Ezekiel Elliott was not amused by Saturday's "Zeke who?" quip from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and thought it was "disrespectful," according to Elliott's agent.

"I didn't think it was funny and neither did Zeke -- we actually thought it was disrespectful," agent Rocky Arceneaux told ESPN on Monday afternoon.

Arceneaux said Elliott continues his contract holdout while training in Cabo San Lucas "at a great facility."

Jones answered a question about Elliott after the Cowboys' preseason game Saturday in Hawaii with "Zeke who?"

The Cowboys owner then clarified he wanted Elliott to know he was just "cracking a joke at Zeke's expense."

Jones had been asked if running back Tony Pollard, who is having a strong training camp, was the best negotiating ploy the Cowboys have in talks with Elliott, which drew his response.

Arceneaux did not reveal any details related to contract negotiations.

Elliott has yet to report to training camp and is subject to fines totaling more than $900,000 as he seeks a contract extension.

Pollard had 51 yards on the Cowboys' first drive Saturday, which ended with his 14-yard touchdown run.

"He knows exactly what to do, and he knows how to do it, so it is, he goes out there and he plays to that level," Jones said. "If he continues this through the next several weeks, he's going to be right in the middle of it early, and that will really complement what we're doing with Zeke. Not replace that. And I mean that, not replace that. Nobody's getting cute here, but it'll certainly be a great complement. ... I can picture those guys same sets at the same times out there and really giving those defenses fits."

ESPN's Todd Archer contributed to this report.

During the offseason, 2,880 human beings (32 teams x 90 players) can be rostered by an NFL team. Once Week 1 rolls around, that number is cut down to 1,696 (32 x 53). The ESPN Fantasy player database includes nearly 2,500 players.

You can't be expected to know all of those players, which is why "The 192" is here to make your life easier.

Why 192? Fantasy leagues come in all shapes and sizes, but many have settled into leagues featuring 12 teams of 16 players. "The 192" is a list of the 192 players who should be drafted (and thus rostered) in a 12-team, 16-round PPR league with relatively standard scoring and lineup settings. The players are technically listed in the order they should be drafted, though it's important to remember that drafts are fluid and your decisions should be altered based on what's left on the board and your previous selections.

So what if you're in an eight-team league? Or a 16-teamer? "The 192" can still help you win, but you'll certainly need to make tweaks in the mid-to-late rounds. For example, in a smaller league, you might want to wait even longer at quarterback since the position is so deep. In deeper leagues, running backs and tight ends should be more of a priority, as those positions lack depth and could leave you with a weak spot if you wait too long.

Although some player analysis is included throughout the piece, strategy is the primary topic of discussion. For more thorough player analysis, check out our player profiles, which were drawn up by yours truly. For a deeper look at the rankings, check out Cheat Sheet Central.

The 192 should serve as a simple guide to help you maximize the value of your starting lineup while making the best possible decision every round.

1. Saquon Barkley, NYG, RB1

Not everyone agrees with this, but I say Barkley is the no-brainer No. 1 overall pick in all 2019 fantasy drafts. The Penn State product ranked top-three among backs in carries, pass routes and targets en route to pacing the position in fantasy points as a rookie. He's running unopposed in a Giants backfield that will benefit from an offense that will lean even more on the run in 2019. If you can choose your draft spot, roll with 1.1 and get your hands on the top asset in fantasy football.

2. Christian McCaffrey, CAR, RB2
3. Alvin Kamara, NO, RB3
4. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL, RB4

The running back position has been rejuvenated with young backs playing workhorse roles, and fantasy managers will be itching to grab one early. Is it worth the risk, considering the high injury rate? Yes, when it's a clear, feature back set for a significant passing-game role. This trio fits that bill, though Elliott's holdout knocks him to the bottom of the list.

5. DeAndre Hopkins, HOU, WR1
6. Michael Thomas, NO, WR2
7. David Johnson, ARI, RB5
8. Le'Veon Bell, NYJ, RB6
9. Davante Adams, GB, WR3
10. Julio Jones, ATL, WR4
11. Odell Beckham Jr., CLE, WR5
12. Tyreek Hill, KC, WR6
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT, WR7

Johnson and Bell are two more clear feature backs worth your attention in the first round. Johnson is trending up with so much positivity surrounding the progress of rookie QB Kyler Murray, as well as Johnson's role in a high-volume Kliff Kingsbury offense.

The debate over who should be the first wide receiver off the board will continue all offseason. Following reports that Green Bay will run more than we anticipated, Hopkins now gets the nod over Adams, who paced the position in fantasy points before sitting out Week 17 last season and leads the NFL in touchdowns over the past three seasons. Adams is still a fine WR1 option, as are Thomas, Jones, Beckham, Smith-Schuster and Hill. Landing one of these wideouts in Round 2 is both possible and a terrific value.

14. Todd Gurley II, LAR, RB7
15. Travis Kelce, KC, TE1
16. Antonio Brown, OAK, WR8

Gurley paced all backs in fantasy points in 2017 and finished top-10 a position-high 11 times in 2018, but a troublesome knee will mean fewer touches in 2019. Of course, he can afford a lesser role and still deliver elite fantasy production in the Rams' terrific offense. He's a fine Round 2 pick.

