
The Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in six games by the New York Knicks, following a 118-115 defeat in Game 6. That early elimination means Joel Embiid has once again failed to get to the Conference Finals in his career and he remains the only MVP to have never made it that far.
NBA MVPs who never made it to the Conference Finals: Joel Embiid
NBA MVPs who never made it to the NBA Finals: Steve Nash, Derrick Rose
NBA MVPs who never won a title: Charles Barkley, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, Karl Malone
I have to say, it is a bit surprising how short this full list is. I would have expected a few more MVPs to have never won a title, but I suppose it speaks to how great a majority of those winners were, that they managed to win it all at some point. As for Embiid, let's take a look at which stage his postseasons have ended over the years.
2018: Lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Celtics in five games
2019: Lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Raptors in seven games
2020: Lost in the First Round to the Celtics in four games
2021: Lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Hawks in seven games
2022: Lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Heat in six games
2023: Lost in the Conference Semifinals to the Celtics in seven games
2024: Lost in the First Round to the Knicks in six games
For me, the biggest missed opportunity has to be 2021. The 76ers were clearly better than the Atlanta Hawks but shot themselves in the foot to lose that series. They squandered a 26-point lead in Game 5 and then proceeded to lose Game 7 at home as well.
That loss to the Raptors in 2019 also sticks out, with Kawhi Leonard famously hitting that game-winner in Game 7 to break 76ers hearts. Apart from those two, the loss to the Celtics in 2023 was another where you felt they could have broken through. The 76ers were up 3-2 in that series but lost back-to-back games to get knocked out.
I am going to sound like a broken record here, but injuries have played a big part in Embiid never being able to take the 76ers to the Eastern Conference Finals. Yes, he could have played better in certain spots, but the seven-time All-Star's body just seems to break down in some way or the other when he gets to the postseason.
Even against the Knicks here, Embiid was dealing with some knee problems and Bell's palsy. Despite that, the 30-year-old still averaged 33.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Those are fantastic numbers, but Embiid struggled down the stretch in the series. It seemed like he was running on empty at the end of a lot of these games, which once again led to questions about his conditioning.
At this point, you do have to wonder whether an Embiid-led team has any chance of making a deep playoff run and winning a title. For me, that answer is no. As he gets older, things are not going to get better for him health-wise and I think you need another superstar next to him who will carry the load in the postseason.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are thriving, and LeBron James hasn’t even stepped foot on the court yet. Nobody expected a collapse for a LeBron-less Lakers team, especially considering Luka Doncic is leading the charge. But the NBA has seen plenty of scoring outbursts this year, and both Doncic and Austin Reaves are responsible for a handful of them. In Kendrick Perkins’ eyes, the Lakers have the hottest duo in the league with Doncic and Reaves. via @KendrickPerkins: I think it’s safe to say that Luka and Reaves are the Best Duo in Basketball right now It’s very early in the year, so it’s difficult to truly crown a top player, duo, or team this season. However, Perkins’ opinion once again shines a light on just how dominant Doncic and Reaves have been, and they haven’t even done it all together. Through the Lakers’ first seven games, Doncic has appeared in four matchups. In his first two games of the season, Doncic scored over 40 points in each of the games, logging double-doubles in both outings. He missed three games due to a minor setback, and then returned to the floor with a 44-point outing, marking his third-straight 40-point effort, along with a double-double. Sunday’s action against the Miami Heat didn’t feature a 40-point game, but Doncic was still quite productive. The star guard produced 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 10-point win. Looking over at Austin Reaves the star guard has played in all seven games for the Lakers this year. He started the season off with showings of 26 points and 25 points. Reaves went off with a 51-point double-double against the Sacramento Kings. He followed that performance up with a 41-point outing against the Portland Trail Blazers. Reaves didn’t continue rattling off 40-plus-point efforts, but he maintained productive scoring as Doncic returned to the lineup. Against the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, Reaves scored 21 points in 36 minutes. In the following game against the Miami Heat, he dropped 26 points and 11 assists in 37 minutes of action. When it comes to point totals, Doncic and Reaves are the top two teammates in that category so far. Reaves is second in the NBA with 218 points, trailing the reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Doncic comes in at 12th, with 165 points, trailing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell, just outside of the top 10. Want to read more about the daily ripple effects of the NBA? Make sure you bookmark Fastbreak on SI for the top hoops stories of the day from a league-wide scope. The Latest on Fastbreak on SI
