June 2025

There were 1,837 posts published in June 2025 (this is page 23 of 184).

2025 NBA Draft grades: Second-round pick-by-pick analysis — Lakers make aggressive move to land perfect target

It’s Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft. We graded the first round, now let’s hand out grades for every second-round pick. 

For scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide.

Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition. This matters less for the Suns, since he’ll play in a role in which he just needs to do the simple stuff as a floor spacer rather than worry about shot creation.

Penda plays with a veteran’s mind and a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense, and high-level feel. It’s a bit of a risk for Orlando though since Penda needs to improve his jumper to shine in the long-term. But his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to build on.

Fans who happen to root for both Duke and Charlotte know that James has role-player qualities that can fit next to the Hornets’ core pieces. James is a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle, and after years of laying bricks he worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. But without the handle of a primary creator, it’s critical he sustains his newfound success as a shooter.

A ton of teams were hoping Kalkbrenner would fall to them in the second round, but the Hornets land him here after trading away center Mark Williams during Day 1 of the draft. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It’s a bit strange he isn’t a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside, which could allow him to help facilitate for Charlotte’s offensive engines.

Could Broome be the best backup center of the Joel Embiid era? Perhaps so, because he brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his jumper hasn’t progressed as much as NBA teams would hope, Embiid’s ability to space the floor could make for intriguing two-big lineups this season. In Philadelphia, it’s more important that he progresses moving laterally on the perimeter.

The Lakers made multiple aggressive trades to move up within the second round, and Thiero was the perfect target. He’s a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step who last season logged 45 dunks and had six games with 10 or more free throws. He lives in the paint, and that’s despite his limitations as a shooter. If he’s able to figure out the shot then his length and defensive versatility could make him a key player on a contending Lakers team.

Perfect pick for Detroit. Wanna know why? Just look at the comparison for Lanier: Malik Beasley. Much like Beasley, Lanier is a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. Without great size or playmaking at his age, he’s a second-rounder for good reason. But the Pistons needed more shooting and now they got it.

2025 NBA Draft grades: Second-round pick-by-pick analysis — Lakers make aggressive move to land perfect target

It’s Day 2 of the 2025 NBA Draft. We graded the first round, now let’s hand out grades for every second-round pick. 

For scouting reports of every player, check out my 2025 NBA Draft Guide.

Fleming is a hustler who drains spot-up jumpers and brings energy on defense, swatting shots and snagging boards. But he has some real warts as a ball-handler with a lack of experience against high-level competition. This matters less for the Suns, since he’ll play in a role in which he just needs to do the simple stuff as a floor spacer rather than worry about shot creation.

Penda plays with a veteran’s mind and a winning mentality, offering connective playmaking, switchable defense, and high-level feel. It’s a bit of a risk for Orlando though since Penda needs to improve his jumper to shine in the long-term. But his unselfish game and defensive utility give him a strong foundation to build on.

Fans who happen to root for both Duke and Charlotte know that James has role-player qualities that can fit next to the Hornets’ core pieces. James is a versatile defender who sets a tone with his hustle, and after years of laying bricks he worked hard to become a dead-eye, spot-up shooter. And he brings much more than shooting as a crafty playmaker who keeps the ball moving. But without the handle of a primary creator, it’s critical he sustains his newfound success as a shooter.

A ton of teams were hoping Kalkbrenner would fall to them in the second round, but the Hornets land him here after trading away center Mark Williams during Day 1 of the draft. Kalkbrenner is a throwback 7-footer who owns the paint, swatting shots with his giant wingspan and dunking everything in sight. It’s a bit strange he isn’t a better rebounder. But as a super senior, he’s also developed some sneaky passing and shooting skills that hint at higher upside, which could allow him to help facilitate for Charlotte’s offensive engines.

Could Broome be the best backup center of the Joel Embiid era? Perhaps so, because he brings a ready-made game as an interior finisher with a passing feel and tone-setting defense. Though his jumper hasn’t progressed as much as NBA teams would hope, Embiid’s ability to space the floor could make for intriguing two-big lineups this season. In Philadelphia, it’s more important that he progresses moving laterally on the perimeter.

The Lakers made multiple aggressive trades to move up within the second round, and Thiero was the perfect target. He’s a slasher with a jacked frame and an explosive first step who last season logged 45 dunks and had six games with 10 or more free throws. He lives in the paint, and that’s despite his limitations as a shooter. If he’s able to figure out the shot then his length and defensive versatility could make him a key player on a contending Lakers team.