Kelce belongs in the first-round discussion after pacing all tight ends in fantasy points for a third straight season. Brown has missed time due to a foot injury and helmet drama; knock him down a few spots.

17. Joe Mixon, CIN, RB8
18. James Conner, PIT, RB9
19. Dalvin Cook, MIN, RB10
20. Mike Evans, TB, WR9
21. Keenan Allen, LAC, WR10
22. Nick Chubb, CLE, RB11
23. Kerryon Johnson, DET, RB12
24. Leonard Fournette, JAX, RB13
25. Devonta Freeman, ATL, RB14
26. Melvin Gordon, LAC, RB15

Many don't like picking first overall because of the perceived drop in value as the second round progresses, but this list shows that even in 12-team leagues, you're going to have plenty of terrific options at the Round 2/3 turn. Chubb might seem low, but Kareem Hunt's midseason return looms large and could limit the second-year back's production during the all-important fantasy playoffs. Johnson is trending up following the Lions' release of Theo Riddick. There seems to be a very real chance that Gordon will miss regular season action, which knocks him into Round 3.

27. Amari Cooper, DAL, WR11
28. T.Y. Hilton, IND, WR12
29. George Kittle, SF, TE2
30. Zach Ertz, PHI, TE3

Andrew Luck's Week 1 status is up in the air, which makes Hilton a bit risky, so that's a situation to monitor. Kittle (who set the tight end receiving yardage record last season) and Ertz (who set the tight end reception record last season) are candidates for a dip in targets and/or some regression and thus find themselves a tier below Kelce. Nonetheless, both are solid Round 3 targets.

31. Josh Jacobs, OAK, RB16
32. Derrick Henry, TEN, RB17
33. Chris Carson, SEA, RB18
34. Marlon Mack, IND, RB19
35. Aaron Jones, GB, RB20

This is an intriguing tier of running backs. All five are in good situations and have RB1 upside but also hold some risk. Henry and Mack have been limited as receivers thus far, Jacobs is a rookie and will defer passing-down work to Jalen Richard, Jones has yet to lock down clear lead back duties in Green Bay, and Carson will need to fend off second-year back Rashaad Penny. Carson is trending up following reports that he'll play a much larger role as a receiver.

36. Julian Edelman, NE, WR13
37. Adam Thielen, MIN, WR14
38. Brandin Cooks, LAR, WR15
39. Stefon Diggs, MIN, WR16
40. Robert Woods, LAR, WR17
41. Kenny Golladay, DET, WR18
42. Cooper Kupp, LAR, WR19

The depth at wide receiver really shows up here and suggests it makes sense to grab a running back in the first round before attacking hard at wide receiver. Minnesota will run the ball more this season, but huge target shares for Thielen and Diggs should allow for WR2 campaigns. All three Rams wide receivers were top-11 in fantasy points during the seven games the trio played together last season.

43. Patrick Mahomes, KC, QB1

Mahomes will (and should) be the top quarterback off the board in 2019 drafts. Of course, the question is: When is the right time? I say Round 4 for the reasons laid out here and here. Yes, Mahomes will be drafted earlier than 43rd in most drafts, but I can't justify going much earlier on a quarterback.

44. Damien Williams, KC, RB21
45. Mark Ingram II, BAL, RB22
46. Alshon Jeffery, PHI, WR20
47. Chris Godwin, TB, WR21
48. Tyler Lockett, SEA, WR22
49. Mike Williams, LAC, WR23
50. DJ Moore, CAR, WR24
51. Tyler Boyd, CIN, WR25
52. Allen Robinson, CHI, WR26
53. Calvin Ridley, ATL, WR27
54. Josh Gordon, NE, WR28
55. Sammy Watkins, KC, WR29
56. A.J. Green, CIN, WR30

I'm lower on Damien Williams than most. The journeyman back flashed in relief of Kareem Hunt last season, but he's also 27 years old and has yet to clear 50 carries or 23 receptions in a single season. He has upside, but he's also risky, and both need to be considered.

This is a terrific area to go shopping for a third wide receiver. Lockett's efficiency stats will regress this season, but Doug Baldwin's retirement will mean a larger target share. Robinson is a candidate for a better season now that he's fully recovered from his 2017 torn Achilles. Don't sleep on Ridley, who is positioned for a big role in a highly productive Falcons offense that isn't deep with reliable targets. Green will miss a few weeks, but we know he'll supply fringe WR1 numbers once healthy.

Gordon is worth an extended mention after he was reinstated. The veteran wide receiver wasn't nearly as dominant last season as he was back at his peak in 2013 but was still very effective, ranking sixth among wide receivers in YPR (18.0), 10th in YPT (10.2) and fourth in RAC (6.7). Gordon was often utilized as a vertical threat (13.8 aDOT), which limited his volume a bit; during the nine full games he played, Gordon (63) was behind both Julian Edelman (83) and James White (70) in targets. Gordon ranked 24th in fantasy points during those nine weeks. He's back in the WR3 discussion, but his off-field troubles make him a risky early-round investment.

57. James White, NE, RB23
58. Sony Michel, NE, RB24
59. Kenyan Drake, MIA, RB25
60. David Montgomery, CHI, RB26
61. Tarik Cohen, CHI, RB27
62. Phillip Lindsay, DEN, RB28
63. Derrius Guice, WAS, RB29
64. Lamar Miller, HOU, RB30

Round 5/6 presents a significant chunk of the top RB3 options.

