Category Archives: Yahoo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. The fallout began with a shake of Gregg Berhalters head, and thousands of boos, and dozens of bereft stares. Nobody knows how it will end, but it began here Monday night with U.S. soccer fans winding down Arrowhead Stadium ramps and chanting: Fire Gregg! Fire Gregg!

It continued an hour later with downcast players trudging through a post-match interview zone. All who stopped to talk with journalists were asked some version of the same question: Do they still have faith in Berhalter? Should he continue as their head coach?

Ahh that is quite a blunt question, defender Antonee Robinson said. Obviously that decision doesn't fall to me and the boys. He understood, though, why it was being asked because I think the minimum expectation for us was that we get out of the group, and we didn't.

Instead, they crashed at the 2024 Copa Amrica, a tournament that once packed so much promise, but now might cost Berhalter his job.

In January 2023, when it was first announced, the Americans looked like potential third-favorites, behind only Argentina and Brazil. They had recovered from a modern-era nadir. They had ushered in an unprecedented wave of talent. They had gone to Qatar, leaned into their youth, reached the Round of 16, and left believing they could be giants eventually.

The U.S. mens national team, at the time, was rising.

And U.S. Soccer officials attributed portions of its growth to the man steering the ascent, Berhalter.

So, now, they surely must hold Berhalter accountable for the programs stagnation.

They U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker, president Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson watched here at Arrowhead as the USMNT lost 1-0 to Uruguay and slumped out of the Copa Amrica. They watched the latest in a growing line of disappointing games that have led a majority of pundits and fans to conclude that Berhalter must be fired.

He was rehired last June to sustain the programs ascent, and to guide it toward the 2026 World Cup. A year later, it has flatlined.

The players, on paper, are better than ever; the team is not, and has shown little to no evidence of second-cycle progress.

Since Berhalter returned last fall, it lost to Germany and nearly to Jamaica; it got humiliated by Colombia and punked by Panama. It beat the worst Mexico team in decades, sure, and stood up to Brazil; but it stumbled through and out of its 2026 dress rehearsal, the 2024 Copa.

In the aftermath, Berhalter said, were bitterly disappointed with the results." He added multiple times that we'll do a review, and figure out what went wrong, why it went wrong.

But will he even be given a chance to partake in that review?

That's not up to me, Berhalter said.

It is up to Crocker, the Welshman who chose Berhalter, and who now must acknowledge that his first big bet at U.S. Soccer was a losing one.

It wasnt, to be clear, a foolish bet. In the spring of 2023, Berhalter was a safe and relatively sensible pick to (re)take charge of the team. There were reasonable and perhaps now vindicated doubts about his ability to drive the USMNT into another gear, to a new level. But there were equally reasonable beliefs that he could that the culture hed created was strong; that hed developed a really young, dynamic, front-footed team, as Crocker said; and that he deserved a chance to shape the next stage of development.

So Crocker gave Berhalter that chance.

Thus far, Berhalter hasnt taken it.

And the belief is no longer reasonable. Even if the stagnation isnt entirely Berhalters fault, it now seems clear that replacing him would raise the USMNTs ceiling in 2026.

And even if replacing him comes with risk, the bigger risk is in not chasing upside, and continuing on this now-flat trajectory.

Whether Crocker agrees is another story. Most of his work in his first year on the job has been private and somewhat secretive. He was not made available for interviews ahead of or during the Copa Amrica. He has never explicitly and publicly defined his expectations for Berhalter and the USMNT.

In the aftermath of Mondays loss, a U.S. Soccer spokesman distributed a statement attributed to Crocker. It read: Our tournament performance fell short of our expectations. We must do better. We will be conducting a comprehensive review of our performance in Copa America and how best to improve the team and results as we look towards the 2026 World Cup.

The review, of course, will be much deeper than anything that anyone outside U.S. Soccer could undertake. It will delve into metrics and human elements. And it could yield a kinder view of Berhalter than the one currently held by most fans. Crocker could, for example, explain away the Copa Amrica flop as a fluke primarily triggered by Tim Weahs red card, by misfortune, and by underperforming players.

Some players might even agree. I don't think this tournament really had anything to do with the staff or the tactics or the way we play, Gio Reyna said Monday. I think it was more individual mistakes.

Individual mistakes that become chronic and contagious, of course, could be signs that a coach has lost his players; that his voice has worn thin.

Berhalter, when asked whether he was still the right voice for this group of players, responded with a single word: Yes.

Crocker could come to a different conclusion.

Or he could stand by his initial conclusion last year: that Berhalters human-centered leadership skills are a strength. That players like him and fight for him. Hes a coach that players would run through a brick wall for, Weston McKennie said Monday. Players listen to him.

Crocker could also consider complicating factors. He might have to consider money. Firing Berhalter would presumably cost the federation some, depending on the terms of Berhalters contract, which runs through 2026. And hiring a replacement would probably cost more. Berhalter makes roughly $1.6 million per year, according to sources briefed on his current deal. A foreign coach of the stature that many fans crave Jrgen Klopp? Pep Guardiola? would likely command a significantly higher salary.

Its also unclear who, exactly, would want the job, or whom Crocker might pursue as a replacement. The only other known, legitimate and interested candidate during last years search, Jesse Marsch, now coaches Canada. Its unclear how truly global that search was, or how global a second one could be.

There is also no guarantee that a replacement would be better than Berhalter. Change can be disruptive. Disrupted chemistry can quickly spiral.

But the overriding thought, now, is that, intangibles aside, the USMNTs performances simply havent been good enough. Berhalter and his team have still not beaten a top-20 Elo foe. They rarely play far above and beyond their 50th percentile.

If we continue to develop in the way that we have, Berhalter said last June, and if this group continues to go where we think they can go, the sky's the limit but they havent developed, and the sky seems distant.

