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💰 Excellent start to the day for …
PAOLO BANCHERO AND THE ORLANDO MAGIC
There’s a special feeling in Orlando, and Paolo Banchero is poised to be a central figure for quite some time after inking a five-year maximum rookie extension valued at potentially $287 million, committing him to Orlando through 2030-31.
- As the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, Banchero earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2022-23 and achieved All-Star status in 2023-24. While he faced a considerable setback in 2024-25 due to an oblique injury, he still recorded a career-best average of 25.9 points.
- In October, Banchero became the youngest player in Magic history to reach a 50-point game. He stands as one of only 10 players in history to accomplish a 50-point game before reaching the age of 22.
- His six 40-point games already place him third in franchise history, trailing only Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O’Neal.
Banchero secured a player option for 2030-31, making him the first player to receive such a provision in his rookie extension since Luka Dončić and Trae Young in 2021. This could allow Banchero to explore free agency again at 27 and potentially secure another substantial contract while still at his peak.
Orlando now boasts Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and the newly acquired Desmond Bane under contract through at least 2028-29, creating a core that should be competitive — at the very least — for the upcoming five years. Brad Botkin featured the Bane acquisition prominently among his 10 most impactful additions of this offseason.
- Botkin: “When you commit four first-round picks and two rotational players to acquire someone who hasn’t yet been an All-Star, your assessment had better be accurate. Fortunately, I believe Orlando has a clear understanding of their strategy here. Bane perfectly complements Orlando’s critical need for scoring and shooting. … Orlando’s potential rise toward contention isn’t solely reliant on Bane’s individual performance, but also on how his presence liberates Banchero and Wagner by presenting a genuine third scoring option to broaden their paths to the basket.”
👍 Deserving recognition
🎾 A less fortunate morning for …
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GRIGOR DIMITROV
The emotion evident in his eyes conveyed the full narrative: Grigor Dimitrov, delivering arguably one of the finest performances of his career and on the verge of a landmark victory, was once again let down by his physical condition. The 34-year-old Bulgarian sustained a pectoral injury, leading him to retire due to medical reasons while leading by two sets against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 in the Wimbledon Round of 16.
- Dimitrov appeared to injure his right pectoral muscle on a challenging backhand volley that hit the net. He followed up with an ace to win the game, but then immediately clutched his chest and sat on the grass, visibly in pain.
- After a brief examination on the court, Dimitrov left the court only to quickly return and concede the match. Sinner consoled the emotional Dimitrov, referring to him as a “good friend.”
- It’s worth noting that Sinner also experienced discomfort, injuring his right elbow during a fall earlier in the match and requiring a medical timeout in the second set.
This represents an unfortunate twist for a player who has faced numerous such setbacks. Dimitrov has retired due to medical issues in each of his last five Grand Slam appearances due to a number of injuries, making him the only individual in the Open Era to retire in five consecutive slams.
Adding to the disappointment is the exceptional level of his play. Dimitrov, whose sole victory against a world No. 1 came in 2013 against Novak Djokovic, recorded 14 aces compared to Sinner’s three and nearly doubled Sinner’s total winners, at 36-19.
Sinner is now scheduled to face Ben Shelton in the quarterfinal. The scores and schedule can be found here.
👎 Less commendable mentions
🏀 Norman Powell Joins Heat, John Collins Moves to Clippers in Multi-Team Exchange
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The flurry of NBA trades continues with the latest being a three-team arrangement involving the Clippers, Heat, and Jazz. The details include:
- Heat Acquire: Norman Powell
- Clippers Acquire: John Collins
- Jazz Acquire: Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love, and a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers
Powell is the most prominent name in this exchange, coming off a season where he posted a career-best 21.8 points per game, earning Miami an “A-” in James Herbert’s trade evaluations.
- Herbert: “Powell presented a strong case for his inaugural All-Star Game selection last season. … Following the departure of Jimmy Butler and a first-round series defeat to the Cavaliers, described by team president Pat Riley as ‘humbling,’ Miami needed a player with Powell’s skill set. He will ease some of the scoring pressure on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, and, particularly with Duncan Robinson‘s exit, his shooting will enhance the overall offensive dynamics. Over the past seven seasons, Powell has converted 44.9% of his catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.”
This grade is impressive … and matches the one received by the Clippers. Collins finally finds a new team after persistent trade speculations, offering a strong fit as a stretch four (having shot 39.9% from 3 last season) and possessing the athleticism and rebounding ability necessary to contribute significantly.
This also positions the Clippers to possibly pursue Bradley Beal, whose current situation with the Suns remains uncertain. Sam Quinn analyzed Beal’s contract details and potential landing spots.
🏀 An Examination of Why the NCAA Tournament Doesn’t Require Expansion
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A decision on whether to expand the NCAA Tournament is expected this week, coinciding with a meeting of the Division I men’s basketball committee.
I express reservations regarding this proposal, a stance shared by Matt Norlander. The reasons are twofold, encompassing both emotional factors (such as the excitement of Selection Sunday, compelling Cinderella stories, and the simple conviction that the current format is optimal) and practical considerations.
Matt presents the data that demonstrates 68 teams is the ideal size for the NCAA Tournament, underlining:
- Expansion hasn’t traditionally enhanced “access” — “Since 1984-85, 91 Division I teams have been added (with six subsequently leaving). These schools have collectively received 168 NCAA Tournament bids. Of these 168 bids, how many were awarded as at-large selections? A mere one out of the 168 bids, and strikingly, only one out of 362 total at-large bids over four decades!”
- High-major conferences securing an increasing share of bids — “In the last 10 NCAA Tournaments, out of 362 at-large bids, 304 were allocated to schools within a major conference, representing 83%. … For those who believe expanding the field would considerably increase opportunities for mid-major programs, it’s essential to remember which entities have historically pushed for changes to the tournament.”
🏈 Celebrating the Top 25 NFL Moments from the 21st Century’s Initial 25 Years
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The NFL consistently delivers compelling narratives and memorable moments, solidifying its status as a dominant force not just on one day of the week but throughout the fall and a significant portion of the winter.
With a quarter of the century completed, Cody Benjamin ranked the 25 most outstanding NFL moments of the 21st century, with the top spot unsurprising.
- Benjamin: “1. The Helmet Catch — The Giants were not just participating in the Super Bowl against the Patriots. They were on a mission to disrupt history, facing an uphill battle as underdogs seeking to thwart New England’s attempt to achieve the NFL’s first perfect season in more than three decades. Trailing in the game’s final moments, Eli Manning evaded pressure from the Patriots’ pass rush and launched a desperate throw downfield, resulting in David Tyree‘s improbable catch, securing the ball against his helmet in a play some perceived as divinely inspired.”
(Unpopular opinion: Manning’s precise pass to Mario Manningham on the Super Bowl-winning drive four years later — also against New England — was a more impressive throw, but that’s a discussion for another time.)
In any event, this list is a delightful journey through recent NFL history.
📺 What to watch Tuesday
⚽ Fluminense vs. Chelsea, 3 p.m. on TNT/truTV
🏀 Grizzlies vs. 76ers, 7 p.m. on NBA TV
⚾ Dodgers at Brewers, 7:40 p.m. on TBS
🏀 Aces at Liberty, 8 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Thunder vs. Jazz, 9 p.m. on NBA TV
🏀 Lakers vs. Spurs, 10 p.m. on ESPN
⚾ Braves at Athletics, 10:05 p.m. on MLB Network
