標籤: replacements

The hammer finally fell on Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thompson on Tuesday morning. After a poor 9–19 start and losing 11 of their last 12, the club fired the manager a month into his fifth season. Bench coach – and former captain of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins – Don Mattingly has been given the keys to the team as interim manager and will be asked to guide them back into playoff contention over the remainder of the season.

Thompson’s dismissal ended a more than four-year run where the Phillies were a consistent playoff team, reaching the World Series in their first season (2022), but never reaching the potential of an expensive roster. While Mattingly is a solid replacement who could turn this campaign around, things could go in a bad direction in the coming months.

If Mattingly can’t save the Phillies this season, let’s take a look at five potential options to take over as full-time manager next season.

Albert Pujols, Angels special assistant and team DR manager

St. Louis Cardinals icon Albert Pujols has quietly emerged as an intriguing managerial candidate in baseball circles. Since retiring four years ago, he has worked as a special assistant for the Los Angeles Angels and was a candidate for their manager’s job in the fall.

In March, he offered evidence of his captaincy skills when he guided a star-studded Dominican Republic team to the World Baseball Classic semifinals. Showing he can deal with a room full of big personalities and egos. This, along with his impressive resume as a player, would make him an interesting choice for the Phillies’ job.

David Ross, former Cubs manager

If the Phillies are looking for a manager again this fall, another interesting veteran skipper who could come into play is former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross. Although he wasn’t amazing in Chi-Town, he was still very solid, and the team had a record of 83–79 before being replaced by Craig Council.

Ross deserves another shot as a manager and is well prepared for the pressures of this market after years as a player and manager in Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago.

Alex Cora, former Red Sox manager

Last weekend, the Boston Red Sox surprised many when they fired manager Alex Cora after eight seasons. While the team has had a few losing seasons under his watch (including an 11-17 start this year), the 50-year-old has had some very good years in Beantown, including a World Series victory in 2018.

Furthermore, he remains one of the most respected managers in the game because he brought the best out of the talent he had. He wasn’t the one to trade stars like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Alex Bregman or let them walk. Or continued to spend big to improve the roster despite being in a bigger market.

A new report claims the Phillies actually offered Thompson a job after deciding to move on from him. However, he chose to pass up the opportunity and spend time with his family. He may have a different priority in November.

Rodney Linares, Rays bench coach

Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Rodney Linares has emerged as a top managerial candidate in baseball circles. He has been in baseball for over two decades and has earned a reputation for being strong in the area of ​​player development. Played a key role in turning several prospects into stars, including Jose Altuve.

However, he has become a favorite of the players due to his coaching style. The 48-year-old will bring a fresh perspective to the Phillies clubhouse.

James Rawson, Yankees hitting coach

Another up-and-coming coach is the New York Yankees’ hitting coach, James Rawson. He has received much praise for his ability to connect with players and blend analytics with baseball psychology. He has had success at several stops and was in the running for the Minnesota Twins job late last year before choosing to remain with the Yanks. Rawson will likely be on the Phillies radar if they don’t retain Mattingly in 2027.

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

Following their fourth consecutive loss on the season, the inevitable happened, and Billy Donovan’s tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bulls ended when he officially “resigned” from his position on Tuesday.

At the beginning of the week, it was still unclear whether Donovan would follow general manager Mark Eversley and executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas after they were fired by the Bulls earlier this month. There were also recent reports that the former Florida and Oklahoma City Thunder coach could gain even more influence in the organization.

However, Donovan would end his run with a 226–256 record and just one playoff trip in six seasons. So who could the Chicago Bulls make their next head coach? We present five possible options, including former head coach Tom Thibodeau.

taylor jenkins

Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on- and off-court issues played a role in his surprise exit at the end of last season.

The 41-year-old certainly deserves another chance as a head coach in the NBA and has shown he can develop talent. This is a must-have trait for the Bulls’ next coach. Jenkins will get some good pieces to start in Matas Bouzelis and Josh Giddy.

tom thibodeau

In the NBA, you have rarely seen a coach returning to a franchise after a breakup. But other than a few good seasons from Scott Skiles at the turn of the century, Tom Thibodeau is the only coach who has pushed the Bulls back into title contention since the Michael Jordan era.

