Challenge Issued to Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns by Former NBA Champion

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Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns is entering his second season with the New York Knicks. He’s expected to shoulder a major role within Mike Brown’s offensive and defensive system.

Towns enjoyed a strong debut year with New York. In 72 games, he averaged 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 52.6% from the field and 42% from deep. However, he came in for some criticism due to his conditioning and struggles on the defensive end.

It’s for those reasons that former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes Towns will be under significant pressure to contend for a championship in the upcoming season. Perkins’ comments came via a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA Today.

“When you talk about players, which players are under the most pressure to deliver, that’s Karl-Anthony Towns,” Perkins said, “Like it’s time for him to deliver. It’s been a lot of criticism when it comes down to Luka Doncic and what he did defensively, and being in shape. Well, KAT falls in that category.”

Perkins continued.

“KAT is a walking bucket. He’s one of one. Arguably the best shooting big we’ve ever seen. He’s really, really skilled, but that’s not what he needs to correct. He needs to correct his ability to get up and down the floor, be able to slide those puppies, because he was getting cooked in the big role.”

Towns has already proven himself to be an elite offensive weapon. However, his defensive struggles have certainly led to some significant discussion regarding his viability in a single-big lineup.

Towns Works Better Next to a Rim Protector

Mitchell Robinson’s injury issues limited Tom Thibodeau’s ability to experiment with a double-big lineup consisting of both Towns and Robinson. However, there were some fleeting moments when we got to see what the Knicks could look like with Towns operating as a power forward.

According to Cleaning The Glass, Towns spent 140 non-garbage time possessions in the four last seasons. During those possessions, the Knicks outscored opponents by +19 points per 100 possessions.

While the sample size is incredibly small, there’s clearly some potential upside in pairing Towns with a more defensively-minded big man such as Robinson. That would allow New York’s star offensive big man to focus on what he does well, while also providing some reliable help-defense due to his size and length.

Brown may have some other ideas in mind, but we shouldn’t be surprised if he experiments with a double-big rotation during the opening weeks and months of the new season.

Knicks Add High-Level Offensive Coach

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks have continued to round out Brown’s coaching staff with the addition of T.J. Saint.

“Saint, head coach of the Pelicans G League team, will aid [the Knicks] on the offensive end,” Begley reported. “He’s viewed in NBA circles as a bright offensive mind; Squadron had the G League’s top offense in the 2023-24 regular season. In addition to coaching with the Pelicans, Saint has coached at the University of Georgia, with the Detroit Pistons, at Butler University and Belmont University.”

Saint’s addition could help Towns take his offensive impact to another level, especially after a year of building a partnership with Jalen Brunson. Therefore, between Saint’s addition and potentially pairing Towns with a rim-protecting big man, Towns could be due for a highly impactful season. And if that’s the case, the Knicks’ chances of making it to the NBA finals will receive a significant boost.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor

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Jung Hoo Lee’s 18-game hit streak has helped ignite SF Giants’ offense

Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee collects his fourth hit of the game Monday against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle

In a different era, Jung Hoo Lee’s numbers would have the baseball world’s full attention.

Most notably, his batting average — a statistic that has lost some of its historic luster with the introduction of advanced metrics that can explain more thoroughly a player’s impact at the plate on his team’s run-scoring.

Nevertheless, through Wednesday Lee was batting .338 for the San Francisco Giants, the second-highest average in baseball behind Miami’s Otto Lopez. Lee’s MLB-leading 18-game hitting streak dating to May 14 — interrupted by an eight-game absence due to a back strain — against the Los Angeles Dodgers pushed that average from .265 at the streak’s start.

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Lee is the first Giant since Angel Pagan in 2016 to keep a hitting streak alive at least 18 games; Pagan’s lasted 19. It’s a streak so impressive and timely that Lee could hit his way into All-Star consideration.

“I just notice Jung Hoo’s comfortability in his own skin,” manager Tony Vitello said.

Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee rounds second base against the Washington Nationals on Monday at Oracle Park.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle

That simple statistic is enough to explain Lee’s impact on the Giants offense, which leads the league in some evaluative stats since Lee’s hitting streak began last month. Over 26 games since May 14 the Giants lead with 133 weighted runs created-plus (where 100 wRC+ is the average), .839 OPS, .362 weighted on-base average and, yes, a .284 average. They’re scoring over 5.5 runs per game in that span, good for third in MLB. And their strikeout rate also dropped to 19.5%, albeit while carrying a league-low 6.8% walk rate.

The Giants’ Bryce Eldridge is hugged by Luis Arraez (1) after the rookie designated hitter hit a walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning Wednesday to defeat the Washington Nationals 11-10 at Oracle Park. The home run capped a rally from a 9-1 deficit.

Shortstop prospect Jhonny Level was recently promoted to High-A Eugene after a strong start at Class A San Jose, where he hit .325 with 10 home runs in 44 games.

In a lot of ways, the offense has been following Lee’s lead: They’re staying aggressive, generating plenty of contact and making it count. Few walks, few strikeouts, but lots of pressure on opposing pitchers and defenses, creating opportunities.

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That’s Lee’s game, as the Giants banked on when they signed him for $113 million over six years out of the Korea Baseball Organization in 2024.

“I think the feel is there. I’ve been swinging aggressively on strikes,” Lee said with Giants translator Justin Han interpreting on Monday, after one of his four games with four or more hits during this streak. “The timing and balance are there at the same time. I’m getting good results out of what I’m doing right now.”

Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee gestures to teammates Tuesday after hitting a single against the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park.

Jed Jacobsohn/Associated Press

Lee has been an offensive engine, but other Giants are heating up alongside him. Matt Chapman had a four-hit, two-home run game in their unlikely comeback win on Wednesday, and over his past 26 games (since May 14), he ’s batting .319 with five home runs, nine doubles and 23 RBIs. Bryce Eldridge, Wednesday’s hero for his walk-off grand slam, is along for the ride, batting .397 with a 1.175 OPS in the 17 games he’s played since becoming a regular.

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Lee’s hot hitting is a driver for this team-wide offensive success. He and Luis Arraez — who has maintained a high batting average all season and sits fourth in baseball with a .327 average — are showing that a potent offense doesn’t have to depend on over-the-fence power alone.

Admittedly, Lee’s time in San Francisco has been erratic. A dislocated shoulder requiring season-ending surgery cut short his rookie year in 2024. His second year was consequently one of adjusting to MLB’s demanding workload and the more consistent quality of pitching in the majors compared to the KBO.

Lee spoke candidly about how his trouble adjusting led to an ultimately disappointing 2025 in which he batted .266 with a .327 on-base percentage, while also handling center field in one of the worst defensive outfields in baseball. But he’s made the adjustment and started coming into his own.

“I think the full season last year helped a lot,” Lee said. “Last year was really good and I feel that I’m still adjusting to the league right now.”

Giants right fielder Jung Hoo Lee said he began to feel more comfortable in 2025 in his second major-league campaign. “Last year was really good and I feel that I’m still adjusting to the league right now,” he said.

Kayla Wolf/Associated Press

Within this 18-game hitting streak, Lee has nine multi-hit games while batting .500. He has three total strikeouts, while also contributing five doubles, a triple and a home run. And one walk, a couple of times hit by a pitch and three stolen bases.

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Statcast estimates that Lee has some of the best contact tendencies in baseball. His 10% strikeout rate is in the 98th percentile and his 12.9% whiff rate in the 97th percentile. When he does swing, he’s squaring the ball up at a high rate of 37.5% (98th). His .319 expected batting average is in the 100th percentile.

The numbers document what’s happening in his at-bats. Pitchers who once flummoxed him, he’s seeing a lot better now. No moment best captured that than when he challenged and got overturned a strike call that was a ball — by less than a one-10th of an inch.