Their attack, especially, has gone stale, and the staleness is apparently not for a lack of effort or talent. So is it structure? Is the problem Berhalters system?

Reyna, when asked those questions Monday, smiled and shook his head. I don't really know at this point, he said. These are tough questions to answer. I think just overall, staff, players, we all just gotta grow from this, get better.

There is another line of thinking that the expectation of a continued ascent is unfair; that many of the players had already entered their primes in 2022; and that simply listing off the clubs they play for oversells how good they actually are.

Its a thought worth entertaining. And it is indeed unfair to expect the USMNT to rise from 2022 to 2026 as much as it did from 2018 to 2022. Development is never linear.

But it was absolutely fair to expect the trend line to remain a positive one, even if the rate of progress slowed.

This is absolutely the USMNTs most talented roster ever, even if it is not quite as good as club names suggest.

Several of the supposed stars are indeed supplementary role players at their clubs. But Pulisic just had the best season of his career at AC Milan. Weston McKennie just had the most productive year of his career at Juventus. Chris Richards established himself in the Premier League at Crystal Palace. Robinson was better than ever at Fulham. Folarin Balogun has been a major upgrade at striker. Reyna is finally healthy and brimming with potential. With players like Johnny Cardoso and Haji Wright hitting strides, depth has filled in.

Their collective progress in red, white and blue, however, hasnt matched their individual progress. Have they improved at all as a team since Qatar?

It's not for me to say, Pulisic said Monday. I'm doing my best, always, to improve myself. Everyone on the team is. Yeah, we didn't get the results we wanted in this tournament, and that hurts, but that doesn't mean that we're a bad team or we haven't improved.

Berhalter argued that they have. He cited their defensive solidity and their Expected Goal margins. I pressed him, though, on whether he wouldve expected more improvement in the final third, and he more or less dodged the question. That is where this USMNT has fallen furthest away from its talent level. Perhaps they dont have enough alphas; perhaps they havent jelled. But a big chunk of responsibility for that shortcoming, surely, has to lie with Berhalter.

Many will still back him as a mentor and perhaps even a friend. But, speaking Monday, they seemed more equivocal or non-committal than they had been last spring, when many endorsed him to reclaim the job.

We quite vocally said that we enjoyed having Gregg as our manager, Robinson said. The way that his [first] tenure kinda came to an end was due to circumstances that wasn't necessarily to do with the way the team was performing. Now, obviously, it's a little bit easier to evaluate how we've done as a team under him, and the last couple of years since the World Cup. So, yeah, that doesn't really fall to me.

Pulisic, the captain and Berhalters most influential endorser last spring, said: I mean, look, we have a good relationship with him. And, whatever the next step looks like, that's not my job to decide.

View original post here:

USMNT's Copa Amrica flop should cost Gregg Berhalter his job. Will it? - Yahoo Sports

Why Klay reportedly chose Mavs over Lakers in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Klay Thompson had a couple of options when he hit NBA free agency Sunday, but there were a few factors that played into his decision to ultimately join the Dallas Mavericks.

Thompson's decision essentially was narrowed down to two teams: The Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers.

But a meeting with Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison and VP Michael Finley helped sway Thompson's mind, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported, and Thompson was inspired by the chance to compete for a fifth NBA title with Dallas, who was fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals.

The Lakers were "extremely intriguing" to Thompson as well, but the financial savings from living in Texas as opposed to California -- on top of the Mavericks being three wins away from a championship last season -- was a big factor in his decision, Wojnarowski reported, citing sources.

Thompson also was tied to rumors involving several other teams this offseason such as the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic, but in the end, he left a historic dynasty behind in Golden State and agreed to a reported three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas.

The Warriors don't have to see Thompson competing alongside longtime nemesis LeBron James in LA, but they will have to battle against him, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doni on a Western Conference contender in Dallas.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Read the original post:

Why Klay reportedly chose Mavs over Lakers in NBA free agency - Yahoo Sports

Klay Thompsons upcoming move to Dallas isnt sitting well with everyone in the Thompson family.

His father, former Lakers star and current radio analyst Mychal Thompson, was pulling for his son to land in Los Angeles in free agency instead.

Im really disappointed, he said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Tuesday. I was hoping, hoping, as you can assess, that he would be a Laker. And it was close. It came down to the Lakers and the Mavs, but the Mavs won out. But you know me, I was hoping and praying he'd finish his career with the Lakers."

Thompson agreed to a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks on Monday, officially ending his incredible run with the Golden State Warriors. Thompson, who the Warriors took with the No. 11 pick in 2011, won four championships with the franchise and was a critical part in the dynasty the team built alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and others.

Thompson averaged 17.9 points last season while shooting 38.7% from behind the arc. The 34-year-olds scoring output was his worst since the 2012-13 campaign, and last season was just the second in his career that he shot worse than 40% from behind the arc.

Thompsons free agency decision came down to the Lakers and the Mavericks, where hell now get to team up with stars Luka Doni and Kyrie Irving after their run to the NBA Finals earlier this year. Naturally, once he learned the Lakers were in consideration, Mychal tried to jump in and help persuade his son. Mychal played for the Lakers from 1987-91 and won two championships with the team.

"We always talked about him playing for the Lakers," Mychal said. "If he was not a Golden State Warrior, where else would he wanna play? And of course, being a fan of Kobe's, he would've loved to have played for the Lakers.

"But he had a chance, and when the chance came, he chose the Mavericks instead. And I'll live with it. I accept it and I'm happy for him that he's happy with his decision. But yeah, of course I tried to sell him on the Lakers."

Read more from the original source:

Klay Thompson's dad 'really disappointed' he chose the Mavericks over the Lakers in free agency - Yahoo Sports

Craig Monroe started working as a Tigers analyst in 2012 and is their lead analyst with Bally Sports Detroit this season. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Content warning: This article contains depictions of alleged sexual assault and abuse.

