The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing in Frank Vogel for an interview Thursday as part of their search for a head coach, according to the Los Angeles Times‘ Broderick Turner.
ESPN.com’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Dave McMenamin reported that Tyronn Lue had walked away from negotiations with the Lakers on Wednesday. Lue’s representatives balked at Los Angeles’ offer of a three-year, $18 million contract because they were “seeking a five-year deal with a salary commensurate with a championship resume.”
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not say when the House will vote to hold the attorney general in contempt, but did say that “there may be some other contempt of Congress issues” to raise at the same time. | Mark Wilson/Getty Images
House Democrats may wait to hold William Barr in contempt until they’re ready to target other Trump officials for obstruction.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested Thursday that the House could pursue contempt charges against multiple people in Donald Trump’s orbit — not just Attorney General William Barr — as Democrats look to overcome the president’s blanket effort to hobble their investigations.
Pelosi declined to provide a timeline for when the full House would vote to hold Barr in contempt of Congress for failing to provide the unredacted Mueller report, telling reporters there may be other related “issues” Democrats will want to handle simultaneously.
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“When we’re ready we’ll come to the floor,” Pelosi said, a day after the House Judiciary Committee approved the contempt resoluion. “And we’ll just see because there may be some other contempt of Congress issues that we might want to deal with at the same time.”
Pelosi’s comments indicate Democrats could wait weeks to take further action against Barr, while they determine whether other Cabinet officials are interfering with committee requests that range from accessing Trump’s tax returns to demanding details about the U.S. Census’ citizenship question.
“We’re not going to wait a few months, but I think we could wait a few weeks,” said Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.).
Democrats have also mused about holding former White House counsel Don McGahn in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over documents to the Judiciary Committee connected to his testimony to special counsel Robert Mueller. And they’ve chafed at Trump’s move to have his personal attorneys try to disrupt Democratic efforts to subpoena Trump’s financial information from Deutsche Bank, Capitol One and Mazars USA.
“Now we’re not even talking about isolated situations, we’re talking about a cumulative effect of obstruction that the administration is engaged in,” Pelosi said. “I support the path that our chairmen are on and I do believe that it will establish the case for where we go from here.”
Other Democrats have also talked in recent days about not moving to an immediate floor vote on Barr, saying it may be more advantageous to wait.
“Because the Trump administration has decided to do a blanket denial of all subpoenas, it’s not just affecting the Judiciary Committee, it’s affecting every committee that’s trying to get information on behalf of the American people,” Lieu said.
“We’re checking with other committees to see their timeline and if they’re also reasonably close to any contempt proceedings then we might just roll it all into one floor vote,” he added. “Intel, Oversight, Financial Services have all issued subpoenas.”
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, whose panel issued its own subpoena for the unredacted Mueller report on Wednesday, offered similar comments.
“A lot of these issues are coming to head in the various committees,” Schiff said on MSNBC Wednesday night.
“I think it would make sense to try to consolidate at least the date when we take up these contempt resolutions, if there are multiple resolutions, so they can be adjudicated at one time and we don’t take up time every week to re-litigate this.”
While Democrats are furious about Trump’s efforts to stonewall their oversight duties, Pelosi and other members of her leadership team are doing everything they can to rebuff internal demands to launch impeachment proceedings against the president.
Democratic leaders are also hesitant to use all their time on the floor to punish Trump administration officials instead of voting on their legislative agenda, which vulnerable Democrats are eager to tout back home.
Pelosi said while she agrees with House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) that the country is in a “constitutional crisis,” Democrats will not rush into impeachment proceedings against Trump based on political pressure.
“That’s just the way it is,” Pelosi said. “And it is going to be based on fact and law and patriotism, not partisanship or anything else.”
“Is this too much?” Carly Rae Jepsen asks on her new single, released on Thursday (May 9). But even if the lyrics speak to staggering self-consciousness — “Be careful if you’re wanting this touch / ‘Cause if I love you, then I love you too much” — CRJ heads can never have enough.
The slow-burning track new continues along the same languid path laid by previous singles “No Drug Like Me” and “Julien,” though its main concern is one of pesky self-doubt. “Party For One” this is not — instead, “Too Much” is an ode to uncertainty.
Aided by the same production duo behind “No Drug Like Me,” “Too Much” gives CRJ’s neuroses plenty of room to breathe on the sparse verses, ultimately yielding to a pensive trop-pop chorus that preserves the hesitancy of the lyrics. Like “Julien,” the most viscerally grooving 2k19 Jepsen cut, “Too Much” doesn’t build to a massive cathartic refrain, opting instead for a quieter presentation. Naturally, the one thing that’s certain here is that it sounds good.
“Too Much” is the fifth song Jepsen’s put out in advance of Dedicated, her fourth album set to drop on May 17. The singer told MTV News in March how she sifted through hundreds of recorded songs to arrive at a final tracklist for the album, something she also illustrated in a recent Rolling Stone interview.
“I rarely write a song and am like, ‘It’s done!,’” Jepsen said. “It’s sort of my passion and obsession in a way: late at night being like, ‘I found the lyric!’ I envy writers that are like, ‘I just wrote this and put it on the album.’ I’m like, ‘How do you sleep at night?!’”
With only eight days until Dedicated drops, is it wishful thinking to hope we get that intimate NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert before then? Until then, listen to “Too Much” above.
Mike Nelson’s weather forecasts on May 7, 2019 included more than powerful storm fronts, thick fog, and flurries of snow. The veteran meteorologist’s Denver television forecasts, delivered three times a day, flashed the planet’s current level of carbon dioxide — a potent heat-trapping gas — on the screen. This number, which is now flirting with a historically unprecedented 415 parts per million (ppm), is easily the highest it has been on Earth in at least 800,000 years, though it’s likely carbon levels are now the highest they’ve been in millions of years.
Unable to avoid the atmospheric realities they scrutinize each day, a growing contingent of meteorologists are now looking well beyond the 10-day forecast, to Earth’s troubling climate trends. They hold a powerful audience, as over half of Americans receive their news from television. But these forecasters are not simply referencing climate change; they’re regularly providing viewers with the cold, hard, and perhaps unpleasant facts, like record CO2 numbers.
“It’s important for us to get the right science out there,” said Denver 7’s Nelson, who then paused, and considered another reason why he’s presenting CO2 levels. “I’ve been doing it, increasingly, since the birth of my grandchildren.”
Mike Nelson’s Climate Calander graphic, including CO2 ppm.
Image: THE DENVER CHANNE / Mike Nelson
Just last month, another veteran forecaster, Miami’s John Morales, started presenting carbon dioxide numbers on air, too. Like Nelson, it’s not something he constantly drills during live broadcasts, at least not vocally. But Morales now shows the numbers each day, and references them when he can.
