Deadspin | WNBA draft second-most watched ever with 1.5M viewers Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) hugs Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images With uncertainty over the identity of the top overall pick and new NCAA champion UCLA producing a record number of selections, the WNBA draft drew its second-highest viewership total ever on Monday. According to ESPN, 1.5 million watched the event, a 20% increase from last year’s draft. The audience reached a peak of 1.79 million tuning in shortly before 8 p.m. ET. The record viewership of 2.45 million was established in 2024, when college stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese went first and seventh overall, respectively. This year, the Dallas Wings chose UConn’s Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall. The Wings also had the first pick last year, which they used to select Fudd’s former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, who went on to win WNBA Rookie of the Year. The Bruins, who won their first NCAA title earlier this month, established WNBA draft records with five first-round picks and six total players chosen. Lauren Betts (No. 4 to the Washington Mystics), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5 to the Chicago Sky), Kiki Rice (No. 6 to the expansion Toronto Tempo), Angela Dugalic (No. 9 to the Washington Mystics) and Gianna Kneepkens (No. 15 to the Connecticut Sun) were first-round selections. Charlisse Leger-Walker was chosen with the third pick of the second round (No. 18 overall), by the Sun. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #WNBA #draft #secondmost #watched #1.5M #viewers

Deadspin | WNBA draft second-most watched ever with 1.5M viewers
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) hugs Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With uncertainty over the identity of the top overall pick and new NCAA champion UCLA producing a record number of selections, the WNBA draft drew its second-highest viewership total ever on Monday.

According to ESPN, 1.5 million watched the event, a 20% increase from last year’s draft. The audience reached a peak of 1.79 million tuning in shortly before 8 p.m. ET.

The record viewership of 2.45 million was established in 2024, when college stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese went first and seventh overall, respectively.

This year, the Dallas Wings chose UConn’s Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall. The Wings also had the first pick last year, which they used to select Fudd’s former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, who went on to win WNBA Rookie of the Year.

The Bruins, who won their first NCAA title earlier this month, established WNBA draft records with five first-round picks and six total players chosen.

Lauren Betts (No. 4 to the Washington Mystics), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5 to the Chicago Sky), Kiki Rice (No. 6 to the expansion Toronto Tempo), Angela Dugalic (No. 9 to the Washington Mystics) and Gianna Kneepkens (No. 15 to the Connecticut Sun) were first-round selections. Charlisse Leger-Walker was chosen with the third pick of the second round (No. 18 overall), by the Sun.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WNBA #draft #secondmost #watched #1.5M #viewers

Sports news April 16, 2026

Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) hugs Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

With uncertainty over the identity of the top overall pick and new NCAA champion UCLA producing a record number of selections, the WNBA draft drew its second-highest viewership total ever on Monday.

According to ESPN, 1.5 million watched the event, a 20% increase from last year’s draft. The audience reached a peak of 1.79 million tuning in shortly before 8 p.m. ET.

The record viewership of 2.45 million was established in 2024, when college stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese went first and seventh overall, respectively.

This year, the Dallas Wings chose UConn’s Azzi Fudd No. 1 overall. The Wings also had the first pick last year, which they used to select Fudd’s former UConn teammate, Paige Bueckers, who went on to win WNBA Rookie of the Year.

The Bruins, who won their first NCAA title earlier this month, established WNBA draft records with five first-round picks and six total players chosen.

Lauren Betts (No. 4 to the Washington Mystics), Gabriela Jaquez (No. 5 to the Chicago Sky), Kiki Rice (No. 6 to the expansion Toronto Tempo), Angela Dugalic (No. 9 to the Washington Mystics) and Gianna Kneepkens (No. 15 to the Connecticut Sun) were first-round selections. Charlisse Leger-Walker was chosen with the third pick of the second round (No. 18 overall), by the Sun.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #WNBA #draft #secondmost #watched #1.5M #viewers

MI vs PBKS IPL 2026, Live streaming info: When and where to watch Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings match today? <div id="content-body-70864946" itemprop="articleBody">Mumbai Indians will take on Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Mumbai has lost three of the four games it has played, sitting ninth in the table. Meanwhile, Punjab remains unbeaten with three wins from four games and one no-result.Last season, PBKS won both its encounters against MI by seven and five wickets with one win being in the Qualifier-2.Here are the live streaming and telecast details:Where will the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 be played?The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.When will the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 be played?The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will be played on Thursday, April 16.At what time will the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match start?The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will start at 7:30 PM IST.At what time will the toss for Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match happen?The toss of the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will take place at 7:00 PM IST.Which TV channel will broadcast the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match?The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will be televised live on the Star Sports Network in India.How to watch the live streaming of the Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match?The Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.Published on Apr 16, 2026</div> #PBKS #IPL #Live #streaming #info #watch #Mumbai #Indians #Punjab #Kings #match #today

