The Knicks championship parade made its way from Battery Park through the Canyon of Heroes, culminating with a ceremony outside City Hall.
There, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Knicks owner James Dolan, president Leon Rose, and head coach Mike Brown — among others — thanked Knicks fans, players, executives, and every one else who helped along the way as the Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought.
Here are some of the top quotes from Thursday's ceremony...
Mayor Zohran Mamdani
"They give the Spurs a 99.6 percent chance of winning [Game 4 when the Knicks trailed by 20 in the fourth quarter.] A 99.6 percent chance of tying up the series 2-2, of reclaiming the momentum with the next game in San Antonio. A 99.6 percent chance of silencing the Garden, of another year of watching and waiting. But there is one thing that the pundits just don’t get about this team, that they just don’t get about this city. It is in that .4 percent that we go to work.
"It is in that .4 percent that Jalen Brunson, the same guy that so many said was too small, proves that not only is he good enough, he is the new standard of greatness. It is in that .4 percent that OG Anunoby watches the ball float from the top of the arc and start running toward the basket, fingers reaching toward the heavens. It is in that .4 percent that Karl-Anthony Towns finds the strength to mourn his mother and still grab rebound after rebound, make block after block. It is in that .4 percent that Jose Alvarado shows every kid growing up in public housing that a son of Brooklyn and Queens can win for every one of the five boroughs. It is in that .4 percent that [Mitchell Robinson] breaks his finger before Game 1 and says ‘Go get the tape.’ It’s in that .4 percent that Josh Hart grabs rebounds that break teams and Mikal Bridges proves he was worth every single draft pick, that Landry Shamet pulls up from downtown, that every one of these 18 players transforms the franchise, that Mike Brown keeps believing.
"Most of all, it’s in that .4 percent that the Knicks do what New Yorkers have always done when we are told something is impossible. We find a way. We win."
James Dolan
"Thank you for supporting our team. We're gonna keep working to bring you even better basketball — although it's hard to imagine that we get much better than this — but we will, right fellas?"
Leon Rose
"Last and most importantly, to the greatest fans in the world, we did it for you. Your support in every arena, it felt like a home game wherever we played, and all over the world has been unbelievable, and we hope to see you again very soon."
Mike Brown
"I’m proud of everybody for helping accomplish this great feat. The energy today and all around New York is off the charts, and I want to thank you all for it. Let’s keep this energy going, baby, because this championship is about you guys. This is New York City’s championship.
"We had our ups, we definitely had our downs, and our group stayed connected through those times. … You saw the belief, the belief in each other."
Jun 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies infielder Trea Turner (7) reacts after striking out against the Miami Marlins in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Trea Turner returned to the starting lineup in Wednesday’s series finale against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park, with manager Don Mattingly returning him to the leadoff spot. It was his first time batting leadoff since his season-long slump resulted in Turner being dropped to the No. 2 spot on May 27th.
Turner had a nice game in a losing effort, going 3-for-5 with a run scored in the Phils’ 12-4 loss. But there is much work to do for the veteran shortstop who has spent the entirety of the 2026 season mired in another massive slump.
Slumps are one thing. All players go through them. Great players are able to avoid prolonged slumps. They usually don’t have ones that swallow up half a season.
But once again, Turner is in the midst of an epic slump that has already decimated nearly half of the 2026 season. Coming into Wednesday, Turner’s .595 OPS was 2nd-worst among 22 qualified MLB shortstops. Worse than that, it ranked 151st out of 156 qualified position players in baseball. One year after winning the NL batting title as the only player in the league with an average over .300, his .216 average ranked 139th (it rose to .223 after Wednesday’s 3-hit effort).
Turner is making $300 million. I sure don’t like bringing up that price tag, because all players, now matter how much they’re making, are allowed to slump. But that salary is an indication of just how much the Phillies depend on Turner to be an impact player at the top of the lineup.
There are some who believe Turner gets a free pass in Philadelphia. Perhaps that stems from “The Ovation” he received in August of 2023 when, in midst of almost identical struggles, the fanbase decided to support him with a standing ovation as he came to plate for his first at-bat against the Kansas City Royals.
As he walked up to the plate, he was hitting .236 in 484 plate appearances, with a .289 OBP and .367 slugging percentage. Following the ovation, he hit .339 and put up a 1.069 OPS over his last 47 games.
Unfortunately, I don’t think the fanbase is going to be able to go to that well a second time.
Patience for Turner is running short, but really, there is no alternative other than to keep playing him at shortstop everyday and wait for the turnaround.
