Latest news with #All-StarWeekend
Newsweek
a day ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Cardinals Top Draft Choice Last Year Headed To MLB All-Star Futures Game
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The St. Louis Cardinals spent the seventh overall selection in last year's draft on West Virginia shortstop JJ Wetherholt, a player who was thought to be in contention for the first overall selection at the beginning of last year's collegiate season. Now he is headed to Atlanta for the MLB All-Star Futures Game. FORT WORTH, TEXAS - JULY 14: Major League Baseball commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. congratulates JJ Wetherholt, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the the 2024 MLB Draft at Cowtown... FORT WORTH, TEXAS - JULY 14: Major League Baseball commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. congratulates JJ Wetherholt, selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the the 2024 MLB Draft at Cowtown Coliseum on July 14, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. More Photo byWetherholt has spent this season with Double-A Springfield and, entering Monday, has a slash line of .305/.430/.453. Wetherholt has torn up the Texas League this year and has earned the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of a national audience during All-Star Weekend. Wetherholt is the Cardinals' No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and has an ETA of next season, but with the current logjam in the middle infield for the Cardinals, his arrival could be delayed. This is also the ninth straight season that the Double-A affiliate of the Cardinals will be sending a player to the Futures Game. Two of the other 11 selections remain in the Cardinals' top-30 prospects, and one of the selections, Masyn Winn, is putting together a case to win the Gold Glove at shortstop in the National League. Winn broke onto the scene during his Futures Game with his rocket right arm firing 100 mph across the diamond from shortstop. Wetherholt has the same chance to make a statement and let the rest of the league know he is coming. Wetherholt's future position with the Cardinals is up in the air with Winn solidifying his job as the big league shortstop, but the Cardinals' top prospect is making waves and is on his way to the majors. More MLB: Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Gives Encouraging Update On Slugging Outfielder
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Magic Johnson makes '30, 40 years' declaration on new Lakers owner Mark Walter
The post Magic Johnson makes '30, 40 years' declaration on new Lakers owner Mark Walter appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Lakers recently shook things up when they were sold to Mark Walter, who is also the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move ends the longtime ownership of the Lakers by the Buss family, although Jeanie Buss will still have considerable influence within the organization. Advertisement Recently, Lakers legend and fellow sports team owner Magic Johnson spoke on his long-term vision for Los Angeles under the new ownership group. 'One thing that Jeanie [Buss] was going to do is put [the franchise] in the right hands. If she was going to sell, it had to be the right person, and Mark Walter is the right person to take over and lead us for the next 30, 40 years,' said Johnson, via Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times (per HoopsHype). 'So, this is the best news that could have happened for all Laker fans across the world. Mark has had his eye on the Lakers for a long time. That's why he bought [Philip] Anschutz's [minority ownership] piece first and then he was sitting there, and Jeanie knew this.' Johnson also spoke on how Buss will still be onboard with the Lakers in some capacity. 'You saw Mark let Jeanie stay on the Board of Governors. That was smart. One thing that is smart about Jeanie is she was never going to say, 'Oh, the Lakers are up for sale! Anybody can own them.' That's not who she is. She wasn't going to put it in anybody's hands,' said Johnson. A big move for the Lakers Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Unlike the MLB, the NBA has a salary cap in place, meaning Walter won't be able to essentially buy championships the way he has with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Advertisement Still, having an ownership group willing to spend certainly has its benefits in the NBA, and the Lakers can now add that to the long list of other advantages that they enjoy over the rest of the NBA landscape. The Lakers will now turn their attention to the NBA Draft, where they have the 45th overall pick on Thursday evening thanks to a recent trade with the Chicago Bulls. Related: The player the Lakers must avoid in 2025 NBA free agency Related: Air Jordan 4 'Lakers' announced for 2026 All-Star Weekend
NBC Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Allisha Gray enjoying career-best numbers for Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream
ATLANTA — Allisha Gray and the Atlanta Dream are thriving under first-year coach Karl Smesko, enjoying personal and team success in a lineup bolstered by the additions of established frontcourt stars Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Gray, already a two-time All-Star in her first two seasons in Atlanta, has enjoyed the best start of her eight-year career. The shooting guard has looked comfortable from the start in Smesko's offense which leads the WNBA in 3-pointers. Gray's consistent production has led to wins for the Dream, who rank among the league's top four teams one year after finishing 15-25. Atlanta (10-5) had won nine of 11 before Tuesday night's 68-55 loss at Dallas. 'I mean, it's a testament to Karl,' Gray said last week. 'He's really dialed in on the details. It shows when you pay attention to small things, it really works. So he just brought a system in, and I feel like we're dialed in and locked in into the system. When we execute it right, we're successful.' Smesko, who won more than 600 games in 23 years at Florida Gulf Coast, was hired to replace Tanisha Wright in a bold move before the season. Atlanta hasn't had a winning season since 2018, but Smesko's winning formula in college is proving to be a good fit for an Atlanta roster that suddenly looks deep and balanced. Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and rookie Te-Hina Paopao have provided the backcourt foundation for the quick turnaround. Gray was selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for May after averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the month. She scored a career-high 32 points in a 89-56 win at Washington on June 15 and has reached double figures in every game. Smesko says he's not surprised Gray has fit in so well with his offense. 'You know, I just thought that she would really thrive in this style,' Smesko said. 'I mean, she makes such good reads. She likes being in a place where she has a lot of freedom and can just look for her opportunities to attack and create shots, rather than just necessarily have to run a play every time down. She's been one of the best players in the league so far this year.' When Gray is scoring in big numbers, the Dream usually win. Atlanta is 10-1 when Gray scores at least 15 points. She made only 3 of 16 shots for 13 points in a rare cold-shooting night in the loss at Dallas. Gray, the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year for Dallas, was acquired by Atlanta in a 2023 trade that sent two first-round draft picks, including a 2025 selection, to the Wings. Gray was an All-Star each of her first two seasons in Atlanta and last year became the first player to win the skills and 3-point competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Gray is having her best season in Smesko's system. She ranks sixth in the league with her career-best average of 19.7 points. She also has career-best shooting rates overall (46.7 percent) and on 3-pointers (42.9%). The fans have noticed. Gray was Atlanta's leader in the first fan voting for next month's WNBA All-Star Game, ranking 14th overall. Smesko said before Tuesday night's game he believes more consistent defense could produce even better results for the Dream. 'We have good size that can protect the rim,' Smesko said. 'So I thought we had the capability of being a good defensive team. Now I will say in my opinion our defense has been inconsistent. There are times when we look like we have maybe the best defense in the league. That's how good we're playing when we're all locked into it. And then there's other times where it looks to me like we're OK with trading baskets for a while. 'I think if we're looking, you know, to take the next step as a team, our offense and our transition game can get better. But I think just being consistent on the defensive end would have the biggest impact.'
San Francisco Chronicle
6 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Gray is enjoying career-best numbers for Dream in smooth transition to Smesko's winning formula
ATLANTA (AP) — Allisha Gray and the Atlanta Dream are thriving under first-year coach Karl Smesko, enjoying personal and team success in a lineup bolstered by the additions of established frontcourt stars Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Gray, already a two-time All-Star in her first two seasons in Atlanta, has enjoyed the best start of her eight-year career. The shooting guard has looked comfortable from the start in Smesko's offense which leads the WNBA in 3-pointers. Gray's consistent production has led to wins for the Dream, who rank among the league's top four teams one year after finishing 15-25. Atlanta (10-5) had won nine of 11 before Tuesday night's 68-55 loss at Dallas. 'I mean, it's a testament to Karl,' Gray said last week. 'He's really dialed in on the details. It shows when you pay attention to small things, it really works. So he just brought a system in, and I feel like we're dialed in and locked in into the system. When we execute it right, we're successful.' Smesko, who won more than 600 games in 23 years at Florida Gulf Coast, was hired to replace Tanisha Wright in a bold move before the season. Atlanta hasn't had a winning season since 2018, but Smesko's winning formula in college is proving to be a good fit for an Atlanta roster that suddenly looks deep and balanced. Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and rookie Te-Hina Paopao have provided the backcourt foundation for the quick turnaround. Gray was selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for May after averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the month. She scored a career-high 32 points in a 89-56 win at Washington on June 15 and has reached double figures in every game. Smesko says he's not surprised Gray has fit in so well with his offense. 'You know, I just thought that she would really thrive in this style,' Smesko said. 