Perfect pick for Detroit. Wanna know why? Just look at the comparison for Lanier: Malik Beasley. Much like Beasley, Lanier is a knockdown shooter with shot-making creativity. Without great size or playmaking at his age, he’s a second-rounder for good reason. But the Pistons needed more shooting and now they got it.

Yankees vs. Athletics: 5 things to watch and series predictions | June 27-29

Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Yankees and Athletics play a three-game series at Yankee Stadium starting on Friday night…

Preview

AL East race heating up

Don’t look now, but the AL East race is getting tight.

After the Yankees had a sizeable lead in the division, the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays pulled within 0.5 games behind New York for first place. While the two teams won’t face each other this weekend, the Yankees could potentially put some space between them with a series win over the lowly A’s.

Tampa will head to Baltimore to take on the downtrodden Orioles, so the Yankees will want to take care of business if they expect to still be in first place by the end of the weekend.

Clarke Schmidt encore

Last time Schmidt pitched, he threw seven no-hit innings in what was arguably the best start of his career. Schmidt will take the mound on Saturday after the Yankees decided to flip him and Will Warren to give Schmidt an extra day of rest but what will he do for an encore?

Schmidt has had more success at home (1-1, 2.30 ERA in seven starts) this season, so with the extra rest and pitching at home, expectations are that Schmidt will have another quality start.

Bullpen reset

Thursday’s off day came at a great time for the Yankees. Their last off day was back on June 9 (16 straight games) so the bullpen has been taxed. Although Luke Weaver returned from the IL, manager Aaron Boone has had to use his relievers much more than usual, but Thursday gives the team a chance to reset — and Jonathan Loaisiga (illness) a chance to rest. The Yankees do need Warren, Schmidt and Sunday’s starter (TBA) to go long to give the bullpen a bit more time off. The Yankees’ offense can also help by building huge leads and allowing the low-leverage relievers to stay in longer.

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) looks out between pitches in the first inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Can the offense turn it on?

The Yankees offense has been up-and-down during this recent cold stretch, but they’ll need to be up this weekend and that starts with Aaron Judge. Over his last seven games, Judge is hitting .308 with two home runs, but he has begun to expand his strike zone a bit too much and he’s striking out more as a result. In that span, he’s struck out eight times. Now, there’s no need to panic, Judge is still hitting a league-best .361, but he’s starting to swing and miss at the same clip when he was struggling. (Remember the sweep in Boston?)

As the captain goes, so does the rest of the Yankees’ lineup.

The return of Luis Severino

This is Severino’s second season in the majors since leaving the Yanks in free agency, but this Sunday will be the first time he pitches in Yankee Stadium since 2023. It’ll be an emotional day for Severino and for the fans who appreciated the right-hander.

For Severino, his 2025 hasn’t been as good as his 2024 when he was with the Mets, but he’s been a great road pitcher this year. In seven road starts, Severino is 201 with a 2.27 ERA as opposed to his 0-7 record and 6.79 ERA when playing at home this season.

In May, Severino pitched against his former team in Sacramento. He lasted just four innings and allowed eight runs on nine hits.

Which version of Severino will the Yankees see? And will this year’s Yankees squad show Severino they are more than just two hitters?

Predictions

Who will the MVP of the series be?

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Since Chisholm returned from the IL, he’s been on a heater. In 20 June games, Chisholm is batting .329 with four home runs and 13 RBI. With the Yanks taking on two right-handers, Jazz could keep his hot streak rolling.

Which Yankees pitcher will have the best start?

Will Warren.

Warren has continued to be a solid starter, giving the Yankees two straight starts where he pitched at least six innings.

Which Athletics player will be a thorn in Yankees’ side?

Jacob Wilson.

The front-runner for AL Rookie of the Year, Wilson continues to hit at an insane clip. He’ll enter the weekend series hitting .345 with nine home runs and 40 RBI.

Mets’ Griffin Canning leaves Thursday’s Braves game with ankle injury

Griffin Canning had to leave his start against the Braves on Thursday with what the team says is a left ankle injury.

The Mets say Canning will undergo imaging.

With one out in the top of the third, the Mets starter got Nick Allen to hit a grounder to Francisco Lindor for the second out, but Canning collapsed near the mound as he seemed to have pushed off wrong.

