Victor Wembanyama receives bold claim from Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce knows a thing or two about superstar basketball players, and he has now dropped a big claim about San Antonio Spurs sensation Victor Wembanyama.
Following the Spurs’ Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, Pierce called Wembanyama the “most complete player in the history of the game” during an episode of “No Fouls Given.”
“He is the most complete player we’ve ever seen play the game. Like, we can talk about Bron, Jordan, Joker but he is the most complete player in the history of the game.” –@paulpierce34
— No Fouls Given (@NFGShow) May 13, 2026
Full episode: https://t.co/hSvVsZc9xj pic.twitter.com/GVAqyFVCDD
Wembanyama is in his third season in the NBA after he was selected first overall in 2023, and he is just 22 years old.
Yet, Wembanyama became the first-ever unanimous winner of the Defensive Player of the Year award this season.
Wembanyama made waves with 12 blocks in Game 1 of the series against Minnesota, although fans questioned why some of them weren’t called goaltending.
Still, Wembanyama averaged 25 points with 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in the regular season, and the Spurs star already is averaging 20.4 PPG with 11.2 rebounds and 4.2 blocks in the postseason, so he could be on his way to being the most complete player of all time.
To go further, Shaquille O’Neal called Wembanyama the “first perfect big man” the game has seen, and that’s quite a compliment coming from Shaq.
The Spurs are up 3-2 and face the Timberwolves on Friday with a chance to punch a ticket to the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Tracy McGrady lands a new job in college basketball
Tracy McGrady is a seven-time All-Star and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and he has now landed a job in college basketball.
McGrady has been named the strategic advisor for the Wagner men’s basketball program, which means he is in charge of basketball operations, recruiting and NIL efforts.
The school made it official on Wednesday, and ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news.
Naismith Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady has taken a role with Wagner College as strategic advisor for the men's basketball program, joining his son Laymen who committed to the team, per ESPN sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2026
McGrady will lead Wagner's basketball operations, recruiting and name, image and…
According to the statement, Mcgrady has decided to waive his salary and work as a volunteer, and his son, Laymen, transferred to Wagner after spending the previous season at Oral Roberts.
Wagner head coach Dwan McMillan admitted the program is “humbled and honored” to have McGrady in this role.
Wagner went 14-17 in McMillan’s first season as a head coach, finishing eighth in the Northeast Conference (NEC).
McGrady joined NBC Sports in 2025 as a studio analyst, and this marks his first job in college basketball.
However, this has become more common as of late. Shaquille O’Neal was hired as the general manager for Sacramento State in 2025, and ex-Wizards star John Wall was just hired by Howard as the president of basketball operations.
Fans all have the same reaction to Alabama’s schedule update
Sunscreen could be flying off the shelves in Alabama ahead of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s 2026 season opener.
Alabama football announced on Tuesday that its first game of the new campaign against the East Carolina Pirates on Sept. 5 at
Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., will have a kickoff time of 11 a.m. CT.
The decision to start a game just before noon raised eyebrows and garnered plenty of reactions from fans online.
— Captainbc52 (@captainbc52) May 13, 2026
— Captainbc52 (@captainbc52) May 13, 2026
When is it going to finally occur to whoever is scheduling these games that you are in the South in September
— Hillbilly TomFoolery 🇺🇸 🥋 (@HillBillyEarls) May 12, 2026
Stop scheduling games during the day when it's 100°
It's not a difficult concept
— Waaaay Offsides Cotton (@AlafrigginBama) May 12, 2026
11AM? My spreadsheet just opened a 'tailgate vs brunch' column and is leaning tailgate… but I'll allow mimosas as a strategic asset.
— Elena Meier (@Elenadaydreams) May 12, 2026
Nevertheless, Alabama fans can be expected to fill the stadium, as the Crimson Tide look to make a huge statement right out of the gate of head coach Kalen DeBoer’s third season with the program.
Alabama football supporters who’ll brave the elements to catch the game in person should be able to come away happy with the result, given that the Crimson Tide and the Pirates are not on the same tier. That said, East Carolina won nine games last season, including a victory at the Military Bowl.
