Category: Sports Daily

There’s a decent chance that the top overall pick in the next NHL draft is playing right now for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

And if the Flyers keep playing as poorly as they’ve been lately, there’s a chance they’ll be able to draft him.

Gavin McKenna, 18, is an immensely talented prospect from the Yukon who is starting to live up to the hype as a Penn State freshman. He has racked up seven goals and seven assists in the last eight Nittany Lions games.

Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky sees the makings of greatness: “He’s extremely quick. He thinks the game differently. And you can see when there are drills that are game-specific, he uses time and space in a very unique way. … When you think [he’s] out of time and space, he manipulates it, and that’s what is really amazing to watch.”

NHL scouts have been watching for a long time. The Flyers, losers of 11 of their last 13 games, might have a shot at landing McKenna. According to Tankathon, they have a 7.4% chance of landing the first or second pick in the draft lottery. If they land him, maybe they can start over. Again.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Who was the best first-round pick ever in Philadelphia sports? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

George’s impact on trade deadline

The 76ers are without Paul George for 25 games. So what comes next? Well, aside from two months without one of their most versatile players, there is also the trade deadline, a moment for the Sixers to reset and prepare for life without George.

The Sixers do have an easier path to get under the luxury tax now that they will be awarded a $5.9 million tax variance as the forward serves his unpaid suspension. But there is still the on-court product, which can be improved at the deadline as well. The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell took a look at the team’s most movable contracts, an exercise that provides a glimpse into the Sixers’ opportunity to succeed on both counts.

The Sixers extended their winning streak to four games with a 128-113 win over the Clippers behind a career night from Dominick Barlow.

Captain Cold

Sean Couturier ranks third in franchise history in games played, 10th in assists, 12th in points, and was the Selke Trophy winner in 2020. Not too shabby.

But the veteran forward can’t get anything going at the moment, as Couturier has just five points since the turn of the year, and has not scored a goal in 27 games. Even more frustrating for him, he’s getting the chances, as evidenced by various analytic metrics.

Demoted to the fourth line, the captain is hoping that “getting back to the basics” will help him finally find a breakthrough.

Merrifield on Castellanos falling out

Upon signing with the Phillies as a free agent in 2024, Whit Merrifield figured he would get regular at-bats at multiple positions.

It didn’t work out that way.

Surely, then, Merrifield could relate to the deterioration of Nick Castellanos’ relationship with manager Rob Thomson last season over playing time, the fallout of which will lead the Phillies to trade or release Castellanos before spring training.

Merrifield, who retired last season, recently joined Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast, to discuss that topic and more.

A closer look at prospects

The Eagles will have some holes that need filling when the NFL draft arrives in April. The team’s scouting staff got a closer look at top prospects over the last two weeks at workouts for the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl. Our Devin Jackson covered all the action. He offers an in-depth look at the all-star game process and gives his take on several players who could fit in with the Eagles.

Birds in the Pro Bowl

Quick, name the last Pro Bowl that had relevance for Eagles fans. How about the 2014 version, when Nick Foles was named offensive MVP? It was still played in Honolulu then, and the game still resembled tackle football. These days, the Pro Bowl is a flag football game, which is relevant because the sport will make its debut at the 2028 Olympics.

The game will be played in San Francisco tonight at 8 (ESPN), with a seven-on-seven format and five Eagles slated for action. Two former Eagles, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick, will serve as offensive coordinators. Who’s in for the Birds? Olivia Reiner has all the details here.

Sports snapshot

• “Brotherly Shovel”: Jason Kelce’s Super Bowl commercial features a miniature horse.

David Murphy’s take

This shouldn’t need to be said, but the Sixers aren’t going to trade VJ Edgecombe for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nor should they. Which also shouldn’t need to be said.

To understand Edgecombe’s immense present and future value, you have to watch him on the court. It’s incredibly rare for a 20-year-old rookie to average 35.6 minutes per night for a team that is six games over .500 and has a legitimate chance to make a playoff run. It’s even rarer for said rookie to do it with the maturity and grace that Edgecombe exhibits at both ends of the court. And it’s rarer still for a rookie to possess that veteran-level basketball IQ while also possessing such an electric athletic upside. More from David Murphy.

🧠 Trivia time

Who was the first 76er to be named NBA rookie of the year? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Hal Greer

B) Allen Iverson

C) Charles Barkley

D) Jerry Stackhouse

What you’re saying about Paul George

We asked: What’s your reaction to Paul George’s suspension? Among your responses:

Same old Sixers. They have been cursed throughout the “Process.” Just as they were jelling as a team, news of the suspension. Is Paul George finished? Were the supplements needed to keep his body from breaking down? Hard to get excited about the playoffs. — Bob C.

