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USA Today
18-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Napheesa Collier has more sway than anyone in the WNBA right now
INDIANAPOLIS – There are few WNBA players with more clout right now than Napheesa Collier. The Minnesota Lynx forward is the midseason favorite for MVP, leading the league in scoring and stuffing the box in almost every other stat category, too. She's the driving force on the league's winningest team, one that looks certain to be in the mix for the title yet again. She was No. 2 in fan voting for the All-Star Game. Off the court, Collier is part of the executive committee that's negotiating for what is arguably the most pivotal contract in the WNBA's history while Unrivaled, the offseason 3x3 league she and UConn teammate Breanna Stewart cofounded, set a new standard for what women's sports can achieve when players are supported and celebrated. 'Phee is one of one,' said Courtney Williams, Collier's teammate with the Lynx, Unrivaled's Lunar Owls and, on Saturday night, the All-Star Team Collier will captain. 'Every aspect – when you think of a business woman, when you think of one of the best players in the world, she checking off all the boxes. So I feel like if you wasn't hip to it, you ain't got no choice now. 'I'm loving that she's getting the recognition that she deserves.' Longtime or knowledgeable W fans already knew. After winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2019, Collier was top five in MVP voting in three of her next five seasons (she missed most of 2022 after having daughter Mila), including being runner-up to A'ja Wilson last season. This year, Collier leads the W in scoring, her 23.9 points per game almost 2.5 points better than Wilson. She's also in the top 10 in rebounds (7.7), steals (1.7) and blocks (1.6) through Monday night's games. She's nearly impossible to defend because she doesn't have tendencies and her movement, with and without the ball, is so fluid. And her turnaround fadeaway off one foot is lethal, quite possibly the best shot in all of basketball. Good as Collier is, however, she often flew under the radar. 'I've asked the question for a long time. I think the simple answer is she's not physically imposing. That 6-6, kind of A'ja Wilson build,' Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. 'When you look at (Collier), what you have to appreciate is the purity of her movements in her basketball. And so that's why I think it takes a while. 'You have to sit there and watch it to go, `Oh wow,'' Reeve said. 'Your eyes don't pop when you turn on the TV or you go to a game. Your eyes don't go to her physically. And I think that's a big part of it.' But everyone is now seeing what W players recognized long ago: Collier is a force, and you underestimate her at your own peril. More: Lynx star Kayla McBride to replace injured Rhyne Howard at WNBA All-Star Game Unrivaled has shown the W what it can be Since its inception, one of the WNBA's biggest challenges has been its offseason. The season is short, six months at most compared with nine for the NBA, so players were forced to find ways to earn money and keep their games sharp the rest of the year. For most, that meant going overseas. Being a nomad had always taken a toll, but Brittney Griner's nearly yearlong wrongful imprisonment in Russia raised concerns about player safety. Collier and Stewart, who played together on UConn's 2016 national championship team, offered an answer with Unrivaled. The 3x3 league launched in January and lasted three months, a perfect bridge to the WNBA. 'It's so important that they are competing in the offseason against one another. It's more iron sharpens iron,' said Alex Bazzell, Unrivaled's president and Collier's husband. Bazzell would know. The longtime skills coach for NBA and WNBA players has for years watched NBA players spend their offseasons playing together or working out together in Los Angeles or Las Vegas. 'The women have really never had that at their disposal at this level,' Bazzell said. But it soon became apparent Unrivaled was a game-changer off the court, as well. More: What's next for Unrivaled? Year 2 will include visits to other markets, more players The league offered players equity and monster salaries; the average salary, about $222,000, was more than $5,000 above the WNBA's maximum salary this year. (The WNBA also has a supermax salary of almost $250,000, according to Unrivaled also was hyperconscious of player needs, including first-class facilities, a personal chef at the arena, a glam room and child care. The league also housed the players in spacious apartments and offered vetted nannies for off-hours. Sure, Unrivaled had an advantage of playing in one locale and didn't have the expense of travel costs. It also had a laundry list of top-tier sponsors – Sephora, Samsung, Ally, to name a few – and big-name investors, as well as a national TV contract from the opening tip. But if a startup league could do this – in its first season, no less – it's put pressure on the WNBA to keep up. Just as negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement were ramping up. 'We didn't create a model for that purpose, but I think we definitely knew that it has to have an effect. Especially when players came in and they were saying, `This is nice to be treated this way. I'm not having this on my W teams,'' Collier said. 'Showing players what their worth is and how they should be treated, that was a really fun part of it and I think it affects (the game) in a positive way,' she added. 'Because, again, I think it just shows the players what the professional experience should be like and holds the league's feet to the fire in that way.' As the W grows, CBA negotiations heat up And Collier is making sure that continues. The W is reaping the benefits of both the explosion of interest in women's sports and the Caitlin Clark effect. Sponsors are clamoring for a piece of the league, team valuations are skyrocketing and a fat new TV contract kicks in next season. Though WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said players deserve a significant bump in this new CBA, the players said the league's initial offer was underwhelming. 'They kind of just ignored everything we said,' Stewart, who like Collier is also part of the WNBPA's executive committee, said earlier in July. So it did not go unnoticed that during the All-Star Game draft, televised nationally on ESPN, Collier wore Unrivaled gear and name-dropped that league several times. It was a not-so-subtle reminder that the days of players being grateful for anything they get are over, and the W would be foolish to underestimate their resolve. 'Now more than ever, players understand the business because, especially as women's athletes, our bodies, our image is a business. We've had to get accustomed to the business life. We make most of our money off the court, so business is our life,' Collier said. 'We've looked through all the numbers, we've been able to see where the money's going. Especially through Unrivaled, I understand how money should be spent, how much things cost,' Collier added. 'So I think that's been a really good asset for us.' Reeve and Lynx teammates praise Collier for her easygoing nature and willingness to take feedback from anyone. But that does not make her a pushover. She is smart, she is savvy and she will stand her ground when it's warranted. "It takes a lot to put yourself in that space. It really takes a lot. And so I'm proud of her," Reeve said. The most impactful players are those who rise to the occasion, whenever and wherever it comes. This is Collier's moment, and she's proven she is more than ready for it.
