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Knicks proving they had no plan after firing Tom Thibodeau
When the Knicks abruptly fired Tom Thibodeau, the overriding consensus was that they had a plan in place for his successor. With each passing day, it would appear that they never did.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that both the Rockets and Timberwolves rejected requests from the Knicks to interview their respective head coaches, Ime Udoka and Chris Finch.
The report emerged shortly after The Athletic's Sam Amick noted that Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, the Knicks' other target, prefers to remain in Dallas instead of moving to New York.
Now, the Knicks may be compelled to turn to former head coaches without an active job — Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Taylor Jenkins or Mike Brown — or perhaps a newcomer like Johnnie Bryant, who served on Thibs' staff for four years. Regardless of the route they take, the incoming head coach would have every right to feel like the "last resort" after the Knicks' publicized interest in active coaches.
Veteran NBA coach P. J. Carlesimo believes the Knicks have shown their incompetence with how they've handled their coaching situation.
"That's the Knicks. They don't know what they're doing," he told The Ringer's Ryen Russillo. "They are their own worst enemy. They've been their own worst enemy...I thought [Thibs] did a great job. Where are they going? I don't know who made the decision...I don't believe the players made the decision."
With just a few weeks left until the 2025 NBA Draft, the Knicks remain the only team with a head-coaching vacancy. The Nuggets (David Adelman), Grizzlies (Tuomas Iisalo), Kings (Doug Christie) and Suns (Jordan Ott) have all named replacements for their recently axed coaches. Typically, teams prefer having a head coach in the war room during draft night, given the significance of decisions that could shape the roster.
More must-reads:
- Who are the best NBA free agents available this offseason?
- LeBron James has seven-word response to speculation about his future
- The 'NBA head coaching wins leaders' quiz
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Utah Jazz Reveal Starting Five vs. Warriors
LAS VEGAS, NV– The Utah Jazz will have the second of their four summer league outings on Sunday night vs. the Golden State Warriors, and have since revealed their starting five they'll be rolling out for the contest, as a couple of key names will be out of the action. Here's the starting five for the Jazz vs. the Warriors: PG: Isaiah Collier SG: Elijah Harkless SF: Cam McGriff PF: Cody Williams C: Kyle Filipowski One major change to note from the Jazz's last outing? No Walt Clayton Jr. will be in the mix, as he's been announced as out vs. the Warriors after suffering from a hamstring strain vs. the Charlotte Hornets, which may inevitably keep him out for the rest of Utah's time in Vegas, though time will tell. Instead of Clayton Jr., it'll be McGriff securing the start in his place–– the undrafted rookie forward out of Oklahoma State, who will be primed to make his first start of summer league. Along with Clayton Jr., the Jazz's other rookies in fifth-overall pick Ace Bailey, along with second rounder John Tonje will also be slated to miss Sunday's game vs. Golden State, as both will be dealing with injuries to sideline them for their third and fifth contests, respectively. Instead, Elijah Harkless will be in line for his second-straight start, the fill-in for Bailey, who finished with five points, two rebounds, two assists, and a staggering four steals in his 30 minutes on the floor vs. the Hornets. Harkless was listed as questionable heading into the contest, but was inevitably elevated at game time. As all three of this year's rookies will be on the sidelines, expect another big night from Kyle Filipowski, who should be primed for another sizeable workload, along with a bit more responsibility on the shoulders of Isaiah Collier and Cody Williams. The Jazz and Warriors will tip-off at 8 PM MT. More Utah Jazz Content 3 Utah Jazz Players to Watch in Warriors Summer League Game Utah Jazz Rookie Ruled Out Fifth-Straight Game vs. Warriors Utah Jazz Reveal Ace Bailey Status vs. Warriors Utah Jazz's Ace Bailey Links Up With NBA Legend at Summer League Utah Jazz's Walt Clayton Jr. Receives New Injury Status
Steelers are evaluating the trade value of this defensive star
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ standoff with T.J. Watt continues amid the star edge rusher’s desire to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. The impasse in negotiations has naturally led to trade speculation. Though teams have reportedly inquired about Watt, the Steelers’ position has been clear: they have no intention of moving the current face of their franchise. However, the Steelers have been evaluating Watt’s trade value, according to Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show" (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan that Pittsburgh is “obviously inquiring” about the potential return of a Watt trade, characterizing it as “due diligence” as the team is still focused on retaining their all-time sack leader. Still, exploring Watt’s value on the trade market could give the Steelers information to help them in their negotiation and decision-making process. Lowball offers would indicate that other teams would not sign Watt to a top-of-the-market extension and instead see him as a one-year rental. More aggressive valuations would suggest that other teams see Watt as a long-term investment and may be willing to meet his contract demands. This is a common practice for teams in contract stalemates, especially with older players. Taking calls on Watt is unlikely to inspire the Steelers to trade him, but it will clarify his value around the league and help them hone in on agreeable extension terms. Of course, it is possible that another team could blow the Steelers away with their offer and get newly-extended general manager Omar Khan to consider moving the four-time All-Pro. Teams in similar situations have reverse course once the trade compensation hits the table, and Pittsburgh’s desire to add a top quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft may make them more willing to consider a deal. It’s worth noting, however, that interested teams are likely contenders who will only get better by adding Watt, capping the value of their draft picks, which will likely be late in the round. The expectation remains that Watt and the Steelers will find a way to agree on terms before the season starts. Watt skipped OTAs and minicamp, but is not expected to hold out from training camp. However, he has never expressed any desire to leave Pittsburgh and seems unlikely to demand a trade to fulfill his financial wishes.