Find a place to trade him. If he is that stupid to take illegal drugs, who needs him. Has never helped. — Jim C.

… I think George got off lightly with a 25-game suspension. There are no excuses for any of the players who get caught. They all know the rules. … The rules are what they are and anyone (Philly athletes included) should be suspended and fined when caught. — Everett S.

I’m flabbergasted and extremely disappointed! With the sizable financial resources he has along with the vast medical resources available to him through the team and players association, it is unconscionable that he wasn’t aware of the consequences of what he was putting into his body. To us mere mortals the NBA fine is almost unthinkable, but will have zero bearing on his lifestyle. Unfortunately, this won’t be the last time we hear a similar story. — Jim V.

My reaction is the same as when they signed him. Why are the Sixers paying multi-millions of dollars to someone who never plays? Honestly, when it comes to dedicated professional athletes who give it their all every night, the NBA has become a disgrace. How it continues to function is beyond amazing. — Bob A.

If it was doping, then it’s both insulting and frankly suspicious how quickly he *and the organization* played up the open-shut case look. … So I’ll say it, considering all the other malarkey this franchise has put us through in modern times, I’m just praying that there wasn’t involvement from team representatives … — D.W.S

Paul George has a mental health problem and the NBA gets to decide which of those drugs are in his best interest. Did this not happen to the Phillies over drugs last year? Do the employees of these organizations also have to adhere to these policies? Certainly not. … — Richard C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Greg Finberg, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Scott Lauber, Devin Jackson, Olivia Reiner, Ariel Simpson, and David Murphy.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading our newsletter. Bella will be back to bring you Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

There’s nothing like surprising news on the weekend to jar you out of a deep, deep freeze.

The first new flash came Saturday when we learned that the NBA had suspended Paul George for 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program. There’s more on our coverage of George directly below in this newsletter.

The second news flash came Sunday when Jeff McLane reported that the Eagles have yet to receive a final decision on whether Vic Fangio plans to return next season.

Will the molder of the team’s dominant defense retire? ”He keeps talking retirement, but he did the same last year,” an Eagles source told McLane last week.

The defensive coordinator, 67, has not responded to questions about his future since the end of the season, nor has the team. Just in case, the Eagles reportedly considered reaching out to two former coordinators about the job. More about the possibility of Fangio’s retirement can be found here.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s your reaction to Paul George’s suspension? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Proceeding without George

Here’s what George said in a statement about his suspension:

“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication. I take full responsibility for my actions and apologize to the Sixers organization, my teammates, and the Philly fans for my decision-making during this process.”

Just like that, George’s tenure with the Sixers is back to being recognized as a disaster, Keith Pompey writes.

The suspension will cost him $11.7 million. In the meantime, his teammates will try to pick up the slack for the star forward until he is eligible to return on March 25. “There’s a number of guys there to do it,” coach Nick Nurse said. “That’s where we are. We’ve been in this kind of next man up mentality for quite a while, and we’re going to have to dig in and do it again.”

Sixers fans reacted to the news about George in their own way. Said one: “We pick up a little traction and we’re doing our thing and something always bad happens to us. We have some sort of bad luck.”

Happy Valley on ice

Cold enough for you? There were 74,575 fans packed into Beaver Stadium on Saturday to watch the first outdoor hockey game at the home of the Nittany Lions. Bundled up in 16-degree weather at the game’s start (it only got colder), they witnessed No. 2 Michigan State’s 5-4 overtime win against No. 5 Penn State.

The atmosphere at the football stadium impressed Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky, to say the least. “I couldn’t believe it was a hockey game; I really couldn’t,” he said. “It just blew me away.”

Saluting the ’01 Sixers

On Saturday night, the Sixers paid tribute to the team that rolled all the way to the NBA Finals 25 years ago. Hip-Hop, the bad bunny mascot, returned to entertain the fans. Former team president Pat Croce acknowledged Hall of Famer Allen Iverson’s greatness but also paid tribute to a glue guy, Eric Snow. George Lynch, Theo Ratliff, and others took their bows. (And rest in peace, Dikembe Mutombo.)

Iverson acknowledged other key contributors that season: “We couldn’t have accomplished anything without the fans of Philadelphia, the best fans in the world.”

Hawks on the rise

The St. Joseph’s Hawks have won six of their last seven games and might even find a way to the NCAA Tournament if they continue to climb in the Atlantic 10 Conference. That’s a remarkable turnaround when you consider that coach Steve Donahue, fired from the Penn job, suddenly inherited the Hawks’ head coaching chores in September. Jeff Neiburg writes about the rebirth on Hawk Hill.

Meanwhile at Division II Thomas Jefferson University, Chris Cervino has emerged as a TikTok influencer. Here’s how he did it.

Sports snapshot

• Native daughter: WNBA star Kahleah Copper treated her fellow Unrivaled players to a slice of North Philadelphia.
• Fun is the goal: Fans had a blast as the annual Flyers Charity Carnival came to Xfinity Mobile Arena.
• Ivy League upset: Penn’s women are riding high after Mataya Gayle helped them knock off Columbia.
• Big man’s moment: Reserve center Mohamed Keita scored the last four points in a big win for Temple.

On this date

Feb. 2, 1968: Wilt Chamberlain racked up 22 points, 25 rebounds, and 21 assists for the Sixers in a 131-121 victory against the Detroit Pistons.

Our columnists say …

From Marcus Hayes:

It goes without saying that Paul George’s carelessness and selfishness are inexcusable. George told ESPN that he mistakenly took a banned medication to address a mental health concern.

We’re all in favor of addressing mental health, we’re also in favor of telling team doctors about every chemical you put in your body. That’s how you stay available. That’s how you earn that four-year, $211 million contract, the biggest free-agent deal in franchise history. There is simply no excuse.

From David Murphy:

Sean Mannion may not be the next Andy Reid. The Eagles didn’t hire the 33-year-old Green Bay assistant with the thought that he would become Reid. But Reid was Mannion at one point in time: an under-the-radar position coach without play-calling experience who was hired for a big boy job well ahead of schedule.

The Eagles will need Mannion to be a good play-caller but also a good coach, especially when it comes to his dealings with Jalen Hurts.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Ariel Simpson, Marcus Hayes, David Murphy, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, Isabella DiAmore, Sean McKeown, and Ryan Mack.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Could today be the day when we actually climb above freezing around here? I’ll believe it when I feel it. Thanks for reading. Stay warm and I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

The Eagles announced the hiring of Sean Mannion on Thursday night, wrapping up a two-week interview process in their search for a new offensive coordinator. At 33, Mannion does not have any play-calling experience.

He’ll get that soon enough with the Eagles, replacing Kevin Patullo, another guy who didn’t have previous experience calling plays. Mannion was the quarterbacks coach for the Packers, beginning his coaching career in 2024 as an offensive assistant with Green Bay.

So there is not a great deal of coaching experience there, but Mannion has the mind of a quarterback. He played for nine NFL seasons at the position, including three on practice squads, and was a record-setting player at Oregon State.

“Sean’s 11 years in the NFL have provided him a great opportunity to learn from and grow alongside some of the best coaches in the game,” coach Nick Sirianni told the team’s website. Now we’ll see if the former quarterback can help Jalen Hurts get back on track.

Here’s something to consider: In Mannion’s one year as Packers QB coach, Jordan Love had his best season with a 66.3% completion rate and a 101.2 passer rating. Jeff Neiburg looks inside Mannion’s coaching numbers.

Here’s more on Mannion, whose father is a longtime high school football coach.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Philly Special delivery

We remember it like yesterday: On a fourth-and-goal trick play for the ages, tight end Trey Burton tossed a touchdown pass to Nick Foles of all people and the Eagles went on to shock the New England Patriots, 41-33, in Super Bowl LII.

It is arguably the most iconic play in Eagles history and eight years later, the Philly Special is getting documentary treatment by ESPN. The Philly Special, produced by NFL Films, will debut next Friday at 9 p.m. on ESPN and the ESPN app.

Part of the network’s 30 for 30 documentary series, the film features, among others, coach Doug Pederson and the four players who touched the ball on that classic play: Jason Kelce, Corey Clement, Burton, and Foles.

More from the Eagles: Defensive line coach Clint Hurtt is serving as a head coach this week at the Senior Bowl.

Deal or no deal?

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching on Feb. 5 and the 76ers don’t have a lot of trade value beyond Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, who certainly won’t be dealt. Daryl Morey loves to made a deal at this time of year, but the Sixers should be cautious, Keith Pompey writes. Here’s why. They weren’t so cautious on Thursday night, when they almost lost to the Sacramento Kings, one of the NBA’s worst teams.

From the heart

WNBA star Paige Bueckers will play Friday night in the Unrivaled basketball showcase before a sellout crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena. In advance of the three-on-three event, Bueckers spoke out Thursday about another subject close to her heart.

Bueckers grew up near Minneapolis, the site of recent ICE raids and the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. She addressed the events in her home state: “We feel like, and we hope and we pray, that there’s a change in direction in where this is heading.”

Limping but scoring

Travis Konecny came up limping Wednesday after taking a slap shot off his foot during a Flyers loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. That did not prevent the winger from scoring a hat trick, a rare bright spot in the defeat.

Sore foot or not, Konecny was back at it Thursday night in Boston, scoring a second-period goal. It wasn’t enough as his team suffered a 6-3 blowout loss to the Bruins.

Sports snapshot

• NFL hopeful: Levittown’s David Blay played for West Chester and Louisiana Tech before ending his college career with a bang at Miami.
• Hawks on the rise: St. Joseph’s has won five of six entering Saturday’s game against La Salle.
• Transferring out: Three Penn football standouts have landed with major programs.
• U.S. men’s soccer: Manager Mauricio Pochettino will take his time selecting the World Cup roster.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Incredibly, against all odds, fate has delivered Daryl Morey and the Sixers a miraculous escape route that would repair his recent mistakes and erase the entire 13-year stench of The Process.

It’s no sure bet, but Morey simply has to push all his chips in and snag the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, in a trade with the Bucks. He should do it today, before anybody else does, and before Joel Embiid gets hurt again. More from Marcus Hayes.

What you’re saying about the Sixers

We asked: Do you agree there’s an upside with the Sixers? Among your responses:

With the current backcourt of 2 superstars (Maxey and Edgecombe) and 2 almost superstars (Grimes and McCain) they have the basis of what could become a dynasty. Embiid and George are the keys to the present team but what they do about acquiring or keeping (Oubre etc.) front court players holds the key to their future. — Richard F.

Don’t think so. Frankly I don’t care about how much money the billionaire who owns the team pays Embiid or George until it affects the teams ability to pay Maxey, Kelly Oubre or VJ Edgecombe as well as the supporting players. — Bill M.

There is always a potential upside and Edgecombe and Maxey are certainly the beginning of a possible comeback, but until they do something about either replacing or improving the play and endurance of the big guys, they will not be a legitimate contender. I sent this morning’s SD to a friend back in So Cal who is from the Bahamas and knows the Edgecombe family and will certainly appreciate the comment from the Prime Minister. — Everett S.

No. The Sixers have been playing well, hovering between the 5th to 7th seed in the conference. Can they maintain that level of play and will Joel and PG hold up during a grueling every-other-day playoff run? History tells us the team will falter during rounds 1 and 2. — Bob C.

The Sixers’ upside is huge again, but imagine the greater upside that would exist if Embiid stopped hoisting up 3-point shots at a 26% accuracy rate (ugh). And then he could stop trying to handle the ball and leading the team in turnovers. No doubt, he is a special talent who makes them better, but why doesn’t he do the other things to max their upside? — John W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Gabriela Carroll, Devin Jackson, Jonathan Tannenwald, Matt Mullin, Keith Pompey, Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, and Sean McKeown.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Have a great weekend and do your best to stay warm. I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

Sure, the Sixers are barely past the .500 mark.

Yes, it’s still a dice roll if Joel Embiid’s knees will hold up on any given night or if Paul George will consistently rip off the warmups. But let’s remove our collective Negadelphian tendencies for one second, and you’ll find a team that’s been pretty fun to watch underneath, with a pair of stars not named Embiid or George receiving national attention.

Any hoophead will tell you that the cover of SLAM Magazine is the holy grail, and in their latest issue, the magazine features both Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe in the Sixers’ signature throwback black uniforms.

As my 9-year-old would say, the SLAM cover and the distinction “is tough.”

It headlines a strong year for both players, with Maxey named a starter for the NBA’s All-Star game while Edgecombe is lauded as one of the league’s top rookies, averaging 15.4 points and a fan favorite of the prime minister of the Bahamas.

Oh, and not discounting Embiid and George, let’s remember the two got together on Tuesday, combining for 61 points in a win over the Bucks. Now, they all collectively look to run it back inside Xfinity Mobile Arena against Sacramento tonight (7 p.m., NBCSP).

As for today, expect sunny skies, but we’re still in a tundra across the region, with temperatures not expected to leave the teens — again.

What was that about the Bahamas? Sheesh.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Do you agree there’s an upside with the Sixers? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Healthy Kemp gets his shot

Otto Kemp is hoping for a healthier 2026 with the Phillies. He underwent two procedures this winter to address injuries he’d been grinding through last year: a bone fragment removed from his left knee and what he described as a “shoulder cleanup.”

Kemp had been playing with the bone fragment since June, but only missed a single game.

“He’s just so tough. He really is,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He’s just one of those guys that can put all that pain and little dings behind them, and forget about it, and go out and play..”

Kemp expects to be fully ready for spring training. The Phillies’ first full-squad workout is set for Feb. 16 in Clearwater, Fla.

And it figures to be a big spring training for the 26-year-old.

What we’re…

⚽ Sharing: The eight area organizations that shelled out big bucks to support World Cup soccer this summer.

👏🏾 Applauding: Jared McCain’s breakout game and the resurgence that could coincide.

🏈 Introducing: Philly’s next NFL Draft hopeful, USC linebacker and Neumann-Goretti alum Eric Gentry.

‼️ Watching: Gritty and the mayhem he caused visiting the Inquirer office earlier this month.

Vive la Vladǎr

Win or lose, we’re sure it felt good for Flyers fans to see goalie Dan Vladǎr between the pipes against the Columbus Blue Jackets last night.

After missing the last six games due to a lower-body injury, Vladǎr made 26 saves in a 5-3 loss in his 29th start, which matched a career-high.

“He’s been very consistent for us, and a really competitive guy, and he adds a lot to our locker,” said Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said, … [he] likes to be involved with the players with instructions, even just being positive with the guys. So he’s going to add a lot to our room, especially on the ice and off the ice.”

Flyers writer Jackie Spiegel has more on what having Vladǎr back means going forward.

Finding a fit

Union manager Bradley Carnell offered a good deal of insight into the team’s current state as they ramp up preseason training in Marbella, Spain. During his weekly press conference, Carnell exuded calm as he explained a number of issues that still need clarity before the season gets going in a few weeks.

It was like watching a mallard hover gracefully on water, unable to see its feet flapping feverishly below the surface. Currently, the Union is trying to get players up to speed both defensively and on offense, the latter of which finds newcomer Ezekiel Alladoh looking to build chemistry with potential fellow strike partner Bruno Damiani up top.

Ahead of another preseason game scheduled for later this morning, when they play an extended match against Montenegro’s FK Buducnost, Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald examines what the Union are still looking to perfect.

Talkin’ baseball

In less than three weeks, Phillies pitchers and catchers will hold their first spring-training workout. It’s a good time to sit down with manager Rob Thomson, who discussed the roster in the aftermath of not signing Bo Bichette, the potential impact of rookies Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter, the value of J.T. Realmuto, and, perhaps most importantly, if he thinks the Phillies are better now than at the end of last season. Watch here.

On this date

Jan. 29, 2023: The Eagles were headed to Super Bowl LIX following a 31-7 dismantling of the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Standings, stats, and more

Looking for a deeper breakdown of last night’s Flyers game? Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

Marcus Hayes’ take…

“In Bill Belichick’s hour of disappointment and shame, Philly can savor revenge…Why should Belichick, a proven and penalized two-time cheater, be treated any better than other scofflaw? He might not be Pete Rose, but he ain’t Bill Walsh, either.” — The latest from Hayes diving into the former Patriots head coach’s first ballot Hall of Fame snub.

What you’re saying about the WNBA

We asked: What are your thoughts on an WNBA team in Philly?

Absolutely, Philadelphia should have a WNBA team. Philadelphia is a basketball city with a far richer basketball history and heritage than almost any other city in the U.S. Right now, there are no Philly-area schools in the top 25 women’s college rankings. I think the presence of a WNBA team might even help some of Philly’s Big 5 women’s teams become UConn- or South Carolina-level powerhouses. Maybe coach [Dawn] Staley would retire and be the first Philly coach. — Everett S.

I think it’s great, especially for young women. It’s long overdue. — Tom G.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Gabriela Carroll, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Lochlahn March, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Devin Jackson, Vaughn Johnson, and Scott Lauber.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s Thursday. Stay warm, be safe, and we’ll be back tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith

It doesn’t help that the Seattle Seahawks are preparing for the Super Bowl, but most Eagles fans are experiencing fatigue these days as that search for an offensive coordinator goes on. In other NFL cities, the wheels are turning as new head coaches and assistants move in.

Many of the prominent names are off the board already, including Mike McDaniel, who agreed Monday to become the Los Angeles Chargers’ OC. The Birds have not resorted to using LinkedIn yet, as Mike Sielski cracked, but this search seems to be dragging on a bit.

Here’s Jeff Neiburg’s update on who’s out and who’s still available, with a couple of new candidates joining the list.

The Eagles announced one move on Monday: They promoted Joe Kasper to take over as defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator for Christian Parker, who defected to become the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.

Here’s hoping you have dug out of the snow and ice by this point. Think warm thoughts.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Edgecombe’s razor-sharp

VJ Edgecombe was honored Monday for his stellar start to a breakout rookie season. He was named to the Rising Stars Challenge, joining teammate Tyrese Maxey, who will be an All-Star starter, at All-Star Weekend. The road there for Edgecombe has been colored by his speed, leaping ability, and surprising perimeter accuracy. Beneath the surface, however, basketball IQ is driving his early success. The Inquirer’s Gina Mizell takes a deeper look at Edgecombe’s maturation, a process that started in the Bahamas, moved to Long Island and then Baylor, and blossomed with the Sixers.

Edgecombe did not have a great game Monday in Charlotte, and neither did any of the Sixers in a resounding 130-93 loss to the Hornets.

Topper’s state of the Phils

Later this week, Rob Thomson will gas up his truck near his home in Ontario and begin the drive to Clearwater, Fla., for spring training.

“As you go further south, it gets warmer and warmer, and you really feel like baseball’s back,” the Phillies manager said. “And I’m really looking forward to it.”

First, Thomson was a guest on Phillies Extra, The Inquirer’s baseball podcast. He discussed a variety of topics, including how the organization will get over its collective disappointment at not signing Bo Bichette, the value of J.T. Realmuto, moving on from Nick Castellanos, and more.

Watch the entire Thomson episode of Phillies Extra here.

In other news, former Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader found a new home for 2026.

Taken by storm

Fresh off a successful trip out west ending with a 7-3 victory on Friday against the Avalanche in Colorado, the Flyers came home to a momentum-busting storm. Because of the weather here, they were not on the ice again until Monday morning.

They showed a bit of rust as they fell behind the New York Islanders, 3-0, en route to a lackluster 4-0 loss.

One lanky linebacker

At 6-foot-6 and 221 pounds, Southern Cal’s Eric Gentry is built more like an NBA wing player than a linebacker. Perhaps he is just a new prototype for the position. NFL scouts and media members have found out just how impactful Gentry can be this week during workouts for the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas. One NFC scout remarked that the Philadelphia native “can be a good one.”

Sports snapshot

• Face of the franchise? The Union’s Quinn Sullivan likely won’t return to action until July, but he welcomes a bigger role.
• Breaking new ground: MLS announces a partnership deal with Polymarket, a prediction market platform.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Color commentary is vastly more difficult than you can imagine. I’ve done it a few times as an emergency replacement for a basketball broadcast, and, in the parlance of social media, I sucked.

The job requires research, alertness, rhythm with a partner, familiarity with every coach, and mastery of the game’s history. It requires knowledge of rules, of strategy, of game-day procedures, of tendencies, of strengths and of weaknesses.

Then, in real time, you have to explain what’s happening to millions of mildly inebriated fans, most of whom wouldn’t know a naked blitz from a naked blintz. Which brings us to the NFL’s color analysts, where Tom Brady outclasses Tony Romo, just like he did on the field. More from Marcus Hayes.

🧠 Trivia time

Which athlete has won the most MVP awards while playing with Philadelphia’s professional teams? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Wilt Chamberlain

B) Mike Schmidt

C) Bobby Clarke

D) Julius Erving

What you’re saying about Joel Embiid

We asked: Should Joel Embiid be an NBA All-Star this season? Among your responses:

Absolutely not! While his stats are similar to his past All-Star performances, his frequent load management games should disqualify him from All-Star consideration. — Bob C.

How ’bout no. In most of the games he has played in recently he’s played well, but takes half the games off, so is not deserving. — Bill M.

First he does not deserve the honor given the number of games he has missed this season. More importantly playing in a meaningless game gives him an unnecessary opportunity to injure himself again. Even if he is selected to the team he should decline, but given his ego he will accept. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. — Mike D.

Tyrese Maxey yes of course, but for Joel no. In NBA stat leaders, it is very hard to find Joel among them in any category. However, if Keith Pompey says yes, I would defer to his knowledge and expertise. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Devin Jackson, Gabriela Carroll, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, and Scott Lauber.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. Bella will be back to bring you Sports Daily on Wednesday. — Jim

Good morning, frozen Philly.