Yes, his inability to reach the NBA Finals since being fired by Chicago in 2015 continues. But he showed with the New York Knicks that he still knows how to turn a program around and make them a consistent playoff contender. This is what the Bulls need right now. A strong, capable coach who has mastered the art of turning teams into very competitive units year after year.

Sam Cassel

Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.

For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. He should definitely be considered for Chicago.

Mika Nori

Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coaching jobs over the past few years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nouri. He’s been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there is none more prepared and respected than Nori.

chris quinn

Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a man who is sure to get a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game due to their potential. Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest retainers and can bring to Chicago what has worked for him over the past decade.

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

Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe’s time with the franchise may be nearing an end. The 50-year-old took over midway through the 2023-24 season and hasn’t made a case to be part of a potential turnaround next season alongside recently arrived veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

In his two and a half seasons, he has compiled a dreadful record of 43–158. Some of this is not his fault, and the front office has pushed the team into the tank at the end of all those seasons. However, the Wizards have not shown clear signs of the development needed to keep him in the position.

Maybe that’s why The Athletic NBA insider Zach Harper suggested on Friday that he’s one of the most likely players to be fired in the next few weeks. “With Anthony Davis and Trae Young leaving at the deadline, Washington needs a coach who will instill confidence that wins are coming,” Harper wrote.

If the inevitable falls on Keefe any time soon, let’s take a look at five possible options to become the next head coach of the Washington Wizards.

taylor jenkins

Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on- and off-court issues played a role in his surprise exit at the end of last season.

The 41-year-old certainly deserves another chance as a head coach in the NBA and has shown he can develop talent. This is an essential characteristic for the next coach of the team as they still have a mostly young squad.

Sam Cassell

Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics.

For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. If Keefe is fired he will definitely be considered.

Mika Nori

Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coaching jobs over the past few years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant, Micah Nouri. He’s been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there is none more prepared and respected than Nori.

chris quinn

Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a man who is sure to get a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game due to their potential. Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest acolytes and can bring to Washington what has worked for them over the past decade.

tom thibodeau

Yes, former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has never reached the NBA Finals during his 13 seasons as a head coach. Apparently he has a reputation as a guy who can’t win everything. However, he has proven during his tenures in New York and Chicago that he can lift a team out of years of mediocrity and turn them into consistent winners.

For a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season in nearly a decade, at the very least, Thibodeau could help get them back on track as a consistent playoff contender in the East.

monty williams

Monty Williams was viewed as one of the great young coaches in the game after winning Coach of the Year honors with the Phoenix Suns a few seasons ago. However, since being fired from Phoenix two years ago and leading a historically bad Detroit Pistons team, his stock has declined significantly.

Yet, he is still only 54, has many fans in the NBA, and has proven he can build a program from the bottom up.

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

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers may not be with the team much longer. There is no doubt that he is one of the best NBA coaches of the last quarter century. He is headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2026 class after winning a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and amassing 1,193 career wins.

However, no one stays at the top of their game forever, and his time under the Bucks’ tutelage has been very short-lived. In two and a half seasons as head coach, he has a record of 96–100 and has managed a tumultuous 2025–26 season.

Most believe the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade drama is a dark cloud hanging over the team this year. But a new report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday revealed a toxic situation in the locker room and a serious disconnect between Rivers, his staff and the roster. This makes it seem like a coaching change is very likely, whether Antekounmpo is traded or not.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five potential replacements for Doc Rivers this offseason.

taylor jenkins

Taylor Jenkins helped turn the Memphis Grizzlies into a consistent playoff contender in the Western Conference. However, his inability to manage Ja Morant and his on- and off-court issues played a role in his surprise exit at the end of last season. The 41-year-old absolutely deserves another shot as a head coach in the NBA, and his previous experience in helping build a program from the ground up will appeal to the Bucks.

Sam Cassel

Sam Cassel had a really good 15-year career as a player, winning three NBA championships. But since 2009, he has built a strong reputation as a top assist during several stops, including with the Los Angeles Clippers and currently the Boston Celtics. For many years, he has been viewed as someone who is worthy of the head coaching job, and it is only a matter of time before a franchise finally gives him a chance. If Rivers was removed he would definitely be considered.

