In the wake of Emmanuel Clase having the audacity to go public with his desire to throw 0-2 fastballs in the dirt, the NBA has issues of its own when it comes to teams intentionally veering from the desired target.

Fortunately, I have a solution to the so-called problem.

In fact, I can resolve TWO of the league’s biggest issues at the same time, which makes my idea the best.

Seemingly everyone with a phone or a keyboard has a brilliant scheme on how to keep NBA teams from tanking. Most of them miss the mark for one basic reason:

The goal of the draft MUST continue to be to help bad teams. If your solution doesn’t aid in narrowing the talent gap between the league’s haves and its have-nots, then you need to try again.

Better yet, focus your save-the-world fixes for curling.

One problem up-and-comers have in the NBA is the salary cap. You can’t just go out and snatch up a bunch of big-time players without maxing out your credit card real fast.

Did you know that every team in the NBA except the Nets is over the misnomered cap? As a league, the 30 teams are legally cheating by a total of almost $1.3 billion this season.

Even the Dodgers must be envious.

So what you have are two types of teams trying to get better – the bad ones by coasting into a more desirable draft position, and the rich ones by playing games with the cap.

I’m left wondering: Which is really the top-of-the-list problem?

We can agree to disagree on that, and that’s OK, because my goal is to lessen the popularity of each.

Consider this:

• Only teams under the salary cap on the day of the draft get to use their first-round pick.
• Hand in hand, the draft lottery is restructured to include ALL teams, each with the same odds of earning the top slot.

This would eliminate any incentive to tank. At the same time, it would give teams a reason to start adhering to the spirit of the salary cap.

Here’s how this works:

When the Finals have crowned a champ in mid-June, all franchises are given two weeks to get their finances in order for the following season.

Then, on or around July 1, the draft lottery is held.

After the ping pong balls have landed, any team under the cap gets to keep its pick in the slot determined by the lottery.

But any team over the cap must either trade its slot or forfeit its first-rounder.

Think about it …

No more tanking and a shrinking in the disparity in payrolls.

Both are good things, right? And they could happen at the same time.

I know what some of you are thinking: If only the Nets are under the salary cap, why hold a lottery? Aren’t they assured of making the one and only first-round pick?

No, that’s not the case.

As noted, teams – even those over the cap – would be allowed to trade their lottery-created draft slots. But here’s the catch: Since it has no financial value, the pick could only be dealt for a future pick or picks, or in a package in which matching salaries are included.

In either case, it would almost surely be a team under the cap that acquired the draft slot. Because only they can use the pick that season.

So, again, no tanking, yet the desired result: A bad team gets better.

As for the Nets … as we stand today, the Grizzlies are in line to join them under the cap at the start of the NBA’s next fiscal year in July, while the Hornets and Jazz are close enough that a little roster creativity could get them in.

If this rule had been in place at the recent trade deadline, no doubt others would have maneuvered to get themselves into better financial shape.

By the end of next season, when the Lakers and Bulls already are scheduled to be under the cap, you’d likely have a lot more teams that qualify to make first-round picks. This following a season in which the financial gap has shrunk and bad teams have added the best young talent, creating greater parity to go with the lesser incentive to lose.

Problem(s) solved.

You want to take it another step? Do a lottery for the second round as well. Teams, say, $50 million over the cap (there are nine right now) are excluded, and there would be no incentive to lose games in order to get the best second-round picks.

Sorry, Emmanuel. With my pitch, you get a home run on 0-2.

India vs South Africa (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

NEW DELHI: South Africa hammered India by 76 runs in their opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup, handing the hosts a reality check and exposing serious flaws in their batting at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Chasing 188, India collapsed to 111 in 18.5 overs on a tricky surface, with the Proteas bowlers dominating throughout. Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch led a collective bowling effort, while Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant spell earlier in the game went in vain. For South Africa, David Miller, Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs played crucial roles in lifting the total to 187/7 after an early wobble.

