New York Knicks rookie Tyler Kolek has done something no other NBA player has done over his last two games.
According to Knicks Muse, Kolek became the first player in NBA history to notch at least eight assists without turning the ball over in under 20 minutes of action in consecutive games (h/t New York Knicks on SI’s Geoff Magliocchetti).
Kolek has filled in admirably for All-Star Jalen Brunson as well as Miles McBride in the Knicks’ backcourt of late. The Marquette product had eight assists on Saturday against the Washington Wizards. He followed that up with nine assists on Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks.
New York has a burgeoning talent on their hands. Kolek proved against the Mavericks that his passing exhibition in the 122-103 win over the Wizards was no fluke. The Knicks have moved the ball well on the year, averaging 27.3 assists per game. The Rhode Island native gives them added insurance at backup point guard.
Further, Kolek’s feel for the game could translate to the postseason. New York only has 11 games left on the season. Their mounting backcourt injuries could carry over into the playoffs. Having a facilitator like the former second-round pick will be beneficial as the season comes to a close. Kolek will look to continue his historic output moving forward.
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DeMarcus Cousins recently gave Golden State Warriors fans a rare glimpse behind the curtain, and what he revealed wasn’t about Xs and Os, it was about how the franchise treats its players like family. Speaking on FanDuel TV, Cousins echoed Jimmy Butler’s praise for the Warriors, calling them one of the top organizations in the league. But what stood out most was his revelation that the Warriors go so far as to provide a separate plane just for players’ families during the playoffs. In an NBA where marginal advantages matter, this is elite-level care that few franchises offer. "Being a guy that was a part of the organization, I can agree with Jimmy 100%. It’s definitely one of the top organizations in the NBA. They treat their players well. They treat players’ families well." "From, you know, meal plans on the road to traveling, I mean, during the playoffs, finals, they have their own separate plane just for players’ family members. So it's not many organizations doing that. So what he's saying is absolutely true." "Obviously, it's early, but I know dealing with the Warriors myself, the organization is going to roll out the red carpet for him. They want him to feel welcome. They want him to feel like he's a part of the family." "And, you know, I think Jimmy’s also showing he’s putting his best foot forward. So I think it's coming from both sides. And it makes sense. You want it that way. You want to make this relationship work. You want your investment to work." "And, you know, giving the extension to Jimmy at this point in his career, it makes sense. Everybody's playing their part to make this work. As of right now, it’s working." Since arriving in the Golden State last season, Jimmy Butler has done more than fit in, he’s elevated the team on both ends of the floor. He averaged 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game on an efficient 47.6% shooting. But his biggest impact has come on the defensive end. With Butler in the lineup, the Warriors posted the best defensive rating in the NBA. That’s no coincidence. His tenacity, leadership, and focus on the little things turned a good defense into an elite one. Golden State went 23–7 in the regular season with Butler in the lineup. They knocked off the rising Houston Rockets in a gritty seven-game first-round series. But misfortune struck in Round 2. Stephen Curry, the heartbeat of the team, injured his ankle in Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and missed the next four games. The Warriors fell in five, leaving fans wondering just how far they could have gone with a healthy roster. That heartbreak, though, has only fueled optimism. With Curry healthy, Butler locked in, and a full offseason to gel, the Warriors are poised to make serious noise. The culture is elite. The system is proven. The foundation is as strong as ever. And Jimmy Butler, a player known for his intensity and no-nonsense approach to basketball, has found a home in Golden State’s player-first ecosystem. The Warriors' investment in Butler isn’t just about wins, it’s about values. It’s about creating an environment where players want to stay, build, and chase greatness together. With stars like Cousins and Butler both vouching for Golden State’s unmatched treatment of players and families, it’s clear the franchise is doing things right on and off the court.
The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the entire fan base and NFL world when they traded Minkah Fitzpatrick back to the Miami Dolphins. When the Steelers got him from Miami early in his career, Fitzpatrick quickly became an All-Pro safety and a key piece of Pittsburgh’s defense. Over time, though, many fans began to feel like his play was slipping, and it seems the Steelers agreed. In return for Fitzpatrick, the Steelers acquired veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The move raised eyebrows across the league, not just because of Fitzpatrick’s reputation, but because of what it signaled about the team’s direction. Ramsey brings a physical presence to the secondary, and Smith gives the offense a much-needed boost at tight end. The Steelers clearly wanted to shake things up on both sides of the ball. When General Manager Omar Khan was asked why the team moved on from Fitzpatrick, his response was eye opening. Khan took time to speak to the media on Wednesday as training camp kicked off. He spoke about the importance of retooling the roster with players who better fit the team’s current vision and playing style. Khan made it clear that difficult decisions are sometimes necessary in order to keep the team competitive, and this trade was one of them. "I don't know if it necessarily was moving on from Minkah," Khan said via the Steelers' YouTube page. "We had an opportunity to acquire two Pro Bowl players that we felt, with where we are as a team, made sense for us. Have a lot of respect for Minkah. Minkah was a great football player for a few years for us and wish him the best. But it was really the opportunity to acquire these two players that we think can help us." That response from Khan was not only well-stated but perfectly captured the Steelers’ mindset. It makes complete sense that Pittsburgh decided to go all-in on this roster for the 2025 season. Even if the organization still believed Fitzpatrick could play at an All-Pro level, the opportunity to acquire two proven Pro Bowlers in return was simply too valuable to ignore. For a team trying to maximize its current championship window, it was a calculated and aggressive move. Ramsey is coming off a strong 2024 season and, while some believe his best years may be behind him, the Steelers clearly don’t share that view. The coaching staff expects Ramsey to play a major role in revitalizing the secondary and providing veteran leadership to a retooled defense. The same goes for Smith, who had a breakout year with the Dolphins last season and earned Pro Bowl recognition. Now in Pittsburgh, Smith will look to build on that momentum while catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, a major upgrade at quarterback that should put him in position to succeed. Steelers Didn't Want To Trade Minkah Fitzpatrick What stood out most was how open and direct Khan was when discussing the decision to trade Fitzpatrick. It’s obvious the Steelers had great respect for him and didn’t take the move lightly. However, in the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, even beloved players are not immune to business decisions. As Khan made clear, this was about building the best roster possible for right now. And in the NFL, the business is just that—the business. It seems as if Fitzpatrick was just the asset the Dolphins needed in return to land the two Pro Bowl players. The Steelers and Khan did a good job keeping this roster in win-now mode, and that trade was a byproduct of that.