Canning stayed down on his back with his leg raised as he was eventually helped off the field by trainers.

The 29-year-old is having a solid season in his first year with the Mets. In 16 starts — including Thursday — Canning had pitched to a 7-3 record with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. He was arguably the Mets’ best pitcher in March/April, as he pitched to a 4-1 record with a 2.61 ERA to start the season.

Canning’s apparent injury comes at an inopportune time for the Mets. Kodai Senga was placed on the IL back on June 13 after he suffered a hamstring injury during a game and has yet to return to the mound. Sean Manaea, who hasn’t played in a game this season after suffering an oblique injury this spring, had his rehab setback a few days after a loose body was found in his left elbow earlier this week.

This story is still developing….

Second-round pick trades already started, setting up Suns with No. 31 pick, expected to take Rasheer Fleming

In the wake of a series of trades before the start of the second round of the NBA Draft Thursday night, the Phoenix Suns have set themselves up to select Saint Joseph’s 3&D wing Rasheer Fleming, who unexpectedly fell to the second round.

There have been three second-round pick trades already, and two of them set up the Suns with the No. 31 pick. First, Brooklyn traded the No. 36 pick to Phoenix for two future second-round picks, a story reported by Shams Charania of ESPN.

Then the Suns traded the No. 36 pick and two future second-round picks to Minnesota for the No. 31 pick, also reported by Charania, who added the Suns are targeting Flemming.

Flemming is a 21-year-old, 6’8″ wing who averaged 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks a game for St. Joseph’s last season.

There was one more second-round pre-draft trade, where the Suns sent the No. 52 and No. 59 picks in the 2025 draft to the Golden State Warriors for No. 41, a deal also reported by Charania.

Ace Baily’s representiatives reportedly told team with top five pick he would not report if drafted

Ace Bailey’s representative reportedly told one team with a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft that if it selected Bailey, he would not report to them, according to a new story from Jonathan Givony and Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Whether or not they were told that — and despite not working him out — the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick Wednesday night. It was not a reach by the Jazz — Bailey has arguably the second highest ceiling of any player in this year’s draft and Utah needs high-level talent — but the sense in league circles heading into the draft was that Bailey and his representative, Omar Cooper, had a promise and/or were trying to steer the Rutgers star to Washington or Brooklyn. Cooper denied that in the same ESPN report.

“Every NBA team watched him work out in Chicago,” Cooper told ESPN. “He did 18 interviews. Everyone got his medical. They watched him run and jump. They got his measurements… There is nothing uncommon about how Ace Bailey’s pre-draft process was handled.”

Bailey, for his part, echoed the same idea at the draft, stating that he was not worried about where he was selected or what people thought about his unusual pre-draft strategy of avoiding workouts.

“They feel how they feel,” Bailey said. “But my team and me, are focusing on basketball and them doing what they’re doing, so it happens.”

If the report is true, Bailey’s options were always limited if a team called his bluff. He can choose not to report to the Jazz (or whoever drafted him), but he cannot return to college after staying in the draft. Additionally, if he plays professionally overseas next season, the Jazz retain his draft rights. The only way to end up with another team is to sit out an entire year, not playing professionally anywhere, then re-enter the draft. However, that is a crap shoot because who knows what the draft order will be a year from now and what team’s priorities will be.

Bailey, a 6’8″ wing, was projected as a top-three pick for much of the year. Bailey looks like a prototypical NBA wing on paper: Great positional size, a high-level athlete, high motor, shot 36.7% from 3 in college, can create his own shot, and is a tough shot maker who averaged 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. However, not all scouts were convinced he would come close to reaching that potential in the NBA. Those concerns, plus his pre-draft strategy of no workouts and some interviews that left teams confused, saw him slide a couple of spots to No. 5, where the Jazz snapped him up before Washington or Brooklyn had the chance.

Bailey is likely to make his Jazz debut at the Utah Summer League, which starts on July 5 in Salt Lake City.

Mets’ Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Juan Soto named finalists in 2025 All-Star Game voting

Three Mets are moving on to Round 2 of All-Star Game voting.

Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso were officially named finalists on Thursday night.

Lindor was the top vote-getter among shortstops in the National League during Phase 1 of voting, but he’ll now have to beat out Dodgers star Mookie Betts as he looks to land his first All-Star appearance as a Met.