New England's top two backs are worth a look here, though we know White will be limited as a rusher and Michel contributes very little as a receiver. Montgomery and Guice were recent Day 2 draft picks and are positioned for big 2019 roles. Lindsay's stock is trending down with Denver committed to a big role for Royce Freeman. Same for Miller, who will defer touches to newcomer Duke Johnson Jr.

65. Evan Engram, NYG, TE4
66. O.J. Howard, TB, TE5
67. Hunter Henry, LAC, TE6
68. Jared Cook, NO, TE7

Round 6-7 has become the sweet spot for finding your tight end in 2019. Engram will be a featured target in New York, especially with Golden Tate suspended. Injuries have been a problem for Henry and Howard, but both have elite upside. Cook is expected to play a massive role in New Orleans' elite offense.

69. Deshaun Watson, HOU, QB2
70. Matt Ryan, ATL, QB3
71. Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB4

Finally we reach the second tier of quarterbacks. Watson, Rodgers and Ryan are very good QB1 plays, but none is worth reaching for. As we'll see throughout this piece, the position is deeper than ever.

72. Sterling Shepard, NYG, WR31
73. Jarvis Landry, CLE, WR32
74. Robby Anderson, NYJ, WR33
75. Dede Westbrook, JAX, WR34
76. Will Fuller V, HOU, WR35
77. Marvin Jones Jr., DET, WR36
78. Christian Kirk, ARI, WR37
79. Emmanuel Sanders, DEN, WR38
80. Tevin Coleman, SF, RB31
81. Miles Sanders, PHI, RB32
82. Austin Ekeler, LAC, RB33
83. Duke Johnson Jr., HOU, RB34
84. Royce Freeman, DEN, RB35
85. Rashaad Penny, SEA, RB36
86. Nyheim Hines, IND, RB37

Round 7 presents a chunk of solid, veteran WR3 options, as well as some potential breakout running backs.

Shepard is one of my favorite mid-round targets as the Giants' clear No. 1 wide receiver. Anderson is entering his first contract year and could take a huge leap if Sam Darnold takes a step forward. Sanders is trending up following a quick recovery from a torn Achilles. He seems likely to suit up for Week 1.

Especially with Jerick McKinnon still not recovered from a torn ACL, Coleman is your top option in the 49ers' backfield committee. Ekeler is a hot mid-round target as the presumed starter in Los Angeles if Gordon holds out. Johnson's stock is way up after a trade from Cleveland to Houston.

87. Cam Newton, CAR, QB5
88. Baker Mayfield, CLE, QB6
89. Carson Wentz, PHI, QB7
90. Andrew Luck, IND, QB8

Each of these quarterbacks has the upside to finish 2019 as the top scorer at the position. Luck (calf) is trending down with his Week 1 status in question. Mayfield will be picked earlier than this in most drafts. The hype makes sense, but a lack of rushing production, a high interception rate and a shaky pair of offensive tackles means there's more risk than advertised. Healthy and ready to roll, Newton will be a value in 2019 drafts.

91. Corey Davis, TEN, WR39
92. Jamison Crowder, NYJ, WR40
93. Curtis Samuel, CAR, WR41
94. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI, WR42
95. Courtland Sutton, DEN, WR43
96. Keke Coutee, HOU, WR44
97. Michael Gallup, DAL, WR45
98. Dante Pettis, SF, WR46
99. Jordan Howard, PHI, RB38
100. Peyton Barber, TB, RB39
101. Matt Breida, SF, RB40
102. Latavius Murray, NO, RB41
103. LeSean McCoy, BUF, RB42
104. Darrell Henderson, LAR, RB43
105. Carlos Hyde, KC, RB44
106. Donte Moncrief, PIT, WR47
107. James Washington, PIT, WR48
108. Geronimo Allison, GB, WR49
109. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB, WR50

At this point, the core of your team is in place, so we're primarily looking to find flex options and upside bench players.

Davis is in a make-or-break season in Tennessee. Crowder's stock is on the rise as he's positioned for a featured role in New York. Fitzgerald should be reinvigorated in a better Cardinals offense. Allison and Valdes-Scantling could easily push for WR3/flex numbers if they lock down Nos. 2/3 duties in Green Bay. Sutton, Gallup and Washington are Year 2 leap candidates. Washington will compete with Moncrief for a bountiful No. 2 gig in Pittsburgh. Pettis is trending down following reports of a rough training camp.

At running back, Barber lacks a high ceiling but appears to be locking down lead back duties in Tampa. Henderson's value will depend mostly on the health of Gurley. If Gurley is out, he'll be an RB2 option. If Gurley is a full go, Henderson will struggle for standalone value. Henderson, Murray and Hyde are among the most valuable handcuffs in fantasy. Though he isn't what he used to be, McCoy remains the lead back in a run-heavy Bills offense.

110. Vance McDonald, PIT, TE8
111. David Njoku, CLE, TE9
112. Delanie Walker, TEN, TE10
113. Eric Ebron, IND, TE11
114. Dak Prescott, DAL, QB9
115. Drew Brees, NO, QB10
116. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT, QB11
117. Russell Wilson, SEA, QB12
118. Kyler Murray, ARI, QB13
119. Jared Goff, LAR, QB14

If you waited at tight end or quarterback, Round 10 isn't a bad spot to make a move.

