Joshua Valdez Articles - Page 20

With the Chicago Cubs on pace for their third losing season in the last four years, the club figures to be sellers at this year’s trade deadline. Outfielder Cody Bellinger’s name has been thrown around the rumor mill, but the club could have trouble moving him. Bellinger’s level of production relative to his salary could […]

Usually, the idea of LeBron James coming off the bench would only be thought of by the most irrational “LeBron haters.” However, it’s a different conversation when “The King” is playing on a squad full of superstars in the Olympics. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that he and the staff have thought about […]

The Knicks have had one of the NBA’s best off-seasons this summer, adding 2022 All-Defensive first-teamer Mikal Bridges and re-signing wing OG Anunoby. However, the loss of center Isaiah Hartenstein leaves a void in the big man position for New York. The most convenient solution would be to bring back backup big man Precious Achiuwa, […]

The New York Yankees are now just 14-15 since the start of June after getting off to the hottest start in baseball. That’s due in large part to the lack of production in the lineup around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who were both named 2024 All-Star Game starters on Wednesday. Soto shared his excitement […]

The 2024 All-Star game starting lineups are in, and baseball fans did right by the game’s stars, for the most part. The MLB continued its two-phase fan voting system that it instituted in 2019, with Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge each earning automatic starting spots as the top vote-getters in each league. Judge is currently […]

After one of the most legendary runs in NBA history, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors have divorced. However, one door closing simply opens another, so it’s time to make bold predictions for Thompson’s upcoming season with the Dallas Mavericks. Although the future Hall-of-Famer is past his prime at 34 years old, he still […]

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper are two of the greatest players baseball has ever seen. That fact has only been further confirmed this summer, as the two each made MLB history with their respective monthly awards. Judge and Harper each won AL and NL Players of the Month, […]

The New York Jets are at a breaking point. After 13 consecutive years of missing the playoffs, Gang Green is in danger of reaching a level of embarrassment never seen in the history of North American sports. That’s why they must continue making the right moves as training camp approaches. Despite the recent media overreaction […]

The Magic have had a sneaky-good offseason thus far. In addition to signing veteran shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Orlando will now retain one of its rising players for the foreseeable future. Power forward Jonathan Isaac re-worked his deal with the team, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Orlando Magic F Jonathan Isaac has agreed on a five-year, […]

It was always going to be difficult for the New York Knicks to retain Isaiah Hartenstein after trading for Mikal Bridges and handing OG Anunoby a five-year, $212 million contract extension. Now that “I-Hart” is officially gone, though, New York needs to find a replacement. The organization is now targeting Utah Jazz big man Walker […]

After two straight 6-7 seasons, Utah State football may have been due for a major change. However, the Aggies probably didn’t expect it to happen in the way that it did. Head coach Blake Anderson will not return for his fourth season, via ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “Sources: Utah State football coach Blake Anderson on leave, […]

Today’s NBA moves quickly. While the Denver Nuggets topped the totem pole just two years ago, the squad could use some extra punch after losing in the second round and losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. Nobody knows this better than superstar center Nikola Jokic, who is campaigning for a Russell Westbrook trade behind […]

LeBron James wants another star teammate as he approaches 40 years old, but the Los Angeles Lakers’ efforts on the trade and free agent markets haven’t worked thus far. After striking out on Klay Thompson, James Harden, and Jonas Valanciunas, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young may be one of the last semi-realistic names left. […]

The Los Angeles Lakers’ empire continues to crumble before the basketball world’s eyes. After drafting LeBron James’ son and hiring his podcast co-host as a first-time head coach, the team has struck out so far in this free agency period. The Lakers pulled out all the stops to land Klay Thompson, but they still couldn’t […]

The New York Knicks’ exciting offseason took a couple of steps back Monday with the loss of center Isaiah Hartenstein. While the 26-year-old has an exciting opportunity ahead with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Big Apple will always hold a special place in his heart. Hartenstein thanked New York fans for their support over the […]

The Golden State Warriors just got much younger, and Brandin Podziemski may be a centerpiece of their new era sooner rather than later. With Chris Paul and Klay Thompson departing the Bay Area, the team’s young core will have to step up and support Steph Curry. Podziemski sounded off on Paul’s move to the San […]

The New York Knicks knew this day was coming deep down, but it didn’t make it sting any less. Center Isaiah Hartenstein left for the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, and New York will most likely downgrade at the position heading into next season. Knicks shooting guard and resident comedian Josh Hart used humor […]

The Yankees (53-32) remain firmly in the upper echelon of the MLB despite their recent skid. However, to win its first championship since 2009, New York must make crucial upgrades through the trade market before the league’s July 30th deadline. The club’s pitching staff has been its biggest sore spot recently, recording a 5.42 ERA […]

The Utah Jazz’ newest rookie Kyle Filipowski has gotten off to one of the weirdest starts of an NBA career ever. While the seven-footer is a promising talent, he’s at the center of a disturbing developing story that could jeopardize his future with the Jazz. Kyle’s brother Daniel alleged that Caitlin Hutchinson, Kyle’s fiancee, has […]

