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Stephen A. Smith Named Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as the Best Backcourt in the NBA

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The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a surprisingly electric start. This franchise entered the 2025-26 season with a talented roster that was coming off a disappointing year due to individual underperformances and injuries.

Joel Embiid and Paul George played just 15 games together last season, while Tyrese Maxey was only available for 52 contests, all resulting in a 24-58 campaign for a preseason title contender.

The bright side of that disappointing season was that the 76ers were fortunate enough to land the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. And right now, Philadelphia’s selection, V.J. Edgecombe has been the most impressive rookie through six games.

In fact, thte former Baylor standout and Tyrese Maxey have been so good this early into the season that they’ve already won over Stephen A. Smith as the best backcourt in the NBA for a myriad of reasons.

Stephen A. Smith is a huge believer in the Philadelphia 76ers’ backcourt

Tyrese Maxey V.J. Edgecombe

The Philadelphia 76ers currently sit at 5-1 and first in the Eastern Conference. That is despite Paul George not making his season debut yet, and Joel Embiid looking like a shell of his former self.

Nick Nurse’s team, which is averaging 125.7 points per game, is led by its newest backcourt. Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe worked so well together immediately that they combined for 186 points through the first three games of the season, making them the highest-scoring duo to that point since 1970.

While the two of them have cooled off a little bit since, the 76ers certainly have their backcourt for the next decade to build around.

Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe 2025-26 Stats

Category

Tyrese Maxey

V.J. Edgecombe

Points per game

33.7

20.3

Assists per game

9.0

5.0

Rebounds per game

4.8

5.0

Steals per game

1.2

1.5

Blocks per game

0.8

0.3

Stephen A. Smith, however, is confident that this pairing is already among the elite duos in the NBA. In a recent segment on ESPN’s First Take, Smith gave a detailed explanation for why he believes the 76ers might have the best backcourt right now and how they can become a title contender in his eyes.

“I walked into the season, believing that Daryl Morey had a couple of months, then after that, he probably would be out of a job. I watched Tyrese Maxey, who’s a stud, with that brother, VJ Edgecombe, in the Delaware area, Philadelphia, everywhere; these brothers are box office. And I’m telling you something right now. If not this year, by the end of next season, I believe there’s a legitimate argument that we will be saying that the Philadelphia 76ers have the best backcourt in the entire National Basketball Association. And I’m going to go this far…God help the basketball world if these two brothers keep looking the way they look, and a miracle happens and Joel Embiid gets healthy. Lord has mercy. Embiid healthy, with those brothers, they can contend for the title.”

The Philadelphia 76ers’ future has been reshaped by their star guards

V.J. Edgecombe Tyrese Maxey

The Philadelphia 76ers seemed to be in desolate shape a few weeks ago. The franchise’s two premier stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George, have two of the most unmovable contracts in the league.

And, at this stage of their careers, neither of these two future Hall of Famers have been healthy enough for the 76ers to heavily rely on them as the two primary options for a championship contender.

However, with the emergence of Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe, perhaps, Embiid and George only need to play supporting cast roles for this roster to make a playoff run.

Stephen A. Smith certainly thinks that is a possibility, but the question is, can the 76ers’ backcourt somewhat maintain this All-NBA level throughout the course of the regular season and postseason?

The Eastern Conference, on paper, feels more open than usual. The preseason favorites are the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, but neither of those teams are considered to be untouchable.

Meanwhile, dark horse teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic are off to uneven starts, considering their expectations.

Overall, is Smith overreacting at this point in the season? Yes. But the early signs are encouraging, especially for V.J. Edgecombe at this stage of his development.

While Embiid and George’s contracts will be hard to move anytime soon, the future still should be bright in the City of Brotherly Love.

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Liverpool Target Two New Wingers Alongside Barcola Deal

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Liverpool are looking at some new winger options in the transfer market, according to TeamTalk, alongside a possible switch for Bradley Barcola this summer.

The Reds were pursuing a move for Yan Diomande, having submitted offers to RB Leipzig for the Ivorian winger, but they were met with rejection.

Instead, the 19-year-old is opting towards joining PSG, shutting the door on a switch to Anfield, and resulting in Liverpool having to look elsewhere in the transfer market.

Bradley Barcola is a key target, not least as Diomande’s move to PSG may force an exit as he enters the final two years of his contract with the European champions.

While he may be the most high-profile candidate on the club’s radar, it appears as though another two options are being assessed for a deal this summer.

Liverpool Eye Said El Mala

Said El Mala via Reuters

One of those options, according to TeamTalk, is Koln forward Said El Mala, who appears likely to leave the German club in the coming weeks.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a successful campaign last time out, making 36 appearances, bagging 13 goals and five assists for the Bundesliga outfit.

In that time, the youngster largely featured on the left wing, but also received minutes as a centre-forward, in attacking midfield, and on the right wing.

The Germany youth international continues to receive plenty of interest as a result, and was seemingly close to joining Brentford earlier in the transfer window.

That move fell through, however, and now a switch to Liverpool could be on the cards as they continue to monitor a potential deal to sign El Mala.

A move does appear complicated, however, as his brother, Malek El Mala, is believed to want a move with his brother to wherever his next destination is.

It remains to be seen whether that could be a deal-breaker for Liverpool, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United remain in the hunt for his signature too.

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Liverpool Want Bazoumana Toure

Ivory Coast and Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA

The other winger Liverpool have been linked with is Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure. The 20-year-old Ivorian star has impressed over the past year, bagging five goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.

The forward largely features on the left wing, but has also received some minutes on the right and as a centre-forward when required for his team.