The always-underrated Walker joins McDonald, Njoku and regression lock Ebron as solid TE1 options. Prescott's rushing prowess, improved supporting cast and super-light early-season schedule make him an excellent value. You never need to take a second quarterback, but a few of your top options are listed here if you choose to do so. Murray's outstanding rushing ability supplies him with a high floor.

120. DeSean Jackson, PHI, WR51
121. Tyrell Williams, OAK, WR52
122. Devin Funchess, IND, WR53
123. Anthony Miller, CHI, WR54
124. Tom Brady, NE, QB15
125. Lamar Jackson, BAL, QB16
126. DK Metcalf, SEA, WR55
127. Kenny Stills, MIA, WR56
128. Golden Tate, NYG, WR57
129. Adam Humphries, TEN, WR58
130. Albert Wilson, MIA, WR59
131. Austin Hooper, ATL, TE12
132. Jordan Reed, WAS, TE13
133. Trey Burton, CHI, TE14
134. Mark Andrews, BAL, TE15
135. Ronald Jones, TB, RB45
136. Jalen Richard, OAK, RB46
137. Dion Lewis, TEN, RB47
138. Giovani Bernard, CIN, RB48
139. John Brown, BUF, WR60

We're into Rounds 11-12, so we're looking for potential flex options, as well as breakout candidates. Metcalf is our first rookie wide receiver, as he locks down a significant role in Seattle. Jackson and Williams lead a long list of veteran wide receivers who will push for weekly fantasy value.

Those of you in PPR leagues with at least 12 teams will have more use for dedicated passing-down backs like veterans Richard, Lewis and Bernard. All three will be limited as rushers, but all are strong bets for 40-plus receptions.

140. DaeSean Hamilton, DEN, WR61
141. Mohamed Sanu, ATL, WR62
142. Deebo Samuel, SF, WR63
143. Chris Conley, JAX, WR64
144. Greg Olsen, CAR, TE16
145. Jack Doyle, IND, TE17
146. Jimmy Graham, GB, TE18
147. Mitchell Trubisky, CHI, QB17
148. Jameis Winston, TB, QB18
149. Philip Rivers, LAC, QB19
150. Kalen Ballage, MIA, RB49
151. Jaylen Samuels, PIT, RB50
152. Devin Singletary, BUF, RB51
153. Tony Pollard, DAL, RB52
154. Justin Jackson, LAC, RB53

These are some of your best options when looking to round out your bench. Ballage (Drake), Samuels (Conner) and Singletary (McCoy) are notable handcuffs with RB2 upside in the event of an injury above them on the depth chart. Pollard and Jackson should be on benches until the Elliott and Gordon contract situations are resolved. Youngsters Hamilton and Samuel are excellent late-round fliers as potential breakout wide receivers. Veterans Conley (teammate D.J. Chark just missed the cut) and Sanu should also be on your radar.

At tight end, Doyle is nearing full health, and don't forget that he easily out-targeted Eric Ebron and was fantasy's No. 6 tight end when healthy last season.

155. Marquise Brown, BAL, WR65
156. Paul Richardson, WAS, WR66
157. Mecole Hardman, KC, WR67
158. Tre'Quan Smith, NO, WR68
159. Andy Isabella, ARI, WR69
160. A.J. Brown, TEN, WR70
161. Deon Cain, IND, WR71
162. Kirk Cousins, MIN, QB20
163. Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE19
164. Chris Thompson, WAS, RB54
165. Mike Davis, CHI, RB55
166. Jerick McKinnon, SF, RB56
167. Kareem Hunt, CLE, RB57
168. Darwin Thompson, KC, RB58

These are your top targets as we head toward the D/ST and kicker portion of the draft. The list includes a few more post-hype and/or upside fliers at wide receiver like Cain, Richardson and Smith. Also, here are rookie fliers Brown (x2), Isabella and Hardman (N'Keal Harry fell off the board following the activation of Gordon). Hunt is also a highly valuable handcuff, but his eight-game suspension limits his draft-day appeal. Thompson could make serious noise in Kansas City if Williams and/or Hyde flame out.

169. Bears D/ST, DST1
170. Jaguars D/ST, DST2
171. Bills D/ST, DST3
172. Rams D/ST, DST4
173. Vikings D/ST, DST5
174. Saints D/ST, DST6
175. Chargers D/ST, DST7
176. Patriots D/ST, DST8
177. Colts D/ST, DST9
178. Titans D/ST, DST10
179. Greg Zuerlein, LAR, K1
180. Justin Tucker, BAL, K2
181. Wil Lutz, NO, K3
182. Harrison Butker, KC, K4
183. Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K5
184. Ka'imi Fairbairn, HOU, K6
185. Robbie Gould, SF, K7
186. Mike Badgley, LAC, K8
187. Adam Vinatieri, IND, K9
188. Brett Maher, DAL, K10
189. Broncos D/ST, DST11
190. Texans D/ST, DST12
191. Matt Prater, DET, K11
192. Jake Elliott, PHI, K12

Did you learn nothing from the Jaguars D/ST last season?! With few exceptions, wait until the final two rounds to select your defense and kicker. These, of course, are the top kicker and D/ST options in 12-team leagues.

