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College basketball transfer portal rankings for 11 best men’s players still available The transfer portal has completely changed men’s college basketball, essentially making every player a free agent at the end of each season. Regulation is probably coming down the pipeline, but it’s not here yet, and prices are reportedly skyrocketing 65 percent from this time last year.Michigan won the national championship this past season off the backs of four key transfers after landing Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, Morez Johnson from Illinois, Aday Mara from UCLA, and Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina. I wrote that Michigan had the country’s best transfer portal haul this time last year, so I nailed that one. Unfortunately, I praised the portal hauls from programs like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in the same column, and none of those teams even made the 2026 NCAA tournament.Teams need to hunt for talent that fits their system in the portal to really see big results — or maybe it’s more important that they tailor the system to the talent they can get. There’s still a long way to go before the portal closes on April 21, and that’s only the deadline to enter, not commit. The race for transfers is already on, and some of the best ones have already committed. Here are the best players still available in the portal.Former school: Penn StateMingo’s younger brother Dylan has a case as the best available player in college basketball right now after the 5-star incoming freshman decommitted from North Carolina last week. Could the Mingo brothers be a packaged deal at their next home? Their games are pretty similar as big point guards who can’t shoot, so it might not be the best idea. Kayden Mingo had a nice freshman season at Penn State where he established himself as a quality playmaker (27 percent assist rate and +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio), a defensive terror (3.8 percent steal rate), and a promising on-ball creator. Mingo made nearly 62 percent of his rim looks with only 20 percent of those being assisted, and he also showed off a nice self-created mid-range game. Dylan Mingo has a chance to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, but Kayden is a good player and a real catch in the portal in his own right.Scharnowski’s per-game numbers (10.7 points, six rebounds) don’t do him justice. The 6’9 big man was one of the most efficient players in the country at Belmont this past season, and he has real two-way utility. Scharnowski was a super efficient scorer (68.3 effective field goal percentage), a great rebounder on both ends, and a fearsome rim protector with an eight percent block rate. He finishes everything inside with 75 percent shooting at the rim buoyed by 44 dunks in 30 games, and he’s also a good passer. There’s a ton of green flags in his profile, but his 43.6 percent free throw stroke is a big red flag. Improving his free throw shooting over the offseason would take Scharnowski’s game to the next level.McNeil is one of the best shooters in the country combining deadly accuracy with super high volume. He hit 42.7 percent of his threes on 14.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions this past season at NC State. McNeil isn’t just a spot-up shooter, he can dart off screens and hit shots from tough angles with deep range. He doesn’t have much creation ability and he’s not much of a playmaker, but his turnover avoidance and elite shooting should draw plenty of interest in the portal.Wright left Baylor for BYU for a huge bag last year, and now he’s about to get paid again with Kentucky and BYU reportedly vying for him. The 6’1 guard is a speedy ball handler who can generate paint touches while also hitting 41 percent of his threes. He has a good mid-range game (41.4 percent on non-rim twos) even if he struggles to finish when he gets all the way to the rim. He’s a dependable floor general, too, posting a 24 percent assist rate and a +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Every team wants a trusty veteran point guard, and Wright might be the best one on the market right now.I named Hill one of the 50 best players in the 2026 NCAA tournament despite coming off the bench all year for VCU. He rewarded my faith by hitting the game-winner in their first-round upset against North Carolina, and now he’s ready for an even bigger role. Hill is a walking bucket at his best with self-creation ability, high-volume three-point shooting (37 percent from deep), and a very good mid-range game. Hill is also a solid passer who avoids turnovers, making him a perfect secondary