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NFL Draft rumors on Rueben Bain, Lions, rising prospects, and more Welcome to the last full calendar week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.As we spin around the rumor carousel, we start with a big one.What is happening with Rueben Bain?We might have our first major 2026 NFL Draft surprise.Ahead of NFL free agency, Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was a prohibitive favorite to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. But in recent weeks, Bain has slid down the board a bit to No. 7 and the Washington Commanders. At first blush, one might tie that to Tennessee’s approach in free agency, where they added several players to their defensive front. That has analysts believing the Titans might pivot to running back Jeremiyah Love, to give second-year quarterback Cam Ward another playmaker on offense.But could there be another reason?Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional is reporting that Bain was involved in a 2024 car crash that left one person in a coma, who later passed away tragically due to her injuries:According to the police report, obtained by Connolly, Bain was cited for operating his vehicle “in a careless or negligent manner.” He was operating a 2021 Land Rover SUV with three passengers in the vehicle — Miami players Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with a Destiny Betts. Following a collision with the second vehicle, Bain’s car struck a concrete wall before being redirected into a second concrete wall, where it came to rest.Betts was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, according to The Read Optional. After staying in a coma for nearly three months, she passed away from her injuries in June of 2024.Bain was cited again in 2025 for careless driving which, according to Connolly, was also dismissed.“It feels like it could be [Laremy Tunsil] all over again,” a league source told The Read Optional. “It doesn’t feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.”“We are concerned about multiple incidents,” another team executive said to Connolly. “We are waiting for the other shoe.”Connolly reached out to Bain for comment, and as of the publication of this piece he has not received a reply.In a statement to The Read Optional, Betts’ family called the incident a “tragic accident,” and stated they “wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”What impact, if any, this has on Bain’s draft position remains to be seen. But given his recent slide, it could be the start of a trend.Browns among teams looking to trade … up?Last week we discussed the notion of the Dallas Cowboys trading up in the first round, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.But might the Browns be looking to trade up themselves?Speaking with Rich Eisen recently, NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlined that teams view the 2027 NFL Draft class so highly that it is hard to find an organization ready to part with future draft picks. As such, Pelissero believes that the teams looking to trade up will be those with a pair of picks in this year’s first round. Those teams would not need to part with future selections — or at least 2027 first-round picks — to make such a move.Those teams include the Cowboys of course, but also the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins and yes, the Browns.As far as a team looking to move down, John Keim and Jordan Reid from ESPN point to the Washington Commanders. While they sit at No. 7 in the first round and could have a much-needed defender slide to them at that spot, the Commandeers have only six overall picks, and just two in the first three rounds. Moving back would give Washington some much needed draft capital.Keim, ESPN’s Commanders beat writer, believes that a “modest” move back that allows Washington to stay inside the top 12 would be an ideal scenario.What are the Lions thinking?One of the more intriguing pivot points in the first round comes just about midway through opening night, when the Detroit Lions go on the clock at No. 17. General manager Brad Holmes could go in a few different directions, such as adding another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson or perhaps an offensive lineman to patch up that group in front of Jared Goff.Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports addressed some of the rumors around Detroit on Monday, pointing to two players in particular: Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.Starting with Faulk, Payton notes that AtoZ Sports “AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025.”As for Proctor, Payton highlights a discussion between Mina Kimes and NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah, where Jeremiah shared that “he was told the Lions love” the Alabama tackle.Prospects rising up draft boardsThis is the time every single draft cycle where analysts focus on the players who are rising up boards as the draft approaches.Now, the idea of a player “rising” is often misleading. In many cases, that is just the public catching up with how teams feel about players — and have felt about them for a while. Still, the draft community loves the idea of players rising up boards in the final weeks.Over the weekend ESPN put together a list of seven players who are viewed as “draft risers,” some of whom are in position to come off the board in the first round, others who have climbed into Day 2. Those players include Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanchor, Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell, USC pass rusher Eric Gentry, and North Dakota State running back Barika Kpeenu.Of those, the most interesting might be Hurst. Despite being a zero-star recruit, he started for three years over Valdosta State and Georgia State, and accounted for nearly one-third of Georgia State’s passing offense last season. His combination of size (6’4 206) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash at the Combine) makes him a very intriguing player. #NFL #Draft #rumors #Rueben #Bain #Lions #rising #prospects

NFL Draft rumors on Rueben Bain, Lions, rising prospects, and more

Welcome to the last full calendar week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

As we spin around the rumor carousel, we start with a big one.

What is happening with Rueben Bain?

We might have our first major 2026 NFL Draft surprise.