PIRAEUS, Greece -- Former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

In a statement posted Monday on the website of Greek club Olympiakos, Blatt said he was diagnosed "a few months ago" with the condition, which attacks the central nervous system, and has experienced fatigue, weakness in his legs and balance problems.

"I am a coach and my job is to lead and teach and inspire a lot of people. Not being as agile or active doesn't affect my ability to do those things,'' Blatt, 60, said in the statement.

"How could I possibly complain? I absolutely cannot and will not. It's wasted effort and while I ask my players and staff to be the best version of themselves, I must ask and even demand from myself to do the same.''

Blatt was appointed coach of Cleveland in June 2014 and took the team to the NBA Finals in his first season, losing to the Golden State Warriors.

He was fired partway through the 2015-16 season, in which Cleveland won the NBA championship for the first time under coach Tyronn Lue. Blatt has coached Olympiakos since June 2018.

Howard University is bringing back its golf teams for the first time in decades -- with a big assist from NBA star Stephen Curry.

Curry announced Monday that he will financially support the Bison's golf teams for the next six years. Howard, a historically black university in Washington, D.C., plans to have men's and women's teams in place for the 2020-21 season.

"This is one of the most generous gifts in the history of Howard University," said athletic director Kery Davis.

Curry, a three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP with Golden State, attended a news conference at the school Monday.

Howard previously competed in golf at the Division II level; school officials believe its teams were disbanded sometime during the 1970s. The school will begin a search for coaches, potential players and a course for practice and competitive rounds in the next few months.

Curry, who attended Davidson College, became interested in helping bring back the Bison's golf teams after meeting Howard senior and golfer Otis Ferguson IV during a campus visit to watch a documentary film in January.

"The idea around re-creating Howard's golf team and turning it into a Division I program for men and women was born on that specific night," Curry said. "Now, seven and a half or eight months later, we're here."

Curry played golf on his high school team and has appeared as an amateur and celebrity golfer in tournaments during his NBA career. In 2017, he fired an opening-round 74 while playing on an exemption at the Web.com Tour's Ellie Mae Classic. He shot 71 in the same event the next year. He missed the cut in both tournaments.

Curry is also a co-host of the ABC mini-golf TV show "Holey Moley."

"Golf is a sport that has changed my life in ways that are less tangible, but just as impactful," Curry said previously in a release. "It's a discipline that challenges your mental wherewithal from patience to focus, and is impossible to truly master, so when you hear about these passionate student athletes who have the talent but don't have a fair shot at the game, it's tough. I feel really honored to play a small role in the rich history of Howard University."

Zion Williamson has been hailed as the next big thing in the NBA, but his colleagues in the incoming rookie class aren't sold on the idea that the No. 1 overall pick will have a great NBA career.

In the league's annual survey of rookies, players were asked which member of the 2019 class would have the best career. Williamson received only 5% of the votes.

Cam Reddish, Williamson's teammate at Duke, garnered 19% of the votes. Reddish went to the Atlanta Hawks with the 10th pick of the draft.

Reddish was followed by Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies with 16% of the votes and De'Andre Hunter of the Hawks with 11%.

Williamson was tied with RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks, Coby White of the Chicago Bulls and Williamson's teammate on the New Orleans Pelicans, Jaxson Hayes.

It was the sixth straight year that a Duke player finished first in the category, with Reddish following in a line that includes Jabari Parker (2014), Jahlil Okafor (2015), Brandon Ingram (2016), Jayson Tatum (2017) and Wendell Carter Jr. last season.

The survey was posted Monday on NBA.com.

Williamson was picked to win Rookie of the Year by his colleagues, earning 35% of the votes to edge Morant, who received 27%. In the 10 years of the survey, the rookies have tabbed the eventual Rookie of the Year only once. That came in 2007, when they correctly named Kevin Durant.

Williamson also was chosen most athletic by a wide margin, getting 87% of the votes to 8% for the Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke.

Denver Nuggets center Bol Bol was tabbed as the steal of the draft, Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro was chosen as the best shooter, Philadelphia 76ers swingman Matisse Thybulle the best defender and Morant the best playmaker.

For the third straight year, the rookies chose LeBron James as their favorite player.

After training camps in Las Vegas and Southern California over the past two weeks, Team USA travels to Australia to continue preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China. And with roster shakeups and questions surrounding the strength of Gregg Popovich's crew, what should we expect when tournament play tips off on Aug. 31?

Brian Windhorst and Ohm Youngmisuk discuss the biggest talking points for Team USA:

BW: I was really surprised De'Aaron Fox pulled out over the weekend. I thought he looked great in the practices and was a lock to make the team. But he didn't play much in the games. After he played only six minutes in the exhibition against Spain, maybe he wasn't totally sure he would make it and didn't want to go all the way to Australia only to have to come back in a week.

OY: I'm pretty stunned. I recently wrote about how he seemed poised to not only be on the team but be a potential breakout candidate. Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker raved about Fox being the fastest player in the NBA, and Fox told me how he was picking up leadership tips from Kyle Lowry. He said that even if he didn't make Team USA, he already has become a better player from the practices and learning from Pop. I thought he would make the team with Lowry's thumb injury, and this would propel him into the season and possibly ignite a breakout year. He played only six minutes against Spain, but I thought it was because Pop wanted to see what Derrick White could do with this team.