creator. He’s not a plus defender, but a scorer this talented will be in demand on the market.Freeman was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school who has battled foot injuries in both of his college seasons. If he can stay healthy, Freeman has a desirable skill set as a 6’9 forward who can launch threes with volume while also crushing the defensive glass. Part of this ranking is believing that Freeman is a better shooter than he’s shown so far after making 30.2 percent of his threes on 86 attempts in 23 games last season. He’s a career 77.5 percent free throw shooter and has shown good touch from mid-range (44.4 percent), so I think a leap is coming. Freeman also finishes well at the rim and holds his own on defense. I predict a breakout junior season if he lands in the right spot.Blackwell scores points in bunches without sacrificing efficiency. The 6’4 guard was part of dynamic duos at Wisconsin the last two seasons, and his shooting touch combined with on/off ball versatility will make him arguably the most coveted guard in the portal this year. Blackwell averaged 19 points per game on 59.3 percent true shooting by ripping the nets from deep (39 percent from three on 247 attempts) and showing off a skilled mid-range game. He’s more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to create good looks for himself allows him to play on or off the ball. Duke and Illinois are believed to be the frontrunners.Former school: Wake ForestHarris also declared for the NBA Draft when he announced he was leaving Marquette, but he will likely get a lot more money in the transfer portal for next season as a projected early second round pick. The 6’7 wing is bristling with upside with three-level scoring touch, some self-creation ability, and a knack for getting points at the foul line. He’s an excellent mid-range scorer who made nearly 48 percent on non-rim twos with more than 90 percent of them being unassisted. He should be a better outside shooter than his 33 percent three-point stroke indicates. It feels like Harris will be a solid first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses the right school. Will he go for the biggest bag in the portal this year, or prioritize the place that could make him the most money long-term?Former school: Arizona StateCollege basketball is a big man’s game once again, and there’s few players bigger than Diop. Listed at 7’1, 230 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, the native of Senegal proved he could score efficiently inside, protect the rim, and make enough of his free throws (71.5 percent) to not be a total liability at the end of games. Diop crushed 53 dunks last season, which helped him shoot above 71 percent at the rim. He’s a legitimate defensive anchor with a nearly eight percent block rate, but would benefit from being paired with better rebounders. Given the race for size throughout the sport, Diop should be highly sought after coming off a good freshman year at Arizona State.Former school: Iowa StateThere might not be a better shooter in college basketball than Momcilovic. The Iowa State forward made 48.7 percent of his threes on 14.4 attempts per 100 possessions from deep last season at Iowa State. He’s also declared for the draft, but his athletic limitations likely make him a second rounder, which means the money will be better in college. While his outside shooting gets all the attention, Momcilovic is also incredible from midrange, making 47 percent of his looks with nearly three-quarters of them being unassisted. All the heavy hitters in the sport could use a shooter like this.Former school: Santa ClaraNo one knew who Graves was coming into the season, and now he’s either going to be a first-round NBA draft pick or the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a breakout redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. Graves should have been a March Madness hero, but his go-ahead three-pointer against Kentucky was quickly wiped away with Otega Oweh’s deep buzzer-beater. The 6’9 forward is a hyper-aggressive defender who simply rips the ball away from opponents. His defensive playmaking is second-to-none with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also uses his great hands and keen instincts to corral rebounds at an elite rate on both ends. Graves also hit 40.7 percent of his threes on 91 attempts, mostly on pick-and-pops and catch-and-shoot attempts. The size, motor, feel, and efficiency are there. He’s projected to be a first-round pick in our latest NBA mock draft, but the money in college might be too good to pass up if the bluebloods get involved. #College #basketball #transfer #portal #rankings #mens #players