Former MLB outfielder and current Detroit Tigers broadcaster Craig Monroe has been away from the booth for about a month after he was accused of sexually assaulting a woman beginning when she was a minor, the team and Bally Sports Detroit confirmed Monday.

Monroe is the lead television analyst for the Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit, though he hasnt been in the booth since June 9. The team and the network said in a statement last month that he was addressing a personal matter, and they went further in a new joint statement provided to Awful Announcing on Monday.

Bally Sports Detroit and the Tigers are aware of the social media allegations and take them seriously, the Tigers and the network said in a statement. As previously stated, Mr. Monroe has not been on the broadcast schedule and that will continue on an indefinite basis. We will have no further comment and any questions should be directed to Mr. Monroe.

Monroe was accused on social media of sexually assaulting a woman starting when she was 12 years old and he was playing in the minor leagues. The abuse, she said, continued well into her adult life. The woman said she initially reached out to both the network and the team about her claims and received no response, which led her to post them on social media last month.

According to The Detroit News, Monroe was removed from his analyst role "minutes" after the social media post was published.

The accuser first posted on X about the allegations last month, tagging multiple news outlets, before deleting that original post. However, according to the source with knowledge of the situation, an executive with Bally Sports Detroit had already seen the post.

At the time, Monroe was at Comerica Park preparing to work the series opener between the Tigers and Washington Nationals on June 11. Within 30 minutes of seeing the post, a Bally Sports Detroit executive demanded Monroe leave the ballpark, according to the source.

Monroe's accuser spoke to WJBK-TV on Monday night and said that her family was Monroe's host family while he was playing minor league baseball in Charlotte County, Florida in the early 2000s.

It started with Monroe coming into her room to fondle her, and it escalated from there eventually leading to intercourse when she was 15 years old.

Once she turned 18, the woman and Monroe were in an ongoing consensual and sexual relationship, she said. However, he would "prostitute" her to his friends and acquaintances.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office confirmed that they are actively investigating the woman's claims. Monroe denied the accusations in a statement through his attorney, Michael Manley, on Tuesday night.

Craig Monroe takes allegations of this nature very seriously and would never commit or condone such despicable conduct, Manley said in the statement, in part, via the Detroit Free Press. "We trust that law enforcement will uncover the truth regarding her background and motivations."

Monroe played nine MLB seasons, starting with the Texas Rangers in 2001. He spent more than five seasons playing for the Tigers and wrapped his career with short stints with the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Pittsburgh Pirates before he retired after the 2009 campaign. He finished his career with a .252 batting average, 115 home runs and 433 RBI.

Monroe began working as a Tigers broadcaster in 2012, and he started this season as their lead analyst on Bally Sports Detroit.

Monroe has not responded to the allegations publicly. Its unclear when he will return to his role with Bally Sports, if at all.

Read more from the original source:

Detroit Tigers, Bally Sports Detroit address analyst Craig Monroe's absence after sexual assault allegations - Yahoo Sports

Sixteen-year-old Quincy Wilson is headed to Paris as part of the U.S. 4x400 relay team. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

EUGENE, Ore. Quincy Wilsons drivers test will probably have to wait.

He may be a little too busy this summer to prepare for it.

Wilson, the 16-year-old phenom who captivated fans during the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, will go to Paris as part of Team USAs 4x400-meter relay pool, his coach confirmed to Yahoo Sports early Monday morning. Bullis School coach Joe Lee said he received a call from the U.S. Olympic coaching staff sharing the news once trials concluded on Sunday evening.

When USA Track & Field formally unveils its Olympic roster next week, Wilson will become the youngest male ever to make the U.S. Olympic Track & Field team. Hes about a year younger than middle-distance runner Jim Ryun, who competed in 1964 at 17 years, 137 days old.

Wilson earned his place in the relay pool by finishing sixth in last Mondays 400 meters final, capping a jaw-dropping weekend where three straight times he ran one lap around Hayward Field in less than 45 seconds.

In his Olympic Trials debut, Wilson broke a 42-year-old under-18 world record when he won his mens 400 heat in 44.66 seconds. That record lasted all of two days before Wilson lowered it again in the 400 semifinals, running a time of 44.59 seconds.

While the fairy-tale ending would have been Wilson cracking the top three in the 400 final, his time of 44.94 seconds was still impressive. He chased down three of the fastest 400-meter runners in America on the homestretch, not bad for a kid who just finished his sophomore year of high school.

The buzz surrounding Wilson reached a crescendo after those performances. Deion Sanders congratulated him on X. So did Michael Johnson. Magic Johnson invited Wilson to join him in a suite for a Washington Commanders game.

Now Wilson will get the experience of going to Paris too, preparing him for what could be a long career in track and field. Last September, at just 15 years old, Wilson landed an NIL deal with New Balance. In April, he signed with WME Sports, the same agency that represents Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

See the rest here:

Sweet 16: Quincy Wilson headed to Paris as youngest U.S. male track Olympian ever - Yahoo Sports

There is still a lot of uncertainty heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, which will be a two-day event for the first time in league history. On Wednesday night, NBA commissioner Adam Silver will call the names of 30 players during the first round who will realize a life-long dream of becoming an NBA player. On Thursday, the draft will continue with the second round.

This draft is shaping up to be widely unpredictable and there could be a handful of trades that start inside the lottery. Some notable updates since Yahoo Sports previous NBA Mock Draft from Monday:

Heres a final look at our projections for the first and second rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft with analysis and intel on all 58 players.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 204 pounds | JL Bourg (France)

Risacher worked out for the Hawks last week and its all going to come down to whether the Hawks prefer a 7-2 center in Clingan to hold down the defense or the upside along the perimeter with Risacher. Similar to Bilal Coulibaly last year, Risacher had a strong performance in the LNB Pro A playoffs that showed scouts and executives his game and physicality will translate well to the NBA. Ultimately, theres nothing that teams love more in a draft prospect than youth, length and upside and Risacher has all three.

