“GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout’’ he wrote on his X account Monday, June 22, followed by a prayer hands and 100 percent emojis.
An accompanying black-and-white photo showed Antetokounmpo from the back wearing his jersey No. 34 as if under the spotlight in a darkened arena.
Does this mean exit?
GOD, I trusted you at the beginning, and I will continue to trust you throughout. 🙏🏽💯 pic.twitter.com/BuRHnQS2NQ
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) June 22, 2026
While Antetokounmpo, 31, has never demanded a trade from the Bucks, the possibility has percolated for months.
The 10-time All-Star forward led the Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021. But since then, the Bucks have only advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs once, and this past season Milwaukee failed to make the playoffs.
The Bucks finished 32-50 in the 2025-26 season.
The Bucks selected Antetokounmpo No. 15 overall in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft, and in Milwaukee, he has developed into one of the league’s top players.
The Knicks and restricted free agent Mohamed Diawara are working on a multiyear, eight-figure deal to bring the rookie back to New York, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley confirms.
The deal is not official, but all signs are pointing to it getting done, Begley notes.
Diawara, who the Knicks selected with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, was expected to get "significant interest from other teams as a restricted free agent," Begley added.
The 21-year-old forward showed promising flashes over 69 games in 2025, averaging 3.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game in 9.2 minutes of action. He scored a career-high 18 points on Dec. 29 against the Pelicans. Diawara also played in six playoff games during the team's run to the NBA Finals, averaging 1.2 points and 1.5 rebounds over 7.2 minutes.
Diawara made $1.27 million during his rookie season and had a qualifying offer of $2.4 million, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.
The team's other remaining free agents include: Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Ariel Hukporti (restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr. (restricted) and Trey Jemison (restricted). Additionally, Jose Alvarado has a player option for the 2026-27 season, while Miles McBride is eligible for an extension.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Braden Smith smiles during the game during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Purdue fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The NBA Draft is coming up fast with Round 1 on Tuesday beginning at 8:00 PM and Round 2 coming up on Wednesday also at 8:00 PM. With that in mind if you’re going to vote you need to vote soon so as to not be accused of rigging the vote. STOP THE COUNT!
In this week’s poll I want to know how many of the four Purdue seniors will have their names called over the next two days. Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn are obviously the most likely suspects but Oscar Cluff and Fletcher Loyer are still out there as well. So, will more Boilermakers be a part of the Association come Wednesday evening? Let us know by voting and also leaving a note in the comments.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Allen Graves #22 of the Santa Clara Broncos celebrates during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The first round of the NBA Draft is set for Tuesday evening. Let’s take a final look at who the experts have the Cleveland Cavaliers taking with the 29th pick.
J. Kyle Mann projected the seven foot, 22-year-old center out of North Carolina to the Cavs. Mann wrote:
I’m sure you’ve pondered this question at some point or another: What if Quinten Post could put it on the floor a little bit and dunked everything? Well, the answer you’ve been waiting for is Henri Veesaar. So if the (very expensive) Cavs stand pat and make this pick for themselves, Veesaar would be a solid option. He’s the type of versatile big who could provide some spacing at the 4 next to Evan Mobley or Jarrett Allen.
Any viable backup big option in Cleveland needs to be able to play with both Mobley and Allen. Veesar projects to do so because of his outside shot.
Veesar connected on 42.6% of his three outside attempts per game during his senior season at North Carolina. That accounted for just over a quarter of his shot attempts. The majority of looks came near the rim. That’s exactly what you’d want to see from a big man’s shot chart.
There are concerns about his defense. Does he have the strength to be a five? Does he have good enough foot speed to keep up with fours? Both are open questions. But he does check a lot of the boxes the Cavs are looking for in terms of fit.
Veesar averaged 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this past season on .608/.426/.615 shooting splits.
Graves would be another great fit. The 6’9″ wing from Santa Clear averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on .512/.413/.750 shooting splits his freshman year.
This would be a surprising fall from one of the draft’s analytics darlings in Allen Graves. But should Graves actually be on the board for this long, Cleveland Cavaliers fans should be ecstatic. Graves has the size and length to compete at the power forward position, with an expanding offensive skill set that includes making plays for others out of post-up possessions, shooting from three-point range, and operating as a hub from the top of the floor. He may not have elite juice as a ball handler, but he produces on the glass, and lit up the charts as a defensive playmaker. Freshmen who produce with room to grow shouldn’t be ignored in the NBA Draft, especially if they can come in and fill an immediate need off the bench for a team that’s looking to continue taking the next step in the Eastern Conference.
