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Paul Pierce Named the Only American Player who can Win NBA MVP

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The 2025-26 NBA season is already off to a thrilling and dramatic start, and plenty of young stars are beginning to ascend to the top of the league. The headliner a few games into the year has been Victor Wembanyama, who is off to a historic start.

The 7-foot-5 Frenchman is a transcendent talent who should be a dominant force for years to come, continuing a trend of superstar international players.

There is still plenty of American talent, but the last U.S.-born player to win NBA MVP was James Harden in 2018. Since then, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have all won this award.

The United States is in the middle of its longest MVP drought in NBA history, and there might not be an end in sight, considering the ages of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

Paul Pierce, however, believes there is one player, and one player alone, who can break this drought.

Paul Pierce believes only one American player can win regular-season MVP

Nikola Jokic-1

Ever since his first-ballot NBA Hall of Famer ended, Pierce has been a fixture in the NBA media landscape. The Boston Celtics‘ legend has never shied away from his controversial takes, but when serious, Pierce is a brilliant basketball mind.

On a recent episode of his podcast, “Ticket & The Truth with Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce”, the legendary wing identified Anthony Edwards as the only American player who can challenge for the title of best player in the world and the league MVP award.

“I think he got an opportunity to start, you know, making his name recognized in that conversation. He has that type of ability. When we talk about the American players right now, as of today, this season? I think he’s the only one.”

Anthony Edwards has face of the NBA potential after two straight WCF appearances

Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards has been seen as a potential future face of the NBA for a few seasons, and the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ superstar has consistently improved his game each year.

The Atlanta native was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has subsequently propelled this franchise back to relevance in the West. Now at age 24, Edwards already has three All-Star appearances and two All-NBA selections to his name.

Anthony Edwards NBA Career Stats and Accolades

Category

Anthony Edwards

Points per game

23.9

Assists per game

4.2

Rebounds per game

5.3

Steals per game

1.3

Blocks per game

0.6

Career awards

3x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Second Team

Ant’s regular-season success has been impressive, but the dynamic shooting guard has generated even more hype with his postseason play.

The Timberwolves superstar has better numbers in almost every relevant statistical category in the playoffs and is coming off two straight Western Conference Finals appearances.

Now, Edwards is trying to cement himself in the same tier as the likes of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but to take that next step, he will have to take another leap in his development.

One area Ant needs to improve is his mid-range game. The young shooting guard shot a career-high 39.5% from three-point range, but just 37.8 percent on two-point jumpers.

This skill is absolutely critical, especially in late-game situations during both the regular season and playoffs. In addition, Edwards’ regular-season stats have not been MVP-caliber to this point in his career.

Still, as of now, Pierce is likely right that Edwards is the best American hope for this award, with a few other potential contenders in the mix.

Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton will both not be in contention due to injuries, but they are players to keep an eye on in the near future.

As for this season, Jalen Brunson and Donovan Mitchell are the first two American names that come to mind outside of Edwards. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey is off to a blazing start, while Stephen Curry is still among the best point guards in the world.

There are plenty of sleepers outside these guards, but the preseason favorites for this award are largely the same players who have won it for close to a decade.

Especially with the rise of Gilgeous-Alexander these past few seasons, it’s a tall task for an American to grab this brass ring, but if anyone has the upside to pull off this feat, Pierce has the right player in mind.

Nonetheless, Edwards is already behind the eight-ball this season after straining his hamstring.

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Liverpool Star Wanted By Three Clubs As Transfer Deadline Set

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Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window, as Andoni Iraola is in the middle of building a squad capable of playing his style of play for next season.

Work has already been done to land some new signings, with Jeremy Jacquet arriving after a deal was agreed earlier this year, while Victor Munoz was signed from Osasuna as an early arrival.

However, there is an expectation that more deals will be on the way for Liverpool. A move for Yan Diomande is in the works, with a deal that could exceed £100 million.

While that would add some firepower, the Reds will also need to consider some sales. Among those angling for an exit is Federico Chiesa.

Federico Chiesa Eyed By Clubs

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the warm up before facing Barnsley

Chiesa continues to be linked with an exit this summer, as the forward looks for a new challenge to get himself back in and around some first-team action.

The Italian international has struggled since his move to Anfield, as injuries impacted his early time, while he has failed to regain his best form with the limited opportunities he has received since.

A move away seems likely, but it will depend on the interest he receives and whether it matches the valuation set by Liverpool. According to Calciomercato, there are three teams eyeing up a potential move.

Juventus are linked with a return for Chiesa, where he impressed a few years ago, with the star already admitting that the club has a special place in his heart.

That may not stop a move to their rivals, however, as Inter Milan and Napoli have also been linked with interest in the winger for this summer.