Every MLB offseason brings its share of blockbuster rumors and bold predictions, but some trade ideas actually make sense — for both sides. With free agency about to heat up and front offices reshaping rosters for 2026, Yardbarker MLB writers looked at one dream (but still realistic) trade target for every MLB team. From contenders looking for that final piece to rebuilders seeking a spark, these hypothetical moves blend star power with plausibility. Here’s how all 30 teams could swing a deal that transforms their outlook heading into next season (2025 records in parentheses). AL East Baltimore Orioles (75-87) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: The Orioles traded for ace right-hander Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season, and that worked well. Why not try to employ the same strategy with Skubal, an ace in his own right, as Baltimore looks to bounce back from a last-place finish? Skubal’s elite 2.21 ERA in 2025 would be a perfect fit atop the rotation. Boston Red Sox (89-73) | 2B/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: It’s unclear whether prospect infielders Kristian Campbell or Marcelo Mayer are the answer up the middle, but there’s no doubt that Donovan would be an established upgrade over both. The 2025 All-Star would bring positional versatility and solid offensive production (.772 career OPS) to a lineup that had trouble scoring at times. New York Yankees (94-68) | 1B/OF Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies: New York could lose outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in free agency, so the Yankees theoretically have both of Harper's positions to fill this winter. The veteran’s left-handed swing is made for the Yankee Stadium right-field short porch, which could help him improve upon a 2025 season in which he produced an .844 OPS, the lowest since his rookie season in 2012. Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) | LHP Mackenzie Gore, Washington Nationals: Typically, the Rays trade pitchers who are young but increasingly expensive (LHP Blake Snell, RHP Tyler Glasnow and RHP Chris Archer). This time, though, it could make sense for Tampa to swing for the fences with Gore, who boasts immense strikeout upside (10.4 K/9 in 2025) and is controllable through the 2028 season. The All-Star southpaw could also thrive in the team's analytics-driven pitching lab. Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) | RHP Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins: The Blue Jays nearly won the World Series, so they have a lot to look forward to. However, it wouldn’t hurt Toronto to replace members of its oldish rotation with someone like right-hander Ryan, whose 3.42 ERA in 30 starts with the Twins in 2025 should make him one of the top trade candidates of this offseason. — Seth Carlson AL West Athletics (76-86) | Infielder Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: The A’s received virtually nothing from second and third in 2025. Former top prospect Zack Gelof should get another chance to prove himself, but the A’s do not have many options at third. Gorman, who hit 27 homers in 2023, may not cost much and could provide a respectable stopgap at the hot corner. Houston Astros (87-75) | IF/OF Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals: The Astros missed the postseason for the first time since 2016; the outfield was a key factor in that. Astros outfielders posted a .665 OPS, 25th in the majors. Donovan, who has predominantly played at second and left, would solve a black hole in the middle of the lineup and provide a needed left-handed hitter. Los Angeles Angels (72-90) | RHP Brady Singer, Cincinnati Reds: The Angels and Reds line up perfectly as trade partners. The Angels have a logjam in the outfield with either Jo Adell or Taylor Ward expected to be traded during the offseason. Meanwhile, the Reds have plenty of pitching and need help in the outfield. Singer, who has one more year of team control left, would be the most likely Reds pitcher to be dealt. He would solidify the middle of L.A.'s rotation. Seattle Mariners (90-72) | 3B Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies: Because Eugenio Suarez is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, the Mariners will once again be looking for help at third. Bohm had been on the trading block during the 2024-25 offseason but remained in Philadelphia because no one would meet its price. Bohm hit just 11 homers and 18 doubles in 2025, crushing his trade value. Texas Rangers (81-81) | RHP Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates: The Rangers should have a solid top of the rotation with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. However, neither pitcher is a paragon of health. Keller has thrown at least 159 innings in each of the past four seasons and is under team control through 2028. He would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm. — David Hill AL Central Chicago White Sox (60-102) | 1B Triston Casas, Boston Red Sox: The rebuilding White Sox made progress in 2025 but have many holes