 goals, second lowest in the NHL, as they went 31-42-9 for 71 points. With Kane in the lineup the following year — and posting 21 goals and 51 assists — Chicago jumped to 40-34-9 and 88 points. The Blackhawks scored 239 times and narrowly missed the playoffs.

In 2025-26, Chicago finished at 29-39-14 with 72 points, and scored just 213 goals, behind only Calgary (212).

Blackhawks GM says the timing was right

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said it was time to bring Kane back after dealing him to the New York Rangers just before the March 2023 trade deadline.

Davidson was beginning a major overhaul of his roster then. In addition to focusing on prospects, he said the Blackhawks also needed to focus on building a new leadership core.

That process, with Bedard leading the way, already has started, Davidson said. Kane can only help now.

“They (Blackhawks young players) already know their way around the league a little bit,” Davidson said. “It’s the right time for him (Kane) to come, step in, join a group of of not all young players –- but a considerable group of young players -– and provide high-end play, but also high-end leadership and a lot of different things that he can impart on our young players.”

July 28, 2026

The Wizards are still projected to be a bottom feeder in 2026-27

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 15, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus 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 Zach Barron/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

We are in late July, aka the Dog Days of Summer, or the abyss of the NBA season. Kevin has a great piece about why the Washington Mystics had a great WNBA All-Star Weekend, highlighted by their win in the Shooting Stars Competition. But let’s focus back to the Washington Wizards for this story.

Over the past weekend, LeBron James decided to take his talents to the Philadelphia 76ers, which just happens to be the NBA market geographically closest to Washington. James, who is 41, is still more than capable of being a key starter for a top level team. And that’s going to shake up the power rankings.

John Schuhmann of NBA.com posted his latest power rankings for the Eastern Conference yesterday. After Washington acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis last winter, wouldn’t that make a Young/Davis/AJ Dybantsa trio a postseason team, which means Top 10 in the East? Nope. He had them at No. 12. Here is Schumann’s blurb.

Key question: Can the young guys keep developing?
The Wizards were the worst team in the league last season, but there were some individual signs of progress with their young core …
Kyshawn George saw the third biggest jump in points + rebounds + assists per 36 minutes among 290 players that played at least 500 minutes in each of the last two seasons.
Alex Sarr, George and Bub Carrington saw the second, eighth and 11th biggest jumps, respectively, in effective field goal percentage among 123 players with at least 500 field goal attempts in each of the last two seasons.
Trae Young should help those players get better shots. The Wizards ranked 26th in shot quality last season, but their shot-quality score was much higher (top-five level) off of Young’s passes in the five games he played. However, the offense was still bad (106.6 points scored per 100 possessions) in his 104 minutes on the floor. The young guards will also have to adjust to getting far fewer touches, and it remains to be seen if Sarr and Davis can fit together offensively.
Dybantsa is the future, but there’s a decent team here if the returners can find their way in what may be a very different offense from what we’ve seen over the last few seasons.

I think Schuhmann is hedging his bets here. If Dybantsa fires on most or all of his cylinders, Young plays all season and Davis remains in Washington for the whole 2025-26 season (not to mention remaining healthy), then the Wizards should be a postseason team. But the Wizards also haven’t shown they can make a jump from worst team in the NBA to just a below average team. Also, it wouldn’t shock me to see Anthony Davis get traded by the deadline in Feb. 2027 for … more draft picks. So I can see why he is skeptical.

In addition to Schumann, Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation’s NBA Editor is also skeptical of the Wizards’ improvement relative to other NBA teams for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. In his latest rankings, post LeBron to Philly, the Wizards are at No.27 (and by extension, 13th in the East). That’s better than No. 30. But the Wizards are still effectively at the bottom of the barrel, even with a potential future All-Star in Dybantsa.

Do you think that the Wizards are ranked too low in the power rankings? Let us know in the comments below. And in case you missed it, our SB Nation Reacts poll is also below, but right above the comments section!

July 28, 2026

Browns are at the forefront of a ‘Jordan vs. LeBron’ debate for saddest, ‘worst go of it’ NFL fanbase

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 18, 2007: The Great Lakes Classic trophy is awarded to the winning team between the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions following their annual preseason game was on display prior to the game on August 18, 2007 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Detroit won 23-20. Great Lakes Classic Trophy07-1206979 (Photo by Diamond Images/Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The naming of things can sometimes be funny. A small or cheap item can have a regal name attached that does not fit the size or stature of the actual product. For years, the “Great Lakes Classic” preseason matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions fit the “big name, small game” typology.

“The Battle for the Barge,” as fans would call the GLC, was regularly played between two teams who were only “Classic” in that they have both been around a long time, both were founded in Ohio (the Lions were originally the Portsmouth Spartans), and both have been classically bad since the Browns returned in 1999.