“The most important thing is that it stays front and center in people’s minds on a daily basis,” said Morales, between weather forecasts on NBC 6 in Miami.
“I’ve been doing it, increasingly, since the birth of my grandchildren.”
Though TV veterans, Morales and Nelson have altered their live reporting as they adapt to the changing climes. “Mike’s been on the air for a long time,” mused Morales. “We think similarly. We’re old school. But we’ve just taken it upon ourselves.”
These veteran, and to some legendary, forecasters have an advantage that many climate communicators don’t. They have profoundly reliable, trustworthy, recognizable faces that people have counted on for decades, through historic storms, drought, and flooding. “We are the scientists that the TV public sees,” said Bob Lindmeier, a Wisconsin forecaster for over 30 years. “For most of them, we’re the only scientists they have any connection with,” added Lindmeier, of ABC’s 27 News.
Like Nelson, Lindmeier has another poignant reason — beyond being a responsible weather communicator — for educating his viewers and the local community about the planet’s historically high carbon emissions. It’s his granddaughter.
“I’m concerned whether she’s going to be in a livable world,” said Lindmeier, who started speaking about climate implications on the air about three years ago. “I couldn’t look her in the face 20 years from now if I didn’t do everything possible to help make this a livable world.”
The up and coming forecasters
As Morales emphasized, it’s not just the seasoned forecasters like Lindmeier who are connecting the dots between carbon emissions and weather for their devoted viewers. There’s a younger breed of forecasters who can’t ignore today’s unfolding scientific and environmental realities, especially when they hit home in the form of worsening floods and long-term drought. It’s these newer forecasters, who have been on the air for a relatively junior five years or so, that have the strongest spines when speaking about climate science that — while nearly mathematically indisputable — still stirs tensions in many U.S. communities, explained Morales. “Doing something like this takes courage. Kudos to them,” he said, noting that it’s easier for a veteran forecaster to broach topics like climate change.
Elisa Raffa, a KOLR Channel 10 meteorologist in Springfield, Missouri, is one of these forecasters.
15 years of dreaming, 4+ years of studying, 2 cross-country moves, countless weathercasts, & a never-ending love for this job…
Raffa, though, has adopted a much different approach to on-air climate communication. Rather than regular CO2 numbers or climate signals, she has created entirely separate, in-depth news programs, delving into how changing climes have altered the local Springfield community. She reported a story, for instance, on how black vultures have crept northward as average temperatures have edged up. These voracious birds are now eating up liveyoung cattle, and costing farmers. “I find people are interested and eager to learn about climate change, especially when it has some local ties,” said Raffa, underscoring that these changes are unfolding now. “People think about polar bears and ice caps and problems for generations far from now, but we’re learning that’s not true.”
But when you don’t have the long-term, earned credibility from the likes of Morales, it can be tough to break out of pure weather forecasting and offer viewers the climate perspective. “When I first started I was intimidated by the fact that I was not a veteran. I’m not John [Morales] or Mike [Nelson],” she said.
Yet, her unique, quality, and somewhat unconventional climate programming is working. “She’s the most junior person in the station, but she is creating long reporting opportunities,” said Edward Maibach, a climate change communication expert at George Mason University.
“She’s been so applauded for doing this in a red state like Missouri,” added Morales.
The importance of numbers
Amid a disconcerting political climate wherein the Trump administration has publicly fostered climate science misinformation, any accurately disseminated climate information is valuable. But there are few stats so stark as Earth’s accelerated carbon dioxide levels. They’re now exceptionally high. For the past 800,000 years (at least), CO2 didn’t reach over 280 ppm. Today, we’ve already jumped some 135 ppm, and counting, above that geologic marker.
Things are way beyond normal, and the 800,000-year climate record is disputable. Scientists, like those at NASA, directly measure CO2 levels from ancient air trapped in ice cores.
“With a reliable 800,000-year record, it’s hard to argue,” said Lindmeier, noting that carbon levels skyrocketed when humans began the mass burning of fossil fuels. “The cause and effect is clearly obvious.”
Skyrocketing CO2 levels.
Image: scripps institution of oceanography
Today, researchers measure carbon dioxide levels in real time. These are the regularly updated numbers broadcast by Nelson and Morales. Beginning in 1958, a young scientist named Charles Keeling began to take CO2 measurements from the lofty, pure air atop Hawaii’s towering Mauna Loa. Carbon dioxide concentrations have been assiduously recorded ever since, and Keeling’s son, climate scientist Ralph Keeling, now heads the carbon dioxide recording program at the Scripps Institution for Oceanography. He’s pleased the continually rising CO2 numbers are getting prime time, weekday broadcasting.
“It’s great to educate people about the numbers — the numbers matter,” said Keeling, noting how truly out-of-the-ordinary today’s CO2 levels have grown, and continue apace. “There is something alarming about the incessant aspect of this. It’s pretty unusual in the course of history and the course of human civilization — it’s pretty weird.”
“The numbers matter.”
“And the consequences are not small,” Keeling added.
These consequences are now visible in local U.S. communities, like Denver, Miami, Springfield, and Madison.
“[Climate change] makes things that much worse,” said Nelson, referencing the well-predicted extremes to the hydrological, or water, cycle. “Your drought is going to be drier, your flash flood is going to be wetter.”
CO2 levels since the year 1700.
Image: scripps institution of oceanography
Wisconsin, for example, was recently hit with some “staggering,” rains and record flooding. This isn’t surprising, as a warmer atmosphere holds more water. It’s simple physics. For every 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming, the air can hold 7 percent more water. “That has led to an increase in extreme weather events,” said Madison’s Lindmeier.
Temperatures compared to average. Blues show below average temperatures.
Image: nasa
Temperatures compared to average. Yellows, oranges, and reds show above average tempertures.
Image: nasa
While a dour reality, it could be all the more reason for people to grow increasingly climate savvy, and supportive of efforts to slash society’s carbon emissions. “Ignoring the problem is certainly not going to be the right thing to do,” said Nelson.
Some respected meteorologists, at least, are doing their part. “There’s been a switch in broadcast meteorologists accepting the science and being willing to speak out,” said Lindmeier.
George Mason’s Maibach noted that, since 2012, there’s been a 33-fold increase inthe rateof TV forecasters’ reporting on climate change — though it’s likely even more. “We’re pretty sure we’re undercounting — we’re quite impressed with the increase in on-air reporting,” he said.
Still, Nelson encourages more weather forecasters to spread the scientific word, perhaps by displaying the planet’s skyrocketing carbon dioxide levels on the air. Or whatever means they choose.
“Embrace the fact that you’re a scientist,” he said.
Update: This article has been used as the basis for Episode Five of Mashable’s new podcast,Fiction Predictions. Listenhere.