remaining. Acquiring a player such as Casas could be a perfect buy-low option while improving the power for a team that ranked 23rd in the majors with 165 homers. Cleveland Guardians (88-74) | RHP Edward Cabrera, Miami Marlins: The Guardians need help in the lineup, but several top prospects are expected to make an impact in 2026. The same cannot be said for the rotation that is lacking a top-of-the-rotation arm. Cabrera finally put everything together for the Marlins in 2025 and is under team control through 2028. Miami has pitching depth, so Cabrera could be available. Detroit Tigers (87-75) | 3B Josh Jung, Texas Rangers: The Tigers need a third baseman and Jung could be the answer. The 2023 All-Star has seen his star dim over the past two seasons as he battled injuries and contact woes. Jung may need a change of scenery and could be what the Tigers need to get his brother, Jace, to tap into his potential. Kansas City Royals (82-80) | OF Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox: The outfield was one of the worst in the majors in 2025, ranking 29th with a .633 OPS. Duran may not be the player he was in 2024, but his ability to drive the ball into the gaps, excellent speed and stellar defense would be a perfect fit in Kauffman Stadium. Minnesota Twins (70-92) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The rotation disappointed in 2025 and sorely needs an ace. The Twins began to dismantle the roster at the 2025 trade deadline, so it's unlikely that pitchers Pablo Lopez or Joe Ryan will be with Minnesota in 2026. Both will be expensive. — David Hill NL West Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) | RHP Pete Fairbanks, Tampa Bay Rays: The Diamondbacks had issues with the bullpen throughout 2025 (27th in the league with a 4.82 ERA) and it will likely be a point of emphasis for the team this offseason. Fairbanks totaled 27 saves last season and pitched a career-high 60.1 innings. There is a club option for $11 million that the Rays will likely pick up only if they can trade him. At 32, Fairbanks might be worth it for one season in the desert. Colorado Rockies (43-119) | RHP Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers: It’s a new day in Denver with a new GM coming soon. Colorado desperately needs starting pitching, especially an ace. The Rockies have a crowded outfield in terms of proven players and prospects, so they could work a deal with Milwaukee, a team that they have traded with, and secure a big arm. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) | OF Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians: After a year in which the Dodgers had to overlook some deficiencies in the outfield with Michael Conforto and Teoscar Hernandez, landing someone like Kwan makes sense for the two-time defending champions. Kwan doesn’t strike out much (only 8.7 percent of the time in 2025), something the Dodgers needed when their offense sputtered in the postseason. San Diego Padres (90-72) | RHP Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: Depending on what happens with pitchers Michael King and Dylan Cease, the Padres are going to need someone who can step in as a face of the rotation. Alcantara, 30, has a $19 million deal for 2026 and a $21 million team option for 2027, so he won’t come to San Diego cheap. However, the NL West will be another arms race in 2026, and Alcantara could be a fascinating addition for the Padres. San Francisco Giants (81-81) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: Adding a solid southpaw to the bullpen is rarely a bad move, and the 29-year-old Romero has been quietly building a reputation as one of the best lefties in the late innings. He’s controlled through arbitration through the 2026 campaign and has logged 57 holds over the past three seasons. Pitching is expected to be a priority for the Giants this offseason. — Kevin Henry NL East Atlanta Braves (76-86) | SS Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros: The former World Series MVP was drafted by the Braves out of high school in 2015 but chose not to sign. Perhaps a reunion is in order in Atlanta, which has desperately needed a true shortstop since the departure of Dansby Swanson during the 2022 offseason. The 28-year-old Pena was named an All-Star in 2025, batting .304 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 125 games. Miami Marlins (79-83) | 1B/OF Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals: Miami exceeded expectations in 2025 and, if they have a strong offseason, could be a sleeper contender for an NL wild-card spot in 2026. Before that happens, though, they must solve their first base conundrum by trading for Burleson, who can play there and in the outfield. Burleson, who will turn 27 on Nov. 25, posted a career-high .801 OPS with 18 homers and 69 RBI in 2025. New York Mets (83-79) | LHP Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers: Skubal, in line for his second straight AL Cy Young Award, would be a dream trade candidate for any team but especially owner Steve Cohen and the Mets. New York desperately needs a frontline starter after its pitching largely failed it in 2025. Philadelphia Phillies (96-66) | C Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: Longtime catcher J.T. Realmuto is a free agent and, despite entering his age-35 season in 2026, is expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. It’s clear the Phillies must get younger at the position, and acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick from Baltimore would be a solid way to secure their future at backstop and keep their competitive window open. Rutschman, who will turn 28 on Feb. 6, hasn't lived up to his draft pedigree but still has decent upside. Washington Nationals (66-96) | RHP Jonah Tong, New York Mets: The Nationals are more than one piece from being competitive, so Washington’s focus should be who they can acquire in potential trades for left-hander MacKenzie Gore, 2B Luis Garcia Jr. and OF Robert Hassell III. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed a wild divisional trade that would send Tong to the Nationals for Gore. — Lauren Amour NL Central Chicago Cubs (92-70) | RHP Shane Bieber, Toronto Blue Jays: Chicago leaned heavily on veteran arms in its rotation, with 34-year-old Matthew Boyd anchoring the staff. Bieber, 30, joined the Blue Jays this season, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA and 1.017 WHIP. With Chicago expected to be a playoff-level team in 2026, Bieber could be another experienced arm to help with a deep postseason run. Cincinnati Reds (83-79) | LHP JoJo Romero, St. Louis Cardinals: The Reds need reliable back-end bullpen arms, and Romero offers late-inning experience. He became the Cardinals’ closer after the team dealt Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets. In 2025, Romero posted a 2.07 ERA, a career best in the big leagues, in 61 innings. Milwaukee Brewers (97-65) | 1B Pete Alonso, New York Mets: Milwaukee's lineup struggled to produce consistent power in 2025, finishing 22nd in MLB with 166 home runs. Alonso, who launched 38 home runs — leading all first basemen — would be an immediate upgrade. He also hit .272 and drove in 126 runs, the second most in the majors. Andrew Vaughn filled the role well after being traded to Milwaukee midseason, but Alonso would be the definitive No. 1 option. Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91) | 2B Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays: The Pirates haven’t made much of a trade splash in recent offseasons, so dealing for a proven bat like Lowe would be smart. He hit .256 with 31 home runs in 2025, bringing power and veteran experience to a younger lineup. St. Louis Cardinals (78-84) | RHP Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres: The pitching staff lacked swing-and-miss stuff in 2025, finishing 29th in MLB in strikeouts. Cease delivered 215 strikeouts over 168 innings — sixth most in MLB — and led the majors with 11.52 strikeouts per nine innings. — Taylor Bretl
Entering the offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies must shake things up after running mostly the same roster back for three consecutive years and suffering three straight exits short of the World Series. But Philadelphia seems more likely to make a trade than sign a big-name free agent this offseason. First baseman Bryce Harper ($27.5M in 2026, per Spotrac), SS Trea Turner ($27.3M) and RHPs Zack Wheeler ($42M) and Aaron Nola ($24.6M) take up a huge amount of the payroll, so the Phillies may seek cost-effective options in the trade market. Could 22-year-old Tampa Bay third baseman Junior Caminero be an option for the Phillies? Phillies are likely to trade All-Star Alec Bohm this offseason For the past couple of offseasons, Philadelphia has been rumored to be in the market to trade 2024 All-Star third baseman Bohm, who is coming off a down power season (11 HR, 49 RBI). With one year left on his deal before he becomes a free agent, Bohm probably will be jettisoned by the Phillies, who are projected by Spotrac to offer him $10.25M in arbitration. Philadelphia could better use that money to re-sign designated hitter Kyle Schwarber or catcher J.T. Realmuto. Bohm batted .287 in 120 games last season but could benefit from a change of scenery to get him back on track to where he was in 2024 (97 RBI and 44 doubles). Phillies, Rays could make a deal With Bohm unlikely to be on the Opening Day roster, Philadelphia probably will find another option. Pending free agent Alex Bregman (18 HR, .273 BA) may not return to the Boston Red Sox. He's a fit for the Phillies, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. But Bregman would command a high salary, as would Seattle's Eugenio Suárez, who also is a pending free agent. Feinsand listed the Angels, Mariners and Pirates as fits for the 34-year-old, who had 49 homers and a .228 batting average last season. Debuting at 19 in 2023, Caminero was an injury replacement All-Star in 2025 and would fit in perfectly with the Phillies. He could be the cleanup hitter the team has lacked and provide needed protection for Harper. Caminero — who is set to make $820,000 in 2026, according to Spotrac — has plenty of power (45 HR, sixth in big leagues in 2025) and hit for a decent average, .264, last season. “There's no denying his talent, and what he can cover in and off the plate away is just amazing to me," Rays manager Kevin Cash said of Caminero, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. Acquiring Caminero would likely cost the Phillies one or two of their top prospects and a big-league player. The Phillies have the prospect capital and major league talent to get a deal like this done — if they’re willing to pull the trigger.
