Marquese Chriss Gives Ultimatum: More Playing Time or Trade

Houston Rockets forward Marquese Chriss is requesting either more minutes or to be traded, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Haynes spoke to Chriss’ agent, Aaron Goodwin, who says the third-year big man is seeking a bigger role with Houston or to be moved to another team.

“Marquese didn’t ask to be traded to Houston,” Goodwin told Yahoo Sports. “The Rockets are a great organization and the kid has done everything they’ve asked of him to get on the floor. If it’s not going to happen there, we just want him to be treated fairly.”

Chriss was acquired by Houston in the offseason, along with guard Brandon Knight, in a deal that sent Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton to the Phoenix Suns. Chriss, 21, spent his first two seasons in the league with the Suns, who selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. In his two years with Phoenix, the 6’10” forward posted per-game averages of 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 0.9 assists and 0.8 steals in 21.3 minutes.

Marquese Chriss wants the chance to showcase his talents. (AP)

According to Haynes, Chriss became the third-youngest player in NBA history to register 100 steals, 100 3-pointers and 100 blocks by the age of 20. The only other two players to accomplish that are LeBron James and Kevin Durant, proving Chriss has plenty of potential.

Glued to the Rockets’ bench, Chriss has given the Rockets an ultimatum—play me or trade me. He has played in just 15 games this season and is seeing a career-low 6.7 minutes per contest. 

Chriss failed to crack the rotation even after starting center Clint Capela went down with a thumb injury—requiring him to have surgery and sidelining him for the next four weeks. Instead of playing Chriss, the Rockets opted to sign Kenneth Faried, who was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets earlier this month, and immediately put Faried into the starting rotation. 36-year-old Nene Hilario and 2017 second-round draft pick Isaiah Hartenstein are receiving the majority of the bench minutes at backup center.

Houston already declined to pick up Chriss’ fourth-year option, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. Goodwin hopes his client can showcase his talents before free agency and a trade out of Houston may be the best option now that Chriss has been ousted from the Rockets’ rotation.

“I would hate to see a career derailed because teams feel he cannot play at the level he did before the trade,” Goodwin said.

The NBA's trade deadline is Feb. 7.

Knicks' Tim Hardaway Jr. on Trade Block

The New York Knicks are putting their leading scorer on the trading block. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been made available in trade discussions, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.

In an effort to shed salary for this summer’s free agency period, the Knicks are shopping Hardaway Jr. and veteran Courtney Lee, Stein reports.

The Knicks are looking to rid themselves from Hardaway Jr.’s contract—which pays him $18.2 million this season with a $19 million player option for 2019-20 that he is expected to opt into. They also want to unload Lee's contract, which earns him $12.8 million annually through 2020.

Hardaway Jr. is averaging 19.6 points per contest. Despite his defensive deficiencies, he is an attractive option to contenders.

The Knicks are hoping to move Hardaway Jr. before the trade deadline. (Mary Altaffer/AP)

Lee could be used as a bench role for a team in the playoff hunt, though the Knicks will be challenged to find a suitor interested in the veteran’s services.

Stein’s report comes a day after Enes Kanter demanded a trade from the Knicks following his benching. New York will look to move Kanter, but a buyout remains a possibility.

The Knicks (10-36) are in complete disarray and the front office’s sole goal is to offload as many contracts as possible before the trading deadline to create ample space for the impending free-agent class. This will allow them to pursue the likes of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker this summer.

Enes Kanter Demands Trade Following Benching

A disgruntled Enes Kanter sounded off on Wednesday night after getting no playing time in the New York Knicks’ loss to the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden.

“I want to play basketball,” Kanter said, after receiving a Did Not Play-Coach’s Decision (DNP-CD) on Wednesday. “If you’re going to play me here, play me. Or if not, then just get me out of here.”

With starting center Luke Kornet sidelined with an ankle injury, Kanter was expected to see substantial playing time against Houston. In fact, head coach David Fizdale told Kanter on Wednesday morning that the big man would start. Later in the day, however, assistant coach Keith Smart relayed the news that Kanter was likely headed for a DNP-CD.

