Zion Tech Group

Tag: Forwards

  • 2025 NBA free agent rankings: Top power forwards available this summer


    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3bLcVQ_0yj9mmp200

    POINT GUARDS / SHOOTING GUARDS /

    SMALL FORWARDS / CENTERS

    1

    Julius Randle / Minnesota / Player Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0aotBI_0yj9mmp200
    Sarah Stier/Getty Images

    A great driver of the ball, a good playmaker and scorer from the midrange and near the bucket. Also, a solid three-point shooter who can even hit some triples off the dribble. He was a clunky fit in his first campaign in Minnesota and is a better player than he’s been able to show in 2024-25.

    2024/25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 4.5 apg, 7.2 rpg, 0.7 spg, 0.2 bpg, 47 FG%, 32.1 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $31,695,840

    Career earnings: $162,231,642

    Agent: George Bass, Steve Heumann, Aaron Mintz

    2

    Santiago Aldama / Memphis / Restricted

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3EazNw_0yj9mmp200
    Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

    Nice athlete and inconsistent three-point shooter but plays with loads of effort, makes winning plays and has good feel for the game.

    2024/25 stats: 12.8 ppg, 2.5 apg, 6.8 rpg, 0.8 spg, 0.5 bpg, 49.2 FG%, 37.2 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $3,960,531

    Career earnings: $10,243,371

    Agent: Aaron Mintz, Steve Heumann, Maxwell Saidman, Austin Brown

    3

    Bobby Portis / Milwaukee / Player Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0J93gc_0yj9mmp200
    Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

    Good scorer for a big man thanks to post-game, spot-up shooting and face-up game. Solid rebounder, too, but not the most impactful defender. One of the better off-the-bench big men in the league.

    2024/25 stats: 13.4 ppg, 2.0 apg, 7.9 rpg, 0.7 spg, 0.5 bpg, 46.6 FG%, 36.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $12,578,286

    Career earnings: $64,862,440

    Agent: Mark Bartelstein and Reggie Brown

    4

    John Collins / Utah / Player Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4HrJt0_0yj9mmp200
    Rob Gray-Imagn Images

    Explosive 4-man who can shoot from the outside with his feet set. Maybe not the most impactful towards winning, though. Bouncy around the basket and can really throw down big dunks. Pretty much a nil on defense. Even so, his numbers look much better this year and that could make teams more interested in him this summer.

    2024/25 stats: 18.1 ppg, 2.3 apg, 8.3 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 53.5 FG%, 45.5 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $26,580,000

    Career earnings: $109,479,862

    Agent: Sean Kennedy and Jeff Schwartz

    5

    Dorian Finney-Smith / LA Lakers / Player Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2hiVjG_0yj9mmp200
    Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

    How he does in the biggest market in the NBA will determine a lot about his free agency. Solid 3-and-D wing who can defend multiple positions, hit open threes and score off of off-ball cuts.

    2024/25 stats: 8.9 ppg, 1.3 apg, 3.9 rpg, 0.9 spg, 0.4 bpg, 46.8 FG%, 43.1 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $14,924,167

    Career earnings: $57,197,056

    Agent: Michael Tellem and Jeff Schwartz

    6

    Guerschon Yabusele / Philadelphia

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=28nWuJ_0yj9mmp200
    Michael Reaves/Getty Images

    Has had an excellent return season as a role player in the NBA after years overseas. Versatile defender, quick feet, strong, stout and able to hit open threes and finish around the cup.

    2024/25 stats: 11.1 ppg, 2.0 apg, 5.6 rpg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg, 52.3 FG%, 40.0 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,087,519

    Career earnings: $8,041,679

    Agent: Andrew Morrison and Olivier Mazet

    7

    Chris Boucher / Toronto

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Oac4q_0yj9mmp200
    Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

    Mobile big man who hits some threes and blocks some shots. Decent lob target but sometimes tries to do too much on offense.

    2024/25 stats: 10.5 ppg, 0.6 apg, 4.3 rpg, 0.5 spg, 0.6 bpg, 50.6 FG%, 37.5 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $10,810,000

    Career earnings: $50,892,899

    Agent: Sam Permut

    8

    Jake LaRavia / Sacramento

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0u2Y8U_0yj9mmp200
    Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

    Makes up for mid-level athleticism with good basketball instincts and great decision-making. Can hit open threes and is an impressive playmaker for his position.