Mika Nori

Another top assistant who has been linked to multiple head coach jobs over the years is Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nouri. He’s been learning on an NBA bench for 17 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants in the game, there will not be a more prepared and respected coach available this offseason than Norrie.

chris quinn

Miami Heat assistant coach Chris Quinn is a man who is sure to get a top job soon. He has been with the organization for 12 years and is Erik Spoelstra’s top assistant. The Heat and their culture is one of the most respected in the game because of its potential. Quinn is one of the franchise’s greatest acolytes and can bring what has worked for him over the past decade to Milwaukee.

mike wilkes

Sooner or later rival teams will begin looking for assistants from the Oklahoma City Thunder coaching staff as head coach Mark Daigneault has developed a championship program from the ground up. One of his top assistants on his way to becoming the top of the NBA crop is Mike Wilks.

Wilkes has been instrumental in developing their young core and has also worked under several coaches as a player. He has an interesting wealth of knowledge that makes him an interesting candidate to become the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

monty williams

Monty Williams was viewed as one of the great young coaches in the game after winning Coach of the Year honors with the Phoenix Suns a few seasons ago. However, since being fired from Phoenix two years ago and leading a historically bad Detroit Pistons team, his stock has declined significantly. Still, he has many fans in the NBA and has proven that he can build a program and win in the NBA.

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

Duke and Michigan were gifted a great replacement option for their top stars, Carlos Boozer and Yaxel Lendeborg, in the transfer portal.

It’s a big week for both the Blue Devils and Wolverines men’s basketball programs. A pair of top-five schools have advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament and have a real chance to advance to the Elite 8 on Friday night.

While both teams have strong rosters, Duke and Michigan could not reach this point in the season without ACC Player of the Year Cam Boozer and Big Ten pot Yaxel Lendeborg. Unfortunately for fans of the show, they need to enjoy the ride and the talent of both as they will be gone after this month.

The Duke freshman could be the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft, while Lendeborg will be forced to head to the pros as it is his final year of eligibility. Although both programs are focused on their Sweet 16 games, they should also be looking to replace their best players. Well, a very interesting option has just arrived on the transfer portal.

Should Duke and Michigan target Paulius Murauskas in the transfer portal?

This week, Saint Mary’s star Paulius Murauskas told ESPN he will enter the portal and be available to the highest bidder to maximize his final season of eligibility in 2026-27.

The Gaels have become a force in the West Coast Conference under head coach Randy Bennett and the 6-foot-8-inch, 225-pound standout has emerged as their best player this season. In his second year with the program, the Lithuanian had a breakout campaign as he led the team in scoring (18.4) and rebounds (7.6), and was second in assists (2.1).

It won’t be easy for Duke or Michigan to replace Boozer and Lendeborg. However, the former Arizona recruit is an interesting option who could be a Player of the Year contender next season at his program.

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

A great option for Kansas and Arkansas to replace their top players who just entered the college basketball transfer portal. However, he may not be available for much longer.

Both the Jayhawks and Razorbacks were among the top 25 teams in the nation during the 2025–26 season. Although they have several good players on their roster, neither team is as strong without top stars Darrin Peterson and Darius Acuff, Jr.

The guard duo were among the best players in the country this year, which is why – to the dismay of Kansas and Arkansas fans – both of them could be selected in the first 10 picks of June’s NBA Draft. It will be very difficult to replace his numbers next season. However, a fantastic option has just entered the transfer portal.

This week, Sienna star Gavin Doty told the Times Union that he plans to enter the portal. The sophomore took another significant developmental step in his game last season. Leading the program in points (18.0), and was second in rebounds (6.9), assists (2.2), and steals (1.3). Under the guidance of Bill Self or John Calipari, he could become a national star next season.

Gavin Doty may follow his Siena coach to Syracuse

Both Kansas and Arkansas have the financial resources to attract Doty to their schools next season. Especially with the books coming out in Peterson and Acuff, Jr.’s name, image and likeness. Plus, playing for legendary coaches would be attractive to any player in the country, and they could certainly develop Doughty into an NBA prospect.

However, as tempting as a trip to Kansas or Arkansas would be for the Sienna product, there’s a very good chance Doty heads to Syracuse this spring. This may surprise many college basketball fans, but he has a good reason for going to the Orange. His coach for the past two seasons, Gerry McNamara, is doing the same job at Syracuse after becoming a star for the program in the early 2000s.