This game also gives Alabama a chance to redeem itself from a frustrating season opener in 2025, when the Crimson Tide took a Week 1 stumble against the Florida State Seminoles before finishing the campaign with an 11-4 record overall.
Former NFL QB sparks concern with a Patrick Mahomes question
The Kansas City Chiefs are on a mission to reclaim the NFL throne after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX and missing the playoffs in the 2025 season.
For the Chiefs to return to the top of the league, it is paramount that Patrick Mahomes be healthy and on the field in 2026.
However, former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck, while discussing the Chiefs’ apparent lack of offseason moves to address depth in the passing attack, raised concerns about Mahomes’ form once the quarterback returns from the season-ending injury he suffered late in the 2025 campaign.
“When he’s back, will he be the Patrick Mahomes that we remember?” Hasselbeck said during a recent appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live.
The Chiefs’ wide receiver room features the likes of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, and those names don’t inspire Hasselbeck. At the same time, Hasselbeck showed concern about whether Mahomes will be able to play like the old Mahomes after the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player went down with a torn ACL in a Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
But Mahomes is still just 30 years old, and there are many examples of players who have successfully returned and performed at a high level after such a setback.
In 2025, Mahomes passed for 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 14 games.
Paul Skenes had a moment with Oneil Cruz in the dugout after losing his no-hit bid
Paul Skenes pitched another gem on Monday, but it was not good enough for a no-hitter.
The Pittsburgh Pirates ace once again flirted with the rare pitching feat on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies, but his no-hit bid was broken in the seventh inning by Mickey Moniak in the seventh inning of the game at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oneil Cruz tried to dive for the ball to keep Paul Skenes’ no-hitter alive, but couldn’t get there in time to prevent Moniak from breaking up the reigning National Cy Young Award hurler’s bid for a no-hitter.
Cruz isn’t exactly known for his defensive prowess, even making headlines earlier in the season for his outfield miscues, but Skenes did not blame his teammate for the spoiled no-hitter. He even greeted Cruz in the dugout to let him know it was all fine.
All love from Paul Skenes to Oneil Cruz after his no hitter got broken up https://t.co/UxtyNski27 pic.twitter.com/97vwJ86uqr
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 13, 2026
Cruz can still feel good about his overall performance in the game despite missing out on a flyout. He scored two of the Pirates’ runs in a 3-1 victory, while going 3-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout.
Skenes left the mound after tossing eight scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts, while improving to 6-2 with a 1.98 ERA through nine starts in 2026.
Mets’ prospect makes history in MLB debut
Desperate for offense, the New York Mets called up top outfield prospect AJ Ewing ahead of their series opener against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y.
They got exactly what they wanted.
Ewing had a memorable MLB debut, hitting an RBI triple in the seventh inning for his first hit in the majors and finishing 2-for-2 with 3 walks. His walk with the bases loaded in the eighth frame extended the Mets’ lead on their way to a 10-2 win. In addition, he stole a base and just fell short of hitting a home run when he flied out to center field.
Ewing’s performance in his first game in the big leagues was for the books, as he became just the first player in MLB history to register 3 walks and hit a triple in his debut.
A.J. Ewing is the first player in MLB history with 3 walks and a triple in his debut
— Joe DeMayo (@PSLToFlushing) May 13, 2026
It’s not going to be like that every night for Ewing, but a player only gets one MLB debut, and he definitely made his one to remember, not just for himself, but also for the Mets fans who saw the team snap a two-game losing skid.
The Mets are hurting for runs this season, and even after their 10-run outburst against the Tigers, they are still 29th in the big leagues in runs scored and last in OPS.
But at least for one night, with a big hand from Ewing, New York felt like an offensive juggernaut.
Paige Bueckers leaves a 2-word comment on Napheesa Collier’s swimsuit photos
Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers couldn’t help but comment on Napheesa Collier’s swimsuit photos from the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The Minnesota Lynx star and former WNBA Rookie of the Year shared several of her photos from the SI issue on Tuesday via her Instagram account, and among those who reacted was none other than Bueckers.