Kanter wants out of New York. (John E. Sokolowski/USA Today Sports)

The decision to start Noah Vonleh was “frustrating” for Kanter. Fizdale said he started Vonleh in an attempt to slow down Rockets superstar guard James Harden in pick-and-roll situations. That obviously did not work, as Harden erupted for a career-high 61 points in Houston's 114-110 victory.

Kanter was informed by Fizdale last week that the Knicks planned to play young centers Kornet and Mitchell Robinson more moving forward. Still, Kanter was irritated by the fact that he was told he would start versus Houston, only to ride the pine for the entire contest.

"My job right now is just cheer for my teammates and try to be a good teammate, [but] what they're doing to me is pretty messed up. I deserve way better," Kanter said.

The 26-year-old Kanter is clearly not a part of the long-term plans for the rebuilding Knicks. Locked in a youth movement, the Knicks see no reason to play the seven-year veteran, an awful defender. He ranks 66th out of 67 centers in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus.

Teams interested in Kanter will be drawn to his scoring and rebounding abilities. He averages 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest.

Kanter wants out of New York, changing his tune from last month when he met with Knicks general manager Scott Perry and expressed his frustration with being removed from the starting unit—but indicated his desire to remain with the franchise.

A free agent at the end of the season, Kanter would like to be moved before the NBA’s trade deadline on Feb. 7.

Recounting Tom Brady's Road History in Playoffs

The New England Patriots have played in 38 postseason games in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era. 23 of those games have come at Foxborough, where the Patriots are an absurd 20-3. Their eight (8) Super Bowl appearances (5-3 record) have, of course, come on a neutral playing field. Because the Patriots dominate annually in the regular season—winning the AFC East 10 consecutive years (and counting) and clinching a first-round bye in each of the past nine seasons dating back to 2010—they have rarely traveled to enemy territory in the postseason. In fact, they have played just seven (7) road playoff games under Belichick and Brady, posting a 3-4 record.

Sunday's AFC Championship will be played at Arrowhead Stadium in arctic conditions against the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs. Before the Patriots play their eighth road postseason game with Brady under center, let's review how the Patriots fared in each of their previous seven away playoff contests with TB12.

2001 AFC Championship at Pittsburgh

Date: January 19, 2002

Result: Patriots 24, Steelers 17

Brady, playing in his first road playoff game of his decorated career, exited the AFC Title at Heinz Field with an ankle injury. Drew Bledsoe—the opening day starter and former face of the franchise—was thrust into action and performed admirably in relief duty, throwing for 101 yards with a TD pass to David Patten.

Special teams was the story in New England’s victory, as Troy Brown returned a punt 55 yards for a TD and Antwan Harris scooped up a blocked kick and returned it 49 yards for a score.

The Patriots later captured their first title in franchise history after defeating the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl.

2004 AFC Championship at Pittsburgh

Date: January 23, 2005

Result: Patriots 41, Steelers 27

The Patriots won 14 games in the 2004 season, but did not attain home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs because the Steelers—quarterbacked by then-rookie Ben Roethlisberger—went 15-1, which included a victory over New England.

In the playoff rematch, Brady threw for 207 yards and two scores. Deion Branch had 116 receiving yards and a TD, and the Patriots dominated, jumping out to a 31-10 lead before holding on for a 14-point win.

Brady and Roethlisberger chat after the AFC championship. (Gene Puskar/AP)

The Patriots went on to win their third Super Bowl in four years by beating the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

2005 AFC Divisional Round at Denver

Date: January 14, 2006

Result: Broncos 27, Patriots 13

The Patriots lost at Denver in a game most remember for one specific play: Champ Bailey picked off Brady at the Broncos’ 5-yard-line and nearly returned the interception for a TD—before Patriots tight end Ben Watson caught up and knocked the ball from him at the 1-yard line as the pigskin ended up out of bounds in the back left of the end zone.

