west ham united Star Crescencio Somerville’s inclusion in the Netherlands squad has been warmly welcomed by his former coach Alphonse Groenendijk.

Voetbal Primeur covered his comments today This was said in an interview with De Telegraaf after Somerville was included in the Netherlands squad by Ronald Koeman.

west ham star

The Dutch winger is in the squad for the World Cup this summer after an impressive campaign which saw the 24-year-old score five goals and four assists in 31 Premier League games this season.

He was undoubtedly the Hammers’ best player this season and was ultimately blameless for their relegation to the Championship.

Indeed, his performances towards the end of the year, when he scored in four consecutive games, gave West Ham hope in the fight against relegation.

It has been a real season of development for the 24-year-old, although Groenendijk are all aware of his talent.

He said, “As a coach, I had the privilege of giving him the chance to make his debut in the Eredivisie. You always follow people you have worked with or made your debut with with extra interest.”

“He already had something special in ADO. That kid has a crazy instinct in his game. He has courage and believes in his abilities. It’s fun to watch him.”

“Unexpected and dangerous”

The winger has managed to return to form at West Ham after a difficult first year since arriving from Leeds United. He had previously established himself as an outstanding performer for the Whites in the Championship.

And Groenendijk believes he now has the talent to make him a special player.

“And he’s kept those special qualities on the ball. He’s really got weapons. Scoring ability, he can go outside and inside.”

“He’s so incredibly fast. And with the ball at his feet, he’s almost faster than without the ball. Plus, he has a dribbling move that’s almost unstoppable. You rarely see that in football anymore.”

And he believes there is one particular talent that makes the West Ham winger unpredictable and dangerous, his versatility.

He concluded, “Crisencio can play in both positions, but I find him most dangerous when he comes in from the left.”

“At West Ham, he had the freedom to change sides during the match. It makes him even more unpredictable and dangerous.”

The Charlotte Hornets won their fourth consecutive game after defeating the Sacramento Kings 134-90 at the Spectrum Center on Tuesday. The Hornets improved to 38-34 and are in a three-way tie with the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte drained 26 three-pointers against Sacramento to tie the franchise record. Coby White and LaMelo Ball each had six three-pointers.

White finished with a team-high 27 points on 9 of 12 shooting, including 6 of 12 from three-point range, and five rebounds in just 18 minutes off the bench.

The Hornets have continued to perform well since the All-Star break. They are 12-3 in their last 15 games. After defeating the kings, White issued a subtle warning For the rest of the NBA.

“I’ve never been on a dangerous team,” White said.

“It can be a back-and-forth game, and then you hit a run, and then you look up, and you’re up by 20, and then you’re up by 30. The main thing for me is that we’re explosive, but we’re starting to maintain those leads when we get them and continue to build on them. That’s the impressive thing to me, too.”

🎙️ Coby White: “I’ve never been on a dangerous team.”

“It can be a back-and-forth game and then you hit a run, and then you look up and you’re up by 20, and then you’re up by 30. The main thing for me is that we’re explosive, but when we get leads we start maintaining those leads… pic.twitter.com/vYT553cRAd

– r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) 25 March 2026

The Hornets led by 46 points against the Kings.

Charlotte acquired the 26-year-old White via trade with the Chicago Bulls in February. He has provided immediate offense to the second unit and stayed on the floor in closing situations.

In 12 games with the Hornets, the former North Carolina standout is averaging 15.9 points on a career-best 40.3% shooting from beyond the arc, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in less than 20 minutes.

Charlotte has a strong chance to finally return to the playoffs after a nine-year absence.

2025 was not the year of the Kansas City Chiefs. not even close. With Patrick Mahomes fouled out in a brutal moment, Super Bowl hopes were dashed, and there was a lot of chaos in between. It’s safe to say that Arrowhead has been in overdrive ever since. This offseason is all about running it back the right way.

He began by tackling the whole Travis Kelce retirement saga. Shortly after, they not only confirmed another Kelce run, but they also signed Kenneth Walker III and brought in QB2. Last night, they took it up a notch by signing Kelce to a three-year deal worth up to $57 million. However, there is one area where the heads are still lacking. There’s still a hole in that WR room.

And this is where it gets interesting. The veteran playmaker dressed up again in the Fanatics flag football race, showing he still has fire. The explosiveness, the hands, the ability to turn a game around in one fell swoop – it’s all still there. This is why chiefs must make this call now.

RELATED: Travis Kelce’s future in KC gets even bigger after latest move

Chiefs’ WR room could use Odell Beckham Jr.’s big-game DNA

The inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic was a straightforward showdown. You had current stars, veterans, and international teams all sharing the field, and Team USA ran through a group of NFL talent in a fast, no-holds-barred style of play.

But let’s be honest, this wasn’t just a reunion tour for the vets. He was making statements. And Odell Beckham Jr. came and made noise.

From his first snap, OBJ stood out. sudden cut. Easy separation. Another ridiculous one-handed snag that blew up the timeline.