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft suffered a torn ACL against the Carolina Panthers and will miss the rest of the season. It was the biggest injury of a painful day at Lambeau Field. Here’s the latest news on a long injury list ahead of Monday night’s home game against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. WR Matthew Golden Without premier tight end Tucker Kraft, the Packers need as many playmakers as possible as they pick up the pieces on offense headed into the second half of the season. Golden suffered a shoulder injury during a catch early in the third quarter against Carolina and did not return. “He shouldn’t be long term,” coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday, a day after a 16-13 loss. In 24 snaps, Golden caught 2-of-3 targets for 9 yards. It’s the second consecutive quiet day for the first-round pick, his decreased role probably related to the return of Christian Watson. Golden was an impact player against Cleveland, Dallas and Cincinnati. However, the last two games, he caught 5-of-6 targets for only 13 yards. According to PFF, 88 receivers were targeted at least four times the last two weeks. His 0.30 yards per pass route is the fifth-lowest and his 2.6 yards per reception is the third-lowest. Among this year’s rookie receivers, Golden is fifth with 23 catches and 262 yards. Among the 17 rookie receivers who have been targeted at least 10 times, Golden’s 79.3 percent catch rate is second. DT Colby Wooden A few days after getting a shoutout from Micah Parsons, defensive tackle Colby Wooden suffered a shoulder injury and did not return after 15 snaps. “Nothing long term, so we feel good about that,” LaFleur said. He obviously was missed. Rico Dowdle carried 25 times for 130 yards as the Panthers ran for 163 yards on a 4.9-yard clip. The Packers entered the game ranked fifth in the league with 78.9 rushing yards allowed per game. Dowdle had run past that figure by the opening series of the third quarter. Carolina has one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL, and it obviously won’t get any easier against the powerful Eagles on Monday night. Philadelphia finished second in the league last season with 179.3 rushing yards per game as NFL rushing champion Saquon Barkley finished with 2,005 yards. They’re only 19th this season with 111.6 rushing yards per game, but Barkley rushed for 150 yards against the Giants before the bye. LG Aaron Banks The Packers revamped their offensive line this offseason, highlighted by the signing of left guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million contract. His first season in Green Bay has been tormented by injuries. On Sunday, he did not return after suffering a stinger in the opening series. Sean Rhyan replaced him for the final 56 snaps. Banks should be fine for this week, LaFleur said. Of the team’s eight games, Banks started six but played only 51.6 percent of the offensive snaps. He had played every snap the previous three games, though, and seemed to be on an upward trajectory. “Obviously, the beginning of the year, banged up, all the groins, backs, things that he had, and I think every game he’s played he’s looked better and better and better, and I think this game was no different,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said last week. “He had his best game [against Pittsburgh] and I thought he did a really nice job. He’s doing a good job of being the enforcer out there, plays with physicality.” WR Dontayvion Wicks Dontayvion Wicks missed the last two games with a calf injury. Before that, injuries limited him to 21 snaps vs. Cincinnati and 15 snaps vs. Arizona. While the return of Christian Watson from a torn ACL lessened the blow, the Packers missed him on Sunday when Tucker Kraft was out with a knee injury, Matthew Golden was out with a shoulder injury and Watson was being checked for a concussion. Wicks hasn’t practiced the last two weeks but did catch balls from a JUGS machine on Friday. He is fifth on the team with 13 receptions but hasn’t had a gain of 20-plus yards since Dec. 5 at Detroit. DE Lukas Van Ness Lukas Van Ness suffered a foot injury during the first half against Cincinnati in Week 6. He has neither played nor practiced the last three weeks. On Sunday, the Packers essentially went with only three defensive ends, with Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary starting and Kingsley Enagbare playing 26 snaps off the bench. Rookie Barryn Sorrell played only one snap. Both he and Dontayvion Wicks could “potentially” return this week, LaFleur said. After long layoffs, they presumably will have to practice on Wednesday. WR Jayden Reed Jayden Reed remains on injured reserve following the broken collarbone sustained in Week 2. While he has started working with trainers, it doesn’t appear his 21-day practice window will open this week. “He’s getting healthier, yes,” LaFleur said. “But would I say he’s close? I mean, what is close?” TE Tucker Kraft Kraft will miss the rest of the season following his torn ACL. “He’s doing as good as you could ever be doing, considering the circumstances,” LaFleur said. “Tuck’s a guy that he’s not going to flinch. That’s why we love him. He’s a hell of a player, hell of a teammate, hell of a guy. I’m bummed for him. I’m bummed for us. It’s part of it. It’s got to be that next-man-up mentality. Unfortunate for him, but now other guys are going to get an opportunity.” The next men up will be Luke Musgrave and John FitzPatrick, with Josh Whyle on the practice squad after catching 28 passes last year for the Titans. Musgrave caught three passes on the final possession on Sunday, including a 21-yarder to jump-start the game-tying drive. “Luke’s a guy that we’ve got a ton of confidence in,” LaFleur said. “I think his career got started off, faced a little adversity being in and out of the lineup with some injuries, but he definitely brings a vertical presence, and we’re going to have to put him in situations where he can utilize his strengths.” SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY PACKERS NEWSLETTER