The ruling on the field was that Bailey fumbled it at the 1-yard line. The Patriots challenged the call—hoping that the officials would reverse it to a touchback because the ball was punched towards the back of the end zone—but the call was upheld. The Broncos scored on their next offensive play with a TD run by Mike Anderson, giving them a 17-6 advantage in a game they ultimately won by two touchdowns.

2006 AFC Divisional Round at San Diego

Date: January 14, 2007

Result: Patriots 24, Chargers 21

In the contest dubbed “Lights Out, San Diego,” the Patriots upset the top-seeded Chargers, who entered the playoff matchup with a league-best 14-2 record. LaDainian Tomlinson, the 2006 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, had a monster outing, rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns, adding two receptions for 64 yards.

The most memorable play came when Troy Brown stripped Chargers safety Marlon McCree—who made what could have been a game-clinching interception with the Chargers leading 21-13. The Patriots turned the forced fumble and recovery into a touchdown, as Brady threw a four-yard TD pass to Reche Caldwell and then converted the two-point attempt to even the game. Rookie Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 31-yard field goal in the waning moments to seal the victory.

2006 AFC Championship at Indianapolis

Date: January 21, 2007

Result: Colts 38, Patriots 34

The visiting Patriots jumped out to a 21-3 lead, but Peyton Manning and the Colts stormed back for an incredible come-from-behind victory. Asante Samuel picked off Manning and returned it for a touchdown in the second quarter, but Manning recovered (349 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) and rallied the troops from a 15-point halftime deficit.

Marlin Jackson intercepted Brady in the final minute to clinch the win for the Colts, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

2013 AFC Championship at Denver

Date: January 19, 2014

Result: Broncos 26, Patriots 16

Manning, the 2013 NFL MVP, threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos' win. The Patriots had lost Rob Gronkowski to a torn ACL earlier in the year and Brady relied on his favorite target, Julian Edelman, to keep the game close. Edelman caught 10 passes for 89 yards and a score, but it wasn't enough for the overmatched Patriots, who trailed 23-3 before making it competitive.

2015 AFC Championship at Denver

Date: January 24, 2016

Result: Broncos 20, Patriots 18

Playing in his final season in the league and a shell of his former self, five-time MVP Manning and a dominant Denver defense prevailed over New England. Manning completed just 17 of 32 passes and lost a fumble, but managed to toss two scores and let his defense lead the charge. Brady was sacked four times—2.5 credited to All-Pro linebacker Von Miller—and threw two interceptions in the loss.

What It Means for Sunday at Kansas City

The Patriots' postseason track record on the road under the helm of Belichick and Brady— which includes three straight defeats—means absolutely nothing. With that said, the Patriots struggled on the road (3-5) this season. All five of their losses came to teams who missed the playoffs.

Kansas City is 8-1 at home this year, including their divisional round win over the Colts. Kansas City’s defense plays much better at Arrowhead. They have allowed just 17.4 points per game at home, far superior to the 34.8 points per contest they surrender on the road.

The Patriots must find a way to slow down MVP-favorite Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 352 yards and four TDs with two interceptions in the Chiefs' Week 6 43-40 loss at New England.

Mavs Looking to Trade Dennis Smith Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to trade point guard Dennis Smith Jr., according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The report states that the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic are pursuing Smith Jr., the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. According to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News, the Detroit Pistons have discussed a deal for Smith Jr. 

Pistons have talked to the Mavs about Dennis Smith Jr., per sources.

— Mitch Lawrence (@Mitch_Lawrence) January 15, 2019

Smith Jr. averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 29.7 minutes per game in 69 contests during his rookie campaign. Smith Jr. looked like a franchise cornerstone for the Mavericks, but he has regressed in his second season. He is turning the ball over 3.1 times per contest, a staggering amount.

