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Nikola Jokic's teammate rips endless MVP debate
In his attempt to win an historic third straight MVP award, Nikola Jokic has dealt with plenty of outside noise, good and bad.
As the regular season nears its end, the discussion over who deserves this year's honor has begun to ramp up even more, drawing the ire of Jokic's teammate and good friend, Vlatko Cancar.
Appearing on this week's DNVR Nuggets podcast, Cancar revealed his disdain for how reporters and analysts alike have treated Jokic, which he says adds "unnecessary pressure" onto the shoulders of the big Serbian.
"It's like, guys, can you please just shut the f--- up just for one second?" Cancar said. "Why are we talking about this? He's already won two of them. I wish he wins 10 more, but I don't think he needs to hear about this anymore. I don't think he ever wanted to hear about it."
Oddschecker notes that sportsbooks have Jokic (-350) as the heavy favorite to win MVP. The 28-year-old is averaging 24.4 points per game while ranking third in the NBA in rebounds (11.8), fourth in assists (10.0), and seventh in field goal percentage (63.4). Behind Jokic, the Nuggets own the best record (46-19) in the Western Conference, trailing only the Bucks (47-18) for the best mark in the NBA.
As for detractors -- and there are always detractors -- Jokic's success this season has been explained away by stat padding. More complicatedly, ESPN's Kendrick Perkins alleged that Jokic's MVP reign was primarily race-driven.
The highs and lows in the NBA come fast and furious. As Cancar described it, you're beloved when you're playing well. But, when you're not, negativity runs rampant, which Cancar says can put a player in a "deep hole."
Cancar blames the media for creating narratives, an aspect of the NBA which players can find exasperating.
"It's not a lie. We do." Cancar said.
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Why Dalton Knecht Cannot Fall Out Of Lakers Rotation
The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into their first full season with the LeBron James–Luka Doncic pairing. Naturally, plenty of eyes are on that dynamic duo. Doncic is looking as svelte as ever, ready to redeem himself after being all but bullied for his fluffy physique. James is preparing for retirement; a general and gladiator ready to go out on his shield. Yet, James and Doncic aren’t their only players drawing attention. Fan favorite Austin Reaves‘s next contract has become a point of discussion. After being drafted 55th overall in 2024, Bronny James‘s career arc continues to be followed closely. Then there’s the younger James’s draft classmate, Dalton Knecht, whose spot in the rotation is seriously being questioned. Among all those topics, there’s only one that’s really a problem though. Knecht cannot fall out of the Lakers rotation. Why Dalton Knecht Can’t Fall Out Of Lakers Rotation L.A.’s star power might overshadow individual or collective weaknesses. Nevertheless, there’s really one very simple reason why Knecht shouldn’t be kicked out of the rotation. They don’t have enough off-ball shooters with him, let alone without him. To that point, among their current players, there are only four who have converted at least 37 percent of their career 3s: Knecht, Reaves, Jake LaRavia, and Rui Hachimua. Within that quartet, Reaves is their third scoring option and tertiary playmaker, meaning he’s as much of an on-ball creator as an off-ball outlet. Meanwhile, LaRavia and Hachimura are primarily power forwards. Thus, Knecht is their only true wing who’s expected to get the bulk of his buckets from playing off-ball. Yet, James has had his biggest victories playing alongside wings who were 3-point specialists. In the 2012 NBA Finals, small forward Shane Battier was an essential contributor as James captured his first NBA championship. In the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Hall of Fame shooting guard Ray Allen made one of the biggest shots of both of their careers, helping James win his second championship. When he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers and won his third championship, maturing wing J.R. Smith was a key starter. During the Lakers last championship run, both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Danny Green started throughout the playoffs. Sure, Doncic is the future of the Lakers. Rob Pelinka would probably like people to believe that he’s the current face of the franchise. But James is the one with four NBA MVP awards and four NBA championships, four more than Doncic has in either category. He’s the one that players are going to look to in the huddle if they make it back to the NBA Finals. So, why go away from an archetype that’s been incredibly valuable during his title-winning seasons? Corner Boys Corner boys, as they’re known colloquially, have a dramatic effect on the geometry of the court. They’re like cheat codes for spacing, as they can make defenses look silly for overhelping or going into a zone. They’re also relatively easy for facilitators to find when they penetrate the lane. With that in mind, Hachimura has shown he can excel in the same corners that Battier, Allen, Smith, Caldwell-Pope and Green thrived in. Indeed, he’s knocked down 39.5 percent of career corner 3s. Reaves has made 37.6 percent of his career corner 3s, though his efficiency from the left (31.5 percent) and right (45.2 percent) are as different as night and day. LaRavia has converted a sparkling 41.9 percent of his corner 3s and is particularly effective on the left side (43.2 percent). Yet, Knecht has been even better. In his rookie season, he made 42.5 percent of his right corner 3s and 43.9 percent of his left corner 3s. The Last Word On Dalton Knecht There’s a reason why Knecht was in the Rookie of the Year race in the first half of the season. He’s effective above the break, can knock down middies, get to the rim and create for