Detroit has seen a strong turnaround since 2022, with four straight winning records and two playoff appearances, while Cleveland has made the playoffs twice since 2020 but has seen four losing seasons in that timeframe as well.

According to Joel Walkowski, author of the book “Honolulu Blues: How The Detroit Lions Saved My Life,” fans of the Browns and Lions are 1a and 1b in having “the worst go of it of any franchise,” similar to the NBA’s GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James:

“I exist on this planet to make the argument that the Lions fans have the WORST go of it of any franchise…”

“I gotta give a hat tip to the Cleveland Browns. That is the Jordan-LeBron debate of this…”

Do you agree with @theBigWalkowski? https://t.co/HIHqpDYst0 pic.twitter.com/v3Hb0DLCbS
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) July 28, 2026

Obviously, Walkowski has a bias, as we all do.

A look at the historical numbers between each team:

Record: CLE – 567-560-14, DET – 615-717-34
Winning %: CLE – 50.3%, DET – 46%
Championships: CLE – 8, DET – 4

Maybe Walkowski is on to something, big picture and in the long-term. For the more recent history, the Browns have been far more downtrodden and have had an organization that has made mind-numbing decision after mind-numbing decision.

Then again, Detroit and Cleveland are also the only two teams since the strike-shortened season of 1982 to have winless seasons, so both fan bases have gone through a lot.

Overall, which fan base do you think has it worse? Do you agree with Walkowski because of the whole history of the franchises or do you think it is the Browns given the history since The Return in 1999?

Join the conversation below in our comment section

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July 28, 2026

Cedric Coward, AJ Dybantsa among the summer 'stock risers'

With Summer League play in the rearview mirror and most of the major free agency decisions having been made, now is a good time to look back on some players whose fantasy values have been affected by the changes. Today's column focuses on those who stand to be more valuable to fantasy managers, starting with a Grizzlies wing heading into his second NBA season.

▶ Returnees

G/F Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies

Coming off a shoulder injury that limited him to four games in his final college season, many were unsure what to make of Coward's fantasy value going into the 2025-26 campaign. As a rookie, he would appear in 62 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 13.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 three-pointers per game, finishing fifth in Rookie of the Year voting.

With the franchise moving on from Ja Morant and Santi Aldama this summer, Coward should be empowered to be one of the Grizzlies' leaders moving forward. He played well in Summer League, helping lead Memphis to the title game in Las Vegas, and has already established good chemistry with lottery pick Cameron Boozer. While Coward finished last season ranked outside the top-100 in fantasy basketball, his floor should be higher than that in 2026-27.

C Walker Kessler, Los Angeles Lakers

Kessler's time in Utah came to an end this summer, with the Jazz agreeing to a sign-and-trade with the Lakers. The 7-footer appeared poised for a breakout campaign in 2025-26, but a torn labrum in his left shoulder ended Kessler's season after just five games. In Los Angeles, he'll be asked to serve as the lob threat to play off Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. And the Lakers' defensive issues mean there are likely to be even more shot-blocking opportunities for Kessler, who has averaged 2.4 rejections per game in his four NBA seasons.

G Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

This has been a summer of significant change for the Hornets, who bid farewell to LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in two separate trades. The departure of the former should mean more time on the ball for Knueppel, last season's runner-up for Rookie of the Year, even with the Hornets re-signing Coby White. He started 80 of the 81 games he played in 2025-26, averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.4 three-pointers per game. Already one of the best shooters in the NBA, more playmaking opportunities will raise Knueppel's fantasy ceiling next season.

G Egor Dëmin, Brooklyn Nets

Of the five players the Nets selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, Dëmin is the one who has shown the most promise. Remember when his perimeter shot was considered to be a significant question mark? Well, Dëmin was productive in both summer leagues the Nets appeared in. In Las Vegas, he averaged 21.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 3.0 three-pointers in three appearances. Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle will be the first options offensively for the Nets next season, but Dëmin's upside can't be ignored, especially with his improved shooting.

F/C Naz Reid, Charlotte Hornets

Reid's time in Minnesota came to an end this summer when the Timberwolves dealt him to Charlotte as part of the LaMelo Ball trade. However, the move east puts the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year in a position to start consistently, especially after the Hornets also traded Miles Bridges. A consistent top-100 player in fantasy basketball the last few seasons, Reid should be selected much earlier in drafts this fall due to the opportunity in front of him.

F/C Paul Reed, Detroit Pistons

Reed's play during the postseason was one of the bright spots for the Pistons, who were eliminated by the Cavaliers in the second round. And with Detroit trading Isaiah Stewart to Memphis, Reed will now serve as the backup center, provided the Pistons get a deal done with restricted free agent Jalen Duren. While he may not be a player worth selecting with a top-100 pick, Reed's consistent role makes him more valuable to fantasy managers than in the past, when he was little more than a streamer when someone was injured.