Ahead of NFL free agency, Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was a prohibitive favorite to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. But in recent weeks, Bain has slid down the board a bit to No. 7 and the Washington Commanders. At first blush, one might tie that to Tennessee’s approach in free agency, where they added several players to their defensive front. That has analysts believing the Titans might pivot to running back Jeremiyah Love, to give second-year quarterback Cam Ward another playmaker on offense.

But could there be another reason?

Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional is reporting that Bain was involved in a 2024 car crash that left one person in a coma, who later passed away tragically due to her injuries:

According to the police report, obtained by Connolly, Bain was cited for operating his vehicle “in a careless or negligent manner.” He was operating a 2021 Land Rover SUV with three passengers in the vehicle — Miami players Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with a Destiny Betts. Following a collision with the second vehicle, Bain’s car struck a concrete wall before being redirected into a second concrete wall, where it came to rest.

Betts was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, according to The Read Optional. After staying in a coma for nearly three months, she passed away from her injuries in June of 2024.

Bain was cited again in 2025 for careless driving which, according to Connolly, was also dismissed.

“It feels like it could be [Laremy Tunsil] all over again,” a league source told The Read Optional. “It doesn’t feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.”

“We are concerned about multiple incidents,” another team executive said to Connolly. “We are waiting for the other shoe.”

Connolly reached out to Bain for comment, and as of the publication of this piece he has not received a reply.

In a statement to The Read Optional, Betts’ family called the incident a “tragic accident,” and stated they “wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”

What impact, if any, this has on Bain’s draft position remains to be seen. But given his recent slide, it could be the start of a trend.

Browns among teams looking to trade … up?

Last week we discussed the notion of the Dallas Cowboys trading up in the first round, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

But might the Browns be looking to trade up themselves?

Speaking with Rich Eisen recently, NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlined that teams view the 2027 NFL Draft class so highly that it is hard to find an organization ready to part with future draft picks. As such, Pelissero believes that the teams looking to trade up will be those with a pair of picks in this year’s first round. Those teams would not need to part with future selections — or at least 2027 first-round picks — to make such a move.

Those teams include the Cowboys of course, but also the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins and yes, the Browns.

As far as a team looking to move down, John Keim and Jordan Reid from ESPN point to the Washington Commanders. While they sit at No. 7 in the first round and could have a much-needed defender slide to them at that spot, the Commandeers have only six overall picks, and just two in the first three rounds. Moving back would give Washington some much needed draft capital.

Keim, ESPN’s Commanders beat writer, believes that a “modest” move back that allows Washington to stay inside the top 12 would be an ideal scenario.

What are the Lions thinking?

One of the more intriguing pivot points in the first round comes just about midway through opening night, when the Detroit Lions go on the clock at No. 17. General manager Brad Holmes could go in a few different directions, such as adding another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson or perhaps an offensive lineman to patch up that group in front of Jared Goff.

Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports addressed some of the rumors around Detroit on Monday, pointing to two players in particular: Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Starting with Faulk, Payton notes that AtoZ Sports “AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025.”

As for Proctor, Payton highlights a discussion between Mina Kimes and NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah, where Jeremiah shared that “he was told the Lions love” the Alabama tackle.

Prospects rising up draft boards

This is the time every single draft cycle where analysts focus on the players who are rising up boards as the draft approaches.

Now, the idea of a player “rising” is often misleading. In many cases, that is just the public catching up with how teams feel about players — and have felt about them for a while. Still, the draft community loves the idea of players rising up boards in the final weeks.

Over the weekend ESPN put together a list of seven players who are viewed as “draft risers,” some of whom are in position to come off the board in the first round, others who have climbed into Day 2. Those players include Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanchor, Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell, USC pass rusher Eric Gentry, and North Dakota State running back Barika Kpeenu.

Of those, the most interesting might be Hurst. Despite being a zero-star recruit, he started for three years over Valdosta State and Georgia State, and accounted for nearly one-third of Georgia State’s passing offense last season. His combination of size (6’4 206) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash at the Combine) makes him a very intriguing player.

#NFL #Draft #rumors #Rueben #Bain #Lions #rising #prospects

Sports news

Welcome to the last full calendar week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

As we spin around the rumor carousel, we start with a big one.

What is happening with Rueben Bain?

We might have our first major 2026 NFL Draft surprise.

Ahead of NFL free agency, Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was a prohibitive favorite to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. But in recent weeks, Bain has slid down the board a bit to No. 7 and the Washington Commanders. At first blush, one might tie that to Tennessee’s approach in free agency, where they added several players to their defensive front. That has analysts believing the Titans might pivot to running back Jeremiyah Love, to give second-year quarterback Cam Ward another playmaker on offense.