Ind vs SA T20I: A series that arrives with context attached <div id="content-body-70832862" itemprop="articleBody">Five months ago, on the now hallowed turf of the D.Y. Patil Stadium, India and South Africa came face to face, with a shiny ICC ODI World Cup trophy propped between them. An epic final ensued, with momentum swinging wildly between the two challengers. Eventually, India entered a vortex of glory, one unexplored before, with a sea of blue chanting as it ascended the 50-over throne. The Proteas, meanwhile, were resigned to a familiar loop of despair.In 2023, Meg Lanning’s Australia denied the side World T20 glory in front of a heartbroken home crowd. In 2024, it was Sophie Devine’s White Ferns who blew the South Africans away into the Emirati desert. A third heartbreak, this time on Indian soil, can do one of two things: birth an almost vengeful pursuit of triumph or break the progress made so far. When the T20 World Cup comes around in June, this time in England, the ecosystem will have its answers.A credible dress rehearsal is on the cards when Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. fly to South Africa for a five-match T20I series starting April 17. This is the last bilateral series the Proteas will play before boarding the flight to England, leaving a 47-day gap before they take the field again in the World Cup. India, meanwhile, has squeezed in a T20I series against England, three matches that will aid acclimatisation and offer a more realistic picture of form and adaptability to conditions.Both sides are placed in Group 1 alongside Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands, with their encounter in the T20 showpiece scheduled for June 21 at Old Trafford in Manchester. The two nations have faced each other in 19 T20Is, with India winning 10, South Africa six, and three yielding no result.Since the 2024 World Cup, India has played four T20I series, against West Indies (home), England (away), Sri Lanka (home), and Australia (away), winning them all. A particularly historic result was beating six-time world T20 champion Australia in its own backyard 2-1, a series triumph Down Under that came after a decade. That the rest of the tour went remarkably abysmally is a conversation for another day.While the 2024 T20 World Cup came with experimentation en masse, with several debuts handed out, the Indian team one sees today is far more stable, working around a core group. Shafali Verma is back in the thick of things and is set to play her 100th T20I during the series. In the big picture, it is a heartening sign of how regular fixtures for this Indian women’s team, which once played a tour a year at times, have now become. Smriti Mandhana has found consistency, but the middle order still needs bolstering.Towards that end, young Anushka Sharma has been handed a maiden call-up after promising performances in the domestic circuit and in her debut Women’s Premier League season, where the 22-year-old offspin-bowling all-rounder impressed for Gujarat Giants by scoring 177 runs, with 124 of them coming in boundaries. Her fluency at No. 3 and scoring intent make her a solid alternative to Harleen Deol, whose strike rate and rotation have often drawn flak.Another interesting addition to the setup is Anushka’s Giants teammate Bharti Fulmali, who last featured for India in 2019. Her ability to accelerate lower down the order is a role she has prolifically essayed for Vidarbha and the Giants over the years. Consistency has often pushed her out of the reckoning, but the 2025 and 2026 WPL seasons saw her deliver in crunch situations, enough to earn the trust of the management. A partnership between her and Richa Ghosh could help India avoid the occasional drop in momentum in the slog overs, especially if wickets fall.India has dropped budding keeper-batter G. Kamalini, whose topsy-turvy debut against Sri Lanka showed that her glovework still needs fine-tuning. Uma Chetry returns, and while she is a stable presence behind the stumps, her batting returns are not like-for-like. The issue of Richa not having credible competition to keep her on her toes has been brewing for a few years now, particularly in her role lower down the order, and is something the think tank must address in the larger scheme of things.With the World Cup in pace-friendly England, India’s top priority will be sharpening its seam attack. Kranti Gaud, Arundhati Reddy, and Renuka Singh Thakur are joined by Kashvee Gautam, who will look to shake off injury interruptions and make a strong case for the Indian 15. This is particularly crucial given the careful workload management of Renuka and her limited utility with the bat. Kashvee, a handy batter who can hit long, adds depth to the lower order.For South Africa, two series wins have come in the five played: against relatively weaker teams like Ireland and Pakistan. With Marizanne Kapp’s workload being carefully managed, the bowling has looked a little blunt, allowing standout performances like Fatima Sana’s striking across formats and Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten 179 in a record-breaking ODI chase.The South African top order has been among the runs and will look to build consistency against a probing Indian attack before the World Cup. A fresh addition is Kayla Reyneke, who helped secure thrilling wins against Pakistan and New Zealand. Having led the U-19 setup, the off-spin allrounder will aim to cement her place. Another selection to watch is former captain Dane van Niekerk (pic, below), reintegrated as a pure batter. Questions around fitness and competition remain, but coach Mandla Mashimbyi will welcome this as a problem worth having. Onto Kingsmead!Published on Apr 16, 2026<h3 class="title-patch">More stories from this issue</h3></div> #Ind #T20I #series #arrives #context #attached

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">

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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.

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

You can see the entire message here:

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

“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.”

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.

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

You can see the entire message here:

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

“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.”

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

mwasimuddin125 0

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

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.

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.com

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

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

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">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

Related Posts

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

Fire Brad Stevens.

Fire Joe Mazzulla.

Trade Derrick White.

Trade Jaylen Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

Stand pat.

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