“These ate,” the second-year WNBA guard commented, also adding a fire emoji.
It was a great gesture from Bueckers to the WNBA veteran, but she can’t expect Collier to take it easy on the Wings once the five-time WNBA All-Star is ready to give it a go again on the court.
The 29-year-old Collier remains sidelined while recovering from offseason surgery on her left ankle, but managed to turn heads by offering everyone a look at herself away from the hardwood.
Dallas and Minnesota will play each other three times in the 2026 WNBA campaign, with the first one coming on Thursday at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. Collier does not have a hard timeline for her return, but she could be available for the two games against the Wings in June.
Collier isn’t the only WNBA player in SI’s 2026 swimsuit issue, with Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham also serving as a model.
Corey Kispert reacts to Gonzaga teammate Brandon Clarke’s death
The Gonzaga Bulldogs community is in mourning after the shocking news of former Zags forward Brandon Clarke’s death on Tuesday.
Messages and tributes for the Memphis Grizzlies player after his passing have since poured in across different platforms, many on social media.
One of Clarke’s former Gonzaga teammates, Atlanta Hawks small forward Corey Kispert, was among those who offered thoughts on the late player.
“RIP. You’ll be missed BC,” Kispert wrote in a post via his official Instagram account.
Brandon Clarke’s former teammate Corey Kispert with a heartfelt tribute on his Instagram pic.twitter.com/QxRUxXPyL2
— Andrew Quinn (@andrewquinny) May 12, 2026
Kispert and Clarke played a season together with the Bulldogs. After two seasons with the San Jose Spartans, Clarke transferred to Gonzaga and redshirted the 2017-18 campaign. The following season, he helped Gonzaga win 33 games and reach the Elite Eight round of the 2019 edition of the NCAA Tournament. Clarke later declared for the 2019 NBA Draft, while Kispert stayed in Spokane for two more years.
Although he played only one season with Clarke, Kispert is clearly impacted by the untimely passing of his former teammate.
Clarke, who was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder but played all of his 309 NBA games with the Grizzlies, died at the age of 29, and the cause of his death has not yet been officially determined.
Victor Wembanyama claims Timberwolves were ‘rage-baiting’ him in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama was wary of any traps being set by the Minnesota Timberwolves during Tuesday’s Game 5 tussle.
The San Antonio Spurs superstar kept his cool amid a heated Western Conference semifinals matchup at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu tried to rile up Wemby just a few minutes into the contest.
The two exchanged words during a stoppage in play, with Wembanyama trying to laugh off the incident. Anthony Edwards also tried to get involved, but the scene never escalated.
Wembanyama was asked about the moment during his postgame press conference, when he shared how he read right through what he perceived as gamesmanship from Minnesota.
“I feel like the rage-baiting would have been one of their strategies,” Wemby told reporters. “I just feel like we need to stay composed as a team.”
The Spurs and Wolves are both bringing that playoff intensity. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QcJC07chea
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) May 13, 2026
Wembanyama got ejected in the first half of Game 4, which helped the Timberwolves tie the series in front of their home fans. The Spurs star threw an elbow above the neck of Timberwolves big man Naz Reid.
Reid also tried to instigate some extra-curricular action with a shove to Wembanyama in the second quarter of Game 5. Reid got called for a technical foul for the infraction.
Wemby let his play do the talking on Tuesday night, finishing with 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a 126-97 Spurs win.
San Antonio now has two cracks at making the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2017.
Joel Embiid linked to trade involving another All-Star center
The Philadelphia 76ers may be in the market for an All-Star big man not named Joel Embiid.
The Sixers saw their young star backcourt blossom this season. Tyrese Maxey turned into a viable first option, while VJ Edgecombe showed poise beyond what anyone would expect from a 20-year-old rookie.
Standing in the way of Philly’s next era are the gargantuan contracts of Embiid and Paul George. Embiid, in particular, is still owed nearly $111 million over the next two seasons with a $67.4 million player option for an additional year.