College basketball transfer portal rankings for 11 best men’s players still available

The transfer portal has completely changed men’s college basketball, essentially making every player a free agent at the end of each season. Regulation is probably coming down the pipeline, but it’s not here yet, and prices are reportedly skyrocketing 65 percent from this time last year.

Michigan won the national championship this past season off the backs of four key transfers after landing Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, Morez Johnson from Illinois, Aday Mara from UCLA, and Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina. I wrote that Michigan had the country’s best transfer portal haul this time last year, so I nailed that one. Unfortunately, I praised the portal hauls from programs like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in the same column, and none of those teams even made the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Teams need to hunt for talent that fits their system in the portal to really see big results — or maybe it’s more important that they tailor the system to the talent they can get. There’s still a long way to go before the portal closes on April 21, and that’s only the deadline to enter, not commit. The race for transfers is already on, and some of the best ones have already committed. Here are the best players still available in the portal.

Former school: Penn State

Mingo’s younger brother Dylan has a case as the best available player in college basketball right now after the 5-star incoming freshman decommitted from North Carolina last week. Could the Mingo brothers be a packaged deal at their next home? Their games are pretty similar as big point guards who can’t shoot, so it might not be the best idea. Kayden Mingo had a nice freshman season at Penn State where he established himself as a quality playmaker (27 percent assist rate and +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio), a defensive terror (3.8 percent steal rate), and a promising on-ball creator. Mingo made nearly 62 percent of his rim looks with only 20 percent of those being assisted, and he also showed off a nice self-created mid-range game. Dylan Mingo has a chance to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, but Kayden is a good player and a real catch in the portal in his own right.

Scharnowski’s per-game numbers (10.7 points, six rebounds) don’t do him justice. The 6’9 big man was one of the most efficient players in the country at Belmont this past season, and he has real two-way utility. Scharnowski was a super efficient scorer (68.3 effective field goal percentage), a great rebounder on both ends, and a fearsome rim protector with an eight percent block rate. He finishes everything inside with 75 percent shooting at the rim buoyed by 44 dunks in 30 games, and he’s also a good passer. There’s a ton of green flags in his profile, but his 43.6 percent free throw stroke is a big red flag. Improving his free throw shooting over the offseason would take Scharnowski’s game to the next level.

McNeil is one of the best shooters in the country combining deadly accuracy with super high volume. He hit 42.7 percent of his threes on 14.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions this past season at NC State. McNeil isn’t just a spot-up shooter, he can dart off screens and hit shots from tough angles with deep range. He doesn’t have much creation ability and he’s not much of a playmaker, but his turnover avoidance and elite shooting should draw plenty of interest in the portal.

Wright left Baylor for BYU for a huge bag last year, and now he’s about to get paid again with Kentucky and BYU reportedly vying for him. The 6’1 guard is a speedy ball handler who can generate paint touches while also hitting 41 percent of his threes. He has a good mid-range game (41.4 percent on non-rim twos) even if he struggles to finish when he gets all the way to the rim. He’s a dependable floor general, too, posting a 24 percent assist rate and a +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Every team wants a trusty veteran point guard, and Wright might be the best one on the market right now.

I named Hill one of the 50 best players in the 2026 NCAA tournament despite coming off the bench all year for VCU. He rewarded my faith by hitting the game-winner in their first-round upset against North Carolina, and now he’s ready for an even bigger role. Hill is a walking bucket at his best with self-creation ability, high-volume three-point shooting (37 percent from deep), and a very good mid-range game. Hill is also a solid passer who avoids turnovers, making him a perfect secondary creator. He’s not a plus defender, but a scorer this talented will be in demand on the market.

Freeman was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school who has battled foot injuries in both of his college seasons. If he can stay healthy, Freeman has a desirable skill set as a 6’9 forward who can launch threes with volume while also crushing the defensive glass. Part of this ranking is believing that Freeman is a better shooter than he’s shown so far after making 30.2 percent of his threes on 86 attempts in 23 games last season. He’s a career 77.5 percent free throw shooter and has shown good touch from mid-range (44.4 percent), so I think a leap is coming. Freeman also finishes well at the rim and holds his own on defense. I predict a breakout junior season if he lands in the right spot.

Blackwell scores points in bunches without sacrificing efficiency. The 6’4 guard was part of dynamic duos at Wisconsin the last two seasons, and his shooting touch combined with on/off ball versatility will make him arguably the most coveted guard in the portal this year. Blackwell averaged 19 points per game on 59.3 percent true shooting by ripping the nets from deep (39 percent from three on 247 attempts) and showing off a skilled mid-range game. He’s more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to create good looks for himself allows him to play on or off the ball. Duke and Illinois are believed to be the frontrunners.

Former school: Wake Forest

Harris also declared for the NBA Draft when he announced he was leaving Marquette, but he will likely get a lot more money in the transfer portal for next season as a projected early second round pick. The 6’7 wing is bristling with upside with three-level scoring touch, some self-creation ability, and a knack for getting points at the foul line. He’s an excellent mid-range scorer who made nearly 48 percent on non-rim twos with more than 90 percent of them being unassisted. He should be a better outside shooter than his 33 percent three-point stroke indicates. It feels like Harris will be a solid first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses the right school. Will he go for the biggest bag in the portal this year, or prioritize the place that could make him the most money long-term?