The report adds that Chiesa will have a month to decide on his future, and it’s unclear exactly which of those three clubs he could end up at.

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Competition Is Good For Chiesa Sale

federico chiesa-1

As Liverpool look for a potential sale for Chiesa, there will be some hope that competition for his signature will help maximise the value they can extract this summer.

The Reds paid just £12.5 million for the winger, a fee that can easily be matched or exceeded this summer by the Serie A clubs showing interest.


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Any money from that deal could then help balance the books, especially with the expensive move for Diomande, as well as the deal for Munoz.

Considering the recent transfer spend, it’s important that Liverpool continue to find ways to raise funds to be active in the market going forward.

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Spain’s Nico Williams Calls Out Uruguay Ace After He Suffers Injury

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Nico Williams has opened up on the mental and physical toll of the past year and a half after suffering a fresh injury during Spain’s group stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving his involvement in the rest of the tournament in doubt.

The Athletic Club winger had only come on as a substitute in the 76th minute, before picking up the issue following a challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, who was booked for the tackle.

Williams has endured persistent fitness problems in the last 18 months, and this latest setback has clearly hit hard, with the 23-year-old reflecting on just how much he’s had to overcome to get back on the pitch.

Nico Williams Details Year Of “Suffering” And “Anxiety”

Nico Williams
Nico Williams
Via Reuters

Williams, who has been subject to transfer interest from Arsenal, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s been through before reflecting on the latest blow.

“Today is one of the worst days of my life. I’ve gotten injured again after a very tough year, one in which the pubic symphysis pain won many battles against me, but not the war.”


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He continued by detailing just how much the injury affected his daily life, admitting: “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn’t know when I’d be able to play without pain again or when I’d get back to a normal life. I even got to the point of living with the pain in things as simple as going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or just enjoying day-to-day life.”

See what Williams had to say in full below:

Spain Winger Vows Latest Setback “Won’t Stop” Him

Nico Williams Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Turning to the incident involving De la Cruz, Williams suggested frustration played a part in the challenge that caused his injury.

“Yesterday, I was caused a new injury after an action in which a fellow professional acted out of frustration, discontent, and sadness over the situation he was going through.”

“It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.”


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Despite the disappointment, Williams remained defiant, insisting that there’s a chance he’ll be seen playing again during the tournament: “But this won’t stop me either. I know God has a plan for me, and I’ll keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing soccer, being happy, and bringing joy to many.” Before going on to say that “the story isn’t over—we’ll see each other as soon as possible in this World Cup.”

It’s been a forgettable World Cup for Uruguay, and the manner of their exit has only added to that reputation. Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card in the same match for diving in on Pau Cubarsi, leading to some chaotic scenes as tempers flared late on.


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The defeat means Uruguay finish bottom of Group H and head home without a single win to their name this summer, leaving Williams’ injury as just one of several incidents that have left a sour taste from their campaign.

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Everton Now Want World Cup Record-Breaker As Transfer Advantage Revealed

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Everton are looking at potential midfield additions this summer, as Marca claims the Toffees are eyeing a deal for a World Cup star in the transfer market.

There is uncertainty specifically surrounding the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the experienced midfielder’s contract comes to an end at the beginning of next month.

In the retained list, the club confirmed that talks were continuing over a potential extension for the 36-year-old, with no confirmation over fresh terms as things stand.

While that could yet signal an exit for him, Everton are looking at other midfield options, one of which is an international teammate of Gueye.

Everton Want Pape Gueye Transfer

david moyes

A potential replacement for Idrissa Gueye could be his international teammate Pape Gueye, who has been impressing for Senegal in the World Cup this summer.

Marca reports that Everton are keen on a deal for the 27-year-old midfielder, with Villarreal expecting to sell the star for a big fee in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

The Toffees hold an advantage over some of their rivals in the race, as it’s claimed that Gueye is prioritising a move to the Premier League over any other option.

That only remains an advantage if they are the only team from England eyeing up a deal, as others in the division could soon enter the race for his signature.

Gueye made 39 appearances for Villarreal last season, scoring five goals and assisting twice. While he impressed with those displays, it’s at the World Cup where the Senegal star is really showing his class and quality.

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Gueye Impresses At The World Cup

World Cup Amber Searls/ Imagn Images via Reuters

The World Cup is platforming plenty of top stars, with the competition likely to play a huge part in some key transfer switches across the world.

Everton could benefit from that, with Gueye being among those who have impressed in the tournament so far, following three group stage matches.


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The 27-year-old’s most recent appearance came against Iraq, where he picked up two goals and an assist in a 5-0 win. In the process, he became the first African player in the World Cup to get three goal involvements in one match.

That was the moment he became a record-breaker in the competition, with Senegal now dreaming of putting together a deep run with Gueye at the heart of the midfield.

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