For a guy who hasn’t touched an NFL field since the end of 2024, that was a statement. Loud and clear: He’s still got WR1 juice in Flash. He even took a dig at Kay Adams and made it known that he wanted to come back to the league. Also mentioned the New York Giants. But honestly, that reunion seems like a long shot. However, there is one team that makes more sense.

chief. And that’s why he’s a perfect fit as a backup WR.

Even in a limited role, OBJ is still a chunk-play machine. One touch and he’s rotating the position or speed of the sphere. Combine this with Mahomes, a QB who lives off-script, and you get chaos for the defense. Then there’s Andy Reid’s system. It is built on speed, spacing and versatility. OBJ has made it everywhere in his career. Outside, slot, pre-snap motion, you name it. His route-running IQ fits perfectly into KC’s playbook like it was designed for him.

And the best part? it doesn’t have to be Boy As a WR3 or WR4, OBJ’s job is simple. Win delegates, play, shake chains. With the defense of Kelce and the young WRs, he is getting favorable matchups all day long. This is dangerous for the vet who still knows how to cook DB.

At his peak, Beckham was one of the league’s premier wide receivers. He won the 2014 Offensive Rookie of the Year, was a Pro Bowl selection three times in his first three seasons, and had five 1,000-yard campaigns. Over 10 seasons, he totaled 7,987 career receiving yards and 59 touchdowns. He owns some of the fastest statistical starts in NFL history, reaching 200 receptions and 4,000 yards at record pace.

Also, let’s not overlook the intangibles. The Chiefs’ WR room has been young and inconsistent. OBJ brings playoff reps, a ring and big game DNA. In January, Mahomes needs guys he can trust—and OBJ has been there before.

Let’s not forget that Tyreek Hill is still a free agent, and the Chiefs have also been linked to him. Full of dreams of a three-peat, the explosiveness the Chiefs could get by bringing in both OBJ and Hill to play alongside Mahomes and Kelce is off the charts.

Let’s hope the gridiron gods are kind to the Chiefs Kingdom this season.

RELATED: Patrick Mahomes reacts to Travis Kelce’s three-year deal with the Chiefs

The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the envy of the league. They have such a deep core, led by arguably the best player in the NBA in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and their core trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are at their peak. In fact, Holmgren and Williams, aged 23 and 24 respectively, have not even entered yet and yet have already won a title – which is more than many of the young and promising teams they have achieved.

When a young team becomes so elite so quickly, it’s hard to avoid the topic of whether or not they can develop into a dynasty – a team that runs the NBA for years. But Holmgren can’t get ahead of himself, because he knows the realities of the NBA make it hard to imagine anything happening.

“I think it’s a dangerous thing to try to think about because of how delicate things are in the NBA. We see it all the time. How quickly things can change, and nothing is guaranteed. So you really have to focus on each individual day,” Holmgren said in an appearance at The Arena.

“It’s one thing to bring things into existence, it’s another to distract yourself. So I think I’ll avoid distracting myself.”

That’s the healthiest mindset of any NBA champion, and it’s one of the many reasons the Thunder are favored to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy once again in June.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1qTVnnkkhI

Salary cap bill coming soon for Thunder

The reality of the new CBA is that teams cannot retain their talented core for long, as winning teams become expensive very quickly. Next season, Holmgren and Williams are going to be on max contracts, pushing the Thunder so deep into the waters of the second apron.

Be that as it may, OKC has plenty of first-round picks to replenish the roster once they need to cut down their payroll, and they’re primed to win for the next few years.

The Los Angeles Lakers got a good win against the Chicago Bulls in their latest game, and it moved them up to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference standings. They have started to find some rhythm over the last few games, and now many are wondering if they can be a real threat to finish the season and make the playoffs.

Brian Windhorst has heard about JJ Redick and LeBron James meeting, seen the defense improve, and seen other players step up, and he believes there’s a chance the Lakers could be a team to keep an eye on.

“JJ Redick is selling these guys on working hard,” Windhorst said on First Take. “He’s making some changes to his scheme, he’s playing more zone, he’s coaching them very hard to make them better. I can see a path where they can make a run. I don’t know if they will.

“I’ve heard LeBron talk about reducing his role and changing the way he plays. I’ve heard about JJ meeting with him and having an open conversation. I’m watching Luka play, I’m watching Reeves play. There’s a way. It could happen.”

.@WindhorstESPN The word “dangerous” is being debated in relation to the Lakers as a potential 3-seed in the West ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Zu5W5W8IxA

– First Tech (@FirstTech) 13 March 2026

The Lakers have the potential to be a team that can make a move, but you also have to take into account the other teams around them.

Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves could give the Lakers trouble, and they are also fighting to reach the No. 3 seed.

The Lakers have matchups coming up against the Nuggets and Rockets, and that could be a good litmus test for where they stand against some of their competition. In the end, taking the Lakers to where they want to go may depend on the big three of Doncic, Reeves and James.

The Portland Trail Blazers were looking to keep their momentum going against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, but things took a turn for the worse late in the second quarter. Donovan Clingan, the Blazers’ towering rookie center, found himself ejected early after a hot moment leading to automatic elimination.