Former school: Arizona State

College basketball is a big man’s game once again, and there’s few players bigger than Diop. Listed at 7’1, 230 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, the native of Senegal proved he could score efficiently inside, protect the rim, and make enough of his free throws (71.5 percent) to not be a total liability at the end of games. Diop crushed 53 dunks last season, which helped him shoot above 71 percent at the rim. He’s a legitimate defensive anchor with a nearly eight percent block rate, but would benefit from being paired with better rebounders. Given the race for size throughout the sport, Diop should be highly sought after coming off a good freshman year at Arizona State.

Former school: Iowa State

There might not be a better shooter in college basketball than Momcilovic. The Iowa State forward made 48.7 percent of his threes on 14.4 attempts per 100 possessions from deep last season at Iowa State. He’s also declared for the draft, but his athletic limitations likely make him a second rounder, which means the money will be better in college. While his outside shooting gets all the attention, Momcilovic is also incredible from midrange, making 47 percent of his looks with nearly three-quarters of them being unassisted. All the heavy hitters in the sport could use a shooter like this.

Former school: Santa Clara

No one knew who Graves was coming into the season, and now he’s either going to be a first-round NBA draft pick or the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a breakout redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. Graves should have been a March Madness hero, but his go-ahead three-pointer against Kentucky was quickly wiped away with Otega Oweh’s deep buzzer-beater. The 6’9 forward is a hyper-aggressive defender who simply rips the ball away from opponents. His defensive playmaking is second-to-none with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also uses his great hands and keen instincts to corral rebounds at an elite rate on both ends. Graves also hit 40.7 percent of his threes on 91 attempts, mostly on pick-and-pops and catch-and-shoot attempts. The size, motor, feel, and efficiency are there. He’s projected to be a first-round pick in our latest NBA mock draft, but the money in college might be too good to pass up if the bluebloods get involved.

#College #basketball #transfer #portal #rankings #mens #players

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The transfer portal has completely changed men’s college basketball, essentially making every player a free agent at the end of each season. Regulation is probably coming down the pipeline, but it’s not here yet, and prices are reportedly skyrocketing 65 percent from this time last year.

Michigan won the national championship this past season off the backs of four key transfers after landing Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, Morez Johnson from Illinois, Aday Mara from UCLA, and Elliot Cadeau from North Carolina. I wrote that Michigan had the country’s best transfer portal haul this time last year, so I nailed that one. Unfortunately, I praised the portal hauls from programs like Creighton, Georgetown, and Washington in the same column, and none of those teams even made the 2026 NCAA tournament.

Teams need to hunt for talent that fits their system in the portal to really see big results — or maybe it’s more important that they tailor the system to the talent they can get. There’s still a long way to go before the portal closes on April 21, and that’s only the deadline to enter, not commit. The race for transfers is already on, and some of the best ones have already committed. Here are the best players still available in the portal.

Former school: Penn State

Mingo’s younger brother Dylan has a case as the best available player in college basketball right now after the 5-star incoming freshman decommitted from North Carolina last week. Could the Mingo brothers be a packaged deal at their next home? Their games are pretty similar as big point guards who can’t shoot, so it might not be the best idea. Kayden Mingo had a nice freshman season at Penn State where he established himself as a quality playmaker (27 percent assist rate and +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio), a defensive terror (3.8 percent steal rate), and a promising on-ball creator. Mingo made nearly 62 percent of his rim looks with only 20 percent of those being assisted, and he also showed off a nice self-created mid-range game. Dylan Mingo has a chance to be a top-5 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, but Kayden is a good player and a real catch in the portal in his own right.

Scharnowski’s per-game numbers (10.7 points, six rebounds) don’t do him justice. The 6’9 big man was one of the most efficient players in the country at Belmont this past season, and he has real two-way utility. Scharnowski was a super efficient scorer (68.3 effective field goal percentage), a great rebounder on both ends, and a fearsome rim protector with an eight percent block rate. He finishes everything inside with 75 percent shooting at the rim buoyed by 44 dunks in 30 games, and he’s also a good passer. There’s a ton of green flags in his profile, but his 43.6 percent free throw stroke is a big red flag. Improving his free throw shooting over the offseason would take Scharnowski’s game to the next level.