The Simpsons has given us some of the best satire of the century — and it turns out it also predicted the Trump administration and the unprecedentedly weird timeline it would bring.
As the show enters its 30th season, it has managed to foreshadow plenty of random things that were to come. And, when it comes to politics, it somehow managed to churn out episodes that, in hindsight, forewarned us of the chaos that was to come under a Trump administration. Behold, the fortune told by an animated family.
A house divided
If nothing else, The Simpsons nailed how divisive elections can be with their 1990 episode, “Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish,” in which the family is split on gubernatorial candidates for Springfield’s state. But where it gets pretty on-the-nose in retrospect is how the episode played out.
The women of the Simpson family (Marge, Lisa, and, presumably, Maggie) supported Mary Bailey, a woman candidate who had lots of political experience and seemed to be the common sense pick. (She was the incumbent! She had run before!) While Homer and Bart backed perennial villain Montgomery Burns, an aging, ranting businessman who was running for purely selfish reasons (seeking to keep his nuclear plant open and his cash flow rolling).
Is there’s a better corollary for the 2016 election than this? If there is, I don’t want to know about it.
Throw in Blinky the three-eyed fish, who figures big-league into the plot, as a precursor to 2016 viral sensation Ken Bone and, well, there ya go.
Nuclear relations
In less than two years in office, Trump has already used his Twitter account to attack foreign leaders and amp up the threat of a nuclear war with North Korea. He’s also managed to rankle France, one of our oldest allies, with his bizarreon-again/off-again bromance with French president Emanuel Macron.
The Simpsons foretold not just a leader antagonizing another country into nuclear war but a fall-out with the French by combining them in the “The Homega Man” segment of their 1997 Halloween special.
In that short, Springfield’s Mayor Quimby has pissed off France with a joke about frogs — “I stand by my ethnic slur!” — and refuses to apologize or back down. The French retaliate by nuking the hell out of Springfield, with Homer as its only survivor.
Swap out France with North Korea (or maybe not with the way things are going) and it hits pretty close to home, weird movie trailer olive branch or not.
But The Simpsons takes those old political tropes and flips them on their head. Bart’s nemesis Sideshow Bob is a charismatic former TV star who becomes the Republican candidate for mayor and then uses optics and dirty tricks to steal the election from Quimby and wreak vengeance on those who opposed him (mainly, the Simpsons family).
Imagine this: A political party is facing an election where none of the main candidates electrify the electorate, and then one simple-minded outsider emerges whose campaign is treated like a joke until that candidate captivates the voters so the party shrugs, says “to hell with the party, let’s pick the winning horse,” and rolls with it.
It sounds a whole hell of a lot like the 2016 GOP primaries where the Republican Party swallowed its pride and discarded its spine by standing with Trump as the nominee despite his scorched earth campaign that saw him conquer party favorites like Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio.
It also sounds a whole hell of a lot like the 2008 episode “E. Pluribus Wiggum” where a witless Ralph Wiggum becomes the cause célèbre of Springfield’s “first in the nation” presidential primary and is wooed by both parties, with a particular menace saved for the Republican party.
I’m not saying Donald Trump and Ralph Wiggum are equals, but I’m not not saying it, either. After all, Ralph did say he wanted to this country great again.
No, really!
Of course, we never find out if Ralph, you know, won because this is The Simpsons where continuity is subject to the whims of the writers, for better or for worse.
Not for nothing, though, keep an eye out for the quick joke that involves Bill Clinton having to hammer up a Hillary Clinton sign which just drives it all home.
The holy, sacred anthem
While debates over one’s behavior during the national anthem at sporting events is a relatively recent development, The Simpsons tackled it in its own unique way in the 2004 episode “Bart-Mangled Banner.”
No, Bart accidentally mooning the flag due to a series of bizarre coincidences isn’t the same as Colin Kaepernick’s social justice protests. But the larger context around the debates are actually pretty similar.
In both cases, a hyper-sensitive reaction leads to a mob mentality that highjacks the reality of the situation. Just as the residents of Springfield are too blinded by misplaced rage to understand what, exactly, happened, Trump (and the base he whips up with his ludicrous comments on Kaepernick) loses sight of what Kaepernick’s protests are really about (social justice and police brutality against African-Americans), twisting those actions from expression of free speech into something akin to treason.
It’s wrapping yourself up in patriotism to a dangerous degree, one in which any sensible conversation is drowned out by over-wrought, misplaced jingoism.
The immigration battle
One of Trump’s biggest policies has been his anti-immigrant push, which has involved everything from a heated argument over the poem on the Statue of Liberty to the horrific policy of separating children from their parents.
The Simpsons tackled the issue in the 1996 episode “Much Apu About Nothing” in which a typical topsy-turvy Simpsons plot starts with a bear and ends up with Mayor Quimby blaming high taxes on “illegal immigrants.”
One turn leads to another and Kwik-E-Mart proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, whose visa has long since expired, is on the verge of being deported when Homer steps in and helps Apu get his citizenship.
Of course the debate over immigration in this country has been going on since even before The Simpsons, but there’s certainly something very Trumpian about the way Quimby stirs the populace into a frenzy and places the blame for the ills on immigrants both out of callousness and as misdirection. And Trump made immigration such a cornerstone of his campaign (“Build the wall!”) that it’s forever synonymous with him.
(It’s also hard not to bring the more recent debate over the problematic nature of Apu’s character and the stereotypes he portrays within the world of The Simpsons.)
The spy camera that saw it all
Okay, this one is not as deep as the others, but it’s hard not to see the parallels between the incident at the center of the 1990 episode “Homer’s Night Out” — Bart snaps a photo of Homer dancing with a stripper — and, well, plenty of Trump scandals.
The 2019 NFL draft ended more than a week ago, which feels like an eternity during the offseason. The internet has been overflowing with draft grades since before Round 7 ended. Winners and losers have been established. It’s time to forget about rookie draft classes until at least training camp, right?
Well, not exactly. While the draft is long over, teams have been in the process of acquiring rookies through free agency ever since. Though they won’t show up on many draft trackers, undrafted free agents are important pieces of prospect classes.
It doesn’t matter where, or even if, a player is selected—it only matters if they can play. Many undrafted rookies can do just that, and several will go on to have fruitful careers.
How has each team done gathering such talent so far? Here, you’ll find some of the most notable names signed by every franchise, along with overall grades based on class potential, team fits, team needs and value.
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A.J. RichardsonLoren Orr/Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals desperately need an influx of talent. Unfortunately, they haven’t found many immediate contributors via undrafted free agency. Former Boise State receiver A.J. Richardson may be the exception.
