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Ron Taylor, reliever on Mets' 1969 World Series team, dies at age 87

Ron Taylor, a reliever on the Mets' 1969 World Series championship team, died on Monday at the age of 87 after a lengthy illness, the club announced.

Taylor, who pitched for the Mets from 1967-71, appeared in 269 regular-season games, posting a 3.04 ERA and a 1.144 WHIP with 50 saves in a New York uniform.

He led the Mets with 59 appearances and 13 saves in 1969, pitching to a 2.72 ERA. He also earned a save in Game 2 of the 1969 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

The right-hander pitched for five teams – Cleveland, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and San Diego – during his 11-year career in the majors, posting a career 3.93 ERA.

After his playing days ended, Taylor went on to become the team physician for the Toronto Blue Jays, a role he served for more than 30 years.

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The Wraparound: Should The Predators Already Move On From Stamkos Or Marchessault?

The Wraparound is here with more rapid-fire topics in the NHL.

Should The Predators Already Move On From Stamkos Or Marchessault? by The WraparoundShould The Predators Already Move On From Stamkos Or Marchessault? by The Wraparoundundefined

Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode:

0:00: Will Brad Marchand go down as one of the best trade deadline acquisitions ever?

3:32: Evaluating the Edmonton Oilers’ ability to play in high-pressure situations

5:40: After trading Chris Kreider, could Mika Zibanejad also be moved by the New York Rangers?

9:10: Can the Buffalo Sabres afford to move on from J.J. Peterka?

12:14: Is it time for the Buffalo Sabres to move on from Bowen Byram?

15:28: Could the Nashville Predators already move on from either Jonathan Marchessault or Steven Stamkos?

20:37: Will Mitch Marner be the top free agent in the last decade to hit the market?

24:57: What to make of Team USA’s decision to leave Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger off the first six roster spots for the 2026 Olympics

29:15: Will the Montreal Canadiens end up trading either of their first-round draft picks this year?

See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes.

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Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. sidelined with sprained foot, rookie Ryan Gusto to start

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Houston Astros placed right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. on the 15-day injured list with a sprained right foot Monday before his scheduled start against the Athletics.

The move, which is retroactive to Friday, comes after McCullers made seven starts this year in his return after missing two full seasons with various arm injuries.

Rookie right-hander Ryan Gusto will start in his place Monday as the AL West-leading Astros open a four-game series against the Athletics.

McCullers is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA this season. He allowed four hits and four runs while striking out six in five innings of a 4-2 loss to the White Sox in his last start on Tuesday.

The injury to McCullers is the latest in a string of injuries to the Astros rotation. Houston starters Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco are both out for the season after having Tommy John surgery and right-hander Spencer Arrighetti has been sidelined since April after breaking his right thumb in a batting practice mishap.

They also are missing right-handers Luis Garcia and Cristian Javier, who are both still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

The Astros recalled right-hander Jason Alexander from Triple-A Sugar Land to take his spot on the roster.

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Brady House, 11th overall pick in 2021 draft, gets called up by the Nationals

WASHINGTON — Third baseman Brady House was promoted by the Washington Nationals from Triple-A Rochester on Monday, the club’s latest rookie to get a look at the big league level this season.

In other moves before opening a series against the worst-in-the-majors Colorado Rockies, the Nationals recalled outfielder Daylen Lile from Rochester, optioned outfielder Robert Hassell III and infielder José Tena to the Triple-A club and designated infielder Juan Yepez for assignment.

Washington entered Monday on an eight-game losing streak and with a 30-41 record.

The 22-year-old House was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft.

He is considered Washington’s No. 3 prospect and leads the club’s minor league system with 13 homers, 41 RBIs, a .519 slugging percentage and an .872 OPS in 65 games at Triple-A in 2025.

Lile made his major league debut in May.

Hassell, another rookie, hit .218 with one homer and eight RBIs in 21 games since making his debut.

Tena it .248 in 44 games with the Nationals this season.

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Yankees reliever Jake Cousins to undergo Tommy John surgery

Jake Cousins’ 2025 season is over before it ever began, as Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters on Monday that the right-hander is set to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Cousins, who had been on a rehab assignment while recovering from a right elbow flexor strain and then later battling pectoral discomfort, will have the procedure performed on Wednesday, finishing his season and likely keeping him off the mound for a good chunk of the 2026 season as well.

It’s been a nightmare year for the right-hander, who came into spring training with a forearm strain that landed him on the 60-Day IL to start the regular season. Then, his rehab assignment was recently paused after he "felt some stuff in his elbow," according to Boone.

While the 30-year-old Cousins did not pitch in the big leagues this season, he proved to be a valuable bullpen arm in 2024 after being acquired in a March 31 trade with the White Sox for cash considerations. In 37 appearances last season, Cousins pitched to a 2.37 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.

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Malkin's Last Ride? Penguins Star Nears NHL Farewell Against the Odds

Evgeni Malkin’s likely final season comes as the Penguins enter with long +28000 odds, creating potential sleeper value for bettors hoping for a storybook ending.