Lee is well aware of the zone, and now, having settled into life as a big-league regular — and potentially a star — it shows.

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Tyla Performs Reps Jeffrey Campbell for FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

Tyla embraced the clear heels trend while performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City, where she sang the South African national anthem before her home country faced Mexico in the tournament’s opening Group A match.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 11: Tyla sings the South African national anthem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) — Tyla sings the South African national anthem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Hannah Peters – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The “Chanel” singer performed the song while in Jeffrey Campbell‘s Booyah style, a sandal with a wedge heel featuring a cutout in it and an upper consisting of a wide transparent vinyl strap. The shoe also features a metallic ring detail around the heel which helps to further distinguish it. From Jeffrey Campbell, the Booyah style in white retails for $170, while the tan suede version is $195.

Tyla paired the shoes with a color-blocked body-con dress that was sleeveless with a knee-length hemline that flared slightly. She wore her hair in an updo with a lock falling down from the bun.

A closer look at Tyla's shoes. — A closer look at Tyla’s shoes.

Tyla is never one to shy away from a bold or unexpected shoe choice. For the 2026 Met Gala, the singer and Pandora ambassador was outfitted in head-to-toe Valentino Garavani, including her aquamarine-hued Open Toe Révélé Pumps, which featured a dramatic front cutout. She has also favored more classic styles, like Christian Louboutin’s So Kate Pump and Miu Miu slingback pumps for red carpets and more formal settings.

When it comes to performance shoes, however, her style runs the gamut. At the 2025 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, where the “Chanel” singer both hosted and performed, she cycled through several silhouettes, from Rene Caovilla’s Cleo Satin Crystal Snake Wrap sandals to Nike Dunk Low sneakers to Gladiator-style sandals.

Tyla at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating — Tyla at the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026 in New York.

Gilbert Flores

Tyla’s World Cup appearance also connects to “Game Time,” her track with Future from the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ album, which she is set to perform on Friday. The project includes songs from artists including Daddy Yankee, Jelly Roll, Shakira, the Rolling Stones and more. “Being part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ album feels like a full circle moment — from South Africa hosting the World Cup in 2010. I’m so excited to perform at the opening ceremonies! Let’s go Bafana Bafana,” Tyla said in an official release.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19, with 48 countries participating in 104 matches throughout the tournament. Tyla is also slated to appear at the U.S. opening ceremony in Los Angeles on Friday, where she joins a lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa and Rema before the U.S. Men’s National Team faces Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.

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Is It Time To Reassess Figma (FIG) After Recent Share Price Swings?

Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St.

If you are wondering whether Figma at US$22.51 is a bargain or a value trap, you will want to understand what the current price actually reflects.
The stock has been volatile recently, with the share price falling about 4% over the past week but rising around 15.9% over the last month, while year to date it is down roughly 40.1%.
Recent coverage around Figma has focused on the stock’s sharp swings and how investors are reassessing growth potential and risk after these moves. This context matters because sentiment can move faster than the underlying fundamentals that ultimately anchor valuation.
Simply Wall St’s valuation framework currently gives Figma a value score of 1 out of 6. Next, you will see how different valuation methods each frame the stock, before looking at a more complete way to think about value that ties everything together at the end of the article.

Figma scores just 1/6 on our valuation checks. See what other red flags we found in the full valuation breakdown.

Approach 1: Figma Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Analysis

A Discounted Cash Flow, or DCF, model estimates what a stock could be worth by projecting the company’s future cash flows and discounting them back to today’s dollars. It is essentially asking what all those future cash flows are worth right now.

For Figma, the model used is a 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity approach, based on cash flow projections. The latest twelve month Free Cash Flow is about $235.1 million. Analyst estimates and Simply Wall St extrapolations project Free Cash Flow reaching $1,177.4 million in 2035, with interim years such as 2026 and 2029 sitting at $154.8 million and $500.7 million respectively. All of these figures are in $.

