The New York Yankees have made it clear that re-signing Cody Bellinger is their top offseason priority, but doing so will not be easy. In a free-agent market that is short on high-end outfield talent, Bellinger stands out as the most complete option available, and that has drawn strong interest from across the league. According to his agent, Scott Boras, multiple teams are lining up, which sets the stage for a highly competitive offseason decision.

Scott Boras Confirms Widespread Interest Using His Trademark Wordplay

Speaking with reporters on Tuesday morning, Boras used a series of direct clues to identify the clubs involved without naming them outright. His wordplay referenced the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Phillies, Giants, Blue Jays, Angels, and Reds. “It’s not for me to JUDGE, but great players see RED if they lose, that they have a big bat YANKED out of their lineup,” Boras said. He continued with additional hints: “I haven’t MET a team that DODGES a five-tool player. To PHIL the center field need is a GIANT step towards the playoffs… there’s a lot of ANGEL investors looking for very versatile outfielders.”

Shortly after arriving in Orlando on Sunday night, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that he had already spoken with Boras several times regarding Bellinger. “Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said, describing him as a talented player who can play multiple positions and hit all types of pitching.

Manager Aaron Boone added on Monday that Bellinger contributed both on and off the field. “Obviously, what Cody brought to us last year in so many ways… who he was in the room, his performance between the lines on both sides of the ball, his athleticism, his versatility, who wouldn’t want a player like that?”

Bellinger delivered a strong 2025 season after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs. He hit .272 with 29 home runs, 25 doubles, 98 RBIs, and 98 runs scored, while playing all three outfield positions and first base. His performance helped the Yankees finish 94–68, tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the best record in the American League.

Feels like yesterday when Cody Bellinger burst onto the scene and took over L.A. in 2017.

.267 AVG
.933 OPS
39 HR
97 RBI
143 OPS+
138 wRC+
Allstar
Rookie of the Year

You can’t help but miss having him in Dodger blue. pic.twitter.com/GL0IBCj9MH

— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) December 9, 2025

Sportsbooks Shift Odds Amid Bellinger Uncertainty

As teams began contacting Boras, sportsbooks adjusted their early 2026 futures boards. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, and Caesars consistently opened the Los Angeles Dodgers as favorites following their second straight World Series title, with odds generally placed between +340 and +370. The Yankees appeared immediately behind them, ranging from +700 to +850 depending on the sportsbook.

Oddsmakers also positioned the Yankees as the early American League favorites, listing them around +310 to +320 to win the AL pennant. These lines reflect Bellinger’s impact on both offense and defense and the role he played in last season’s 94–68 finish.

Bellinger’s decision to opt out of his $25 million option created further pricing movement. Some books posted “next team” odds that listed the Yankees as the early favorite, with the Dodgers, Mets, and Blue Jays close behind — the same clubs implied in Boras’ remarks. His individual futures adjusted as well, with at least one sportsbook placing him at +3000 in early MVP odds.

Yankees’ Strategy and Backup Options

Despite their interest, the Yankees are not planning to enter an unrestricted bidding battle. SNY’s Andy Martino explained that “this isn’t a Juan Soto thing where they’re just going to keep bidding and bidding and bidding.” Last offseason, the Yankees pursued Soto aggressively, bidding upwards of $760 million before he signed a 14-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.

Payroll has also been a subject of discussion after the Yankees spent $319 million last season, though Boras said he has not been told that spending is being limited. “I don’t think when Cash or Randy call me, they talk about limiting payroll,” Boras said. “They talk about acquiring players.”

If the Yankees are outbid, they do have alternatives. One option is shifting attention to Kyle Tucker, a 28-year-old outfielder the Yankees tried to trade for last winter before the Astros sent him to the Cubs in a deal that ultimately brought Bellinger to New York. Trade options remain on the table as well.

If no external move is made, Jasson Dominguez could enter spring training as the frontrunner to start in left field. The 22-year-old struggled with the position last season but would be given another opportunity. Top prospect Spencer Jones would also be part of that competition, though Dominguez would have the early edge.

