Victor Wembanyama involved in an altercation during Spurs-Thunder game
The San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder were back at each other’s throats from the very first game of the season.
San Antonio and Oklahoma City met on Tuesday to tip off the new NBA season. But in the second quarter at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, some extracurricular activity developed.
Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox was switched onto Thunder center Chet Holmgren in the paint during an OKC possession. Fox proceeded to throw Holmgren to the ground as an entry pass came in.
As a result, Thunder big man Jaylin Williams got into Fox’s face. That led to a skirmish in which Spurs star Victor Wembanyama also entered the mix and exchanged shoves with Williams. Here is the full video.
SPURS VS. THUNDER GET INTO IT. https://t.co/OM3wAbg2NV
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 21, 2026
In the end, Fox was given a flagrant 1 foul for the initial throwdown of Holmgren. Wembanyama and Williams also received technical fouls, as did OKC forwards Kenrich Williams and Jalen Williams.
The Spurs and Thunder are two bitter Western Conference rivals, which is why they were scheduled for a marquee slot on NBA Opening Night. They already met in last year’s Western Conference Finals, a series that also featured some on-court fireworks between the two teams.
Steven Kwan is being linked to 2 teams after Guardians’ playoff exit
The Cleveland Guardians’ World Series dream is over, and now they may have some hard decisions to make.
Guardians star outfielder Steven Kwan could be on the trade block after the team’s ALCS exit, Robert Murray of FanSided reported Tuesday. Murray notes that Kwan is headed into his final year of arbitration and that Cleveland has a history of trading players before they get paid on the open market.
Additionally, Murray reports that the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs could be two potential suitors for Kwan on the trade market. You can read his full report on the situation here.
The lefy-hitting Kwan, 29, is one of Cleveland’s best homegrown success stories. He has made two All-Star teams and won four Gold Glove Awards with the Guardians since debuting in 2022 and hit a stellar .282 with three home runs, 32 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases this season as one of baseball’s best contact hitters.
But Kwan’s contract situation means that he can become a free agent after the 2027 MLB season. While Kwan did only bat .244 during Cleveland’s ALCS run this year, he is still at a relatively high point of his value right now.
The 91-win Padres lost in the NLDS this year and have since been linked to some other interesting outfielders too. Meanwhile, the 89-win Cubs fell in the NL Wild Card Series this season and could have a few notable holes to fill in their own outfield.
Andre Drummond got away with one of the craziest goaltends ever
The NBA rulebook briefly did not apply to Andre Drummond during Tuesday’s season opener.
Drummond and the New York Knicks tipped off the new season on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers. But in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., the Knicks center Drummond appeared to get away with a blatant violation.
76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was driving to the basket and put up a floater from the baseline. Drummond snatched Maxey’s shot attempt out of the air and proceeded to ignite a fast break the other way.
Maxey and the 76ers were irate though, believing that Drummond had committed a goaltend. Here is the video.
DRUMMOND WTF LMFAOOOO https://t.co/9xbS03ATcq
— (@HeatMovin) October 20, 2026
An alternate angle showed that the ball was very (very) clearly on its downward flight when Drummond touched it. Still, the referees did not blow a whistle and allowed play to continue.
This Tyrese Maxey floater was NOT called a goaltend on Andre Drummond… The most obvious goaltend in NBA history?! https://t.co/JqXIJ3bfgm
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) October 21, 2026
In the NBA, no-calls remain ineligible for coach’s challenges. As a result, the former All-Star Drummond got away with one of the worst goaltending violations of all-time (perhaps only edged out by this glaring miss that swung the result of a game a few years back).
LeBron James gets profane with a Knicks fan who trash-talked him
LeBron James was giving it right back to New York Knicks fans during Tuesday’s season opener.
James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Knicks on Tuesday to kick off the 2026-27 campaign. But James managed to go viral in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., for a reason other than his play.
The NBC broadcast showed James getting profane with a Knicks fan who had been trash-talking him. In the middle of a stoppage in play, James could be seen telling the fan, “I’m not from the West Coast, the f–k you talking about? I’m not from the West Coast, I’m from Ohio, baby.”
Take a look at the clip.