After the match, South Africa captain Aiden Markram praised his team for reading the conditions well and executing their plans. “Great performance. Very different type of wicket to what we’ve had here, so great to see the boys assess that pretty early and adapt their skills to execute their plans,” he said at the post-match presentation. Markram highlighted the importance of the Miller-Brevis partnership, adding, “I think first and foremost was the partnership. (Miller and Brevis) The guys were great, put that together for us, steadied the ship and kept us in the game.”He explained how the team adjusted its approach in the latter half of the innings, noting, “so it was about finding space where we could run hard, drop the ego and take as much as we could at the back end.” Markram also praised his bowling group, calling their performance a big boost after a slow start to the tournament. “We’re going to make mistakes, we don’t mind that as a group, so we’ll brush those aside. We feel like Lungi is a threat whenever he bowls and that he can take wickets for us in that middle phase. It depends on conditions,” he added.Looking ahead, he warned against complacency, describing West Indies as “a dangerous T20 side” and stressing the need to stay sharp for the upcoming clash.India, meanwhile, endured a disastrous batting display. Early wickets put them on the back foot, and none of the top-order batters managed to build a meaningful innings on a surface where the ball gripped, and timing was difficult. Even Suryakumar Yadav struggled to find fluency, while the middle order could not recover from the early collapse. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube tried to rebuild, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling plans shut down any late fightback.

Thirteen-year-old Hephzibah Gabriel Okon produced a remarkable performance at the 2nd Niger Delta Games, clinching gold in the Women’s 800m final at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. Her victory over older, more experienced athletes has captured the attention of sports fans and added a major boost to Team Akwa Ibom’s medal tally.

The Games, organised by Dunamis Icon and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), were officially declared open on Friday, February 20, and will run until February 26 in Benin City.

Hephzibah clocked an impressive 2 minutes 18 seconds, demonstrating composure, speed, and maturity beyond her age. Speaking after her victory, she said, “I am really happy to win this gold for Team Akwa Ibom. The support from our State Government, led by our amazing, sports-loving Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Honourable Commissioner and sports administrators keeps us motivated to give our best every day. This is just the beginning—I’m aiming even higher for Nigeria at senior competitions.”

The young athlete, who specialises in the 800m and 1500m events, has credited her family for nurturing her talent. She began training alongside her brother at a young age, while her father, who also serves as her coach, has been instrumental in developing her discipline and technique.

The memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau weighed heavily on the hearts and minds of Team USA men’s hockey throughout the Winter Olympics as the Americans carried his spirit throughout the Games.

Gaudreau’s jersey was a mainstay for Team USA as they honored the late Columbus Blue Jackets star throughout the Milan Cortina Games. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town for their sister’s wedding.

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Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada at the Winter Olympics at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)

Since then, the Americans honored Johnny Gaudreau as he was on multiple national teams when the U.S. was playing in the world championships. Gaudreau was on track to make the Olympic team when the deadly incident occurred.

The U.S. won the gold medal on Sunday over Canada. Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk carried Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey around the ice as the latest tribute for the hockey player.

Gaudreau’s parents, Guy and Jay, his widow Meredith, and their oldest children were in attendance. John Jr. and his sister Noa were brought onto the ice for the team photo as the U.S. celebrated winning gold. It was also John Jr.’s second birthday.

Dylan Larkin holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau, while posing with teammates after their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

TEAM USA’S JACK HUGHES SHARES PATRIOTIC MESSAGE AFTER OLYMPIC THRILLER

“He was so near and dear to us,” Brady Tkachuk said. “We did it for him.”

Team USA head coach Mike Sullivan said before the gold medal game that Gaudreau would have been on the Olympic team if he were still alive.

“He was one of America’s very best,” Sullivan said. “He’s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this very day.”

Those closest to him will now celebrate in his memory, including those who were on the Blue Jackets, including Werenski. Team USA’s Noah Hanifin played with Gaudreau while they were on the Calgary Flames.

Matthew Tkachuk carries Noa Gaudreau, after defeating Canada at the Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

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“It means everything — we all know he should be here with us,” Dylan Larkin added. “He should be with us. We love him, and I like that we continue to think about him and I wouldn’t imagine it any other way.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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No longer a Group 1 virgin, Pericles delivered a gritty performance to secure his maiden elite win in Saturday’s $750,000 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.

The frustration of half a dozen Group 1 minor placings—a Futurity Stakes second from two years back among them—dissipated as the hardy six-year-old by Street Boss triumphed on his 32nd top-level start.

Bjorn Baker assumed control of Pericles from James Cummings after the latter left his Godolphin position midway through the previous campaign, and Godolphin Australia GM Andy Makiv called the Group 1 conquest a deeply gratifying milestone.

“It’s amazingly satisfying, he’s been a fabulous horse, he’s a home-bred off Northwood Park, the stud here in Victoria, by our fantastic stallion Street Boss, so for him to achieve Group 1 glory is wonderful for so many people,” Makiv said.

“It’s been a great journey and I’m really pleased for all the team and pleased for Bjorn. It’s great.”

Pericles’ other notable seconds came in the 2024 Futurity Stakes, Doncaster Mile, Rosehill Guineas and the Champions Mile from the year before, ahead of this weekend.

