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LaMelo Ball gave 1 answer that convinced the Timberwolves to take Anthony Edwards

LaMelo Ball gave 1 answer that convinced the Timberwolves to take Anthony Edwards

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There really wasn’t an obvious pick atop the 2020 NBA Draft. Minnesota had the No. 1 pick, and it was seen as a class without a clear-cut No. 1, with Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball all in the running for the top pick — it just depends what you were looking for.

Obviously the Wolves made the right choice in taking Edwards, who has since emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA — and fans have one person to thank: LaMelo Ball. Minnesota was very close to taking the point guard with the top pick, based on information from Jon Krawczynski on The Zach Lowe Show, who says a bizarre answer during an already poor pre-draft interview left the Wolves with cold feet.

“They had an interview with LaMelo Ball during this process, trying to figure out, ‘Hey, is this the guy for us?’ And LaMelo — did not interview very well. One of the questions they asked him was: ‘Hey LaMelo, after you’re done playing, what do you see yourself doing? What kind of things do you aspire to?’ And LaMelo said: ‘I want to be President of the United States.’

It’s a bit weird to throw in that you want to be president without any additional information, and this lack of being grounded likely turned off the Timberwolves, who were looking for more maturity from their No. 1 overall pick.

The fascinating thing is what would have happened if the Wolves decided to take Ball at No. 1. It would have meant the Warriors at No. 2 would have landed Edwards instead of draft bust Wiseman, where he’d eventually slot in next to Stephen Curry and give Golden State the best backcourt in the NBA. It also would have left Charlotte with another tragic draft pick to add to their history of mistakes.

Talk about dodging a bullet.

You an find the full interview here.

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If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star">6 Kawhi Leonard trade ideas as rumors surround Clippers star If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pickRaptors get: Kawhi LeonardThis is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via AtlantaThe Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a 8 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pickNuggets get: Kawhi LeonardThe Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.Clippers get: Jaylen BrownClippers get: Kawhi LeonardThis would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pickPistons get: Kawhi LeonardI’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pickZach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward. #Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star

If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star">6 Kawhi Leonard trade ideas as rumors surround Clippers star

If Jaylen Brown isn’t the biggest name on the NBA trade block right now, then Kawhi Leonard probably is. The Los Angeles Clippers have yet to discuss an extension with their 35-year-old superstar entering the final year of his contract, and it’s set off speculation that a trade is imminent.

Leonard remains arguably the best wing scorer in the world when he’s healthy, but his durability has always been an issue. He played 65 games last season, which is his second-highest since 2016-2017. Any team that trades for Leonard needs to be in position to win the championship right away, which makes finding a potential suitor for him even more difficult. While a Toronto Raptors reunion appears to have real momentum behind it right now, the door is still open for another team to make a deal.

It sure feels like Leonard will be dealt before there’s any sort of ruling on his Aspiration salary cap circumvention scandal. Here are six potential Kawhi trades that make sense for both sides.

Clippers get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, Jonathan Mogbo, 2027 first-round pick

Raptors get: Kawhi Leonard

This is the trade everyone is expecting to happen. I wonder if there’s really enough coming back to the Clippers in this trade without the inclusion of Allen Graves or Collin Murray-Boyles. I think another team can beat this offer unless Toronto is willing to throw in a second draft pick.

Clippers get: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, 2027 first-round pick via Atlanta

The Spurs were just in the NBA Finals, so maybe this trade feels a little too bold right now. I don’t think the Clippers would have interest in De’Aaron Fox as he starts a $228 million deal with Keaton Wagler and Darius Garland already in the backcourt, but Vassell would make sense for Los Angeles. The Spurs probably do not want to lose Vassell, and that might make this a non-starter. San Antonio certainly showed their need for more halfcourt shot-creation and shot-making during their Finals loss to the Knicks, and a deal like this could make them the championship favorites next year. It’s risky, but I like it for San Antonio, and I think this offer could win a bidding war.

