The New York Mets face two pressing questions this offseason. One concerns a potential trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball and a near lock to claim his second consecutive Cy Young Award. Skubal is under team control through 2026, which makes him even more valuable, but acquiring him would require the Mets to part with several top prospects. Even with that cost, such a move could give the team a true ace to lead its rotation.

The other, equally important question centers on Pete Alonso, the Mets’ all-time home run leader and the heart of their lineup — whether the team will re-sign him. Alonso, now 30, is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, hitting 38 home runs with a .272 batting average and an .871 OPS, his highest since 2019. On September 27, 2025, at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Alonso celebrated a solo home run against the Miami Marlins in the third inning.

Why Pete Alonso Fits the Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks stand out as one of the few teams that could immediately offer Alonso a perfect role. Arizona’s midseason trades — sending Josh Naylor to Seattle on July 25 and Eugenio Suárez on July 31 — left both corner infield spots vacant. Naylor and Suárez had been two of the team’s best power hitters, and their departures created a hole in the lineup and a clear need for a reliable slugger.

Arizona still has a talented group led by Ketel Marte and Geraldo Perdomo, but the loss of its main power sources means the Diamondbacks will likely search for a new cleanup hitter this winter. Chase Field is a hitter-friendly ballpark that could further boost Alonso’s numbers, making it an ideal environment for his style of play.

In an October 17 FOX Sports article, Arizona was listed as one of Alonso’s three best free-agent fits if he decides to leave New York. The report noted that while other teams could pursue him, few have both the need and the ideal hitting conditions that the Diamondbacks offer.

Still, that same article emphasized the word if. The Mets remain the most natural fit — the franchise that drafted Alonso, developed him, and watched him become a fan favorite. Many in Queens hope the front office will find a way to keep him in orange and blue before the 2026 season begins.

Predictions and Expert Opinions

Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicted that the Mets might lose Alonso in free agency this winter, though he did not name a specific team. Beaston wrote, “That may depend on whether he is willing to give up first base and slot into the designated hitter spot, with questions about his defensive throwing ability causing concern.”

He continued, “If the Mets do not bring Alonso back, there will be plenty of teams who could benefit from his presence in the lineup. The Philadelphia Phillies are one such team, depending on what happens with impending free agent Kyle Schwarber, as are the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.”

Beaston added, “There will always be a place for an incredible offensive presence like Alonso, who can turn a game around with a single swing of the bat. The question is how much of a sticking point remaining at first is for him.”

Alonso’s Contract Situation and Market Value

Alonso has referred to his current deal, signed before the 2025 season, as a “bridge” contract — a temporary stop before a larger payday. After another strong campaign, he confirmed that he would opt out and test free agency.

Despite his age, Alonso’s performance in 2025 strengthened his market value. His barrel rate and hard-hit percentage were both career highs, and he once again played all 162 games, showing remarkable durability.

Analysts estimate Alonso could command a three-year deal worth around $90 million or a four-year contract worth about $110 million. If he lands the longer deal, his total earnings between 2025 and 2029 would reach approximately $140 million.

His market outlook also shifted earlier in the year when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a $500 million extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, taking another elite first baseman off the free-agent market.

Free-agent options include Josh Naylor (Seattle Mariners), Cody Bellinger (Yankees), Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan O’Hearn (Padres), and Rhys Hoskins (Brewers). Among them, only Bellinger had a better 2025 season, and he did so while playing primarily in the outfield. If teams view Alonso as more of a designated hitter, he will face competition from Kyle Schwarber and Marcell Ozuna, while Eugenio Suárez remains his closest right-handed power rival.

The Mets’ Internal and External Options

The Mets’ internal options for replacing Alonso are limited. Mark Vientos struggled in 2025 and saw reduced playing time, while prospect Ryan Clifford performed well in Double-A and Triple-A with an .826 OPS, but he may need more development time before handling MLB pitching.