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Evgeni Malkin has been one of the faces of Pittsburgh hockey for nearly two decades but the 2025–26 campaign may mark the end of his Hall of Fame journey. According to multiple reports, the Penguins are not expected to offer Malkin another contract following this season, making it likely the last for the Russian superstar. The report did not confirm Malkin himself but the writing appears to be on the wall as the team continues to lean younger under new leadership.

Even at 38, Malkin showed flashes of vintage brilliance last season. He finished the 2024–25 campaign with 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points in 68 games. While it's nowhere near the 113 points he recorded in 2008-09, it's still serviceable for a mid-tier centre. He was among the Penguins top contributors, showing that his vision, touch, and playmaking remain effective even as the miles add up.

More NHL: Where Will Sam Bennett Play Next Season? New Bettting Odds Spark Major Buzz

The wonder is if the Penguins will opt to trade the veteran centre to a contender and help the Penguins retain something of value before he potentially retires. Over his career, Malkin has become one of the most decorated players of his generation. He’s won the Hart Trophy as league MVP, the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, two Art Ross scoring titles, and the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP during the Penguins' 2009 Stanley Cup run. 

He's also hoisted the Stanley Cup three times in 2009, 2016, and 2017 as well as being named to the All-Star Game seven times throughout his historic career. As of the end of last season, he’s logged a total of 1,213 NHL games with 514 goals and 832 assists, good for 1,346 points. In October 2024, Malkin became just the 48th player in NHL history to reach 500 career goals. 

The timing of this potential farewell couldn’t be more intriguing from a betting perspective. The Penguins enter the season as one of the biggest long shots to win the Stanley Cup, listed at +28000, the fifth-longest odds in the league on FanDuel Sportsbook. Their roster remains in flux and leadership will look very different, with Dan Muse stepping behind the bench as Pittsburgh’s new head coach. Muse, known for his development acumen and detail-oriented approach, has been given long +3100 odds to win the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year.

For bettors, the combination of Malkin’s likely final season and a new coaching regime introduces narrative-driven value. It wouldn’t be the first time a legendary player went out with a late-career surge that pulled a team beyond expectations. 

If Muse can elevate the team’s structure and Malkin finds another gear for one last playoff push, even the longest odds can become tempting. Cash out oppurtunites are something we've looked at in the past and just a $10 bet on the Penguins would pay out around $2,800 to win the Cup which isn't very likely. 

However, Pittsburgh has proven in past seasons that experienced cores can catch fire and if they can manage to battle their way into a playoff spot like they looked like they were going to at times this season, we could get a massive cashout option towards the start of next years playoffs that could pay out a couple hundred dollars.

More NHL: 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

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Steph's dad Dell states Warriors star ‘not even close' to retirement

Steph's dad Dell states Warriors star ‘not even close' to retirement originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With Steph Curry’s 16th NBA season officially in the rearview mirror, the end of the Warriors star’s legendary career is closer than many would like to admit.

But according to his father Dell Curry, Steph’s retirement isn’t coming any time soon.

“He still loves the game,” Dell told RG.org’s DJ Siddiqi. “He’s a competitive guy. He wants to win another title, so we’re not even close to that window yet. But when the time comes, I think he’ll make the right decision.”

Steph turned 37 this year and has one of the most decorated careers in NBA history, but his father knows there’s still plenty of gas left in the Chef’s tank — and hopefully one or two more rings left to win. Dell believes Steph could play in his 40s thanks to his preparation, dedication and, of course, shooting skill.

“Absolutely, just because he can shoot the basketball, and he’s going to require attention,” Dell told Siddiqi. “Even if you put him in the corner at 40, 41 years old, you have to guard him. That means that he’s creating space for other guys around him. If you can shoot the basketball, there’s a team that can use you in today’s NBA. But if you’re Steph Curry, I think you’re going to be able to play until you say, ‘I’m done.’”

Steph signed a one-year contract extension with the Warriors last summer worth $62.6 million — a well-deserved payday for the two-time NBA MVP that keeps him locked down in the Bay through the 2026-27 season.

And even at 37, he’s still playing at an elite level. It’s likely the Warriors would have made an even deeper NBA playoff push this postseason if Steph hadn’t sustained a Grade 1 hamstring strain early in Golden State’s Western Conference semifinals matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Splash Bro’s play only has improved since the Warriors acquired him some scoring help with Jimmy Butler.

But Steph himself thinks about the retirement question, as he detailed to 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” back in March.

“Man, I don’t know,” Curry said when asked how much longer he believes he can play. “I’ve tried to answer that question before and I’ve said a lot of different things just based on how I feel that day, but I think it’s all kind of measured on the style of, can I get to that level that I expect for myself. That’s not really attached to like a points-per-game or stats thing. It’s just a feeling, like, can I dominate a game? Can I play my style for 30-plus minutes? And then you kind of reevaluate every year.

“So I know how my contract’s lined up, and I would like to outplay that for sure. But how long that goes? I have no idea.”

Dell knows the feeling.

“I think it’ll come down to—not necessarily his skill, or what he can do in a game in the season,” Dell told Siddiqi. “I think it’s a matter of, can he go through the rigors of preparing himself to play in an NBA season? I know when I retired, that was a big factor. I just didn’t feel like I had the energy, the effort to work and train throughout the summer. So I wouldn’t short myself, my teammates or the fans and give my all during that season. I think that’s what it’ll come down to.”

