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The entire hockey world expected Matthew Schaefer to become the Calder Trophy winner for 2026 NHL Rookie of the Year.

But how Schaefer learned of his honor came as a surprise.

The New York Islanders rookie defenseman was named the unanimous winner of the 2026 Calder Trophy and was walked out of the honor when his brother and father surprised him on the set of “GMA3” on Wednesday.

On September 5, despite only turning 18, Schaefer tied the NHL record for single-season goals by a rookie defenseman (23). Schafer led the team, finished second on the team in goals and points (59), and was fifth in the NHL in average time on ice per game (24:41).

Schaefer became the fifth Islanders player to win the Calder Trophy and the third Islanders defenseman to earn Rookie of the Year honors, joining Brian Berard (1996) and Denis Potvin (1974). He is the first Islanders player to earn Calder Trophy honors since teammate Mathew Barzal in 2018.

Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Trophy

Not only was Schaefer selected first overall at the age of 17, but he made the team right out of training camp, adding immense pressure to the native of Hamilton, Ontario, just 50 miles southwest of Toronto.

But after a long season, Schaefer earned all 198 first-place votes among members of the Pro Hockey Writers Association. His 1,980 points surpassed Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens, Bennett Seneca of the Anaheim Ducks and Canadiens goaltender Jacob Dobbs.

“It’s definitely an honor to see so many great names on that trophy,” Schaefer told NHL.com. “It’s definitely a dream come true. Obviously, Demidov and Seneca, they’re great players and they could have won it. I think any of us could have won it, because we all had great years, especially him. They’ve done great things for the league.

“It’s definitely an honor and a privilege to receive this trophy.”

It was ‘amazing’ for Matthew Schaeffer to have his family with him

Schaefer is extremely close to her family, especially after her mother Jennifer died of breast cancer in February 2024 at the age of 56.

So having his father, brother and girlfriend there, as well as Matt Martin and his wife Sydney and their daughters, with whom Schaefer lived during his rookie season, was a huge feeling for Schaefer.

“My two ‘sisters,'” Schaefer said fighting back tears on “GMA3,” referring to Martin’s daughters Sydney and Winnie. “Obviously, this year has been very important to me. I wanted to do it for my mom and my family. It’s definitely an honor.”

His father Todd and brother Johnathan also flew in from outside Toronto to be there for Schaefer.

“It was amazing,” Schaefer said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting it. It was great to have my dad and brother and all of them come down [from Canada]”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

An MLB prospect expert believes New York Yankees Triple-A star Spencer Jones has a lot of potential. But he also believes that this young player could easily flop in the Bronx.

This week, Jason Dominguez endeared himself to Yankees fans when he went all out to make a catch during a game against the Texas Rangers. In the process of making possibly the best catch of his career, he sprained a low-grade left AC joint in his knee and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Yankees are pulling the trigger on something New York fans have wanted to see for a few years: top star Aaron Judge in the same outfield with stud prospect Spencer Jones. The pair of 6-foot-7 sluggers will now bookend the Yanks’ outfield for the foreseeable future.

Yankees fans have heard about Jones and his big power over the years. He has been a top prospect in their system and has been close to untouchable as a minor leaguer for the franchise. So, expectations are high as he joins a 26-12 team.

Could Spencer Jones be the next Race Hinds?

Baseball America editor-in-chief JJ Cooper spoke after news of his promotion on Friday foul territory show Regarding Jones, prospect experts admitted that Jones “scares” them because, in their time in this role, they have never seen a player with such a wide range of possible career outcomes.

He made it clear that he would never come close to being as good as Judge, but he believed he could become a player who hits 25 to 30 homers in the big leagues. But he also said his performance could be similar to that of Cincinnati Reds prospect Race Hinds. A player who was a beast in the minors but has a .172 average in 51 games played over the last three seasons.