“I’m not from the west coast baby, I’m from Ohio f*ck is you talking about?” LeBron going at it with a fan https://t.co/fl2jM4O0rC
— Underdog (@Underdog) October 21, 2026
Based on that reaction, it appears that the fan might have hit James with a taunt along the lines of “Go back to L.A.” (where James previously played for the Los Angeles Lakers). But for his part, James wanted to make sure that the fan was being a bit more factually accurate with his jabs.
That might have been a little pent-up emotion from the 41-year-old James as well. After all, Knicks fans as a whole had already hit him with a harsh chant earlier on in the game.
Fans all made the same joke about Tracy McGrady’s outfit during NBA Opening Night
Tracy McGrady managed to launch 13 memes in 35 seconds during NBA Opening Night.
The Basketball Hall of Famer McGrady was on site at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. for Tuesday’s season opener between the defending champion New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers. McGrady is now an analyst for NBC and was providing some pregame coverage for the network.
But fans could not stop talking about the outfit that McGrady was wearing. He was in a black jacket with a white collar visible underneath.
Everybody joked on X that McGrady was dressed like a priest. Take a look.
Father McGrady came straight from hearing confessions. https://t.co/GJEJP2Cfsa
— J.P. McDade (@jp_mcdade) October 21, 2026
Tracy McGrady become a priest? https://t.co/dBfKbWwb2S
— B.W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) October 20, 2026
Tracy McGrady dressed like he about to perform an exorcism https://t.co/DpnTJMbukx
— jesse (@wyaajessee) October 20, 2026
Tracy McGrady lookin like a priest in a futuristic movie https://t.co/HOKIq8qXV3
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) October 20, 2026
Pastor T-Mac giving a good pre game sermon to tonight’s congregation. https://t.co/YuRHswNAM6
— Mitt McMahon (@PMIMitt) October 20, 2026
The seven-time All-Star McGrady, now 47, certainly baptized many a defender over the course of his illustrious playing career. But he was simply there to talk about basketball on Tuesday night rather than to join the seminary.
McGrady has been retired since 2013 and joined NBC as an analyst in 2025. This is not the first time in recent years though that McGrady has gone viral for something outlandish.
LeBron James receives a harsh chant from Knicks fans during 76ers debut
New York Knicks fans were right on LeBron James’ case from the very start.
James made his official debut for the Philadelphia 76ers during Tuesday’s regular season opener against the Knicks. But it did not take long for the crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. to start trolling The King.
As James was shooting free throws in the first quarter, he got a cold chant from the MSG faithful. They began chanting, “WE DON’T WANT YOU!”
Here is the video.
Knicks fans are now chanting “WE DONT WANT YOU” at Lebron when he’s at the free throw line https://t.co/CKdDR03xPS
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 21, 2026
The Knicks pursued James in free agency multiple times over the years (most notably in 2010 when he chose the Miami Heat instead and in 2018 when he chose the Los Angeles Lakers). In a recent interview, James also explained why he decided to pass on New York.
But the Knicks now have the high ground of sorts after winning the 2026 NBA championship. James’ camp actually reached out to the Knicks when he was a free agent this past summer, but they reportedly had no interest in signing him this time around.
The 41-year-old James did proceed to miss the second of his two free throws after the chant, so it appears that the taunting worked a little bit. Still, that was not quite the worst chant that James has gotten before.
Central Michigan coach has unfiltered response to College Football Playoff expansion rumblings
Talks of a 24-team College Football Playoff field are picking up steam, but Central Michigan coach Matt Drinkall is certainly not on board.
On Tuesday, Drinkall had plenty to say about the CFP expansion during a press conference, and here’s part of what he said.
Drinkall said they are “not interested in what’s good for the sport of football” while also saying it is a “downward spiral that is nonstop until it’s going to be a smoldering dumpster fire left like the Truffula trees and the Lorax.”
He also said they are going to “prostitute the sport for financial gain.”
Here is (part) of Central Michigan head coach Matt Drinkall’s quote in opposition to the proposed 24-team College Football Playoff: https://t.co/SzcEQiRg3D
— By the Belt: A MAC Sports Blog (@bythebelt) October 20, 2026
Drinkall spoke for nearly 10 minutes after the question, and that is just part of what he said.
The College Football Playoff just expanded to 12 teams, and the 24-team field has been in discussions for some time. Miami Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal also expressed his frustration amid the expansion rumblings, but his response was nowhere close to the rant that Drinkall threw out there on Tuesday.