Whenever the day comes, there’s one thing that’s for certain — the Bay and the Warriors never will be the same. But for now, Dub Nation is soaking in every game they can watch Steph go to work.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

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Thunder one win away from first NBA Finals title with Game 5 result vs. Pacers

Thunder one win away from first NBA Finals title with Game 5 result vs. Pacers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

One more win.

The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday, making them one win away from the franchise’s first ever title.

But it wasn’t league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who put the team on his back in Game 5. Instead, it was forward Jalen Williams, who erupted for 40 points on 14 of 25 shooting and 9 of 12 free throws. Williams’ career high is 41 points.

Williams, 24, also joined rare company as he recorded three straight 25-plus-point games in the Finals. Only four other players in the last four years achieved such a feat: Shaquille O’Neal (1995), Dwyane Wade (2006), Kevin Durant (2012) and Kyrie Irving (2016).

Gilgeous-Alexander still did his thing, recording 31 points, 10 assists and four blocks on 9 of 21 shooting and 13 of 14 free throws. Aaron Wiggins (14) and Cason Wallace (11) delivered key points off the bench with no other starter eclipsing double figures.

Indiana had a different story with its stars. Though Pascal Siakam put up 28 points on 9 of 15 shooting, Tyrese Haliburton, who reportedly is dealing with a lower-leg injury, had just four points. All came from the foul line as he missed his six field-goal attempts, with four from long range.

T.J. McConnell nearly became a hero with 18 bench points on 8 of 14 shooting, along with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Obi Toppin added 12 off the bench. Aaron Nesmith (14) and Myles Turner (13) were the other Pacers in double figures for points.

Oklahoma City led by as much as 18 to just Indiana’s three-point gap, but the Pacers did make a push in the fourth quarter and got within five points. However, the late magical runs Indiana has conjured this postseason didn’t transpire again.

Game 6 in Indiana, where Oklahoma City can win the championship, is set for Thursday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. PT.

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Mets' Francisco Lindor leads NL shortstops in first 2025 MLB All-Star Game voting update

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game is just under a month away, and for the first time in his time with the Mets, Francisco Lindor appears primed to make the National League's starting lineup.

With the first update on the initial phase of voting now public, Lindor has received 1,019,273 votes, nearly double the number of the next closest shortstop, Los Angeles Dodgers' Mookie Betts (597,188).

Lindor – with 13 doubles, 14 home runs, and a .279/.353/.475 slashline for an .828 OPS – is the lone Mets position player to be in first for their position.

Juan Soto is closest to grabbing a starting spot, as he is fourth among outfielders with 625,618 votes, behind the Chicago Cubs' duo of Pete Crow-Armstrong (1,126,119) and Kyle Tucker (704,740) and Los Angeles's Teoscar Hernández (685,553).

Pete Alonso (895,900) is also close on the heels of the Dodgers' Freddie Freeman (1,136,389) to be the NL's starter at first base.

While the fan voting is a popularity contest and not always necessarily about statistics, it is tough to find much distance between Alonso and Freeman.

Entering Monday night New York's slugger has 22 doubles, 17 home runs, and 63 RBI with a .293/.390/.579 slashline for a .960 OPS (174 OPS+ and 169 wRC+). LA's man has 21 doubles, nine home runs, and 41 RBI with a .336/.409/.558 slash line for a .967 OPS (173 OPS+ and a 168 wRC+).

What about the Yankees?

No surprise for the team from the Bronx: Aaron Judge received the most votes for any player in the majors and has more than double the votes for any AL outfielder with 1,568,527 (He is 169,756 votes ahead of Shohei Ohtani for the most votes overall).

Even after a rough series in Boston, the reigning MVP has done nothing but prove to be one of the most feared hitters in the game as he has 17 doubles, 26 home runs, and 60 RBI, with a .378/.473/.756 slashline for a 1.228 OPS (238 OPS+ and 236 wRC+).

The Yanks also have Paul Goldschmidt (667,258) in first place at first base, just ahead of Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (615, 726).

Ben Rice (232,331) is in second place for DH behind Baltimore's Ryan O'Hearn (353,029). (Rafael Devers led American League DHs with 796,382 votes, but those votes are moot after the Red Sox shipped him off to the Giants on Sunday.)

First-year Yank Cody Bellinger (416,858) is in sixth place among outfielders, but just under 60,000 votes behind the Angels' Mike Trout (475,265), who occupies the third and final outfield slot.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (250,416) is fourth for AL second baseman, which is currently led by ex-Yank and current Detroit Tiger Gleyber Torres (535,079).

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The player who winds up as the top vote-getter at each position before phase 1 of voting ends on June 26 will receive an automatic spot on the All-Star team, while the second-highest vote-getter at each position advances to phase 2 of voting (June 30-July 2).

The reserves and pitchers on the team will be determined by the player ballot, which means deserving Mets and Yankees can get in that way if they aren't voted in by the fans.

Each team will have 32 players (20 position players and 12 pitchers, which includes at least three relievers).

