Happy 4th to our TINK Sports family. As the US celebrates Independence Day the sports world is entering the heart of baseball season, two weeks of tennis in London, and a free agent frenzy in basketball and hockey.
Here are some happenings in the sports world…
National Basketball Association (NBA)
Independently wealthy…That’s what many NBA players have now become. Free agency started at 12:01 am Saturday and the signings have been fast, furious and lucrative.
Source: Fox Sports
Can I borrow a dollar? The biggest contract of them all went to Golden State Warriors’ golden boy Steph Curry. The two-time champion and two-time MVP inked a four-year, $201 million “Super Max” deal. The contract makes Curry the highest paid player in all four major North American sports (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL).
Taking one (or nine million) for the team. Curry’s teammate and 2017 NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant signed with the Warriors last year on July 4th. This year Durant made fireworks again by re-signing for $9 million per year less that he could have earned, enabling the team to bring back two important bench players.
Changing fortunes? The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the worst teams in the NBA the past several years despite being a young and talented squad. The Wolves made a big splash by adding veterans Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague, and fans are hoping for a quick turnaround.
National Hockey League (NHL)
Like basketball, NHL free agency started July 1.
Welcome home…Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk was one of the most coveted free agents this offseason. The New Rochelle native took the Acela a few hours north and landed with the New York Rangers.
Source: NHL.com
Major League Baseball (MLB)
MLB named its All-Stars last week and plenty of first-timers received the nod.
Source: Wikipedia
Making parents proud…Six of the nine American League position player (non pitchers) starters are making their first appearance, led by Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.
The MLB All-Star game will take place Tuesday, July 11.
Tennis
Tennis anyone? Wimbledon kicked off Monday in London and will last two weeks.
Source: TennisTours.com
There are no sure things…In an opening day shocker, #5 ranked Stan Wawrinka, a three-time major champion, lost to unranked Daniil Medvedev Monday.
Hoping to avoid any more early round upsets, are the top-four Men’s seeds: Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The Women’s draw is wide open with Serena Williams (pregnant) and Maria Sharipova (injury) out. The top seeds are: Angelique Kerber (Germany), Simona Halep (Romania), Karolina Pliskova (Czech Republic) and Elina Svitolina (Ukraine).
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See you next time…
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