Players have loyalty to coaches they believe have made them better and it cannot be denied that McNamara is doing a strong job with Doty. While the opportunities may be greater at Kansas and Arkansas, the second-year student will be assured of being the focal point at Syracuse immediately next year. Plus, the move will keep him in upstate New York.

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

Bill Self is the greatest coach in the history of the Kansas basketball program. That’s saying something for a team that had coaching icons like Roy Williams and Fogg Allen during their peak periods. However, when you have the most wins in school history and a pair of national championships to your credit, it’s hard to deny his status as the most important sports figure the university has ever produced.

However, all good things come to an end, and the Self era may soon be coming to an end. After a heartbreaking last-second loss to St. John’s in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the coach seemed unsure whether he would return this fall.

“I haven’t really been able to do much on the court,” Self said after the game. [h/t The Athletic]. “I’ve seen some things off the court. So I’ll come back and visit with the family and see what’s going on. I love what I do. I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy enough to do it well enough.”

At age 63, and after 33 years of coaching (23 at Kansas), it wouldn’t be shocking if Self walked away from the game. Even if it is only for a few years. If he does retire, let’s take a look at six coaches the program could target as Bill Self’s replacement.

Jack Vaughn, Kansas (assistant)

There is a real possibility that if Self walks away from the game, the program could go with an internal alternative. Associate head coach Jeremy Case would be a way for the school to move forward. However, assistant coach Jack Vaughn would be a great move.

Vaughn understands what it means to be a Jayhawk on the court after playing a memorable four-year run as a star for the school in the ’90s. However, what may give him an edge on the case is that he has extensive coaching experience during his stints with the NBA Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets. Although those tenures may not have been good, it is important to have experience in high-pressure jobs. Especially when a living legend is being replaced.

Brad Underwood, Illinois

Although it took some time, Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a legitimate force in the Big Ten. He has 20 or more wins in each of the last seven seasons, went 25-8 in 2025-26, the coach has won a pair of conference tournaments, and his team is in the Sweet 16 this week.

Underwood has done a lot with a second-tier school in a conference that has about half the Sweet 16 teams. With Kansas’ resources and brand recognition, he could soon make the Jayhawks a title contender again.

Michael Malone, former Nuggets head coach

A few years ago, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was viewed as one of the best in the NBA. He developed Denver into a consistent title contender, helped elevate Nikola Jokic to superstar status and led the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023. However, disagreements with the front office led to his surprise exit at the end of last season.

After the way he was fired in 2024, Malone could be angry at the NBA experience and big personalities involved on and off the court. Bringing in a coach who recently won an NBA title would be a coup for Kansas.

TJ Otzelbarger, Iowa State

Since arriving at Iowa State five years ago, TJ Otzelbarger has done nothing but win and lead the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament every year, including this week’s trip to the Sweet 16. Similar to Brad Underwood at Illinois, if given the resources Kansas has, Otzelburger could get the program back to the Final Four in a year or two.

Danny Manning, Louisville (assistant)

If basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain weren’t a Jayhawk, Danny Manning would be the greatest player in team history. Bringing back the legend and former Kansas assistant to replace Bill Self would be a huge story.

Yet his notoriety within the program is not the only reason he would be a candidate to become their next head coach. He has a wealth of experience as an assistant and currently serves as Pat Kelsey’s top assistant at Louisville. A team that has made consecutive trips to the tournament over the last two years.

Nate Oates, Alabama

Another interesting option that could be on Kansas’ radar is Alabama head coach Nate Oats. ‘Bama has been a football-first school for generations. However, in his first season out of a rebuilding year, Oats has led the Crimson Tide to the tournament in six consecutive seasons. Which includes a Sweet 16 birth this month.

Oats turned ‘Bama into a powerhouse in the SEC. However, no matter what happens, the basketball program will be secondary. However, at Kansas, he could be the top coach at a major college with a proud history.

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

When Hubert Davis took over the head coaching job with North Carolina in 2021-22 and led them to the NCAA Tournament final, it seemed like the school had found the man to oversee the program for the next decade. However, the Tar Heels failed to make the tournament the following season and were eliminated in the opening round the previous two years.