A team that has gone through several changes already this summer, the Vancouver Canucks remain active, currently engaged in discussions with unrestricted free agent forward Jack Roslovic. According to reports from Rick Dhaliwal and Cam Robinson, the organization has spoken to Roslovic on several occasions and are still interested in potentially signing him to a free agency deal. Roslovic posted 39 points in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes in 2024-25. He is reportedly seeking a two- or three-year deal worth just over $3 million annually. Roslovic could be a solid middle-six contributor for an NHL team, but there is some concern over whether he’s a needle mover. He could be a solution for Canucks, who need a true third-line center, but some wonder if he’s the best place to be using the little cap flexibility Vancouver has. A Roslovic signing would take up much of the $3.2 million available to add to the roster. Can the Canucks work the math out on Roslovic? At this stage of free agency, it’s about finding value in overlooked talent. Roslovic likely won’t be a dynamic top producer, but he has value. The question is if Vancouver can make the math work. He could provide reliable depth scoring, but is that where the money should go? Some believe the Canucks would be better served by taking a bigger swing. On his own, Roslovic likely doesn’t move the Canucks into contender status.
It’s been a busy summer for New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, having watched several pitchers and the team’s primary third baseman fall victim to lengthy IL stints. Cashman has at least three holes to repair, but who can the Yankees deal to land some worthwhile replacements? Among New York's trade chips that have been frequently mentioned as of recent is outfielder Spencer Jones. Whether for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Eugenio Suarez or Pittsburgh Pirates' Mitch Keller, several rumors have suggested a package involving Jones, the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect and purported “left-handed Aaron Judge.” Up until this season, Jones had struggled to live up to his monstrous expectations, which made him rather undesirable in prior trade discussions. But whereas many teams and writers saw him as a hard pass in trade talks over the offseason, Jones has now become a hot commodity. Off to a scorching start in Triple-A (.408/.470/.901 with 10 home runs in just 17 games entering Wednesday), Jones has compiled a head-turning .313/.412/.683 stat line with a career-high 26 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 246 at-bats across Double and Triple-A this season. With his awe-striking power finally producing some results, Jones has become a top-of-the-line trade chip. However, this doesn’t mean the Yankees should consider trading him. Why not? Center field-related uncertainty Yankees’ center fielder, Cody Bellinger, has played well in pinstripes this year which raises the topic of his player option for next season. In addition, since he is getting paid more than his option is worth next year, chances are he decides to try the free-agent market. If Bellinger does leave, center field will be wide open as Trent Grisham will also likely test free agency after this season. Unlike Jones, neither Judge nor Jasson Dominguez have displayed the aptitude necessary to capably play the position. The Yankees’ shallow depth will also prove to be a challenge for finding a replacement. If Bellinger does stay, he can slide into first base while Jones takes over at center. But whether he decides to stay or go, Bellinger will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Trade value Jones’ numbers are on fire, but his trade value has yet to catch up, due to his unstable track record. Nonetheless, using a prospect of Jones’ caliber (along with others) to land someone like Keller (career 4.43 ERA), for example, or any similar player would equate to mismanagement. Given his torrid stretch this year, there is a good chance Jones lives up to his stunning potential. Selling him for a fraction of his future worth would be regrettable. Yankees’ current situation The Yankees are without Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt for the year and many others sit on the IL alongside them. This deficiency could be offset by acquiring some rentals, namely Suarez. However, as the risk with all rentals, Suárez will likely test free agency at the end of the season. Unless the Yankees extend or sign him, he won’t share the same side of the field with Cole or Schmidt (while active). If they can land Suarez without trading Jones, all would be well for the Yankees. If not, this could be a case of mortgaging the future to improve a very gloomy present. In the end, it may be better to have Jones’ bat backing Cole over the next three years rather than Suárez’s bat backing Will Warren this year. If the Yankees are dealing for rentals at the deadline, it’s best to leave Jones out of it.