76ers shake up front office; early NBA Draft Combine winners and losers; PGA Championship expert picks

SportsBreakNews.com – May 13, 2026 – In a week marked by significant shifts across professional and collegiate athletics, the Philadelphia 76ers have initiated a comprehensive restructuring of their front office, signaling a new strategic direction for the franchise. Concurrently, the NBA Draft Combine is already yielding early insights into the 2026 prospect class, while the golf world turns its attention to Aronimink Golf Club for the PGA Championship, where pre-tournament drama surrounds two-time champion Rory McIlroy. Adding to the landscape of change, the expansion of collegiate sports tournaments continues to reshape the future of NCAA competition.

76ers Shake Up Front Office in Post-Season Review

The Philadelphia 76ers organization announced a significant shake-up in their front office structure on Tuesday, following a disappointing early exit from the NBA Playoffs. The moves are reportedly a direct response to the team’s failure to advance past the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third consecutive season, despite holding a top-three seed.

Sources close to the team confirmed that General Manager Elton Brand has transitioned to an advisory role, while President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey will assume an expanded oversight of day-to-day operations. Additionally, Assistant General Manager Ned Cohen has departed the organization, and the team is expected to begin an immediate search for a new lead assistant GM. This strategic realignment aims to inject new perspectives and urgency into the franchise’s decision-making process ahead of a crucial offseason.

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The 76ers, led by All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, concluded the 2025-26 regular season with a 53-29 record, securing the third seed in the East. However, their playoff campaign ended in a six-game series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a series where the 76ers struggled with offensive consistency and depth beyond their core two players. The decision to restructure the front office underscores ownership’s commitment to maximizing the championship window around Embiid, who will turn 33 next season.

This offseason presents a critical juncture for Philadelphia. With substantial cap space projected to be available and a potential lottery pick from the Brooklyn Nets (protected for top-8), the new front office configuration will be tasked with navigating free agency and the upcoming NBA Draft to acquire talent that complements their existing stars and addresses persistent issues, particularly perimeter defense and bench scoring. The focus will be on finding players who can immediately contribute to a deep playoff run, a goal that has eluded the franchise in recent years.

Early NBA Draft Combine Standouts and Stock Movers

The annual NBA Draft Combine, taking place this week in Chicago, has already provided scouts and general managers with initial impressions of the 2026 draft class. While the full battery of scrimmages and interviews is yet to conclude, several prospects have distinguished themselves in the early athletic testing and shooting drills, while others have seen their stock raise questions.

Among the early "winners" are players who have showcased elite athleticism and surprising skill sets. Kansas freshman guard Jabari Reed, initially projected as a late first-round pick, turned heads with his explosiveness in agility drills and a strong showing in the three-point shooting drills. His vertical leap and quickness were among the best recorded, potentially vaulting him into the lottery conversation as teams seek dynamic backcourt talent. Similarly, Gonzaga’s 7-foot center, Malik Thompson, impressed with his improved mobility and fluidity, demonstrating a more versatile offensive game than anticipated during the shooting portions, addressing previous concerns about his perimeter shooting touch. His wingspan measurements also reaffirmed his elite defensive potential.

Conversely, some prospects have faced early scrutiny. Forward-center Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson Jr. from UCLA, who had a strong collegiate season built on physicality, struggled with consistency in the movement drills, indicating potential areas for improvement in his lateral quickness. While his strength remains undeniable, scouts are now reportedly evaluating his fit in faster-paced NBA schemes. Another player, point guard Kevin Hart from Kentucky, known for his playmaking, reportedly had a less-than-stellar performance in the athletic testing, which could impact his standing among a strong class of guards. His interview process, often crucial for point guards, will be vital in mitigating any athletic concerns.

The Combine’s primary purpose is to provide standardized data and facilitate direct interaction between prospects and teams, allowing for a deeper understanding beyond collegiate game tape. The upcoming five-on-five scrimmages and individual interviews will continue to shape perceptions and solidify draft boards as teams prepare for the June 26 Draft.

PGA Championship Set to Tee Off Amid McIlroy Blister Scare

The golf world converges on Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, this week for the 2026 PGA Championship, the second major of the year. A field of 156 elite golfers, representing the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and LIV Golf, will vie for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy, with play commencing Thursday morning.

Aronimink, a classic Donald Ross design, is set to challenge players with its undulating greens, tree-lined fairways, and strategic bunkering. Playing as a par-70 at approximately 7,300 yards, the course demands precision off the tee and a deft touch around the greens. Notable holes include the demanding par-4 18th, often playing into the wind, and the challenging stretch around the turn. The course previously hosted the 1962 PGA Championship, won by Gary Player, and has a rich history of major events.

The opening round is scheduled to begin at 6:45 a.m. ET, with the trio of Braden Shattuck, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Ben Griffin having the honor of teeing off first. The field includes golf’s biggest stars, from defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who has maintained exceptional form this season, to Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Collin Morikawa.

However, pre-tournament discussions have been dominated by the health of two-time PGA Champion Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman, who secured his first major of the year at the Masters, was forced to cut short his Tuesday practice round after just three holes due to a blister on his right pinky toe. The injury reportedly emerged during last week’s Truist Championship. While McIlroy has assured media that the issue is minor, any physical discomfort could prove detrimental on a course as demanding as Aronimink, potentially impacting his grip and swing through a grueling four rounds.