Clippers get: Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, 2033 first-round pick

Nuggets get: Kawhi Leonard

The Denver Nuggets feel further away from a championship than at any other point in the Nikola Jokic era after a humbling first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves. The 2033 first-round pick is the last real asset Denver has to build a contender around Jokic, and Leonard might be the best player they could add in terms of increasing their championship odds for next season. This is a ton to give up for Denver, but the Jokic, Leonard, Jamal Murray trio would be right there with the league’s best.

Clippers get: Jaylen Brown

Clippers get: Kawhi Leonard

This would be an all-time ‘my problem for your problem’ trade. The Celtics are reportedly motivated to deal Brown after dangling him in their Giannis offer, and this is the rare deal that could return a player potentially even better for next season. Why would the Celtics be willing to get five years older in this deal? Well, it’s possible Brown is just ready for his next chapter, but this trade would also probably make Boston cheaper and more flexible going forward. I like it as a 1-for-1 with no picks involved.

Clippers get: Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick

Pistons get: Kawhi Leonard

I’ll admit I can’t get the salaries to match in this deal on the trade machine, but something like this could work in broad strokes even if it has to involve a third team. A trade for Leonard would immediately vault the Pistons into championship contender status assuming he could survive a playoff run. Detroit seems ready to shake it up after trading Isaiah Stewart earlier this offseason, and Leonard truly feels like a perfect fit for what Detroit needs.

Clippers get: Paul George, Clippers 2028 first-round pick

Zach Lowe brought this one up on his podcast, and it’s so good I had to include it. The Clippers were wise to let Paul George walk to Philly in free agency, and now they can get him back in exchange for the unprotected 2028 first-round pick they once forked over for James Harden. I don’t actually think Philly would go for this, but imagine a world where Leonard and Joel Embiid stay healthy, and they’re flanked by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and Labaron Philon in the backcourt. Sheesh. Big risk, big reward.

#Kawhi #Leonard #trade #ideas #rumors #surround #Clippers #star

Sweden will need to produce the performance of a ​lifetime to topple World Cup powerhouses France in their round-of-32 ‌clash, coach Graham Potter said on Monday, ​as his young outfit prepare to face ⁠a side with “quality all over”.

Sweden squeaked into the tournament after a miserable qualifying campaign and will proudly wear the underdog ‌tag against France on Tuesday after an erratic group-stage campaign, where they beat Tunisia 5-1 ‌but lost to the Netherlands by the same ‌scoreline.

Kylian ⁠Mbappe-led France, which romped into the knockouts with ⁠three straight wins, is nearly unbeatable, according to former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Potter knows his side will need to ​produce something special.

“We have ‌to be as close to perfect as we can be,” Potter said. “We know the quality of the opponent and we have full respect for that.”

Sweden’s hopes ‌rest on a youthful squad with limited World ​Cup experience, anchored by veteran defender Victor Lindelof, who can also be utilised in ⁠midfield.

MATCH REPORT | Paraguay knocks Germany out of FIFA World Cup

Potter shuffled his Sweden deck during its 1-1 draw with Japan, starting the Aston Villa centre back in midfield ‌before moving him back to defence.

“This is for many the first tournament with a tough journey to get as far as here,” said Lindelof.

“This is our World Cup adventure that’s at stake and we don’t want that to end.”

Potter divulged little of his ‌plans for Tuesday’s lineup during a pre-match press conference. Asked where ​he saw weaknesses to exploit in the France defence, the former Chelsea and West Ham ⁠United manager declined to entertain the idea that any ⁠weakness exists at all.

“I’m not sure weakness is necessarily a word I would use to describe ‌this French side. They’ve got quality all over,” said Potter. “We have to play the game of ​our lives.”