But could there be another reason?

Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional is reporting that Bain was involved in a 2024 car crash that left one person in a coma, who later passed away tragically due to her injuries:

According to the police report, obtained by Connolly, Bain was cited for operating his vehicle “in a careless or negligent manner.” He was operating a 2021 Land Rover SUV with three passengers in the vehicle — Miami players Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with a Destiny Betts. Following a collision with the second vehicle, Bain’s car struck a concrete wall before being redirected into a second concrete wall, where it came to rest.

Betts was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, according to The Read Optional. After staying in a coma for nearly three months, she passed away from her injuries in June of 2024.

Bain was cited again in 2025 for careless driving which, according to Connolly, was also dismissed.

“It feels like it could be [Laremy Tunsil] all over again,” a league source told The Read Optional. “It doesn’t feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.”

“We are concerned about multiple incidents,” another team executive said to Connolly. “We are waiting for the other shoe.”

Connolly reached out to Bain for comment, and as of the publication of this piece he has not received a reply.

In a statement to The Read Optional, Betts’ family called the incident a “tragic accident,” and stated they “wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”

What impact, if any, this has on Bain’s draft position remains to be seen. But given his recent slide, it could be the start of a trend.

Browns among teams looking to trade … up?

Last week we discussed the notion of the Dallas Cowboys trading up in the first round, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

But might the Browns be looking to trade up themselves?

Speaking with Rich Eisen recently, NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlined that teams view the 2027 NFL Draft class so highly that it is hard to find an organization ready to part with future draft picks. As such, Pelissero believes that the teams looking to trade up will be those with a pair of picks in this year’s first round. Those teams would not need to part with future selections — or at least 2027 first-round picks — to make such a move.

Those teams include the Cowboys of course, but also the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins and yes, the Browns.

As far as a team looking to move down, John Keim and Jordan Reid from ESPN point to the Washington Commanders. While they sit at No. 7 in the first round and could have a much-needed defender slide to them at that spot, the Commandeers have only six overall picks, and just two in the first three rounds. Moving back would give Washington some much needed draft capital.

Keim, ESPN’s Commanders beat writer, believes that a “modest” move back that allows Washington to stay inside the top 12 would be an ideal scenario.

What are the Lions thinking?

One of the more intriguing pivot points in the first round comes just about midway through opening night, when the Detroit Lions go on the clock at No. 17. General manager Brad Holmes could go in a few different directions, such as adding another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson or perhaps an offensive lineman to patch up that group in front of Jared Goff.

Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports addressed some of the rumors around Detroit on Monday, pointing to two players in particular: Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Starting with Faulk, Payton notes that AtoZ Sports “AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025.”

As for Proctor, Payton highlights a discussion between Mina Kimes and NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah, where Jeremiah shared that “he was told the Lions love” the Alabama tackle.

Prospects rising up draft boards

This is the time every single draft cycle where analysts focus on the players who are rising up boards as the draft approaches.

Now, the idea of a player “rising” is often misleading. In many cases, that is just the public catching up with how teams feel about players — and have felt about them for a while. Still, the draft community loves the idea of players rising up boards in the final weeks.

Over the weekend ESPN put together a list of seven players who are viewed as “draft risers,” some of whom are in position to come off the board in the first round, others who have climbed into Day 2. Those players include Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanchor, Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell, USC pass rusher Eric Gentry, and North Dakota State running back Barika Kpeenu.

Of those, the most interesting might be Hurst. Despite being a zero-star recruit, he started for three years over Valdosta State and Georgia State, and accounted for nearly one-third of Georgia State’s passing offense last season. His combination of size (6’4 206) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash at the Combine) makes him a very intriguing player.

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#NFL #Draft #rumors #Rueben #Bain #Lions #rising #prospects