BW: I don't know, maybe that was an issue. Maybe he thought if it came down to him or White that Pop might lean toward the Spur. Trae Young left the Select Team because his eye was infected, but only after he found out White was getting promoted to the senior team ahead of him. We'll see whether Fox addresses it later, but I doubt Pop would choose anyone except the best player for each spot.

OY: Right.

BW: White has had a hell of a 12 months, no? He was in the G League mostly as a rookie. Then he got a chance in San Antonio when Dejounte Murray got hurt, and now here he is on the verge of making the national team.

OY: I was sitting there in the first half watching White and thinking how I've already witnessed some of his best and worst in just the past few months. I covered that first-round series between the Nuggets and Spurs when he absolutely dominated a couple of games and looked as if he were on the verge of stardom before the Nuggets made defensive adjustments. And then in the first half on Friday, he had a few plays where he struggled a little before making a nice assist off penetration and then a nice floater late in the game.

BW: Who has impressed you the most? Donovan Mitchell has impressed me -- Jayson Tatum's shooting, too. And Khris Middleton, after looking bad in the first week, was way better Friday night.

OY: Donovan has impressed me the most. From the first practice in Vegas to the most recent exhibition, I love the aggressiveness from him and, perhaps even more importantly, I love what I'm hearing from him every time he talks. He sounds like this is an opportunity to win gold for USA in the Olympics and not just a World Cup that many are taking for granted.

He's treating this not only as an honor to represent his country but to really take another step forward in his progression. He's not just starting, but I think we're going to see him run point at times to spell Kemba and create for teammates. I also think his athleticism and scoring will make him stand out in the World Cup.

BW: The way he moves reminds me so much of Dwyane Wade. He's got a strong lower body, so he moves side to side with such power. I know I'm not the first to say that.

OY: Mitchell sure is a bright spot, but what concerns you about this team? I wonder sometimes whether they're going to be consistent enough shooting from the perimeter in international play. I feel like they have some streaky shooters, and as a result, Joe Harris, the only true knockdown specialist, could play a role next month in games when they might get tight and shoot poorly.

BW: If you've ever watched much international basketball, and maybe I've seen too much, so often it comes down to the 3-pointer. The Europeans were ahead of us in spreading the floor with bigs who could shoot and pass.

It's like an NCAA tournament game. Team USA will always have a No. 1 seed and always the most talent. But if the Americans run into the wrong hot-shooting team on the wrong day, beware. That's why Harris will make it -- he's a zone-buster. He made one shot Friday: a 3 against a zone that helped salt away the win. That's why he's here.

OY: You're taking me back to some of Michigan State's NCAA games over the years. Too many scares.

BW: Sparty seems to do quite well -- I seem to remember seeing photos on your IG from the Final Four last year. The Euro game is how Pop wants to play. What'd you think of his mood this week?

OY: I was impressed with Pop's mood this entire last week. He has been patient with media members he doesn't know or see here around Team USA compared to during the regular season. He has fielded question after question and offered up some longer answers, some even with a little humor. I thought he'd be moodier.

BW: What about after that scrimmage when they got hammered by the Select Team this week?

OY: You could hear Smart imploring the team to play better by saying how embarrassing it was that they got beat so bad. It was 36-17 in just 10 minutes. P.J. Tucker and others thought the media was blowing it out of proportion, especially after the team had just gone through a two-hour practice. But some coaches watching in the stands were just as surprised as many of us were.

BW: Well, they lost some scrimmages to the Select Team in Vegas. One was like 23-9 or something. Then they killed them in the real game. Maybe it's all part of Pop's plan: He probably wants the team to face some level of adversity. Maybe he even would secretly be OK if they got humbled in Australia this week. They play two games in the national rugby stadium in Melbourne in front of 50,000 people and then play the Canadians in Sydney.

OY: Oh, Windy, you missed one important development. Brook Lopez shaved his beard! I asked him why: He said it was driving him crazy and that he knows his mother will be watching him and he wanted to look more presentable. LOL!

BW: Yeah, but she lets Robin get away with that hair. Thanks for covering the team this week while I got ready to go overseas. See you in September after I'm back from the World Cup in China.

NEW YORK -- Al Jackson, a tough left-hander who provided a rare glint of hope in the early days of the woebegone New York Mets, has died at 83.

His death was announced by the Mets, for whom he worked for 50 years as a pitcher, major league coach, minor league pitching coordinator and front-office adviser. He died Monday at a nursing home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, after a long illness.

The Mets said in a statement it would be "impossible to calculate the number of players and staff he touched and influenced during his career."

Jackson pitched in the majors for 10 seasons, and no season was more challenging than the one in 1962 when the expansion Mets entered the majors and lost 120 games. "Little" Al Jackson, although he was 5-foot-10, had a record of 8-20 and 4.40 ERA. The next two years he went 13-17 and 11-16.

Jackson was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966 for Ken Boyer. He joined the majors with Pittsburgh in 1959 and for his career went 67-99 with a 3.98 ERA. He later was pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

Jackson was born in Waco, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Nadine, sons Reggie and Barry and two grandchildren.

Nationals ace Max Scherzer expects to return to Washington's rotation Thursday after missing nearly four weeks with a rhomboid strain, declaring himself "ready to pitch."