The gelding earned second in 2023’s $10m Golden Eagle and has collected Group 1 thirds via the Epsom Handicap and Underwood Stakes.

Futurity Stakes specialist Craig Williams produced a sharp ride on Pericles, landing the success that elevated his stakes to within a whisker of $7 million.

Starting positively, Williams took a trailing position as Evaporate and Treasurethe Moment contested the front before launching a devastating turn of foot to lead at the 50m mark.

The $5.50 hope extended the margin late on, scoring three-quarters of a length ahead of $31 longshot Buckaroo—who threaded the eye of the needle inside to pip favourite Treasurethe Moment ($1.90), who had bolted at 250m but stopped—for runner-up.

“Coming into the autumn when Mr Brightside was not going to be here, I said, ‘I need a replacement’,” Williams said.

“It’s not easy to fill those shoes, so I got in touch with Bjorn Baker.

It looks like he’s gone to another level in the spring. To win a Group 1, well done to all the team behind them and their patience.”

This marked Williams’ sixth Futurity Stakes success and third in succession post his Mr Brightside doubles, two off Roy Higgins’ eight-win benchmark in the event.

Find the best betting sites with racing odds for upcoming features like the Futurity Stakes.

Suryakumar Yadav takes a breather after getting hit by a delivery from South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi during the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and South Africa in Ahmedabad, India, Sunday, Feb 22, 2026. (AP Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in Ahmedabad: The first game of their Super 8 campaign was a reality check for the Indian cricket team as they were completely outplayed by South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing the 188-run target, the famed batting line-up never got going and succumbed to the big-game pressure in front of over 90,000 people. The run-chase lacked application, intent, and discipline. Whatever could go wrong, went wrong for Suryakumar Yadav & Co as they lost the fixture by a heavy 76-run margin.Questionable shot selection, a lack of partnerships, and some fine bowling by South Africa led to the hosts’ downfall, ending their unbeaten 12-match streak in T20I World Cups. For a side that had dominated the format since winning the title in the Caribbean in 2024, Sunday’s showing, particularly the batting, was nothing short of an embarrassment. The team, which effortlessly posted huge scores and breezed past massive totals, managed only 57 at the half-way mark of the run-chase and had half their side cooling their heels in the dugout.Concerning signs were apparent in the group stage too, but the bowlers continued to find a way and do the job. However, the cracks were completely exposed when they were asked to chase. The pressure of the big stage clearly overwhelmed the batting as Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma played some very ordinary shots. Abhishek sighed with relief when he scored his first run of the tournament, courtesy of a boundary, but he never looked at ease during his stay in the middle. The left-hander looked very short on confidence, and so did India’s designated No.3 Tilak Varma.Tilak has been scrutinised for his poor strike rate, and while he has enjoyed the backing of the men who matter, his performances aren’t inspiring much confidence. India tried to shake things up by promoting Washington Sundar up the order but even that backfired, just like his overall selection for this game ahead of the experienced Axar Patel. India’s vice-captain was on the bench for the second match in a row, and his absence was dearly felt with both bat and ball.Shivam Dube fought a lone battle to get the side’s total closer to the target and minimise net run-rate damage but writing was clearly on the wall, leaving only mere formalities before South Africa sealed the comprehensive win. Marco Jansen & Co. combined to completely dominate the hosts and their smart use of the pitch, and conditions, helped them make a statement.

Bumrah and the rest

Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh combined to keep the Proteas under the 200-run mark. The innings can be divided into three phases. India dominated the powerplay, taking three wickets. South Africa rebuilt with David Miller and Dewald Brevis, but India seized control again between overs 16 and 19. In four overs, the Aiden Markram-led unit scored 23 runs and lost three wickets, undoing the middle-phase efforts of Miller and Brevis. They also lost the same number of wickets in the powerplay but had a plan for the spin threat that was coming their way. The left-right combination targeted Varun Chakravarthy and never allowed India’s X-factor to settle down on a pitch that offered little for spin. The first two overs of the World No.1 T20I bowler leaked 28 runs and Miller looked dangerous in front of the capacity crowd. From the moment he walked out to bat in the fourth over, the left-hander operated with calculated intent. He hit the ball where it was meant to be hit and didn’t retreat after the early wickets. The presence of a busy Brevis at the other end gave the innings the much-needed impetus, and the two put on a breezy 97-run stand off just 50 deliveries.When they were batting, a total of 200+ seemed very achievable, but India did well to pull things back in the final phase. Bumrah was in the mood today and at his menacing best in both the powerplay and the death overs. His last two overs conceded only 8 runs and another wicket added to his match tally made him India’s most successful bowler in T20I World Cup history. Arshdeep sustained pressure from the other end with just a 7-run 18th over but the 20th over, bowled by Hardik, swayed momentum in South Africa’s favour. Tristian Stubbs hit back to back sixes off the final two deliveries to end the innings emphatically at 187/7. T20I cricket is all about riding the momentum when it is on your side. South Africa did that with the bat in the final over and then the bowlers later rode on it to outplay India in their first Super 8 clash.Brief Scores:South Africa: 187 for 7 in 20 overs (David Miller 63, Dewald Brevis 45, Tristan Stubbs 44; Jasprit Bumrah 3/15, Arshdeep Singh 2/28).India: 111 all out in 18.5 overs (Shivam Dube 42; Marco Jansen 4/22, Keshav Maharaj 3/24, Corbin Bosch 2/12).