The big reason he’s so unsure about Jones is not just his high strikeout rate that could lead to 0-4 with 4 Ks days, but it’s his miss rate in the zone. Jones is one of the top picks in the minor leagues. Cooper concluded by saying that Spencer Jones’ promotion to the Yankees’ big league roster this week carries “massive potential but also massive risk.”

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Friday, it was announced that Jordan Stahl and Jacob Slavin were both recognized for their efforts by the Carolina Chapter of the PHWA, as Stahl was awarded the Steve Chiasson Award, and Slavin was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

This news comes on the heels of Wednesday’s announcement, as Brandon Bussey was named team MVP, and Taylor Hall was awarded the Joseph Vasicek Award, as well as nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

Jakob Slavin nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and makes a notable humanitarian contribution to his or her community.

It has been a difficult season for Slavin, who missed 41 games due to injury. However, when he returned, he did so without missing a single opportunity, averaging 21:10 of ice time a night and even earning a spot on Team USA’s Olympic roster, where they won the gold medal.

In recent years, Slavin, along with his wife, Kylie, have used their platform to help those in need, and glorify God in doing so.

During the 2023–24 season, they launched a “Fight for Freedom” campaign with International Justice Mission, where they raised $1,008,535 – surpassing the initial $1M goal. Their campaign raised awareness in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery and IJM used the funds to combat online sexual exploitation of children.

In the 2024–25 season, they launched another campaign with “The Fight for First”, partnering with Compassion International to help poor mothers and babies, supporting survival centres.

Additionally, Slavins continues to work with local initiatives such as the Raleigh Dream Center and Raleigh Rescue Mission, as well as the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.

Last season, Florida Panthers captain Alexander Barkov was awarded the King Clancy Trophy for his longtime campaign with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Jordan Staal wins Steve Chiasson Award

The Steve Chiasson Award is presented annually to the Hurricanes player who best exemplifies determination and dedication while proving to be an inspiration to his teammates through his performance and approach to the game.

Currently in his 20th season, the Hurricanes captain has scored 19 goals (his best since 2017–18). Four of those goals have come on the power play, which he was involved in in early December, playing a key role in reviving Carolina’s man advantage after a poor start to the season.

He has continued his exemplary performance at the face-off dot, where he trails only New Jersey Devils captain, Nico Hischier, in face-off wins this season, and has his second best season on record in face-off wins.

This season, he became the longest-tenured Hurricanes player after transferring, surpassing his older brother Eric Staal who played in most games played in a Hurricanes sweater.

Last season, the award was given to then-Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

On Wednesday evening, the Chicago Bulls will hit the road to take on the Philadelphia 76ers as the 2025-26 season concludes. The Bulls are coming off one of their most impressive wins of the season by defeating the Houston Rockets despite a big win from Kevin Durant on Monday evening.

Heading into the matchup against the 76ers, the Bulls have a busy injury report. Zach Collins (toe surgery), Noah Esengue (left shoulder surgery), and Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome) have already been ruled out of the contest.

Meanwhile, Effernie Simmons is suspected with a left ulnar styloid fracture, as is Isaac Okoro, with right patellofemoral pain syndrome. Guershon Yabusele is also questionable with a left ankle sprain.

For the 76ers, Joel Embiid is questionable with a right oblique strain, while Quentin Grimes is also questionable with an illness. Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. will be out with various injuries, while Paul George is back in the lineup after serving a league-imposed 25-game suspension.

Overall, the Bulls don’t have much to play for as the 2025-26 season reaches its home stretch outside the lottery odds, but the team is still hoping to finish strong, and they got off to a good start in that department with their win over the Rockets on Monday.

In that game, Chicago showed impressive poise in knocking down several tough shots in a row, including a dagger three from Matas Bouzelis, followed by another from Jalen Smith, that essentially put the game on ice.

They need to continue to move the ball and create good offense against a 76ers team that is desperate to maintain their playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Tipoff between Chicago and Philadelphia is scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson provided an update on Jarrett Allen’s status on Tuesday, indicating significant progress ahead of the Wine and Gold’s meeting with the Orlando Magic for a three-game homestand.

