THE JV ‘BUBBLE’
Knicks want no part of NBA’s losers’ tourney in Chicago:
The Knicks could advance to a losers' bracket but they'd rather stay home.
According to ESPN, the NBA is close to approving another bubble in Chicago for the bottom-8 teams that weren't invited to Orlando. It's scheduled for September and would provide an opportunity for two weeks of practice and four games per team, the report said.
The Knicks, however, were against such a format from the beginning and became the only team that didn't participate in a call Thursday with league officials, according to ESPN. The reasons are obvious: With up to eight free agents before next season, they couldn't count on high participation for a voluntary training camp and would prefer holding practices at their own facility in Tarrytown. The Knicks only have Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith, Kevin Knox and Mitchell Robinson definitely under contract for next season. They're also hiring a new coach this month, with Tom Thibodeau as the heavy favorite, and would like to have his first work done at home. It's unknown whether teams can decline an invitation to Chicago and ESPN reported that details are still being ironed out.
The Knicks, according to sources, aren't the only team that would prefer to remain in the market for a more traditional minicamp. However, union president Michele Roberts has made it clear she wants equal measures and safety for all the players when they restart, whether in Orlando or elsewhere. STEFAN BONDY
THREE-WAY TIE IN PGA
Doc Redman is playing his best golf, priming him to perhaps earn his first PGA Tour victory.
Redman shot a 7-under 65 on Thursday to share the first-round lead with Scott Stallings and Kevin Kisner in the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
Bryson DeChambeau, the only player with top-10 finishes in each of the last three tournaments, topped the group a stroke back.
PREGAME CHANGES FOR NFL
“Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing” will be performed live or played before “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to each NFL game during Week 1 and the league is considering putting names of victims of police brutality on helmet decals or jersey patches, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press.
The person said the league is working collaboratively with players to recognize victims of systemic racism throughout the season in a variety of ways.
CUBS’ QUINTANA HURT WASHING DISHES
Already concerned about the depth of their rotation, the Cubs will have to get by for at least a little while without one starter because of a freak injury.
Left-hander Jose Quintana had surgery to repair nerve damage in his pitching thumb Thursday after he cut himself washing dishes. Chicago did not have a timetable for his return.
FANS AT FRENCH OPEN
The French Open will allow fans to attend this year's delayed tournament. The French Tennis Federation said Thursday up to 60% of the stands can be filled with fans when play starts in September at Roland Garros.