That is For The Win’s day by day publication, The Morning Win. Did a buddy suggest or ahead this to you? If that’s the case, subscribe right here. Have suggestions? Go away your questions, feedback and issues by way of this transient reader survey! Now, right here’s Mike Sykes.
Good Morning, of us! Welcome again to the Morning Win. Thanks a lot for rocking with us in the present day. I hope you’re having a unbelievable Thursday up to now. I’m positive it’s going significantly better than Drake’s Thursday is in the present day.
Anyway, that’s not what we’re right here to speak about. Let’s dive in on Monty Williams for a second.
Getting fired in your day without work is all the time powerful. For those who’ve by no means felt that feeling, I don’t suggest it. Usually talking, a minimum of, anyway. For Monty Williams, it in all probability wasn’t that unhealthy.
The Pistons fired Williams on Wednesday after only one season with the group. On one hand, the timing was a bit stunning contemplating that he’d lasted this lengthy after the common season’s end. Alternatively, the writing was on the wall.
The Pistons misplaced 28 video games in a row final season. It obtained to some extent the place I’d overtly puzzled whether or not Detroit would win a sport once more by December. In fact, Detroit turned issues round and began taking part in higher basketball finally. However nonetheless — the vibes have been that unhealthy.
Williams was the architect of that. And after the Pistons employed a brand new GM in Trajan Langdon, it was exhausting to think about Williams being on that sideline once more subsequent season. Detroit simply wanted a change. Now, it’ll have one.
RELATED: 5 head teaching candidates that may be match to switch Williams
However right here’s the factor: I’m positive Williams isn’t too upset in the present day. As my colleague Charles Curtis writes, he’s nonetheless owed $65 million by the Pistons. In different phrases, he’s being paid $65 million NOT to educate the worst group in basketball subsequent 12 months. That’s about $5.6 million for each Pistons win. Fairly candy deal when you ask me.
Now, I’m positive as a competitor, Williams would nonetheless like to be on the market on the sidelines. However as a traditional human being, when you’re going to pay any person $65 million to not work? You’re taking that $65 million each time. Particularly when the job sucks.
Dropping isn’t nice. However you are taking that money and run, Monty. Don’t ever look again.
Relaxation in peace, Willie Mays
(Picture by Jeff Chiu – Pool/Getty Photos)
There are few phrases that one can say to seize the true breadth of Willie Mays’ affect on the world — not simply baseball.
Sure, most of us certainly know him as one of many best — possibly the best? — middle fielders of all time. You’d be hard-pressed to discover a baseball fan who hasn’t fawned over one in all his preposterous catches within the outfield. Everyone knows what The Catch is.
However that catch — among the many numerous others — isn’t the place his story begins. Neither are the 660 homers he hit or the gaudy .301 batting common they got here with. These statistical accomplishments are nice, don’t get me flawed. However Willie Mays’ dominance comes secondary in his story.
What comes first is the trail that he paved. Mays was among the many early Black faces to play Main League Baseball and the primary Black participant to be named a captain on his group. He began within the Negro League at 16 years previous taking part in for the Birmingham Black Barons earlier than getting in with the Giants in 1951. The remainder is historical past.
READ MORE: Negro League stats will change 5 information after lastly being included into MLB historical past
He meant a lot to so many individuals. Although Mays could also be gone, this doesn’t really feel like a time for mourning. As a substitute, I’d reasonably have a good time. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar mentioned it right here extra eloquently than I ever may have:
“I’m at some extent in my life the place I wish to spend much less time mourning the deaths of my associates and heroes and extra time celebrating their lives,” Abdul Jabbar writes. “As one of many first Black skilled baseball gamers, Willie Mays endured unimaginable hardships. Due to him, I used to be capable of pursue my very own sports activities profession and reside a greater life. Each Black athlete owes him a debt of gratitude. We stroll a better path as a result of he cleared it for us. Even in passing, Willie has left me with so many fantastic and joyous reminiscences that I can’t assist however smile and be grateful.”
He confirmed little Black youngsters in all places that, sure, they belonged, simply as anybody else did. And that’s extra highly effective than any dwelling run off of a bat. Thanks for all the things, Willie. You might be appreciated.
READ MORE: Gamers poured in tributes for Willie Mays after studying of his dying
The Level God has returned
(Picture by Ethan Miller/Getty Photos)
The Aces haven’t regarded just like the Aces all 12 months. There are just a few explanation why, however the massive one is that this: Chelsea Grey has been absent.
She’s been lacking in motion for Vegas since struggling a leg damage in final 12 months’s WNBA Finals.
However haven’t any worry, Aces followers. She’s again. Chelsea Grey lastly returned to the court docket for the primary time since final October and — whaddaya know — the Aces look high-quality once more.
Grey acquired a standing ovation when she got here off the bench.
Chelsea Grey will get a standing ovation as she checks in for her first sport this 12 months ♠️🔥 pic.twitter.com/0hA9EBOfx0
— espnW (@espnW) June 20, 2024
She completed with seven assists in 16 minutes and had the Aces’ offense clicking.
The Aces are nonetheless 7-6, however the true season begins for Vegas now. The squad is again at full energy for the primary time in almost 9 months. That is the group all of us anticipated to see.
Fast hits: Donovan Clingan No. 1? … A bump within the street for Cameron Brink … and extra
— Daybreak Staley despatched Cameron Brink a cultured message after she tore her ACL. Cory Woodroof has extra
— The Athletic’s newest NBA mock draft has Donovan Clingan going No. 1 total to the Hawks. Charles Curtis has particulars for you.
— Charles additionally has extra right here on Aliyah Boston being an superior teammate to Caitlin Clark
— Christian D’Andrea has the worst uniforms worn by each NFL group for you right here.
— Grimace would possibly legitimately be a member of the Mets at this level. Right here’s Cory once more with extra.
— Right here’s Andrew Joseph on why Caitlin Clark gained’t be Cam Brink’s alternative in 3×3 Olympic basketball.
That’s a wrap, of us! Thanks a lot for studying. Let’s do that once more tomorrow. Peace.
-Sykes ✌️