According to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, rival executives have been mentioning a potential Embiid trade to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, with both star centers needing fresh starts on different teams.
Fischer did describe the deal as a “longshot scenario” that may be seen as chatter more than any real trade talks. But with the 76ers firing longtime team president Daryl Morey, the team’s next decision-maker may push for a clean slate sans Embiid to begin his tenure.
Sabonis makes just shy of $50 million in each of the next two seasons, meaning the Kings would have to add some contracts back in any hypothetical deal.
Domas played just 19 games for the Kings last season due to a slew of injuries. His numbers dipped to 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists — his lowest in all three marks since the 2018-19 season. Sabonis led the league in rebounding in each of the three years prior, but has only played in one playoff series over the last seven seasons.
Former Dodgers, Red Sox standout hit with brutal news
Veteran MLB outfielder Alex Verdugo’s 2026 season is over before it even began.
Verdugo is reportedly set to undergo major shoulder surgery. According to San Diego Padres beat reporter Kevin Acee, the procedure is expected to sideline him for the rest of the year. The Padres, who signed Verdugo to a minors deal in the offseason, have decided to release him.
The 29-year-old was unable to play for the Padres or any of San Diego’s minor-league affiliates before the surgery was announced.
Outfielder Alex Verdugo has a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out the rest of the season and require surgery.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) May 12, 2026
He has been released by the Padres.
After signing a minor-league deal in March, he did not appear in any games for any affiliate.
It’s a tough break for Verdugo, who was once considered a rising star on some of MLB’s marquee franchises. He started his career as a top prospect with the Los Angeles Dodgers and later became the centerpiece in the trade to acquire Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox.
Verdugo had a tumultuous one-year stint with the New York Yankees in 2024, then played 56 games for the Atlanta Braves last season. His performance at the plate hit rock bottom in Atlanta, with a batting average of .239 and a slugging percentage (.289) lower than his on-base percentage (.296).
Verdugo did not hit a single home run in 2025 across over 200 plate appearances for the Braves. If there’s any consolation for him, the shoulder surgery may give him the mental and physical reset he needs to come back in 2027.
Cal Raleigh went to superstitious lengths to break his career-worst hitless streak
Cal Raleigh was willing to do whatever it took to finally get a hit, even if it meant having one of the strangest showers of his life before Tuesday’s game against the Houston Astros.
The Seattle Mariners catcher entered the contest mired in a 0-for-36 slump — by far the worst of his career. His first three plate appearances weren’t much better, as Raleigh walked, struck out, and flew out through the first five innings at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.
Before the game, Raleigh apparently took an unusual shower to try to shake off the stink that had followed him over the past couple of weeks. The Mariners star showered in full uniform the previous night, at the advice of starting pitcher Logan Gilbert.
Cal Raleigh, at the urging of Logan Gilbert, showered last night in full uniform to try end his slump. Whatever it takes.
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) May 13, 2026
Seattle ace Bryan Woo also confirmed Raleigh’s fully clothed shower.
Cal Raleigh took a shower in full uniform yesterday, per Bryan Woo.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 13, 2026
Whether the shower truly washed away Raleigh’s bad juju or just provided him with a mental reset, the tactic worked. Raleigh broke his 0-for-38 streak at the plate in the 7th inning with a sharp liner to right field.
Cal Raleigh snaps his 0-for-38 stretch with a base knock 👏
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) May 13, 2026
(h/t @TalkinBaseball_)pic.twitter.com/apOj9CyaW3
Raleigh doubled down with another single in the top of the 9th inning
Cripes, Cal Raleigh has done it again.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) May 13, 2026
That's two singles here late in Houston, after going hitless since April 27. pic.twitter.com/Wfe4R33n0d
Raleigh ended his night 2-for-4 with a walk and a strikeout. The numbers were commonplace for Raleigh during his MVP runner-up season in 2025. But with him batting well below the Mendoza line this season, his effort in Tuesday’s 10-2 win must have felt like an oasis in the desert.
