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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.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

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

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

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

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

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

I’d keep Brown.

Trade Jayson Tatum.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stand pat.

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

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

After all, it ain’t broke.

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

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

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After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago. #Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com">Chicago Cubs Should Be Panicking During Nine-Game Losing Streak | Deadspin.com

After ripping off two 10-game win streaks, things were looking bright on the north side to start the year in Chicago. Unfortunately for them, they aren’t in the NL Central of old; they’re competing in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Cubs have rattled off nine straight losses, quickly lost their hold on the division, and now find themselves battling for the final Wild Card spot.

It’s only been 54 games for the Cubs, and they’re still four games over .500, but it might be time to start panicking. Going into this season, you were hoping to have one of the best rotations in the sport, but injuries have ravaged the Cubs, now missing Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele, and Cade Horton. Timetables for potential returns feel quite uncertain, and the offense hasn’t been able to bail them out recently.

Over their last 15 games, they are 2-13, and their offense has been among the worst in the sport. They’re averaging 2.8 runs per game and have been held to three runs or less in 12 of those 15 games.

Predictions markets had the Cubs with a 63.7% chance of winning the NL Central just 17 days ago, but now sit at just 28%. The Brewers still only sit at a 50% chance to win the division, but they’ve opened up a 3.5 game lead on the Cubs and 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals. The whole division is at least 2 games over .500, there’s no easy games during inter-division play.

A healthy rotation or bullpen would be incredible for morale but the lineup needs massive amounts of help. Pete Crow Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki and Moises Ballestros have all been average to well below average months over the month of May, and I’m not sure we will see a ton of improvement.

Chicago has been an incredibly streaky lineup for a while, and I still feel they overperform their expected stats by the time the season ends. I’m not sure I trust this team to catch a Brewers team that has been one of the best teams in baseball over the last two seasons.

Just two weeks ago it felt like they might be a team that throws their hat in the ring for a Tarik Skubal type of arm, now they’ll be in a battle for a final wild card spot. I don’t think the reinforcements will come in quickly enough to salvage this season for the Cubs. Who would’ve guessed that the White Sox would be better suited to contend for a playoff spot for the city of Chicago.

#Chicago #Cubs #Panicking #NineGame #Losing #Streak #Deadspin.com

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.Quarterbacks: Cleveland BrownsWhat an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did 0 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.Honorable mention: Arizona CardinalsRunning backs: Jacksonville JaguarsTravis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.Honorable mention: Denver BroncosWide receivers: Miami DolphinsTheir top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.Honorable mention: Carolina PanthersTight ends: Miami DolphinsGenuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansOffensive line: Tennessee TitansCam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.Honorable mention: Miami DolphinsDefensive line: Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.Honorable mention: Washington CommandersEdge rushers: Carolina PanthersThe Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, 0 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.Honorable mention: Tennessee TitansLinebackers: Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.Honorable mention: Indianapolis ColtsSecondary: Miami DolphinsI promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals #Building #worst #NFL #team #season

worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season">Building the worst NFL team possible for 2026 season

Alright everybody, your resident beacon of hope is here who has brought you such hits as the worst deals of free agency and worst potential fits for remaining free agents. Today, I build the worst possible team ahead of the 2026 season.

Now, we won’t be going player-by-player to build a 53-man roster. Instead, we’ll go by position groups on offense and defense to construct a unit that could potentially go 0-17. And don’t worry, I’ll be building the best team in the coming days. Enjoy.

Quarterbacks: Cleveland Browns

What an interesting bunch of apples the Browns’ quarterback room is. One apple has a very successful father apple, who is in the apple Hall of Fame. However, that apple has since grown sour in the eyes of many fans for how he portrays himself since becoming the head coach of an apple school. But there are many cult-like fans of that apple, and those people should be avoided at all costs.

Then there’s the other apple who I’m not going to joke about because he allegedly did some really gross things and I don’t want to make light of that, but he is bad at football and the Browns gave him the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history after he allegedly did all of those things. What did $230 million buy them? Since 2022, amongst 77 quarterbacks to play 200 snaps, Watson ranks 69th in success rate. Dillon Gabriel, the third apple of this bunch, ranks dead last in 77th. What an impressively inept collection of bad football and worse PR.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

Running backs: Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne left in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints. That leaves Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez as the team’s top two running backs, respectively. Tuten could end up being a solid starter, but he had less than 100 carries in 2025. The pair of running backs combined for just 807 yards in 2025.