The game will take place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15.

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Bombshell report sheds light on Breslow's dysfunctional front office

Bombshell report sheds light on Breslow's dysfunctional front office originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Was the Boston Red Sox’ stunning Rafael Devers trade the result of dysfunction within Craig Breslow’s front office?

Breslow, Boston’s chief baseball officer since Oct. 2023, traded Devers to the San Francisco Giants amid a strained relationship with the veteran slugger. Devers called out Breslow after being asked to play first base earlier this season, when he had already reluctantly moved from third base to designated hitter.

Apparently, Devers wasn’t the only member of the organization miffed by Breslow’s approach to baseball operations. On Monday, a revealing Yahoo Sports report from Joon Lee detailed how the Red Sox front office has “lost cohesion” under Breslow’s leadership. One example cited in Lee’s report was Breslow’s firing of a longtime scouting supervisor for insulting him during a team Zoom meeting.

Read the excerpt from Lee’s piece below:

“Meanwhile, Breslow has grown increasingly insulated. Multiple sources within the organization describe a front office losing cohesion. Staffers who helped build four championship teams — veterans of the Theo Epstein, Ben Cherington, Dave Dombrowski and Bloom regimes — now feel shut out of the operation. The collaborative spirit that once defined Red Sox baseball operations has frayed.

“The discontent intensified in May 2024, when Breslow brought in sports consulting firm Sportsology to conduct an organizational audit. The stated purpose was to streamline baseball operations. In practice, it triggered a wave of firings and accelerated the marginalization of some of the longest-tenured voices in the building, “characterizing the cultural shift to align more with Wall Street efficiency.

“One of the clearest signals came during an internal team Zoom meeting earlier this season. Toward the end, Carl Moesche — the Red Sox’s scouting supervisor and a team employee since 2017 — thought the call had ended. It hadn’t. As the meeting wrapped, his voice cut through a quiet moment.

‘”Thanks, Bres, you f***ing stiff,’ Moesche said, according to two team sources.“

Lee’s report also states that Breslow and manager Alex Cora “have not seen eye-to-eye on the direction of the team.” The coaching staff has “grown frustrated with the state of player development, specifically how much emphasis is placed on swing mechanics and hitting data, often at the expense of fundamentals.”

You can read the full report here.

Breslow, a former MLB relief pitcher, played for the Red Sox in 2006 and 2012-15. He joined the Chicago Cubs front office in 2019 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2020. After the 2023 season, he replaced Chaim Bloom as the Red Sox’ front-office leader.

So far, Breslow hasn’t done much to convince the Fenway Faithful that he’s an improvement over Bloom. The Red Sox stayed mediocre at 81-81 last season and are an uninspiring 37-36 this year. Now, like his predecessor, Breslow’s tenure will likely be remembered for trading a face of the franchise.

Without Devers, the Red Sox will begin a three-game series in Seattle on Monday night. They will start a three-game series in San Francisco against Devers and the Giants starting on Friday.

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Giancarlo Stanton set to make season debut for Yankees after missing first 70 games

NEW YORK — Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was activated Monday and set to start against the Los Angeles Angels and bat fifth after missing New York’s first 70 games because of inflammation in the tendons of both elbows.

Stanton was 3 for 11 with 4 RBIs in three rehab games last week with Double-A Somerset, an assignment cut short by rainy weather.

Stanton has not played a full season since 2018, the first year after the Yankees acquired him from the Miami Marlins. Entering Monday, he had missed 364 of 940 games (39%) since the beginning of the 2019 season.

The 35-year-old appeared in 114 games last season, hitting .233 with 27 homers and 72 RBIs, then had seven homers in 14 postseason games and was voted the MVP of the AL Championship Series.

Given a then-record 13-year, $325 million contract by the Marlins, Stanton had 59 homers and 132 RBIs in 2017, winning the NL MVP award. He was traded to the Yankees and has 38 homers and 100 RBIs in his first season in the Bronx.

He missed time because of a strained right biceps and strained posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee (2019), strained left hamstring (2020), strained left quadriceps (2021), right ankle inflammation and left Achilles tendinitis (2022) and strained left hamstring (2023 and 2024).

Stanton was activated from the 60-day injured list and infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes was designated for assignment.

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Red Sox exec reveals Boston discussed Devers trade with other teams

Red Sox exec reveals Boston discussed Devers trade with other teams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants got their guy in Rafael Devers with Sunday’s shocking blockbuster trade, but they weren’t the only ones interested in acquiring the three-time MLB All-Star.

In a press conference via Zoom on Monday, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow revealed what went into Boston’s decision to trade its prized slugger to San Francisco in return for pitchers Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison, as well as prospects James Tibbs III and Jose Bello — a return package that left many of the team’s fans fuming.