At the moment, Trea is simply striking out too much, 22.7% of his PAs right now, a career high. Last year it was 16.7%. His 38.5% hard-hit rate is far below his 42.1% from a season ago, and he’s chasing pitches out of the strike zone at a 36.0% clip, again far higher than last season’s 31.1%. The plate discipline has been a major issue.
His Baseball Savant page is a sea of blue.
Resiliency when down in the count has been the biggest difference between Trea Turner 2025 and Trea Turner 2026.
After 0-1 (2025): .741 OPS
After 0-1 (2026): .334 OPS
After 0-2 (2025): .636 OPS
After 0-2 (2026): .255 OPS
After 1-2 (2025): .592 OPS
After 1-2 (2026): .240 OPS
After 2-2 (2025): .747 OPS
After 2-2 (2026): .385 OPS
Virtually every player, no matter their skill, does worse when down in the count. But Turner’s inability to rally with two strikes is a key difference between this year and last year.
It is not fair to say his tenure in Philadelphia has been a failure. Far from it. Since 2023, Turner is 7th among all MLB shortstops in fWAR (14.7). His .277 batting average is tied for 5th, his 69 HRs are tied for 10th, he’s 4th in runs scored (325) and 7th in OPS (.769).
If you had told me that’s where Turner would rank among qualified MLB shortstops at nearly the midway point of his fourth season with the team, I would have been pleased with it.
But no one is pleased right now because once again, Turner is mired in an epic slump that he appears nowhere close to figuring out.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 27: Zuby Ejiofor #24 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts after dunking against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 27, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on how the board falls, St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor could be available when New York is on the clock on draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th or 31st selection?
Projected Draft Range: Late first to very early second round (25–30)
The Numbers
Ejiofor became one of college basketball’s most productive frontcourt players during his final season at St. John’s, his third with the Red Storm. He helped lead the squad to the outright Big East regular-season title and Big East Tournament championship while earning Big East Player of the Year, Big East Defensive Player of the Year and Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
The St. John’s standout averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals in 30 minutes per game, and experienced quite the jump from his prior seasons. During his senior-year campaign, Ejiofor’s assists climbed from 1.6 to 3.5 per game, while his blocks rose from 1.4 to 2.1, highlighting his growth as a passer, quicker-processor and defensive playmaker.
ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jeremy Woo has already connected the dots between Ejiofor and the Knicks, saying, “I think he’s someone the Knicks should look at. I think he would fit. I could see him fitting in really well [with the Knicks].”
Skills That Pay the Bills
Motor and Physicality: Ejiofor plays with the kind of force that should translate immediately to the pro ranks and give him a solid role as soon as he joins a team. He can rebound, runs the floor, is able to absorb contact, contests shots, and does the dirty work without needing many touches of the ball.
Defensive Versatility: At 245 pounds with a 7’2” wingspan and a 38-inch max vertical, Ejiofor has enough strength, length and explosiveness to defend multiple frontcourt looks. He can protect the rim, switch in spots and make plays in space.
Rebounding: Ejiofor attacked the glass stubbornly and led Division I in offensive rebounding in 2024-25. He is able to generate extra possessions and doesn’t mind playing through contact.
Solid Passing: The passing leap is one of the most interesting parts of Ejiofor’s profile. He averaged 3.5 assists per game last season and showed legitimate feel finding cutters, shooters and weak-side options when defenses rotated.
Improving Touch: Ejiofor is not a proven shooter yet, but his 71.8% free-throw mark and improved shooting at the NBA Draft Combine give some reason for optimism, as he worked to show his comfort on midrange and three-point shots at the event.
Concerns
Tweener Size: Ejiofor measured just 6’7.5” barefoot, which is short for an NBA center. His wingspan and strength help, but the size question is real against bigger, true NBA fives.
Limited Shooting: The jumper is still theoretical, as he shot 30.5% from three as a senior, and his NBA value would rise significantly if he became a reliable corner or pick-and-pop threat. Just not there yet.
Offensive Role: Ejiofor does not project as a self-creator, but more of a finisher with a knack for hustling. Many of his baskets came through put-backs, dump-offs, rim runs, short rolls, and all sorts of low-key-hustle plays. That can work, even more within the Knicks roster, but it’d require Mike Brown to hit all the right lineup buttons.
Processing Consistency: The passing growth is real, but he still goes with the obvious read or forces plays at times.
Age: Ejiofor is also considerably older than many prospects—and virtually all of those projected to be first-rounders—and still needs some offensive refinement.
