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Sixers pick VJ Edgecombe ‘hates seeing the opponent score,' wants to be special defender

Sixers pick VJ Edgecombe ‘hates seeing the opponent score,' wants to be special defender  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

CAMDEN, N.J. — VJ Edgecombe aspires to do it all.

However, if a coach asked him to only play defense, you sense he’d still embrace the task. 

The Sixers hope Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in Wednesday night’s NBA draft, evolves into an All-Star. The 19-year-old guard knows there’s work to do and he sounds hungry to defend. 

“I just love playing defense because I know that I can (be) on the floor if I’m not scoring,” Edgecombe said in a post-draft Zoom press conference. “Scoring isn’t the only aspect of the game. I’m so bought in on just being a versatile player, being an all-around player. Why not be an elite defender, or try your hardest to be an elite defender? That just comes with grit.

“And I just don’t like seeing other people score. … I just hate seeing the opponent score because if they score more than us, they win. And I hate to lose and love to win. So that’s why I play defense the way I do.”

Edgecombe’s defensive game is much more than effort and obstinance. He averaged 2.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game in his lone season at Baylor and showed he can wall off drives, jet into passing lanes and bounce high for blocks. 

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey envisions those qualities being very handy alongside guards Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes. 

“I think just fit-wise, Tyrese, with his high basketball IQ, he understands that those two complement each other very well in terms of VJ’s going to be able to guard multiple positions, probably take the toughest (defensive) assignment … maybe not (on) Day 1, but over his career,” Morey said. “Tyrese and him can really play off of each other well.” 

Edgecombe met Maxey as part of his pre-draft Sixers visit. 

“Man, he’s a great person,” he said. “We just got to know each other. We didn’t even talk basketball the whole time. … He was telling me it was great seeing me, but I was telling him how I’m just a huge fan of his game. … He’s a great person, super energetic, full of joy, and that’s someone I’m definitely looking forward to working with. 

“That’s going to be my backcourt mate. Hopefully, we retire on the same team.”

For now, Maxey will likely do considerably more scoring than Edgecombe. 

While Edgecombe wasn’t unproductive at all last season — 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game — he’s relatively weak at creating good shots for himself, converting inside and sinking jumpers off the dribble. According to The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie, Edgecombe shot 48.9 percent at the rim in the half court. He was 34.0 percent overall from three-point range. 

“I think I just need to continue growing in every aspect of the game,” Edgecombe said. “You can never stop getting better. I’m really focused on just shooting the ball at a high level to release pressure off of Joel (Embiid), Tyrese and (Paul George).” 

Whatever transpires in Edgecombe’s NBA career, it does not appear that he’ll lack dedication or defensive zeal.

“I know that my path is different from everyone else,” he said. “I had to work a little harder, especially being from the Bahamas. There ain’t no opportunities, ain’t nobody watching you play. No coach comes into the Bahamas and says, ‘Let me go recruit this kid for (Division I),’ so I know that my work ethic had to be a lot different from everyone else’s. That’s why I work so hard. I just want to take care of my mom … my little siblings that look up to me. 

“So that’s where my work ethic comes from, and that’s because I love the game. I feel like if you love the game, you’re going to put time into it, and I just always want to give love to the game. … The game has blessed me with so many paths in life. So why not put time into this? That’s where my work ethic comes from.”

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NBA draft: Cooper Flagg goes to Dallas Mavericks as No 1 overall pick

Cooper Flagg poses on the red carpet before his selection as the No 1 pick in the NBA draft. Photograph: Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks did what everyone knew they would on Wednesday when they selected Cooper Flagg as the No 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.

“I’m feeling amazing. It’s a dream come true, to be honest,” Flagg said after he was selected, surrounded by his family. “I wouldn’t want to share it with anybody else.”

The forward was brilliant in his single year of college basketball at Duke, which had come after he was a highly touted player in high school.

Related: Cooper Flagg will go No 1 in the NBA draft. He also broke the Duke supervillain stereotype

When Dallas overcame long odds in this year’s draft lottery to win the No 1 overall pick, there was no doubt they would go on to pick the 18-year-old from Maine. It is a move that may go some way to soothing the Mavs fanbase, who erupted in anger when the team traded superstar Luke Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

The 6ft 8in Flagg helped guide Duke to an NCAA Final Four appearance after averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks as a freshman. He won the Wooden Award as the nation’s best college player along with taking home other honors including ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC All-Defensive Team.

The Mavericks had the No 1 overall pick for the second time in franchise history. They also had the top selection in 1981, when they drafted Mark Aguirre out of DePaul.

The San Antonio Spurs picked Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper with the second overall pick. Harper, son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, will play alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama on a Spurs team that are starting to look like they could become a force in the Western Conference again after a few downs years.

The 76ers then took Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, getting the first sustained burst of loud cheers of the draft from what seemed to be a number of Philadelphia fans who made the trip to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The first two picks had long been expected, but the No 3 spot was the first one where there was intrigue.

Kon Knueppel made it two Duke players in the first four picks when the Charlotte Hornets took him at No 4. Ace Bailey, who could have been in the mix to go third but declined to work out for the 76ers, ended up going at No 5 to Utah.