others. He has a microwave badge and could realistically go for 20+ points with 3+ 3-pointers in any given game. He did so on seven occasions in 2024-25. The shift in the discourse surrounding Knecht could cause whiplash. Truly, NBA fans are fickle creatures. Just consider that he was actually better from long-distance in the second half of the season, shooting 40.7 percent from 3 post-All-Star Break versus 36.0 percent from 3 pre-All-Star Break. Still, there are real problem areas that he has to address. Getting Defensive Knecht’s play at the other end is the most glaring issue, especially if he’s going to be on the perimeter with Doncic and Reaves, who nobody considers plus-defenders. One way in which he could improve is by increasing his defensive IQ, as he had a tendency to ball-watch. With that being said, he needs to spend ample time doing film study, upping his recognition of opposing team and player tendencies. As he may never have an ideal level of lateral agility, this could also help him be a proactive defender who beats players to their spots (or just meets them there on time) thanks to his anticipation. Another way he can evolve defensively is by consistently getting into his defensive stance, which will help prevent him being taken out of plays by crossovers. All of that being said, anyone saying that there’s no hope for Knecht defensively is exaggerating. Frankly, he made several highlight defensive plays last season. He just needs to do so more consistently.
Green Bay Packers 4th Round Rookie Heralded As Steal Of The Draft
The Green Bay Packers’ front office has made a habit of unearthing underappreciated talent in the NFL Draft, and rookie Barryn Sorrell might be their latest gem. A fourth-round pick out of Texas, Sorrell has turned heads in training camp and delivered a standout performance in the Packers’ preseason opener against the New York Jets. It’s early, but the buzz is building—Sorrell could be the steal of the entire 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s a closer look at Sorrell’s impressive week, why coaches are raving about him, and what his role on the team could look like as the season unfolds. Green Bay Packers Barryn Sorrell: Preseason Debut Though the Green Bay Packers fell short against the Jets in their preseason opener, Sorrell’s debut was nothing short of promising. Lining up on the defensive edge, the rookie flashed the explosiveness and technique that made him a standout for the Texas Longhorns in college. Pro Football Focus gave Sorrell a team-best pass rush grade of 87.9 for the game, showcasing his ability to generate pressure. While Green Bay didn’t record a sack as a team, Sorrell came close on multiple occasions, recording two quarterback hits and two pressures. On one notable snap, he effortlessly tossed Jets tackle Max Mitchell aside before delivering a clean shot on quarterback Brady Cook, demonstrating a pass rush technique well beyond his years. “He looked sharp out there—really sharp,” Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said after the game. “For a young guy stepping into this environment, his ability to impact the game with consistent pressure is what we want to see moving forward.” The Work Ethic That Sets Him Apart What has impressed coaches just as much as Sorrell’s on-field performance is his relentless effort and commitment to improvement. Practice reports continually highlight his hustle during drills and scrimmages. From chasing down plays to perfecting minor details in his technique, Sorrell has demonstrated the kind of mindset that coaches love to see in young players. “He’s got a motor that doesn’t stop,” linebackers coach Sean Duggan said. “When you see a guy like Barryn putting in that level of effort, it elevates the whole group. That’s been his reputation since he arrived in Green Bay.” That reputation has driven Sorrell to stand out during training camp and preseason, setting him apart despite a crowded defensive rotation. Why Sorrell Is Being Dubbed a Steal Draft analysts have been quick to call Sorrell one of the smartest picks of the 2025 Draft, though hindsight reveals just how much of a sleeper he was going in. Coming out of Texas, Sorrell had been productive at the collegiate level, showcasing a knack for disrupting plays in the backfield. However, concerns about his relatively modest size (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) for an every-down edge rusher caused him to slide to the fourth round. It’s now becoming clear that those concerns were overstated. General manager Brian Gutekunst, who has built a reputation for finding value in the mid-to-late rounds, once again seems to have struck gold. Sorrell’s early success highlights why many now believe that he should have gone much earlier in the draft. “There’s zero reason he should’ve fallen that far,” said one AFC scout. “The Packers got a guy with Day 2 talent in the fourth round, and it won’t take long before he proves it.” Eyes on the Future The Packers’ philosophy of building through the draft has rarely been more evident than in their approach to Barryn Sorrell. With veteran leadership guiding him and coaches invested in his development, the rookie appears to be in a near-perfect situation to succeed. For a team looking to solidify its defensive identity, finding a player like Sorrell is invaluable. His work ethic, playmaking ability, and high football IQ give him every chance of being a long-term cornerstone for Green Bay’s pass rush. Final Thoughts It’s far too early for definitive conclusions, but Barryn Sorrell’s introduction to the NFL has Green Bay Packers fans excited. His performance in camp and the preseason has already exceeded expectations, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what could be an immensely bright future. If his current trajectory holds, Sorrell won’t just be a steal of the draft—he’ll be a key piece in the Packers’ ongoing pursuit of greatness.