Despite McIlroy’s recent Masters triumph and strong form, CBS Sports golf experts Patrick McDonald and Robby Kalland have both bypassed the traditional top contenders in their expert picks. Instead, they have thrown their support behind Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg, currently listed at 20-1 odds to win. Åberg, known for his prodigious driving and composed demeanor, has enjoyed a breakout season, including multiple top-10 finishes and a recent victory on the PGA Tour. His consistent ball-striking and ability to navigate challenging courses make him an intriguing dark horse candidate to hoist his first major championship trophy. Other notable picks and analysis from the CBS Sports team delve into matchups, long shots, and players to fade, providing comprehensive coverage for golf enthusiasts.

College Sports Expansion: Unpacking Winners and Losers

The landscape of collegiate athletics is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the expansion of NCAA basketball tournaments and the potential enlargement of the College Football Playoff. These changes are poised to create both new opportunities and challenges for conferences and institutions across the country.

In basketball, both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments are formally expanding to a 76-team bracket, a format set to debut next season. For the women’s tournament, this marks the second expansion in five years, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth and increasing competitiveness. CBS Sports’ Isabel Gonzalez provided a detailed breakdown of the new women’s tournament structure, including implications for automatic qualifiers, at-large bids, and overall scheduling. Coaches interviewed expressed a mix of optimism for increased access and concerns regarding the potential dilution of the regular season and added strain on player welfare.

On the football front, the College Football Playoff, currently operating under a 12-team model, is widely expected to expand further. CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello reported that the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is anticipated to endorse a move to a 24-team CFP field, aligning with the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences. This consensus among power conferences signals a strong push towards doubling the number of teams competing for the national championship.

The primary beneficiaries of this expansion are largely the power conferences. The increased number of bids, whether for basketball or football, will predominantly funnel to teams within these larger, wealthier leagues. CBS Sports’ David Cobb elucidated this reality in his analysis of the "winners and losers" of college sports expansion. Power conference teams will find more pathways to the postseason, potentially easing the pressure of regular-season performance for teams on the bubble and providing more opportunities for revenue generation through increased media rights and participation units.

However, the expansion is not without its drawbacks and its "losers." Mid-major conferences and their member institutions face the risk of further marginalization. While theoretically offering more access, the expanded brackets may still disproportionately favor power conference teams, making it harder for mid-majors to secure at-large bids or gain significant exposure. Furthermore, concerns persist regarding the impact on student-athlete welfare, with longer seasons and increased travel demands, as well as the potential for regular-season games to lose some of their critical importance if playoff berths become more readily available. The long-term implications for competitive balance and the overall structure of college sports remain a subject of ongoing debate.

UFC 328 Results Reshape Pound-for-Pound Rankings

UFC 328 delivered one of the most significant upsets in recent memory, dramatically altering the promotion’s pound-for-pound rankings. In the main event, Sean Strickland dethroned the previously undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a narrow, yet decisive, split-decision victory, claiming the middleweight title for the second time in his career.

The fight, a gritty five-round battle, saw Strickland execute a tactical masterclass, effectively neutralizing Chimaev’s vaunted grappling and consistently landing precise strikes. Chimaev, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most dominant rising stars and a heavy favorite heading into the bout, struggled to find his rhythm against Strickland’s relentless pressure and unconventional striking style. The victory marked a career-defining moment for Strickland, whose tenacious approach and unwavering self-belief propelled him to a second reign as middleweight champion.

Following the stunning upset, Strickland has made a significant ascent in the CBS Sports pound-for-pound rankings, while Chimaev experienced a notable drop. Strickland’s victory over an undefeated top contender demonstrated his elite capabilities and earned him a prominent spot among the sport’s best. Chimaev’s team has already indicated that a rematch is the "only fight he will accept right now," signaling a potential immediate return bout that would once again electrify the middleweight division. This shift in the top echelons of the rankings has created a domino effect, with six fighters within the top 10 adjusting their positions as the competitive landscape recalibrates.

Additional Sports Headlines

• WNBA Season Commences: The 2026 WNBA season tipped off with strong viewership numbers, highlighted by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark’s debut for the Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural game. Early results indicate a highly competitive league, with established stars and new talent vying for early-season dominance.
• MLB Early Season Surprises: In Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals have emerged as an unexpected contender in the American League Central, exceeding preseason expectations with a strong pitching rotation and clutch hitting. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels continue to struggle despite strong individual performances from their star players.
• NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Heat Up: The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is intensifying, with several series heading to crucial Game 5s. High-stakes matchups, including the Minnesota Wild against the Colorado Avalanche, are showcasing intense rivalries and high-level hockey as teams battle for conference final berths.

Wednesday’s Sports Broadcast Schedule

• MLB: Angels at Guardians, 1:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network)
• NBA Draft Combine: Live Coverage, 2 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
• Coppa Italia Final: Lazio vs. Inter Milan, 3 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
• MLB: Yankees at Orioles, 6:35 p.m. ET (ESPN Unlimited)
• MLB: Phillies at Red Sox, 6:45 p.m. ET (MLB Network)
• MLS: NYCFC at Charlotte, 7 p.m. ET (FS1)
• NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers at Pistons, Game 5, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
• NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wild at Avalanche, Game 5, 8 p.m. ET (TNT)
• WNBA: Aces at Sun, 8 p.m. ET (USA Network)
• MLS: Austin at San Diego, 9:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
• MLB: Cardinals at Athletics, 9:40 p.m. ET (Peacock)
• MLB: Giants at Dodgers, 10:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network)
• WNBA: Fever at Sparks, 10:30 p.m. ET (USA Network)

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