Scherzer discussed his schedule for this week on Sunday, one day after throwing a 65-pitch simulated game. The three-time Cy Young Award winner will throw a bullpen session Monday and, unless he suffers a setback, will be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Thursday against the Pirates.

"He'll be on his normal schedule now, and then if everything goes well, he's probable for Thursday," Nationals manager Dave Martinez told reporters.

Scherzer said he experienced "anticipated" soreness Sunday morning and that "everything feels right where it should be."

"There's no extra soreness other than what I anticipated," he said. "To me, that's right on par."

The Nationals (67-56) enter Monday 5½ games behind the first-place Braves (74-52) in the National League East but are 1½ games ahead of the Cubs (66-58) for the league's first wild card.

Scherzer originally hit the IL on July 13 before returning to pitch against the Rockies on July 25, allowing three runs in five innings and throwing a season-low 86 pitches.

Four days later, Scherzer again landed on the IL, where he's been since. The right-hander is 9-5 with a 2.41 ERA in 20 starts this season and is second in the NL with 189 strikeouts.

Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale is expected to avoid Tommy John surgery after a second opinion on his injured left elbow from Dr. James Andrews confirmed a previous diagnosis of inflammation, sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.

Sale, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, flew to meet with Andrews on Monday, sources said. The 30-year-old is in the midst of the worst season of his 10-year career after this spring signing a contract extension that begins in 2020 and pays him $145 million over five years.

Following his last start six days ago, Sale felt soreness in his elbow and underwent an MRI. Initial readings showed changes from the MRI he had in the spring but weren't clear enough to definitively judge whether there was damage to his ulnar collateral ligament.

Monday's news delivered a collective sigh of relief to Boston. The course of treatment for Sale is unclear, as is his timetable to return, though both are expected to be determined in the coming days, according to sources.

With a 6-11 record and 4.40 ERA, Sale has struggled despite an American League-best strikeout rate and an elite strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has struggled with home runs, allowing 24 in 147 ⅓ innings, more than 60% higher than what he's averaged in his illustrious career.

Sale is coming off arguably the best season of his career, even though a shoulder injury sent him to the injured list twice in the second half of 2018. He nevertheless pitched to a 2.11 ERA, and while his stuff in the playoffs was substandard, Sale finished the Red Sox's dominant World Series run by striking out the side to clinch the championship.

The diminished velocity on Sale's fastball didn't scare the Red Sox away from handing him a long-term deal the year before he reached free agency. Boston, which is paying Sale $15 million this year as part of his first contract extension, owes him $30 million in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and $27.5 million in 2023 and 2024.

Early-season velocity worries this year eventually waned, and occasional flashes of brilliance reminded of classic Sale. Just 10 days ago, Sale shut out the Los Angeles Angels for eight innings, allowing two hits, walking none and striking out 13. In his last start, against Cleveland, he punched out 12 in 6 ⅔ innings. His elbow began hurting the day after that start, sources said, and after informing the team of the issues Friday, Sale underwent an MRI Saturday.

Even with his struggles, the loss of Sale for any period of time will hurt the Red Sox as they try to claw back into the playoff picture. A 13-7 victory Sunday finished a sweep of Baltimore and extended their winning streak to five games, but the Red Sox still find themselves 6 ½ games behind the Rays for the second wild-card spot and five games back of the Athletics as well.

Highlights from the past week of athletics action, including results from the Manchester International, Scottish Championships and Folksam Grand Prix

Find a report on men’s events action at the Müller Grand Prix in Birmingham here, while women’s events coverage can be found here.

Other recent highlights are below.

Manchester International, Sportcity, August 14

This team event, which took place at a wet Sportcity, saw the England team finish on top.

The best performances came in the hammer.

In the women’s event, Jessica Mayho strengthened her hold on second position in the UK rankings behind Sophie Hitchen as she improved her PB to 66.44m with a two-metre plus win over Scotland’s Rachel Hunter.

The men’s event saw a win for Osian Jones as the Welshman threw a quality 73.09m to gain victory over Craig Murch.

In the men’s discus, former NCAA champion Nick Percy won with a 61.09m throw which gave him a clear win over top UK-ranked Gregory Thompson.

Cameron Corbishley showed good speed for the upcoming 50km in Doha with a 11:44.98 win in the 3000m race walk.

Britain’s two European under-20 800m champions both won with superb kicks. Oliver Dustin won by over a second in 1:50.08, while Isabelle Boffey took the women’s race in 2:06.98.

Another junior who kicked to victory was European under-18 3000m champion Thomas Keen in the mile.

Kimbely Baptiste followed up her England Championships successes with another sprint double with wins in 11.61 and 23.55.

Adam Thomas won the men’s match 100m in 10.44 though Sam Gordon went quicker with 10.31 in another race.

There were impressive para-athletics wins for Sophie Hahn with a 12.72 200m and American Mikey Brannigan in the 1500m, which he won in 3:54.72.

Scottish FPSG Senior & U17 Championships, Grangemouth, August 17-18

Winners on day one included Michael Olsen (10.38, +2.5m/sec) and Katy Wyper (11.85, +3.2m/sec) in the 100m, Annabel Simpson (16:40.28) in the 5000m, Kirsty Law (53.28m) in the discus and Nikki Manson (1.87m) in the high jump.