The Knicks Fit
I don’t need convincing for the Knicks to make this pick with any of their first two selections. See, the Knicks are coming off winning their first title since 1973, St. John’s plays home games at Madison Square Garden, New York had the chance of a lifetime to grab one of their own in legendary Red Storm forward Ron Artest… but they botched it. Nearly 30 years later, Ejiofor would help the Knicks fix that wrong if they complete the homecoming in a move that fans would absolutely love.
Mind you, Ejiofor would not enter the organization with Artest-level expectations, but the connection is real, and there might not be a better moment for the organization to kill two NYC birds with one NBA Draft stone. Ejiofor developed under Rick Pitino (name rings a bell, too?), became the face of St. John’s breakthrough season, and built a reputation on toughness, defense and constant effort. Sounds familiar?
Ejiofor’s profile fits the Knicks’ identity to a T. New York has Karl-Anthony Towns as its starting center and reportedly wants to keep Mitchell Robinson, although James Dolan doesn’t seem too excited about the possibility. If Robinson leaves, Ejiofor becomes a logical frontcourt target and immediate replacement in the rotation. If Robinson stays, Ejiofor could still develop as a rugged backup big who brings energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility, allowing the Knicks to let Ariel Hukporti/Mohamed Diawara go—or move them—if they need to clear some financial room.
ESPN national director of recruiting Paul Biancardi also framed the Knicks’ fit around the franchise’s identity, writing, “[Ejiofor] plays with an edge, and that’s how the Knicks won a championship, right? They play with an edge, and coming out of St. John’s, with (head coach) Rick Pitino, that’s a great story for you and a lot of people. I think it’s a fit.”
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: Montrezl Harrell with a passing feel
Median Outcome: Xavier Tillman
Low-End Outcome: Kenneth Faried without elite rebounding
The Verdict
Think twice at 24th: The decision here would depend on who else is available. If a higher-upside guard, wing, or true stretch big slips, New York might do better than drafting Ejiofor, given his lack of size for a center and his unproven jumper are legitimate concerns. That said, there is a very real possibility this kid gets drafted within the 25-30 range, so the Knicks might miss out if they pass on the chance.
Don’t hesitate at 31st: If Zuby Ejiofor is still available when the Knicks pick early in the second round, the fit makes too much sense to ignore. Ejiofor brings the toughness, defensive activity, and rebounding the Knicks have build their roster around and might need if Mitch leaves. He also comes with some passing chops and a clear role-player mentality that wouldn’t disrupt the core. The Red Storm connection is also a bonus coming, let alone with the program and Ejiofor coming off a great season at St. John’s, giving the Knicks a rare homecoming story right after winning the championship. Make it happen!
With the worst of a tropical storm set to arrive Thursday afternoon, the three-game set between the Giants and Braves ended the same way it began — in a rainout.
The game will be made up Aug. 31 in Atlanta with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. ET.
Truist Park has seen more than its share of rain recently. Thursday’s scheduled game between the Giants and Braves was rained out. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The date is one of three off days the teams share for the remainder of the season.
The Giants were scheduled to have a travel day on their way from San Francisco to begin a road trip against the Pirates and Mets, while the Braves will be in the middle of a homestand with another day off two days later.
The series finale was postponed well before the scheduled 7:15 first pitch, unlike the first game of the series, which was allowed to start in a downpour and ended up being suspended after only an inning and a half and a weather delay of nearly two hours.
In that case, the teams were easily able to squeeze in a doubleheader Wednesday, with the Giants sweeping both games. Making up the getaway day game won’t be so easy.
While the Braves visit San Francisco next weekend, agreeing to play a doubleheader there would have robbed Atlanta of one of 81 lucrative home dates. But making it up in Atlanta will come at a competitive cost for the Giants.
Giants manager Tony Vitello and his team are heading to Miami. AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
The makeup date will result in the Giants playing 23 games in 23 days, potentially putting a strain on an already-thin pitching staff.
As far as the immediate impacts of the rainout, the Giants will push back everyone in their rotation by a day. Landen Roupp, scheduled to start the series finale Thursday, will instead pitch the first game against the Marlins on Friday, followed by Trevor McDonald and Logan Webb.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 inches of rain was forecasted to fall in Atlanta between Tuesday afternoon and Friday evening, per the National Hurricane Center.
The worst of it was expected to arrive Thursday afternoon and last through the night; however, when word came of the cancellation, only a few drops had begun to fall.
Sochan appeared during the Knicks’ NBA Finals parade down the Canyon of Heroes and was on the podium without a shirt as he accepted the key to the city.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani laughs as he hugs a shirtless Jeremy Sochan. NY Post YouTube
When introduced, Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave Sochan a big hug, laughing that Sochan was indeed still shirtless as he kept up the bit.