“There were a number of paths that we felt like we could explore in order to get a more kind of cohesive and more functional roster,” Breslow said. “This was one of them, and it was ultimately the path that we went down. Now, whether or not we negotiated with one team exclusively … I have seen some some commentary that we didn’t shop this deal, whatever that means. And I don’t know that it makes a ton of sense to get into the kind of mechanics or strategy, but I do believe we had a thorough process, and we had a good idea of what the market would or could look like, and this was a deal that we felt like made sense …

“I think we rightfully set a really high bar in order to execute a trade of of this magnitude. And we did have conversations with other clubs. We got a sense for the way that they might behave, whether it was today or a few weeks from now, and felt like this — it’s not that this was the best deal that we could get, because the best deal that we could get may not necessarily be good enough to trade a player like Raffy Devers, but when you consider all of the factors here, this is the one that made sense. This is the path that we went down, and so we ended up where we did.”

There was plenty that went into Boston’s decision to trade Devers after some early season drama over his role with the team, during which the 28-year-old was moved from third base to designated hitter before eventually refusing to play first following an injury to his Red Sox teammate Triston Casas.

But now Devers will try to help the Giants win in a new setting, and the Red Sox feel good about what they received in return. Breslow stated the trade helps Boston address some of its starting pitching and bullpen needs while giving the team assets to potentially utilize as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

Breslow expressed excitement in bringing on Hicks, who the team views as a late-inning reliever, and Harrison, who they envision as a front-of-the-rotation starter after he develops more in the minor leagues. He described Tibbs as a hitter who “makes great swing decisions” and Bello as “an exciting young arm.”

“I understand the reaction from fans, the criticism that we are taking, the surprise,” Breslow said. “I do understand all of that, and I also will stand here and say that we would not have made this trade if we didn’t think it was best for the organization and the vision and the beliefs and culture that we’re trying to create.

“We have a number of young players who are in the big leagues, and we’re really excited about them, and we’re very deliberate and intentional about the environment that we want to create.”

As Devers prepares to make his Giants debut against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday at Oracle Park, it won’t be immediately clear who won the trade. But it’s clear after assessing the market, the Red Sox believe they got the best deal available.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

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2025 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: 76ers take Edgecombe, Grizzlies select Sorber after Bane trade

There is no offseason in the NBA. Before the Finals have even ended, we already have a blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to Orlando in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four first-round picks, and a pick swap. That deal also slightly altered mock drafts, with pick 16 heading to Memphis, giving the Grizzlies a first-round pick.

That doesn’t guarantee that they’ll hold that pick; they could certainly swing it to another team over the next nine days before the draft begins. Every rumor has indicated that this will be a busy offseason, so it isn’t surprising that it got started early.

The official draft withdrawal date has officially passed, and a few international prospects, such as Neoklis Avdalas, Ben Henshall, and Momo Faye, withdrew and will reportedly evaluate their options for next season to help improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. That leaves the depth of this draft even thinner.

Still, there is a ton of talent at the top, and this is how our team thinks the 2025 draft will go with a little over a week before it begins on June 25.

Round 1

1. Dallas Mavericks

Cooper Flagg, F, Duke

For all the talk about Flagg's high ceiling coming into this draft — MVP candidate, top-five player in the league for a stretch — what's more important is his high floor. That starts with the fact that Flagg is a high-motor, competitive defender whose rim-protecting skills have always been his strength. Flagg is likely a multi-time All-Star at worst. That's what makes his selection such a no-brainer. - Kurt Helin, NBC Sports

2. San Antonio Spurs

Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers

The obvious choice here for the Spurs is Harper, even if they have multiple talented guards on the roster. He’s just that good. It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Mitch Johnson utilizes Harper in the rotation with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but Harper has too much upside as a prospect for San Antonio to pass on. He will form a dangerous duo with Victor Wembanyama that could last for at least a decade. - Noah Rubin, Rotoworld

3. Philadelphia 76ers

V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor

In the eyes of many, the draft begins with the 76ers at No. 3. While Philadelphia may move down in the draft, staying put could net the team an attractive piece for the future. Rutgers' Ace Bailey is a possibility, but so is the ultra-athletic Edgecombe, who would provide a dimension the current 76ers' perimeter rotation lacks. The 6-foot-5 guard does not need the ball in his hands to be impactful on offense, and defensively, he's a high-level competitor. Edgecombe does need to become a more efficient offensive player, but Philadelphia has the talent to compensate for that. - Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld

4. Charlotte Hornets

Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers

The Hornets need more talent. A lot more talent. Bailey has the second-highest ceiling of any player in this draft with the build and look at times of a prototypical NBA wing. If he can be that guy and thrive in the spacing of the NBA game — and playing off LaMelo Ball — the Hornets may have a key piece of the future. - Helin

5. Utah Jazz

Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma

The Jazz have experimented with multiple point guards in recent years, and while Isaiah Collier had a strong rookie year, he wasn’t good enough for Utah to avoid drafting another lead ball handler. Fears’ efficiency was an issue during his lone season at Oklahoma, but he was productive in a high-usage role in a tough conference after enrolling a year early. The 18-year-old has the potential to solve the point guard problem for the Jazz. - Rubin

6. Washington Wizards

Khaman Maluach, C, Duke

While the Wizards did select Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick in last year's draft, he's more of a modern big who likes to spend equal time on the perimeter and in the paint. Therefore, adding Maluach would not be an issue if he's still on the board. Just 18 years old, the 7-foot-2 center out of Duke is excellent in the paint on both ends of the floor. Maluach will need time to develop, which should not be an issue for a Wizards franchise that fully embraced a rebuild last season. - Johnson