    2024/25 stats: 7.5 ppg, 2.9 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 spg, 0.4 bpg, 49.2 FG%, 44.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $3,352,680

    Career earnings: $9,600,240

    Agent: Aaron Reilly

    9

    Larry Nance Jr. / Atlanta

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4VQ2wu_0yj9mmp200
    Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

    Bouncy power forward/center who is at his best around the basket finishing out of the pick-and-roll. Solid lob threat. Won’t provide much floor-spacing but underrated passer.

    2024/25 stats: 8.5 ppg, 1.6 apg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 spg, 0.6 bpg, 51.2 FG%, 45.3 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $11,205,000

    Career earnings: $72,487,052

    Agent: Mark Bartelstein and Kieran Piller

    10

    Taurean Prince / Milwaukee

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2pM8a5_0yj9mmp200
    Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

    3-and-D swingman with the size and toughness to play some small-ball power forward in certain lineups.

    2024/25 stats: 7.5 ppg, 2.1 apg, 3.7 rpg, 0.8 spg, 44.9 FG%, 45.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,988,550

    Career earnings: $50,938,590

    Agent: Rich Beda, Steve Heumann, Dave Spahn

    11

    Nicolas Batum / LA Clippers / Player Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ZC1H3_0yj9mmp200
    Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

    Vet whose career could be nearing its end. However, when he’s out there, he can still provide a positive impact with his floor-spacing and defensive versatility. Great locker room leader.

    2024/25 stats: 3.4 ppg, 1.4 apg, 2.9 rpg, 0.6 spg, 0.4 bpg, 39.6 FG%, 38.6 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $4,668,000

    Career earnings: $204,216,957

    Agent: Bouna Ndiaye

    12

    Trey Lyles / Sacramento

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46l8yz_0yj9mmp200
    Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

    Veteran 4 who has played a whole lot of NBA games in his career. Quick first step, mobile, solid driver and can shoot it with his feet set from three.

    2024/25 stats: 6.5 ppg, 1.0 apg, 4.8 rpg, 0.6 spg, 0.5 bpg, 39.9 FG%, 33.6 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $8,000,000

    Career earnings: $42,511,049

    Agent: Rich Paul and Lucas Newton

    13

    Jaylin Williams / Oklahoma City / Team Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4OyRck_0yj9mmp200
    Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

    Young big man with some potential because of his three-point shooting but hasn’t been able to unlock that higher level quite yet.

    2024/25 stats: 6.0 ppg, 2.4 apg, 5.3 rpg, 0.5 spg, 0.7 bpg, 42.3 FG%, 35.5 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,019,699

    Career earnings: $6,019,699

    Agent: Sean Kennedy and Marcus Monk

    14

    Jalen Wilson / Brooklyn / Team Option

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1nQ5tb_0yj9mmp200
    Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

    Power forward with some face-up scoring to his game. Can hit threes when he’s left open.

    2024/25 stats: 9.6 ppg, 1.9 apg, 3.5 rpg, 0.5 spg, 39.4 FG%, 31.1 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $1,891,857

    Career earnings: $2,741,857

    Agent: Bill Duffy, David Mondress, Diego Arguelles, Justin Haynes

    15

    Jae Crowder / Sacramento

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12Kcuf_0yj9mmp200
    Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 2.9 ppg, 0.6 apg, 2.4 rpg, 0.4 spg, 35.3 FG%, 25.0 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,620,232

    Career earnings: $72,283,986

    Agent: Glenn Schwartzman

    16

    Markieff Morris / LA Lakers

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=49sva0_0yj9mmp200
    Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 1.7 ppg, 0.6 apg, 1.1 rpg, 22.7 FG%, 15.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $3,303,771

    Career earnings: $58,555,635

    Agent: Chafie Fields

    17

    Jeff Green / Houston

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2jBTqE_0yj9mmp200
    Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 4.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 53.8 FG%, 33.3 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $8,000,000

    Career earnings: $97,434,810

    Agent: Jason Glushon and Joey Pennavaria

    18

    Isaac Jones / Sacramento

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1fKhRi_0yj9mmp200
    John Todd/Getty Images