Euro 2024 has already been full of upsets, but this one takes the cake so far. Defending champion Italy got embarrassed 2-0 by Switzerland on Saturday to kick off the knockout matches, and the Azzuri have some soul-searching to do after they leave Germany. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma was disgusted after the match, via Italian journalist […]

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has gotten his way this offseason, and there’s no sign of that stopping anytime soon. Just days after the organization drafted his son Bronny with the 55th overall pick, the elder James will now opt out of the last year of his current deal. The Lakers will now be […]

The New York Yankees enjoyed their best night of the season on Friday, embarrassing the Toronto Blue Jays 16-5 at the Rogers Centre. However, the game wasn’t always smooth, as Marcus Stroman publicly yelled at Gleyber Torres after Torres failed to turn a double-play in the fifth inning. Stroman took responsibility for the outburst after […]

China has been a popular destination for washed-up NBA players in recent years, so much so that the meme “You better start learning Chinese, buddy” has been used on social media many times whenever a player falters. However, declining hoopers may want to think twice about the Chinese Basketball Association after Noah Vonleh’s recent experience. […]

The Atlanta Hawks continue to be the center of attention this offseason, even after selecting French big man Zaccharie Risacher first overall in the NBA Draft. Atlanta is now wheeling and dealing as it transitions into its new era, led by Risacher and second-year forward Jalen Johnson. The Hawks are shipping guard Dejounte Murray to […]

While nothing is set in stone, it’s looking more and more like the Clippers and Paul George could part ways this summer with each new report. Los Angeles is running out of time to offer the nine-time All-Star a new contract, and other teams are patiently lurking. The Clippers haven’t shown any interest in offering […]

The days of the Golden State Warriors dynasty are over, but there’s still a chance they could put together another contending squad before Steph Curry calls it quits. While Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George may be past his prime at 34, he could still do damage alongside the greatest shooter ever, and there’s reason […]

The Atlanta Hawks are starting their new era, but does that mean they’ll show the door to their old guard? Star guard Trae Young is still just 25, but the squad is rumored to be looking to build around the kids. Young is eyeing the New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs […]

The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers had one of the most intense first-round battles of recent memory, full of hard fouls, trash-talking, and clutch plays. However, it was particularly intense when Joel Embiid pulled on Mitchell Robinson’s leg from the ground. Robinson has now finally given clarity on the situation, via NBA Central. Mitchell […]

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and there was a healthy mix of exciting picks, head-scratching moves, and big surprises. While the second round has yet to begin, there’s plenty to analyze after an action-packed first round. Who were Wednesday night’s biggest winners? Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma […]

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was one of the biggest “what if” stories of the 2023 NFL season. After the Colts drafted him with the fourth overall pick, the 22-year-old went down with a season-ending shoulder injury after just four starts. However, Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard said that the young signal-caller is fully healthy, […]

Last-minute trades have been par for the course on NBA Draft night for years, with future picks constantly swapped as organizations look to fulfill their differing needs. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs made an especially wacky deal Wednesday night, the likes of which have rarely been seen before. The Wolves acquired guard […]

After the Mikal Bridges trade Tuesday night, the New York Knicks showed they’re prioritizing the wing in an effort to dethrone the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, it may not be possible for them to do that while retaining center Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s coming off a career year and is looking for a hefty raise. New York […]

The New York Knicks made a splash move Tuesday night, sending Bojan Bogdanovich and a boatload of draft picks to Brooklyn for former All-Defensive First Teamer Mikal Bridges. Naturally, this has further intensified Julius Randle trade speculation, as the three-time All-Star may be the odd man out after the blockbuster deal. While there’s no concrete […]

The Golden State Warriors’ dynasty has faded, and Klay Thompson is a poster child of that decline. The four-time NBA champion is coming off his worst season yet, and there’s a good chance he may not be a Warrior again. Head coach Steve Kerr opened up about the possibility of Thompson not coming back, via […]

People often assume that professional athletes have the most perfect lives in the world, due to their wealth and fame. However, mental health struggles transcend those surface-level concepts, and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is no stranger to internal battles. The 27-year-old opened up about his self-love journey, via Foul Territory. "I was just […]

The New York Yankees (52-28) have lost three consecutive series, but they still have a two-game lead atop the AL East thanks to their hot start. Giancarlo Stanton’s hamstring injury, though, puts more pressure on the rest of the roster to maintain that lead. Infielder J.D. Davis, the newest part of New York’s supporting cast, […]

After a hot start, the Kansas City Royals (43-37) have cooled off considerably and could use a boost at the deadline. General manager J.J. Picollo is under pressure to get the team a playoff berth for the first time since 2015, and it may not happen if he stands pat. Picollo plans on making moves […]

Italy was on its last legs in the final minutes of its UEFA Euro group stage match against Croatia. Down 1-0, Mattia Zaccagni and company were in danger of not moving on to the knockout rounds with a loss. That was until Zaccagni slotted in his first-ever goal for Italy in the top right corner […]

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off one of their best seasons ever, and the offseason has gotten off to a solid start as well. While the Wolves have yet to make any significant player transaction, they made a vital move to maintain their foundation over the coming years. Minnesota has signed head coach Chris Finch […]