“They’ve ramped it up over the last few days, so there’s a positive trend,” Atkinson said. “I saw him on the court yesterday, contact. I think we’re in the last stages of preparing him, so I can guess [he’ll return within] The next few games, that window.”

Allen returning to the fold would be a welcome sight for the Cavs, who have missed James Harden with his rim protection and pick-and-roll skills. He missed the last game and will not be in action against the Magic due to right knee tendinitis. Cleveland’s veteran big man suffered the injury early in the second half of the Detroit Pistons game on March 3 and has not played since.

If Atkinson’s optimism proves justified, we’ll see Allen this week.

Cavs receive another important injury update

Elsewhere on the injury front, Atkinson shared the latest news on Jaylon Tyson, who hasn’t played since the fourth quarter of the Cavs’ win over the Chicago Bulls last Thursday. The second-year swingman suffered a sprained left toe and what is now being treated as a bone bruise.

“Not long-term,” Atkinson said of the label change. “He practiced yesterday, and it was bothering him, quite honestly, so we took him out of practice. It’s an injury; definitely not long-term. I can see it being very short-term. It’s going to be a pain to bear. I hope he recovers very quickly.”

Tyson has been a big part of the Cavs’ rotation recently despite his minutes being cut back, so this is solid news regarding his troublesome toe. However, it doesn’t help their case in the current battle for more minutes, as Cleveland tries to figure out who will play the most minutes and who will be in the starting five.

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Denver Nuggets 125-118 on Wednesday, then will once again face a challenging opponent in the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Grizzlies have a detailed injury report ahead of the matchup. GG Jackson, who is dealing with a right knee injury, is listed as questionable. Taj Gibson, who played in Wednesday’s 125-118 win, is also questionable due to soreness in his right foot.

Upon his return to the NBA, the 40-year-old Gibson, who last played for the Charlotte Hornets in 2024-25, joined the Grizzlies midseason. On Monday, Gibson made his Grizzlies’ season opener against the Chicago Bulls, his former team who drafted him in 2009. He spent the first seven years of his NBA career with the Bulls. The fans at the United Center gave him a standing ovation.

Grizzlies’ Jackson finished with 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the Grizzlies’ upset win against the Nuggets. Ty Jerome’s 21 points led the Grizzlies to the win. Oliver-McSevens Prosper finished with 19 points, including three triples and two blocks, and GG Jackson II added 16 points, six rebounds and two blocks.

As far as whether GG Jackson or Taj Gibson will play in the Grizzlies’ matchup against the Celtics, the answer is probably no.

grizzlies injury report

Santi Aldama – Outside – right knee; surgery recovery

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – Outside – right 5th finger; surgery recovery

Brandon Clarke – Out – Right calf; strain

Zach Eddy – Out – Left Ankle; surgery recovery

Taj Gibson – Questionable – Right leg; agony

GG Jackson – Questionable – Left knee; agony

Jahmai Mashaq – outside – left ankle; Sprain

celtics injury report

Nikola Vucevic – outside – right ring finger; fracture

Southampton’s Leo Scienza is on the radar of several clubs, including in the Premier League.

The Brazilian moved to Germany when Schalke signed him from Swedish side Fanna BK in September 2020.

He had stints in Germany with 1. FC Magdeburg, SSV Ulm and 1. FC Heidenheim. The latter sold him to Southampton for €10m late last summer, a year after signing him.

The winger has performed brilliantly for the Saints, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 30 Championship matches.

He has the third-highest number of assists in the second division in England, behind Stoke City’s Sorba Thomas, Bristol City’s Anis Mehmeti and Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hammer. [10 assists].

Scienza has created 19 big chances this season, makes 1.7 key passes per game, and has an xG of 4.72 and xA of 6.77.

Growing interest in Southampton player

sky germany There is a report on what could happen with the 27-year-old’s future after this season.