First-round NBA draft picks for 2025

1) Dallas Mavericks – Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke

Scouting report: Only the fourth freshman named Associated Press men’s national player of the year. Led Final Four team in scoring (19.2), rebounding (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4) and blocks (1.4). Shot 38.5% on 3-pointers and 84% on free throws. Ranked in 85th percentile or better in converting as the ballhandler in pick-and-rolls, post-ups and transition, according to Synergy’s analytics rankings. Set Atlantic Coast Conference freshman record with 42 points against Notre Dame. Turns 19 in December.

2) San Antonio Spurs – Dylan Harper, guard, Rutgers

Scouting report: Freshman lefty who thrived as scorer (19.4) and lead ballhandler with two-way potential. Notably scored 36 points against Notre Dame, then 37 a day later against then-No 9 Alabama in November. Averaged 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals. Son of former NBA guard Ron Harper. Couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Ace Bailey. Turned 19 in March.

3) Philadelphia 76ers – VJ Edgecombe, guard, Baylor

Scouting report: Explosive athleticism stands out at both ends. Above-the-rim finisher who creates highlight-reel moments. Freshman ranked among combine leaders in max vertical leap (38.5). Must improve outside shooting consistency (34%), but had seven games with at least three made 3s. Had 11 games with three-plus steals.

4) Charlotte Hornets – Kon Knueppel, forward, Duke

Scouting report: Efficient wing scorer. Made 40.6% on 3-pointers. Ranked in Synergy’s 98th percentile on spot-up shooting (52.9%). Ranked sixth nationally at the foul line (91.4%). Had 10 games with at least four assists, indicating potential as secondary playmaker. ACC Tournament MVP. Lacks elite athleticism.

5) Utah Jazz – Ace Bailey, forward, Rutgers

Scouting report: Versatile, athletic shotmaker with midrange and stepback skills. Streaky shooter had five January games with at least four threes for defense-stretching potential, yet also notable skids at the foul line and behind the arc. Last season’s second-ranked recruit couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Dylan Harper. Turns 19 in August.

6) Washington Wizards – Tre Johnson, guard, Texas

Scouting report: Southeastern Conference’s scoring leader (19.9) who also led all Division I freshmen. Broke Kevin Durant’s freshman Longhorns record with 39 points against Arkansas. Shot 39.7% on three-pointers with 12 games of at least four threes. Shot 87.1% on free throws. Needs strength on slender frame. Turned 19 in March.

7) New Orleans Pelicans – Jeremiah Fears, guard, Oklahoma

Scouting report: Freshman combo guard adept at creating space. Averaged 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Attempted 6.3 free throws per game. Shot 28.4% on threes and averaged 3.4 turnovers. Must add strength. Turns 19 in October.

8) Brooklyn Nets – Egor Demin, guard/forward, BYU

Scouting report: Russian playmaker with size. Averaged 5.5 assists, second among Division I freshmen. Had 15 assists against two turnovers in 54 minutes in the last two games for a Sweet 16 team. Must improve shooting (27.3% on threes, 69.5% on free throws).

9)Toronto Raptors – Collin Murray-Boyles, forward, South Carolina

Scouting report: Sophomore with 7ft 1in wingspan and two-way potential. Averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks. Thrived in halfcourt by shooting 57.9% to rank in Synergy’s 88th percentile. Shooting is a concern after hitting 23.1% (9 of 39) of three-pointers and 69.5% of free throws in two seasons.

10) Houston Rockets (traded to Phoenix Suns) – Khaman Maluach, center, Duke

Scouting report: Has length and size of elite rim protector and lob threat. Runs floor well and thrived in pick-and-roll chances, ranking in Synergy’s 99th percentile. Still-developing offensive skillset with 71.2% shooting largely coming on dunks and putbacks. Had combine’s biggest wingspan at 7ft 7.75in.

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2025 NBA Draft: Best available players at each position entering second round

2025 NBA Draft: Best available players at each position entering second round originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft is over, but there are plenty more quality players still available for teams that own a second-round pick.

One of those teams is the Boston Celtics, who are in the favorable position of having the No. 2 pick (32nd overall) in the second round.

This pick was acquired in a previous trade, and it allows the C’s to get a player with first-round talent but not have to pay that player a first-round contract. And for a team like the Celtics that’s in the luxury tax, every dollar matters.

The Celtics took Spanish wing Hugo Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick in the first round. Will they address the frontcourt in Round 2? Veteran centers Al Horford and Luke Kornet can both become unrestricted free agents this summer, so it would make sense to bolster that position in the draft.

Which players should the Celtics target with their second-round pick?

Here are the best players still on the board entering Day 2 of the draft on Friday.

Point Guard

Tyrese Proctor, PG, Duke

Kam Jones, PG/SG, Marquette

Wing

Chaz Lanier, SG, Tennessee

Jamir Watkins, SG/SF, Florida State

Hunter Sallis, Guard, Wake Forest

Koby Brea, SG/SF, Kentucky

Rasheer Fleming, SF, Saint Joseph’s

John Tonge, SF, Wisconsin

Alex Toohey, SF, Australia

Noah Penda, SF, France

Sion James, SF, Duke

Power forward/Center

Adou Thiero, PF, Arkansas

Bogoljub Markovic, PF, Serbia

Maxime Raynaud, PF/C, Stanford

Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

Johni Broome, C, Auburn

Eric Dixon, C, Villanova

Rocco Zikarsky, C, Australia

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2025 NBA Draft grades roundup: How experts view Celtics' Hugo Gonzalez pick

2025 NBA Draft grades roundup: How experts view Celtics' Hugo Gonzalez pick originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Real Madrid has produced several good NBA players over the years, and the Boston Celtics are hoping Hugo Gonzalez will eventually join that list.