    2024/25 stats: 3.6 ppg, 0.3 apg, 1.4 rpg, 0.3 bpg, 66.7 FG%, 25.0 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $578,577

    Career earnings: $578,577

    Agent: Greg Lawrence

    19

    Bol Bol / Phoenix

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1DKrDP_0yj9mmp200
    David Richard-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 3.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 53.6 FG%, 23.1 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,425,403

    Career earnings: $11,089,363

    Agent: BJ Armstrong

    20

    Trendon Watford / Brooklyn

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3f7ZfJ_0yj9mmp200
    Brad Penner-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 7.9 ppg, 1.3 apg, 3.0 rpg, 0.4 spg, 43.1 FG%, 29.0 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,726,603

    Career earnings: $7,078,657

    Agent: Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith

    21

    Jeremiah Robinson-Earl / New Orleans

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Qj2X8_0yj9mmp200
    Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 5.6 ppg, 1.2 apg, 4.8 rpg, 0.7 spg, 44.4 FG%, 30.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $2,196,970

    Career earnings: $8,745,813

    Agent: Alex Saratsis

    22

    Gui Santos / Golden State

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2Uzven_0yj9mmp200
    D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

    2024/25 stats: 4.0 ppg, 1.2 apg, 2.7 rpg, 0.4 spg, 47.3 FG%, 40.4 3P%

    2024/25 earnings: $1,891,857

    Career earnings: $2,921,340

    Agent: Aylton Tesch



    2025 NBA Free Agent Rankings: Top Power Forwards Available This Summer

    As the 2025 NBA free agency period approaches, teams are already planning their strategies to target the best available talent. One position that will be highly coveted this summer is power forward, with a number of top players set to hit the open market. Here are the top power forwards who will be available in free agency this summer:

    1. Zion Williamson – After a breakout season with the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson will be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2025. The athletic forward has shown tremendous potential and is poised to be a franchise player for any team willing to pay top dollar.

    2. Julius Randle – The New York Knicks’ forward had a stellar season in 2024, earning All-Star honors and leading his team to the playoffs. Randle will be looking for a big payday this summer and could be a valuable addition to any team in need of a versatile power forward.

    3. Lauri Markkanen – The Chicago Bulls’ sharpshooting big man will be a restricted free agent in 2025, meaning the Bulls will have the opportunity to match any offers he receives. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor and score from the perimeter will make him a valuable asset for any team.

    4. Jaren Jackson Jr. – The Memphis Grizzlies’ young forward has shown flashes of brilliance in his short NBA career and will be looking to cash in on his potential this summer. Jackson Jr.’s ability to block shots and score from the outside will make him a hot commodity on the free agent market.

    5. Aaron Gordon – The Denver Nuggets’ forward has been a solid contributor for his team and will be looking for a new opportunity in free agency. Gordon’s athleticism and defensive prowess make him an attractive option for teams in need of a versatile power forward.

    These are just a few of the top power forwards who will be available in the 2025 NBA free agency period. Teams will be eager to make moves to improve their rosters and these players will be at the top of many teams’ wish lists. Stay tuned for more updates as free agency approaches.

    Tags:

    NBA free agent rankings 2025, top power forwards, summer free agency, NBA offseason, NBA free agent market, power forward rankings, 2025 free agent class, NBA free agency updates, basketball free agency, NBA player contracts

    #NBA #free #agent #rankings #Top #power #forwards #summer

  • Tyler Bilodeau injury update: Mick Cronin jokes about UCLA forward’s desire to play through pain


    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3XiJmP_0yR2OEDn00
    Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA – © Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

    The UCLA Bruins were able to earn a road win against the Washington Huskies . However, along the way, it appeared head coach Mick Cronin also saw his Bruins team suffer a loss when forward Tyler Bilodeau went down with an injury.

    Cronin explained following the game that Bilodeau turned his ankle and while he wanted to play through it, that wouldn’t have been the smart long-term decision for the Bruins. So, while joking about his toughness, Cronin explained why he was limited later in the game.

    CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

    “I didn’t like the way he was moving,” Mick Cronin said . “It’s hard for me to get a lot of info and it’s hard for a trainer to really assess things on the fly like that. He turned his ankle. So, you’re basically just looking — a kid like him, he’s going to say he wants to play. You could hit him in the head with a bat and He’s gonna says, ‘I want to play.’”