Externally, the Mets could look to the trade market or pursue a short-term free-agent slugger, but none provide Alonso’s combination of power, consistency, and leadership. The team has the financial means to keep him, yet general manager David Stearns prefers shorter deals, which could open the door for other teams — particularly Arizona — to offer longer-term security.

According to Action Network, when 2026 futures odds reopen after the World Series, the Diamondbacks’ 80–82 record and lack of power bats will likely keep them among longer shots unless they add a middle-of-the-order hitter like Alonso. On the other hand, if the Mets retain Alonso and pull off a trade for Skubal, their odds could improve significantly from their +1400 opening line last spring.

The 2025 NBA offseason has unfolded very differently for two franchises. The Golden State Warriors are navigating uncertainty surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s contract and stalled trade talks, while Buddy Hield’s inconsistent play and $21 million salary add to their roster challenges.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns took a more decisive path, securing long-term stability by extending Devin Booker, a clear signal of his continued commitment to the franchise. The contrast highlights two teams on opposite tracks: one still searching for direction, the other confidently building on a defined future.

Jonathan Kuminga’s Status and Front Office Pressure

Golden State has spent the offseason waiting on a resolution with Jonathan Kuminga. Reports connected him to sign-and-trade possibilities with the Sacramento Kings and the Chicago Bulls, yet no deal has been reached over the past several months.

This lack of movement has prevented other opportunities from progressing, including the potential addition of Boston Celtics veteran big man Al Horford. As the offseason nears its end, the Warriors still do not have a clear roster direction.

General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and team owner Joe Lacob are now facing scrutiny for their approach. Lacob was the driving force behind selecting Kuminga with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but the results so far have fallen short of expectations. Dunleavy is also being criticized for allowing too much time to pass without acting.

NBA analyst Jason Timpf of The Volume commented on the situation, noting the limits of Kuminga’s current trade value. As reported by Andrew Hughes, Timpf wrote, “I think using Kuminga to substantially upgrade from Buddy Hield and get a protected first-round pick back would be about as good as the Golden State Warriors can do with Kuminga.”

He added that the opportunity for a return is gone and that the Warriors should now look to package Kuminga in a deal that clears Buddy Hield’s contract.

Buddy Hield’s Struggles and Market Stagnation

Buddy Hield, who is on a $21 million contract, has not provided consistent production. His three-point accuracy last season was considered average, while his scoring inside the arc was described as “borderline unacceptable” for a player in a starting role.

Although the salary itself is not viewed as unmanageable, moving it could give the Warriors greater roster flexibility.

Hield has openly stated that he wants to remain with Golden State. Andrew Hughes pointed out that this stance works against the possibility of a trade. Hughes wrote, “For what it’s worth, Hield doesn’t want to be moved. It may not be a good thing that the Golden State Warriors are saying the same thing, since that usually precludes a deal in this league.”

The trade market has been quiet, adding to the Warriors’ difficulties. In recent weeks, there have been very few league transactions. Fred VanVleet’s injury was one of the only developments.

The Houston Rockets appear closer to completing a deal than the Golden State Warriors, which shows how little activity the Warriors have had. With less than a month before the season begins, the front office has limited time to act.

Devin Booker Ends Trade Speculation with Suns Extension

Devin Booker had been mentioned in trade rumors during the 2024–25 season. Those rumors ended when he signed a four-year, $145 million extension in July, keeping him under contract until the 2029–30 season.

The Suns built around Booker by adding Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Durant joined the team a couple of years ago. Beal had a no-trade clause with the Washington Wizards before joining Phoenix. The team did not reach the Western Conference Championship during that period. Durant is now with the Houston Rockets. Beal was bought out and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2025–26 season.

On September 24, 2025, reporter Kellan Olson shared Booker’s comments. Booker said, “I have unfinished business here.” He added that basketball in Phoenix is important to the city and described “how serious we take it.”

Suns owner Matt Ishbia called Booker the “franchise player” and “one of the greatest Suns of all time.”

Booker has started 648 of 673 games since the 2015–16 season. His averages are 24.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. His three-point shooting percentage is 35 percent. In four playoff runs, he has averaged 28 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. He is a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA member.

Trade Proposal Involving Kuminga and the Bulls

Golden State’s situation with Kuminga has prompted proposals for trades. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested a deal between the Warriors and the Chicago Bulls. In this trade, the Warriors would receive Coby White and Jalen Smith, while the Bulls would acquire Jonathan Kuminga in a sign-and-trade, Moses Moody, and a 2028 first-round pick.

Coby White is 25 years old and entering the final year of his contract. Last season, he averaged 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Bulls have shown hesitation about paying him what he may want on his next deal, but Golden State could use his offensive ability. Jalen Smith would add size to the Warriors’ frontcourt, which is a need for the team.

The proposed deal has drawbacks for Golden State. Giving up Kuminga, Moody, and an unprotected 2028 first-round pick is considered costly. The 2028 draft will take place after the contracts of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green expire, making the pick even more valuable.

Analysts have suggested that the deal only makes sense if the first-round pick is protected or removed. Another possible adjustment would be a two-for-two swap of Kuminga and Moody for White and Smith.

The question of which sport is truly the hardest has divided athletes, analysts, and fans for generations. From the punishing collisions of rugby and boxing to the relentless pace of football, each camp claims its discipline demands the ultimate mix of strength, skill, and endurance.

But toughness isn’t just about brute force. Some sports test the body’s breaking point, others challenge lightning-fast reflexes or razor-sharp precision — and a rare few push all three to extremes.

In this feature, we rank the world’s most dangerous and demanding sports, assessing each by speed, stamina, skill, strength, and sheer intensity.

The results reveal what it really takes to survive — and succeed — in the planet’s toughest arenas.

1. Boxing

When we talk about truly tough sports, boxing always comes up as one of the hardest.

It’s not just about being strong but also about having the physical and mental toughness to handle the intense demands.

As you probably already know, boxers need to have a lot of endurance, be strong, fast, and agile, and they also have to be smart about how they fight.

Before they even step into the ring, they undergo intense training to make sure their bodies are ready for the hits they will take.

The process involves a ton of cardio, strength work, and drills to get their techniques right.

Then, when it’s time to fight, they have to push themselves hard for several rounds, each lasting three minutes, all while keeping up that high level of effort.

But it’s not just about being physically ready; boxers must also be mentally strong.

They must stay focused, predict their opponent’s next move, and think about how to attack while keeping themselves safe.

So, mental toughness helps them keep going, even when they’re tired or in pain.

Boxing is risky, too, mainly because of the real danger of head injuries and long-term brain damage. Due to this, it’s at the top of our list of the most dangerous sports.

Famous boxers like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Manny Pacquiao have shown just how much physical and mental strength is needed to succeed in this sport, making it clear why boxing is such a tough and respected sport.

2. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) often comes to mind when people ask what’s the most dangerous sport.

What makes it so challenging is that fighters don’t just focus on one thing—they must be good at many different types of fighting, such as boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and more.

So, it’s not only about being strong or fast but mastering various techniques.

And because the fight can go from standing up to being on the ground in a split second, fighters must always be ready to switch things up, which keeps them on their toes.

Undeniably, fighters must be in amazing shape and undergo tough training to succeed in MMA.

They work on building endurance, strength, and flexibility so they can handle the demands of a fight.

In a typical MMA fight, there are three to five rounds, each lasting five minutes, and they don’t get much time to rest in between.

The pace is intense, and fighters must protect themselves from attacks while figuring out how to outsmart their opponents.

It’s like a fast-moving chess game, which makes MMA just as much about thinking as physical fighting.

Fighters like Conor McGregor and Anderson Silva have shown how much strategy, skill, and athleticism it takes to succeed in MMA, proving that it’s one of the most demanding sports out there.

3. Ironman Triathlon

Now, if we’re talking about events that really push people to their absolute limits, the Ironman Triathlon is probably at the top of the list.

This race combines three tough activities: swimming, biking, and running, and athletes have to do them all back-to-back without any breaks.

It starts with a 2.4-mile swim, then turns into a 112-mile bike ride, and finishes with a 26.2-mile full marathon.

Just hearing that is enough to know how incredibly hard it is.

And each part of the race needs different kinds of preparation.

Swimming takes a lot of skill and upper-body strength. Cycling is all about having strong legs that can keep going for hours, and running the marathon requires physical stamina and mental strength to keep going when you’re exhausted.

Doing an Ironman is about being in good shape as much as being mentally tough.

Athletes have to manage their energy, stay focused for hours, and fight until their bodies feel like they can’t go on anymore, which many call “hitting the wall.”

Only the fittest athletes can finish an Ironman, and those who do put in months, sometimes even years, of training to prepare their bodies and minds.

That’s exactly why completing an Ironman is considered the ultimate test of endurance.

4. Gymnastics

Take men’s gymnastics, for example—athletes compete on apparatus like the pommel horse and still rings, events that require immense upper body strength, balance, and control.
Meanwhile, women’s events such as the floor routine and balance beam fuse power with grace, demanding flawless timing, poise, and precision.

But gymnastics challenges more than just the body—it’s a mental game as well.
Competitors must maintain unwavering focus to conquer the fear of falls, potential injuries, and the high-stakes pressure to execute perfect routines.

One minor slip in a high-difficulty sequence can lead to major consequences, making concentration and psychological endurance just as critical as physical skill.
Yet despite the risks, gymnastics remains one of the most captivating sports, celebrated for its fusion of strength, technique, and artistry.

5. Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is a sport that stands out for being one of the hardest due to its fast pace, physical nature, and need for high-level skills.

As a result, players must be great at skating while controlling the puck, all while moving at high speeds.

Furthermore, ice hockey is also very physical, with body-checking being a big part of the game.

This leads to many hard hits and collisions, making injuries pretty common, even though players wear protective gear.

Needless to say, endurance is another big factor in ice hockey.

The game has three 20-minute periods, and players constantly sprint on the ice, pass, and shoot.

With all this activity, the shifts are short but intense, testing their fitness and strength.

On top of all this, players need to be sharp mentally, as they have to make quick decisions about where to go, how to control the puck, and how to work with teammates in high-pressure situations.

Despite its physical nature, hockey is also a game of strategy.

Teams need to work together to outsmart their opponents, and individual players have to balance aggressiveness with smart plays to avoid penalties.

Speed, skill, physical contact, and strategy are what make ice hockey such a tough and demanding sport.

6. Water Polo

Few sports look as exhausting as water polo — and with good reason. Players spend the entire match swimming or treading water, using the powerful eggbeater kick to stay afloat while passing, shooting, and battling for position.

There’s no rest on the pool floor; athletes must keep moving through four intense seven-minute quarters, combining elite stamina with explosive strength. Beneath the surface, the game gets even tougher — underwater grappling and constant contact test both physical and mental endurance.

Tactically, water polo mirrors the strategy of basketball or soccer, but with the added resistance of water. Blending endurance, strength, and precision, it stands as one of the most grueling and uniquely demanding sports in the world.

7. Rugby

Rugby is one of the toughest sports because it pushes the body and mind to the limit.

Consequently, players must be strong, have a lot of stamina, and be quick on their feet.

Since they wear very little protective gear, they rely heavily on their strength and ability to handle the constant tackles and physical collisions that are part of the game.

They spend 80 minutes running, sprinting, and enduring hits without real breaks.

Given the relentless pace, rugby tests players’ endurance because they are always moving across the field.

Specifically, this requires strong cardiovascular fitness to handle running long distances and high-intensity efforts like scrums and tackles.

As such, the game demands a balance of aerobic and anaerobic energy, pushing stamina to its limit.

Players must also be powerful, particularly in the legs and upper body, to succeed in tackles and scrums. And the sport calls for explosive power, strength, and conditioning.

However, agility is just as important because players must move around the field quickly, avoid being tackled, and be in the right spot during the fast-moving game.

In addition, they need to be mentally sharp, making quick decisions while staying focused despite all the chaos around them.

8. Bull Riding

Bull riding is often dubbed the “most dangerous eight seconds in sports,” and the title is well earned. Those few seconds feel endless when a rider is atop a 2,000-pound bull determined to throw them off.

Surviving the ride demands extraordinary balance, core strength, and an iron grip.

But physical power alone isn’t enough—bull riding is just as much a mental battle. Athletes must confront fear directly, knowing injuries are frequent and severe accidents are a constant threat.

Staying composed while anticipating the bull’s violent, unpredictable movements is crucial. Mastery takes years of relentless practice, as riders learn to control body position, remain centered, and endure immense physical and psychological pressure.

9. Motocross

Motocross is another sport that demands both physical and mental endurance.

Riders navigate off-road tracks filled with obstacles like mud, sand, and steep jumps while riding at high speeds.

Therefore, the sport requires riders to be in top physical shape, have quick reflexes, and have sharp focus.

Riders must constantly adapt to the changing track conditions while keeping control of their bikes.

As you can imagine, the physical strain is intense, as their heart rates often exceed 165 beats per minute for long periods.

Additionally, there are no breaks, and they have to stay focused, quickly reacting to obstacles and making instant decisions to avoid crashing.

Motocross pushes both mental resilience and physical endurance, with riders training for years to master these skills.

10. Hurling

Hurling is one of Ireland’s oldest sports and is often called the fastest field game in the world.

It’s a mix of lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball, but it requires high speed, strength, and skill to play.

You’ve got two teams of 15 players each, competing on a big grassy field, and their goal is to score by hitting a small ball called a “sliotar” with a wooden stick called a “hurley.”

You get one point for getting the sliotar over the crossbar and three points for putting it into a net.

Although, what really makes hurling stand out is its speed.

The sliotar can reach speeds of up to 112 mph, meaning players must be incredibly quick and precise.

Along with speed, it also takes a lot of hand-eye coordination and stamina.

Players have to be skilled at several skills, like soloing (balancing the sliotar on the hurley while running), hitting the ball mid-air or off the ground, and catching it.

There’s also a lot of physical contact—shoulder-to-shoulder clashes are part of the game, so it’s really intense.

Hurling is just as much about teamwork and strategy, though.

It’s not just about being good on your own; it’s also about being able to work with your teammates to get the sliotar down the field and set up chances to score.

Plus, it’s got a deep cultural significance in Ireland.

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is one of the biggest events in the country.

Between the game’s fast pace and the fans’ energy, hurling is one of the most exciting and challenging sports out there.

11. Decathlon

The decathlon is all about testing your ability at different athletic events, as it combines ten track and field events over two days.

Those events are 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw, and 1500m run.

To do well, athletes need explosive power for events like the 100m and high jump, along with endurance for the 400m and 1500m, making it one of the toughest competitions in sports.

Each event has its challenges and testing skills like speed, strength, flexibility, and technique.

And decathletes have to train a lot to develop a balanced skill set that lets them compete across all these events.

The scoring system rewards consistency, so athletes rack up points based on how well they do in each event, and whoever has the most points at the end wins.

One of the hardest parts about the decathlon is managing your energy and recovering over the two days.

Athletes must pace themselves to have enough left for the most tiring event, the 1500m run, which comes at the very end.

Being mentally tough is just as important since they have to quickly switch between events that require different skills, like going from sprinting to throwing.

Because it requires mastering so many different skills, success in the decathlon is seen as the peak of athletic achievement.

Decathletes are often considered the most well-rounded athletes because they can handle such a broad range of events, showing physical ability, mental strength, and smart preparation.

No One Sport Reigns Supreme

In the end, no single sport can claim the undisputed title of the world’s toughest. Each discipline pushes athletes to their limits; whether it’s rugby’s bone-crunching collisions, boxing’s relentless psychological battles, or the extreme endurance of an Ironman triathlon.

Some sports reward raw power, others rely on speed, agility, or unshakable mental toughness under pressure. What defines the “hardest sport” depends on which physical and psychological demands take center stage.

However, one truth stands firm: every sport on this list is brutal, exhausting, and uncompromising in its pursuit of human performance.

As the New York Knicks prepare to open their season on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Madison Square Garden against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the franchise stands at the start of a new era under head coach Mike Brown. Five months after a bitter loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, a defeat that cut short their championship hopes, the Knicks made one of the most talked-about moves of the offseason — firing Tom Thibodeau and bringing in the veteran coach Brown to lead a talented roster into a more dynamic future.

Brown’s arrival comes with sweeping changes in philosophy, as well as on the floor. His goal is to raise the Knicks’ ceiling to that of a true contender through pace, balance, and teamwork.

A Faster Pace, but Early Progress Has Been Gradual

The Knicks were one of the slowest teams in the league last season, ranking fifth-lowest in pace at 97.64 possessions per 48 minutes. Brown, whose previous teams consistently ranked near the top in pace, made it clear from day one that he wanted to transform the Knicks’ tempo. His plan centered on pushing the ball in transition, increasing possessions, and forcing opponents to defend at speed.

But through preseason, the numbers showed only a modest jump. The Knicks averaged 98.55 possessions per 48 minutes, still near the bottom among all NBA teams — the second-lowest when discounting international exhibition opponents.

Following a 113–108 preseason win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Madison Square Garden, Brown addressed the slower-than-expected progress.

“The guys that have been out, they’re the key pieces to what we’re trying to do,” Brown explained. “They haven’t gotten the reps, and for us to jell together from top to bottom is gonna take a little more time than I thought.”

Injuries have slowed the Knicks’ progress so far; several rotation players missed time, leaving Brown unable to fully test his intended pace-and-space system. But it’s early days; the foundation is being laid for what he envisions: a team that runs, reacts, and wears opponents down with constant movement.

Brown’s goal aligns with early betting activity surrounding the Knicks’ opener. Sportsbooks including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM listed the Knicks as 3- to 4.5-point favorites against Cleveland, with moneyline odds between –148 and –185 and an over/under of 229.5 points. The lines have moved toward New York since the start of the week, corresponding with Cavaliers guard Darius Garland being ruled out.

Futures markets show a similar trend. BetMGM and Covers list the Knicks at +900 to win the 2025–26 NBA Championship, while FanDuel places them at +1200. Their Eastern Conference title odds stand around +370, and their regular-season win total is set at 53.5 (Over –105, Under –115).

Analysts remain split on expectations. Sportsbook Review’s Corey Scott recommended the under on 53.5 wins, citing adjustment time under a new system. Simulation sites such as Dimers project New York with approximately a 60–65% win probability in the opener.

Lineup Adjustments and Brunson’s New Role

The Knicks’ biggest structural change is happening in the frontcourt. Mitchell Robinson is expected to reclaim his starting center role, and Josh Hart, who finished last postseason as a starter, will move to the bench. The adjustment moves Karl-Anthony Towns to power forward, pairing him with Robinson to form a tall, physical, and potentially dominant front line.

During the preseason, Towns and Robinson shared the court for three games — two wins against the Philadelphia 76ers and one against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns averaged 9.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 30 minutes per game, though his shooting touch was cold at just 26.3 percent from the field. Robinson averaged 4.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 offensive boards in 14.8 minutes per game.

At the heart of the offense, Jalen Brunson is also seeing change. Brown wants him to play more off the ball, a shift meant to reduce isolation possessions and open up more catch-and-shoot and cutting opportunities. During preseason, Brunson’s off-ball movement — cutting through screens, working off pin-downs, and repositioning for clean looks — became increasingly polished. The new role has also helped involve other scorers. Mikal Bridges, for instance, averaged 12.8 points on 50 percent shooting in 23.1 minutes per game, benefiting from a more balanced attack.

A Deeper Bench and a Different Coaching Style

Under Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks’ starters were known for heavy minutes. Last season, Josh Hart (37.6), Mikal Bridges (37.0), and OG Anunoby (36.6) all ranked in the NBA’s top ten in minutes per game; Jalen Brunson (35.4) ranked seventeenth. Brown’s approach is notably different, as he plans to lean more heavily on his reserves, trusting a bench that includes Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Ariel Hukporti, and possibly Hart, depending on the lineup.

In the preseason, that rotation depth was evident, even though not all players delivered strong results. Clarkson averaged 1.8 turnovers in 18.4 minutes per game and shot 38.8 percent from the field, and Yabusele struggled at 31.0 percent shooting and a minus-9.6 plus/minus rating. But Brown is expected to maintain trust in his bench, believing consistent rotation minutes will help players settle into their roles as the season unfolds.

Rightfully so, the shift also has all players’ health as top priority. Mitchell Robinson has played just 48 games over the past two seasons, and with Hart dealing with a back injury, Anunoby nursing an ankle issue, and Towns managing a quad strain during preseason, spreading minutes will be essential to keeping the roster healthy.

A Familiar Core, Lofty Expectations

Even with a new system, the Knicks are not starting from scratch. Brown inherits a roster that remains one of the strongest in the Eastern Conference, featuring Brunson, Towns, Bridges, Anunoby, Hart, and a fully healthy Robinson. Team president Leon Rose didn’t land a marquee superstar during the offseason, but he and the front office reinforced the rotation with Clarkson and Yabusele to bolster depth and shooting.

Offensively, Brown wants the Knicks to build on what was already a top-ten attack last season. They averaged 115.8 points per game (ninth in the NBA), shot 48.6 percent from the field (fifth overall), and hit 36.9 percent from three (eighth). But there’s always room for improvement — especially from beyond the arc, where New York attempted only 34.1 threes per game, ranking 27th in the league. Thus, Brown’s goal is to generate more perimeter looks through ball movement and spacing.

The challenge for Brown is balance: keeping the scoring spread out while maintaining defensive identity. If he can do that, the Knicks have a clear path back to the Eastern Conference Finals — and possibly beyond. With the Boston Celtics missing Jayson Tatum and the Pacers without Tyrese Haliburton, the Cavaliers appear to be their main Eastern obstacle.

Mike Brown’s Motivation Message: The DK Metcalf Example

Following the preseason finale, Mike Brown revealed a motivational video he has been showing to his team — a 2020 NFL clip featuring Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf chasing down Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker for 80 yards to prevent a touchdown after an interception.

Brown told reporters that he uses the clip as a teaching tool to encourage players to never give up on a play, regardless of game circumstances.

As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for the 2025-26 season opener against the Charlotte Hornets, the team is still determining its plan at point guard. Rookies Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf are all competing for the starting role. Head coach Jordi Fernández has not announced a clear lineup and said he will base his decision on how each player performs in games and practices.

After practice on Sunday, Fernández said all three young guards have shown potential but still need to improve. He explained that playing time will depend on who can stay consistent and follow what the coaching staff asks of them. Fernández said the competition between the rookies is positive for the team because it pushes each player to work harder and helps them gain more experience.

During the Nets’ four preseason games, Saraf and Traore each started twice as the team rotated lineups. Dëmin, who was the highest draft pick among them, only played in the final preseason game. He had missed earlier games because of a plantar fascia tear that kept him out since the spring.

Egor Dëmin’s Return Sparks Interest On and Off the Court

In his first game back, Dëmin quickly made an impression. Against the Toronto Raptors on October 17, 2025, the 6-foot-8 guard scored 14 points, grabbed five rebounds, and recorded two turnovers in 19 minutes off the bench. His performance drew praise from Fernández.

“He did a great job. He looked composed. He helped us,” the coach said. “It’s good that you see the ball go in, but basketball is not just about seeing the ball go in. He made the simple play. We didn’t turn it over as much [with him]. He got his teammates involved, and he had very good positional defensive possessions, where he was the low man; he went vertical, and he protected the rim. Those things are very good to see at this point, but we’re going to ask him to keep getting better because we believe the sky is the limit for him and for the other two point guards, as well.”

Dëmin’s strong debut slightly influenced early betting activity. Sportsbooks adjusted lines for the Nets’ upcoming matchup against the Hornets, with most outlets — including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars — listing Charlotte -4.5 as the consensus spread. The total points line has held between 225.5 and 226.5, while moneyline odds range from Brooklyn +150 to +175 and Charlotte -175 to -185.

Lines briefly moved to Hornets -5.5 early in the week before returning to -4.5, reflecting modest betting confidence in Brooklyn after Dëmin’s performance and Fernández’s positive comments.

Futures markets remain conservative. Across major sportsbooks, the Nets’ regular-season win total is set between 19.5 and 20.5, with FanDuel pricing the Under 19.5 at -118. Sports Illustrated and BetMGM list Brooklyn’s championship odds at +100000, and BetMGM gives the team approximately a 2.8% implied chance to reach the playoffs.

Dëmin has entered Rookie of the Year discussions as a long shot, listed between +4000 and +10000 depending on the sportsbook. His limited preseason action and undefined role contribute to the wide range of prices.

In the same preseason stretch, Saraf averaged 6.3 points and 5.5 assists in 20.3 minutes per game, while Traore recorded 4.5 points and 1.8 assists in 14.7 minutes. Together, they averaged 5.5 turnovers per game, highlighting areas of inexperience that align with the Nets’ cautious outlook in betting markets.

Despite the internal competition, Dëmin described a collaborative environment among the rookies. “Everybody is trying to get better and everybody is trying to help everybody to get better,” he said. “I think that’s where we’re going to be successful this year. In every practice, there’s going to be competition. It’s not about just me, Nolan, and Ben. It’s about everything. As soon as we step off the court, we’re best friends.”

Haywood Highsmith’s Knee Injury Alters the Team Outlook

The Nets’ roster plans were further affected by an injury to Haywood Highsmith. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the 6-foot-5 forward “recently experienced right knee swelling during his rehab from an August meniscectomy procedure.” His recovery program has been modified, and he will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.

Highsmith’s injury status led sportsbooks to maintain conservative projections for Brooklyn. His absence removes a veteran presence from a lineup that already leans heavily on young players. Betting trends indicate a slight movement toward the Under on the team’s win total and steady pricing in the playoff market.

Despite the setback, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Nets waived Kobe Bufkin, the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but retained Highsmith. Scotto said that the organization values his leadership and the guidance he provides to younger teammates.

Highsmith’s Leadership and Rookie Development Shape Betting Perspective

Highsmith joined the Nets after five seasons with the Miami Heat, where he gained experience within the organization’s structured culture. His presence has been considered important for guiding a roster that includes five first-round selections from the 2025 NBA Draft:

• Egor Dëmin (8th overall, BYU)
• Nolan Traore (19th overall, France)
• Drake Powell (22nd overall, North Carolina; acquired from Atlanta)
• Ben Saraf (26th overall, Israel)
• Danny Wolf (27th overall, Michigan)

Analytic models such as Dimers.com project Charlotte with a 65–68% win probability in the opener, consistent with the Hornets -4.5 spread. Expert predictions from multiple outlets, including FanDuel Research and Sportsbook Review, lean toward Brooklyn finishing below 20 wins, citing the team’s youth and roster changes as key factors.