McNeil is one of the best shooters in the country combining deadly accuracy with super high volume. He hit 42.7 percent of his threes on 14.6 attempts from deep per 100 possessions this past season at NC State. McNeil isn’t just a spot-up shooter, he can dart off screens and hit shots from tough angles with deep range. He doesn’t have much creation ability and he’s not much of a playmaker, but his turnover avoidance and elite shooting should draw plenty of interest in the portal.

Wright left Baylor for BYU for a huge bag last year, and now he’s about to get paid again with Kentucky and BYU reportedly vying for him. The 6’1 guard is a speedy ball handler who can generate paint touches while also hitting 41 percent of his threes. He has a good mid-range game (41.4 percent on non-rim twos) even if he struggles to finish when he gets all the way to the rim. He’s a dependable floor general, too, posting a 24 percent assist rate and a +2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Every team wants a trusty veteran point guard, and Wright might be the best one on the market right now.

I named Hill one of the 50 best players in the 2026 NCAA tournament despite coming off the bench all year for VCU. He rewarded my faith by hitting the game-winner in their first-round upset against North Carolina, and now he’s ready for an even bigger role. Hill is a walking bucket at his best with self-creation ability, high-volume three-point shooting (37 percent from deep), and a very good mid-range game. Hill is also a solid passer who avoids turnovers, making him a perfect secondary creator. He’s not a plus defender, but a scorer this talented will be in demand on the market.

Freeman was a McDonald’s All-American out of high school who has battled foot injuries in both of his college seasons. If he can stay healthy, Freeman has a desirable skill set as a 6’9 forward who can launch threes with volume while also crushing the defensive glass. Part of this ranking is believing that Freeman is a better shooter than he’s shown so far after making 30.2 percent of his threes on 86 attempts in 23 games last season. He’s a career 77.5 percent free throw shooter and has shown good touch from mid-range (44.4 percent), so I think a leap is coming. Freeman also finishes well at the rim and holds his own on defense. I predict a breakout junior season if he lands in the right spot.

Blackwell scores points in bunches without sacrificing efficiency. The 6’4 guard was part of dynamic duos at Wisconsin the last two seasons, and his shooting touch combined with on/off ball versatility will make him arguably the most coveted guard in the portal this year. Blackwell averaged 19 points per game on 59.3 percent true shooting by ripping the nets from deep (39 percent from three on 247 attempts) and showing off a skilled mid-range game. He’s more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to create good looks for himself allows him to play on or off the ball. Duke and Illinois are believed to be the frontrunners.

Former school: Wake Forest

Harris also declared for the NBA Draft when he announced he was leaving Marquette, but he will likely get a lot more money in the transfer portal for next season as a projected early second round pick. The 6’7 wing is bristling with upside with three-level scoring touch, some self-creation ability, and a knack for getting points at the foul line. He’s an excellent mid-range scorer who made nearly 48 percent on non-rim twos with more than 90 percent of them being unassisted. He should be a better outside shooter than his 33 percent three-point stroke indicates. It feels like Harris will be a solid first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft if he chooses the right school. Will he go for the biggest bag in the portal this year, or prioritize the place that could make him the most money long-term?

Former school: Arizona State

College basketball is a big man’s game once again, and there’s few players bigger than Diop. Listed at 7’1, 230 pounds with a 7’4 wingspan, the native of Senegal proved he could score efficiently inside, protect the rim, and make enough of his free throws (71.5 percent) to not be a total liability at the end of games. Diop crushed 53 dunks last season, which helped him shoot above 71 percent at the rim. He’s a legitimate defensive anchor with a nearly eight percent block rate, but would benefit from being paired with better rebounders. Given the race for size throughout the sport, Diop should be highly sought after coming off a good freshman year at Arizona State.