Dennis Smith Jr. is reportedly on the trade block. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)

With Luka Doncic emerging as the clear-cut favorite for the NBA's Rookie of the Year with Dallas, Smith Jr. is no longer seen as a key piece of the future. Doncic, who often operates as a point-forward, could make the All-Star team in his first season in the league and the Mavericks are set to build their franchise around him. Smith Jr. has been utilized more in an off-the-ball role, something he has struggled adjusting to. His per-game averages have dropped to 12.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

The Suns’ reported interest in Smith Jr. makes plenty of sense. Phoenix needs help in the backcourt to compliment shooting guard Devin Booker, a budding star. De'Anthony Melton, a second-round pick, is currently manning the point guard duties.

The Pistons have 28-year-old Reggie Jackson and 30-year-old Ish Smith point guards on their roster. It’s doubtful they view either player as an integral part of their future. The Pistons are reportedly looking to add a young floor general.

Orlando is in a similar situation as Detroit. It currently doesn't have its point guard of the future on the roster. The 21-year-old Smith Jr. could certainly fit the bill for the Pistons and Magic.

Pelicans Interested in Terrence Ross

The NBA's trade deadline (Feb. 7) is fast approaching and playoff contenders, such as the New Orleans Pelicans, are looking to add talent for a potential postseason run before it's too late. The Pelicans are willing to fork over a first-round pick in a trade and have shown interest in Orlando Magic guard/forward Terrence Ross, according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.

Ross is averaging a career-high 13.3 points and 2.2 three-pointers per contest for the rebuilding Magic (17-24). The sharpshooting swingman has posted a 52.7 effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and is the only player who consistently scores off Orlando's underwhelming bench.

Orlando's Terrence Ross is having a career year. (AP)

Deveney notes that the Magic would prefer to move Jonathon Simmons, who plays the same position as Ross and is under contract for $5.7 million ($1 million guaranteed) next season. Simmons, who is averaging just seven points in 20.7 minutes per game with a dreadful 21.7 percent shooting from three-point territory, has not lived up to expectations since signing with Orlando in 2017. Teams are reportedly much more eager to trade for Ross, the better player.

The Pelicans are 11th in the Western Conference with a mediocre 20-22 record. They have won their past three games, though, and still feel they can reach the playoffs for the second straight season. They trail the eight-place Los Angeles Lakers by 2.5 games.

It's imperative for the Pelicans to show their commitment to winning to superstar big man Anthony Davis, the subject of ceaseless trade rumors. Davis can opt out of his current deal in the summer of 2020.

Ross would add scoring to a Pelicans' bench that needs all the help it can get. Orlando will surely seek an unprotected first-round pick from New Orleans. That is the only way a deal would be truly worth it for the Magic.

In order to make the deal possible, the Pelicans may have to part ways with forward Solomon Hill, who is signed through the 2019-20 season and makes roughly $12.5 million annually. Ross has an expiring contract worth $10.5 million. The salaries are close enough for the deal to be financially acceptable by the league's trading standards.

Spurs Have 'Significant Interest' in Porzingis

The San Antonio Spurs have “significant interest” in New York Knicks center Kristaps Porzingis, according to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor. Porzingis, an All-Star in 2018, has yet to play this season as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last February.

Porzingis averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 48 games played last season before tearing his ACL. He shot a career-best 39.5 percent from three-point territory.

A restricted free agent this summer, Porzingis will likely command a max contract of four years—which would equate to $122.1 million. The Knicks can match any contract the Spurs, or any other team, proposes to the 23-year-old.

The Spurs are interested in Knicks restricted free agent Kristaps Porzingis. (AP) 

Clearing cap space for Porzingis will be a challenge for the Spurs. They would have to dispatch some of their higher-paid players—possibly trading either four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan or six-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge—and waiving Pau Gasol‘s partially-guaranteed contract of $16 million for next season. Rudy Gay’s contract ($10 million) also comes off the books this summer.

Because the Knicks can match any offer sheet an opposing team hands Porzingis, the 7-foot-3-inch Latvian big man will likely stay in New York unless a trade takes place.

The Knicks hold the third-worst record in the NBA with a 10-30 mark. There is no reason to bring back Porzingis this season, who is better off sitting out and returning to full health.