Richardson has good size for the position (6’0″, 212 lbs) and enough physicality to contribute on special teams. He also has decent hands and caught 54 passes for 825 yards and eight touchdowns in 2018. He’ll be a back-end receiver at best to start his career, though.
Former Arkansas defensive back Ryan Pulley and former Iowa State defensive back Brian Peavy may find spots as special teamers and could provide depth on the back end of the defense.
North Carolina’s William Sweet could be a project at offensive tackle, but he’s probably a long shot to make the final 53-man roster.
Grade: D
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Olamide ZaccheausGrant Halverson/Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons haven’t added many undrafted free agents who are likely to play early on, which is more of a testament to Atlanta’s overall talent than an indictment on its UDFA class.
Former Virginia wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, for example, would have a good shot of cracking the lineup on many other teams. He’s a smaller receiver at 5’8″ and 188 pounds, but he’s terrific after the catch and had 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018 alone.
Former Oregon running back Tony Brooks-James, on the other hand, could see early play. He’s versatile and can play on offense and special teams. In 2018, he rushed for 306 yards and averaged 26.1 yards per kickoff return.
Also, keep an eye on former Arkansas State guard Lanard Bonner. He’s a long shot to make the roster but could provide much-needed depth along the offensive line.
Grade: B-
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Jaylen SmithAndy Lyons/Getty Images
The gem of the Baltimore Ravens’ UDFA class is former Louisville wideout Jaylen Smith. In addition to being a 6’2″, 219-pound receiver who racked up 550 yards in 2018, he’s a former teammate of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s. The two have established chemistry, and it would be surprising if Smith doesn’t make the 53-man roster with ease.
Another player of note is former Miami defensive tackle Gerald Willis. He should have been drafted and was the No. 14 defensive lineman on Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller’s big board. “As a 3-technique prospect, he’s intriguing as a middle-round prospect who could hit and become a starter or at least contribute as a rotational pass-rusher,” Miller wrote.
Anyone who can contribute to the pass rush is valuable, especially since the Ravens lost both Za’Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs in the offseason.
This is why edge-rushers Darian Roseboro of NC State and Markus Jones of Angelo State are worth keeping an eye on.
Grade: A+
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David SillsDon Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Buffalo Bills made a smart move in adding former Buffalo Bulls quarterback Tyree Jackson after the draft. He’s a local kid and possesses the size (6’7″, 249 lbs) and skill set to mirror much of what starting quarterback Josh Allen can do.
Jackson has a good chance to be Allen’s long-term backup.
Former West Virginia quarterback-turned-receiver David Sills is also an intriguing addition. Allen needs weapons, and Sills is a playmaker. In 2018, he caught 60 passes for 980 yards and 18 (!) touchdowns.
The Bills likely got a high-end backup in former Texas A&M linebacker Tyrel Dodson, who produced 70 tackles, seven tackles for loss and one interception in 2018.
Grade: B+
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Corrion BallardYoung Kwak/Associated Press
The Carolina Panthers haven’t sought many undrafted free agents, but this is largely because they picked up several veterans from the defunct AAF, such as wideout Rashad Ross, defensive tackle T.J. Barnes and offensive tackle Brandon Greene.
“We signed so many of the AAF guys, so we don’t have as many undrafted rookies like we’ve had in the past,” head coach Ron Rivera said, per the team’s official website.
Two undrafted rookies to note are former Utah safety Corrion Ballard and former Georgia running back Elijah Holyfield.
Ballard should compete to provide depth on the back end of the defense, while Holyfield could emerge as a short-yardage complement to star Christian McCaffrey.
Grade: C
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Emanuel HallWesley Hitt/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears don’t have many needs, which is why the highlights of their UDFA class are project players—but two could prove valuable.
Former Notre Dame guard Alex Bars suffered a serious knee injury in 2018, which is likely why he went undrafted. There’s no telling exactly how well or how quickly he will recover, but the upside is there for Bars to develop into a quality NFL lineman. He’s a 6’6″, 312-pound blocker who started for two-plus seasons with the Irish.
Former Missouri wideout Emanuel Hall may also have the upside for a successful career. He posses sub-4.4 speed and could quickly emerge as a field-stretcher in head coach Matt Nagy’s offense.
“It could take time, but he has the size and speed to become a low-volume, high-impact WR2/WR3,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Hall.
On defense, Chicago may have added secondary depth with Appalachian State’s Clifton Duck and Nevada’s Jomon Dotson.
For a team that didn’t make a lot of actual draft picks, this UDFA class is a huge addition.
Grade: A+
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Stanley Morgan Jr.Darron Cummings/Associated Press
The Cincinnati Bengals may have found another weapon for head coach Zac Taylor’s offense in former Nebraska receiver Stanley Morgan. The undrafted wideout has the measurables (6’0″, 202 lbs) and proven production (1,004 yards in 2018) of a late-round draft pick. He could latch on as a fourth or fifth receiver.
The Bengals also added possible depth pieces for the offensive line, which was a need. Louisiana Tech guard O’Shea Dugas and Texas A&M guard Keaton Sutherland could both compete for backup jobs as rookies.
On the defensive side, former Michigan safety Tyree Kinnel has a chance to make the roster. He’s a solid 5’11”, 207-pound defender who could see early action on running downs and special teams.
Grade: B
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Jhavonte DeanMark Brown/Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns had a strong draft despite the lack of a first-round pick. However, their UDFA class is a little more lackluster.
Former Miami cornerback Jhavonte Dean is probably the gem of the bunch, and he was only recently signed after he shined as a tryout player in rookie camp.
“Anytime you are a factor, you kind of stand out,” head coach Freddie Kitchens said, per Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. “That is a good thing during this time of the year.”
Dean has a great nose for the football—he was tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season—and this got him a deal.
Former Boston College defensive end Wyatt Ray who could also stick on the roster as a situational pass-rusher. He had 9.0 sacks in 2018. Guys who can get to the quarterback will have a shot at making the final 53.
Purdue’s David Blough is an intriguing quarterback prospect, but he’s likely just a camp arm with Cleveland. Drew Stanton will back up Baker Mayfield for the foreseeable future.
Grade: C
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Daniel WiseJoe Robbins/Getty Images
The Dallas Cowboys added intriguing undrafted prospects who fill needs and have the polish to contribute soon.
Former Kansas defensive tackle Daniel Wise probably won’t start from day one, but he could become a rotational piece of Dallas’ dangerous defensive front.
“He lacks some of the needed playing strength throughout his 6’3″, 281-pound frame and has to develop fast and powerful hands to counter professional linemen, but he has traits to build upon,” Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller wrote.
Former Toledo wideout Jon’Vea Johnson could also emerge as a weapon. He has downfield receiving ability, as evidenced by his 20.6 yards-per-reception average in 2018.