Canada News.Net
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Canada News.Net
Former NHL goalie, coach, executive Wayne Thomas dies at 77
(Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images) Wayne Thomas, who spent his entire professional career in professional hockey, died of cancer at his home in Falmouth, Mass. on Wednesday. The eight-year National Hockey League goalkeeper and former San Jose Sharks vice president was 77. A native of Ottawa, Thomas attended the University of Wisconsin and played three seasons (1968-70) for the legendary Bob Johnson, who would go on to winning a Stanley Cup as head coach of the 1990-91 Pittsburgh Penguins. Thomas made his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1972-73 season and became the 10th goalie in league history to record a shutout in his debut as Montreal blanked Vancouver, 3-0 on Jan. 14, 1973. He became the first Wisconsin Badger to play in the NHL. Thomas was a member of the Stanley Cup winning Montreal squad in 1972-73, although he did not play any games in the playoffs. He was traded to Toronto and earned All-Star Team honors in 1975-76. After two years in Toronto, he played his final four seasons with the New York Rangers (1977-81). After he retired in 1981, Thomas had several stints as a goalie coach with the Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues over the next decade. In addition, he served as head coach in the International Hockey League for Rangers' and Blues' affiliates. In 1993, the San Jose Sharks -- a second-year NHL franchise -- hired Thomas as an assistant to the general manager and assistant coach. He worked behind the bench for three seasons, before going upstairs as assistant GM. Thomas became a vice president for the Sharks in 2001 and remained in both roles until his retirement in 2015.
New York Post
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski makes All-Star game in MLB controversy
Jacob Misiorowski may not even had time for the proverbial cup of coffee in the big leagues and he's already an All-Star. In a highly controversial move, the Brewers' rookie flamethrower has been elected to the All-Star Game with the fewest appearances of any player in MLB history. Misiorowski, chosen as a replacement for Matthew Boyd, has tallied just five starts and 25 2/3 innings, breaking the 2024 record set by Pirates ace Paul Skenes of 11 games. 3 Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski is an All-Star. AP 'I'm speechless,' Misiorowski said Friday. 'It's awesome. It's very unexpected and it's an honor.' While there's no doubting Misiorowski's talent, his selection raises plenty of questions about where the bar should be set for players to qualify. Misiorowski is 4-1 with a 2.81 ERA and has an impressive 100-mph fastball, but that's an extremely small sample size that doesn't even qualify him for league honors, such as the ERA crown. Skenes, in comparison, had thrown 66 1/3 innings and tallied a 1.90 ERA to earn his selection. That's roughly 2.5 times the amount of innings and nearly one full run lower of an ERA. 3 Misiorowski broke Paul Skenes' record for fewest games before making an All-Star team. AP In electing a player with just five career games to his name, MLB is creating a very low floor for players to be part of the Midsummer Classic. 'Jacob Misiorowski is cool. Like really, really cool. 25.2 IP, 33 K, 2.81 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and an insanely bright future…but what are we DOING here?' X user and baseball commentator @discussbaseball posted Friday night. 'He's not a 2025 All-Star.' Another reason for pushback has been that choosing a player with five starts means passing on others with a bigger body of work, which is heavily factored into awards voting, such as the Cy Young. Yes, All-Star Game is different since it's a competition and doesn't count in the standings. There is, though, as Juan Soto noted, a financial component. 3 Some believe Christopher Sanchez deserved a spot more than Misiorowski. AP Making the team is still an honor to the players and, obviously, pitchers with three to four times the amount of innings have a greater claim to make for a spot. Both ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jomboy Media's Chris Rose mentioned after the Misiorowski news how the Phillies' Christopher Sanchez is on the sideline despite being 7-2 with a 2.49 ERA spanning 107 2/3 innings. Sanchez's agent previously expressed his frustration with his client not being elected. 'I want to start off by saying Jacob Misiorowski is awesome,'Rose said in a video he posted. 'I think he's going to be great. … With all that being said, what is he doing in the All-Star Game? Five stars into his MLB career? Fewest ever for a guy to make the All-Star Team. Hello, Christopher Sanchez is on the other line and would like to speak to the Commissioner's Office.' Passan tweeted: 'This is a Cristopher Sanchez appreciation post. That is all.' The Yankees' Aaron Judge provided the counter, expressing excitement for the Brewers' rookie. 'He's impressive. He's got some of the best stuff in the game right now, even though he's a young pitcher,' Judge said, per ESPN. 'He's going to be a special pitcher in this game for a long time so I think he deserved it and it's going be pretty cool for him and his family.'