That’s why ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports that the coach’s future is currently “in change.” The basketball insider claims no decision will be made until next week, but at least the entire staff under Davis will be out. If North Carolina were to make a complete turnaround and move on from Davis, let’s look at six replacement options for possibly the best job in college basketball.

Brad Underwood, Illinois

Although it took some time, Brad Underwood has turned Illinois into a legitimate force in the Big Ten. They have posted 20 or more wins in each of the last seven seasons, went 25-8 in 2025-26, and the coach has a pair of conference tournament championships on his resume. Underwood has done a lot with the second-tier school in the conference. With UNC’s resources and brand recognition, he can achieve the consistent results expected by the program.

Todd Golden, Florida

North Carolina’s dream target would be Florida head coach Todd Golden. After a remarkable performance that legitimized San Francisco, the coach has made an immediate impact on the Gators. In his third season, he led the program to a national title, and they are in position to repeat this month after a rocky start to the 2025-26 season.

What makes him extremely attractive is that he is only 40 years old. The big question is will he feel that UNC offers a better job than the one he currently has in Gainesville? Many people across the country think this will happen.

Michael Malone, former Nuggets head coach

A few years ago, former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was viewed as one of the best in the NBA. He developed Denver into a consistent title contender, helped elevate Nikola Jokic to superstar status and led the Nuggets to their first championship in 2023. However, disagreements with the front office led to his surprise exit at the end of last season.

After the way he was fired in 2024, Malone could be angry at the NBA experience and big personalities involved on and off the court. Bringing in a coach who recently won an NBA title would be a coup for UNC. The only issue is, does his lack of college experience make the situation as messy as it was in football with Bill Belichick in school?

TJ Otzelbarger, Iowa State

Since arriving at Iowa State five years ago, TJ Otzelbarger has done nothing but win and bring the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament every year. Furthermore, his team is positioned as a hidden horse to reach the championship game this month.

Similar to Brad Underwood at Illinois, if given the resources North Carolina has, Otzelburger could get the program back to becoming a consistent contender to reach the Elite 8 every year.

Mark Few, Gonzaga

Mark Few is the greatest coach in Gonzaga history and transformed the program into a recognized name in college basketball during his 26-year tenure. He is the king of the mid-majors, and there has always been talk of a move to a top program. But he is good friends with the Bulldogs and has nothing to leave behind.

However, North Carolina is one of the few programs that would seriously consider him leaving Spokane. Furthermore, it would give him the best chance to achieve the one thing he has yet to achieve: winning a national championship.

Tom Thibodeau, former Knicks head coach

Although he has never won an NBA title or reached the Finals, Tom Thibodeau has consistently been one of the better coaches in the NBA for the past 15 years. He proved this by bringing the New York Knicks back to relevance during this decade and making it to the Conference Finals last season. Unfortunately, the high standards he set and the franchise’s decades-long title drought led to him being unfairly fired last spring.

Like Malone, he could be coached in the NBA and be ready to make the jump to the college ranks to take full control of a program. The 68-year-old is always busy working and diving head first into the roster-building process while building a serious culture for the program.

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

Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season in a contract year, needing to prove himself once again if he wants to keep his ride in the No. 48 car long-term. Unfortunately for Bowman, medical problems (vertigo) have become the latest example of his terrible luck. Since this season is likely to be over and he will be the team’s only driver to miss The Chase, a replacement next season seems necessary.

Let’s take a look at our list of potential replacements for Bowman in the No. 48 car at Hendrick for the 2027 NASCAR season.

kyle busch

Hendrick Motorsports may look to Corey Day as a long-term option for the No. 48 seat, but the 20-year-old needs to learn how to race without a glitch in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series before becoming a full-time driver at the highest level. What could work is a succession plan, with Kyle Busch replacing Bowman for the next two years. The future Hall of Famer has had disastrous results with Richard Childress Racing, as evidenced by his lack of wins in the Cup Series approaching three points. Busch has partnered with Hendrick before, driving the No. 7 in the Truck Series. A two-year deal could give him a chance to add some wins before retiring. By then, Day could be ready.