Everyone said the same thing about Julius Randle after his Game 5 stinker
The Minnesota Timberwolves got a whole lot of nothing from Julius Randle in a critical contest Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs.
The T-Wolves desperately needed Randle to play like a second star to Anthony Edwards in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series at Frost Bank Arena in San Antonio, Texas. The visitors did not get that in a 126-97 road loss.
Randle’s box score numbers looked fine: 17 points and 10 rebounds on 6/17 shooting. But most of those numbers came in the fourth quarter, with the Spurs already having taken a commanding lead.
Entering the final period, Randle had just 8 points on 2/12 shooting from the floor. His absence was felt by the rest of the Timberwolves, who tried desperately to scratch and claw to stay in the game.
Many fans slammed Randle during and after Game 5 for being an inadequate No. 2 behind Edwards.
Julius Randle keeps going at Wemby in the paint everytime since game 1 like a gambling addict
— Russ' TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) May 13, 2026
I feel so bad for Anthony Edwards man. His second option is really Julius Randle
— ¹⁰ (@HoodiGarland) May 13, 2026
Julius Randle is the worst #2 on any playoff team by far. He's truly useless.
— TTW (@TailToWin) May 13, 2026
Some called for Randle to be outright replaced in the offseason, barring a miraculous comeback and title run by Minnesota.
Pretty safe to say that the Wolves need to upgrade their star power next to Anthony Edwards moving forward. Julius Randle was excellent in last season’s playoffs, he’s struggled in these. He’s a solid pro, fringe All-Star, but he can’t cut it as a second option next to Ant if…
— Damien Peters (@DamienPetersNBA) May 13, 2026
If Julius Randle is still on the team next season, the offseason is a failure
— Timberwolves Muse (@Wolvesmuse) May 13, 2026
Randle was facing similar criticism as a member of the New York Knicks. Despite a couple of banner regular-season campaigns in New York, Randle consistently faltered in the postseason.
Randle’s playoff struggles were partly what pushed the Knicks to trade Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns, who has ironically been thriving in a revitalized playmaker role with the Knicks this postseason.
Another Victor Wembanyama-Naz Reid incident in Game 5 sparks a technical foul
Victor Wembanyama and Naz Reid have had just about enough of each other at this point.
The San Antonio Spurs star Wembanyama and the Minnesota Timberwolves big man Reid got into it again during Tuesday’s Game 5. In the second quarter at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Wembanyama and Reid were jostling for position at the free throw line.
Wembanyama put his body weight into Reid, and Reid eventually responded by giving Wembanyama a shove out of bounds as the foul shot fell through the net. Because of the shove, Reid ended up picking up a technical foul.
Here is the video.
Naz Reid got hit with a technical foul for pushing Wemby here.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 13, 2026
Good tech or bad tech?pic.twitter.com/G8Vmkj3eqG
The two players, of course, had a major incident during Sunday’s Game 4 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. In the second quarter of that game, Wembanyama got irritated during a very physical battle for a rebound and threw an elbow that hit Reid in the throat area (see the video here). Wembanyama was given a flagrant 2 foul on the spot and ejected from the game as the Timberwolves ultimately beat the Spurs 114-109.
Minnesota’s gameplan this series is clearly to be physical with Wembanyama and try to get underneath his skin. It did not work during Tuesday’s Game 5 though as it was Reid who picked up a technical foul as the Spurs went on to lead by a convincing 91-73 score after three quarters.
Austin Reaves is being linked to 2 teams in free agency
Austin Reaves will have options from coast-to-coast as he hits free agency this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers star Reaves has known interest from both the Utah Jazz and the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report Tuesday by Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic. The report further notes that Reaves could command roughly $40 million a year on his next contract (but that both Utah and Atlanta would have to make roster moves in order to find the necessary space to sign Reaves).
Reaves will be the Lakers’ undisputed biggest priority this offseason. The homegrown swingman fully broke out in 2025-26, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game on 49/36/87 shooting splits.