Former school: Iowa State

There might not be a better shooter in college basketball than Momcilovic. The Iowa State forward made 48.7 percent of his threes on 14.4 attempts per 100 possessions from deep last season at Iowa State. He’s also declared for the draft, but his athletic limitations likely make him a second rounder, which means the money will be better in college. While his outside shooting gets all the attention, Momcilovic is also incredible from midrange, making 47 percent of his looks with nearly three-quarters of them being unassisted. All the heavy hitters in the sport could use a shooter like this.

Former school: Santa Clara

No one knew who Graves was coming into the season, and now he’s either going to be a first-round NBA draft pick or the most coveted player in the transfer portal after a breakout redshirt freshman year at Santa Clara. Graves should have been a March Madness hero, but his go-ahead three-pointer against Kentucky was quickly wiped away with Otega Oweh’s deep buzzer-beater. The 6’9 forward is a hyper-aggressive defender who simply rips the ball away from opponents. His defensive playmaking is second-to-none with a five percent block rate and 4.9 percent steal rate, and he also uses his great hands and keen instincts to corral rebounds at an elite rate on both ends. Graves also hit 40.7 percent of his threes on 91 attempts, mostly on pick-and-pops and catch-and-shoot attempts. The size, motor, feel, and efficiency are there. He’s projected to be a first-round pick in our latest NBA mock draft, but the money in college might be too good to pass up if the bluebloods get involved.

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WADA chief meets CBI special director to discuss cooperation in doping crackdown <div id="content-body-70865108" itemprop="articleBody"><p>World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President, Witold Banka, who is on a whirlwind tour of India, met Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special director Manoj Sashidhar here on Wednesday to discuss cooperation in tackling organised doping and the criminal networks behind the menace.</p><p>Banka had met National Anti-Doping Agency officials on Monday for “urgent and serious” discussions on protecting the “integrity of sport” in India. Banka is scheduled to hold a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in which he is expected to address India’s poor doping numbers.</p><p>“An important meeting with Mr. Manoj Sashidhar, special director of the CBI, in Delhi. As part of the Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network, we emphasized close cooperation with law enforcement to tackle organized doping and the criminal networks behind it,” Banka posted on social media.</p><p>On Tuesday, he had met sports secretary Hari Ranjan Rao.</p><p>“Our exchange underlined the importance of effective governance and policy in strengthening anti-doping efforts and supporting the integrity of sport in India,” he had stated.</p><p>Last year, India became the country with the second worst record of doping cases in a 10-year global study of WADA.</p><p>The country also topped the list of highest number of dope violations for a third successive year.</p><p>India returned a positivity rate of 3.6 per cent, accounting for 260 Adverse Analytical Findings (AAF), the highest among all major countries.</p><p>Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya has repeatedly promised an aggressive crackdown on doping, and while speaking in the Parliament recently he stated that agencies like the CBI are being involved for strengthening NADA’s intelligence and investigative infrastructure.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 15, 2026</p></div> #WADA #chief #meets #CBI #special #director #discuss #cooperation #doping #crackdown

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Deadspin | Mammoth hold off Jets, secure West’s No. 1 wild card <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730420.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730420.jpg" alt="NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Utah Mammoth" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz (8) shoots and scores against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Eric Comrie (1) during the second period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Nick Schmaltz scored twice as the Utah Mammoth held on late to defeat the visiting Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Tuesday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Logan Cooley had a goal and an assist, Nate Schmidt had two assists, Alex Kerfoot scored a goal and Karel Vejmelka made 21 saves for the Mammoth (43-32-6, 92 points), who snapped a two-game skid. </p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>With the win, Utah secured the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference with one game remaining in the regular season before the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Mammoth also swept the three-game season series with the Jets.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor each had a goal and an assist, Isak Rosen added a goal and Gabe Vilardi had two assists for the Jets (35-33-12, 82 points), who were eliminated on Monday and finished their season on a three-game losing streak. Eric Comrie made 31 saves.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Cooley put Utah ahead 1-0 at 8:05 of the first period. Schmidt set Cooley up with a stretch pass, and the young forward caught a break before scoring on a backhanded shot.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Schmaltz increased the lead to 2-0 at 4:54 of the second period. Comrie stopped a shot by Mikhail Sergachev on a Utah power play, and Schmaltz scored on the rebound attempt with a wrist shot.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Connor cut the deficit to 2-1 at 17:10 when Vilardi set him up for a wrist shot on a Winnipeg power play.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Schmaltz made it 3-1 Mammoth at 7:16 of the third period when Cooley set him up for a wrist shot on a Utah power play. JJ Peterka added to the tally with a wrist shot on the next shift at 7:42.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Scheifele got the Jets back in the game with a snap shot set up by Connor to make the score 4-2 at 12:36. On the following Jets power play, Rosen found the back of the net on a snap shot to cut the deficit to 4-3 at 14:23.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Kerfoot scored into an empty net with 23 seconds remaining in regulation to seal the win.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Mammoth #hold #Jets #secure #Wests #wild #card