Published on Jun 30, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Weaknesses #hard #find #France #defence #Sweden #coach #Potter">FIFA World Cup 2026: Weaknesses hard to find in France defence, says Sweden coach Potter Sweden will need to produce the performance of a ​lifetime to topple World Cup powerhouses France in their round-of-32 ‌clash, coach Graham Potter said on Monday, ​as his young outfit prepare to face ⁠a side with “quality all over”.Sweden squeaked into the tournament after a miserable qualifying campaign and will proudly wear the underdog ‌tag against France on Tuesday after an erratic group-stage campaign, where they beat Tunisia 5-1 ‌but lost to the Netherlands by the same ‌scoreline.Kylian ⁠Mbappe-led France, which romped into the knockouts with ⁠three straight wins, is nearly unbeatable, according to former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Potter knows his side will need to ​produce something special.“We have ‌to be as close to perfect as we can be,” Potter said. “We know the quality of the opponent and we have full respect for that.”Sweden’s hopes ‌rest on a youthful squad with limited World ​Cup experience, anchored by veteran defender Victor Lindelof, who can also be utilised in ⁠midfield.MATCH REPORT | Paraguay knocks Germany out of FIFA World CupPotter shuffled his Sweden deck during its 1-1 draw with Japan, starting the Aston Villa centre back in midfield ‌before moving him back to defence.“This is for many the first tournament with a tough journey to get as far as here,” said Lindelof.“This is our World Cup adventure that’s at stake and we don’t want that to end.”Potter divulged little of his ‌plans for Tuesday’s lineup during a pre-match press conference. Asked where ​he saw weaknesses to exploit in the France defence, the former Chelsea and West Ham ⁠United manager declined to entertain the idea that any ⁠weakness exists at all.“I’m not sure weakness is necessarily a word I would use to describe ‌this French side. They’ve got quality all over,” said Potter. “We have to play the game of ​our lives.”Published on Jun 30, 2026 #FIFA #World #Cup #Weaknesses #hard #find #France #defence #Sweden #coach #Potter

Paraguay knocks Germany out of FIFA World Cup

Potter shuffled his Sweden deck during its 1-1 draw with Japan, starting the Aston Villa centre back in midfield ‌before moving him back to defence.

“This is for many the first tournament with a tough journey to get as far as here,” said Lindelof.

“This is our World Cup adventure that’s at stake and we don’t want that to end.”

Potter divulged little of his ‌plans for Tuesday’s lineup during a pre-match press conference. Asked where ​he saw weaknesses to exploit in the France defence, the former Chelsea and West Ham ⁠United manager declined to entertain the idea that any ⁠weakness exists at all.

“I’m not sure weakness is necessarily a word I would use to describe ‌this French side. They’ve got quality all over,” said Potter. “We have to play the game of ​our lives.”

Published on Jun 30, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Weaknesses #hard #find #France #defence #Sweden #coach #Potter">FIFA World Cup 2026: Weaknesses hard to find in France defence, says Sweden coach Potter

Sweden will need to produce the performance of a ​lifetime to topple World Cup powerhouses France in their round-of-32 ‌clash, coach Graham Potter said on Monday, ​as his young outfit prepare to face ⁠a side with “quality all over”.

Sweden squeaked into the tournament after a miserable qualifying campaign and will proudly wear the underdog ‌tag against France on Tuesday after an erratic group-stage campaign, where they beat Tunisia 5-1 ‌but lost to the Netherlands by the same ‌scoreline.

Kylian ⁠Mbappe-led France, which romped into the knockouts with ⁠three straight wins, is nearly unbeatable, according to former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Potter knows his side will need to ​produce something special.

“We have ‌to be as close to perfect as we can be,” Potter said. “We know the quality of the opponent and we have full respect for that.”

Sweden’s hopes ‌rest on a youthful squad with limited World ​Cup experience, anchored by veteran defender Victor Lindelof, who can also be utilised in ⁠midfield.

MATCH REPORT | Paraguay knocks Germany out of FIFA World Cup

Potter shuffled his Sweden deck during its 1-1 draw with Japan, starting the Aston Villa centre back in midfield ‌before moving him back to defence.

“This is for many the first tournament with a tough journey to get as far as here,” said Lindelof.

“This is our World Cup adventure that’s at stake and we don’t want that to end.”

Potter divulged little of his ‌plans for Tuesday’s lineup during a pre-match press conference. Asked where ​he saw weaknesses to exploit in the France defence, the former Chelsea and West Ham ⁠United manager declined to entertain the idea that any ⁠weakness exists at all.

“I’m not sure weakness is necessarily a word I would use to describe ‌this French side. They’ve got quality all over,” said Potter. “We have to play the game of ​our lives.”