Read more: Best NASCAR races 2026, ranking every NASCAR race this season

carruth diagram

It’s still early in the season, but King Carruth is making the most of his opportunities at OARS. He has finished in the top 10 in three of his first 10 races, averaging 37 points per race on ovals this season. Hendrick may be gambling here, especially since Carruth will turn just 24 in June, but he will have driven more than 50 races in the O’Reilly Series along with 75 races in the Truck Series. Carruth’s chances of moving into the No. 48 car should certainly depend on how he performs the rest of this season, but he’s probably one of the top homegrown options for Hendrick so far.

Ross Chastain

What could Ross Chastain accomplish with better equipment and a team with more resources? He has achieved virtually everything he can at Trackhouse Racing, leading the team to become a perennial playoff contender with at least one win in each of the last four seasons. Chastain also boasts 40 combined top-10 finishes over the past three years leading up to 2026. However, it also seems pretty clear that Connor Zylisch will soon be the new face of the team. Next season may be the right time for Chastain to depart, giving her a chance to really show what she’s capable of in the No. 48 car.

tyler reddick

Does Hendrick Motorsports want to create an uncomfortable bidding war for racing the 23XI? This is the real question here. Given that Tyler Reddick made history as the first NASCAR Cup Series driver to win the first three races of the season, we don’t envision any scenario where ultra-aggressive competitor and billionaire Michael Jordan allows anyone but Reddick to overtake him. That said, if Hendricks wants to swing for the fences, Redick is the best driver on an expiring contract right now, and there isn’t anyone else around him.

RELATED: NASCAR insider sheds light on Tyler Reddick’s future with 23X Racing

Chris Buescher

As mentioned earlier, Hendrick Motorsports isn’t swimming in interior options right now. This could at least give Bowman a chance to keep the No. 48 car for another season, with the team seeing this season as a waste and not feeling confident with any unproven drivers in the system. However, Chris Buescher could be in a contract year. He will enter his age-34 season in 2027, so perhaps a three-year deal could work for both parties. Buescher has been a fairly consistent top-10 points driver in recent seasons for RFK Racing, fully maximizing what he’s been given in the No. 17 car. It’s a good situation for him, but the No. 48 team with Hendrick’s resources will provide him with even more consistency and a chance for more wins. If anyone could pull Buescher away from RFK, it would be HMS.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

With EVP Zack Kleiman’s Memphis Grizzlies hoping to usher in a new era by trading Ja Morant this offseason, the direction of the franchise has never been more in doubt. Jaren Jackson Jr. has a new home, and Zack Eddy’s recurring surgeries have already created cracks in the new frontcourt foundation. It appears that at least the Desmond Bane deal was a smart move by the front office, which has been very good at finding value through the NBA Draft.

Both first-round picks will likely be spent on a long wing or some AD insurance. The Grizzlies have been lacking in the big department, so it’s no surprise that the rebounding stats are tied for a season record. As for that low-risk, high-reward 32nd pick? Well, the Grizzlies don’t need a direct Morant replica, but they do need a player who can generate offense and put pressure on defense.

Even if Morant remains in Memphis, the Grizzlies are in an ideal spot to add a scoring guard who can compete for minutes behind Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer while freeing up Jaylen Wells to drive the ball. Clemons shouldn’t feel any pressure to trade back into the first round.

Top 20 NBA Draft choices Brayden Burries (Arizona), Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), LaBron Philon Jr. (Arkansas), Cameron Carr (Baylor), and Bennett Sturtz (Iowa) lack Morant’s elite athleticism and some-or-nothing creativity. That’s why he’s not projected to be a lottery pick, but unlikely to fall out of the first round. The five flawed second-round picks are better comparisons and may provide better value given the salary cap situation.

Jaron Pierre adds true pop

Pierre is the most NBA-ready option of this group and the most likely to contribute immediately, even if the 23-year-old’s ceiling is more modest than the others. The 6-foot-5 ball-handling wing averaged 21.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range at Jacksonville State, earning Conference USA Player of the Year honors before reaching the portal. He attacks the rim with vertical pop, is capable of making powerful dunks from the free-throw line area, and creates his own shot off the dribble or catch.

The secondary is showing flashes of playmaking playmaking as SMU’s top transfer averages 1.9 assists per game, and Pierre rebounds very well (5.1) for a guard at the power conference level. Those assist numbers could be more in a table-setting role, which Pierre will likely have to prove during any Summer League action. However, this is not the case during March Madness.