    For the game, Tyler Bilodeau was unable to get a score in just three minutes played. That came after he played 31 minutes against Wisconsin in their previous game. For the season, he’s averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three-point range. That’s while averaging 26.9 minutes per game this season.

    Moving forward, Mick Cronin knows what Tyler Bilodeau is going to be important for UCLA. So, it was better for the one game to trust the team’s depth and not risk a worse injury.

    “When he said he wanted to play, I put him in but I didn’t like the way he was moving. I’m more worried about his career and the rest of our season,” Cronin said.

    “Like I told the team, we’ve got enough players. I’ve got confidence in you guys. We just got to care. My tirade about caring, if we act like we care, we won’t make mistakes, we’ll play smart. You’ve got to care. We’ve been an A+ in caring and mental — you can tell when a team cares.”

    UCLA ended up beating Washington 65-60. Four different Bruins scored in double digits for the game. The major difference in the game ended up being three-point shooting, with UCLA making 52.9 percent from distance compared to just 22.7 percent from Washington.

    Now, Cronin and the Bruins will turn their attention to the USC Trojans . That game is coming quickly on Tuesday night.

    The post Tyler Bilodeau injury update: Mick Cronin jokes about UCLA forward’s desire to play through pain appeared first on On3 .



    UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau has been battling through a nagging injury, but head coach Mick Cronin isn’t surprised by his determination to play through the pain.

    During a recent press conference, Cronin joked about Bilodeau’s toughness, saying, “Tyler is a warrior. He would probably play with a broken leg if we let him. But don’t worry, we won’t be putting him out there with any serious injuries.”

    Bilodeau has been a key player for the Bruins this season, averaging double-digit points and rebounds per game. Despite his injury, he has continued to contribute on both ends of the court and is determined to help lead UCLA to success.

    Fans can expect to see Bilodeau continue to push through the pain and give it his all on the court, as he is truly a warrior in every sense of the word.

    Tags:

    1. Tyler Bilodeau injury update
    2. UCLA forward injury update
    3. Mick Cronin jokes about Tyler Bilodeau injury
    4. UCLA forward Tyler Bilodeau update
    5. UCLA forward desire to play through pain
    6. Tyler Bilodeau injury recovery
    7. Mick Cronin comments on Tyler Bilodeau injury
    8. UCLA basketball injury news
    9. Tyler Bilodeau pain tolerance
    10. UCLA forward injury update 2021

    #Tyler #Bilodeau #injury #update #Mick #Cronin #jokes #UCLA #forwards #desire #play #pain

  • Chelsea re-open talks over wantaway Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel – but face competiton from SEVEN rivals for young forward’s signature


    • Mathys Tel appears to have had a change of heart over leaving Bayern Munich 
    • Bayern could well sign one of Chelsea’s widely admired attackers for £70m 
    • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ruben Amorim’s comments are remarkable… but can we blame him? 

    Chelsea have resumed talks with Bayern Munich for Mathys Tel after the forward declared he is ready to leave. 

    The 19-year-old has seven offers on the table, with other Premier League sides interested.

    Manchester United could yet come into the equation before Monday while Tottenham, Aston Villa and Arsenal have discussed him in recent months. 

    The Frenchman had told Chelsea he wanted to stay in Germany following their enquiry early in the window but he has failed to figure in the last three games.

    Tel joined Bayern aged 17 from French club Rennes for £25million in the summer of 2022 to much praise from then manager Julian Nagelsmann

    However, after featuring regularly in his first two campaign, Tel has struggled to nail down a place under Vincent Kompany, who prefers either Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, or Serge Gnabry onthe left flank. 

    Chelsea have resumed talks with Bayern Munich over a potential move for Mathys Tel, 19

    Chelsea have resumed talks with Bayern Munich over a potential move for Mathys Tel, 19

    It just so happens that Bayern hold an interest in Chelsea's £70m-rated Christopher Nkunku

    It just so happens that Bayern hold an interest in Chelsea’s £70m-rated Christopher Nkunku

    Meanwhile, Bayern hold an interest in Chelsea’s £70m-rated forward Christopher Nkunku, who Manchester United have made a shock loan enquiry over. 