Published on Jun 30, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Weaknesses #hard #find #France #defence #Sweden #coach #Potter
Deadspin | Braves, Cardinals ready to put disappointing June behind them Jun 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) leaves his feet to attempt to throw out San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers at first base during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images Two teams who have struggled throughout June will try to change their trajectory when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series that begins on Tuesday. Both teams are 3-7 over their last 10 games and will be happy to turn the calendar. The Braves are 9-13 in June and the Cardinals are 12-12 over the same time. Atlanta has seen its lead in the National League East, which was 10.5 games on May 22, dwindle to three games over the Philadelphia Phillies. St. Louis was 4.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on May 31 but now trail by seven games and is just a half-game ahead of the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins in the race for the final wild-card spot. The series opener features a pair of left-handers, as St. Louis’ Matthew Liberatore (3-5, 5.56 ERA) faces Atlanta’s Martin Perez (6-4, 3.00). Atlanta has been in an offensive funk. During their current 4-12 skid, the Braves have been shut out twice and scored three or fewer runs 10 times. “Our sport is different than every other sport,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “We play virtually every day for seven months, so you’ve got to get past all that stuff. You’ve got to keep your head down and keep doing the work. These guys are doing the work, they’re doing all that stuff. We’ve just got to fight through it.” The strugglers are led by Austin Riley, who went 4-for-21 on the six-game West Coast road trip, saw his average fall to .209, and hasn’t homered since May 20. Ha-Seong Kim is on an 0-for-24 skid and is hitting .068. Drake Baldwin hit a home run in his first at-bat after coming off the injured list, but is 2-for-43 since his return and has seen his average fall from .303 to .255. The Cardinals have been equally puny at the plate. St. Louis scored only three runs in its three-game weekend series against Miami. “You look at the games, we’re successful, we come up with that key hit, that big hit and kind of keep it rolling,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “We haven’t been able to do that recently and that’s a big part of how we’ve gotten to this point.” Two Cardinals will try to rekindle their offense. Ivan Herrera (22 games) and Alec Burleson (career-long 25-games) had their on-base streaks end in Sunday’s 2-1 win which snapped a four-game losing streak. Rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt is coming off back-to-back multi-hit games, giving him 23 on the season. The Atlanta staff has been stabilized by the veteran Perez. With No. 2 starter Spencer Strider out for the foreseeable future, Perez has been a dependable arm. Since rejoining the rotation in mid-May, he is 4-2. He had a four-game winning streak end on Wednesday against San Diego when he gave up three runs in four innings, his shortest start of the season. Liberatore has struggled over his last four starts, going 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA in June. He was rocked by Arizona on Wednesday for six runs in 5 1/3 innings. This is the first meeting between the Braves and Cardinals this season. The Braves won the series 4-2 in 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #Cardinals #ready #put #disappointing #JuneJun 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) leaves his feet to attempt to throw out San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers at first base during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Two teams who have struggled throughout June will try to change their trajectory when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series that begins on Tuesday.

Both teams are 3-7 over their last 10 games and will be happy to turn the calendar. The Braves are 9-13 in June and the Cardinals are 12-12 over the same time.

Atlanta has seen its lead in the National League East, which was 10.5 games on May 22, dwindle to three games over the Philadelphia Phillies.

St. Louis was 4.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on May 31 but now trail by seven games and is just a half-game ahead of the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins in the race for the final wild-card spot.

The series opener features a pair of left-handers, as St. Louis’ Matthew Liberatore (3-5, 5.56 ERA) faces Atlanta’s Martin Perez (6-4, 3.00).

Atlanta has been in an offensive funk. During their current 4-12 skid, the Braves have been shut out twice and scored three or fewer runs 10 times.

“Our sport is different than every other sport,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “We play virtually every day for seven months, so you’ve got to get past all that stuff. You’ve got to keep your head down and keep doing the work. These guys are doing the work, they’re doing all that stuff. We’ve just got to fight through it.”


The strugglers are led by Austin Riley, who went 4-for-21 on the six-game West Coast road trip, saw his average fall to .209, and hasn’t homered since May 20. Ha-Seong Kim is on an 0-for-24 skid and is hitting .068. Drake Baldwin hit a home run in his first at-bat after coming off the injured list, but is 2-for-43 since his return and has seen his average fall from .303 to .255.