The Celtics selected Gonzalez with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. There were rumors earlier in the day that Boston had interest in trading up, but the C’s ultimately remained at No. 28 and made the pick. Judging by the trades that did happen, the price to move up was pretty high.

Gonzalez needs to work on his 3-point shooting, but the 19-year-old wing should be a good fit for the Celtics defensively given his athleticism, length and competitiveness.

“Just a big fan of how he plays,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters Wednesday night. “He’s tough. He’s hard playing. He cuts. He goes after the ball. He competes. He has all the intangibles of a winning basketball player.”

What do the experts think of the Gonzalez pick for the Celtics? Here’s a roundup of draft grades:

Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo! Sports

Grade: A

“He fits nicely in the Celtics’ culture. He plays hard, but is more than a hustler and strong defender. He’s a high-motor wing with great defensive tools and a slashing style on offense. If his jumper and handle develop, he could be a versatile two-way starter, though he didn’t get a lot of playing time overseas.”

Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win

Grade: C+

“While this originally seemed like a potential draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics, it’s possible that Spain’s González could come to the United States and play in the NBA as soon as next season. With the longest hands of anyone measured at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine and a wingspan nearly 6-foot-11, he has good physical skills, even if his play on the court is indeed somewhat inconsistent.”

Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated

Grade: A-

“Gonzalez saw his stock fall throughout the year after failing to secure consistent playing time at Real Madrid, but a year ago at this time he was considered perhaps the best international player in this class. His motor is elite, as is his versatility on the defensive end. This is a strong buy-low bet for a Celtics team looking for value on affordable contracts.” 

Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports

Grade: B-

“Gonzalez had a big early reputation in the Real Madrid system. He’s a big wing with solid size and a high motor and defensive upside, especially on the ball. The defense is the intrigue here as his best offense is in transition. The shooting is the swing skill — he shot just 29% last year. Boston shoots a lot of threes, so he’ll need to show improvement there to really stick with the Celtics.”

Gilbert McGregor, Sporting News

Grade: B

“It’s a transitional offseason for the Celtics, who have made several trades in the lead-up to the draft. They now add a pro with an NBA-ready game and frame.

“Gonzalez, 19, measures at 6-6 and 205 pounds and is coming off a championship season with Real Madrid. There is an opportunity for him to play right away in Boston with available minutes on the perimeter and he has similar strengths to another recent Celtics draft pick in Jordan Walsh.”

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NHL Free Agency: Six RFAs Who Are Due For Massive Raises

NHL free agency is less than a week away, and UFA players will be hotly pursued. But there’s another group of players – RFAs – who will not only get interest from their current teams but who also could technically be offer-sheet targets from others.

That said, we’re not suggesting any of the RFAs below will sign an offer sheet. That process is quite rare, and we might not see a single offer sheet get tendered this summer. With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s list the top six RFAs this year, listing them in alphabetical order:

Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers

Bouchard’s regular-season numbers dipped last year from his career highs in goals, assists and points in 2023-24, but the 25-year-old still put up 53 assists and 67 points in 82 games. His seven goals and 23 points in 22 playoff games also were very solid. Thus, Bouchard is bound to get a massive raise on the $3.9 million he earned this past season.

The Oilers are relatively tight to the salary cap ceiling, with $16.2 million in cap space this summer after trading Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. That has led some to speculate Bouchard could be offer-sheeted, but Edmonton fans shouldn’t be too worried. Oilers management will match any offer sheet Bouchard receives. 

He’s Edmonton’s most important blueliner, is still not yet in his prime and wants to win a Stanley Cup. His salary will easily more than double, but he’s deserving of that kind of raise, and Oilers GM Stan Bowman should happily give it to him.

Morgan Geekie, C, Boston Bruins

The 26-year-old Geekie had a breakout season in 2024-25, generating 33 goals and 57 points in 77 games. Those totals are career bests in his six-year NHL career. Geekie earned $2 million in each of the past two seasons, so he deserves a big raise on a multi-year contract extension.

The Bruins are retooling on the fly, but don’t kid yourself – Geekie is a core component for Boston for the short term and long term. The Bruins were a bottom-five team in the league on offense last season, so they need all the help they can get producing goals. Geekie can be a huge help in that department, and Boston has more than enough cap space to accommodate his next salary. The team and player can’t overcomplicate this.

Matthew Knies (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

Matthew Knies, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Geekie, Knies also had a breakout season last year, posting 29 goals and 58 points for the Leafs. Those numbers dwarfed his previous career highs of 15 goals and 35 points set in 2023-24. He did so while being one of the best bargains in the NHL at a salary of $925,000. 

Knies has already shown the potential to be a premier power forward, not only for Toronto but in the entire NHL. It’s up to him whether he wants a long-term contract extension or a bridge deal that walks him toward a bigger potential payday two or three years from now. But there’s no question he’s one of the Maple Leafs’ most crucial components next year and for many years after that. He will be handsomely compensated accordingly.

JJ Peterka, LW, Buffalo Sabres

Peterka has been one of the NHL’s more consistent young wingers in the past two years, combining to produce 55 goals and 118 points for Buffalo in that span. His 68 points this past season was a career high. As such, he’s become one of the Sabres’ most important players, and his 2024-25 salary of $855,834 will be left in the dust by his next contract.