Many clubs have taken notice of his performance. This includes teams from the Premier League, Spain, Italy and even Brazil.

The report makes no mention of his details, but it is reported that clubs from these four countries have made approaches. It is unclear whether he contacted the Championship side, his agent or both.

Southampton could favor a sale in the summer as they are demanding ‘at least €20m’.

Promotion key to Scienza’s future

Tonda Eckert’s side are now seventh in the table, three points behind sixth-placed Wrexham.

Two months ago, the South American expressed his desire to make it to the Premier League. with southampton.

He Said: : “By the will of God, everything worked out here and we got promoted to the Premier League with the team. It would be crazy. It would be the pinnacle of my career so far. I hope things keep getting better.”

Scienza’s Premier League contenders will have an edge over the others if Southampton fail to return to the top flight. There will be more clarity on his future at the end of this season.

transfer market Scienza is now valued at €10 million, with a contract until 2028. The Saints want it to at least double in the summer to part with him.

The Chicago Bulls host the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. It also marked the return of one of Chicago’s favorite players, Taj Gibson.

When Gibson entered the game, he was warmly welcomed by the fans at the United Center, according to RealMyKibets on Twitter (formerly Twitter). Additionally, according to Casey Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, the 40-year-old Gibson said he was not sure he would be able to return to play.

Gibson was last in town on January 24 against the Boston Celtics to witness his former teammate Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony.

Standing ovation for Taj Gibson in 2026. pic.twitter.com/SsLoUKSeFS

– MikeyBets (@RealMikeyBets) 17 March 2026

In February, Gibson signed a two-year contract with the Grizzlies after they acquired Kyle Anderson. On March 13, he made his debut, playing 13 minutes and scoring 3 points as the Grizzlies lost to the Detroit Pistons 126–110. Last year, Gibson played for the Charlotte Hornets and before that for the Pistons.

However, Gibson made his mark with the Bulls. He played in Chicago from 2009 to 2017 after coming out of USC. In 2010, Gibson made the NBA All-Rookie team and in 2014, he was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year.

Additionally, Gibson became known as an effective defensive presence, especially in blocking. Additionally, the Bulls made two playoff appearances during his tenure in 2011 and 2015. In 2011, they finished with a 62–20 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in five games.

Four years later, the Bulls finished with a 50–32 record. Ultimately, they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Kenny Atkinson praised James Harden’s career milestone of scoring 29,000 points following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night.

Harden has been in the NBA since 2009, making him one of the league’s greatest scorers of all time. Heading into Cleveland’s clash with Philadelphia, he had scored 28,996 regular season points in his entire career. He needed # of points to reach the milestone of 29,000 points, to get closer to the great achievement of 30,000 points.

Harden accomplished the feat with a stellar performance during his 29 minutes of action. He finished with a stat line of 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. He made 6 of 11 shots from the field, including 3 of 8 from beyond the arc and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line.

Atkinson reacted to Harden’s milestone via reporter Paris McGee Jr. after the game. The head coach hailed the moment as a testament to the veteran star’s longevity as an elite scorer in the league.

“It’s a testament to his resiliency. It’s very hard to do that consistently for so long in this league. This version of James we’re seeing, you don’t just think about scoring, I think about this complete player… When they announced it today, I was in shock, 29,000. Wow. Incredible,” Atkinson said.

Kenny Atkinson called James Harden’s milestone of 29,000 career points a testament to his longevity and elite level of flexibility.

Video: Paris McGee Jr., cleveland.com pic.twitter.com/KNkEFrC6TV

– cleveland.com Cavs (@PDcavsinsider) 10 March 2026

James Harden, how the Cavaliers played against the 76ers

It’s clear that Kenny Atkinson is proud to see James Harden make history as one of the best veteran scorers in the league. He is now eager to see Harden aim for the 30,000-point milestone.