Dallas’ offensive line could use depth, which is where Clemson’s Mitch Hyatt comes in. He’s a four-year starter who could quickly become one of the league’s better backups.
Grade: A+
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Brett RypienBrett Deering/Getty Images
Kudos to the Denver Broncos for taking a chance on quarterback Brett Rypien. They gave the Boise State product $146,000 guaranteed to land him, but he provides some security at the position.
There’s no guarantee that second-round pick Drew Lock will work out as a pro, and there’s no telling how many good seasons the 34-year-old Joe Flacco has in him. Rypien provides depth and potentially someone to challenge Lock for the future starting gig.
Former Pittsburgh fullback George Aston could become a starter at a position few NFL teams value. Denver does, though, so getting Aston as a free agent is terrific.
The Broncos also brought in Samford receiver Kelvin McKnight, who amassed an impressive 1,453 receiving yards in 2018. He could stick on the back end of the depth chart and has the potential to move into a significant offensive role.
Grade: A
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Beau BenzschawelAssociated Press
The Detroit Lions have a lackluster UDFA class. Former Wisconsin offensive lineman Beau Benzschawel is the lone highlight—though to be fair, his addition is impactful.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Benzschawel had offers from “more than 20” franchises. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Benzschawel work his way into a starting role over the next couple of years.
Former North Carolina defensive lineman Malik Carney is another player to watch out for. The Lions need pass-rushers, and Carney produced 11.5 sacks over the last two seasons combined.
Benzschawel and Carney could both make the team, though both may be purely depth players as rookies.
Grade: C+
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Yosuah NijmanAJ Mast/Associated Press
The Green Bay Packers’ UDFA class is not filled with immediate contributors.
Former Baylor defensive end Greg Roberts has potential as an edge-rusher, but he isn’t polished and hasn’t produced much (just 3.0 sacks in 2018). Former Arizona State quarterback Manny Wilkins is likely just a camp arm, though he could stick as a developmental quarterback.
This, obviously, hinges on how the Packers feel about backup DeShone Kizer.
Yosuah Nijman is an intriguing offensive tackle prospect, but he’s a project. His size (6’7″, 324 lbs) and physical ability could keep him on the roster, but he’s unlikely to play within his first couple of years.
Grade: C-
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Karan HigdonJoe Robbins/Getty Images
The Houston Texans added a few rookies of note after the draft, including former Clemson defensive tackle Albert Huggins. He could fit right into Houston’s defense as a penetrating interior lineman in a rotation.
Other possible rookie contributors include former Colorado linebacker Drew Lewis and former Akron edge-rusher Jamal Davis. The latter could become a valuable rotational player off the edge. He had 16.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 2018.
Fans hoping to see an improved rushing attack should love the addition of former Michigan running back Karan Higdon. He was often the centerpiece of the Michigan offense and rushed for 1,178 yards and 5.3 yards per carry in 2018.
Grade: A-
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Penny HartAndres Leighton/Associated Press
The Indianapolis Colts signed nine undrafted free agents during the week after the draft, including former Georgia State receiver Penny Hart.
Hart is the highlight of Indianapolis’ UDFA class, and he could be a legitimate offensive weapon in year one. He has the speed to stretch the field as a fourth or fifth receiver, and he brings ability as a return specialist. He averaged 19.9 and 17.6 yards per kick and punt return, respectively, in 2018.
Another player to keep an eye on is former Mississippi State cornerback Jamal Peters. The Colts need secondary depth, and Peters has the size (6’2″, 220 lbs) to match up with bigger receivers on the outside.
Maryland’s Damian Prince could provide depth at guard behind starters Quenton Nelson and Mark Glowinski.
Grade: B
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Joe Giles-HarrisGrant Halverson/Getty Images
The Jacksonville Jaguars largely focused on defense when signing undrafted rookies.
Former Duke linebacker Joe Giles-Harris could be a valuable addition. He’s instinctual and projects as a two-down run defender. In 2018, Giles-Harris amassed 81 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and a sack.
On the back end, Jacksonville could get a boost from Alabama cornerback Saivion Smith and former Michigan cornerback Brandon Watson. While neither were standouts in college, both bring big-program pedigree.
Offensively, the Jaguars may have found something in former Marshall receiver Tyre Brady. He had 71 receptions for 1,002 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018.
Grade: A-
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Mark FieldsDarron Cummings/Associated Press
The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need to improve a defense that allowed 405.5 yards per game last season, second-most in the NFL. This is why undrafted free agents such as Clemson cornerback Mark Fields have a chance to make the team.
Fields was not a major piece of the Clemson defense in 2018, but he did a solid job in coverage when targeted. Though he only had seven tackles, he also had five pass breakups. He could catch on as a nickel or dime corner early.
Former Texas linebacker Gary Johnson could also find a home on Kansas City’s defense. He’s an aggressive defender with penetrating ability—he had 90 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2018.
The Chiefs are also still trying to replace Kareem Hunt at running back, which is why former Washington State running back James Williams could be valuable. He’s a tremendous receiving back who caught 83 passes for 613 yards and four touchdowns last season and could be a dangerous piece in Andy Reid’s offense.
Grade: A
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Daniel HelmLance King/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Chargers have mostly targeted depth in undrafted free agency, which isn’t surprising. L.A. has few holes.
Former Duke tight end Daniel Helm and former Michigan State tight end Matt Sokol could compete for playing time behind Hunter Henry and Virgil Green, but neither is likely to be a significant piece of the offense.
Former Syracuse offensive tackle Koda Martin has tremendous size for the position (6’6″, 304 lbs) but is a project. At best, he’ll compete to provide depth on the right side—the one offensive line spot that isn’t settled.
Grade: C-
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Marquise CopelandMarcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press
The Los Angeles Rams’ UDFA class doesn’t include any potential starters, which is fine since the roster doesn’t have much room for them. The Rams grabbed some possible rotational players, though.
Former Cincinnati defensive lineman Marquise Copeland has the size (6’2″, 281 lbs) and ability to play end and tackle, and he could work his way into the rotation. He’s an attacking lineman—not a block-eater—and in 2018, he produced 50 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks.
Former Texas State tight end Keenen Brown could find a role as a move piece in head coach Sean McVay’s offense, though he’s probably practice-squad material for year one.
Villanova’s Brandon Hitner is a physically intriguing prospect at 6’6″ and 305 pounds, and he could be a nice developmental lineman.
Grade: C+
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Deion CalhounJonathan Bachman/Getty Images
The Miami Dolphins are beginning yet another rebuild, and some of their undrafted rookies could be part of the process.
Former Colorado State receiver Preston Williams should have a chance of earning a spot among the lackluster receiving corps. The Dolphins don’t have many real playmakers at receiver, and Williams caught 96 passes for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
The Dolphins also need to bolster their depth and talent along the offensive line, which makes the addition of former Mississippi State guard Deion Calhoun quite attractive.