7. New Orleans Pelicans

Kon Knueppel, G, Duke

Whatever the Pelicans roster looks like after Joe Dumars is done tinkering with it this summer, it will need more shooting and guard depth. Knueppel fills those roles. Shooting is his strength — he hit 40.6 percent of his three-pointers last season for the Blue Devils — and he can do some secondary shot creation, while also being a solid defender. He can step right in and give Willie Green some minutes. - Helin

8. Brooklyn Nets

Tre Johnson, G, Texas

This is just the start of a long rebuild for Brooklyn, and Johnson would be an excellent piece to add. He is one of the best shooters and scorers in the draft and will immediately provide the Nets with a potential franchise player. He’ll have a chance to develop other aspects of his game over the next few seasons, but the scoring should be there from day one. Though Flagg will be the heavy favorite, Johnson would be a dark horse candidate to win Rookie of the Year in a situation like Brooklyn. - Rubin

9. Toronto Raptors

Derik Queen, C, Maryland

Current starting center Jakob Poeltl has one guaranteed season remaining on his current contract, with a player option for 2026-27. While teams don't usually go for need in the draft, this is a spot where the Raptors can do so while also getting the best available player on the board. Queen is a versatile big who boasts a polished offensive skill set that still has ample room for growth. His perimeter shot improved late in his lone season at Maryland, and there's also the ability to facilitate for others. Queen does need to improve defensively, but having Poeltl will give the Raptors time to develop the rookie on that end of the floor. - Johnson

10. Houston Rockets (via PHX)

Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

The Rockets are expected to extend Fred VanVleet this summer, but they need some point guard depth behind him and Jakucionis can be that guy. He's a strong floor general who understands how to run an offense, is a creative passer, and averaged 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists a game last season. Ultimately, how good he is depends on his shooting and defense, but he's going to be in the NBA for a long time. - Helin

11. Portland Trail Blazers

Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm, France

Essengue is still playing for Ratiopharm Ulm right now, so he wasn’t able to attend the NBA Draft Combine. However, he had some measurements done recently that put him at 6-10 without shoes on, which is a bit taller than expected, along with nearly a 7-1 wingspan. He’s not a ball-dominant player, and he does a little bit of everything else, which will help him fit in right away with Portland’s young core. He will provide them with another formidable perimeter defender on the wing, and Scoot Henderson should be able to find him for some easy shots at the rim. If the Trail Blazers want to turn a corner this year, Essengue can contribute immediately, but he also won’t turn 19 years old until December. - Rubin

12. Chicago Bulls

Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina

With long-time starter Nikola Vucevic and backup Zach Collins both entering the final season of their respective contracts, there may be an added sense of urgency to add a young big to the fold. The Bulls can do that here by selecting Murray-Boyles, a versatile frontcourt player who can be used at power forward or center. The basketball IQ, tenacity and defensive ability help compensate for Murray-Boyles' lack of height, and the Bulls have the scorers (and in Vucevic, a floor-spacer) needed to cover for his limited perimeter shooting. - Johnson

13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)

Danny Wolf, F, Michigan

Onyeka Okongwu is the starting center in Atlanta, and with Clint Capela almost certainly gone via free agency, the Hawks want some depth at the five. Wolf gives them that. He has a strong feel for the game with guard-like passing skills. He may not defend well enough (or be explosive enough as an athlete) to be a starting five, but he has an NBA role. - Helin

14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)

Carter Bryant, F, Arizona

Bryant has been a late riser in this class, and there is a decent chance he goes earlier than this when the draft rolls around next week. However, San Antonio would be thrilled if the board fell like this. Bryant didn’t play a large role at Arizona, but the upside here is tremendous, especially on defense. With Wembanyama healthy, the Spurs will be looking to return to the playoffs next season. Bryant has the ability to contribute early on defensively, with upside to turn into much, much more. - Rubin

15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)

Egor Demin, G, BYU

Do the Thunder need another point guard? Probably not, especially with 2024 first-round pick Nikola Topic due to be available after sitting out this season with a torn ACL. However, Demin is the best available player on the board, and he has the size to play multiple positions. How successful he is at the NBA level will depend on his perimeter shot, which needs a lot of work. The good news here is that Oklahoma City has enough talent to remain patient in developing Demin. - Johnson

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via ORL)

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Memphis has this pick as one of the stunning four first-round picks it got in the Desmond Bane trade. That trade also gave the Grizzlies good guard depth (with the additions of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony), so they may look for more help along the front line. Sorber is a bit undersized for an NBA center (6-9) but his 7-6 wingspan and strong NBA build will allow him to play inside, and he has a good feel for the game. - Helin

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)

Cedric Coward, G, Washington State

Coward only played six games last season before a torn labrum ended his year early. He committed to transfer to Duke next season, but his name rose up draft boards, and he opted to forego another year in college. Based on the number of other players that opted to return to school and enjoy NIL money while improving their draft stock, Coward wouldn’t have done that if he wasn’t going in the first round. He boasts a 7-2 wingspan, and he’s a knockdown shooter. He should immediately provide Minnesota with yet another two-way wing. - Rubin