Six players scored in double figures for Cleveland in the win over Philadelphia, including Harden. Keon Ellis proved to be a big spark off the bench with 19 points on 5-of-9 shooting overall, including 4 of 7 from downtown. Donovan Mitchell came next with 17 points and six assists, Evan Mobley had 15 points and eight rebounds, Dean Wade put up 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaylon Tyson provided 11 points.

Cleveland improved to a 40–25 record on the season and finished fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, while trailing the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics.

The Cavaliers look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will take on the Magic as tip-off takes place on March 11 at 7:30 pm ET.

As the Miami Heat are dealing with an upcoming make-or-break week with the start of the season home stretch, there is a big update regarding the situation with Terry Rozier. Since this has been an unprecedented situation with the Heat and Rozier, there are many who believe the team should receive compensation, and that’s what happened on Monday.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are giving Miami a second-round pick in 2026 to “resolve a dispute” over the position with Rozier. The Heat traded Kyle Lowry for Rozier in the first round on January 23, 2024, before that season’s trade deadline.

Charania, formerly of the

Although this appears to be the resolution of the dispute, Rozier is still on Miami’s books as his status continues to come to light after being arrested by the federal government due to gambling ties at the beginning of the season. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, this would be “more favorable”, considering a second-round pick.

“The 2026 second-round selection the Heat will receive from the Hornets is more favorable to Golden State and Denver’s second-round selections,” Chiang wrote.

No lawsuit from the Heat was ever planned

While there were rumors about the Heat and Rozier as to what the next step would be for the team, there was some speculation about whether the team would file a lawsuit. Mostly, due to the league and Charlotte reportedly not telling Miami about possible gambling connections, the NBA conducted its own investigation of Rozier while he was with Charlotte.

However, Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald would say that “Lawsuit was never an option” and that the second-round pick is “the final development on the case”.

Jackson further stated, “The Hornets never told the Heat that they knew Rozier was under investigation at the time of the trade, but there was no specific NBA rule against it.” “The Heat will send a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2027 to the Hornets. If the Heat miss the playoffs next season, Miami will retain its 2027 first-rounder and send a 2028 first-rounder to Charlotte.”

At any rate, the Heat are focused on extending their five-game winning streak with next Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards.

The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets face off for only the second of three matches in this 2025-26 regular season. Golden State entered this contest without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody, Seth Curry, Will Richard or Gary Payton II.

However, the Warriors maintained an 11-point lead throughout the first half. Houston mounted a comeback in the third quarter, starting with a strange play by Draymond Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

With 9:49 left in the third quarter, Smith Jr. was whistled for an offensive foul for a moving screen, which knocked Green to the floor. As he got to his feet to return to the offensive end of the field, the Warriors forward made a surprising decision pull right leg Ahead of the Rockets.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s right ankle that Draymond Green grabbed was actually the same ankle that caused Smith Jr. to miss just two games before Thursday night’s game. Smith Jr. was questionable coming into the contest due to a sprained right ankle, but was cleared to play after warm-ups.

After missing two games with an ankle injury, Drummond makes a dirty play and tries to throw a Rockets player by the ankle#dubnation pic.twitter.com/JlLzG18Aqf

– Bay Area Super Fans (@Baysuperfans) 6 March 2026

Thursday night’s match is important for both the teams. A win for the Rockets would give them a season series victory while moving them one step closer to clinching the third seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Warriors are fighting to hold on to the eighth seed, but only have a one-game lead over the LA Clippers for that spot.

Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 34.8 minutes per night. In 50 appearances for the Warriors this season, Draymond Green is averaging 8.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 26.7 minutes per night.

SAN FRANCISCO – While the Golden State Warriors were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, there were still plenty of reasons to celebrate for Gui Santos and the Dubs.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Santos and the Warriors agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $15 million with a player option in 2028-29. The deal prevents Santos from hitting restricted free agency and adds a player who has become an integral part of coach Steve Kerr’s rotation.