The Cardinals have been equally puny at the plate. St. Louis scored only three runs in its three-game weekend series against Miami.

“You look at the games, we’re successful, we come up with that key hit, that big hit and kind of keep it rolling,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “We haven’t been able to do that recently and that’s a big part of how we’ve gotten to this point.”

Two Cardinals will try to rekindle their offense. Ivan Herrera (22 games) and Alec Burleson (career-long 25-games) had their on-base streaks end in Sunday’s 2-1 win which snapped a four-game losing streak.

Rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt is coming off back-to-back multi-hit games, giving him 23 on the season.

The Atlanta staff has been stabilized by the veteran Perez. With No. 2 starter Spencer Strider out for the foreseeable future, Perez has been a dependable arm. Since rejoining the rotation in mid-May, he is 4-2. He had a four-game winning streak end on Wednesday against San Diego when he gave up three runs in four innings, his shortest start of the season.

Liberatore has struggled over his last four starts, going 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA in June. He was rocked by Arizona on Wednesday for six runs in 5 1/3 innings.

This is the first meeting between the Braves and Cardinals this season. The Braves won the series 4-2 in 2025.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #Cardinals #ready #put #disappointing #June">Deadspin | Braves, Cardinals ready to put disappointing June behind them Jun 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) leaves his feet to attempt to throw out San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers at first base during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images Two teams who have struggled throughout June will try to change their trajectory when the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series that begins on Tuesday. Both teams are 3-7 over their last 10 games and will be happy to turn the calendar. The Braves are 9-13 in June and the Cardinals are 12-12 over the same time. Atlanta has seen its lead in the National League East, which was 10.5 games on May 22, dwindle to three games over the Philadelphia Phillies. St. Louis was 4.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on May 31 but now trail by seven games and is just a half-game ahead of the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins in the race for the final wild-card spot. The series opener features a pair of left-handers, as St. Louis’ Matthew Liberatore (3-5, 5.56 ERA) faces Atlanta’s Martin Perez (6-4, 3.00). Atlanta has been in an offensive funk. During their current 4-12 skid, the Braves have been shut out twice and scored three or fewer runs 10 times. “Our sport is different than every other sport,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “We play virtually every day for seven months, so you’ve got to get past all that stuff. You’ve got to keep your head down and keep doing the work. These guys are doing the work, they’re doing all that stuff. We’ve just got to fight through it.” The strugglers are led by Austin Riley, who went 4-for-21 on the six-game West Coast road trip, saw his average fall to .209, and hasn’t homered since May 20. Ha-Seong Kim is on an 0-for-24 skid and is hitting .068. Drake Baldwin hit a home run in his first at-bat after coming off the injured list, but is 2-for-43 since his return and has seen his average fall from .303 to .255. The Cardinals have been equally puny at the plate. St. Louis scored only three runs in its three-game weekend series against Miami. “You look at the games, we’re successful, we come up with that key hit, that big hit and kind of keep it rolling,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said. “We haven’t been able to do that recently and that’s a big part of how we’ve gotten to this point.” Two Cardinals will try to rekindle their offense. Ivan Herrera (22 games) and Alec Burleson (career-long 25-games) had their on-base streaks end in Sunday’s 2-1 win which snapped a four-game losing streak. Rookie second baseman JJ Wetherholt is coming off back-to-back multi-hit games, giving him 23 on the season. The Atlanta staff has been stabilized by the veteran Perez. With No. 2 starter Spencer Strider out for the foreseeable future, Perez has been a dependable arm. Since rejoining the rotation in mid-May, he is 4-2. He had a four-game winning streak end on Wednesday against San Diego when he gave up three runs in four innings, his shortest start of the season. Liberatore has struggled over his last four starts, going 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA in June. He was rocked by Arizona on Wednesday for six runs in 5 1/3 innings. This is the first meeting between the Braves and Cardinals this season. The Braves won the series 4-2 in 2025. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #Cardinals #ready #put #disappointing #June

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