Multiple members of the team were shown laughing in the background, including reserve guard Tyler Kolek, as Sochan posed for a picture with the mayor of New York City.
Sochan has seemingly been shirtless since the title-clinching Game 5, after which Sochan was seen wearing goggles and partying at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
A shirtless Jeremy Sochan poses next to Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the Knicks NBA Finals parade.
At one point, Finals MVP Jalen Brunson was being interviewed by “TODAY” anchor Craig Melvin when a shirtless Sochan nearly slipped and knocked over an oversized mock Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Here’s the latest coverage on the Knicks’ historic ticker-tape championship parade
Brunson flinched and had to stop his interview to make sure their reserve center didn’t break anything.
Jeremy Sochan celebrates an NBA Championship shirtless. NBAE via Getty Images
Sochan didn’t play much for the Knicks, appearing in just 16 regular-season games, though he did get in two NBA Finals games during the historic Game 4 comeback and the series-clinching Game 5 win against the Spurs.
He also appeared earlier in the playoffs in some mop-up duty games earlier in the playoffs against the Hawks and 76ers.
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 17: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper walks the field prior to the rain delay between the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park on May 17, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Not even half an hour after our (doubt-laden) preview went up, the Braves have announced that tonight’s game against the San Francisco Giants has been postponed due to inclement weather. August is the month for series-salvaging makeups, as this Giants game will now be played on August 31, and the White Sox finale is set for August 20.
Tonight’s game against the San Francisco Giants has been postponed due to forecasted inclement weather. This game will now be played on Monday, August 31st at 6:05 PM ET.
All tickets from tonight’s postponed game will be valid for the rescheduled game on August 31.
Weather permitting, the Braves will be back in action on Friday night when the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers come to town.
What to do in the meantime? Maybe vote for Drake Baldwin, Michael Harris II, and known right fielder Matt Olson (I can’t get over it) for the All-Star game. Thin slate of games today, but maybe NYM vs. PHI might be worth tapping into. Stay dry, Atlanta folks!
The Chicago Blackhawks selected a franchise icon third overall in 2006 when they called Jonathan Toews' name. To say he lived up to the hype would be a wild understatement, as he is one of the greatest Blackhawks of all time.
Toews played for Chicago for the first 15 years of his NHL career. It would have been 16 had he not missed the entire 2020-21 season.
Ahead of 2025-26, Toews signed a one-year deal with the Winnipeg Jets after a few years away from the game. Some thought he might not end up coming back after his final game with Chicago in 2023, but he proved that he was capable of returning.
Not only did he return, but he also played in all 82 games with Winnipeg, his hometown team. In 82 games played, he had 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points while continuing his domination in the face-off dot. It was a mediocre year for him compared to his career numbers, but his successful attempt at coming back proved to the hockey world and himself that he could do it.
Now, Jonathan Toews will retire from the National Hockey League at the age of 38. He shuts it down with 1149 games played, 383 goals, 529 assists, and 912 points.
Throughout his career, he won the Stanley Cup three times, the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Selke Trophy, and was named one of the 100 greatest players in NHL history during the league's centennial season. This resume will make him a first-ballot Hall of Fame player.
For a long time, Toews was a force down the middle of the ice. There were a few years during his prime when folks had him as one of the ten best players in the NHL due to his ability to do it all. He could score, defend with the best of them, and was as fierce a leader as has ever existed in the sport's history.
Toews was named captain at a young age. His nickname "Captain Serious" was perfect because he was obsessed with winning, and his competitive drive was the foundation of the Blackhawks for a decade. They won a lot because of it.
On January 19th, Toews made his return to the United Center for the first time as a road player. He received the reception that you'd expect. It was the type of ovation that you get if you win three Stanley Cups.
With this news, the celebration of Toews' career has only just begun. He will eventually have his number retired, be put in the Blackhawks Hall of Fame, and eventually be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
A press conference will be held by the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, June 19th, to make it official.
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Jalen Brunson gave his most pointed dig yet at his doubters.
The Knicks star delivered a message to the haters at City Hall after the team paraded through the Canyon of Heroes on Thursday morning as they celebrated winning their first NBA title in 53 years.
As Brunson stepped up to the microphone, he received “MVP” chants from the crowd.
Jalen Brunson says when people with negative opinions are proven wrong, 'You don't have to say s–t to them!' pic.twitter.com/jFNxDGMwMO
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 18, 2026
He went on to make a speech, emphasizing he “wouldn’t trade this for the world” and concluded with a message to the doubters.
“There’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say. There’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions. But when you prove them wrong, you really don’t have to say s–t to them,” Brunson said.