Wizards, NBC Sports Washington to Air In-Game Betting Broadcasts

The Washington Wizards will provide their fans with an alternative TV broadcast that will be focused on gambling on Jan. 11 for their matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks, according to SportsBusiness Daily. NBC Sports Washington Plus will be airing this betting-catered version of the game in addition to its traditional telecast.

Friday's telecast (7 p.m. ET) could provide a future look at betting-based broadcasts as gambling becomes more mainstream among fans and TV audiences. Real-time sports-betting data and statistics will be shown on the screen.The telecast will feature a free, simple-to-play predictive contest, Predict the Game, that will be offering a $500 prize.

Predict the Game will air questions throughout the Wizards-Bucks game—such as 'Will Wizards guard Bradley Beal score 15 or more points in the first half?' and 'Will Bucks forward Khris Middleton score 6 or more points in the opening quarter?' Fans can visit NBCSportsWashington.com/predict during the game to answer questions like those for a chance to win money.

A preview of what the broadcast may look like on NBC Sports Washington. (Via SportsBusiness Daily)

Point spreads—which will be constantly updating—over/unders (for quarters, halves and the entire game) and odds will be shown on the telecast.

"We've been lucky because sports betting has rolled out in a way that has overlapped with our [regional sports networks]," David Preschlack, president of NBC Sports Regional Networks, told SportsBusiness Daily. "We're trying to figure out ways to appeal to casual sports bettors to make the games more interesting."

NBC Sports Washington Plus will air seven more betting-oriented Wizards games this season. The next Wizards' betting-broadcast will be on Jan. 27 during the team's road contest against the San Antonio Spurs.

"Combining the excitement of live Wizards games with engaging predictive gaming and data feeds will deliver a very entertaining experience for viewers, from first-time gaming players to savvy sports bettors," NBC Sports Washington senior vice president and general manager Damon Phillips said in a press release. "The level of interest from fans, partners and sponsors in this area continues to increase, so we are pleased to offer this compelling product this season."

Kanter, Burke Available in Trade Talks

The New York Knicks are steadfast on their youth movement and willing to part ways with veterans Enes Kanter and Trey Burke, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. Vorkunov writes that the Knicks would be open to moving seldom-used veterans Courtney Lee and Lance Thomas, as well.

Teams have reportedly reached out to the rebuilding Knicks (10-29) regarding Kanter’s availability, but trade talks have not progressed far. Kanter, a free agent this summer who makes $18.6 million this season, has been frustrated with his role on the team after being removed from the starting lineup back in December. He had a face-to-face meeting with Knicks GM Scott Perry on New Year’s Eve where he expressed his dissatisfaction with being pulled from the first-unit.

Enes Kanter is unhappy with his role in New York. (AP Image)

While Kanter is a double-double machine—averaging 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per contest—he is one of the worst defenders in basketball. He struggles particularly in pick-and-roll defense. He could be useful as a spark-plug off the bench for a contender, similar to how he was utilized in his playing days for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As for Burke, he has essentially been removed from the Knicks’ rotation since returning from a knee injury last month. He is also a free agent at season’s end. Burke is a natural scorer, averaging 11.2 points despite playing only 19.2 minutes per contest.

Lee, once a productive starter in the NBA, is a shell of his former self. Unlike Burke and Kanter, Lee is under contract for next season. He will earn $11.7 million in 2019-20.

Thomas, an end-of-the-bench player who has remained in the league because of his defensive ability, has a non-guaranteed contract for next season. While he won’t be in high demand for his skillset, his $6.5 million contract could help facilitate a trade financially.

Brown, Hayward Lead Celtics Past Mavs

Gordon Hayward followed up his top scoring game as a member of the Boston Celtics with an all-around terrific outing, accumulating 16 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in a 114-93 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Hayward put together another strong performance off the bench after he scored 35 points on Wednesday night.