Jax Thoirs set a championship best performance of 5.33m to retain his pole vault title.

JAX THOIRS SOARS #FPSGathletics
Top photos @Bobby_ThatOneMo from Grangemouthhttps://t.co/XgQEhTvVIX@SALMarkMunro @JaxThoirs @VP_Glasgow_AC @JomaSportUK @SALDevelopment @MaguireSal @JulieWy1 @FCTrust @VincoSport @SAL_Coaching pic.twitter.com/xkRFBy2IYh

— scottishathletics (@scotathletics) August 18, 2019

On day two, Nick Percy claimed a fourth men’s discus title with his throw of 59.92m, while Rachel Hunter claimed her second hammer title with a best throw of 64.01m.

Two GB internationals – senior Neil Gourley and European under-20 finalist Sarah Calvert – won the 800m titles in respective times of 1:48.79 and 2:08.37.

Sarah Inglis took the 1500m title after running 4:13.42 and Welsh athlete Kristian Jones won the 5000m in 14:15.66. Sarah Warnock retained her long jump title with a leap of 6.07m.

After her high jump win, Manson also won the javelin with a throw of 40.01m.

Kayleigh Haggo improved the world record in the women’s RR2 race running 400m with her time of 82.52.

Lee Valley Sprint Double 100m Open Series, August 14

Romell Glave, racing with a 2.5m/sec tailwind, had a sensational 100m breakthrough with 10.06.

The 19 year-old’s previous fastest was a legal 10.21 in winning at the British Under-20 Championships in 2017.

Cork City Sports International, Cork, Ireland, August 14

World champion Luvo Manyonga won the long jump with a meeting record of 8.20m (+0.6m/sec).

USA’s Candace Hill ran 11.37 (+3.2m/sec) and 23.07 (+1.6m/sec) in the sprints.

Britain’s Asha Philip ran 11.47 for third in the 100m, while Ashleigh Nelson clocked 23.16 in the 200m ahead of Finette Agyapong with 23.18.

USA’s Isaiah Harris won the 800m in 1:47.41 ahead of GB’s Spencer Thomas (1:47.83) and Jake Wightman (1:47.95).

BMC Regional Races, Tipton, August 13

Sarah McDonald achieved her first sub-two-minute 800m, paced by Lynsey Sharp.

1.59.91!! I finally broke 2 mins for the 800 ?? HUGE thanks to Lynsey Sharp for pacing ?

— Sarah McDonald (@SarahAMcDonald) August 13, 2019

Her 1:59.91 puts her fifth in the 2019 UK rankings as she won the race by over five seconds.

Folksam Grand Prix, Gothenburg, Sweden, August 16

European champion Armand Duplantis won the pole vault with 5.90m before three attempts at 6.00m, while Kalle Berglund improved his Swedish record to 3:34.89 to win the 1500m.

There was a British one-two in the women’s long jump for Shara Proctor (6.56m, +1.0m/sec) and Jazmin Sawyers (6.44m, +1.2m/sec).

Algeria’s Abdelmalik Lahoulou won the 400m hurdles in 49.66 from GB’s Dai Greene in 50.05.

British Athletics Parallel Success, Newham, August 18

European silver medallist Rafi Solaiman broke the RR3 race running 100m world record by 0.02 with his time of 17.24.

Racing for the first time this year, Richard Whitehead clocked 24.35 (-0.8m/sec) for 200m.

New Balance Falmouth Road Race, USA, August 18

Leonard Korir became the first American man to win the seven-mile race in 31 years, breaking the tape in 32:11.

Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi won the women’s race in 36:29.

Britain’s Tish Jones and Lily Partridge finished fourth and 15th with respective times of 37:43 and 39:48.

Athlete Night Games, Fukui, Japan, August 17

In the men’s long jump, Shotaro Shiroyama broke the 27-year-old Japanese record with a leap of 8.40m (+1.5m/sec). Behind him there were also PBs for Yuki Hashioka with 8.32m (+1.6m/sec) and Hibiki Tsuha with 8.23m (+0.6m/sec).

【Athlete Night Games in Fukui?】
城山正太郎‼日本新??????
8.40(+1.5)
9.98スタジアム pic.twitter.com/Vm4MVl0WZ2

— JAAF（日本陸上競技連盟） (@jaaf_official) August 17, 2019

There were also national records by Shun-ya Takayama with 13.25 (+1.1m/sec) in the 110m hurdles and Asuka Terada with 13.00 (+1.4m/sec) in the 100m hurdles.

World Orienteering Championships, Østfold, Norway, August 12-17

The women’s distance race was won by Skyrunning world champion Tove Alexandersson of Sweden by more than six minutes ahead of her team-mate Lina Strand. Britain’s Jo Shepherd was 21st and Charlotte Watson 36th.

Olav Lundanes won the men’s title on home soil, a minute and a half ahead of his team-mate Kasper Fosser. Great Britain’s Hector Haines and Graham Gristwood finished in 20th and 21st.

The next day, Alexandersson and Lundanes both also won the middle distance events. GB’s Megan Carter Davies, Jo Shepherd and Catherine Taylor finished in 21st, 24th and 27th respectively in the women’s race, while Ralph Street was 19th and Peter Hodkinson 31st in the men’s event.