It’s claimed that Toure, who is currently at the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, is viewed as a “long-term” option for Liverpool to help improve their options.


Andoni Iraola gives thumbs-up after Bournemouth Premier League game


Sky Sports: Liverpool Hold Talks to Sign ‘Elite’ Winger After Diomande Rejection

Liverpool have discussed a move for one of their transfer targets this summer, as they move on from Yan Diomande’s rejection.

He would join Rio Ngumoha in becoming a young development player for the long-term, while Cody Gakpo and Victor Munoz are expected to take up roles as the more experienced options.

It remains to be seen who the Reds will land, as they must now adjust to the blow of missing out on Yan Diomande in the transfer window.

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Arsenal Set For Transfer Windfall Thanks To Rivals Chelsea

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Arsenal could be in line for a decent transfer windfall this summer, as CaughtOffside claims that a former player may join their rivals Chelsea in the coming weeks.

The Gunners are set for an important market, with Mikel Arteta keen to add even more quality to his squad after winning the Premier League last season.

A move for Bruno Guimaraes has been at the forefront of their business so far, with an offer made for the Newcastle ace, with a belief that any move could prove costly.

As a result, some sales may need to help raise some funds, with Christian Norgaard among those who have been linked with an exit this summer.

However, London rivals Chelsea may help provide a windfall for the club through a sell-on clause for a former player.

Chelsea Eye Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun in action for the United States at the 2026 World Cup IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio

After a few impressive World Cup outings this summer, Chelsea are eyeing a transfer for Folarin Balogun this summer, according to Caught Offside.

The former Arsenal striker is believed to be a target for the Blues, with AS Monaco demanding roughly £47.4 million to sanction a possible exit.

Chelsea seemingly view the 24-year-old as an ideal option, while Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are linked with an exit, handing Xabi Alonso another striker option.

However, it would hand Arsenal a transfer windfall as a result, due to the club having a sell-on clause inserted into the deal for the former Gunners academy product.

It’s a clause worth 17.5 percent of the overall fee, which could see the Premier League champions land a sizable sum to go towards their other transfer deals.

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Arsenal’s Transfer Plans

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s summer transfer window is set to be an important one, as the team looks to keep progressing and continue winning all the biggest prizes.

Deals for some of the biggest names in the Premier League are on the cards, but it is likely to come at quite an expense for the Gunners.

Bruno Guimaraes is a major target, with the midfielder likely to cost upwards of £70 million, while Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is another who is being quoted at more than £100 million.


Mikel Arteta


Arsenal Walk Away From Deal to Sign ‘World-Class’ Midfielder After Huge Reveal

Arsenal have seemingly walked away from a deal for one of their transfer targets, and will move on to other options this summer.

It all lines up towards an expensive window that will need to be financed by more than their impressive performances on the pitch over the course of the last season.

Arsenal’s inability to sell for large transfer fees has been an issue that needs to be addressed. While Balogun’s sale could indirectly help, the Gunners need to find a way to maximise the fees they receive in the transfer market.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Blames Netherlands’ Shock World Cup Exit on Ronald Koeman

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has pinned the blame on one man after the Netherlands crashed out of the 2026 World Cup on Monday night.

Morocco secured their place in the last 16 thanks to a penalty shootout victory over the Oranje at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.

Cody Gakpo had put Netherlands 1-0 up in the 72nd minute, days after the Liverpool star’s girlfriend tragically announced their unborn son had passed away during pregnancy, but the European nation were denied victory when Issa Diop equalised in stoppage-time.

No further goals were scored in extra-time, meaning the Round of 32 tie was settled on penalties.

Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all failed to convert from the spot before Ismael Saibari fired Morocco through to the next round, where they will meet joint-hosts Canada at the Houston Stadium on Saturday.


Germany players at World Cup


Germany (3) 1-1 (4) Paraguay: 2026 World Cup Player Ratings and Match Highlights

The Germans are out in disappointing fashion.

Zlatan Pins Blame on Koeman

Ronald Koeman REUTERS/Daniel Becerril

Shortly after the final whistle, former Sweden striker Ibrahimovic didn’t hold back with his honest thoughts live on FOX Sports.

The ex-PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United star was quoted by ESPN as saying:

“I think this loss is on Koeman because I didn’t recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity and that makes me angry. Lose with your identity… that’s who you are.”

Koeman, who earned 78 caps for the Dutch national team between 1983-1994, has been in charge of the Oranje since 2023. However, his position as head coach is now under severe threat following Monday’s lacklustre performance against Morocco.

World Cup History Quiz

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Koeman Defends Defensive Tactics

Ronald Koeman Pro Shots/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

The Netherlands, who perfected the revolutionary philosophy of Total Football in the 1970s, are accused of using ultra defensive tactics in their Round of 32 clash.

However, Koeman defended his tactical approach following the penalty shootout defeat. The 63-year-old told NOS, per Tribuna: “The atmosphere in the locker room was dramatic. When you see things like the penalty [from Soufiane Rahimi] that went under [Bart] Verbruggen, it’s because it wasn’t meant to be for us.

“I decided to play this way because we gave too much space in the group stage. We needed to mark better, you know! Morocco is an excellent team, with star players. So, I decided this after a meeting with the group. I don’t regret it one bit.

“I was trying to change the team according to the thinking about who could take the penalties. I lost [Frenkie] De Jong, I lost Gakpo… so I was trying to put in capable people. It didn’t work out, what can you do?”

De Jong was replaced by Marten de Roon in the 110th minute, while Kluivert came on for Gakpo minutes later.

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