There have been rumblings that Peterka isn’t interested in remaining in Buffalo, so of all the RFAs in this list, he may be the one most susceptible to an offer sheet. He also could be traded by Sabres GM Kevyn Adams. But one way or another, Peterka will be paid much more money than he’s earned thus far in his NHL career. His current employer – or his next – will enthusiastically foot the bill for the 23-year-old’s services.  

Marco Rossi, C, Minnesota Wild

Rossi had an outstanding second full season at the NHL level, setting new career highs in goals (24), assists (36) and points (60) in 82 games. But in the playoffs, he was barely used, averaging just 11:08 of ice time, setting off speculation he wouldn’t be long with the Wild.

Even if that’s true, the 23-year-old will get a bump from the $863,334 he earned this past year. What Rossi lacks in size, he makes up for in creativity, and his skill set will be highly valued by more than a few teams, guaranteeing his bank account will be stuffed with money beginning next year.

NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett And Marco RossiNHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett And Marco RossiRecent speculations suggest Mitch Marner might consider signing a short-term contract instead of a long-term deal. 

Gabriel Vilardi, C, Winnipeg Jets

At 25, Vilardi set new personal bests in goals (27), assists (34) and points (61) this past season. He was already earning a decent amount at a $3.4375-million cap hit.

Vilardi plays on a high-octane Jets team that’s one of the NHL’s most potent offensive squads. Winnipeg has about $24.46 million in cap space, so they can give Vilardi the raise he deserves. There’s little question Vilardi will be a Jet once again next year and that he’ll be a vital part of Winnipeg’s push to win a Cup for many campaigns to come.

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Giants frustrated by inside pitches as they await news on Casey Schmitt's wrist

Giants frustrated by inside pitches as they await news on Casey Schmitt's wrist originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — For the past 10 days, Casey Schmitt’s left ankle has been a gnarly mix of black and blue. He twice fouled pitches off the foot at Dodger Stadium, turning his ankle on one of the swings, and it might take months before the bruise fully goes away. 

Schmitt now has another wound to worry about, and it’s much more concerning. 

The third baseman was drilled on the wrist by a 95 mph sinker in the ninth inning Wednesday, and while he went out for defense in the top of the 10th, he wasn’t going to be able to swing a bat in the bottom of the inning. An X-ray at Oracle Park was negative, but Schmitt has dealt with enough injuries over his career to know that it’s often about how you feel the next morning. He said there’s a decent chance he goes for additional tests on Thursday. 

The hit-by-pitch certainly wasn’t intentional — Miami Marlins closer Calvin Faucher hit two batters with a two-run lead and ended up blowing the save. But after an 8-5 loss, the Giants weren’t really in the mood to try and figure out if they’re getting hit on purpose. The point is they’re getting hit a lot, period. 

Overall, the Giants have been hit 32 times, which ranks 14th in MLB. But eight of those have come in the last nine games. Logan Webb, who was long gone by the time Schmitt and Dominic Smith got hit, said this stretch is “starting to get frustrating.”

“The game finds a way to even itself out,” he said. “And it will.”

The main target has been Heliot Ramos, who is among the league leaders with 10 hit-by-pitches. He said it has been “annoying” and “frustrating” and said over and over again that “nobody wants to get hit.” He also referenced the game’s unwritten rules, and the way these things generally get taken care of. 

For Schmitt, this is a bit more personal. He dealt with injuries in the minors after getting drilled, and this potential injury comes at a time when he’s swinging the bat so well that he seems headed for the starting second base job when Matt Chapman returns. 

“It’s obviously kind of annoying but it’s just kind of how the game goes,” Schmitt said. “It doesn’t seem like it’s intentional. I don’t think it’s intentional at all, but it’s definitely not a fun thing to have to go through, especially when you’ve gone through it before. I’ve gotten hit in the face, I fractured my wrist — I’ve had these injuries up there so it’s annoying and frustrating to get these things.”

The Giants are hopeful that Schmitt is OK after a night of rest and treatment. They’ll wait and see how Thursday’s game plays out from a drama standpoint, but already, this has been a wildly disappointing series. 

The Marlins are one of the league’s worst teams, but it took that hit-by-pitch-fueled rally just to get to extra innings. When Camilo Doval gave up four runs in the 10th, the Giants had a series loss, and a losing homestand. 

As frustrating as the inside pitches have been, there are bigger problems. The lineup is 8-for-59 with runners in scoring position on this homestand. Bob Melvin shook off a question about situational woes by saying the Giants aren’t getting enough runners on base, period, which is, well, also a huge problem. 

They also have gotten runners thrown out at the plate in key spots in back-to-back nights, but Melvin again said he doesn’t have a problem with third base coach Matt Williams’ aggression.

“We’re trying to win a game,” he said of Jung Hoo Lee being thrown out from left in the bottom of the ninth. 

They desperately need to get one on Thursday. This has been an offensive stretch that has been frustrating, and not just because they keep getting hit by inside pitches. 

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Anaheim Ducks Draft Preview: Dark Horse Options at 10 Overall

The 2025 NHL Draft is now just days away, and the Anaheim Ducks hold the tenth overall selection after dropping two spots, as they had the eighth-best odds of winning the Draft Lottery. Along with their top pick to be made on Friday, they have eight more picks spread throughout rounds 2-7 on Saturday.