With five career seasons under his belt, Reaves also has strong chemistry with Lakers superstar Luka Doncic. At 27 years old, Reaves fits the profile of a long-term co-star to Doncic as a player who can create off the dribble but can also operate off the ball and attack rotating defenses as No. 2 option.
Of course, there is plenty of risk when it comes to paying Reaves some $40 million per year. In particular, Reaves appeared in just 51 games this regular season due to injury and missed a majority of the Lakers’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets as well.
The Jazz went 22-60 this season but have oodles of upside with their young core that will be bolstered by the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft as well. Meanwhile, the Hawks are much closer to contention after going 46-36 and making the playoffs outright for the first time since 2021.
As for the incumbent Lakers, they will obviously have a built-in advantage with the ability to offer Reaves the most money as well as a fifth year on his contract. We even heard a couple of months ago that the Lakers might even be willing to pay Reaves significantly more than $40 million per year. (albeit as a perpetual second banana to Doncic).
Fans blast NBC for disrespectful move after moment of silence for Brandon Clarke, Jason Collins
NBC got an earful from disgruntled fans over an unfortunate broadcasting call following a tribute to Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins.
The NBA world on Tuesday was rocked by the tragic deaths of both Brandon Clarke, 29, and Jason Collins, 47. The league held a moment of silence for both former big men before tipoff of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
The Spurs held a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins. pic.twitter.com/Ui4jc37UOr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 13, 2026
Those watching via NBA League Pass were able to witness the tribute to Clarke and Collins, followed by an emotional rendition of the national anthem. Once the NBC broadcast went live, announcer Mike Tirico kicked things off with an ad read for DraftKings.
“Let’s take a look at tonight’s DraftKings playoff tracker,” Tirico said once NBC was live, as the broadcast showed a graphic with betting lines. “DraftKings, the No. 1 sports book for live betting to get in on the action. Download the app and use promo code ‘dunk’ when you sign up.”
Fans were not pleased with the move.
@NBAonNBC just interrupted a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins with a @DraftKings promo.
— Steve Mims (@SteveMimsPBC) May 13, 2026
Please give a moment of silence for Brandon Clarke and Jason Collins…
— Thunder Direct (@thunderdirect) May 13, 2026
GET DRAFT KINGS NOW AND PLACE YOUR BETS
moment of silence for brandon clarke and jason collins… now here’s a draft kings ad
— kill everybody 💔 (@dl0burna) May 13, 2026
It was likely a case of horrible timing for NBC, which probably had that ad read scheduled without knowing when the tribute would be shown in-arena. But it’s still a rough look for the broadcasting giant.
Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran, died after a lengthy battle with cancer. The death of Clarke, who battled injuries in his final years with the Memphis Grizzlies, remains under investigation.
Rockies player pulls a controversial move on Paul Skenes
Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Pirates-Colorado Rockies game sparked another debate over baseball’s unwritten rules.
Pirates ace Paul Skenes got the start against the Rockies at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. and was absolutely magical. He took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and ended up going eight shutout innings and striking out 10 batters as Pittsburgh beat Colorado by a final score of 3-1.
Skenes was on-point from the very first pitch he threw and even managed to strike out six Rockies batters in a row to start the game. But the seventh batter of the night, Colorado infielder Willi Castro, pulled a controversial move on Skenes.
During the first pitch of the at-bat in the third inning, Castro laid down a bunt to snap Skenes’ strikeout streak. While Skenes easily threw out Castro at first base, the Pirates crowd definitely did not like it and loudly booed Castro for the stunt. Here is the video.
Paul Skenes struck out the first 6 Rockies to start the game
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 12, 2026
Willi Castro ended the streak bunting on the 1st pitch pic.twitter.com/mROIygeXwm
On the one hand, Castro gave away an out there pretty quickly and was not quite bunting to break up a no-hitter (though Skenes did technically have a no-hitter at the time). But on the other hand, many fans saw Castro’s first-pitch bunt as a pretty weak move that may or may not have violated an unwritten rule.