18. Washington Wizards (via MEM)

Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State

Considered by some to be a lottery pick early in the pre-draft process, Richardson's measurements at the combine negatively impacted how he's viewed in some circles. While he does not possess the size most teams prefer off-ball scorers to have, the former Michigan State standout has the offensive skill set required of a combo guard. While the Wizards added Bub Carrington to the mix in last year's draft, the team is still in rebuilding mode. And if Richardson is available here, Washington would be hard-pressed to leave him on the board. - Johnson

19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)

Liam McNeeley, G/F, Connecticut

The Nets head into the draft needing... everything. McNeeley thrived at Montverde Academy (on the same team as Flagg and Queen) but was pushed into a role as a primary shot creator for Dan Hurley and the Huskies, which was not a fit. The Nets are betting he can return to his high school form and be part of their wing rotation. - Helin

20. Miami Heat (via GSW)

Nique Clifford, G, Colorado State

Every year, it feels like there is a pick that is a match made in heaven for the Heat. It usually ends up being a tough, two-way player who can contribute immediately. Clifford feels like that guy this year. At 23 years old, he doesn’t have the same room for growth that some of the other players in this class do, but he should be at least a rotation piece from day one, with the upside to start as a rookie. Miami isn’t going to kickstart a rebuild this year, and adding Clifford will help them improve the roster. - Rubin

21. Utah Jazz (via MIN)

Maxime Raynaud, F/C, Stanford

The 7-1 Raynaud is one of the most skilled big men in this draft class. During his time at Stanford, the All-ACC center showed off the ability to score from all over the floor, and his rebounding improved as his career progressed. While the Jazz appear to have their center of the future in Walker Kessler, he's not the most skilled big man offensively. Adding Raynaud would give Utah a floor-spacer in the frontcourt, especially if they were to move John Collins via trade. - Johnson

22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)

Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija, France

As noted above when I had them drafting Wolf out of Michigan, the Hawks need depth at the five. Beringer is more of a long-term bet. He showed potential as a shot-blocking, rim-running big in the Adriatic League last season, but he's a project. Atlanta is betting on its player development skills here. - Helin

23. Indiana Pacers

Asa Newell, F/C, Georgia

Once unanimously considered to be a lottery talent, the opinions on Newell have changed. He can still be a phenomenal player, but he may need the right situation for that to happen. Indiana feels like the perfect place for that. He’s not much of a shot creator, but the Pacers’ style of play will get him easy looks. He’s not a great defender, but he’ll have Myles Turner behind him to clean things up. Newell also fills some gaps for the Pacers as a backup center that can also spend time at power forward if they want him to. - Rubin

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)

Nolan Traore, G, Saint-Quentin, France

Initially projected to be a lock for the draft lottery, Traore's limited perimeter shooting is an issue for some draftniks. However, he's a quick point guard who can be a high-level playmaker for others, provided he keeps the turnovers in check. Oklahoma City certainly doesn't need another point guard, but Traore on the board at this point could be too enticing to pass up. - Johnson

25. Orlando Magic (via DEN)

Will Riley, G/F, Illinois

While Orlando moved into a "win now" mode by trading for Bane, Riley is the best player on the board and a bet by the Magic on their player development and long-term success. The Magic believe in the Riley we saw score 22 points on 12 shots in a win against Xavier in the NCAA tournament (and ignore the times he faded into the background of games this season). - Helin

26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK)

Drake Powell, G, UNC

The Nets have a ton of needs, but with Nic Claxton, Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe on the roster, they do have some centers with upside. That’s why it isn’t an issue for them to select wings with three of their four first-round picks, even if they opt to address different positions on draft night. Powell played a limited role at North Carolina after entering as a five-star freshman, but he boasts a 7-0 wingspan and a 43-inch vertical. He still has upside as a creator on offense, but it was his 37.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc and his defensive prowess that make him a strong selection for the Nets. - Rubin

27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)

Walter Clayton Jr., PG, Florida

The Nets have embraced the rebuild, and point guard is a position of need, regardless of what happens with D'Angelo Russell in free agency. So, why not add a point guard who led his team to a national title and can make plays for himself and others? Despite being considered by some to be a bit small for an NBA point guard, Clayton would fit that mold. There's room for him to grow as a finisher, but adding a quality leader with a championship pedigree can work out well for a rebuilding franchise. - Johnson

28. Boston Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Real Madrid, Spain

The Celtics can afford to be patient (not like anyone they were going to draft here was going to come into this veteran team and make a big impact). Gonzalez has good size and feel for the game, and shows real promise as a defender, he has the kind of game that would fit well on the Celtics (or Pacers, or a lot of deep teams), but the question is his shot. He hit just 29 percent from deep last season. Don't be surprised if he spends another year in Spain working on that before coming over. - Helin

29: Phoenix Suns (via CLE)