Marcus Rashford signing for Barcelona from Manchester United permanently this summer could depend on who wins the Catalan club’s upcoming presidential election

Barcelona preliminary presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana believes the Catalan club should consider re-signing Jan Virgili before deciding whether to make a permanent move for Marcus Rashford during this summer’s transfer window.

Rashford’s loan deal gives Barcelona an option to sign the England international for £26million. However, they also have a clause that enables them to bring Virgili back to the club a year after selling him to Mallorca.

The teenage winger has six assists for them in La Liga during his first season of senior football. Rashford, in comparison, has 10 goals and 13 assists, but is nine years Virgili’s senior.

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Vilajoana, a former Barcelona executive who was head of La Masia, brought up Virgili when discussing the possibility of signing Rashford permanently. He told ESPN: “I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have.

“For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger. I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.

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“That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed, and a decision is made.

“What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.”

Vilajoana is one of four confirmed presidential candidates for the 15 March election. Joan Laporta is standing for re-election, while Marc Ciria and Victor Font, who also stood in the last elections five years ago, are his other opponents.

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Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

DUBAI: Stan Wawrinka returns to a place of cherished memories this week, back at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis where he lifted the trophy in 2016. Now 40 and competing in the final season of a storied career that once saw him rise to a career-high No. 3 in the world, the Swiss great is embracing one last chapter on the Tour.

Excerpts:Stanimal captured the physical power of your game, do you think the mental strength behind your success was sometimes overlooked?That’s the beauty of tennis, it has many parts to it. It’s a big puzzle. You need to put every piece of the puzzle in its place — fitness, tennis, mentally, and also you need to be in the right place. It took a lot of hard work, a lot of energy to push and find myself as a player. It was important for me to work on myself, my mindset, and how I was going to go in with confidence, ready to beat the best players in the world. It took me years to achieve that. I’m really happy with what I’ve done. Was it tougher to break through in the Federer-Nadal-Djokovic era than it is today in the Alcaraz-Sinner duopoly?Those five players you mentioned, and also Andy Murray are the best players we saw in the game. It has been amazing for me to face them, to be able to play against the Big Four for more than 15 years. It was a challenge. But first I’m a fan of tennis, I’m passionate about the game. I always enjoyed watching them, as a tennis fan and player. It was an opportunity for me to play the best players in the game. Right now we are seeing that the level of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz has been amazingly high. What they’ve been doing already for a few years, winning all the Grand Slams between them, is amazing to watch. Which of your three Grand Slam titles gave you the most satisfaction?It’s tough to choose, but it’s also my job to answer the question. If I have to pick one title… (exhales) they have all been really special, but one is the French Open (2015). I grew up playing on clay, I practised a lot in Spain, also coming from the French part of Switzerland, Roland Garros was the one that we watched the most as kids. That’s also the one I won as a junior (2003). To beat Novak in the final there was really special. Was retirement a sudden decision, or something that had been building in the months before your announcement?The last few years, I’ve been asking myself when to stop but I never had an answer. At the end of last year, I finally had the answer. I realised that I was most at peace to play for one more year, to push one last time. I’m still passionate about the game, I wish I could play forever, but nobody can play forever. I also wanted to finish my 20-plus year career on a good note. So I’m happy that my level is still there and physically I’m feeling good. You appear leaner now than at your peak? I always try to push myself to be the best player I can to be. You have to do that to be able to stay in the game for 20 years. It was challenging, fitness wise, especially with the injuries. I have always been trying to optimise, to do what’s best for me, what’s best for my body so that I could push my own limits. You were known for those statement shorts and now, in your final year, you’re making a statement with this 40-Love tee…Last year I turned 40, so Yonex did this for me as a present. The ‘Love’ stands for my love of the game, my passion.