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The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.But that history will not extend to the Preakness.Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.You can see the entire message here:The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.And if the schedule gets changed in the future. #Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness">Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo to miss Preakness

When Golden Tempo took the victory at the Kentucky Derby, the win made history as Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the storied race.

But that history will not extend to the Preakness.

Citing Golden Tempo’s “health,” DeVaux announced on social media that the team will “bypass” the Preakness Stakes. “Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort,” wrote DeVaux on social media. “His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.”

DeVaux indicated that the team is “pointing” Golden Tempo toward the Belmont Stakes.

You can see the entire message here:

The decision continues a recent trend of Kentucky Derby winners skipping the Preakness. Golden Tempo is now the fourth Kentucky Derby winning horse to skip the Preakness joining Mandaloun (2021), Rich Strike (2022) and Sovereignty last year.

And the decision is the latest bit of evidence that the schedule needs to be changed.

For years, trainers and analysts alike have argued that the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness was simply too short for the horses. After Sovereignty’s win a year ago Michael Banahan, a member of the ownership team, said this:

“He ran really hard today. And especially when you get a closer from off the pace like that, they have to lay their body on the line a little bit. If he responds well, maybe we look at that, you know? But I don’t want to jump in straightaway. We’ll enjoy today. Today was the goal.”

And trainer Bill Mott laid the groundwork as well, saying this after Sovereignity won the Kentucky Derby: “We want to do what’s best for the horse,” Mott told reporters. “Of course, you always think about a Triple Crown, and that’s not something we’re not going to think about.”

After skipping the Preakness, Sovereignty went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Even with a potential Triple Crown off the table, Mott stood by the decision.

Now we will see if Golden Tempo can match that feat.

And if the schedule gets changed in the future.

#Kentucky #Derby #winner #Golden #Tempo #Preakness

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG herePSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.Published on May 07, 2026 #PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal

Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal">PSG knock out Bayern to set up Champions League final with Arsenal

Holder Paris Saint-Germain booked its place in the UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the semifinal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday secured a 6-5 aggregate victory.

Leading 5-4 from last week’s thrilling first leg in Paris, Luis Enrique’s side extended its aggregate advantage early through Ousmane Dembele.

Harry Kane scored in added time for Bayern Munich, but the German side could not find the goal required to force extra time.

PSG will head into the final against Premier League leader Arsenal in Budapest on May 30 after another composed European display. The Allianz Arena also hosted PSG’s maiden Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last year.

The French champion is aiming to become only the second side since 1990 to retain the Champions League title, after Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich was left frustrated by a number of first-half refereeing decisions but struggled to create clear-cut chances for large parts of the contest.

The six-time European champion has now failed to reach the final since beating PSG in the 2020 showpiece in Lisbon.

ALSO READ: Find out what happened during the second-leg semifinal between Bayern and PSG here

PSG doubled its aggregate cushion in just the third minute when Dembele fired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cut-back into the roof of the net.

Manuel Neuer produced excellent saves in the second half to deny Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue and keep Bayern alive in the tie.

Kane eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, drilling home his 14th goal of the competition this season, but it proved too little, too late for the home side.