Still, none of those options match Bellinger’s complete package. He remains the Yankees’ best and most desired solution, and his future will likely come down to how much New York is willing to spend compared to a growing list of rivals ready to compete for his signature.

Hoboken High School closed out a memorable esports season by earning a place in the Super Smash Bros Crew Championship finals. The varsity trio of Josiah Damkins, Sean Quinn, and Ethan Sikernitsky, with coaching from Adam Anderson and support from assistant coach Sam Thomas, represented the school throughout the playoffs. The final finish stands as one of the most notable achievements since the program began.

Esports, commonly referred to as electronic sports, continues to expand across schools nationwide. Hoboken’s achievement shows how organized esports teams are now becoming a regular part of school activities. Thousands of high schools take part in official esports leagues, and hundreds of colleges run competitive programs that may include financial support for players.

Strong Playoff Performances Lead to the Championship Match

Hoboken began the postseason with a strong victory over Woodbury High School, advancing to the next round to face Clayton, the tournament’s top-seeded team. The Redwings secured a win in a challenging match, earning a spot in the championship finals.

The championship match brought a rematch with Hopatcong, a team that had previously defeated Hoboken during the regular season. In the opening game, Hoboken took control early as the team built pressure through coordinated play. The game remained close until the final moments, when Hopatcong edged ahead with a last-stock finish.

In Game 2, Hopatcong again held the advantage behind its Luigi player, who defeated all three Hoboken players while conceding only one stock. The results concluded Hoboken’s playoff run with a finalist finish.

Growth, Recognition, and New Paths Forward

Even with the finals loss, Hoboken’s postseason run showed evident progress in teamwork, planning, and in-game decision-making. The effort also opened new doors, as two players spoke with college esports representatives after the event, beginning early talks about future competitive opportunities.

Throughout the season, school administrators recognized the commitment and effort shown by the team. Athletic Director Jack Baker spoke highly of the players’ focus, steady mindset, and determination during the playoff run. Principal Robin Piccapietra also praised the students for working well together, staying disciplined, and representing Hoboken High School with pride both on and off the screen.

Hoboken High School congratulated the students and coaching staff on a successful season and pointed to the continued growth of the esports program.

The New York Mets were the best team in Major League Baseball two months into the season before their performance declined sharply, ending the year in disappointment. As the season progressed, uncertainty surrounded whether first baseman Pete Alonso would return once the season ended.

Alonso’s Public Comments During the Season

During the season, Alonso said his focus remained on completing the year rather than free agency.

“But again, we’ll see what happens. I love it, it’s great, but you can’t really predict anything,” Alonso said. “And for me… I am focused on trying to put this thing across the finish line. I haven’t really thought about the free agent thing until we’re talking about it right now. It would be great to stay. But, again, whatever happens, happens. I can’t get a crystal ball. I wish I could, but we’ll see.”

Opt-Out Decision Confirmed After Elimination

After the Mets’ season ended, Pete Alonso made his intentions known almost immediately. As MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand described it, moments after the team’s abrupt finish on Sunday afternoon, Alonso had barely removed his uniform when he stated that he planned to test the free-agent market for a second straight winter. He chose to opt out of the final year and $24 million remaining on the two-year, $54 million contract he signed in February.

During the winter meetings, MLB insider Jon Morosi offered his blunt assessment, saying there was “a better than 50/50 chance Pete Alonso is NOT a New York Met on Opening Day.”

Roster Changes and Market Indicators

Following the season, the Mets traded Brandon Nimmo, an important part of the team’s core. Jeff McNeil has been identified as a likely next move. Reports also suggested the vibes in the clubhouse had been “slightly off,” potentially contributing to the Mets’ roster reset.

During this period, projected betting expectations connected to major sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM indicated that the Mets were no longer viewed as an obvious favorite to retain Alonso. Projections placed New York in a +250 to +350 range, with the Boston Red Sox closely positioned behind them.