Defensively, former New Mexico State linebacker Terrill Hanks could provide a boost. He had 101 tackles last season and might be the kind of sideline-to-sideline defender Miami needs at the second level. Northwestern cornerback Montre Hartage could also provide a boost to the defense and special teams.
Grade: A
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Jake BrowningAlika Jenner/Getty Images
As is the case with the Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings’ UDFA class is highlighted by an intriguing quarterback. Minnesota scooped up former Washington signal-caller Jake Browning, who could provide insurance if Kirk Cousins doesn’t pan out as the team’s franchise quarterback.
The Vikings gave Browning $140,000 guaranteed, which suggests they think he might stick around.
Running back Khari Blasingame is another name to watch, as the Vikings are trying to find a reliable complement to the oft-injured Dalvin Cook. Blasingame is more of a fullback type, but his 6’0″, 233-pound frame could make the Vanderbilt product a solid short-yardage back.
Grade: C-
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Malik GantJoe Robbins/Getty Images
The New England Patriots added a number of rookies after the draft, including former UAB receiver Xavier Ubosi and former NC State wideout Jakobi Meyers. Receiver is probably the biggest area the Patriots targeted in undrafted free agency, and one or both of these two could stick.
Meyers, in particular, is intriguing as an outside possession target. He’s a 6’2″ pass-catcher who hauled in 92 balls for 1,047 yards and four touchdowns in 2018.
On defense, former Marshall defensive back Malik Gant has the tools to contribute as a rotational player. He’s a strong tackler—he had 95 stops in 2018—and could see early play as an extra safety on running downs.
There isn’t anything overwhelming about New England’s UDFA class, but one or two guys could make the final roster.
Grade: C+
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Devine OzigboNati Harnik/Associated Press
The New Orleans Saints didn’t go into the draft with many needs, which is fortunate since they didn’t have a first-round selection and only made five picks. But the team added a number of potential contributors after the draft.
Former Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo is one to watch, as his physical running style could help the offense overcome the offseason loss of Mark Ingram II. Former Ohio Bobcat AJ Ouellette has a similar physical running style and was granted a tryout with the team.
Wyoming defensive end Carl Granderson could make an early impact as a situational pass-rusher if he sticks. He had 11.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Utah product Chase Hansen, who had 114 tackles in 2018 alone, could also catch on as a reserve linebacker.
Don’t sleep on Monmouth tight end Jake Powell either. Though he only had 165 yards receiving in 2018, he’s an athletic 6’6″ tight end who could develop into an offensive mismatch.
As an established title contender, New Orleans doesn’t have many roster spots to give out, but there are a few players with the potential to take one.
Grade: A
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Paul AdamsDonald Page/Getty Images
The New York Giants are still taking flak for selecting Duke quarterback Daniel Jones at No. 6. That’s fair. However, general manager Dave Gettleman also deserves credit for addressing needs in post-draft free agency.
Former Missouri offensive tackle Paul Adams and former Buffalo center James O’Hagan could both emerge as quality rookie backups and potential starters down the road.
While former Monmouth receiver Reggie White Jr. won’t replace Odell Beckham Jr., he does have the talent to crack the 53-man roster. The 6’3″ receiver hauled in 71 passes for 1,133 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018.
White should have a chance to become New York’s fourth or fifth receiver.
Grade: A
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Greg DortchChuck Burton/Associated Press
The New York Jets haven’t added many undrafted free agents who are likely to contribute as rookies. The exceptions are former Wake Forest wide receiver Greg Dortch and former Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore.
Dortch has the talent to earn a spot in New York’s offense. He’s undersized at 5’7″ and 173 pounds, but he’s quick, shifty and has sticky hands. He caught 89 passes for 1,078 yards in 2018 and could emerge as the Jets’ fifth receiver as a rookie.
Moore isn’t likely to see a significant role as long as offseason acquisition Le’Veon Bell remains healthy. However, he’s good at finding space in traffic and could spell Bell in short-yardage situations—which is great if the Jets don’t want to give the star back 400 touches per season. Moore rushed for 1,037 yards and 5.7 yards per carry in 2017.
Undrafted guards Wyatt Miller and Tyler Jones could compete to provide depth along the offensive line.
Grade: B-
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Keelan DossDon Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Oakland Raiders are another rebuilding team. With a draft class that includes three first-round picks—not to mention the offseason acquisitions of Antonio Brown, Ty Williams and Lamarcus Joyner—the stage is set for things to turn around quickly.
The Raiders also added some undrafted rookies who could help move along the process. Former UC Davis receiver Keelan Doss, who was coached by Jon Gruden at the Senior Bowl, tops the list.
Doss is a 6’3″, 213-pound pass-catcher who racked up 118 receptions, 1,334 yards in 2018. He’ll likely start low on the depth chart, but there is a place for him in the offense. He is an absolute steal as a free agent.
The Raiders also have some pieces who could contribute defensively in Notre Dame linebacker Te’von Coney and South Carolina cornerback Keisean Nixon. Given the struggles Oakland had on defense at times in 2018—it allowed a league-high 29.2 points per game—it wouldn’t be a shock to see either carve out regular-season roles on defense.
Grade: A
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Ryan BatesMichael Hickey/Getty Images
The Philadelphia Eagles appear to be in the market for guard depth. They added three quality interior linemen—Penn State’s Ryan Bates, Weber State’s Iosua Opeta and Stanford’s Nate Herbig—and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see at least one of them crack the roster.
Herbig, in particular, looks capable of carving out a lengthy NFL career.
“Herbig is a future starting guard, but his physical deficiencies could make him a more up-and-down performer than celebrated starter,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote.
Philadelphia also found a gem in former Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards. He was a four-year starter who racked up 112 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions in 2018. He could land a significant backup role as a rookie and eventually move into the Eagles’ starting lineup.
Grade: A-
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Fred JohnsonDon Juan Moore/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ UDFA class is underwhelming but may include a couple of solid backups, including former Florida offensive tackle Fred Johnson.
“Johnson flashes an impressive ability to keep rushers in front of him with a stiff punch and adequate balance in his mirror. He has day three, backup potential,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote.
Former Texas defensive tackle Chris Nelson could also grab a roster spot. He has decent size (6’1″, 298 lbs) and is physical enough at the point of attack to get sporadic playing time while spelling nose tackle Daniel McCullers.
Running back Travon McMillian is another player to watch, as the Steelers continue to try to replace Le’Veon Bell. The Colorado product has the size (5’10”, 210 lbs) to be a punishing inside runner on short-yardage downs.