9 years later, how does Auston Matthews compare to the rest of the 2016 NHL Draft class?
When Auston Matthews was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016, it was a development that was expected to change the franchise’s fortunes. Matthews lived up to the preposterous hype and emerged as one of the best goal-scorers on the planet, winning the Hart Trophy in 2022, while capturing three Rocket Richard Trophies. Matthews took over the Maple Leafs’ captaincy for the 2024-25 season, where the team was eliminated in seven games against the Florida Panthers. He’s lived up to the hype, but it’s worth revisiting where Matthews stands among the 2016 class, nine years removed from walking up to the podium. Matthews is the headliner of a deep group Toronto made the correct decision with the first overall pick and Matthews is the clear headliner of the class. Matthews leads all players with 401 goals and 727 points, and he’s made the greatest individual impact thus far. There are several great players in this cohort, including Matthew Tkachuk, while Charlie McAvoy and Adam Fox are truly elite defencemen. Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson are bona fide star forwards, while Brandon Hagel’s elite two-way impact and improved scoring touch is helping him ascend through the class rankings. Make no mistake about it though, Matthews’ individual output far exceeds anyone else in the class. There is one challenger to his 1A status, however. Matthew Tkachuk is the lone real challenger to Matthews’ best in class status It depends on what you value, but Matthew Tkachuk is the lone player in the class that can raise a claim for the No. 1 status. Tkachuk has won back-to-back Stanley Cups, while the Florida Panthers are well-positioned to three-peat next year. The 27-year-old has played the most games out of player in the class, with 642 contests under his belt, while Matthews ranks second with 629 games. Tkachuk has been a finalist for the Hart Trophy, he is arguably one of the most clutch players in the NHL as he raises his game during the postseason, If you’re evaluating for talent alone, then Matthews is the clear winner, but Tkachuk’s superior postseason resume at least invites an argument. How Matthews stacks up Matthews ranks first in goals and points, while ranking second in games played and assists. He’s the most gifted individual player in the class and he’s far superior to Patrik Laine, who many scouts positioned as a true challenger for the top pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. There is a real degree of separation between Matthews, Tkachuk and the rest of the group at this point of their careers. Conclusion It’s a compelling exercise and Tkachuk’s superior postseason resume is compelling but Matthews is a franchise-defining player for the Maple Leafs, and he’s the unquestioned face of the organization after Mitch Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. Tkachuk can show off his two rings and counting, and Matthews will need at least one Stanley Cup to vault him into the all-time discussions. Matthews is the best player in the class, while firmly in the prime of his career.
Nationals pull a stunner with No. 1 pick in MLB Draft
The Washington Nationals threw everyone a curveball to kick off Sunday’s MLB Draft. Washington surprisingly used their No. 1 overall draft pick on high school shortstop Eli Willits. The switch-hitting Willits is still only 17 years old and now becomes the youngest top overall pick in MLB history. Hailing from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, Willits was largely projected to be a top-five pick. However, almost no one had Willits as a candidate for No. 1 overall, where LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was expected to go instead. In fact, Willits was not even seen as the consensus best shortstop available in the draft. Stillwater High School product Ethan Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday and the younger brother of Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, was in the mix to be the first shortstop off the board as well. When it comes to his own resume, Willits clearly has the talent. Having reclassified from the class of 2026, Willits was The Oklahoman’s 2025 All-State Player of the Year. As a senior last season, Willits clubbed a ridiculous .516 with nine home runs, 33 RBI and 49 stolen bases. Willits is viewed as a prospect with five-tool upside, and his switch-hitting ability gives him an even higher ceiling. The Nationals just made some major changes to their organization earlier this month, and now their new regime is happy to roll the dice on a phenom like Willits with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
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