Red Sox Labeled the Primary Threat

MLB insider Jon Heyman identified Boston as the leading challenger to New York during a Bleacher Report livestream. “The Mets are the #1 suitor. It’s going to take some time, but the top threat besides the Mets is the Red Sox,” Heyman said.

Alonso is reaching free agency again after another strong season for the Mets, and is seeking long-term financial security rather than another short-term deal.

Reports state that Alonso told friends Boston ranks “high on his list” of preferred destinations.

Kyle Schwarber has also been mentioned as a factor in the market. Schwarber is another top slugger, but Alonso is younger and can still play defense to some extent, while Schwarber has been a full-time designated hitter for some time. The Red Sox have been linked to both players.

Boston also has needs in starting pitching and the bullpen while continuing to prioritize adding power to its lineup.

Pirates Remain Involved on the Edges

Bob Nightengale reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates are “hanging around in the market for Alonso.”

The Pirates have stated they plan an active offseason. Financially, their ticket and concession revenues from 2022 through 2024 roughly equaled player payroll. Fans have urged owner Bob Nutting to build around rising ace Paul Skenes.

Brian Cashman arrived Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the MLB Winter Meetings at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, facing familiar questions about payroll, roster construction, and expectations. Despite public comments from owner Hal Steinbrenner that it would be “ideal” to reduce payroll, Cashman said no hard spending limit has been set.

“The last time I spoke with you guys, I told you that Hal hadn’t given me a drop-dead number and that’s still the case,” Cashman said. “Hal’s exact words to me continue to be, ‘Take everything that’s out there to me,’ which I will continue to do.”

Payroll Context, Team Confidence, and Market Expectations

The Yankees finished last season with a payroll of approximately $319 million and are projected to be around $283 million heading into the upcoming year. Cashman said Steinbrenner has not instructed him to reduce payroll from last season’s level, and pointed out that the team increased spending at the trade deadline despite already exceeding the highest luxury tax threshold. The top competitive balance tax threshold for the coming season is $304 million.

Cashman reiterated his confidence in the roster after a 94-win season that ended with an American League Division Series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. New York led Major League Baseball in both runs scored, with 849, and home runs, with 274.

“First and foremost, let’s start with the premise that we have really good players on this roster,” Cashman said. “We are covered in most all areas that you need to be covered.”

That internal confidence aligns with how the team is being priced publicly. Across major sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, the Yankees are listed near the top of the 2026 World Series futures. Most markets place New York between +700 and +750 to win the championship, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers, with some books offering prices as long as +850.

Bellinger Talks and a Left-Handed Lineup Issue

Cashman confirmed continued discussions with Scott Boras, the agent for Cody Bellinger, and said a reunion remains possible. He last spoke with Boras on Saturday and described Bellinger as a fit based on versatility and production.

“Cody Bellinger would be a great fit for us,” Cashman said. “I think he’d be a great fit for anybody.”

Lineup balance is a central concern. Austin Wells, Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Trent Grisham all bat left-handed. Switch-hitter Jasson Domínguez owns a .136 career average and a .530 OPS against left-handed pitching.

“I acknowledge that we are left-handed dominant throughout our lineup,” Cashman said. “So to get more choices for our manager would be a great thing for us to do.”

If Bellinger does not return, the Yankees could fill left field internally. Domínguez is the current favorite, while Spencer Jones is expected to compete during spring training.

“We’re very high on Domínguez and what he brings to the table,” Cashman said. “I think there’s a lot more to come.”

Pitching Injuries, Bullpen Losses, and Their Impact

The Yankees expect to begin the season with a short-handed pitching staff. Carlos Rodón, who underwent left elbow surgery in October, is projected to return in April or May. Gerrit Cole, who had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March, is tracking toward a return in late May or June.

The bullpen also requires attention after the departures of Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Cashman said he never made Williams an offer before the reliever signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets.

Those injury timelines and bullpen losses correspond with a modest drift in Yankees futures odds from shorter prices earlier in the year to their current +700 to +850 range, even as they remain near the top of the market.