The upcoming tenth overall pick will mark the seventh consecutive time the Ducks will have selected in the top ten of a draft, and they’re hoping it’s the last, as they have repeatedly stated they intend to challenge for a playoff spot in the 2025-26 season.

The Ducks' scouting staff has traditionally ignored consensus when making their selections since Pat Verbeek took over as general manager in 2022.

With his first selection as an NHL GM, Verbeek selected Pavel Mintyukov (10th overall in 2022). Mintyukov was his most “chalk” pick at the top of a draft, as he was consistently ranked between 10 and 12 by most media outlets.

In 2023, Verbeek drafted Leo Carlsson (2nd in ’23), surprising many as he passed on consensus number two player in that draft, Adam Fantilli, after Fantilli won the Hobey Baker as a freshman at the University of Michigan.

In 2024, Verbeek seemingly went way off the board with his top pick by drafting Beckett Sennecke (3rd in ’24) from the Oshawa Generals of the OHL. Sennecke was ranked as high as ninth (Elite Prospects) and as low as 16th (FC Hockey) by major media outlets heading into the 2024 NHL Draft.

Consensus rankings and mocks heading into the 2025 draft have the Ducks most commonly selecting a player in the range of Roger McQueen, Radim Mrtka, Victor Eklund, and Kashawn Aitcheson.

The biggest questions pertaining to the Ducks' tenth overall pick are whether or not they are looking to trade it in a deal to improve their current roster, and if they aren’t, are they preparing to make an off-the-board selection again? If they do go against consensus, who might they be targeting?

Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin Athletics

Logan Hensler

Coming into the 2024-25 season, Hensler was widely considered a top-three defenseman in this draft class and a relatively surefire top-ten pick.

He’s big (6-foot-2, 196 pounds), mobile, displays great defensive fundamentals, and has shown flashes of what can become a serviceable offensive contributor from the blueline. So what happened?

Hensler was born in late 2006, so he made the transition to the University of Wisconsin to start his collegiate career. He scored 12 points (2-10=12) in 32 games, as both he and his Wisconsin Badgers (13-21-3) disappointed in 2024-25.

For some players, the transition from the USHL to the NCAA isn’t always as smooth as it is for players like Macklin Celebrini or Artyom Levshunov. There’s often a learning curve. But Hensler’s talent remains, and he has a very NHL translatable skillset.

Hensler is being ranked anywhere between 15 and 26 by the media’s draft experts, but a team like Anaheim could look beyond his 2024-25 output and project him as a talented piece to their pipeline. Hensler’s game would complement the bevy of offensive talent on the left side of the current Ducks blueline.

Photo Credit: Eric Young/CHL

Lynden Lakovic

Lakovic was the captain and leading scorer of the worst team in the WHL in 2024-25 despite missing seven weeks with a lower-body injury.

He possesses every physical tool one craves in a hockey player, but many have questioned the toolbox. Within an NHL frame (6-foot-4, 190 pounds), Lakovic is a tremendous skater, fluid and explosive. He’s a puck transporter with tremendous hands and a wicked release that he used to score 27 goals in 47 games this season, and he can break down defenders one-on-one.

The drawbacks are present when he doesn’t have the puck on his stick. His engagement is lacking at times, he doesn’t find soft ice well, and he has a questionable drive to win pucks back. He’s raw.

Lakovic’s skillset is reminiscent of 2024 third-overall pick Beckett Sennecke’s, so the Ducks clearly like players of that mold. If they feel he has more to offer in terms of intangibles, a selection with the tenth overall pick wouldn’t be unheard of.

Photo credit: Rouyn-Noranda Huskies

Bill Zonnon

This one is far more off the board than the first two, but Zonnon seems to check every box Verbeek values in his players. Zonnon is big, smart, competitive, skates well, and gets to the middle of the ice.

Zonnon is ranked as high as 13 and as low as 34 among public scouts after a productive 2024-25 campaign that saw him finish seventh in the QMJHL in scoring with 83 points (28-55=83) in 64 regular season games and add 16 points (8-8=16) in 13 playoff games.

He is a versatile forward who can produce and provide an impact from any role within a depth chart. His motor alone raises his floor, and his hockey IQ raises his ceiling.

Ducks director of amateur scouting and assistant general manager Martin Madden seems to have an affinity for players in Zonnon’s mold, especially so if they play in the QMJHL. The Ducks walk away from most drafts with a player akin to Zonnon, but Zonnon would have the most upside of those similar players (Nathan Gaucher, Maxim Masse, Nico Myatovic).

Honorable Mentions

Carter Bear, Justin Carbonneau, Vaclav Nestrasil, Blake Fiddler

Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

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What Will Evander Kane Bring To The Vancouver Canucks?

In a surprising but polarizing move earlier today, the Vancouver Canucksdealt a fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft for former Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane. Kane, who is originally from Vancouver, has already expressed his excitement in returning to play in his hometown. 

“It’s an honour to become part of an organization and team I grew up watching as a kid,” he wrote on X. “Vancouver is a city that lives and breathes hockey, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play in front of my hometown as I did many years ago as a Vancouver Giant.” 

Many fans have mixed reviews on Kane’s arrival in Vancouver. Despite the forward’s ability to produce in a middle-six role as well as shift the tone in which a team performs at, Kane isn’t getting any younger. The 2025–26 season, which is also the last of his current $5.125M AAV contract, will be his 16th NHL season. This doesn’t include the injuries that have plagued him especially in the past few seasons. Still, Canucks management seems to have faith that Kane will change the way their team plays. 