Grade: C
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Azeez Al-ShaairJoel Auerbach/Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers haven’t added many notable undrafted free agents, which is surprising given the fact that they’re still in the early stages of a rebuild.
Former Florida Atlantic linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is the highlight of the group, as he has some pass-rushing ability and a connection with pass-rush-specialist coach Chris Kiffin. Kiffin was FA’s defensive coordinator in 2017, a year in which Al-Shaair had 146 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss.
Former Penn State defensive lineman Kevin Givens has upside but faces a crowded depth chart. Former Iowa guard Ross Reynolds could crack the 53-man roster as a backup and developmental player.
San Francisco should have been more aggressive on the UDFA market.
Grade: D
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Montez IveyPhelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press
The Seattle Seahawks offensive line isn’t quite the disaster it was a couple of years ago, but there is always room for improved talent and depth. The Seahawks’ undrafted class may provide both, as two quality prospects—Florida’s Martez Ivey and Ohio State’s Demetrius Knox—landed with the team.
Former Baylor cornerback Derrek Thomas could earn a spot on the other side of the ball. He’s more of a developmental prospect, but the 6’3″, 192-pound defender has the kind of physical upside that might land him a future with the franchise.
Texas’ Davante Davis is another long (6’2″) corner who fits the Seattle mold. Both he and Thomas could produce early as reserve defenders and special teams standouts.
The Seahawks aren’t in dire need of additional talent, so if even two or three of their undrafted rookies remain in the regular season, this has to be viewed as a strong class.
Grade: A
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Anthony JohnsonGregory Shamus/Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers potentially filled two offensive needs with their undrafted signings.
Former Buffalo wide receiver Anthony Johnson has the goods to replace Adam Humphries as Tampa’s No. 3 receiver. He’s a 6’2″, 209-pound pass-catcher who racked up 2,367 yards over the last two seasons. He also seems to thrive on proving his worth.
“Guys didn’t think I had that much potential,” Johnson said, per Nick Filipowski of WIVB.com. “Getting to Buffalo just made me work harder.”
The Buccaneers also addressed their backfield by adding North Dakota State’s Bruce Anderson. He’s a 210-pound bruiser who averaged a whopping 7.5 yards per carry in 2018.
Former Fordham tight end Isaiah Searight could also help boost Tampa’s offense. He’s a bit of a project, but the 6’2″, 242-pound pass-catcher could emerge as a solid complement to O.J. Howard in two-tight end sets.
Grade: A-
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Alex BarnesDarron Cummings/Associated Press
The Tennessee Titans shouldn’t view running back as a primary need with Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis on the roster. However, the signing of former Kansas State running back Alex Barnes could be a real find.
Barnes is a 226-pound back with 4.59 speed who could spell Henry in short-yardage situations.
Former North Carolina Tar Heel Anthony Ratliff-Williams could also prove valuable as both a receiver and returner. In 2018, Ratliff-Williams caught 42 passes for 689 yards. He added 598 yards on 28 kick returns.
On defense, the Titans added projects with upside, such as Boston College cornerback Hamp Cheevers and Sam Houston defensive lineman Derick Roberson.
Tennessee has a solid UDFA class, but it’s not likely to impact the top of the roster.
Grade: B
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Ryan BeeJoe Robbins/Getty Images
The Washington Redskins have added a few interesting prospect since the draft, but the only one who could see early play is former Marshall defensive tackle Ryan Bee. He has the size (6’7″, 280 lbs) to disrupt opposing quarterbacks both with pressure and by interfering with throwing lanes.
Bee had 36 tackles, 4.0 sacks and two batted passes in 2018, and he could be a situational pass-rusher early in his career.
Former Tennessee State offensive lineman Chidi Okeke has enough upside to stick around, but he’s a project and will need time to develop.
Former Oregon tight end Kano Dillon is another player with upside—and size at 6’5″, 256 pounds—but he’s facing a crowded depth chart at the position, including Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis.
It feels like only yesterday that Apple released its second-generation AirPods, and already the rumor mill is going into high gear over another version possibly launching later this year.
Will Apple actually go through with it? What would make AirPods 3 worth buying over the still-brand-new AirPods 2?
Maybe noise cancellation would do the trick. Back when Apple released the second-gen AirPods in late March, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman tweeted that Apple was working on a new, water-resistant model that could filter out noise. While initially slated for later this year, he said a 2020 launch might be more likely.
These AirPods were initially planned to go on sale last year. They’re also working on a future version with noise-cancellation and water resistance. Those were planned for later this year, but would now imagine that’s for 2020.
The current AirPods let in a decent amount of noise, to be sure. If Apple could figure out how to make noise-cancellation work in small earbuds, it would be a nice selling point — and certainly more flashy than the incremental improvements to the AirPods 2.
DigiTimes similarly reported in April that Apple would release noise-cancelling AirPods by the end of 2019. It’s fair to question the report seeing as the same site said Apple’s ill-fated AirPower mat would launch in March, but it’s something.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, has a much stronger history of accurately predicting Apple developments. Around the same time of the DigiTimes report, he predicted Apple would release two new AirPods models as early as the fourth quarter of 2019.
One will apparently be a smaller update that’s similar to what’s available now, while the other will cost more and feature more significant upgrades. They might even look different than the AirPods we have now — possibly to help with noise-cancellation.
It would be a little strange for Apple to update AirPods twice in one calendar year. That said, the ones that came out in March were more of a refresh than a true sequel to the original design.
It’s possible we could hear more about new AirPods at Apple’s iPhone event in September. If not, we may have to wait until early 2020 to hear more.
Peter Mayhew, known for playing Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, has finally received the space-based tribute he deserves.
The celebration of Mayhew came courtesy of astronaut Nick Hague who secured a photo of Mayhew to one of the International Space Station’s (ISS) windows with a gorgeous view of Earth in the background.
A few fans noticed that the window in which Hague placed Mayhew’s photo held more than a passing resemblance to both a TIE fighter and, more appropriately, the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon.
As CNET notes, Star Wars was definitely on the minds of Hague and the other ISS astronauts as they, like millions of fans, celebrated May The Fourth, aka Star Wars Day, with their own viewing of one of the Star Wars films.
Mayhew died on April 30 at his home in Texas at the age of 74, prompting tributes to pour in from all over the globe and, now, high above it, too.
OAKLAND, Calif — Just like you’ve seen countless times before, Kevin Durant from the baseline. One dribble, rip-through, pull-up jumper. Splash. Golden State Warriors up 68-65 with 2:11 to play in the third quarter en route to their eventual 104-99 Game 5 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
Durant turns to head back on defense. He takes a step and turns like he dropped his wallet. He looks down at his foot; maybe his shoe fell off like it had so many times before.