Ht./Wt.: 7-1, 205 pounds | Perth Wildcats (Australia)

Sarr is as close to a lock at No. 2 as one can get. He worked out and met with the Wizards but refused to do the same for the Hawks. Sarrs potential as an elite rim protector on defense and a pick-and-pop threat on offense, along with how well he runs the floor for his size, makes him an intriguing NBA prospect in the frontcourt who can also stretch to the wing.

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 187 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky

In a draft with so much uncertainty, teams know exactly what theyre getting from Sheppard, who shot 52% from 3-point range off the bench as a freshman at Kentucky. He's a high IQ player who can be slotted alongside Amen Thompson and Jalen Green in Houston's backcourt.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Freshman | UConn

If Sheppard is off the board at No. 3, Castle is a great option for the Spurs. The UConn star defends the perimeter well, has great size at the guard position and continues to grow as an offensive threat. His 3-point jumper remains an area of improvement, but his feel for the game along with how well he complemented experienced players on a loaded UConn team is a good indication he can come in right away and contribute positive minutes to any team.

Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 212 pounds | G League Ignite

Buzelis has great size and can play multiple positions with how well he can handle the ball and take players off the dribble. Many around the league believe Buzelis is a lock at No. 5 to Detroit, where he can bring in some additional size and floor spacing along the perimeter.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Senior | Tennessee

The Hornets could be looking to move up to No. 3 to possibly draft Castle before hes available at No. 4 to the Spurs, but if a trade cant happen, Knecht is a good backcourt option to add to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He's an older, experienced guard who was the best scorer in the SEC this season and can give solid minutes right away.

Ht./Wt.: 7-2, 280 pounds | Class: Sophomore | UConn

Clingan falling to Portland at No. 7 would be a dream scenario for the Trail Blazers, who are looking to add size and rim protection to the frontcourt. The 7-2 center could still be at play with the Hawks at No. 1, but if no team makes a move to trade up for him and he falls past Detroit, this would be a massive win for Portland and its rebuild.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 185 pounds | Class: Freshman | Colorado

It doesnt look like Williams will be there for the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12 to play alongside his older brother, Jalen. While Williams didnt have the year he wanted at Colorado and dealt with injuries all season long, he has tremendous potential (similar to Jaden McDaniels) for a team that can be patient with his development during a rebuild. If the Spurs take Castle at 4 and Williams with this pick, the defensive potential with their young core group alongside Victor Wembanyama would be unmatched.

Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Junior | Providence

Carter is one of the biggest risers heading into the draft. He backed up his strong season at Providence by being one of the most impressive players during the agility and shooting drills at the combine. He is one of the best two-way players in this draft and would be a fun fit in Memphis, playing behind Ja Morant and learning the Grizzlies' system with his dad, Anthony Carter, on the coaching staff.

Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 203 pounds | Cholet (France)

Salaun capped his season for Cholet on a high note, averaging 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game during the second round against Paris Basketball. He is one of the youngest players in the draft, turning 19 in August, and could be a good fit in Utah with his size and shooting ability, playing alongside Keyonte George. Salaun has met with teams in the 5-12 range and likely wont fall outside of the lottery.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 206 pounds | G League Ignite

The Bulls just added 21-year-old Josh Giddey, who will pair nicely with Coby White in the backcourt. Holland can add some much-needed size and length to Chicago's defense. And even though he was a little turnover prone playing in the G League, hell have a different role in the NBA and wont need the ball in his hands as much on offense.

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 190 pounds | Class: Freshman | Pittsburgh

The Thunder traded Giddey to the Bulls for Alex Caruso, and even though Caruso will bring veteran experience at 30 years old, the Thunder could be targeting a guard with upside at 12. Carrington was a projected mid-to-late first-round pick all season and has catapulted into the lottery during workouts and team meetings. He has great size and can be productive offensively playing on or off the ball. His shot selection still needs some fine-tuning, but there are a lot of teams in the 10-20 range that love his upside.

Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 220 pounds | Class: Senior | Colorado

The Colorado forward was one of the best hybrid frontcourt players in the Pac-12 this year. Da Silva can be slotted into the lineup right away and add some versatility and length to any roster. The Kings just extended Malik Monks contract and could be targeting a player like da Silva inside the lottery who can play inside-out.

Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Freshman | Duke

McCain shoots the ball extremely well from 3-point range and has a quick release that's difficult to defend, even though he's on the smaller side as an NBA point guard. Hes a great culture guy and has zero off-the-court issues. If the Trail Blazers take Clingan at 7, McCain can add some consistent 3-point shooting and extended guard play.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 201 pounds | KK Mega Basket (Serbia)

Miami would have to be patient with Topi and his recovery after he suffered a partially torn ACL injury at the end of the season in Serbia. He likely wont fall past 18 to Orlando, where his dad is in the front office as an international scout. But the Heat have winning pieces right now and could be getting a steal at 15 for a player that was a projected top 5 pick all season long.

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 195 pounds | Class: Freshman | Baylor

Walter's game translates better to the NBA than what scouts saw from him in college. He has good size at the guard position and elite shooting mechanics. With the spacing of the NBA game, itll free him more as a shooting threat with how well Tyrese Maxey plays with the ball in his hands and how much space Joel Embiid commands in the paint.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 200 pounds | Class: Freshman | Miami

George averaged only 7.6 points during his one year at Miami, but shot 41% from 3-point range. Originally from Switzerland, the sharp-shooting wing shot up four inches two years ago and sees the floor like a point guard with how well he passes and how quick he makes decisions off the dribble.