That overtime loss to the Knicks on Saturday notwithstanding, this has been quite a different season for the 76ers. Tanking losers a season ago, they stand at 24-20 and look at times like a team that might actually win a playoff series, something the Sixers haven’t done since 2023.

The NBA trade deadline is 10 days away and NBA sources tell our Keith Pompey that the Sixers are willing to part ways with Andre Drummond. Pompey is not a fan of such a move, given the big man’s contributions off the bench.

In fact, Pompey writes, it might make sense for the team to do little at all at the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Whether it’s fool’s gold or not, the Sixers believe they have a chance to contend. They might try to unload some salary (Eric Gordon, anyone?), but they might just decide to see how far Nick Nurse can take this team.

Incidentally, that loss to the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena marked the second straight game in which the Sixers got some tough calls from the referees during crunch time.

For their part, the Knicks are feeling better about their chances after beating the Sixers for the first time this season.

Because of the storm, the Sixers’ game against the Hornets in Charlotte, initially scheduled for tonight, has been moved up to 3 p.m. (NBCSP).

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Should Joel Embiid be an NBA All-Star this season? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Are the Phillies any better?

Whether or not you think the Phillies made an appropriate number of changes after a second straight NL East title and another loss in the divisional round of the playoffs, the pertinent question is this: Are they better or worse today than when last season ended Oct. 9 at Dodger Stadium?

Scott Lauber examines whether the Phillies are any better with a cast of characters that is one year older but almost as familiar as ever. Here are a few factors to consider.

Pride of Downingtown

Penn State tackle Drew Shelton is in Frisco, Texas, for East-West Shrine Bowl workouts as he prepares for the NFL draft. The Downingtown native will get even deeper in preparation when he attends the sports academy run by OL Masterminds, a program for standout offensive linemen with NFL opportunities ahead.

“Coming from Downingtown and growing into the offensive lineman that I needed to be at Penn State, and continuing to grow to be the offensive tackle I need to be in the NFL, it’s been fun,” Shelton says. “It’s been a challenge.”

‘We should have won that game’

Villanova coach Kevin Willard is taking no moral victories from a 75-67 road loss to No. 2 Connecticut in overtime on Saturday. Sure, the Wildcats battled, but they also missed 10 of 15 layups.

“I don’t like losing,” Willard said. “We should have won that game.”

Things went better for St. Joseph’s, which had three players score 20 points in an 81-74 victory against Dayton.

Tippett and a turnaround

The Flyers had lost six straight before heading west to take on three of the NHL’s best. They headed home after taking five out of six points, capped by a 7-3 victory against the league-leading Colorado Avalanche. Owen Tippett notched his second career hat trick against Colorado.

“He’s a big-time player,” goalie Sam Ersson said. “He makes big-time plays at the right time when we need it. And he’s that guy who can score from anywhere. He just doesn’t need much. And you give him the finger, he’ll take the whole hand.”

Sports snapshot

• Legendary Dragons: Malik Rose and coach Bill Herrion led Drexel to three NCAA Tournament bids in the 1990s. On Saturday, they joined the Dragons’ Hall of Fame.
• Revenge for St. John’s: The Red Storm topped Villanova’s women to avenge a 37-point loss.

On this date

Jan. 26, 2025: The Eagles throttled the Washington Commanders, 55-23, in the NFC championship game. Saquon Barkley rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

Marcus Hayes’ take

The Phillies led the National League in batting average and finished second in OPS last season as they won their second consecutive NL East title. That offense was led by a lineup that generally featured Trea Turner leading off, Kyle Schwarber batting second, and Bryce Harper batting third. Harper has spent most of his career batting third.

This year might be different.

Asked if the changes could involve Harper moving out of the three-hole, manager Rob Thomson said, “Yes.”

A change might do him good, and here’s why. More from Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Devin Jackson, Marcus Hayes, Scott Lauber, Jackie Spiegel, Jeff Neiburg, Ryan Mack, Conor Smith, and Katie Lewis.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. Here’s hoping you stay warm in this deep freeze. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

As a nasty winter storm bears down on us, it’s a good time to start the newsletter with warm thoughts about baseball.

Could the Mets actually give the Phillies a run for their money in the NL East this season? In the last week or so, they have gotten a little closer.

First they swiped Bo Bichette in a free-agent signing that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski called “a gut punch.” Then the New Yorkers traded for Gold Glove center fielder Luis Robert. Then they dealt for front-line pitcher Freddy Peralta, a noted Phillie killer.