Published on May 07, 2026

#PSG #knock #Bayern #set #Champions #League #final #Arsenal
Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.comFeb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com

NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com
Should the Celtics Blow It Up? Analyzing Every Major Option | Deadspin.com Feb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:Fire Brad Stevens.Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.Fire him? I say: Reward him.Fire Joe Mazzulla.He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.Trade Derrick White.On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.Trade Jaylen Brown. May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.I’d keep Brown.Trade Jayson Tatum.It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.Stand pat.Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.After all, it ain’t broke.Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you … #Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.comFeb 28, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens before their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to “fix” the Celtics.

You’ll probably not be surprised to hear I have a few myself. OK, more than just a few.

Raising a 7-foot bar on a bunch of wishful thinking among Celtics fans and senseless knee-jerk reactions among the unfaithful, here’s where I stand on some of the more popular suggestions:

Fire Brad Stevens.

Let’s get the most ridiculous one out of the way.

Stevens was NBA Executive of the Year this year for a reason. He did the seemingly impossible (or so Golden State tells us) … He got rid of a bunch of overpaid veterans, remained competitive even without Jayson Tatum for the most part, and restructured a roster that should be able to compete for Eastern titles for most of the next decade.

Fire him? I say: Reward him.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

He did such a great job during the regular season, he set himself up for a hard fall in the playoffs. And even at that, you have to wonder what might have happened had Tatum not contracted a case of Embiid-itis.

Did he mismanage the Philadelphia series? Sure. The Pistons would have fired their coach if he’d done that. Maybe even the Knicks and Cavaliers. But they haven’t won a title, made the Finals twice and been a perennial contender for the better part of a decade.

Based on the improbable regular season alone, Mazz deserves the benefit of the doubt. But don’t let it happen again.

Trade Derrick White.

On the surface, this one makes sense. As the 76ers series demonstrated, the Celtics could use a Robert Williams III type more than a White type. But that’s what Stevens, in a rare blunder, thought when he exchanged Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic.

Look at the Eastern Conference. When Joel Embiid isn’t playing – which is most of the time – the top players are almost all guards: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Tyrese Haliburton … You need somebody to slow them down.

Yeah, the Celtics could move Jaylen Brown fulltime to the backcourt, but that likely would force Tatum to actually have to guard somebody. Giving Brown the tough frontcourt assignments allows Tatum to freelance, grab cheap rebounds and stay fresh for his late barrage of missed 3-pointers. Wait, that was supposed to be a positive.

Trading White maybe gets you Wendell Carter Jr., but does that make you better? I say: Just bigger.

Trade Jaylen Brown.


May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn ImagesMay 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) talks with Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7)after Philadephia’s win in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Let’s be honest: Breaking up the Brown/Tatum tandem would take a lot of guts. But after watching the Celtics play without Tatum for two-thirds of last season, it’s at least worth considering.

So which one gets shopped? That depends what type of team you want.

We’ve seen what the Celtics look like without Tatum – energetic, defensive-minded and all-inclusive on offense. And that’s without whatever high-level player or players you would get by trading Tatum.

You turn Brown into, say, Naz Reid and Terrence Shannon Jr., and you improve defensively on the interior and offensively on the perimeter. But you lose what made the Celtics so fun to watch this season – the team’s best defender and emotional leader.

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

It might take just one call to turn the Celtics into the Eastern frontrunner again …

Stevens: If we give you Tatum for Giannis, how many first-round picks would you want?

Bucks GM Jon Horst: Let me get back to you on that.

If the response is anything you can count on one hand, the Celtics’ off-season is complete.

Tatum has done a lot of good things for this team, but he’s not in Giannis’ league. Few players are.

The Celtics would get their interior force, a runner who would allow the team to pick up the pace and another elite shot-blocker who would make Boston the most well-rounded defensive force in the league, with White shadowing star little guys, Brown locked onto mid-sized scorers and Giannis pitching a tent in the middle.

Stop dreaming? OK, then I’d settle for Domantas Sabonis and De’Andre Hunter.

Stand pat.

Stevens earned a nice, long vacation. Maybe he should take one.

No phones. See you in October with the same pieces that made the Celtics the favorite in the Eastern playoffs. Even with Tatum at less than 100 percent.

After all, it ain’t broke.

Unless, of course: Brad, this is Horstie getting back to you …

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