Honorable mention: Denver Broncos

Wide receivers: Miami Dolphins

Their top receiver is 5-foot-8 Malik Washington, who caught 46 passes in 2025. They added TuTu Atwell, who is 5-foot-9 and had six catches last season. Jalen Tolbert towers over them at 6-foot-1 and had 18 catches with the Cowboys a season ago. This could very well enter the conversation of worst receiving groups of all time.

Honorable mention: Carolina Panthers

Tight ends: Miami Dolphins

Genuinely, this offense is going to be so fun to watch because of how bad it will be. Greg Dulcich is their No. 1 tight end – he’d be a No. 3 on a good team. They drafted two tight ends, Rookie Will Kacmarek is a blocker first and not much of a receiving threat while Seydou Traore was a fifth-round pick and it’s unknown what his role or ceiling will be. There is nothing on that offense not named De’Von Achane that will be worth watching, unless you’re the type of person who likes watching a nitroglycerin plant spontaneously combust 17 times.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Offensive line: Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward was sacked 55 times in 2025, which was tied for the most in the league. Tennessee did next to nothing to improve their struggling unit, with their only moves being to sign long-time backup center Austin Schlottmann and draft Arkansas guard Fernando Carmona in the fifth round.

Honorable mention: Miami Dolphins

Defensive line: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ranked 26th in EPA per rush and 24th in success rate against the run. Had they not played six games against NFC South opponents, those numbers would likely be lower. Maason Smith, Zach Harrison, and Brandon Dorlus are projected to be their three starters up front, all of whom ranked outside the top 40 in PFF grades for defensive linemen in 2025.

Honorable mention: Washington Commanders

Edge rushers: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers gave Jaelan Phillips a contract equal to the GDP of the state of North Carolina, signing him to a four-year, $120 million deal – the richest contract of the offseason despite him never recording more than 8.5 sacks in a season, and that 8.5 mark came back in 2021. Nic Scourton is their No. 2, and he had five sacks last year. Now, sacks aren’t everything, of course, but you’d like to have more production from your pass rushers, especially for the hefty price tag on Phillips.

Honorable mention: Tennessee Titans

Linebackers: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals relied heavily on rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter in 2025, both of whom were major disappointments. Knight had 18 missed tackles while Carter had 17. Knight ranked 83rd out of 88 qualified linebackers in PFF grades and Carter ranked 85th. While both are entering just their second years in the league, they need to make massive leaps forward.

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts

Secondary: Miami Dolphins

I promise this isn’t a bit, the Dolphins are just that bad. You could put the Cardinals here, seeing that they finished with a defensive drop back success rate that was 0.7 percent worse than the Dolphins, but Arizona at least has a promising piece in Will Johnson and a reliable veteran in Budda Baker. I like Chris Johnson, but the rest of Miami’s secondary is full of low-tier non-starters.

Honorable mention: Arizona Cardinals

#Building #worst #NFL #team #season

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.Published on May 26, 2026 #Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal">Federation Cup 2026: After breaching CWG qualification mark, Praveen Chithravel is ready to go for a medal

Triple jumper Praveen Chithravel is fed up with his narrow misses in big events and is determined to prove himself at elite international competitions.

Chithravel, whose National record stands at 17.37m, missed out on a medal in the 2022 Commonwealth Games and finished fourth (16.89m) whereas two other Indians, Eldhose Paul (17.03m) and Abdulla Aboobacker (17.02m), claimed gold and silver respectively.

At the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, he managed the eighth spot (16.74m) in Group ‘B’ whereas seventh-placed Chinese Yaming Zhu (16.83m) qualified for the final.

All this rankles Chithravel, who has crossed 17m five times in the last four years.

Also read | Vishal ‘Bolt’ — The boy with bow knees who became India’s fastest quartermiler

“I lost a CWG medal by three cm. I’m impatient (to amend that). Last year, in the World Championships, something unexpected happened. My first jump was more than 17.10m, but it was a foul. In the second jump, I pulled my calf (muscle). In the third jump, I did (16.74m) and didn’t qualify for the final,” said the stylish Chithravel after breaching the CWG qualification mark with 17.08m.

“Thankfully, there is zero pain. Everything is going well. I’m following the process and I’m ready to go for a medal (at the CWG).

“In my first competition of the season, the Indian Open Jumps event, I did 16.78m, then at the Indian Athletics Series in Chennai, I did 16.95m. Now, I did 17.08m. In India, everyone breaks National records. I don’t want to break the National record here. I’m waiting for a good moment.

“I know I’m one of the best athletes in the world. In big events, I want to fight with all the (top) athletes. I want to show who I am, (someone) from India,” said Chithravel, who will turn 25 soon.

Published on May 26, 2026

#Federation #Cup #breaching #CWG #qualification #mark #Praveen #Chithravel #ready #medal

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