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 164 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky

Dillingham has been dealing with an ankle injury since the combine and will only be able to work out for a select number of teams leading up to the draft. Offensively he is one of the best players with the ball in his hands and has that dog mentality that teams love. But what's giving teams pause is his work on the defensive end, where he has average footwork and difficulty staying in front of players. If he falls to 18, the Magic might look to pick him up as the best player available and someone who can get downhill and facilitate for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Ht./Wt.: 7-4, 300 pounds | Class: Senior | Purdue

Edey showed every scout and executive at the combine that he can hit 3s at a pretty consistent rate during the shooting drills. Whats most attractive is his size and the way he can anchor a defense, but teams will be cautious taking him, with opponents likely hunting him in screens every time down the court and drawing favorable mismatches. Edey could go as high as 14 to Portland, with many around the league anticipating the Toronto native being off the board by 20.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 pounds | Class: Senior | Illinois

Shannon was found not guilty in his court case that had loomed over him since January, and he could now be a first-round pick. He was incredibly impressive for Illinois at the end of the season. The lefty guard can score at all three levels and impact a team right away with how well he reads defenses.

Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 235 pounds | Class: Freshman | Baylor

Missi's draft range is anywhere from 14-21 with his upside as a rim-running big who has a budding pick-and-pop game. He has great hands, runs the floor well and shows solid footwork in the paint. Missi could have a similar role for the Pelicans as Dereck Lively II does in Dallas.

Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Senior | Marquette

The general consensus is that the Suns are zeroing in on Kolek because of his high IQ and ability to come in right away and give solid minutes. He plays bigger than his frame, is smart with the ball and finishes well through contact.

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 210 pounds | Class: Freshman | USC

Collier had a rough year at USC and didn't really get to showcase his upside, but NBA spacing will be much better for Collier, who has the ability to get downhill. He could end up being a steal at 23 to the Bucks.

Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 223 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Indiana

Ware is far from a finished product, but he made some huge strides at Indiana after his freshman year at Oregon. Hes so talented at his size and with his footwork in the paint, but some teams question his motor, leaving him as a possible steal in the 20s. With the trade that brought Mikal Bridges from the Nets to the Knicks, New York could be targeting some frontcourt help to place alongside Mitchell Robinson (if they keep both first-round picks).

Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 235 pounds | Class: Junior | Dayton

Holmes averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds and shot 39% from 3-point range in a limited perimeter role at Dayton. He is a floor spacer with size who can extend his game past the 3-point line and defend the post similar to Naz Reids role in Minnesota.

Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 202 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kansas

Furphy elected to stay in this draft after reportedly turning down a lucrative NIL deal to return to Kansas, leading many to believe he left the combine with a promise in the first round. If the Wizards take Sarr with the No. 2 pick, Furphy is an excellent option here with how well he shoots the ball and his added size on the perimeter.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 190 pounds | Class: Freshman | Minnesota

Christie is a late riser and could sneak into the back half of the first round with how well hes been performing in team workouts. He averaged 11.3 points and shot 39% from 3-point range during his freshman year at Minnesota.

Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 224 pounds | G League Ignite

Smith improved significantly during his season with the Ignite and has great size at 6-11 with an inside-out game that translates to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball well all season and improved his motor.

Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 220 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Duke

Filipowski falling in the first round doesnt necessarily reflect his body of work, but that other players have higher ceilings and are rising after workouts and team meetings. The playoff teams in the Western Conference are largely successful with multiple 7-footers on the court who can space the floor and knock down 3s. Filipowski has the potential to be that kind of contributor in the NBA.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 pounds | Class: Senior | Creighton

Scheierman was one of the best shooters at the draft combine during the 5-on-5 scrimmages. His size and maturity make him a perfect plug-and-play guy on a seasoned, championship team.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 216 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Virginia

Dunn was the best perimeter defender in college basketball, but he could fall outside the first round with how poorly he shoots from 3-point range. He connected on only 20% of his attempts from deep this year, but a team will draft him on his defensive versatility alone.

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 215 pounds | Class: Junior | Cal

Tyson was the best scoring guard in the Pac-12 this year and had to do everything offensively for a struggling Cal team. His playmaking off the pick-and-roll as the primary ball-handler and also off the ball is what stands out most when looking at his offensive output.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 210 pounds | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)

Dadiet is one of the youngest players in this draft and has a ton of future potential at the wing position. The prospect out of France worked out for the Jazz, Nets, Bucks, Celtics and others, and could sneak into the first round.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 212 pounds | Class: Senior | Kansas

The Kansas guard was unable to participate in any of the combine drills or pre-draft workouts because of a knee injury. He already underwent surgery and told reporters at the combine that there is no structural damage. McCullar was one of the best scoring guards in college basketball and, when fully healthy, can contribute right away.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 235 pounds | Class: Senior | Weber State

If the Spurs are looking to bet on experience and a player who can come in and do a lot of little things really well, Jones is the guy. He reads the game very well, dictates pace and plays to his advantages. Hes worked on his body during the pre-draft process and has recently worked out for Denver and Boston.

Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 225 pounds | Cairns Taipans (Australia)

Klintman has good size as a pick-and-pop big and improved his decision making and physicality during his one season in Australias National Basketball League. He still has room to grow into his frame and has a budding 3-point shot.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 180 pounds | Illawarra (Australia)

Johnson is the guard with the highest upside in the draft and could sneak inside the first round with how well he played at the combine. Johnson showed more of a well-rounded game during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, with improved shot creation off the bounce in the first game and as more of a facilitator in the second game, dishing out six assists.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 206 pounds | Class: Senior | Akron

One of the best stories in college basketball, Freeman went from being a walk-on at Akron to a starter. He was one of the best players at the Portsmouth Invitational, was invited to the G League combine and then got called up for the NBA Draft Combine. His strength when he has the ball in the lane, and also how well he moves off the ball, cutting, flashing, slipping screens, makes him an intriguing pick in the first half of the second round.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 pounds | Class: Junior | San Francisco

Mogbo spent his summer last year working out with Raptors forward Scottie Barnes heading into his junior year. Defensively, he shines with his footwork and how well he rebounds for his size. He also turned some heads at the combine with his shot creation off the dribble.

Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 245 pounds | Class: Sophomore | UCLA

Bona was the best center at the combine during the 5-on-5 scrimmages. He is so strong and was really utilizing the additional space and not forcing things. He moves very well for his size and will bring in some added rim protection right away.

Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 214 pounds | KK Mega Bemax (Serbia)

Djurisic is a tough guard who competes at a high level and has improved from this time last year when he tested the NBA waters. Hes great at getting downhill off the high screen and finishes well through contact.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 185 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky

Edwards really helped himself at the combine and throughout the pre-draft process. He was a top-five player coming out of high school and could really see a second burst as an NBA player in the right situation, similar to what GG Jackson did this past season.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 225 pounds | Class: Senior | Arizona

Johnson, a fifth-year senior out of Arizona, can bring experience to a team and come in right away with any second unit and be productive. He shot 39% from 3 this past season and averaged under two turnovers his entire college career.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 233 pounds | Class: Junior | North Carolina

Ingrams role at North Carolina this past year was exactly what teams needed to see in terms of how he could fit in the NBA. Hes a hybrid wing with the size and strength to drop down low in a small-ball lineup, and he shoots the ball consistently from different spots on the court.

Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 200 pounds | Class: Senior | Houston

For teams looking for a reliable lead guard to come in and run the second unit, Shead is the perfect pick. He is so tough on both sides of the ball and could really have a long career in the NBA with his work ethic, poise and decision-making on the court.

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 190 pounds | Class: Junior | Colorado

Simpson made up the second half of the two-man tandem at Colorado that brought success in the postseason. He plays much bigger than his size and has a nice floater in the lane. His 3-point shot has improved and he has consistently shot the ball well during workouts.

Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 pounds | Class: Junior | Washington State

Wells transferred from a Division II program to Washington State. Even though hes a bit of a late bloomer, he showed more confidence in Power 5 competition and has upside.

Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Senior | Arizona

Larsson was an efficient scorer on a very deep Arizona team. What he lacks in footspeed defensively, he makes up for on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 42% from 3-point range.

Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 235 pounds | Cameroon

More here:

2024 NBA Mock Draft 10.0: Updated predictions, plus the latest intel on draft day - Yahoo Sports

The 2024 NBA Draft is over and now a new draft cycle begins. Next year's draft class is significantly different from this years with a couple of players projected at the top who can be franchise cornerstones. NBA scouts and executives are able to get out to more and more high school and grassroots events and already have a good idea of the talent coming up.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg is the No. 1 recruit coming out of high school and was the nation's best rim protector, regardless of class. Ace Bailey, a 6-foot-9 wing, is headed to Rutgers with fellow five-star prospect Dylan Harper.

The Brooklyn Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for five future first-round picks and now have 13 first-round picks in the next four years, positioning themselves to be in a good spot for either Flagg or Bailey next year. The San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons are other teams in rebuild mode to watch in the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes.

Yahoo Sports breaks down the top talent to keep early tabs on and another French prospect projected toward the top in our way-too-early look at the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Duke | Freshman

NBA scouts first got a glimpse of Flagg at Nike Peach Jam when he was a top-two player on the 15-under circuit. Originally from Maine, Flagg and his twin brother, Ace, transferred to powerhouse prep school Montverde Academy (Orlando, Florida) after his freshman season and then reclassified up a grade right before his junior season to be in the 2024 high school senior class.

Flagg has an incredible feel for the game and is an elite passer with his size and ability to see over the defense. He can space the floor, create off the dribble and finish in a variety of ways. Defensively, hes a grab-and-go rebounder and has great footwork and timing as a shot blocker. Teams will be watching how well he can guard the switch off the perimeter and his developing 3-point shot out of the pick-and-pop this season at Duke.

Rutgers | Freshman

Bailey was the No. 2-ranked player coming out of high school right behind Flagg. Scouts still believe this could be a two-man race for the No. 1 pick next year.

Bailey is a 6-9 wing and a high-volume scorer who has never seen a shot he doesnt like. During the City of Palms Classic last December, Bailey put up 43 points, 19 rebounds and five assists. Scouts will watch his shot selection closely this season at Rutgers and how he adjusts to the physicality of the game, especially when getting downhill.

Saint-Quentin, France

The 18-year-old point guard is the next one up out of France. He showed NBA scouts and executives his elite court vision and passing at this year's Nike Hoop Summit, where he was the best point guard on the court.

The 6-3 point guard plays for Saint-Quentin in the LNB Pro A league and capped off his season on a high note when he finished with 45 points and nine assists against Barcelona during the Adidas Next Generation Tournament Finals. Traore is electing to stay in France and play one more year for Saint-Quentin before hitting the NBA.

Baylor | Freshman

Edgecombe is playing for the Bahamas national team in the Olympics alongside Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon, and looking like he fits right in during practices. The 6-5 guard initially relied a lot on his athleticism as a high school prospect, but has really improved his handle and first step while getting downhill.

Texas | Freshman

The 6-6 shooting guard was great in front of several NBA scouts and executives at both the McDonald's All American game and Nike Hoop Summit. He has really improved his body, adding weight to his frame, and shines in iso situations, where he can rise and get a shot up over anyone.