Jalen Brunson speaks during the Knicks’ championship celebration at City Hall on June 18, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
The comment received a boom of cheers from the crowd and Brunson opened his mouth as if he was going to add to his statement, but instead he said, “Nah, they don’t deserve it. Appreciate y’all. Thank you!”
Here’s the latest coverage on the Knicks’ historic ticker-tape championship parade
In the press conference following the 94-90 Game 5 victory in San Antonio, the three-time All-Star was asked about those comments and gave a direct answer, similar to what he said Thursday.
“I didn’t respond to them then, I’m damn sure not gonna respond to them now,” he said.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11, with Mariska Hargitay and his dad Rick, with the Championship trophy riding on a float during a ticker-tape parade along Broadway through Lower Manhattan’s historic Canyon of Heroes.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Critics said Brunson isn’t a “1A” player because doesn’t fit the usual type. He isn’t a large guard like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant nor a big guy like Shaquille O’Neal or Tim Duncan, as traditional examples.
The biggest critic with that take on Brunson has been Aces head coach Becky Hammon.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson #11, carrying the Championship trophy along Broadway through Lower Manhattan’s historic Canyon of Heroes. Erik Pendzich / BACKGRID
He was named Finals MVP after scoring 45 points in the championship-winning Game 5 on Saturday and proved to be a unanimous selection for the Bill Russell Trophy among 11 voters.
Brunson is one of only three other players to score 45 or more points in a closeout Finals game.
During Thursday’s parade, he soaked in the title win, lifting the Larry O’Brien championship trophy among crazed Knicks fans in a packed lower Manhattan alongside wife Ali and daughter Jordyn, who turns 2 in July.
TORONTO, ON - JUNE 13: Jasson Domínguez #24 of the New York Yankees celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning during the game between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Peter Sarellas/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Ever since Giancarlo Stanton went down with an injury and Paul Goldschmidt found himself in the starting lineup pretty much every day, the Yankees have had a fairly consistent strategy atop the order. Against right-handed pitchers, Trent Grisham would lead off, and against southpaws, Goldschmidt would. In fact, between Stanton’s injury back on April 24th and Grisham’s injury this past weekend, the Yankees deviated from this pattern just four times, with Ben Rice sitting atop the order on May 16th, May 20th, May 21st, and June 2nd.
Early indications suggest that the Yankees might opt to have Rice lead off against righties, while continuing to bat him second against lefties; indeed, this is exactly what they did last Saturday, the team’s first day without Grisham. I would like to make the case, however, for another batter to sit atop the order: Jasson Domínguez.
Back when he was a top prospect, Yankees fans dreamed of the Martian as a middle-of-the-order bat. During his 2023 cup of coffee, that seemed accurate, as he hit four home runs in just eight games before requiring Tommy John surgery. Aside from that stretch, however, the prodigious power he demonstrated as a 16-year-old has not really materialized at the Major League level, and while there’s still time for that to come around — he is, after all, just 23 years old — that is not the player he is today.
The traits that have developed, though, suggest to me that he could be an effective bat at the top of the order. In 429 plate appearances last season, Domínguez worked 41 walks, good for a 9.6 walk rate that ranked in the 67th percentile. Although he has not yet demonstrated that so far this season, this walk rate matches what analysts have said about him during his years as a prospect: for example, MLB’s top prospect lists said prior to the 2024 season that “he draws more than his share of walks.” And while he’s not been barreling the ball as of yet, he has cut down his strikeout rates both in the majors (14.6 percent, down from 26.8 percent last season) and in the minors (16.1 percent when in Scranton).
Even if it hasn’t resulted in real production as of yet, there’s quite a bit of red on that Statcast profile. Batting in front of a hitter like Ben Rice, the Martian would see a lot of pitches to hit, as teams will want to avoid putting runners on for the Yankees’ first baseman/designated hitter. Even though our sample size is still too small to say with certainty that Domínguez will see positive regression, they provide some reason for optimism that he can at least get on base at a decent clip while providing some power in the gaps and making some plays on the basepaths with his speed — which is exactly what the Yankees could use as a table setter with Grisham out so many hitters out.
Furthermore, using Domínguez as the leadoff hitter against righties allows the rest of the lineup to settle in with some consistency behind him. In particular, this lets Rice bat second on a daily basis, which is what he absolutely should be doing right now as the team’s best hitter with Aaron Judge on the shelf. While the rest of the order behind him will likely see quite a bit of platoon-based turnover — in particular, the Yankees have been sliding Goldschmidt between Rice and Cody Bellinger against righties ever since Judge got hurt and batting Amed Rosario in the middle of the order against southpaws — allowing Rice to anchor the lineup construction in the two hole, much like Judge does when healthy, will go a long way towards getting the most of out this Judge-less lineup.