▶ Rookies

F AJ Dybantsa, Washington Wizards

Dybantsa only appeared in two games in Las Vegas, but even when considering the level of competition, he looked ready to make an immediate impact for the Wizards next season. In those outings, the former BYU standout averaged 25.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Dybantsa did not shoot the ball well from three in Las Vegas, but that should not be a major concern once he's able to share the floor with Trae Young and Anthony Davis, among others, in the nation's capital.

F Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls

More active than most of the top picks who saw action in Las Vegas, Wilson was highly productive for the Bulls. In four games, he averaged 23.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.5 blocks and 3.3 three-pointers while shooting 50 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three. Wilson did have some issues with turnovers, averaging 5.3 per game, but that should not be a major concern for fantasy managers once the regular season begins. He should be a force once the games truly count.

F Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies

Viewing Boozer as a "high floor" player may be selling him short, especially when considering how well he played in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He played in all six of Memphis' games in Sin City, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 three-pointers while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 77.3 percent from the foul line. This season marks the official beginning of a new era in Memphis, and Boozer is expected to be one of the leaders. He's got the ability to take on that role.

F Yaxel Lendeborg, Golden State Warriors

One of the questions lingering over the Lakers this summer was whether they could land LeBron James in free agency. Well, he picked Philadelphia, which gave Lendeborg's fantasy value as a rookie a boost. The Most Valuable Player of the Vegas Summer League, he filled the stat line on most days, averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per game. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody set to begin the season on the sideline as they recover from knee injuries, Lendeborg may find himself in the starting lineup as a rookie. And his versatility should mesh well with a lineup headlined by Stephen Curry.

G Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks

During his lone season at Arizona, Burries spent most of his time off the ball due to Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley running the point. The Bucks put the ball in his hands quite often in Las Vegas, and Burries delivered. In four appearances, he averaged 23.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.0 three-pointers, shooting 50 percent from the field.

Milwaukee's backcourt is a bit crowded following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, with Tyler Herro joining a rotation that already had Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. However, with Burries showing that he's capable of playing either guard spot, there should be no lack of opportunities for the rookie. That said, fantasy managers may have to exercise some patience due to the veterans in front of him.

G Meleek Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers

Thomas put on a show in Las Vegas and appears ready to provide needed scoring off the bench as a rookie in Cleveland. In four games, the second-round pick averaged 27.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.5 three-pointers, leading the entire Summer League in scoring. The opportunity to play off James Harden and Donovan Mitchell should benefit Thomas, as the offensive gravity of both veterans can open up the floor for their teammates.

F Allen Graves, Toronto Raptors

After drafting Collin Murray-Boyles last summer, the Raptors may have another potential category league star on their hands. Graves may have come off the bench during his one season at Santa Clara, but he was an advanced-stats darling in the pre-draft process for his ability to contribute in multiple areas.

In four games in Las Vegas, he averaged 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.8 three-pointers on excellent shooting splits (51.0/50.0/100). The lingering Kawhi Leonard situation makes it somewhat challenging to project Graves' value in redraft leagues, but managers in dynasty leagues should not hesitate to select him if available.

July 28, 2026

Anaheim Ducks Sign First-Round Pick Nikita Klepov to ELC

In another surprising development for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2026 offseason, the team announced on Saturday that they signed 2026 first-round pick Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract.

The Ducks drafted Klepov (18) with the 15th overall selection a month ago with a pick they acquired from the St. Louis Blues, along with the 29th overall pick (later to become the 28th pick, Marcus Nordmark), in exchange for Mason McTavish.

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Following the first round, Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek stated that had Klepov not been available at 15, the Ducks would not have made the trade and that he felt Klepov had a “fast track” to the NHL.

After those comments, nobody anticipated that the fast track would be quite so fast, as Klepov had previously committed to Michigan State University for the 2026-27 season. That will no longer be an option, and neither will the AHL, as he will not be 19 years old at the start of the season. He’ll either play in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks or return to the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL.

In theory, he would be eligible to play AHL games with the San Diego Gulls on a conditioning stint should he be healthy scratched for five or more consecutive NHL games.

In 2025-26, Klepov led the OHL in scoring with 97 points (37-60=97) in 67 regular season games to earn OHL Rookie of the Year honors and added five points (1-4=5) in four playoff games. To some, that may suggest he has outgrown the OHL and should be in the NHL come autumn.

The Ducks’ newest Russian winger is listed at 6-foot and 186 pounds and stated that the decision to head to the NCAA was to fill out his frame and refine the details in his game. Modeling his game after Nikita Kucherov, Klepov is an offensive dynamo, as creative, skilled, intelligent, manipulative, slippery, and tenacious as anyone in his draft, with a nose for the back of the net.

Klepov sniffs out pucks in all three zones, but is at his best when leading a cycle in the offensive zone, working low-to-high and across the top of the circles, confident and deceptive, consistently scanning for high-percentage, dangerous plays.

The Deerfield Beach, Florida native, who grew up in Russia until 2023, is eligible to play in the 2027 World Junior Championship for the United States should the Ducks be willing to loan him out, much like the Seattle Kraken developed Shane Wright in 2022-23.

The Ducks could also map out a rookie season as they had with Leo Carlsson in 2023-24, utilizing selective healthy scratches to maximize his off-ice training and avoid a mid-season fatigue wall. They had planned a similar rookie season for Beckett Sennecke in 2025-26, but Sennecke’s immediate impact, for all intents and purposes, forced the Ducks to play him every night.

Ultimately, Klepov will likely have the same opportunity Sennecke had a year ago, where his games played and ice time will be in his control. If he plays well enough and is an instant success, the Ducks won’t have a choice but to play him every night.

The Ducks will likely have some surgery to perform on their depth chart before opening night, as Cutter Gauthier remains unsigned and their cap space is limited. Troy Terry will miss the first two or three months of the regular season, and the team may need to offload a veteran forward to free some cap space, potentially opening a depth chart spot, relatively high in the lineup, for Klepov or another young forward to seize.

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July 28, 2026

Dallas Mavericks win total set at 35.5 for 2026-27 season, per FanDuel Sportsbook

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 10: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks guards Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game on April 10, 2026 at the 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 (Photos by Brandon Todd/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The FanDuel Sportsbook has put out win totals for all 30 NBA teams for the upcoming 2026-27 season. It’s been quite a fun offseason, as the player and coach movement has been interesting to follow. As the league enters the final stretch of the offseason before camp begins in September, now is a good time to take stock of the league with the season win totals offered by FanDuel.

Dallas Mavericks: O/U 35.5 wins

I suppose there’s no reason to bury the lead here. FanDuel has given the Mavericks an over/under of 35.5 wins for the 2026-27 regular season. This win total places the Mavericks at 11^th in the Western Conference.

Per Basketball Reference, this is the lowest win total that Dallas has been given since Luka Doncic’s rookie year in 2018-19, where the line was also 35.5 (the Mavericks went on to win 33 games that year). This number has also moved in recent days. As recently as last week, the Mavericks win total was 34.5. Perhaps there is some optimism out there amongst bettors.

It’s hard to square exactly what the team is in the odds market. Last year’s team had an over/under of 41.5 wins, and they never once looked like they would go over the total in route to a 26-win campaign. If the Mavericks were to go 36-46, that would hit the over and yet, I’m not sure many of you would be pleased with the result. It’s hard to improve by 10+ wins in just one season, especially when you account for the sheer overhaul that the organization underwent this offseason. As our colleague Matt wrote in recent days, this is setting up to be a gap year(s).

Full odds via the FanDuel Sportsbook

Western Conference

San Antonio: 60.5 wins
OKC Thunder: 60.5 wins
Minnesota: 48.5 wins
Denver: 48.5 wins
Houston: 46.5 wins
LA Lakers: 45.5 wins
Portland: 43.5 wins
Golden State: 39.5 wins
Phoenix: 39.5 wins
Utah: 36.5 wins
Dallas: 35.5 wins
LA Clippers: 28.5 wins
New Orleans: 28.5 wins
Memphis: 28.5 wins
Sacramento: 21.5 wins

The top two seem to be in a league of their own out West. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One thing that stands out to me: There are VERY clear tiers among teams in the west. The top two are on a tier of their own, followed by a solid middle class. But the bottom of the West, from the play-in on down, is going to be a complete mess. Prepare accordingly.

First blush, I like Houston over, Portland under and Utah over.

Eastern Conference

New York: 51.5 wins
Philadelphia: 50.5 wins
Detroit: 49.5 wins
Boston: 49.5 wins
Cleveland: 47.5 wins
Miami: 45.5 wins
Toronto: 45.5 wins
Orlando: 44.5 wins
Atlanta: 44.5 wins
Indiana: 43.5 wins
Charlotte: 37.5 wins
Washington: 35.5 wins
Chicago: 29.5 wins
Milwaukee: 24.5 wins
Brooklyn: 24.5 wins

The East is wide open, which means these two may figure prominently into the title picture. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

As tiered as the West is, buddy the entire Eastern Conference is a free-for-all. Of note, the books think the East is far deeper than the west, as Indiana at tenth in the East has a win total that would tie Portland for seventh in the West.

Early on, put me down for the Celtics over, the Knicks and Sixers under, and the Pacers over.

What do you think about the early odds? Let us know in the comments!