In September, the CFP took a big step forward with ESPN in discussions regarding a 24-team field, but it’s certainly been a hot topic as the season has progressed.
As of right now, this year’s College Football Playoff will be 12 teams, but it could expand to 24 teams next season.
College football team announces unique beer deal that fans will love
The Florida Atlanta Owls are doing whatever they can to bring fans to Saturday’s game against the Rice Owls.
Florida Atlantic is rolling out a unique beer promotion. The promo has prices starting at $3 for the first quarter and decreasing by $1 each quarter until the end of the third quarter.
FAU announced that there will only be two places of sale for this specific promotion, both of which will be at the first level of Flagler Credit Union Stadium.
Join us this Saturday for our 3-2-1 Beer Deal! $3 Pregame – 1st quarter $2 2nd quarter – halftime $1 3rd quarter 📰 https://t.co/x0pDwRBOLt #WIP🏝️ https://t.co/APwnKFKavq
— Florida Atlantic Athletics #WIP🏝️ (@FAUAthletics) October 20, 2026
Once this deal hit social media, fans from FAU and other places certainly showed their support.
This is beautiful 100% one of the best ways to get your fans to stay
— Kelly Green Report (@KellyGreenReprt) October 20, 2026
Liberty needs to do this
— CJ Sweat (@sweetsweatcj) October 20, 2026
On my hands and knees begging our Athletics office
— MGN Sports Guy 🦅 (@MGN_SG) October 20, 2026
College football teams have been getting more creative with promotions in years past. In 2025, Coastal Carolina offered a free concessions deal for certain tickets. This season, Akron chose one season ticket holder to be the team’s offensive coordinator for the season opener.
Now, Florida Atlantic is going in a different direction, and it will be interesting to see how it goes on Saturday.
Florida Atlantic is 4-2 and taking on a 1-6 Rice team, and the game is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET at Flagler Credit Union Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
Deion Sanders sends heartfelt message to Jalen Hurts after blood clot diagnosis
Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots, and Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders sent a message of support.
On Tuesday, Sanders began his press conference by saying he is “praying” for Hurts
“I know what he’s dealing with. I know what he’s going through. I’m praying for him,” Sanders said. “I pray to God that he’s not out for the rest of his career.”
Coach Prime Deion Sanders on Jalen Hurts | https://t.co/Hl6DHI5Rx7
— BiggDoggChico (@ChicoCleveland) October 20, 2026
Hurts was ruled out of the past game due to blood clots being found in his calf. He was then placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, stated that he could miss three months depending on how everything turns out.
Deion Sanders dealt with blood clots in recent years, so he sure knows what Hurts is going through at this moment.
It was reported that Hurts stayed up 36 hours just to play in the Oct. 4 game, which led fans to wonder why the Eagles even allowed their star QB to play in the first place with the health issue.
Nick Sirianni then got into a tense exchange with a reporter on Monday after the Hurts news surfaced, so it’s a difficult time in Philadelphia for the organization and Jalen Hurts.
Commanders receive major injury update on Terry McLaurin
The Washington Commanders are going to play the rest of the season without star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin was carted off the field on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers after suffering a scary knee injury.
On Tuesday, Dan Quinn revealed that McLaurin is out for the season and set to undergo surgery after suffering a torn patellar tendon.
Dan Quinn says to start his weekly Zoom call with media that Terry McLaurin suffered a torn patella tendon in Monday’s game with the 49ers. He will have surgery; out for the season. "Man, I’m gutted for him," Quinn says.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) October 20, 2026
McLaurin was battling with 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and the Commanders star held his knee after hitting the ground. After the Commanders’ loss on Monday night, quarterback Jayden Daniels said “it sucks” to see McLaurin deal with a brutal injury.
McLaurin was a hold-in at camp over the summer, but the two sides agreed on a 3-year, $96 million contract extension right before Week 1. He is a two-time Pro Bowler with five 1,000-yard seasons, and he has spent his entire career with Washington.
This season, McLaurin recorded 15 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown in five games before the injury, so it’s a big loss to the now 1-4-1 Commanders.
The Commanders have a bye in Week 7, so they will try to figure out what to do without their star wide receiver.