Jaylen Brown, starting for the injured Marcus Morris (neck), posted a game-high 21 points to continue his hot streak. In his last five games, Brown has averaged 17 points and four rebounds. He is shooting 63.5 percent from the field, 46.7 percent on 3's and 70.6 percent from the free throw line in this stretch.

Jaylen Brown has scored 20 or more points three times in the past seven games. (AP Photo)

Al Horford logged 10 points, eight rebounds and eight assists—tying Hayward for a team-high. Point guard Terry Rozier, filling in for Kyrie Irving (scratched cornea), dished seven assists. Boston totaled 35 assists on 42 made field goals.

Rookie Luka Doncic had 19 points and nine assists for the Mavs. Harrison Barnes registered a team-best 20 points, while DeAndre Jordan had 12 points and corralled 15 rebounds.

The Mavs are 3-16 on the road this season.

The Celtics play the third contest of their four-game homestand Monday night versus the Brooklyn Nets.

NFL Awards 2018 Predictions

With the 2018 NFL regular season completed and the playoffs kicking off this weekend, there is no better time to give picks for the MVP, defensive player of the year and all the other major end-of-season awards.

The Associated Press (AP) will announce the individual NFL awards the night before the Super Bowl in Atlanta in the 8th Annual NFL Honors on Feb. 2. Here are my selections.

MVP: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs

Leading the Kansas City Chiefs to the No. 1 seed in the AFC and throwing 50 passing touchdowns, Mahomes is the runaway favorite for the league's most valuable player award. Forced to make up for his team's less-than-adequate defense—which ranked 24th in points allowed per contest—Mahomes put up historic numbers to secure home-field advantage for the Chiefs throughout the AFC playoffs. He had two 6-touchdown games, racked up 5,097 passing yards and was the most dominant player in football.

Runner-Up: Drew Brees, Saints

The NFC playoffs run through New Orleans and Brees is the biggest reason why. The best player on the best team, Brees led the league in completion percentage (74.4) and passer rating (115.7). He threw 32 touchdowns against just five interceptions, spearheading the New Orleans Saints to 13 wins. Unlike Mahomes, however, Brees had a competent defense to compliment his excellent quarterbacking. Furthermore, Brees threw only three touchdown passes in the Saints’ last five games (he sat out the fifth).

Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes

Only two quarterbacks in NFL history have thrown for 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in a single season: Peyton Manning in 2013 and Mahomes in 2018. That makes Mahomes this season's OPOY.

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald, Rams

Donald is set to win his second consecutive DPOY Award, despite missing training camp over a contract dispute. The defensive tackle had 20.5 sacks—just shy of Michael Strahan's NFL-record of 22.5—and led the league in QB hits (41) and tackles for loss (30).

Aaron Donald is the league's most dominant defensive player. (Getty Images)

Runner-Up: Khalil Mack, Bears

Mack transformed the Chicago Bears into the best defense in football. The Bears' defense finished first in takeaways (36) and interceptions (27) and No. 3 in points off takeaways (107).

The engine of the defensive unit, Mack was tied for second in the league with six forced fumbles. The linebacker accumulated a team-high 12.5 sacks and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in September.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Baker Mayfield, Browns

Mayfield threw more touchdown passes, 27, than any rookie in NFL history. He reached that total despite not seeing any action until Week 3 and not starting until the following game. More importantly, he turned the Cleveland Browns into a legitimate franchise again, leading them to a 7-8-1 record after the team finished 0-16 a season ago. The Browns were in playoff contention until Week 16, something that seemed unfathomable based off how bad things were for the team at this time last year.

Baker Mayfield threw 27 passing TDs, a rookie-record. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Runner-Up, Saquon Barkley, Giants

In just about any other year, the New York Giants running back would take home the OROY crown. Barkley, a transcendent talent, had seven 100-yard games and 89 receptions—catching nine or more passes in four games—and logged over 2,000 all-purpose yards.