Commanders have major hang-up preventing them from paying Terry McLaurin what he's due
It’s been two weeks since Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin publicly revealed his trade request, and a resolution doesn’t appear to be in sight. Thanks to ESPN’s John Keim, we’re starting to get more insight into how the Commanders are approaching negotiations…and how they run counter to their star wide receiver’s financial desires. As we’ve assumed all along, the Commanders are wary of giving McLaurin a lucrative contract that would extend well into the player’s 30s. As Keim notes, the Commanders “rely heavily on analytics,” and those numbers aren’t particularly kind to receivers on the wrong side of 30. They may be onto something. Per ESPN Research, over the past five years, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game (that number jumps to six players if you adjust for 60-plus receiving yards). Further, the team can simply point to the NFL landscape, as other teams are also clearly wary of paying aging wideouts. Among the 24 active wide receivers who are attached to the most guaranteed money, only Tyreek Hill was older than 30 when the deal was signed. McLaurin has continually pointed to his lack of mileage despite his age; he barely played during his first two years at Ohio State, meaning he may not have the same wear and tear as similar players his age. McLaurin is also naturally pointing to the stat sheet, as the receiver has continually produced despite uncertain QB play, uncertain ownership and a handful of different coaching staffs. Per Keim, the Commanders don’t want to pay McLaurin based on his past performance, with the front office preferring to shape any future contracts based on his projections for age-31-plus seasons. The organization also doesn’t want to set a new precedent by paying McLaurin, as it could convince future veterans to push for lucrative deals in their 30s. While McLaurin has taken the drastic measure of requesting a trade out of Washington, the organization is still convinced they have leverage in this showdown. After all, the player is still under contract for the 2025 campaign, meaning McLaurin will have to forfeit game checks if he sits out games. The team could even choose to slap him with the franchise tag next offseason (which could come in north of $30M), meaning they’re in full control of the player’s fate moving forward. The team is also skeptical that another suitor is going to willingly pay McLaurin the type of money he’s seeking. Per Keim, there’s doubts around the league about whether another team would be willing to meet the receiver’s demands. Even if a clear suitor does emerge, Keim makes it clear that Washington’s front office won’t give the star away without receiving a haul. We heard recently that McLaurin wasn’t necessarily seeking a deal that matched fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf‘s deal with the Steelers. However, Keim says Metcalf’s contract has generally served as a guide for McLaurin, but it’s uncertain whether the Commanders wideout is looking to match the AAV ($33M) or total guarantees ($60M). Ultimately, one source believes the Commanders may agree to pay McLaurin a contract that will pay $28M per year. Of course, it’s uncertain if the player would even accept that offer. If that hypothetical maximum offer doesn’t end in a signing, a divorce may be the logical next step.
Cowboys fans won't like Jerry Jones' update on Micah Parsons standoff
With the regular season approaching, the Dallas Cowboys should be aiming to extend EDGE Micah Parsons promptly. But they're still in no rush to do that. Parsons is set to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2025 and has requested a trade. Dallas insists it has no plans to move the 26-year-old pass-rusher but hasn't clarified when it will extend him. Giving him a new deal before the regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4 at 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock) seems wise. Dallas owner Jerry Jones, however, said that's not the team's deadline, nor does it need one. "No, not at all," Jones said Wednesday, via Jonah Javad of WFAA-TV in Dallas. "You don't have deadlines when you're playing under contract." Parsons is under contract, but that doesn't mean he must suit up. The EDGE could hold out of regular-season games, like former Cowboys star running back Emmitt Smith did in 1993. The Pro Football Hall of Famer missed the first two games of the season before becoming the league's highest-paid RB at that time. Parsons hasn't said whether he would hold out of regular-season games, but it's apparent he's unhappy with where things stand. "My mouth is closed," Parsons said Wednesday while leaving the practice field in Oxnard, California, via Field Level Media. Jones didn't say if talks with Parsons would resume when the Cowboys return to Texas for their second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. The matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The owner still seems confident Parsons will play on the fifth-year option if Dallas doesn't sign him before the start of the regular season. "Again, all you've got to go on are contracts," Jones said. "We are negotiating for a contract. When you do a contract, you would hope that after a negotiation, that's what both the team and player look to see what our obligations are. I have a lot of respect for the contract." Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb played the last years of their rookie contracts. Perhaps Jones wants Parsons to do the same. Still, that would be silly. Paying the four-time Pro Bowler should be a no-brainer for the Cowboys, so they should stop wasting time and show him the money.
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