“I think every team is looking to be hard to play against, and for us, with the group we have here, when a player like this becomes available to the cost, we felt we had a chance to upgrade our top nine, mid-six, and become a harder team to play against,” Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin explained in a media availability on Wednesday. “The way his contract was structured, he had a preferred 15 teams to go to, and Vancouver was his preferred destination.” 

Something Allvin notes that Kane can bring to Vancouver with him is experience. Throughout an NHL career that has seen him play for five different teams, Kane has logged almost 100 Stanley Cup Playoff games. In this span of time, he scored 32 goals and 23 assists. 

“To have a player that is on a one-year deal get a chance to come home and after two back-to-back years in the Stanley Cup Finals with the experience playing with [Leon] Draisaitl and [Connor] McDavid and a good team in Edmonton, means alot to have an excited player come here to Vancouver and provide the spark and juice we need,” Allvin added.

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One other thing that Allvin touched on was Kane’s off-ice antics. Throughout his career, the 33-year-old has caught heat for a variety of scandals that have made the Canucks fan base wary of acquiring him. Canucks legend Trevor Linden even weighed in on the topic earlier today while on Global News. 

“You talk about the dressing room and there’s certainly been those issues throughout Evander’s past. Having said that, he’s a guy that can bring a certain type of hockey to that locker room,” Linden said on a morning segment. “For Edmonton to trade him to a division rival is interesting.” 

“I think the past is the past with Evander,” Allvin explained regarding how he thinks the forward has grown as a person. “The last couple of years in Edmonton, I think he contributed a lot to the off-ice stuff and helping out in the society there. Having three kids here now, I think he’s matured. I do believe that this gives us a chance and gives him a chance to see if this is a fit.” 

May 16, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane (91) skates in warm up prior to game five of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Fans will have to wait for the 2025–26 season to begin to see how the Kane experiment goes. In the meantime, the 2025 NHL Draft is only two days away, while the 2025 free agency period opens up on July 1. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

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Phillies shut out again, waste another strong pitching performance

Phillies shut out again, waste another strong pitching performance originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

HOUSTON — The Phillies wasted a gem by Ranger Suarez on Tuesday night, a nearly spotless start from Zack Wheeler on Wednesday night, and after being shut out just once over a two-month span from late April through late June, they’ve been blanked in back-to-back games by the Astros.

It’s the Phils’ longest scoreless streak as an offense since August 2022. Their only extra-base hit in 18 innings of the series was an Edmundo Sosa double in the opener. They lost 2-0 to Colton Gordon after falling 1-0 to Framber Valdez on Tuesday.

The hits were scattered and opportunities scarce through seven innings until the Phillies loaded the bases on lefty reliever Bryan King with one out in the bottom of the eighth for Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos. Bohm struck out, Castellanos grounded out and that was basically game over with how lights-out closer Josh Hader has been this season. Hader went 1-2-3 for his 21st save.

“Yesterday was one of those days where you have a really good pitcher who was on,” Kyle Schwarber said. “You hate getting shut out but today felt a little bit different.

“I think early on off the starter, some hard contact, things didn’t fall right. At the end of the day, we had some guys on base, just didn’t execute. Those are things that we pride ourselves on.”

The Phillies (47-33) lost ground to the Mets, who they lead by a half-game in the NL East. The official midpoint of the season is Thursday.

The good news for the Phils is that their best hitter, Bryce Harper, might be back this weekend in Atlanta. Out since June 7 with right wrist inflammation, Harper went through a full pregame routine Wednesday for the second straight day and will swing again in the batting cage Thursday.

The Phillies have gone 10-7 without Harper, averaging 4.3 runs. They’ve averaged 4.8 runs in the games he’s played.

They hit the ball harder than the Astros did on Wednesday but that’s little solace after consecutive shutouts. Bryson Stott crushed a pitch 395 feet to deep right-center in the seventh inning and it was run down by Jake Meyers. The ball would have been a game-tying homer in 10 parks.

“I feel like we’ve been putting ourselves in situations to do good things and be able to score runs. We’ve showed glimpses of it,” Schwarber said. “There’s a lot of really good pitching in the big leagues and you’ve got to be able to lock in on those days. You have to find a way every single day. Our group is very resilient. We got shut out tonight but we were in a position to win the game.

“We had this happen early on, too, everyone was kinda making statements about the offense not scoring runs. We were putting ourselves in position, it’s just the execution part isn’t there right now. You hate that it’s part of the game because you want to win the game so much, especially when you get performances like that from (Suarez and Wheeler).”

The Astros scored once off Wheeler in six innings with a leadoff double by Jeremy Pena and RBI single from two-hole hitter Isaac Paredes. Wheeler uncharacteristically threw 47 pitches before rebounding with 11, 12 and 13 the next three.

Even the Paredes RBI single probably won’t be by the weekend. It was a relatively routine groundball to Trea Turner’s left that the shortstop seemed to simply take his eye off as it went just beneath his glove to score Pena. Whether it is ultimately left a hit or changed to an error matters only in relation to Wheeler’s Cy Young candidacy. He is 7-3 with a 2.55 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 99 innings with 126 strikeouts.

Wheeler has walked three batters in each of his last two starts. He’s kept all six from scoring but it’s driven up his pitch count.