Fans rip Brewers over Timeless Ticket dispute ahead of World Series
The Milwaukee Brewers are going to the World Series for the first time in over 40 years, but some fans aren’t happy with the franchise.
The Brewers clinched the National League pennant after a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they still face the Tampa Bay Rays in a battle of No. 1 seeds.
Back in 2015, the Brewers sold 1,000 fans what is called a “Timeless Ticket,” promising them a seat to any home game, including th World Series. However, it was revealed that the “best seat available” is in the upper deck and standing-room-only sections, which has caused a lot of backlash.
The Brewers not offering best available seats for the Timeless Ticket folks is so bad. Once Misiorowski has his Debut Patch, they will have the most pathetic offer we have ever seen
— Steven (@cashmahne) October 20, 2026
For people not understanding Timeless Ticket holder frustrations, this sums it up pretty well. Brewers offered seats behind home plate in 2018 for a potential World Series. In 2026 we were ONLY offered nosebleeds or standing room only.
— jweis (@jweis1985) October 20, 2026
Two Kenosha brothers who paid $1,000 each for a Milwaukee Brewers "Timeless Ticket" more than a decade ago say the team isn’t fully honoring the promise that came with it — the chance to sit in the best available seats for a game as big as the World Series. More at the link in o https://t.co/u7RpUnhmy2
— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) October 20, 2026
I’ve said this before. In NO scenario did a #Brewers fan think they were purchasing a Timeless Ticket 12 years ago with an upper deck 400-level ticket in mind. Quite honestly, they should be given the SSH price to purchase the extra tix. #WinOurWay
— Dale Ryman (@DaleRyman_WSAW) October 20, 2026
This is DISGUSTING behavior by the Brewers SPITTING in the face of their very loyal fanbase EVERYONE. And I mean EVERYONE. Should be rooting for the Rays.
— 🅱️🚂 (@blakecowellx) October 20, 2026
Really bad look for the #Brewers
— NW Country (@NWcountrymusic1) October 20, 2026
Here is an interview from a ticket holder with a reply from another fan who also had issues getting a better seat choice.
@ScottFriedman3 @Brewers @dfoch23 Getting same treatment. My family has 4 tix and we did not redeem as we were told the 400 section or SRO were the only seats being allocated by Brewers. Only 1 of the 1,000 tickets were redeemed prior to this World Series per ticket agent. Shameful.
— K Deat (@KEVINDEATOsogc) October 17, 2026
Here is what the original offer says: “The Timeless Ticket and any additional purchased tickets may be redeemed for the best available seat location(s), subject to ticket availability at the time of redemption.”
For now, it remains to be seen if the Brewers will make any changes. Game 1 is on Friday night at American Family Field.
Wizards reveal key AJ Dybantsa injury update ahead of season opener
The Washington Wizards host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in their season opener, but No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa won’t be playing.
On Tuesday, head coach Brian O’Keefe revealed that Dybantsa is out for the opener and is considered day-to-day after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason finale.
AJ Dybantsa (ankle) will not play in Wednesday’s season opener, Brian Keefe said. Dybantsa is considered day-to-day after that, Keefe said.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) October 20, 2026
Dybantsa played just one season of college basketball for the BYU Cougars, and the debate was whether or not he or Kansas star Darryn Peterson would be the top pick in the draft.
Dybantsa said after his preseason debut that he wanted to continue to make an impact on the defensive end, something he didn’t do very much in college.
In the preseason finale, Dybantsa played just 14 minutes, scoring 12 points before leaving the game with an injury. He had double digits in points in every preseason game and was on his way to a preseason high before suffering the injury.
AJ Dybantsa injured his ankle on this play Dybantsa limped into the locker room 💔 https://t.co/FAWx312K03
— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) October 17, 2026
The next chance for Dybantsa’s NBA debut will be on Friday when the Wizards host the Toronto Raptors, and then they travel to Illinois to face the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.
Kendrick Perkins gets brutally honest on Celtics’ NBA title hopes
Can the Boston Celtics make an NBA Finals run even without Jaylen Brown?
Former Celtics big man Kendrick Perkins certainly doesn’t think so, and he let his feelings be known during an episode of “First Take” ahead of NBA Opening Night.