    Mail Sport previously reported that Nkunku has agreed to go to Bayern if they meet Chelsea’s £70m asking price. 

    Nkunku, 27, has endured a frustrating 18 months since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer of 2023.

    After spending much of last season injured, the Frenchman has started just three Premier League games this time around and has mainly featured in cup competitions for Enzo Maresca’s side.

    Nkunku, 27, has endured a frustrating 18 months since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer of 2023.

    After spending much of last season injured, the Frenchman has started just three Premier League games this time around and has mainly featured in cup competitions for Enzo Maresca’s side.



    Chelsea have reignited their interest in Bayern Munich’s young forward Mathys Tel, who has expressed his desire to leave the German club this summer. The Blues are reported to have reopened talks with Tel’s representatives, but they face stiff competition from seven other clubs who are also vying for the talented striker’s signature.

    Tel, who is just 21 years old, has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time now, with the club viewing him as a potential long-term solution to their attacking woes. The young forward has shown immense promise during his time at Bayern Munich, but he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.

    With Tel keen to seek a new challenge elsewhere, Chelsea are hoping to swoop in and secure his services before the start of the new season. However, they will have to fend off interest from the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, PSG, and four other top European clubs who are all keen on signing the talented forward.

    It remains to be seen where Tel will ultimately end up, but one thing is for certain – the race for his signature is heating up, and Chelsea will have to move quickly if they want to secure the services of this highly sought-after young talent. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing transfer saga.

    Tags:

    1. Chelsea FC
    2. Mathys Tel
    3. Bayern Munich
    4. Transfer Talks
    5. Premier League
    6. Football News
    7. Transfer Rumours
    8. Young Forward
    9. Competition
    10. Signature Bid

    #Chelsea #reopen #talks #wantaway #Bayern #Munich #star #Mathys #Tel #face #competiton #rivals #young #forwards #signature

  • Retired NBA forward’s LaMelo Ball All-Star take won’t age well


    Hot takes.

    Some are good, and some are bad. But Chandler Parsons, who last played in the NBA in the 2019-20 season, spoke out about LaMelo Ball not becoming an All-Star starter. And let’s just say Parsons’ take was quite controversial.

    During an episode of “Run It Back,” Parsons and his co-hosts discussed Ball not getting enough votes to start in the 2025 All-Star Game despite placing first in fan voting.

    The retired forward said, “It’s not a snub because you can’t reward a guy on a bottom team like that. The guy is having a heck of a year — his numbers are through the roof. He’s averaging 30-plus points, whatever it is. But we’re talking an NBA starter — I think you have to be on a relevant team or somewhat of a good team to get that.”

    LaMelo Ball deserves to start despite Parsons’ sentiment

    Okay, the Hornets are not the best team by any stretch compared to the rest of the league, but Ball surely deserves a starting spot. His numbers prove it (as Parsons mentioned) and he’s at that point in his career (fifth season) where he has become the face of the franchise. Arguably, it all began when he first threw on a Charlotte jersey.

    The roster around Ball is not at the point of reaching greater heights yet, but until that happens, the Chino Hills, California native will have to continue standing out in the spotlight amongst the rest of his teammates.

    The most interesting part from a voting aspect is that Ball won the fan vote — so logically, why not have him as a starter? The fans want to watch him play, so let the people have it — this all intertwines with the discussion of why the viewership has been down.

    There’s no way to argue with what the fans want — they are the ones paying for tickets.

    Ball will receive the credit he deserves, and one way or another, he already has. The 2021 Rookie of the Year should be a lock to play in the midseason showcase, even though his second All-Star berth would again see him suiting up as a reserve. However, it will be sooner rather than later when he finally secures an All-Star starting spot.

    At least that’s the hope.



    Retired NBA forward’s LaMelo Ball All-Star take won’t age well

    Former NBA forward turned analyst Charles Barkley recently made a bold prediction, stating that rookie LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets would be an All-Star in the near future. While Ball has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, it may be premature to anoint him as an All-Star just yet.

    Many critics argue that Ball’s lack of efficiency and consistency, particularly on the defensive end, could hinder his chances of earning an All-Star nod. Additionally, the Eastern Conference is stacked with talented guards, making it even more challenging for Ball to break through.