The definition of a polished, ready-now bucket-getter, Pierre has consistently filled the stat sheet for the Mustangs (17.6 points, 37.3% 3PA). Their defensive attention to detail also needs some work, but the Grizzlies lack a point guard not named Jaylen Wells. For a Grizzlies team that needs cheap, reliable contributors following the Morant transition, big defensive players are a worse gamble than a microwave scorer.

Tyler Tanner is attracting attention

Tanner is the analytics darling of the class of 2026, a 6-foot, 175-pound point guard who has no business being that good statistically. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals/blocks per game, while shooting 48.8% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. The scouts in Vandy’s engine are reconsidering whether they have found any foreign objects.

Ringer’s draft board highlights his ability to get down and finish through contact, though the second-year student’s jumper is still a work in progress. For a Grizzlies team that will be rebuilding its offensive hierarchy, the Tennessee native represents a high-floor project that can develop into a reliable backup with starter equity when the shot comes.

A big attacker framed in an undersized frame, Tanner defies every historical precedent. He’s converting over 60% of his half-court rim attempts and is on pace for nearly 30 dunks this season, a number that no 6-footer has touched since 2008. The concern is obvious, but his elite explosiveness, change of pace, and defensive anticipation give him a Fred VanVleet-like trajectory.

melek thomas moving needles

Thomas is the youngest name on this list at 19, and one of the most attractive names. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, he is recognized as a creative center who can initiate offense and make plays with the ball, giving the Grizzlies flexibility with who they draft in the first round. The new players’ passion for the game under Coach Cal is evident, yet the flaws are equally apparent. Thomas entered the season as a potential lottery lock, but inconsistent shooting and struggles against elite competition have cooled his stock.

Forget the worries if Thomas sticks to his NBA Draft plans. Get a five-star All-American in the locker room and worry about the rest later. The Arkansas star shows impressive comfort working in pick-and-roll situations and manipulating the defense with changes of pace. His ability to score from multiple levels makes him a difficult cover, and his size allows him to see defenders when creating passing angles.

If the Grizzlies want a high-upside swing that can develop into a sixth-man spark or more, Thomas fits the bill. Averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while shooting 40.3% from 3-point range over 29 games is enough of a sample size. He also posted 1.6 steals per game, offering the two-way dimension that scouts value in a backcourt prospect.

Thomas shows creative hub flashes off the dribble, attacking advantages, and creating looks for himself and teammates with a high motor on both ends. Early season buzz put him in the lottery conversation on some boards, and his sense of rhythm and flow keeps his impact steady even on off nights. Someone with a top 40 pick will snag this low-risk investment.

brandon smith quietly coming in

Braden Smith has been one of the most prolific pick-and-roll initiators in college basketball, and he rarely misses a perfect play while on offense. Averages of 15.5 points, 8.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds over the last 65 games show proven, consistent, reliability. His 44% assist rate over his last 50 games shows a rare ability to create for others that should translate to the NBA level.

In addition to his offensive skill set, Smith’s basketball IQ, competitiveness and defensive awareness align with the culture the Grizzlies have developed. Despite being undersized at 6-foot-6, Smith makes up for it with a 6-foot-5-inch wingspan, active stealing hands, and a high motor that allows him to compete on that end of the floor.

Tahad Pettiford under pressure

Size limitations and decision-making inconsistencies have pushed them toward the second round on many boards. Auburn’s main table-setter can force contested shots by over-dribbling and struggles to finish beyond length in a half-court setting. Improving his playmaking and efficiency will determine whether he becomes a dynamic spark-plug guard. For the Grizzlies, Pettiford’s burst and scoring mentality mirrors the characteristics that make Morant special, offering high-upside depth that could develop into a dominant creator in the right system.

The Grizzlies are entering a new chapter, and while trading Ja Morant creates an inevitable void, it also creates opportunity. None of these five guards will be able to replace Morant’s highlight-reel talent overnight. However, in a relatively tight draft class, Memphis Creations can swing on upside, athletic pop, and positional size. With two first-round picks already earmarked for the frontcourt, using the 32nd pick on a point guard project with first-round talent and second-round flaws is exactly how the new era should start.