'I mean, she makes such good reads. She likes being in a place where she has a lot of freedom and can just look for her opportunities to attack and create shots, rather than just necessarily have to run a play every time down. She's been one of the best players in the league so far this year." When Gray is scoring in big numbers, the Dream usually win. Atlanta is 10-1 when Gray scores at least 15 points. She made only 3 of 16 shots for 13 points in a rare cold-shooting night in the loss at Dallas. Gray, the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year for Dallas, was acquired by Atlanta in a 2023 trade that sent two first-round draft picks, including a 2025 selection, to the Wings. Gray was an All-Star each of her first two seasons in Atlanta and last year became the first player to win the skills and 3-point competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Gray is having her best season in Smesko's system. She ranks sixth in the league with her career-best average of 19.7 points. She also has career-best shooting rates overall (46.7 percent) and on 3-pointers (42.9%). The fans have noticed. Gray was Atlanta's leader in the first fan voting for next month's WNBA All-Star Game, ranking 14th overall. Smesko said before Tuesday night's game he believes more consistent defense could produce even better results for the Dream. 'We have good size that can protect the rim,' Smesko said. "So I thought we had the capability of being a good defensive team. Now I will say in my opinion our defense has been inconsistent. There are times when we look like we have maybe the best defense in the league. That's how good we're playing when we're all locked into it. And then there's other times where it looks to me like we're OK with trading baskets for a while. 'I think if we're looking, you know, to take the next step as a team, our offense and our transition game can get better. But I think just being consistent on the defensive end would have the biggest impact.' ___
Fox Sports
6 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Gray is enjoying career-best numbers for Dream in smooth transition to Smesko's winning formula
Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — Allisha Gray and the Atlanta Dream are thriving under first-year coach Karl Smesko, enjoying personal and team success in a lineup bolstered by the additions of established frontcourt stars Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones. Gray, already a two-time All-Star in her first two seasons in Atlanta, has enjoyed the best start of her eight-year career. The shooting guard has looked comfortable from the start in Smesko's offense which leads the WNBA in 3-pointers. Gray's consistent production has led to wins for the Dream, who rank among the league's top four teams one year after finishing 15-25. Atlanta (10-5) had won nine of 11 before Tuesday night's 68-55 loss at Dallas. 'I mean, it's a testament to Karl,' Gray said last week. 'He's really dialed in on the details. It shows when you pay attention to small things, it really works. So he just brought a system in, and I feel like we're dialed in and locked in into the system. When we execute it right, we're successful.' Smesko, who won more than 600 games in 23 years at Florida Gulf Coast, was hired to replace Tanisha Wright in a bold move before the season. Atlanta hasn't had a winning season since 2018, but Smesko's winning formula in college is proving to be a good fit for an Atlanta roster that suddenly looks deep and balanced. Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and rookie Te-Hina Paopao have provided the backcourt foundation for the quick turnaround. Gray was selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for May after averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the month. She scored a career-high 32 points in a 89-56 win at Washington on June 15 and has reached double figures in every game. Smesko says he's not surprised Gray has fit in so well with his offense. 'You know, I just thought that she would really thrive in this style,' Smesko said. 'I mean, she makes such good reads. She likes being in a place where she has a lot of freedom and can just look for her opportunities to attack and create shots, rather than just necessarily have to run a play every time down. She's been one of the best players in the league so far this year." When Gray is scoring in big numbers, the Dream usually win. Atlanta is 10-1 when Gray scores at least 15 points. She made only 3 of 16 shots for 13 points in a rare cold-shooting night in the loss at Dallas. Gray, the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year for Dallas, was acquired by Atlanta in a 2023 trade that sent two first-round draft picks, including a 2025 selection, to the Wings. Gray was an All-Star each of her first two seasons in Atlanta and last year became the first player to win the skills and 3-point competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. Gray is having her best season in Smesko's system. She ranks sixth in the league with her career-best average of 19.7 points. She also has career-best shooting rates overall (46.7 percent) and on 3-pointers (42.9%). The fans have noticed. Gray was Atlanta's leader in the first fan voting for next month's WNBA All-Star Game, ranking 14th overall. Smesko said before Tuesday night's game he believes more consistent defense could produce even better results for the Dream. 'We have good size that can protect the rim,' Smesko said. "So I thought we had the capability of being a good defensive team. Now I will say in my opinion our defense has been inconsistent. There are times when we look like we have maybe the best defense in the league. That's how good we're playing when we're all locked into it. And then there's other times where it looks to me like we're OK with trading baskets for a while. 'I think if we're looking, you know, to take the next step as a team, our offense and our transition game can get better. But I think just being consistent on the defensive end would have the biggest impact.' ___ AP WNBA: recommended