Donovan Clingan has been ejected from the game after being rated 2 in this game 😳

pic.twitter.com/5oxOF8iHpA

– ClutchPoints (@clutchpoints) 5 March 2026

With just over three minutes remaining in the first half and the Grizzlies leading 52–47, Clingan was running the ball at the top of the key. Memphis forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper was locked down defensively, getting tough and keeping his hands active in the rookie’s face. In an apparent attempt to create space or perhaps out of frustration from the physical pressure, the Klingon delivered a sharp elbow that caught Prosper, sending him falling to the floor.

The San Antonio Spurs have built one of the most dangerous defenses in the NBA. Victor Wembanyama’s MVP-level play has garnered the most attention. However, Stefan Kassel’s emergence as one of the league’s top on-ball defenders is a specific compliment to the French superstar.

“[Stephon] Understand your role well. “The level he’s playing at is really invisible for a second-year player,” Wembanyama said of Castle’s defense. “We make it uncomfortable for guys playing against us. That’s the goal. To dribble around one of the best on-ball defenders and then hit a shot over some of the best rim protectors, it’s very hard.

The Spurs have the NBA’s third-best record (43–16) amid a league-best 11-game winning streak. Cassel’s two-way contributions during his second season have sped up San Antonio’s deadline.

The 21-year-old has put in solid offensive performances, averaging 16.6 points and 6.8 assists on 46.7 percent shooting in 49 appearances. However, Cassel’s success in an expanded defensive role has been the catalyst behind his impact.

Stefan Cassel blossoming as defensive stopper with surging Spurs

San Antonio has tasked Cassel with guarding the league’s top scorers on a nightly basis. The 6-foot-6 guard has faced challenges and led a defensive unit with Wembanyama that ranks third in the NBA.

According to CleaningTheGlass, Cassel posted a -4.7 defensive rating swing (team points allowed per 100 possessions with a player on versus off), the sixth-best mark in the NBA among guards playing over 1,000 minutes. The Spurs have posted a 109.3 defensive rating with him and Wembanyama.

st anthony MVP candidate placed Cade Cunningham scored 16 points on 5-of-26 shooting during Monday’s 114-103 win over the Detroit Pistons. Cunningham shot 3 of 13 (23.1 percent) with two turnovers when defended by Cassel.

“[Stephon] “The potential for that was shown last year,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said, adding that he had some good moments defensively. This year, we’ve obviously increased the interrogations, which has increased their opportunity to guard the big scorers and ball-dominant guys in this league. And I think he has proved his capabilities. I think he needs to continue to move the ball in other ways. But I think he’s as good on the ball as any player in the league.”

Stephen Cassel’s defense on Cade Cunningham during the Spurs’ win over the Pistons

(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)pic.twitter.com/4B5kblpddQ

– FullCourtPass (@FullCourtPass) 24 February 2026

With Castle and Wembanyama already wreaking havoc on opposition attacks, Spurs have another potentially elite on-ball stopper in rookie Dylan Harper. At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, with a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan and above-average athleticism, the No. 2 draft pick has caused problems for opposing ball-handlers at only 19 years old.

Harper is learning on the job while supporting Castle.

“The biggest thing about Stephon is he’s a competitor. I already saw it when I got to San Antonio,” he said. “No matter what the circumstances or who he goes up against, he’ll compete. On the biggest stages, all the work he’s put in is showing. He’s physical [at the point of attack]With the elite wings and other defenders, and then you have Victor and Luke. [Kornet] Down on the shore, it’s like choosing your poison. You have to either shoot this pull-up or kick it out.

The Spurs are currently tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third-best odds (+950) to win the title, trailing only the Denver Nuggets (+600) and Oklahoma City Thunder (+135). Wembanyama, Castle and Harper will still be on their rookie contracts next season.

The Boston Celtics are currently preparing to begin the unofficial second half of their season, which begins on Thursday evening against the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics were represented at the NBA All-Star weekend by Jaylen Brown, who participated as part of one of the USA teams in the round robin tournament.

The Celtics have performed well beyond expectations this year, and recently, former NBA guard Lou Williams praised what Boston is able to accomplish in 2025-26 on FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show.

“I still think Boston is the most dangerous team in the East,” said Williams, formerly of Run It Back on X, on Twitter.

Co-host Chandler Parsons said, “He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations… Jaylen Brown has to be in these MVP conversations.”

In fact, most pundits expected the Celtics to be a fringe playoff team at best this year, given that the team was playing without injured superstar Jayson Tatum, and also parted ways with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis via trades over the summer that were mostly financially motivated.

However, as Parsons said, Brown is playing at a borderline MVP level for the Celtics this year, more than replicating Tatum’s production, and he’s also gotten some help from players like Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard, who have returned to form after rough starts to the year.

Hovering over all of this is the possibility of Tatum’s eventual return, which looks more than likely day-to-day at some point this season. If Tatum can look somewhat like his normal form during Boston’s upcoming playoff run, the Celtics will likely be the clear favorite to come out of the East this year.

In any case, the Celtics will next take the field against the Warriors on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET as they begin their trip to the West Coast.