“The last two starts have kinda been frustrating because I like to go seven at least but it’s not my call so not much I can do about it,” he said. “Can pitch a little better early on pitch count-wise.

“Just one of those nights where you’re trying to figure out as you go. Not quite as bad as last time, a little better.”

Matt Strahm, who has a 5.09 ERA in his last 25 appearances, allowed a solo home run in the eighth to Victor Caratini, doubling the Astros’ lead for Hader. All five pitchers the Astros used — Gordon, Steven Okert, Bennett Sousa, King and Hader — were lefties.

The Phils turn to one of their own Thursday in Cristopher Sanchez, looking to salvage a game of the series and avoid a sweep before they head to Atlanta.

“They’re a good team, they’re right there with us,” Wheeler said. “They’ve just gotten the better of us the past two nights. I’m sure we’ll come ready tomorrow.”

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MLB AL Comeback Player of the Year Predictions: Odds, expert picks, including Jacob deGrom and Byron Buxton

The American League Comeback Player of the Year market has been an intriguing race that is now showing heavy favoritism toward the Texas Rangers' Jacob deGromat -260 odds per FanDuel Sportsbook and rightfully so.

deGrom is in the drivers seat with a 7-2 record 2.24 ERA, and 87 strikeouts to 18 walks over 15 starts. His only metrics that sit around league average, per baseball savant, are the ground ball rate and exit velocity, everything else is considered elite. He's been downright dominant, but will he hold up is the question?

deGrom baseball savant metrics as of June 25, 2025

deGrom baseball savant metrics as of June 25, 2025

After deGrom's next outing, the 37-year-old will have pitched his most games in a single season since 2019. Only four times in his career has he cracked the 30 start mark and 2019 was the last time that happened.

It's hard to trust that stat, but for most of the players on this list — their bodies betraying them once or twice is the reason why they are in this category as I'd like to say.

One player, that seems to be always injured, but is coming off his second-highest year of games played is Minnesota's Byron Buxton(+430).

That's who I think is the best bet in this field to take down deGrom, not the Tigers' duo of Spencer Torkelson (+900) or Javier Baez (+1000), and certainly not the Angels' Mike Trout (+9000) who I leaned heavily as the frontrunner for this award in the first month of this season.

Last year, Buxton dealt with right knee inflammation in May and right hip inflammation later in the year, yet he still played 102 games, which ranks only behind 140 played in 2017. So the start to this season has been a terrific sign for Buxton, much like deGrom.

Let's travel back in time some more. Buxton set a career-high 28 homers over 92 games in 2022 and appears ready to shatter that this year with 17 dingers through 62 games, which is one less homer through 40 fewer games from last season — in another words, the man is cooking the baseball this season.

Not to mention, he's batting .280, has 47 RBIs with a 2.8 WAR and having his best month of the season in June (.313 BA, 7 HR, 17 RBI). It's hard to ignore Buxton's power, but we also can't ignore the fact that he's been one of the most efficient baserunners with 13 stolen bags to 0 caught stealing, elite batting run value and one of the best hard-hit percentages in baseball.

While Buxton has a habit of chasing and striking out too much (73 Ks to 23 BB), that may be one of the only major negatives to his game so far. He has 46 runs scored and 69 is his career-high, plus he's only gone over 100 hits once in his career (currently at 66 hits in 62 games). He's taking his swings and not worrying about the misses, which speaks to his confidence this season.

Byron Buxton baseball savant hitting chart as of June 25, 2025

Byron Buxton baseball savant hitting chart as of June 25, 2025

baseball savant

There is a lot to like about Buxton at the +430 price and while I see and hear why deGrom should and could win, I will ride with the value on Buxton as he is set to have a career-year as a hitter and could go toe-to-toe at the end of the season versus deGrom for this award.

Pick:Byron Buxton to win AL Comeback Player of the Year (1u)

Vaughn Dalzell’s MLB Futures Card

2 units: Aaron Judge to lead MLB in home runs (+130)
2 units: Jacob Misiorowski to win NL Rookie of the Year (-110)

1 unit: Shohei Ohtani to win NL MVP (-110)
1 unit: Bobby Witt to win AL MVP (+450)
1 unit: Elly De La Cruz to win NL MVP (+2000)

1 unit: Garrett Crochet to win AL CY Young (+450)
1 unit: Paul Skenes to win NL CY Young (+300)
1 unit: Byron Buxton to win AL Comeback Player of the Year (+430)

0.5 unit: Dodgers to win 117-plus games (+650)
0.5 unit: Paul Skenes to lead MLB in wins (+1400)
0.5 unit: Garrett Crochet to lead MLB in wins (+2200)

0.5 unit: Juan Soto to lead the MLB in homers (+2800)
0.5 unit: Yordan Alvarez to lead the MLB in homers (+2000)
0.5 unit: Roman Anthony to win. AL Rookie of the Year (+1200)
0.5 unit: Jacob Misiorowski to win NL Rookie of the Year (+1100)

0.25 unit: Aaron Judge to bat .400 by the All-Star break (+800)
0.25 unit: Aaron Judge to bat .400 for the season (+5500)
0.25 unit: Oneil Cruz to lead MLB in stolen bases (+15000)

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

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Sabres Eyeing Defensemen At Ninth Overall

Most of the questions at the Buffalo Sabres media availability we directed at GM Kevyn Adams and the disposition of players currently on their roster, including the contract situation of restricted free agent winger JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram, and veteran winger Alex Tuch entering the final year of his deal. 