Skenes did not look too upset about the play and even appeared to say “nice one” while smiling. But considering that the reigning NL Cy Young winner Skenes had a past no-hitter attempt that was also shrouded in controversy, fans were left feeling a little bit sore about Castro’s stunt there.
Notable update emerges on Deandre Ayton’s future
Deandre Ayton might end up being a one-and-done in L.A.
The Los Angeles Lakers center Ayton could potentially opt out of his contract with the team to test free agency this summer, Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported on Tuesday. The report notes that Ayton may try to find a bigger payday, either with the Lakers or elsewhere.
Ayton, the 27-year-old former No. 1 overall pick, played out this season with the Lakers on an $8.1 million contract. He also has an identical $8.1 million player option for next season but may feel like he has outplayed that figure.
Overall, Ayton was the Lakers’ single most polarizing player this season. He had his moments throughout the year, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in a low-usage role during the regular season before putting up 10.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game in the postseason.
But Ayton’s focus and effort waned down the stretch of the year, and he had some especially unflattering sequences during the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder that had fans slamming Ayton as the “worst player ever.” Even the Lakers seemed to agree to an extent, giving extra minutes to backup center Jaxson Hayes at the expense of Ayton as the series wore on (with OKC eventually winning in a four-game sweep).
In any case, Ayton is a seven-footer with a number of tangible skills, which is sure to make him a mainstay in the league for years to come. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be with the Lakers or with some other NBA team.
Bob Myers lands a big role with 1 new NBA team
Bob Myers is back working in an NBA front office (sort of).
The former NBA Executive of the Year Myers has landed a major role with the Philadelphia 76ers, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Tuesday. Myers will be tasked with leading the 76ers’ search for a new head of basketball operations and will be overseeing the franchise’s basketball department himself in the meantime.
This news comes with the 76ers having just decided to fire president of basketball operations Daryl Morey after six seasons in charge. Head coach Nick Nurse will reportedly remain in his role though, so the team will only have one big position to fill.
Myers, 51, served as general manager of the Golden State Warriors from 2012-23. He enjoyed an extremely successful run in the Bay Area that included four NBA championships, six total Finals appearances, and two Executive of the Year Awards in 2015 and 2017.
After formally stepping down from his position with the Warriors in 2023, Myers went into television analyst work for ESPN. Myers then went on to become the president of sports and venue management company Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HSBE).
In recent months, we had heard Myers’ name mentioned in connection with a prominent Western Conference team. But with HSBE serving as the managing entity of the 76ers (with namesakes Josh Harris and David Blitzer serving as the co-owners of the team), Myers is a easy and natural fit to lead basketball operations for the franchise in the interim here.
76ers make major decisions on Daryl Morey, Nick Nurse
The Philadelphia 76ers are shaking up the snow globe … but not quite entirely.
Philadelphia has decided to fire president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Tuesday. Charania does add though that the 76ers will be keeping head coach Nick Nurse in his position.
The move comes as the 76ers went a respectable 45-37 this season and even upset the Boston Celtics in the first round by rallying from a 3-1 deficit to win the series. But Philadelphia was then swept in the second round by the New York Knicks, continuing their streak of not making it to the Eastern Conference Finals for 25 years now.
Morey, the 53-year-old former Executive of the Year, had been in charge of the 76ers since 2020. But his reputation in Philly had taken a downward slide over the last couple of seasons thanks to some questionable moves (including giving out a max contract to Paul George and trading away Jared McCain for draft capital only). A recent report even claimed that the 76ers’ trust in Morey had completely crumbled.
As for Nurse, 58, he has been the head coach of the team since 2023. While Nurse, a former NBA champion coach, has gone only 116-130 (.472) in Philly and had his playoff strategy questioned this season, he has seemingly done just enough with a mismatched roster to be able to hold onto his job.
The 76ers will now be entering an uncertain offseason with a need to find a new head of basketball operations. But with franchise player Joel Embiid recently revealed to have been unhappy with the moves that the front office was making, firing Morey and keeping Nurse appears to be the team’s best course forward.