No, he quickly realizes this is something far worse.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Kevin Durant goes to the locker room after suffering an apparent non-contact injury on lower leg https://t.co/JCLv3szwz8
He grabs his right calf, limps his way toward the bench and ultimately to the locker room. The team releases a statement that the injury is a calf strain, not likely an Achilles injury. But this is Durant, who’s carrying the back-to-back champions to the tune of 34.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 51.3 percent shooting from the field, 41.6 percent from three and 90.1 percent from the line during the playoffs.
The air is sucked out of a normally raucous Oracle Arena.
“We’re all obviously disappointed for him,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “Excited about the win but concerned for Kevin and disappointed for him. He’s been on this incredible playoff run, and I’m proud of our guys for holding this game out.”
Winning was not a given.
Stephen Curry was nowhere to be found leading up to the injury, scoring 13 points on 16 shots through three quarters. Finally, he and Klay Thompson got back to their splashous ways, combining for 19 points in the fourth quarter and helping the Warriors shake the overwhelming cloud of uncertainty. The Rockets made several pushes, but the Warriors held on, a sign of resilience that gives hope that a fifth straight Finals appearance is still alive.
“Our boys are f–king giants,” Kerr said. “That’s what [Jurgen Klopp] said, and I know how he feels. I apologize to my mom … but our guys are f–king giants. That was an unbelievable victory tonight.”
Durant was not available to the media, but Kerr spoke to him and said, “He’s disappointed, but he’s excited for our guys, for our victory, so we’ll see what happens in the next couple days.”
“I think he’s obviously down because he’s injured and doesn’t know the extent of it,” Curry said. “… Your first thought is Achilles. Thankfully, it wasn’t that.”
In the immediate aftermath of the injury, there was some fear from the players, but veterans led the way.
“In the timeout, Draymond [Green] just said, ‘everybody has to step up. Everybody has to be ready. When your number is called, just be ready,’” Alfonzo McKinnie told B/R. “I think everybody came out and everybody fought, and we were able to get that win.”
DeMarcus Cousins, who has experience with serious injuries, was able to offer direction in the timeout following the injury as well: “Cousins did a really good job of just kind of settling everyone down a bit,” Andre Iguodala said. “Just go play the game. He sent that message, and it got across to all the guys.”
After the game, the Warriors’ locker room was surprisingly upbeat. Durant walked around with a slight limp and a big white sock on his injured right foot, but his teammates were proud of the victory.
“One thing I think everybody understood and understands as a whole is not one person is going to fill that role,” Green said. “We’re going to have to collectively do that. … We really have to rely on each other to search and find great shots. We did that down the stretch. That was the difference for us.”
The Warriors gutted this one out, but no matter how long Durant is out, the ramifications of his injury are seismic.
“With Kevin out, it changes everything,” Kerr said.
Calf strains, depending on the severity, can often sideline you anywhere from three to six weeks. That could put Durant’s return at the NBA Finals, should the Warriors make it that far, which begins May 30.
The Warriors are still one of the most talented teams in the league, even without arguably the best player in the world, but their depth takes another huge blow. And it’s exacerbated by losing Cousins to a quad injury in the second game of the playoffs.
“We’ll have to reconfigure the rotation, so we’ll have time on the plane tomorrow to go over it with the staff, and we’ll go from there,” Kerr said.
We know the Warriors have enough talent to win big games, but the collective feeling of celebration was warranted. Maybe, through this injury, they can galvanize and find another gear.
“I mean, we have a bunch of great players. With a player like K going out, we have other guys that are great,” McKinnie said with a chuckle. “Steph and Klay were just being themselves. They got it going and helped us big time.”
The Rockets had been trying for years to dethrone the champs, building a team specifically designed to beat them. No one wants to win this way, but even after going down 3-2 in a game that was there for the taking, this could be their best chance.
“No, I don’t think we ever relaxed,” Chris Paul said. “It was just a few big plays. [Jonas] Jerebko hit a corner three right after I missed a three. A few offensive rebounds. Draymond hit a three. You know what I mean? We just gotta be better. Let this one go too. It’s over and done with. We can’t get it back. We gotta go home and take care of Game 6.”
Now the momentum has swung back toward the Warriors, who feel good about themselves despite the injury.
“It was a breakthrough for sure,” Curry said. “It’s about trying to endure to the finish line. We’ve got more work to do.”
Outspoken former NBA player Metta World Peace joins Howard Beck on the Full 48 podcast to rehash the Malice in the Palace brawl that forever changed the NBA, in addition to his love for the Lakers and more.
Boston Celtics backup point guard Terry Rozier spoke out about the team’s dysfunction after a season-ending 116-91 Game 5 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday night.
“Everybody was running around with their heads cut off, like chickens,” Rozier told Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. “Coach [Brad Stevens] was in a tough position, one of the toughest positions, dealing with all these guys with attitudes, all that s–t. Guys that’s All-Stars, guys getting paid a lot of money, guys trying to get paid. It’s tough.”
He added: “I don’t give a f–k what nobody say, I sacrificed the most out of anybody. I’m a top point guard in this league. I feel like it’s a fresh start, whether I’m here or whether I’m gone.”
Rozier thanked his family and friends for supporting him through a difficult time in his career.
“Because I’ve been dealing with some bulls–t,” he told reporters. “I feel like we all still had that one goal. It wasn’t easy on Coach dealing with a lot of guys that want to be great trying to get theirs.”
The Celtics entered the season with championship-level expectations.
Prevailing wisdom suggested the returns ofKyrieIrving and Gordon Hayward (who missed last year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals because of injuries) along with the likes ofRozier, Jayson Tatum,JaylenBrown and Al Horford could push the team toward a title.
Instead, the Celtics may have become a victim of too much depth, especially withRoziersuggesting players were hesitant to sacrifice personal numbers to embrace a role.
gary washburn @GwashburnGlobe
Safe to say Terry Rozier is ready to get out of Boston. When asked about the #Celtics having the right to match any offer to him this summer, he said: “No comment.”
“I did a bad job. At the end of the day, your team doesn’t find its best fit together, it’s on you,” Stevens said. “I’ll be the first to say, as far as any other year I’ve been a head coach, it’s certainly been the most trying.”
The Celtics coach also noted the outside pressure and speculation about the future probably played a role in the team’s discontent and lackluster playoff results.
“I don’t want to speculate for individuals, but it’s no question they have TVs, they have phones, they hear everything,” Stevens said.
Now Boston heads into an offseason of uncertainty.
Irving and Horford both have player options in their contracts for the 2019-20 season, while Marcus Morris will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.Rozieris the team’s most notable restricted free agent and could generate offer-sheet interest from other organizations.
The Celtics roster figures to look quite a bit different next fall, but for now it’s hard not to feel they let a golden opportunity to reach the NBA Finals slip away.
Daily Trends Hunter 