But Mayfield had a far bigger impact on the Browns than Barkley had for the Giants, who only improved their win total (5) by two games from the prior season.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Darius Leonard, Colts

Leonard led the NFL in tackles (163), totaling 19 more than the next closest player. The linebacker had 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Last season, the Indianapolis Colts' defense ranked 30th in points and yards allowed. But with Leonard on board this year, the unit rose to 10th in scoring defense and 11th in yards allowed.

Runner-Up: Derwin James, Chargers

One of the most versatile defenders in the league, James, primarily a safety, played multiple positions for the Los Angeles Chargers this season. He appeared in all 16 games and registered 105 tackles, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks.

Coach of the Year: Matt Nagy, Bears

Nagy led the Bears to 12 wins and a division championship. Chicago had finished in last-place in the NFC North four years in a row before Nagy came to town. The Bears' record in the four seasons prior to his arrival: 5-11, 6-10, 3-13 and 5-11. The Bears rose to the No. 3 seed in the NFC under Nagy and closed with a 5-1 division record.

Runner-Up: Frank Reich, Colts

Despite losing five of their first six games, the Colts made the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Reich, a first-year head coach like Nagy, helped guide the franchise to a huge turnaround season after the team finished 4-12 last year.

Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, Colts

After missing the entire 2017 season, Luck returned and completed a career-high 67.3 percent of his passes for 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. Luck went eight straight games with at least three touchdown passes and has the Colts in the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

Runner-Up: J.J. Watt, Texans

The AFC South champion Houston Texans returned to a formidable defense with Watt back in the fold. He missed 24 games over the last two seasons with back and leg injuries before his incredible 2018 campaign. The defensive end had 16 sacks and seven forced fumbles to reassert himself as one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players.

Executive of the Year: Chris Ballard, Colts

In his first season as Colts GM, Ballard emphasized the offensive line in the draft. He selected guard Quenton Nelson in round one and tackle Braden Smith in the second round. Both players helped transform the Colts into one of the best O-lines in football, as the unit surrendered just 18 sacks all season.

Ballard nabbed the aforementioned Leonard in round three and made the prudent choice to hire Reich to be the head coach.

Runner-Up: Ryan Pace, Bears

Pace traded for Mack days before the start of the season and the results of the acquisition speak for itself. He hired Nagy, the likely winner of Coach of the Year, and has the Bears back in the postseason for the first time since 2010.

Hayward has Best Game as a Celtic, Scores 35 in Win over Wolves

Gordon Hayward had his best game since suffering a dislocated ankle in his debut with the Boston Celtics last year. He scored a season-high 35 points Wednesday night as the Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-102 at TD Garden.

Coming off the bench, Hayward shot an efficient 14-for-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point territory, in his highest point total as a member of the Celtics. He dished five assists in the victory. Hayward's 35-point outburst came on the heels of a scoreless performance (his first since 2012) on Monday night.

Gordon Hayward scored 35 points, his most since joining Boston. (Charles Krupa/AP)

Terry Rozier started in place of Kyrie Irving, who suffered an eye injury in Monday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and scored 16 points and logged five steals. Rozier posted 11 of his 16 points in the first quarter. The Celtics improved to 2-1 with Rozier starting.

While Rozier was cooking in the first quarter, Hayward had the hot hand the remainder of the night. Hayward scored 13 in the second quarter and 15 in the third. Hayward's 35 bench points were the most scored by a Celtics reserve since Ricky Davis totaled the same figure in 2005. 

Gordon Hayward can't miss! pic.twitter.com/VNFsf3dbAE

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 3, 2019

The Timberwolves, playing without Jeff Teague, Robert Covington and Derrick Rose, were led by Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Wiggins scored 31 points, while Towns registered 28 points and 12 rebounds. Towns had a big third quarter with 20 points and five rebounds, cutting Boston's 22-point lead to just six. But Boston took control of the fourth quarter, ultimately outscoring Minnesota 28-21 in a 13-point victory.

Hayward scored 30 points against the Timberwolves earlier this season, adding nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals in the December victory at Minnesota. 

Boston has not lost to Minnesota at home since 2005. The Celtics return to action on Friday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks.