Morning sports update: Heat to join Celtics in pursuit of Gordon Hayward
The Red Sox are heading to Houston for a three-game series against the Astros, while Tom Brady’s promotional tour in Asia kicks off on Sunday.
Heat to join Celtics in pursuit of Jazz All-Star Gordon Hayward: Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz regard the Heat as no less a threat to lure Hayward away than the Celtics, whose interest in the former Butler star has been anticipated for some time largely thanks to the presence of Hayward’s college coach, Brad Stevens, on Boston’s bench. (ESPN)
NBA draft talk: Will Celtics pass on Fultz? Lakers to trade No. 2 pick?: “[Josh] Jackson is an Ainge player all the way. Tough, athletic, long, versatile, elite motor. If he’s keeping the pick, Jackson just to me, far and away, is the most Celtics-type player for them to draft. From all my conversations with them, I’m convinced they’ll take Jackson No. 1.” (ESPN)
Chris Sale deals but Red Sox lose 1-0 to Phillies: Sale allowed four hits with 10 strikeouts, upping his major league-leading total to 136. It was his 44th career double-digit strikeout game and ninth this season. (Boston.com)
MLB players can use nicknames on back of jersey, wear bright-colored shoes during ‘Players Weekend’: The event, called Players Weekend, is planned for Aug. 25-27 and was negotiated between the league and MLB Players Association. Players long have sought to express their personal style on the field and capitalize on the intersection of fashion and sports in a way other leagues don’t allow, and the result will be a test of boundaries baseball may be inclined to stretch in the future depending on the weekend’s success. (Yahoo! Sports)
Red Sox to wear nicknames on back of jerseys: Red Sox president Sam Kennedy confirmed in an email to WEEI.com that the Red Sox will wear nicknames on the back of their jerseys even though the team typically doesn’t wear names on the back of its home uniforms. (WEEI)
“Touchdown in Israel II” with 18 Hall of Famers led by Patriots Owner Robert Kraft: Eighteen Hall of Famers, and their spouses or guests, are participating in the weeklong “Touchdown in Israel II”. The group of football legends are accompanying Kraft on the ambassador trip to Israel. The Hall of Famers will experience the culture and history of Israel and participate in special football events showcasing the growth of the game in the country. (Patriots.com)
