Rumors

The league collection includes NBA and MLB sports teams from L.A. (Dodgers and Lakers), Chicago (Bulls, Cubs and White Sox) and New York (Mets and Knicks), offering Mitchell & Ness Jerseys, hoodies, t-shires and hats repping the teams and Blackpink.

complex.com

Harper, a 6-foot-4 guard who is projected to be picked No. 2 overall in next Wednesday’s first round, will throw out the first pitch at Yankees Stadium on Sunday, when the Yankees host the Baltimore Orioles. Bailey, the 6-foot-7 forward whose potential draft position is all over the map, will throw out the first pitch at Citi Field on Tuesday, when the Mets host the Atlanta Braves.

Newark Star-Ledger

The Milwaukee Brewers closed out their NL Central-winning season this weekend by beating the New York Mets. While the games did not have playoff implications for the Brewers, it was still a full crowd to send them off to the playoffs. That included Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had a heartwarming social media interaction with the team after his appearance.

Clutch Points

The 12 points and eight assists Mitchell tallied in 32 minutes in the Cavs’ 117-114 win over Philadelphia preceded his first media ability since he went out and, also, since Niang and Gilbert each put it out there that they thought Mitchell would remain a Cav. “I thought Georges said I was going to the Mets,” Mitchell said, coyly. “I think the biggest thing for me, as I said before to you earlier, I mean obviously you have to ask the question, but my focus is I got a lot of things to focus on outside of that right now. I’ve got to focus on myself, getting back for this group, focus on us getting over this stretch, continuing to be ready when it comes time. “So, I’ll handle that when it comes, and I understand you gotta ask that question and I’ll give you the same answer.”

The Athletic

Bloomberg noted there was no indication of an agreement on a sale yet. The Koch Brothers family investment vehicle, 1888 Management, is the entity interested in buying a stake, per the report. The Nets were valued at $3.98 billion by Sportico, making them the fifth-most valuable team in the city, ahead of the Mets and behind the Yankees, Knicks and both NFL teams. But industry sources that spoke with The Post said their best guess was the minority stake would be sold at a $4.8 billion valuation.

New York Post

You made an appearance on a “Ted Lasso” episode. Marv Albert: They called me because they wanted to me to voice over a Lakers-Bulls game, a couple of segments of ’91 in the Finals. I had to talk about Chicago’s Triangle offense. And the lead character Ted Lasso, a very likeable guy, is in a pizza place in Amsterdam, and he’s watching the game, and it gives him the idea of bringing the concept of the Triangle offense to soccer. He’s a coach who has no idea about soccer, he’s coaching this team. … It’s one of the things I’ve been doing now, along with being Mr. Binge TV … working out four, five days a week with a wonderful trainer one day, and watching a lot of NBA, Mets, Yankees, NHL and a lot of reading. And also trying to check out my son Kenny on his hectic schedule of NHL, NBA, etcetera.

New York Post

“The whole NBA will be in the arena,’’ says one NBA executive. “They want to see the unicorn.” Another executive jokes, “Everybody is so ready to tank.” But there’s a grain of truth in this joke. Victor arrives in the US after already posting huge numbers with his new team. In his first friendly games with The Mets in September, Wembanyama went into Super Saiyan mode, scoring 34 points against the Turkish team Darussafaka and another 34 points just 48 hours later against the Israeli champ Hapoel Holon. He then went on to post 23 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks in his first Betclic Elite Game of the 2022-23 season.

SLAM

A-Rod first teamed up with Lore for a bid to buy the New York Mets in 2020. At the time, A-Rod was dating Lopez — a situation that appeared to play a role in forging his ties with Lore, according to sources close to the situation. “Marc got completely mesmerized by the J. Lo thing,” the source who knows both both investors said.

New York Post

“Donovan’s dad works for the Mets, his mom obviously works at Greenwich Country Day,” Rick Pitino said in response to a question from the Post. “Donovan loves the Knicks, Donovan loves being around his mom, his sister, his dad. Donovan works out for Chris Brickley who also played for me in New York City. Donovan would treasure, he would love to be a New York Knick. But that being said, things have to work out. I’m hoping, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he becomes a Knick. it would be very special for me as his coach to see him in a Knicks uniform, as an ex-Knicks coach.”

Newark Star-Ledger

The Athletic: Donovan Mitchell was chirping at Marcus Stroman on Twitter after the game between the Mets and Cubs was postponed. @STR0 had other things on his mind... pic.twitter.com/QDsnzoElWv

Twitter

Clutch Points: Donovan Mitchell is in New York attending a Mets game this afternoon 👀 pic.twitter.com/KE0UpPSTiU

Twitter

With his new leisure time, Albert has started working out with a trainer, viewed a ton of Yankees and Mets games and says “I’ve become ‘Mr. Binge TV.’’’ Since 1968, Albert has called NBA playoff games annually and now the playoffs miss Albert. However, he has kept his hand in it, working on a few TNT projects that will air later in the playoffs and during next year’s All-Star Weekend.  “You miss it, especially in the playoffs where there’s been so many real good games,’’ Albert said. “I miss the people I worked with, the preparation. After a broadcast it’s a great feeling when it all comes together. Or it’s an annoying feeling if you feel if it’s so-so.

New York Post

Stefan Bondy: I asked Kevin Durant about long process of mandate lift: "It’s no crying over spilled milk. But I’m not naïve to the fact that the Mets and Yankees have a lot of power in our City. I’m sure when they all helped and had conversations, they were able to push it over the top."

Twitter

New York City's mayor exempted athletes and performers from the city's vaccine mandate following weeks of pressure from the sports world after the rule kept Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving from playing in home games and was expected to block several baseball players from taking the field in their upcoming season. Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at Citi Field where the Mets play, said Thursday that he had signed the order. The exemption was effective immediately.

ESPN