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Thomas Partey pleads not guilty to additional rape charges in UK <div id="content-body-70858095" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Villarreal’s Thomas Partey appeared ​in a London court on ‌Monday where he pleaded not ​guilty to two additional ⁠charges of rape.</p><p>Partey, a Ghana international, has previously denied five counts ‌of rape relating to two women, plus a ‌charge of sexual assault ‌against ⁠a third woman, between ⁠2021 and 2022.</p><p>The 32-year-old midfielder was subsequently charged with two further offences ​of rape ‌relating to a fourth complainant in December 2020, to which he pleaded not guilty at ‌Southwark Crown Court.</p><p>The alleged ​offences took place when Partey played for Premier ⁠League club Arsenal. He left the club last summer ‌and signed for Spain’s Villarreal.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/thomas-partey-booed-villarreal-vs-tottenham-hotspur-uefa-champions-league-rape-charges/article70059779.ece" target="_blank">Partey gets booed at Tottenham in Champions League match amid rape charges</a></b></p><p>Partey was released on bail ahead of his trial, which was due to start in November but could be ‌delayed.</p><p>Partey was signed by Arsenal ​from Atletico Madrid for 50 million euros ($58.49 million) in ⁠2020 and became a key ⁠member of the English side’s first team, before his ‌contract expired at the end of June.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 13, 2026</p></div> #Thomas #Partey #pleads #guilty #additional #rape #charges

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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 …

#Celtics #Blow #Analyzing #Major #Option #Deadspin.com
#NHL #mock #draft #Instant #projection #Maple #Leafs #win #lottery">NHL mock draft 2026: Instant projection after Maple Leafs win lottery The Stanley Cup Playoffs roll on, but on Tuesday night the league conducted the 2026 NHL Draft lottery with the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the No. 1 pick, and the right to draft either Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg in a class with more parity at the top than originally expected.McKenna was viewed as the grand prize for much of the 2025-26 season. The rangy left wing already has good height, great playmaking, and a knack for driving the pace from the wing — making him a low-risk top overall pick. At times he’s been compared to Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, though personally, I don’t think he has quite the same ceiling as either phenom. Still, he’s a franchise cornerstone player, and it will be interesting to see whether a team chooses to keep him at his natural LW, or tries to convert him into a center.The choice at No. 1 will be between McKenna and Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg, who has been racing up the boards as scouts take a deeper look into his run in the SHL. It’s unusual for a true 18-year-old to have any modicum of success in a pro league, but Stenberg more than held his own with his hockey IQ, and a shot volume that routinely made him one of the biggest threats on the ice for Frölunda HC. That pro-readiness is appealing for a team looking for an immediate impact, and his polish could cause him to be the top overall pick.We’ll take a deeper dive into this year’s class as the draft approaches, but for now here’s a rapid-fire mock draft involving the teams in the lottery for the 2026 NHL Draft.As a reminder, these were the lottery odds for winning the first draw entering Tuesday night.Vancouver Canucks — 18.5%Chicago Blackhawks — 13.5%New York Rangers — 11.5%Calgary Flames — 9.5%Toronto Maple Leafs (Top 5 protected to Bruins) — 8.5%Seattle Kraken — 7.5%Winnipeg Jets — 6.5%Florida Panthers — 6.0%San Jose Sharks — 5.0%Nashville Predators — 3.5%St. Louis Blues — 3.0%New Jersey Devils — 2.5%New York Islanders — 2.0%Columbus Blue Jackets — 1.5%St. Louis Blues (from Red Wings) — 0.5%Washington Capitals — 0.5% #NHL #mock #draft #Instant #projection #Maple #Leafs #win #lottery

The NBA has fined Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown $50,000 for public criticism of game officials following Boston’s first-round exit from the playoffs.

The fine was announced by NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations James Jones on Tuesday night, two days after Brown said in a livestream he hosts that game officials “clearly had an agenda” to call fouls against him for “pushing off” when he drove toward the basket while handling the ball.

“There are some referees that need to be investigated,” Brown said on the livestream on Sunday, a day after the Celtics’ 109-100 loss to Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.

“Every good basketball player does this. What are y’all talking about? They clearly had an agenda,” Brown said.

Brown was previously fined $35,000 in January after a two-minute postgame rant about the officiating following Boston’s loss to San Antonio.

Published on May 06, 2026

#Boston #Celtics #Jaylen #Brown #fined #NBA #public #criticism #playoffs #officiating">Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown fined ,000 by NBA for public criticism of playoffs officiating The NBA has fined Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown ,000 for public criticism of game officials following Boston’s first-round exit from the playoffs.The fine was announced by NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations James Jones on Tuesday night, two days after Brown said in a livestream he hosts that game officials “clearly had an agenda” to call fouls against him for “pushing off” when he drove toward the basket while handling the ball.“There are some referees that need to be investigated,” Brown said on the livestream on Sunday, a day after the Celtics’ 109-100 loss to Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series.“Every good basketball player does this. What are y’all talking about? They clearly had an agenda,” Brown said.Brown was previously fined ,000 in January after a two-minute postgame rant about the officiating following Boston’s loss to San Antonio.Published on May 06, 2026 #Boston #Celtics #Jaylen #Brown #fined #NBA #public #criticism #playoffs #officiating

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