Assistant GM Jerry Forton and who the Sabres were going to select ninth overall at the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles on Friday seemed to be an afterthought, but comments about a pair of defenseman expected to be there when Buffalo’s pick is up were particularly revealing. At ninth overall, it is expected that Buffalo will miss out on the cluster of center prospects (Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, Anton Frondell, Brady Martin, Jake O’Brien, Roger McQueen) and the top power forward in winger Porter Martone, but the Sabres may be in position to take one of the top defensemen after presumptive first overall pick Matthew Schaefer. 

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Forton spoke of Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Radim Mrtka and Barrie Colts blueliner Kashawn Aitcheson as two intriguing prospects. Mrtka joined the WHL’s Thunderbirds after starting the season in the Czech League, and while he put up solid offensive numbers in the WHL, scouts aren’t expecting him to duplicate that in the NHL. There’s still a lot to like about the big 18-year-old as a future middle-pair blueliner, who models his game after Victor Hedman and Moritz Seider. 

"Mrtka (offers a) very unique package to be able to move the way he does at 6'6", (is) almost more agile with the puck, if that's possible," Forton said. "A smart player at both ends. I was over in Czechia early in the year when he wasn't getting a lot of playing time in the men's league over there to see what he was willing to do to move to North America. He comes from a background where he has very little in the way of resources for hockey or anything outside hockey. He uprooted, high character kid, a huge ceiling."

The 18-year-old Aitcheson had a breakout offensive year with the Colts, jumping from eight to 26 goals last season, finishing behind only 2024 first-rounders Zayne Parekh and Sam Dickinson among OHL defensemen. Aitcheson led the Colts with 59 points and scored 12 points in the OHL playoffs.  

“Aitcheson brings very much an old-school approach to the game. I could certainly see him be one of those players that might get the recency bias bump (from the Florida Panthers winning the Stanley Cup),” Forton said. “There's very few players in junior hockey, college hockey and Europe that play the way he plays. Very unique, and he brings some offense, especially off the heavy shot as well."

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

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What we learned as Giants' comeback not enough in extra-innings loss to Marlins

What we learned as Giants' comeback not enough in extra-innings loss to Marlins originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — This is the start of the easiest two-week stretch on the schedule. So far, the Giants are 0-2. 

With an 8-5 loss to the Miami Marlins, the Giants are 3-5 on the homestand, and it’s not hard to figure out why. The lineup went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position Wednesday and dropped to 8-for-59 on the homestand. 

The Giants trailed 4-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but Marlins closer Calvin Faucher hit Dominic Smith and Casey Schmitt and then sprayed it around while walking Jung Hoo Lee. Willy Adames missed a grand slam by a couple of feet, but all three runners easily advanced on the deep fly ball to left. Patrick Bailey followed with a single to left that tied the game, but Matt Williams aggressively sent a runner for a second straight game and Lee — the winning run — was thrown out at the plate.

The momentum didn’t last long, as the Marlins scored four runs off Camilo Doval in the top of the 10th. 

The Giants scored exactly two runs in four of the previous seven games on this homestand, and that’s where they sat in the bottom of the sixth, with a golden chance to put Logan Webb in line for the win. They got the first two runners on, but Smith and Schmitt flew out and Lee struck out, continuing his recent slump. 

Letting the Marlins hang around proved costly in the eighth. Tyler Rogers gave up an infield single that died on the grass in front of third base, and then a 72 mph double that snuck under Smith’s glove. He got two quick outs, but Heriberto Hernandez poked a single just past Adames’ glove, bringing two runs in and briefly putting Miami on top. They were the first runs allowed by Rogers in five weeks, but an inning later, he was off the hook.

Same Old Story

It wasn’t Webb’s sharpest night, but he allowed just two runs in six innings. Both came on a double by Otto Lopez in the fourth, an inning that included three of the six hits off Webb. He struck out six and walked three while getting through at least six innings for the sixth consecutive start, but in three of those starts he has taken a no-decision. 

With the latest long outing, Webb passed Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and moved into first in the NL in innings pitched. His 2.52 ERA is second to Skenes (2.12) and he ranks third in strikeouts and first in fWAR. Skenes had a rough start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, but he’s still the frontrunner to start the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Webb, however, is right behind him, and he should have three more starts before the break to strengthen his case. 

Getting It Started

Edward Cabrera’s third pitch of the game was a low 97 mph fastball that Mike Yastrzemski yanked out to right to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. The leadoff homer was the sixth of Yastrzemski’s career and first since last Sept. 18 against the Baltimore Orioles.

Yastrzemski was a savior earlier this season, taking over the leadoff spot after LaMonte Wade Jr. got off to a slow start. He slumped earlier this month and manager Bob Melvin gave him some time off — while admitting he probably ran his right fielder into the ground — but it looks like Yastrzemski is feeling like himself again. He has a hit in 11 of his last 14 games and has two homers and two doubles on the homestand.

Home Cooking

Randy Rodriguez has been dominant everywhere, but he has been just about perfect at home. With a scoreless seventh, Rodriguez got to 20 shutout innings at Oracle Park this season. He also lowered his ERA to 0.77, the lowest among all MLB relievers. 

At Oracle Park, Rodriguez has allowed just 10 hits and walked three while striking out 30. He gave up a leadoff single Wednesday, but followed it with two strikeouts and a grounder to short. 

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