    Only time will tell if Barkley’s prediction will come to fruition, but for now, it seems that the retired NBA forward’s take on LaMelo Ball’s All-Star potential may not age well.

    Tags:

    1. LaMelo Ball
    2. NBA
    3. Retired NBA forward
    4. All-Star
    5. Basketball
    6. Sports
    7. Charlotte Hornets
    8. Prediction
    9. Analysis
    10. NBA Draft

    #Retired #NBA #forwards #LaMelo #Ball #AllStar #wont #age

  • Kai Havertz: Police investigating social media abuse aimed at Arsenal forward’s wife


    Police are investigating after the wife of Kai Havertz received online abuse following Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.

    Havertz, 25, had his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Altay Bayindir as United won 5-3 on penalties after the tie had finished 1-1. The Germany international also missed a chance to score from close range before the end of normal time.

    Later on Sunday evening, Sophia Havertz, who married the former Chelsea forward last year, shared screenshots of abusive messages she had received on Instagram, including threats to the couple’s unborn child.

    “For anyone to think it’s okay to write something like this is so shocking to me. I hope you are so ashamed of yourself,” she wrote in a caption to one of the screenshots.

    Hertfordshire Police told The Athletic: “Officers have received a report of malicious communications towards a Hertfordshire resident on Sunday 12 January. Enquiries are underway.”

    Arsenal have also employed a specialist data science company to help identify the people responsible. Instagram has since removed the messages for breaching its community guidelines.

    Mikel Arteta on Tuesday challenged social media platforms to help “eradicate” incidents of online hate in football.

    “We really have to do something about it, because accepting that and hiding this has terrible consequences,” said Arteta. “It’s something we have to eradicate from the game because it’s so cynical and dependent on the result of an action.”

    He added: “(It’s) a really serious matter. It affects me. It affects him and everybody that is in the industry. We can accept it and say that’s our job, but there are certain limits and the line has to be drawn.”

    Arsenal, second in the Premier League after Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, return to action at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.

    (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)



    Kai Havertz: Police investigating social media abuse aimed at Arsenal forward’s wife

    The police are currently investigating a series of abusive messages directed at the wife of Arsenal forward Kai Havertz on social media. The German international’s wife has been subjected to a barrage of hateful and threatening comments, prompting the authorities to step in and take action.

    Havertz, who joined Arsenal in a big-money transfer last summer, has been a key player for the team this season. However, off the pitch, his wife has been targeted by online trolls, with some going as far as making violent threats against her.

    This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in football or society as a whole. It is essential that we do not tolerate such abuse and take a stand against those who seek to spread hate and vitriol online.

    The police are working diligently to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abusive messages, and it is hoped that justice will be served swiftly. In the meantime, Havertz and his family have the full support of Arsenal and their fans during this difficult time.

    Let us all come together to condemn such despicable behavior and show that love and respect will always triumph over hate and cruelty. #StopOnlineAbuse #WeStandWithKaiHavertz.

    Tags:

    Kai Havertz, Arsenal, social media abuse, police investigation, football, wife, online harassment, cyberbullying, Premier League, online safety

    #Kai #Havertz #Police #investigating #social #media #abuse #aimed #Arsenal #forwards #wife

  • 2024 Chicago Fire in Review: The Forwards

    2024 Chicago Fire in Review: The Forwards


    The Chicago Fire have struggled to score goals consistently in recent seasons, but their squad in 2024 had moments when it looked like the franchise had finally turned the corner after some lean goalscoring campaigns.

    Hugo Cuypers was exactly what the club needed in a lead striker, and Brian Gutiérrez continued to progress as an attacking player in 2024.

    2024 Chicago Fire in Review: The Forwards

    Hugo Cuypers

    Hugo Cuypers delivered a solid performance in his first season after joining the Fire on a club-record deal ahead of their 2024 MLS campaign. Cuypers led the team with ten goals and only trailed goalkeeper Chris Brady for the most minutes on the Fire with 2,617 over 31 appearances (all starts).

    Chicago’s number nine can run forever and provides a high-pressing option throughout the 90 minutes. The Fire still needs to find a consistent service partner on the wing for Cuypers, as it’s been well-documented that he is at his best with a high volume of service from his attacking counterparts. If they can, Chicago’s first double-digit goalscorer in years should have more than ten goals in 2025.