Prior to upcoming NBA draft, Golden State Warriors' general manager Mike Dunleavy addresses the media at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, June 23, 2025. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer reports on the possibility of a Trey Murphy III trade between the Warriors and Pelicans.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst gives context to Wizards’ Trae Young declining his $48.97 million player option to become a free agent.
The Golden State Warriors are entering the final stages of their pre-draft process with the 2026 NBA Draft less than a week away. On Wednesday, general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. held a press conference to discuss the draft, the team’s offseason priorities, and how the front office plans to approach the No. 11 overall pick.
One notable takeaway from Dunleavy’s presser was his insistence that the Warriors expect to add at least one player from this year’s draft. The 2026 class is widely considered one of the strongest in recent years, making this an important opportunity for Golden State to add young talent. While they still have a championship-caliber player in Stephen Curry, he will be 39 years old next March, underscoring the need to add more talent and depth to a roster that finished 37-45 last season and missed the playoffs.
Whether that means drafting at No. 11, trading back for additional picks, or making another move that allows them to add talent elsewhere, Dunleavy made it clear the Warriors will explore every avenue available to improve the roster.
Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. feels fairly confident the team will keep the 11th pick as of right now:
“I just feel like, as strong as this draft is, we should probably come out of this draft with a player, unless you know if something falls into our lap, trade-wise.” pic.twitter.com/kuU7fPFtQf
“I’ve had conversations with kind of all of our free agents,” Dunleavy said during a Wednesday news conference. “Their representatives. I think we’re in a good place with all of them … as far as Draymond and KP, Draymond has the player option, but we’re in communication with his group. Then same thing with KP. Both guys, I think, we value, we want here, and we see them as a kind of (a) piece of the puzzle next season.”
To that end, league sources say, Ament has decided not to work out for the Warriors, who hold the No. 11 pick.
Golden State’s selection has proven to be a spot on the board that various rival teams have begun to pinpoint as a potential trade opportunity … partly because New Orleans is no longer hanging up on teams calling to inquire about two-way wing Trey Murphy III and the Warriors’ longstanding interest in Murphy has been well-chronicled.
The Pelicans are known to “want a lot” for Murphy, as one interested team told The Stein Line last week, but they will at least listen. The Pelicans, furthermore, are also known to be very interested in acquiring a lottery pick for next week’s festivities. New Orleans, at present, only holds No. 58 at the end of next Wednesday’s second round.
Big pre-draft workout day for the Warriors tomorrow with Brayden Burries, Labaron Philon Jr. and Hannes Steinbach coming through Chase Center @NBCSWarriors
The parade begins at 10 a.m. ET with the route starting near Bowling Green in lower Manhattan before going north along Broadway and ending at City Hall. A ceremony will take place at City Hall, and singer Alicia Keys will perform her hit “Empire State of Mind,” which she recorded in 2009 with Jay-Z, following the parade.
Here are all the top sights and sounds from the Knicks’ championship parade.
"He's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."@Windhorstespn gives an update on what could be next for Trae Young 🏀 pic.twitter.com/rQBcWPgczD
Through it all, Wilson never ducked the smoke that comes with being a young superstar. He told reporters he changed his phone background to the McDonald’s All-American Game ahead of an early season showdown with Kansas, because Jayhawks super freshman Darryn Peterson didn’t pass him the ball at the event. He kept a personal “kill list” of opponents he wanted to dominate, and he consistently checked names off the list all year.
As he enters the 2026 NBA Draft, Wilson is embracing the pressure that comes with being a likely top-4 pick.
“I’m going to change their franchise,” Wilson said of the team who drafts him at the combine. “I’m going to change the culture of their franchise and I’m going to change the city, honestly. I’m a culture changer. I did the same thing at North Carolina.”
Follow@unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.
The independent Minor League Baseball team, York Revolution, is declining to play its Pride Night game Thursday, June 18, and has elected to forfeit its game after players refused to wear uniforms that featured a rainbow design on the team’s jersey.
The Revolution’s forfeited game comes before they were set to celebrate the team’s 11th annual Pride Night by hosting the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
The York Revolution, and independent Minor League Baseball team, took the San Francisco Giants protest to next level after forfeiting their Pride Night game. AP
“This decision was not reached lightly,” the team said in a statement. “Unfortunately, several of our players have refused to wear the scheduled Pride Night jersey and the club decided that hosting the event is more important than forcing players to wear jerseys they are not comfortable with and playing the game.”
The team went on to say that despite the forfeited game, they still plan to have a Pride Night event take place at their stadium, WallShare Park, and it will be a fun and free celebration that will take place between 5:30-9:00.