“Happy for Gui and happy for us,” Kerr said Saturday. “He’s been such an important player for us, but also an incredible development story. Selected in the second round, and he spent his entire first year in Santa Cruz, and I think he was two-way at some point. But he’s become one of our most important players, and we’re all very excited for him.”

Santos’ contract extension is cause for celebration as it seals one of the Warriors’ most successful development stories. Drafted by the Dubs out of Brazil with the 55th pick in 2022, Santos’ progression from G League player to key rotational piece is a feather in the organization’s cap from both a scouting angle and an internal ecosystem and development angle.

After Golden State’s 129-101 blowout loss on Saturday, Santos reflected on all the work he’s done to get to this moment.

“A lot of things go through my mind when you see your work being rewarded,” Santos said. “Since I’ve been here, through the G League and even before playing in Brazil, it was a lot of work. Whatever resources we have there, it’s not a lot, and just making the league is a big, big deal. But even being able to get an extension with the best organization in the world, there aren’t words that can describe this feeling.”

Reaction of the Santos family and their comrades

When Santos called his parents to tell them the good news, they thought he was calling for a completely different reason.

“When I told them on the call, I was a little serious. ‘Dad, Mom, I need to talk to you guys about something serious.’ And they thought I got my fiancée pregnant,” Santos said, laughing with a big smile on his face.

“I was doing it on purpose [leading them on by saying I had] Something really serious to talk about. They know I had a good life. I wasn’t doing anything wrong. This was the only thing that could happen. That was just a joke. They would say, okay, yes, but if it was news to them, they would have liked it too.

Gui Santos’ family thought he was calling them for a different reason after today:

“I was like, Dad, Mom, I had to talk about something serious and they thought I got my fiancée pregnant.”

Once they got the real news they were still very excited. ??? pic.twitter.com/6BAwYWlCuy

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 1 March 2026

When someone joked that Santos could have kids with his new contract, he added another joke: “Now I can get some more Gui here!”

But once Santos was able to tell his parents the real news, they became very excited and emotional for him because they understood how hard he had to work to get there. It’s a work ethic that Moses Moody got to see firsthand. After the game, Moody talked about watching Santos work his way into the rotation, noting that his path was not always clear.

“Seeing him come in, working for it — it didn’t seem like there was a clear path to success,” Moody said. “Seizing the opportunity, staying down. But not being overly ambitious, but still working every day, keeping my composure when he wasn’t feeling good. Then it started feeling good. And it’s good to see him be the same person. That’s the conversation I had with him this morning.”

cap implications

It’s safe to say that Santos’ three-year, $15 million extension is a home run for Golden State’s cap books. The Warriors have acquired a versatile forward who can shoot, defend and rebound at a cap hit of $5 million per year, which is something any team in the league would want. And that’s exactly the kind of salary level that’s needed when their two best players, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, are making $55 million next year.

As far as their cap situation is concerned, Santos’ deal gives the Warriors approximately $182 million in committed salary to nine players next season, including contracts with player options, i.e. Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton and Al Horford. The luxury tax threshold next season is projected to be approximately $201.7 million, with the Warriors hoping to stay under that number to maintain their ability to use the non-taxpayer mid-tier exception. Being able to utilize the MLE will be key in their hopes of retaining Melton, who will likely command a number of contenders this season after recovering from his ACL injury.

Therefore, it was necessary to retain Santos at this number. This keeps them flexible, gives them space on their books, and provides a strong backup if Melton leaves.

Santos hopes to set example for Brazil

Santos understands the importance of his contract extension beyond just himself. When he was arriving, Santos talked about nine Brazilian basketball players in the NBA who he could look to as examples of what he hoped to become.

But as the only current NBA player born and raised in Brazil, Santos is the only example the next generation of Brazilian basketball players can look to when they turn on their TVs. It’s a responsibility he takes seriously because he knows all eyes are on him.

