Rodgers' Last Dance + LeBron's Salary Demands and the NBA Coaching Carousel
Plus a look at World Cup odds three weeks out from the opening kick
In Today’s Issue: Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin, Mike McCarthy, Taylor Jenkins, Jamahl Mosley, LeBron James, Todd Monken, Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel, Kelsey Plum, and Alex Caruso.
WHAT TO READ
The Steelers will start the season with a lame-duck situation at quarterback, as recently signed Aaron Rodgers said this will be his final season. The 42-year-old said he thought he was done in Pittsburgh after Mike Tomlin’s departure, but when the franchise hired his former coach Mike McCarthy, he started thinking about returning. Read about why “this is it” for Rodgers and what he expects from his 22nd year in the league. (The Associated Press)
Just two of the six NBA head coaching vacancies have been filled so far, with the Bucks settling on Taylor Jenkins and the Pelicans hiring Jamahl Mosley. Where does that leave the Bulls, Trail Blazers, Magic, and the newest coachless franchise, the Mavericks? Read about why each team needs a new leader and the positives and negatives of the jobs. (ESPN)
LeBron James still isn’t sure if he’s returning for a 24th season, but he reportedly isn’t interested in playing for a steep discount if he does come back. The highest-played player in NBA history could take a pay cut for the first time, but a minimum salary doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Read about who might be able to afford the 41-year-old superstar — the Lakers can offer the most. (CBS Sports)
With the Golden Knights’ upsetting the heavily-favored Avalanche in Game 1 last night, could the Canadiens be next? After winning Game 7 in Buffalo, Montreal starts as an underdog against Carolina in the East Final. Read Ray Ratto’s piece about whether the Habs might be “blessed” this season. (Defector)
New Browns head coach Todd Monken said quarterback Shedeur Sanders has “come miles, in terms of his progressions, getting the ball out, his understanding of concepts.” Sanders started seven games last year and faces competition for the starting role from Deshaun Watson, who hasn’t played more than seven games a season in his four years in Cleveland, and potentially fellow second-year signal caller Dillon Gabriel. Read about how Monken, an offensive guru, plans to manage his quarterback situation. (ESPN)
WHAT TO WATCH
8pm — Cavaliers vs. Knicks on ESPN: After coming back from 22 points down with less than nine minutes left in Game 1, New York has now won eight in a row in the playoffs. Cleveland has been steely this postseason, but it’s hard to bounce back from a meltdown like that, especially at Madison Square Garden. (NY -6.5, Total: 216.5)
8pm — Canadiens vs. Hurricanes on TNT: Montreal has the most Final appearances in NHL history, while Carolina has been just twice (the last time being 20 years ago). But the Hurricanes haven’t lost yet in the playoffs and are allowing just 1.25 goals per game. (MTL +170, CAR -205)
10pm — Sparks vs. Mercury on Prime Video: Kelsey Plum leads the WNBA with 26.8 points per game, but Los Angeles is just 1-3 to start the season. Phoenix began the season with a 33-point win over the Aces but are 1-3 since. (PHX -3.5, Total: 175.5)
WHAT TO TRACK
The World Cup kicks off three weeks from today with Mexico playing South Africa in Mexico City. Kalshi gives 2022 runner-up France the best chance of winning (18.1%), followed by Spain (16.3%), England (11.1%), and Argentina and Brazil (9.5%). The prediction market gives the U.S. the best chance of winning their group (42% to Turkiye’s 36%) and advancing to the knockout stage.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“There’s no panic.”
— Thunder forward Alex Caruso, who scored 17 points in OKC’s 122-113 Game 2 win to even the Western Conference Finals as the teams head to San Antonio.
See you tomorrow,
Abe