When these projected cash flows are discounted back, the model arrives at an estimated intrinsic value of about $27.25 per share. Against the current share price of $22.51, this implies the stock trades at roughly a 17.4% discount. On this DCF view, Figma appears to be undervalued.

Result: UNDERVALUED

Our Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests Figma is undervalued by 17.4%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio, or discover 47 more high quality undervalued stocks.

Head to the Valuation section of our Company Report for more details on how we arrive at this Fair Value for Figma.

Approach 2: Figma Price vs Sales

For companies where earnings are not the main focus yet, the P/S ratio is often more useful than P/E, because it compares what you are paying directly to the revenue the business is already generating.

Growth expectations and risk still matter, though. Faster expected growth or lower perceived risk can support a higher P/S multiple, while slower expected growth or higher risk usually justifies a lower one.

Figma currently trades on a P/S of 10.24x. This is above the Software industry average P/S of 3.79x and also above the peer group average of 6.33x. On those simple comparisons, the stock looks expensive relative to both its sector and closer peers.

Simply Wall St’s Fair Ratio for Figma is 9.22x. This proprietary metric estimates what a reasonable P/S might be after accounting for factors such as earnings growth, profit margins, industry, market cap and specific risks. Because it adjusts for these company level characteristics, it can be more informative than a basic peer or industry comparison.

Comparing the Fair Ratio of 9.22x with the current P/S of 10.24x suggests Figma trades above this tailored benchmark, so on this measure the stock appears overvalued.

Result: OVERVALUED

Wall Street’s queuing for one rocket. While SpaceX counts down to its IPO, other companies tied to the new space race are already in orbit. → 20 Compelling Space Companies watchlist · Global Space Race Investing Ideas screener · Scan the sector by valuation on Rocket Lab’s valuation page.

Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Figma Narrative

Earlier it was mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. Narratives on Simply Wall St give you a clear story behind the numbers by linking your view of Figma’s business, its forecast revenue, earnings and margins, to a calculated Fair Value that you can compare with the current price. They sit inside the Community page, update automatically when fresh news or earnings arrive, and can differ widely. For example, one Figma Narrative on the platform currently anchors to a Fair Value of about US$18.79, while a more optimistic Narrative anchors to roughly US$92.12. This shows how two investors can look at the same company, plug in different assumptions and reach very different conclusions about whether the stock looks cheap or expensive for their own decision making.

For Figma however we will make it really easy for you with previews of two leading Figma Narratives:

🐂 Figma Bull Case

Fair Value: US$65.25

Implied discount to this Fair Value vs the current US$22.51 price: about 65.5%.

Revenue growth assumption: 21.2%.

Analysts model revenue reaching about US$1.7b and earnings of US$214.1 million by 2028, with profit margins improving from a loss position today toward the broader US Software industry average.
To reach the US$65.25 target, the narrative assumes a high 236.2x P/E on those 2028 earnings, alongside ongoing share count growth of 7.0% a year and an 8.5% discount rate.
Key risks include AI tools becoming more commoditised, slower than expected adoption of new products like Make and Buzz, and heavier investment or dilution weighing on per share earnings.

🐻 Figma Bear Case

Fair Value: US$18.79

Implied premium to this Fair Value vs the current US$22.51 price: about 19.8%.

Revenue growth assumption: 30.0%.

This narrative focuses on how Figma is deeply embedded in product teams and used by around 95% of Fortune 500 companies, but questions whether the stock price already reflects that position.
It highlights strong adoption of products such as Buzz, Slides, Sites and Make, while pointing out that competitors across design, presentations and web building remain strong in their own niches.
The bear tilt comes from concerns that growth could slow, AI features may be matched by rivals, and the stock could be priced more like a mature software company if execution or sentiment weakens.

If you want to see how your own expectations compare with these, it helps to read the full narratives, pick the assumptions you agree with, and then decide whether the current US$22.51 share price feels closer to a discount or a premium for your goals and risk tolerance.

See what the community is saying about Figma

Do you think there’s more to the story for Figma? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include FIG.

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