The 31-year-old has slowed down a bit after his scorching start to the season, but he’s still produced 16 homers and 43 RBI while swiping 13 bags through 79 games.

Alonso finished second among first basemen behind only Freddie Freeman.

The big man has also cooled off following his spectacular first few months, but he’s still launched 18 homers and remains fourth in the National League with 64 RBI.

Soto joins former Mets prospect Pete-Crow Armstrong, Teoscar Hernandez, Kyle Tucker, Andy Pages, and Ronald Acuña Jr. as the six outfield finalists for the National League.

His slow start to the season appears to officially be behind him, as he’s put together a historic month of June with an incredible 11 homers and 20 RBI over his last 25 games.

Jeff McNeil (fourth), Francisco Alvarez (fifth), Starling Marte (fifth), Mark Vientos (eighth), Brandon Nimmo (11th), and Tyrone Taylor (15th) all fell shy of cracking the second round of voting.

Phase 2 starts on Monday and lasts until Wednesday.

Here are the rest of the finalists:

MLB All-Star voting leaders: Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani named as automatic starters

The votes are in, and MLB fans really want to see Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in the 2025 All-Star Game. The league completed its first round of voting Thursday, and Judge and Ohtani are confirmed starters in the event.

The New York Yankees outfielder and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter earned the accolade by being the top vote-getters in the American League and National League after the first round of voting. Judge earned the most overall votes, with 4,012,983, and will be the AL’s starting right fielder. Ohtani will start at DH for the NL after earning 3,967,668 votes.

With those starting spots settled, the second round of voting will determine which players join Judge and Ohtani in the starting lineups. 

Over on the AL side, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who has spent the past few weeks on an offensive tear, caps that run by becoming an All-Star finalist. Big names such as Mike Trout, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alex Bregman round out the list, along with 21-year-old Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday.

In the NL, the roster will be dominated by Los Angeles. In addition to Ohtani, seven Dodgers have been named All-Star finalists, though it’s yet to be determined how many of them will be starters.

American League:

First base: Paul Goldschmidt (New York Yankees), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays)

Second base: Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles), Gleyber Torres (Detroit Tigers)

Shortstop: Jacob Wilson (Athletics), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

Third base: Alex Bregman (Boston Red Sox), José Ramírez (Cleveland Guardians)

Catcher: Alejandro Kirk (Toronto Blue Jays), Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners)

DH: Ryan O’Hearn (Baltimore Orioles), Ben Rice (New York Yankees)

*Outfielders: Javier Baez (Detroit Tigers), Riley Greene (Detroit Tigers), Steven Kwan (Cleveland Guardians), Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels)
*Competing for two outfield starting spots with Judge automatically earning one

National League:

First base: Pete Alonso (New York Mets), Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Second base: Tommy Edman (Los Angeles Dodgers), Ketel Marte (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Shortstop: Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), Francisco Lindor (New York Mets)

Third base: Manny Machado (San Diego Padres), Max Muncy (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Catcher: Carson Kelly (Chicago Cubs), Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Outfielders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves), Pete Crow-Armstrong (Chicago Cubs), Teoscar Hernández (Los Angeles Dodgers), Andy Pages (Los Angeles Dodgers), Juan Soto (New York Mets), Kyle Tucker (Chicago Cubs)

The league separated All-Star voting into two phases in 2025. The first phase — which ended Thursday — saw fans vote for players to advance in the balloting. At the end of the first phase of voting, the top vote-getters in each league earn starting spots in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.

In order for players to remain on the ballot for the second phase of voting, infielders and designated hitters needed to rank among the top two in votes at their position. In the outfield, the top six vote-getters move forward to the second phase of voting. Those numbers could change depending on the players named starters in the first phase of voting, as was the case with AL outfielders this year.

The second phase of voting, which starts June 30 and runs through July 2, will determine the rest of the All-Star starting lineups.

Those interested in choosing the 2025 All-Star Game starters can vote at MLB.com. Voting is also available on the MLB app and the MLB Ballpark app. Voters can find links to the ballot on each team site. During the second phase of voting, fans are allowed to submit one ballot per day.

Votes do not carry over from the first round, so every player has a fresh start once the second round of voting begins June 30. The league will announce the results of the second round of voting on Wednesday, June 2 on ESPN.

Who will join Judge and Ohtani as All-Star starters? That’s up to you to decide once the second round of voting begins.