What in the name of Flushing is going on around here? David Murphy takes it all in and provides his analysis: “Offseasons are pretty much the only the thing Mets have won in the 40 years since the ’86 Amazin’s did their thing. They are going to need a lot of things to break right for that to change this year.” Read more of Murphy’s take here.

Still … In Peralta and second-year righty Nolan McLean, the Mets will have a powerful 1-2 punch, and if Sean Manaea can bounce back, their starters could be formidable. At the very least, the flurry of Mets moves has given fans something to talk about around the hot stove … and we’ll need that stove in the next few days.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Philly ties

The Eagles will be spectators Sunday when the NFC and AFC championship games are played, but there will be more than a few Philadelphia connections to the action. The pride of Penn Charter, Mike McGlinchey, is the anchor of the Broncos’ line. Imhotep Charter’s Omar Speights is a top tackler for the Rams. And ex-Eagles DT Milton Williams is lining up for the Patriots. Olivia Reiner gives us the rundown of familiar faces one step from the Super Bowl.

Assistant coach Christian Parker is set to become an ex-Eagle himself, as reports have him heading to the Cowboys to become their defensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is a finalist for NFL assistant coach of the year honors.

Working overtime

Joel Embiid delivered a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Sixers fought past the Houston Rockets, 128-122, in overtime at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Tyrese Maxey made only 2 of 10 three-point shots but led the Sixers with 36 points. Gina Mizell has a closer look at the action.

Let’s make a deal?

The Flyers’ ongoing search for a No. 1 center is no state secret at this point. But do they potentially have a new lead?

With reports that St. Louis pivot Robert Thomas could be available, the Flyers might finally have a path to filling the organization’s biggest hole. Gustav Elvin believes the Flyers should do whatever it takes to land Thomas, whom he calls one of the league’s top playmakers and a bona fide top-20 center.

The Flyers’ need for centers has been apparent in recent weeks as the team has dropped seven of eight games and fallen below the playoff cut line. But blowing a 3-0 lead and squandering a point on Wednesday in Utah represented a new low, writes Jackie Spiegel.

Back to grassroots hockey

A former Flyers beat writer for the Daily News, Frank Seravalli has become known as an NHL insider who is now building a hockey network at the streaming service Victory+. These days, he is also known as the hockey coach at Germantown Academy, a job that takes up even more of his precious time. A family tragedy was a major part of Seravalli’s inspiration to coach the Patriots. Alex Coffey tells the story.

Sports snapshot

• “Unraveling George”: A documentary pays tribute to former Villanova player George Raveling, who became an influential college coach.
• Winning bets: A former St. Joseph’s walk-on player strikes it rich in a Las Vegas contest picking NFL winners.
• Phillies moves: The team re-signs reliever Tim Mayza, while Weston Wilson is claimed by the Orioles.
• ’Nova hoops: After they handled Georgetown, the Wildcats prepare to face No. 2 UConn next.

What you’re saying about the Sixers

We asked: Thoughts on the Sixers so far this season? Among your responses:

Why would any Philadelphia sports fan, specifically a basketball fan, get fired up over our 76ers? By giving Joel Embiid and Paul George max contracts, the GM has essentially made this team irrelevant in the NBA for thee years. These two “Superstars” don’t play enough to make an impact yet account for almost a half BILLION dollars in salary over the life of their contracts. This franchise is handcuffed for the foreseeable future with two untradeable players who miss more games than they play while making it nearly impossible to add salary/free agents. For this franchise, the new reality is not championships, it’s relevancy. — Tom D.

No one cares. George and Embid will be out of the playoffs with “pain management.” Please move back to Syracuse. — Bill M.

An aging Embiid is transitioning into the complementary center he needs to become to help the young Sixers mesh and morph. They will become a quick guard-oriented offense, with the best total guard talent in the NBA.That set of guards includes Maxey, Edgecombe, McCain, Grimes, Edwards, Gordon and Lowry to mentor all of them. But there is no reason for Embiid to be hoisting 3-point shots, which he does at an awful 26% rate this year. — John W.

Encouraging! After last year’s disastrous season, Tyrese and VJ have stepped up to lead the team. Finishing in the top 6 in the conference would be a very successful season. — Bob C.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from David Murphy, Lochlahn March, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Alex Coffey, Gustav Elvin, Jackie Spiegel, Gina Mizell, Matt Breen, and Owen Hewitt.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter, when it looks like we’ll be digging out from a doozy of a storm. — Jim