“Hell no,” Perkins said when asked if the Celtics are contenders. “No. They don’t have the personnel. Jayson Tatum is on the clock…Jayson Tatum is one of those guys who is under the most pressure.”
"Hell no." —@KendrickPerkins on the Celtics being contenders this season 😳 https://t.co/N33YbFRRFD
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 20, 2026
Perkins even said the Celtics will make the postseason in the play-in tournament.
Boston traded away superstar Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and more. The Celtics also signed former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, so they still have a talented roster despite Brown’s departure.
Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, the Eastern Conference seems to be a toss-up. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even said in September that he doesn’t view the LeBron James-led Philadelphia 76ers as a top-6 team in the East.
The New York Knicks are fresh off an NBA title, but none of the 15 ESPN experts picked them to repeat this season.
Despite all of that, Perkins still doesn’t view Boston as a title threat. The Celtics begin the season on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich.
Giants release former first-round pick after five games
Najee Harris’ time with the New York Giants has come to an end after he appeared in just five games this season.
On Tuesday, the Giants released Harris, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Harris, who was selected at No. 24 overall in 2021 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, rushed for just 9 yards on 31 carries for New York.
Source: The #Giants are releasing RB Najee Harris, another RB shakeup. https://t.co/N9C5GIIpeh
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 20, 2026
Harris spent the first four seasons with the Steelers before signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025. However, he suffered an eye injury in a Fourth of July fireworks incident that held him back for the preseason.
Harris then tore his Achilles in just his third game with LA, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
After Harris signed with the Giants, he stated he had a lot to prove, but he wasn’t able to find much success and was in a crowded RB room.
Harris had just been named the RB1 for the Week 6 game against the New Orleans Saints after Cam Skattebo was demoted due to ball security issues.
However, Harris had just 4 carries for 2 yards, and it was Tyrone Tracy Jr. who had the most carries with 6, although he had just 18 yards rushing.
Harris had also expressed frustration at the plan for the RB room, and now he is headed elsewhere after a short run with the Giants.
Titans release player following incident at team facility
Veteran defensive lineman Jordan Elliott’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans has come to an end after just five games.
On Tuesday, the Titans announced that Elliott has been released after an “incident at our team facility.”
Statement from the @Titans on DL Jordan Elliott. https://t.co/blH9LdpFrt
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 20, 2026
The team said there was an incident on October 15, and Elliott missed Friday’s practice for personal reasons and he also didn’t play in Sunday’s win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Elliott signed a two-year, $8 million deal with the Titans this offseason. He entered the league with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Elliott then spent four seasons with Cleveland before playing the previous two with the San Francisco 49ers, where he started 29 games.
New Titans head coach Robert Saleh had spent the previous two seasons with Elliott in San Francisco, where Saleh served as the team’s defensive coordinator.
This is a bit of a blow for the defense, and Elliott had done a solid job as a run stopper. In his absence against the Colts, it was second-year player Nazir Stackhouse who stepped in, and he also impressed after spending 2025 with the Green Bay Packers.
As of now, no further information has been reported about Elliott’s incident.
Bills make a move on two-time Pro Bowl cornerback
The Buffalo Bills are running it back with a fan favorite.
The team announced on Monday that it signed veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White to its practice squad.
This is White’s third stint with the Bills, who selected him in the first round (27th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He suited up for the team from 2017 through the 2023 season, earning two Pro Bowl selections and a first-team All-Pro nod during that span.
White signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 but was traded to the Baltimore Ravens within months. He reunited with the Bills on a 1-year, $3 million contract in 2025.
A torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023 have taken a toll on White’s on-field abilities, but he could still help move the needle for Buffalo’s defense.
The Bills are 5-1 after six weeks in the 2026 NFL season. Only Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have a better record than Buffalo in the AFC, but the Bills aren’t without weaknesses. Their defense has been a glaring issue, allowing 171 points in total, the most in the NFL.
The 31-year-old White, who led the league with six interceptions in 2019, has 19 career interceptions and 83 passes defended in 109 games.
Auston Matthews makes a strong statement on Gavin McKenna after rookie’s game-winner
Gavin McKenna came to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ rescue on Monday, helping his team beat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
His third-period game-winner and overall demeanor have seemingly left a positive impression on another former No. 1 overall pick.