Santos said, “I’m the only one here, so I’m the biggest example when you look at basketball and the NBA is the biggest level you can get to. Everyone is looking at me as an example.” “For me, it’s just trying to be a great person and show that work ethic is the most important thing. That’s what got me into this position. …

“Overall, be a good example for our kids in Brazil and show that if you work, you get what you deserve.”

Gui Santos was asked how his story could help the next generation of Brazilian basketball players make it into the league:

“For me it’s just trying to be a great person and show that work ethic is the most important thing because that’s what got me here.”

Full soundbite here: pic.twitter.com/ANuhcQT1AB

– Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) 1 March 2026

Gui Santos will look to continue this hard work in a Warriors uniform this season and beyond, and look to make a splash in the postseason.

The San Antonio Spurs released several injury updates ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings as they prepare to continue their strong effort atop the Western Conference standings.

San Antonio (39-16) will host Sacramento (12-45) at 5:00 pm PT, looking to extend their current seven-game winning streak to end a two-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Kings enter the contest trying to break a franchise-record 15-game losing streak.

According to the Spurs’ injury report released on Saturday, Harrison Ingram (G League – two-way) and Stanley Umude (G League – two-way) are listed as questionable. David Jones Garcia (G League – Two-Way) is out. Veteran center Mason Plumlee is also out of his return to competition. Lindy Waters III is listed as questionable with left knee hyperextension.

Spurs list Lindy Waters III questionable, Mason Plumlee out vs. Kings

The 28-year-old Waters last appeared in San Antonio’s 112-103 win over the Orlando Magic on Feb. 1. He played two minutes in that contest and recorded a turnover as his only statistic. In 28 games this season, Waters is averaging a career-low 1.9 points in 6.8 minutes per game, while shooting 35.2 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from beyond the arc. His current usage rate also marks a career low.

Plumlee, 35, joined the Spurs on a 10-day contract after being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal involving Ousmane Dieng and later being waived by Oklahoma City. The veteran center last played on December 22 in a 139–122 loss to Charlotte, finishing with five points and five rebounds on 2-4 shooting in 10 minutes. He later underwent surgery to treat a right groin injury and was sidelined.

In 14 appearances this season, including two starts, Plumlee is averaging 1.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 8.9 minutes per game, while shooting a career-high 75 percent from the field.

With several rotations and depth pieces to deal with injuries, the Spurs will aim to keep the momentum going against a struggling Kings team to stop their skid.

last week, sports witness TuttoSport’s claims on Manchester United’s interest in Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu covered.

The Turin newspaper was certain about the Red Devils’ presence at San Siro for Juve’s big game against Inter Milan. Scouts were expected to keep a close eye on the Frenchman, who has been key for the Bianconeri under Luciano Spalletti.

The match did not go well for Kalulu and he became the center of controversy. He received a second yellow card for a dive by Alessandro Bastoni in the first half and was sent off.

The dismissal changed the game, as Inter ran out 3–2 winners. This doesn’t seem to have affected Manchester United too much, but other developments have certainly had an impact.

Manchester United unlikely to get Kalulu

today’s tuttosport Take another look at the France international, who featured in Juve’s 5-2 defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday.

They are confident that he is ready to stay in Turin, despite a scouting mission from Manchester United. It has been clarified that the defender played well against Inter despite being sent off.

In fact, Juve do not consider Kalulu ‘sellable’ and are working to hand him a new contract. The foundations for a deal have been laid, with the 25-year-old expected to remain at the club until 2030.

His current contract runs until 2029, which could be a reason for interest from Manchester United. But as things stand, the Red Devils’ name has potentially been used in talks over a renewal.

Utility player can add value

Since his time at AC Milan, Kalulu has always been a reliable and versatile defender. Also at Juventus, he has played at centre-back, right and wing-back and has done a very good job everywhere.

Furthermore, he can perform equally well in the back four and back three.

This shows that he can be an important player at any top club in Europe. Manchester United’s interest is no surprise but the chances may not be high.