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kings ink former 74-point scorer to $4.3 million deal
The post Kings ink former 74-point scorer to $4.3 million deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Los Angeles Kings have announced they will continue to benefit from Andrei Kuzmenko's talents. The 29-year-old left-winger signed a one-year contract extension worth $4.3 million for the 2025-26 season. Advertisement Kuzmenko was acquired in a trade with the Flyers and stepped in to contribute immediately. After being a little inconsistent at first, Kuzmenko tallied 17 points in 22 games, with 15 points being scored at Arena, which made him arguably the best home player at that rink during that period. Kuzmenko also made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, scoring six points in six games, including a three-point performance in Game 1, only the second such performance in franchise history by a player in their playoffs debut. Kuzmenko started his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022, registering an impressive 74 points in his rookie year. As he regressed in 2023-24, the undrafted Russian forward has recorded 157 points in 219 NHL games, playing for four teams in three years. Kuzmenko scored 72 total goals, of which 26 were powerplay goals, and 12 were game-winning. Before entering the NHL, Kuzmenko spent eight years in the Kontinental Hockey League and had 85 goals and 200 points in 315 games. Kuzmenko received KHL Forward of the Month in December 2021 and was named to the KHL First All-Star Team for the same season. Kings general manager Ken Holland mentioned Kuzmenko's better chemistry with teammates and coaching staff was a significant reason behind the extension. Holland highlighted that Kuzmenko is a player who can recover from a slow start by mentioning that he put up 17 points in the last 15 regular-season games following the trade deadline. He indicated the consistency and commitment to the team's structure as reasons to finalize the deal. Advertisement The Kings have about $19 million in salary cap space and are in a strong position to improve their roster while also being flexible. Resigning Kuzmenko, who can be a powerplay facilitator or a solid depth scorer, provides the Kings with a reliable asset while the team prepares for another run at the playoffs. Related: Senators pull off trade for Kings defenseman
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Toronto Maple Leafs Re-Sign Dakota Mermis, Sign Travis Boyd, Michael Pezzetta, And Benoit-Olivier Groulx
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced they have signed forwards Travis Boyd, Michael Pezzetta, and Benoit-Olivier Groulx and re-signed defenseman Dakota Mermis. Mermis signed a two-year contract that is worth $812,000 annually. The veteran will likely be a key member of the Toronto Marlies blueline next season. Advertisement The 31-year-old played three games for the Maple Leafs and one game for Utah HC last season, he also had seven points in 32 games for the Marlies. After an injury in training camp he was placed on waivers, claimed by Utah, and later re-claimed by Toronto. The Alton, Ill., native has 146 points in 463 career AHL games and 13 points in 78 career NHL games. He won the 2022 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award as AHL's Man of the Year for Community Service. Boyd signed a one-year, $775,000 contract. He will likely serve in an offensive and leadership role with the Marlies. The 31-year-old recorded 22 goals and 53 points in 63 games with the Iowa Wild last season and went pointless in three games with the Minnesota Wild. He has 225 points in 284 career AHL games and was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team in 2017. Advertisement He had eight points in 20 games for the Maple Leafs in the 2020-21 season. Groulx signed a two-year contract that pays him $812,000 annually. The 25-year-old recorded 37 points in 47 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack last season. A second round selection of the Anaheim Ducks in 2018, he has five points in 65 career NHL games and 127 points in 192 career AHL games. Pezzetta also signed a two-year contract that pays him $812,000 annually. He last appeared in the AHL in 2021. The 27-year-old had no points in 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. The Toronto, Ont., native has 25 points and 186 penalty minutes in 115 career AHL games and 38 points in 200 NHL games. Advertisement Groulx, Boyd and Pezzetta appear to be replacements on the Marlies for the recently departed Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese. Check out The Hockey News' Toronto Maple Leafs team site for more updates. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' AHL Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. Photo Credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