Rasheer Fleming, F, Saint Joseph’s

This would be quite the steal for Phoenix. He didn’t create much in college, but the 6-9 forward has a 7-5 wingspan and shot 39 percent from deep. The Suns don’t have much of their own draft capital over the next five years, so even if they acquire picks in exchange for Kevin Durant, there is no incentive for them to rebuild. Fleming may not have All-Star upside, but he can be a star in his role for Phoenix, which would be an excellent pick for them at the end of the first round. - Rubin

30. Los Angeles Clippers (via OKC)

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

The Clippers are in a good spot regarding the starting center role, as Ivica Zubac is coming off the best season of his career. But there is a need for a backup, and Kalkbrenner can certainly offer value. Three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, he made strides as a rebounder and defender during his time in college. Kalkbrenner will need to improve his strength and mobility, but there will be time for him to develop playing on a team that's already set at the center position. - Johnson

Round 2:

31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via UTA): Noah Penda, F, Le Mans, France

32. Boston Celtics (via WAS): Kam Jones, G, Marquette

33. Charlotte Hornets: Adou Thiero, F, Arkansas

34. Charlotte Hornets (via NOR): Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Penn State

35. Philadelphia 76ers: Hansen Yang, C, Qingdao, China

36. Brooklyn Nets: Ben Saraf, G, Ratiopharm Ulm, Israel

37. Detroit Pistons (via TOR): Bogoljub Marković, F, KK Mega Basket, Serbia

38. San Antonio Spurs: Alex Toohey, F, Sydney Kings

39. Toronto Raptors (via POR): Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest

40. Washington Wizards (via PHX): Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke

41. Golden State Warriors (via MIA): Amari Williams, C, Kentucky

42. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): John Tonje, F, Wisconsin

43. Utah Jazz (via DAL): Chaz Lanier, G, Tennessee

44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via ATL): Rocco Zikarsky, C, Brisbane Bullets

45. Chicago Bulls (via SAC): Johni Broome, C, Auburn

46. Orlando Magic: Alijah Martin, G, Florida

47. Milwaukee Bucks (via DET): Ryan Nembhard, G, Gonzaga

48. Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Vladislav Goldin, C, Michigan

49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIL): Javon Small, G, West Virginia

50. New York Knicks (via MEM): Koby Brea, G/F, Kentucky

51. Los Angeles Clippers (via MIN): Sion James, G, Duke

52. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Kobe Sanders, G/F, Nevada

53. Utah Jazz (via LAC): Dink Pate, F, Mexico City

54. Indiana Pacers: Micah Peavy, G/F, Georgetown

55. Los Angeles Lakers: Mark Sears, G, Alabama

56. Memphis Grizzlies (via HOU): RJ Luis, G/F, St. John’s

57. Orlando Magic (via BOS): Eric Dixon, F, Villanova

58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lachlan Olbrich, F/C, Illawarra Hawks

59. Houston Rockets (via OKC): Viktor Lakhin, C, Clemson

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Shane Smith and Mike Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO — Shane Smith pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings during his college career at Wake Forest. He had a shoulder operation as a freshman, and his sophomore year was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he had elbow surgery.

At that point, even Smith began to wonder if baseball was going to work out for him.

“My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn’t waver would probably be lying,” he said. “But I knew there was an avenue somehow.”

There sure was.

Smith has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place Chicago White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in March.

The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team’s 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000.

Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don’t actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories.

So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief.

“Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,” Smith said. “The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.”

Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar.

Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn’t think about it very often.

“I’ve spent my whole life trying to get here,” he said. “So I think it’s already hard enough, don’t put more pressure on yourself.”

The 6-foot-5 Vasil was selected by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash.

The White Sox are Vasil’s fourth organization since the end of last season.

“It’s a lot,” he said. “But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.”

Vasil began the season in Chicago’s bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Houston on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14.

But Vasil’s six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas.

“Not something that’s unfamiliar for me,” he said of starting. “I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.”

Smith went right into Chicago’s rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft.

Keller began the 2018 season in Kansas City’s bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances.

“I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?” said Keller, a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs. “It’s like they’re like nobody’s got a chance. That’s not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can’t protect guys that they want to.”

Smith had been in Milwaukee’s organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Nashville.

Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work.

Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox.

“For a guy that hasn’t really pitched above Double-A, he had some innings in Triple-A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,” general manager Chris Getz said. “Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.”

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Mets reliever Brooks Raley set to begin rehab assignment

Mets left-handed relieverBrooks Raleyis about to take a huge step toward his return.

Raley, who underwent Tommy John surgery last May that also included an internal brace, is set to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday for A-ball St. Lucie.

Given the length of Raley's absence and the need to get fully into game shape, his rehab assignment could last the full 30 days or close to it, president of baseball operations David Stearns said last week.

Once Raley returns, the Mets could be getting a key cog to help fill the lefty relief hole that was left by season-ending injuries to A.J. Minter and Danny Young.

New York has been relying heavily on Jose Castillo lately in that role.

Raley, 36, had a tremendous season for the Mets in 2023 after being acquired from the Rays.

In 54.2 innings over 66 appearances, he posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 61 strikeouts.

He was off to a strong start in 2024, tossing 7.0 scoreless innings, before his season ended due to the Tommy John surgery.

Raley re-signed with the Mets this April on a one-year deal with a team option for 2026.