To say it's been a crazy week in sports would be an understatement. There was a pair of drafts, the Raptors celebrated their first NBA championship, and the College World Series had its typical array of wild finishes, just to name a few highlights. Here's my two cents on some of those sports happenings:
What I Liked
Toronto going wild: It remains to be seen how long Raptors fans' jubilation will last, given Kawhi's impending dip into free agency, but you can't take this championship away from the city of Toronto. Even if Leonard bolts, you have to consider him one of the most successful rentals in sports history, and I think Masai Ujiri would make that trade again in a heartbeat. If Kawhi does return, the Raptors will enter next season as one the presumptive title favorites, and at this point, it looks to be a two-horse race between them and the Clippers.
The Devils' big week: I'm no diehard hockey fan, but it doesn't take one to recognize that the Devils had one heck of a week. Actually, one heck of a day. Over the span of 16 hours, one of the NHL's worst teams added a pair of difference-makers in first-overall pick Jack Hughes and star defenseman P.K. Subban. Given the measly price they paid in the Subban trade, Devils fans should be feeling damn good about this team's direction.
The Pelicans' wheeling-and-dealing: The AD trade technically happened last week, but New Orleans continues to add to the war chest of assets they received for their disgruntled star. On draft day, they flipped the fourth overall pick they received from the Lakers for a collection of picks from the Hawks, shedding Solomon Hill's contract in the process. In doing so, they were able to fill a position of need (center Jaxon Hayes at eighth overall) while also adding other intriguing prospects.
CWS Drama: The College World Series is no stranger to crazy finishes, and this past week had plenty of intrigue. Thursday night featured Louisville beating Mississippi State in walk-off fashion, but my favorite moment came in the Cardinals' next game. Louisville starter Luke Smith pitched a brilliant game, and with his team holding a late lead, he had no qualms profanely chirping a Vanderbilt batter after an 8th inning strikeout. Justice was served in the 9th, however, as Vandy scored a pair of runs to advance to the finals.
Others of note: USWNT's continued dominance, Albert Pujol's St. Louis homecoming (and subsequent home run), the Dame v. Bagley rap beef
What I Didn't
Mismanaged NBA teams continuing to suck: If you asked an NBA fan to pick the most poorly-run organization right now, common answers would probably include the Suns, the Wizards, and the Cavaliers. Welp, that trio was up to their old shenanigans on draft day. Through a series of moves, Phoenix turned T.J. Warren, and 18-point-per-game scorer on a reasonable contract, the 6th overall pick, and the 32nd overall pick into an over-drafted Cam Johnson and Dario Saric. Washington reached for Rui Hachimura at 9th overall, despite reportedly never meeting with him. And Cleveland drafted a pair of score-first guards, despite the most promising player on their roster being a score-first guard. Don't expect any of these teams to emerge from the league's cellar anytime soon.
The Rays' two-city plan: As much as I'd love to see baseball in Montreal again, I can't say I'm a fan of a team splitting time between two cities, especially when they aren't in close proximity. Not only will it make life more difficult for the players, but I also find it hard to imagine a passionate fanbase emerging in either location.
Bol Bol's fall: You gotta feel for a kid in the green room who slips on draft day, especially one who slides all the way to the middle of the second round. While I think Denver is a great spot for Bol to develop without pressure, I can't wrap my head around why he lasted as long as he did. 7-footers with a smooth stroke and legitimate ball skills don't come around very often, and regardless of any red flags, I think he was well-worth a flier late in the first round.
Others of note: The Grizzlies' weak return for Mike Conley (although the selection of Brandon Clarke helps), Mike Soroka getting plunked