The York Revolution went on to say that the action by the players is not clear with the team’s vision of making their games the “Most Welcoming Place in York.”
“As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania.”
The team went on to say that tickets for Thursday night’s game may be exchanged for any of their remaining home games of the 2026 season.
The topic of wearing Pride Night themed apparel during baseball games has been a trending topic that has received backlash over the last month. On June 5, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen was seen wearing the Dodgers regular blue hat while the rest of the team wore the Pride Night themed hat.
oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit.
It appears Mike Babcock will have a clear path to return to coaching.
On Thursday, the NHL released a statement regarding its investigation of Babcock.
“The League has completed its review of Mike Babcock’s tenure in Columbus, and of certain alleged conduct associated therewith,” the statement read. “Our investigation has concluded that, even in a light least favorable to Mr. Babcock, there is no current basis to restrict his employment in the League.”
The investigation comes amid rumblings that the Oilers want to hire Babcock to be their next head coach.
oronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, Oct. 12, 2019, in Detroit. AP Photo/Duane Burleson
Edmonton consulted with the NHL Players’ Association to ensure it could hire Babcock without objection.
TSN reported that it seems final contract details are being arranged, but unless there is a last-mute rush, a press conference to introduce Babcock could come as early as next week.
The investigation centered around Babcock’s brief tenure in Columbus.
Babcock resigned from his post there before coaching a single game due to allegations of invading player privacy by asking them to share photos from personal phones.
It wasn’t the first time Babcock was accused of mistreating players.
One of the more known incidents occurred during the 2016-17 season, when Babcock was the bench boss in Toronto and told then-rookie Mitch Marner to rank his teammates on work ethic, which Babcock then shared with the team.
Marner’s teammates backed Marner and directed their anger at the “list incident” toward Babcock.
Mike Babcock addresses the media as the Columbus Blue Jackets introduce Babcock as their new head coach during a news conference on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. AP
It goes without saying that the Oilers are taking a big risk by moving forward with Babcock.
As Connor McDavid’s two-year extension begins next season, questions linger over whether the superstar will stay in Edmonton after it expires.
Having a head coach who is unpopular among many players could make it even harder for Edmonton to retain its biggest star.
The NHLPA also released a statement regarding the situation Thursday.
“While we found the allegations of Mike Babcock’s conduct as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach very concerning, the League has decided that there is no current basis on which to restrict his employment,” it said. “Moving forward, we expect that Mr. Babcock will uphold the high standards required of NHL head coaches.”
Babcock’s career regular-season coaching record is 700-418-164.
He won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008 and led Team Canada to Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014.
Jalen Brunson has been proving people wrong his entire life and last Saturday he added another accomplishment to his mantle when he led the Knicks to their first championship in 53 years after toppling the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
It was on the back of Brunson's 45-point barrage in Game 5 that steered New York to another one of its notorious comebacks and sealed his case to be NBA Finals MVP — his third MVP trophy this season after taking home Eastern Conference Finals MVP as well as NBA Cup MVP earlier in the year.
On a grander scale, the point guard's performance on the biggest stage cemented himself as a Knicks all-time great, which was on full display during Thursday's championship parade.
Following speeches by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Knicks owner James Dolan, team president Leon Rose, head coach Mike Brown and others, Brunson was summoned to the podium as the only player to give a speech and received a raucous welcome — even a standing ovation by some — from fans gathered in front of City Hall before chants of "MVP! MVP!" broke out.
The Finals MVP who just finished his fourth season in New York by bringing a championship back to the city began his speech by thanking the front office for "believing in a kid no one else would," his teammates for "giving [him] confidence every single day" and his family for "their sacrifice" for without, nothing would be possible.
Brunson also made sure to shout out the fans, who he admitted can be his biggest critics at times.
"Most importantly, thank you to the fans. I’m not gonna lie, y’all are some pretty hard critics, but we appreciate it," he said. "At least I do. Appreciate it a lot."
Brunson gave himself some time to reflect on the moment while also revealing he had no doubts he and the Knicks would pull it out.
"Damn, we really did it dog. Somehow, someway, I knew we were gonna find a way to get this done," he said.
To close out his speech, Brunson alluded to the haters, of which there are plenty, who have publicly spoken ill of him or his size or his talent in the past. And while the message was clearly directed toward those people, the essence of what he said could apply to anybody going through something similar.
"Lastly, there’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say, there’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions," he said. "But when you prove them wrong you don’t have to say s--t to them. Nah, they don’t deserve it, they don’t deserve it. Appreciate you all, thank you."