Rutgers | Freshman

Harper, the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr. and son of NBA veteran Ron Harper, is a big-bodied lead guard who has cleaned up his decision-making and can really put pressure on the rim. Harper will be playing with Bailey at Rutgers next year and scouts will be making New Jersey a priority stop this college basketball season. The 6-6, 210-pound guard can play on or off the ball and is a tenacious defender who can guard multiple positions.

Georgia | Freshman

Newell played alongside Flagg at Montverde Academy and was one of the best players during the Nike Hoop Summit. His combination of size at 6-9, shot-creation from behind the arc and skill cutting off the ball makes him a prospect many scouts will monitor next year at Georgia.

Oregon | Sophomore

Evans showed glimpses of his upside as a hybrid big during his freshman year but didn't have a big enough sample size to test the NBA waters. His return is a huge win for Oregon and a great opportunity for him to settle into the pace of the college game and improve his 3-point jumper. If he can become more polished as a 6-9 wing, teams will give him looks inside the lottery next year.

North Carolina, Freshman

Jackson is quick at getting a shot off and creates separation off the dribble very well. He is also a solid passer and sees the court so well, especially in transition. Jackson and Elliot Cadeau are going to be a fun pairing in the backcourt next year with both players able to find seams in defenses and consistently get jump shots at the end of possessions.

Ratiopharm Ulm, Germany

The 6-9 French wing will play for the same team first-round pick Pacome Dadiet played for last season. He's still a very raw prospect who thrives on defense, but Essengue will see his minutes and touches increase. During the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, he was second in blocks, averaging 4.4 per game, and fourth in rebounds with 17.6.

Arkansas | Sophomore

Wagner had a very underwhelming freshman season at Kentucky and elected to stay an extra year, following head coach John Calipari and transferring to Arkansas. The 6-3 guard likes to play a little too much with the ball in his hands, but if he can clean up his decision-making and become a more consistent shooter, he'll continue to trend up.

Arkansas | Freshman

Fland is a smaller guard at 6-2, but he has long arms and can pick up full court, keeping players in front of him. His biggest asset is his shooting, and he's also crafty with the ball in his hands. Calipari might have left Kentucky, but he kept almost his entire recruiting class filled with five-star one-and-done talent intact.

Duke | Freshman

Evans is a prolific scorer who really cleaned up his shooting percentage at the tail end of his high school season. He'll be an excellent complementary piece next to Flagg on the wing at 6-7. The duo came into summer workouts already building on their chemistry after the McDonald's All American game.

Syracuse | Freshman

Freeman was the biggest surprise in the best way possible during the postseason All-Star games, leaving a lasting impression on NBA scouts who got a chance to see him at IMG Academy. The 6-9 forward showed more promise as an outside jump shooter in the pick-and-pop and his shot-blocking off the weak-side block was impressive.

Miami | Freshman

USC | Senior

Ohio State | Sophomore

Arkansas | Freshman

Duke | Freshman

UConn | Junior

Michigan State | Sophomore

North Carolina | Junior

Junior | Illinois

Duke | Freshman

Pittsburgh | Sophomore

Junior | Kansas

Santa Clara | Senior

Junior | Ole Miss

Cal | Sophomore

FAU | Junior

Originally posted here:

2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey lead way-too-early look at next year's loaded class - Yahoo Sports

Report: Warriors refused to include JK in PG13 trade with Clippers originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors did everything in their power to land Paul George this offseason.

Well, almost everything.

Before George opted out of his Los Angeles Clippers contract Saturday, eliminating any chance Golden State had of acquiring him, only then to agree to sign a five-year, $204 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Warriors reportedly were close to acquiring the nine-time NBA All-Star.

George was keen on the idea of joining the Warriors, and there were multiple instances where it seemed like a deal might get done as negotiations took place at the executive and ownership levels, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported, citing sources, in a feature story on Tuesday.

However, per Shelburne, Golden State refused to include young forward Jonathan Kuminga in any trade for George.

"The Warriors offered multiple combinations of expiring contracts, young players and an unprotected 2027 first-round pick, sources said," Shelburne wrote. "The Clippers countered by asking for prized youngster Jonathan Kuminga, sources said. The Warriors resisted because Kuminga is so important to their own future, sources said, but also because they worried George wouldn't be as interested in joining them if they gave up too much to get him.

"At several points, it seemed the teams might reach a deal as talks took place at both the ownership and executive levels. But they never found common ground on the financial implications for the Clippers. As they did with George, sources said LA held firm on not taking back contracts that would land it over the second apron unless there were compelling reasons to do so."

However, The Athletic's Tim Kawakami reported on Saturday that the Warriors' offers for George consisted of some combination, but not all of, Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Kuminga or Moses Moody plus one future first-round pick, which appears to be the 2027 first-rounder Shelburne mentions.

Due to conflicting reports, it remains unclear if the Warriors actually included Kuminga in any proposed trade packages, but it is clear that Golden State greatly values its rising star and considers him an integral part of its future.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Link:

Report: Warriors refused to include JK in PG13 trade with Clippers - Yahoo Sports

PITTSBURGH When it became clear that Pirates rookie right-hander Paul Skenes would make his fifth career big-league start against the Dodgers, it was natural to circle the game on the calendar as a definitive must-watch.

No matter who is on the mound, Dodgers first innings have become something of an event in and of themselves, considering the three MVPs atop the lineup in Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. And with each Skenes start early in his career feeling similarly momentous, it was a perfect storm of regular-season intrigue, priming Wednesdays contest to be a bit more special than your average weeknight game in June.

As first pitch approached, buzz was building among the PNC Park crowd eager to bear witness to Skenes showcasing his stuff against three of the best hitters on the planet.

But its still baseball. So many underwhelming outcomes can come from any individual plate appearance; grand visions of epic strikeouts or titanic home runs punctuating matchups between top-tier talents rarely come to fruition. Pitting two of the games best against each other cannot guarantee a memorable result, only set the stage for one.