“He’s not shy at the moment at all. I think if you give him a little bit of time and space like he had there, he’s gonna make something happen, and he did,” Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews said of McKenna while talking to reporters after the game.
McKenna, the No. 1 overall pick by Toronto in the 2026 NHL Draft, was benched in a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres, but appears to be responding positively.
“He’s been fine these last couple of games, and even what happened a couple nights ago, that stuff doesn’t shake him,” Matthews added. “He just keeps turning away, and it’s impressive.”
Thanks largely to McKenna, the Maple Leafs snapped a three-game losing skid and improved to 4-4-2. Matthews also had a hand in Toronto’s success, lighting the lamp on the man advantage and recording two assists, including a helper on McKenna’s goal.
On the season, McKenna has three goals and three assists.
H/T Leafslatest
Freddy Peralta had a great message for Milwaukee after winning ALCS MVP
It has been quite a ride in 2026 for Freddy Peralta. He began the year by being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the New York Mets in January, and he’s now just days away from facing his former team in the World Series.
Peralta has played a major role in the Tampa Bay Rays’ success in the 2026 MLB playoffs, even earning American League Championship Series MVP honors after helping his team eliminate the Cleveland Guardians with a 7-3 win on Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.
No one would have guessed in January that Peralta would be preparing to face the Brewers in the Fall Classic several months later.
Either way, he remains thankful for his time in Milwaukee.
“Milwaukee is the team and the city that gave me the opportunity to make my dreams [come true], and also, Milwaukee is going to be always in my heart,” Peralta said, via Jake Rill of MLB.com. “But it’s time now to compete. I’m grateful to be here, and excited to go.”
The 30-year-old Peralta has made four total appearances so far in the 2026 postseason, including three in the Guardians series. During the ALCS, he went 2-0 and allowed only an earned run on nine hits through 12 innings.
Peralta, who led the National League with 17 wins with the Brewers in 2025, was traded to the Rays by the Mets in August.
Ben Simmons’ injury triggers a significant development
Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback ended before it could officially begin.
Just days before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, the former NBA Rookie of the Year Award winner was ruled out for the entire campaign with an Achilles tear he suffered during practice on Sunday.
Sacramento signed Simmons to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in September, sparking excitement among fans about the former LSU Tigers star’s return to the NBA after missing the entire 2025-26 season.
But even with Simmons facing a long journey to recovery from his injury, the Kings are expected to keep him.
As John Hollinger of The Athletic pointed out, Sacramento is unlikely to release Simmons because of a salary continuation rule.
That provision states that players on non-guaranteed contracts who are injured must be paid until they recover. Simmons’ deal with the Kings is guaranteed for only $1 million, but the salary continuation rule means the team will have to pay him his full salary whether it keeps him or not.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Simmons last played in a non-preseason NBA game during the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He has career averages of 13.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists with a 55.8% shooting from the field across 383 games (344 starts).
James Harden is not ruling out a drastic move after he retires
James Harden and his beard are one of the most recognizable duos in basketball, but there might come a time when he’ll get rid of his facial hair.
The Cleveland Cavaliers veteran guard isn’t ruling that out, but for now, he’ll keep his iconic look as he continues his basketball career.
“I’m definitely going to keep it while I’m playing basketball, honestly, like once I am away from the cameras, you know, all the time then I can figure out if I wanna try to cut it and see what that looks like, but for now, for sure, until I’m retired, I’m keeping this beard,” the 11-time NBA All-Star Harden said of his beard in a recent interview posted by the league on X.
"Until I’m retired, I’m keeping this beard." James Harden is known for his iconic beard… but is it here to stay forever? 🤔 @JHarden13 begins his first full season with the @cavs next Thursday (10/22) vs. the 76ers at 7pm/et on ESPN! https://t.co/l2NxeUNnqV
— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2026
It’s difficult for most basketball fans to conjure up an image of Harden without his beard. One of his nicknames is “The Beard,” which essentially sums up everything one has to know about how important his beard is to his identity on the court.
The former Arizona State Sun Devils star, who turned 37 in August, probably still has a few years left before calling it a career, so we may have to wait a while to find out whether he would actually shave it all off after hanging up his sneakers.
Harden and his beard will make their appearance for an 18th season in the league, beginning on Thursday, when the Cavs play LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa.