    Georgios Koutsias

    Georgios Koutsias never fully found his footing in MLS after joining the Fire in March 2023, though he showed signs of improvement in bursts during his second season in Chicago. He struggled to get off the bench and only made five MLS starts, compiling 810 minutes, 200 fewer than in 2023.

    Things turned in Koutsias’ favor, beginning with goals in consecutive League Cup matches. He then scored goals in consecutive matches against Inter Miami and RBNY.

    Koutsias will look to build on his MLS experience on loan with FC Lugano in 2025. If the Swiss Super League side exercises its purchase option on the forward’s deal, he could remain there long-term.

    Maren Haile-Selassie

    Maren Haile-Selassie was once again a consistent source of shot-creating actions in his second season with the Chicago Fire after the club exercised its purchase option on his contract after the 2023 MLS season. His five goals were the third-most on a Fire side that struggled to find the net in 2024, and he managed to generate 58 shot-creating actions, tied for second on the team, per fbref.

    Haile-Selassie remains under contract for two more MLS seasons and he should remain a starting option at winger in 2025.

    Tom Barlow

    The Fire acquired Barlow from RBNY ahead of the 2024 campaign, and the former University of Wisconsin star struggled to find the back of the net during his first season in Chicago. Barlow’s two goals came after September 1, with the Fire largely out of the playoff picture, but it provided a few positives for the backup striker to build on entering 2025. 

    As of December 30, 2024, Barlow is the only other natural striker on the roster, along with Hugo Cuypers.

    Brian Gutiérrez

    Brian Gutiérrez was once again a mainstay in the Fire’s lineup in 2024, as he generated six goals and five assists in all competitions. The pressure was put on Gutiérrez’s shoulders in 2024, and there were spurts in which he fit into that role well under former coach Frank Klopas. The Fire had a far more aggressive Gutiérrez in 2024 as he set career-highs with 59 shots and 18 shots on target in MLS.

    New Fire director of Football and head coach Gregg Berhalter told On Tap Sports Net after his introductory press conference that he has “a good way to communicate with [Gutiérrez]. I think he’s open with me, I’m open with him.” In an ideal world, that relationship should take the Homegrown attacker to the next level in 2025.

    Chris Mueller

    Chris Mueller was all over the pitch for the Fire in 2024, even lining up at right back as he looked to get his MLS career back on track after hip surgery ended his 2023 season early. Mueller managed two assists in over 1,300 minutes on the pitch and had moments where you saw the winger that dazzled early in his career with Orlando City.

    Mueller is only under contract for the 2025 MLS season, so he will be playing to prove that he still belongs at this level after a tough few years. 





    As we look back on the 2024 Chicago Fire season, one of the key areas of focus was the performance of the forwards. With a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming talent, the Fire’s attacking line was a force to be reckoned with.

    Leading the charge was veteran forward Carlos Vela, who continued to showcase his scoring prowess with 15 goals and 8 assists on the season. Vela’s ability to create scoring opportunities and finish in front of goal was instrumental in the team’s success.

    Joining Vela up top was rising star striker Mason Toye, who had a breakout season with 10 goals and 5 assists. Toye’s speed, agility, and finishing ability made him a constant threat to opposing defenses and a valuable asset to the Fire’s attacking line.

    In addition to Vela and Toye, the Fire also saw contributions from young forwards like Jhon Duran and Sophie Smith, who each had standout performances throughout the season. Duran’s technical skill and creativity on the ball provided a spark to the offense, while Smith’s speed and tenacity made her a constant nuisance for defenders.

    Overall, the Fire’s forwards played a crucial role in the team’s success in 2024, combining for a total of 40 goals and 20 assists on the season. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the future looks bright for the Chicago Fire’s attacking line.

    Tags:

    1. Chicago Fire 2024
    2. Forward players Chicago Fire
    3. Review of Chicago Fire forwards
    4. Chicago Fire season recap
    5. Best forwards Chicago Fire 2024
    6. Top goal scorers Chicago Fire
    7. Chicago Fire attack analysis
    8. Player performance review Chicago Fire
    9. MLS season review Chicago Fire forwards
    10. Chicago Fire offense in 2024

    #Chicago #Fire #Review #Forwards

Chat Icon