Trade Flexibility and Cashman’s Response to Sonny Gray

Cashman said the Yankees are open to “challenge trades,” describing them as exchanges of established talent for established talent. He referenced the 2012 deal in which the Yankees acquired Michael Pineda for Jesus Montero as an example, while acknowledging that such trades are difficult due to his belief in the current roster.

“Our division is the toughest division in baseball,” Cashman said. “It typically is — the beast of the East. We know our work is cut out for us. But the job is to try to add to it.”

Cashman also addressed comments made by Sonny Gray after the pitcher’s recent trade from St. Louis to Boston. At his introductory Red Sox press conference, Gray said it “feels good” to be somewhere “where… it’s easy to hate the Yankees,” and added that he did not feel allowed “to go out there and be Sonny” during his time in New York.

Cashman said those feelings were never communicated until after the 2018 trade deadline had passed.

“That’s when he told me he never wanted to be here. He hates New York, this is the worst place, he sits in his hotel room — he told me all this stuff,” Cashman said.

According to Cashman, Gray had previously expressed enthusiasm about joining the Yankees, including through messages relayed by his college roommate at Vanderbilt, who later worked as the Yankees’ minor league video coordinator. Cashman said Gray later admitted that enthusiasm was staged at the advice of his agent, Bo McKinnis, to protect his free agency.

After the 2018 season, the Yankees traded Gray to Cincinnati for minor league infielder Shed Long Jr. and a competitive balance draft pick. Gray went 15–16 with a 4.51 ERA in 41 games, including 34 starts, during his Yankees tenure.

The Red Sox are scheduled to visit Yankee Stadium from June 5–7 and August 28–30 in 2026, renewing the rivalry.

Tom Brady’s career didn’t unfold the way a scouting report would’ve predicted. He went from a quiet high school prospect to Michigan backup, from a sixth-round draft pick to the quarterback Bill Belichick turned to out of necessity, and eventually to the player who managed to stretch a career across two decades and two franchises.

Along the way were the seasons that defined him — early Super Bowls, record-setting years, setbacks, the move to Tampa, and the transition into media and business once the playing part ended. His seven Super Bowl wins are unmatched, but the rest of his career shows how he managed to stick around at the top for as long as he did.

Early Life and Athletic Background

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California. He attended Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, where he was a two-sport standout and also played basketball. He began playing varsity football as a junior and led his team to the state playoffs. Brady earned All-State and All-Far-West honors and was named his team’s player of the year twice.

In 1995, Brady and his father mailed highlight tapes to colleges across the country. He received interest from California, UCLA, Illinois, and Michigan. That same year, Brady was drafted by the Montreal Expos as a catcher in the 18th round of the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft. He chose to attend the University of Michigan on a full athletic scholarship instead of pursuing professional baseball.

College Career at the University of Michigan

Brady redshirted during his first year at Michigan and did not play. His first collegiate pass during the 1996–97 season against UCLA was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. He spent most of the following two seasons as a reserve quarterback before earning the starting role. As a two-year starter, Brady finished with a 20–5 record, including wins in the 1999 Citrus Bowl and the 2000 Orange Bowl. From 1998 to 1999, Michigan won 15 of 16 games. Brady was named the team MVP and an All-Big Ten Conference second-team selection in 1999. He also served as Brian Griese’s backup during Michigan’s 1997 national championship season and helped lead the team to a Big Ten title in 1998.

NFL Draft and Early Years With the New England Patriots

At the NFL Draft Combine, Brady recorded a slow 40-yard dash and an unimpressive vertical jump, and scouts questioned his arm strength. He was selected 199th overall in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. During his rookie season, Brady appeared in one game as a backup.

In the second game of the 2001 season against the New York Jets, starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Brady became the starter and led the Patriots to an 11–5 record and an AFC East Division Championship. In the playoffs, New England defeated the Oakland Raiders after a late-game ruling overturned what initially appeared to be a Brady fumble. The Patriots went on to defeat the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, where Brady earned his first Super Bowl MVP award.

Super Bowls, Awards, and Setbacks

Brady led New England to additional Super Bowl victories in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX, earning a second Super Bowl MVP in XXXVIII. In 2007, with Randy Moss joining the team, Brady threw a then-record 50 touchdown passes, won the Associated Press Most Valuable Player award, and helped the Patriots finish the regular season undefeated before losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

During the first game of the 2008 season, Brady suffered a knee injury that required surgery and caused him to miss the entire season. He returned to play and signed a new contract in 2010. In the 2011 season, he led the Patriots to Super Bowl XLVI, where they lost to the Giants 21–17. Before the game, Brady’s then-wife Gisele Bündchen asked friends and family to pray for him and to “envision him happy and fulfilled, experiencing with his team a victory.”

In December 2012, after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers in which New England erased a 28-point deficit but lost 41–34, Brady said on WEEI-AM, “I’m really proud of the fact our guys never blinked an eye down 28 points against probably the best defense in the league.”

Deflategate and Super Bowl LI

After the 2014 season, the NFL investigated footballs used by the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts and found that several were underinflated, with one measuring 2 pounds per square inch below the league minimum. The controversy became known as “Deflategate.” Brady stated, “I didn’t alter the balls in any way, [and] I would never have someone do something that was outside the rules.” Investigator Ted Wells later reported that Brady was “generally aware” of football tampering by a locker room attendant.

Brady was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season. After multiple appeals, he accepted the suspension in July 2016. Despite missing four games, Brady led the Patriots to Super Bowl LI. Before the game, he said he wanted to win for his mother, who was dealing with an undisclosed illness. At NRG Stadium in Houston, Brady led New England back from a 25-point deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime, the first overtime Super Bowl in NFL history. He threw for a Super Bowl-record 466 yards and earned his fourth Super Bowl MVP.

Later Career With New England and Tampa Bay

At age 40 in 2017, Brady threw for an NFL-high 4,577 yards and led the Patriots to a 13–3 record. Despite injuring his throwing hand before the AFC Championship Game in January 2018 and reportedly needing more than 10 stitches, he helped New England reach Super Bowl LII. Brady threw a Super Bowl-record 505 yards but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 41–33.

In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. Brady did not throw a touchdown but led two fourth-quarter scoring drives, earning his sixth Super Bowl championship.

After the 2019 season, during which the Patriots finished 8–0 before being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Brady announced on March 17, 2020, that he would leave New England. On March 20, 2020, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season, he led Tampa Bay to Super Bowl LV, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9. Brady earned his seventh Super Bowl championship and fifth Super Bowl MVP and became the oldest player to appear in and win a Super Bowl MVP at 43 years and 168 days old.

Retirement, Records, and Life After Football

Brady first announced his retirement in February 2022, returned for the 2022 season, and retired permanently in February 2023 after the Buccaneers finished 8–9 and lost in the wild-card round to the Dallas Cowboys.

He retired holding records for 286 combined regular-season and playoff wins, 251 regular-season wins, 7,753 completions, 12,050 passing attempts, 649 passing touchdowns, and 89,214 passing yards. He also holds records for 35 playoff quarterback wins, 13,400 playoff passing yards, and 88 playoff passing touchdowns. In the Super Bowl, Brady holds records for passing yards (3,039), completions (277), touchdown passes (21), starts (10), and appearances by a quarterback (10).

In June 2024, Brady was inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, and his No. 12 jersey was retired. During the ceremony, Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the team would install a 12-foot statue honoring Brady outside the Patriots Pro Shop, the first statue dedicated to a Patriots player.

Tom Brady officially began his next NFL chapter on September 8, 2024, when he made his debut as FOX Sports’ lead NFL analyst during the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns game. He works alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, with Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi serving as reporters.

The broadcast team calls FOX’s top NFL game each week and will also call Super Bowl LIX from New Orleans. FOX Corporation Executive Chair and CEO Lachlan Murdoch first announced Brady’s future broadcasting role during a May 2022 company earnings call, stating Brady would join the FOX NFL booth following his retirement from professional football.

Business Ventures, Family, and Media Appearances

In 2015, Brady founded the TB12 Foundation. In 2016, he launched the TB12 health and fitness brand and later published The TB12 Method in 2017. As of February 2025, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at approximately $300 million. He earns $37.5 million per season as a FOX Sports analyst, totaling $375 million through 2034. Brady holds minority ownership stakes in the Las Vegas Raiders, the Las Vegas Aces, and English soccer club Birmingham City, including a reported 5 percent limited partnership in the Raiders.

Brady was married to supermodel Gisele Bündchen from 2009 until their divorce in 2022. He has three children: Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian. After the divorce, Bündchen stated in a March 2023 interview with Vanity Fair, “Sometimes you grow together; sometimes you grow apart.” The pair shares joint custody of their children. Brady has also appeared in television shows, films, documentaries, and, in May 2024, was featured in The Roast of Tom Brady on Netflix.

Karl-Anthony Towns kept his message clear before Tuesday’s game in Boston. Even without progress on a contract extension before the Oct. 20 deadline, he said he wants to remain with the New York Knicks. Speaking ahead of his 29-point outing in a 123–117 loss to the Celtics, Towns said being close to home and family is a major factor in his desire to stay.

“Hell yeah. Hell yeah, I want to stay here,” he said. “Obviously, get a chance to be home, see my family. It means more than the money… I would like it to continue.” He also said the failed extension did not harm his relationship with the front office. “Me, Leon [Rose,] and Gersson [Rosas] and everyone, we’re great. I’ll go have lunch with them right now. We’re good.”

Contract Timeline and Eligibility for Future Extensions

With years remaining on his contract, the Knicks are not pressed to make a decision yet. Counting this season, he has at least two years and roughly $110 million remaining on the four-year, $220.4 million contract he originally signed with Minnesota. He holds a $61 million player option for 2027–28, which means he cannot reach free agency before 2027, and may not enter the market until 2028.

During the recent extension window, Towns was eligible to add two years and $150 million, but no agreement was reached. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, his next extension window opens after the 2026 NBA Finals, when the maximum possible offer would be about four years and $260 million. With years remaining on the current deal, both sides appear comfortable revisiting discussions later.

Adapting to Mike Brown’s System

On the floor, Towns is adjusting to a new structure under Mike Brown. Entering Tuesday’s game, he averaged 21.7 points and 11.9 rebounds while shooting 44.9%, which is his career low for efficiency. His responsibilities differ depending on whether he plays center or power forward. “Totally different system… when I’m 5 or I’m 4, it’s a totally different script for me,” he said. “Trying to impact winning as much as possible.”

As New York works within Brown’s system, the betting market has updated its view of the team. Major sportsbooks list the Knicks among the leading Eastern Conference contenders, with 2026 NBA Championship odds ranging from +900 to +1600. Their season win total is 51.5, with –105 on the Over and –115 on the Under, and early-season performance has supported outlooks aligned with the Over. Towns also appears in player prop previews for points and rebounds, though his MVP odds are +30000, placing him well outside the group of award candidates expected to contend this season.

Last year, he averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds, earned All-Star and All-NBA honors, and helped New York reach its first conference finals since 2000. This season, the Knicks’ 13–6 start and four-game winning streak brought them into second place in the Eastern Conference standings, a run that aligns with their strengthened futures pricing.

Update on Landry Shamet’s Shoulder Injury

The Knicks also received encouraging news about Landry Shamet, who is recovering from a sprained right shoulder suffered on Nov. 22 in Orlando, when the shoulder popped out of its socket. The same shoulder was dislocated during the last preseason, leading to his release before he later re-signed with the team. Shamet is on a non-guaranteed contract, but the Knicks plan to keep him on the roster during his recovery, with a reevaluation planned in about three weeks.

Mikal Bridges described Shamet’s mindset as noticeably stronger compared to last year. “I think just more his spirits,” Bridges said. He explained that last season, Shamet was in good spirits but was facing the pressure of trying to make the team. This year, with a defined role and a higher level of comfort, Bridges said Shamet has “a different type of security” and added that his positive attitude “gives me confidence, gives us all confidence, he’ll be OK and waiting for him to get back.”