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek had a run-in with police after they seemingly mistook him for a fan during the team’s championship parade in New York on Thursday.
The 25-year-old Kolek was running along the parade route and greeting fans while holding a Michelob Ultra in one hand when he was stopped by two police officers who grabbed him.
One officer was seen shaking his head, appearing to say “no,” while another turned him around an pointed for him to leave the area.
That’s when others intervened to inform the officers that Kolek was a member of the championship team.
The officers backed down after that.
Kolek, who did not look happy, was seen saying something to them as he ran off.
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek was stopped by police after they mistook him for a fan during the team’s championship parade in New York on Thursday, June 18, 2026. X/Kimberley MartinKnicks guard Tyler Kolek was stopped by police after they mistook him for a fan during the team’s championship parade in New York on Thursday, June 18, 2026. X/Kimberley Martin
“I swear I’m on the team bro,” Kolek wrote on X, responding to post that said, “security almost tackled” him.
At one point, Kolek went live on Instagram and showed himself holding the Knicks’ NBA Cup trophy that they won after defeating the Spurs 124-113 in the league’s mid-season tournament in December.
“This my real trophy right here. Y’all got that one I got this one,” Kolek told Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who was named MVP of the NBA Finals, referring to the Larry O’Brien championship trophy.
“This my real trophy right here. Y’all got that one I got this one”
Tyler Kolek to Jalen Brunson while holding the NBA Cup trophy
Kolek did not play in any of the 2026 NBA Finals games, in which New York won four of five against the Spurs to clinch their first championship in 53 years.
He was a second round pick out of Marquette by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Kolek spent the 2024-25 season with the Westchester Knicks, the Knicks’ G-League affiliate team.
It was 50 years ago this week that Arizona won the first of its four NCAA titles in baseball, winning the 1976 College World Series. And one of the most integral members of that championship team is finally getting his flowers.
Dave Stegman, an outfielder who played for the UA from 1973-76 and is among the school’s single-season and career leaders in several categories, is one of 21 people making up the 2026 class of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be formally inducted in February.
College baseball immortality ✅
Legendary Wildcat David Stegman has been selected for induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9FKTFvDI4i
Stegman, 72, is the Arizona career leader in runs scored (287) and doubles (72) and held the mark for extra-base hits (110) until Mason White passed him last year. He’s also second in hits (321) and total bases (487), both to current UA coach Chip Hale, and holds the single-season records for runs (91), hits (111) and doubles (30).
In his senior season, Stegman hit .425 and was 3 for 4 with three RBI in the title-clinching win over Eastern Michigan.
Drafted three times, Stegman played professionally for 11 seasons and spent time in the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. He was inducted into the University of Arizona Athletics Hall of Fame in 1981.
Stegman becomes the fourth UA player or coach to make the College Baseball Hall of Fame, joining Jerry Kindall (2007), Terry Francona (2011) and Frank Sancet (2012).
Portal update
Arizona has earned commitments from a trio of Division I transfers out of the portal as it retools the roster following a terrible 2026 season.
The most recent pickup is ex-GCU right-handed pitcher Garrett Ahern, who comes to Tucson with one season of eligibility remaining. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound Ahern has spent the past two seasons as a starter for the Lopes, going 2-3 with a 5.05 ERA in 46.1 innings this past season, and as a freshman in 2024 he made a pair of relief appearances against the UA.
Arizona has also added ex-Southern Miss righty McCarty English and former Tennessee infielder Ariel Antigua as well as JUCO All-American righty Collin Cobb.
According to 64Analytics, Ahern ranks as the No. 178 player to enter the NCAA transfer portal, which remains open until the end of June.
Of the 12 UA players from the 2026 roster who have entered the portal, three has publicly announced their commitments. Righty reliever Corey Kling is headed to Auburn, utilityman Jackson Forbes is going to San Diego and catcher Roman Meyers is off to Cal Poly.
Current, future Wildcats set for draft combine
The 2026 MLB Draft is July 11-12, and only one Wildcat is for certain to get picked. That’s righty Owen Kramkowski, whom Baseball America ranks as the No. 202 overall prospect which would put him in the 5th- to 7th-round range.
Hoping to improve his stock, especially after a down junior season in which he was 1-8 with a 6.13 ERA, Kramkowski is one 335 players scheduled to participate in the MLB Draft Combine June 23-26 at Chase Field.
Also set to attend is incoming UA freshman catcher Francisco Rivero Jr., one of 140 high school players going to the combine. Rivero, who played for Canyon del Oro High School in Oro Valley, is ranked 368th on Baseball America’s list of the top 500 prep draft prospects.