But when the stars do align, and the results of these heightened plate appearances match up with the supersonic talent on said stage? Youve got to appreciate that when it happens.

Skenes first pitch to Betts on Wednesday was a 101 mph fastball at the bottom of the zone for strike one. His second offering was a 101 mph fastball at the top of the zone that Betts swung through haplessly for strike two. Two pitches later, Betts flailed at a slider for strike three. The crowd erupted, not realizing it was merely an appetizer for what would come next.

In less than a minute of real time, Skenes proceeded to throw three consecutive triple-digit fastballs and yield three consecutive whiffs on three spectacularly intense swings from Ohtani. The ballpark exploded with excitement once again as Ohtani staggered back to the dugout in a daze, left to contemplate the high-octane firefight he had just lost in emphatic fashion.

Round 1 went to Skenes, who turned 22 years old last week.

While everyone in the ballpark probably wouldve loved to immediately fast-forward to the next Skenes/Ohtani at-bat, the rematch was mildly delayed. The Pirates pounced on Dodgers starter James Paxton, forcing him to depart after recording just five outs. By the time Ohtani arrived at the plate in the third inning nearly 50 minutes later, Skenes had been afforded a 7-0 lead. With the home fans enjoying a comfortable cushion, the crowd returned its focus to how Skenes would attack Ohtani in Round 2.

Again, Skenes greeted Ohtani with 100 mph, and again, Ohtani swung with significant intent to do damage, but to no avail. After Ohtani was unfazed by two changeups outside the zone for balls one and two, Skenes went back to the basics: 99.5 mph above the zone, prompting another vicious, helpless hack from Ohtani for strike two. Another 100 mph heater followed, off the inside part of the plate for ball three, producing an ever-enticing full count.

Having already yielded an astonishing five whiffs on five fastballs from one of the most dangerous fastball hitters of this generation, Skenes reared back one more time. In came 100.1 mph at the top of the strike zone. Out went a towering fly ball to straight-away center field, soaring over the 10-foot wall for a home run.

Round 2 went to Ohtani, who is leading the National League in total bases and also knows a little something about throwing 100 mph.

Yeah, I like to call that big on big, Skenes said afterward. Obviously, [I] beat him a couple times earlier. And I think that was the right pitch to throw there. He's just a pretty darn good player. So stuff like that's gonna happen.

And frankly, that's why we play the game, is for matchups like that. So [Im] not happy to give it up, but it's part of the game.

Reflecting on facing Skenes postgame, Ohtani offered his analysis through interpreter Will Ireton: The stuff itself was really good. As you saw in my first at-bat, I couldnt really put together good swings. But overall, its just really good stuff.

Rather than the velo, its really the angle and the release [that make Skenes hard to hit], so I made the adjustment in the second at-bat.

Ohtanis uncanny ability to adjust on the fly, even after looking so overmatched in the first inning, was on display in his third at-bat against Skenes amid an eventful fifth inning. After rookie center fielder Andy Pages tagged Skenes for a home run to lead off the inning and Chris Taylor reached on an error, Skenes responded by striking out both Betts and Freeman looking.

Between those two Ks, Ohtani ripped a single into right field on you guessed it a high fastball. Although Skenes navigated out of the inning to conclude his night without further damage, Ohtani claimed the third and final round of their battle, leaving us all to wonder how Skenes will respond in their next encounter. (The Pirates visit Dodger Stadium Aug. 9-11, in case youre curious.)

Ohtani mightve ended the night with the upper hand between the two, but Skenes unquestionably handled the larger assignment of taming the Dodgers lineup and securing a series victory for Pittsburgh with the 10-6 win. His successful outing provided an exciting encore to what fellow rookie righty Jared Jones did Tuesday in the series opener, throwing six scoreless innings featuring three of his own dramatic encounters with Ohtani, all of which went Jones way (2 K's and a GIDP).

A close friend of Skenes dating to their days playing travel ball as teenagers in Southern California, Jones wields equally electric stuff as his ultra-famous teammate, albeit without quite the exposure at least not yet. But with the duo garnering more attention and promise with each successive outing, the future in Pittsburgh appears to be getting brighter in a hurry, and that feeling was palpable the past two nights at PNC Park.

It was a great atmosphere, Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday. And you know, I think when you have young players that you've drafted and developed like we have with [Jared] Jones, Skenes and even [Mitch] Keller, we're seeing the fans are into it.

It's really fun to see this ballpark come alive.

Read the original:

Shohei Ohtani vs. Paul Skenes lives up to the hype: 'That's why we play the game ... for matchups like that' - Yahoo Sports

The NBA Finals are about to start, and yet again, LeBron James will be watching the series on television instead of participating in it.

After reaching the championship series 10 times, James has exited early in the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Of course, in 2022, his Los Angeles Lakers didnt even reach the play-in tournament even though he had Russell Westbrook, his hand-picked third star, by his side.

One man who will compete in this years finals will be Kyrie Irving, a man who was on James Cleveland Cavaliers when they got there three years in a row together.

On the latest episode of the Mind the Game podcast, James said hes mad he isnt Irvings teammate anymore while calling the eight-time All-Star the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen. Before the Dallas Mavericks landed the New Jersey native from the Brooklyn Nets in a midseason trade last year, the Lakers made two attempts to acquire him.

Irving responded to James comments in a complimentary way.

Irving Mavs will be going up against the Boston Celtics, which means many Lakers fans will likely be rooting for him and his squad. At the same time, they will also likely be watching him in a wistful way, as plenty of Purple and Gold fans wish he wouldve become a member of their team.

Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire

Read more from the original source:

Kyrie Irving responds to LeBron James' comments about him - Yahoo Sports