Grubel’s write-up describes the exact player the Cavs need.
Cleveland has had plenty of guys who naturally play the two, but can shift up to the three as needed. They haven’t had many who are naturally positioned for the three, but can shift up to the four. Graves has the skillset to do so because of his size and rebounding capabilities.
The Cavs have a thing for undersized guards. Stirtz would fit that bill at 6’3″, 190 lbs. The 22-year-old guard out of Iowa averaged 19.8 points and 4.4 assists on .477/.358/.848 shooting splits.
One of the point guards is bound to slide a bit on draft night. I could see that being Stirtz. The Iowa star has had an incredible rise from playing at the Division II level to being a likely first-round pick. This would be a BPA (best player available) pick from the Cavs.
At the same time, this move would muddy what is already a crowded backcourt depth chart. The Cavs just drafted Tyrese Proctor last season, and have been developing Craig Porter Jr. for a few years as well. There really isn’t any more room in the backcourt as presently constructed.
That all said, there’s a lot to like about Stirtz’s game.
Among the things this signing signals: The Washington Wizards will select BYU's AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA Draft. Washington now has its point guard of the future locked up and isn't going to select Darryn Peterson.
Trae Young has agreed to terms to return to the Washington Wizards on a four-year, $212 million contract, a story broken almost simultaneously by ESPN’s Shams Charania and Josh Robbins of The Athletic.
Young, who was traded to the Wizards from the Hawks at the deadline, declined his $48.97 million player option for next season and became an unrestricted free agent. The expectation from many around the league was that Young would take less per year for a longer deal, but he is now set to make more next season ($49.5 million), and his salary only goes up from there. The fourth year of the contract is a player option for $56.9 million.
The large contract is surprising because, in the run-up to trading Young (for nearly a year prior to the February deadline), it became clear there was not much of a market for Young, at least at his current salary. Less than six months later, things flipped, and Washington paid him that and more. It is possible the Wizards will come to regret the bcal
That $212 million for four years figure is essentially the max any other team could have offered Young (with his Bird rights, Washington could have gone higher). It's unclear whether such a large offer was out there from another team for the 27-year-old four-time All-Star. However, the Wizards front office was convinced that, because of the league's new anti-tanking measures, a larger offer than had been rumored around the league would come his way, reports Robins at The Athletic.
Young struggled last season with injuries and averaged "just" 17.9 points and eight assists a game, shooting 33.8% from 3-point range. The season before that, Young was an All-Star who averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game, shooting 34% from beyond the arc.
Young joins a team with Anthony Davis as the veteran in the front court, along with the promising young Alex Sarr. That group very likely now gets joined by Dybantsa on the wing.
Washington finished with the worst record in the NBA last season at 17-65, but with Young at the point this is going to be a better, more competitive team in our nation's capital.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Mikel Brown Jr. speaks with the media during the 2026 NBA draft prospect availability at Lotte New York Palace on June 22, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The next-to-last mocks are rolling out and the top 20 prospects have spoken at the annual Green Room press conference in Manhattan and there appears to be two headlines as fans await the NBA Draft at Barclays Center Tuesday night, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The first is easy: Mikel Brown Jr. the 20-year-old, 6’5″ lead guard from Louisville appears to be the clear favorite for the Nets over the three other backcourt players. Multiple mock drafts, led by ESPN and Bleacher Report, have Brown as the pick at No. 6.
The second headline is a bit more complicated and uncertain. In the last 24 hours, Nets have met and/or worked out two prospects, Morez Johnson Jr. of Michigan and Chris Cenac of Houston, both of whom are tabbed as mid-first rounders. Is that an indication that at this late stage of the process that the Nets believe they are going to acquire a second first rounder? It’s been something they’ve planned.
As Erick Slater tweeted, Brown — and his family — already has a relationship with the Nets, specifically Sean Marks and Jordi Fernandez…
The Nets met with Mikel Brown Jr. at the combine, then flew to Orlando to meet his family, then hosted him in Brooklyn for a workout:
Mikel Brown Jr. told me he’s met with the Nets three times:
“I’ve definitely built a relationship there. Talking constantly with Mr. Marks and Coach Jordi. The biggest thing [Marks] emphasized if I get selected there is building that relationship with Jordi. You gotta have a… pic.twitter.com/NrHEGv3Dxj
That sounds mutually assuring. Brown was one of the college game’s top player and seems to tick off more boxes than his rival lead guards. He plays on both ends of the court.
In NBA Combine measurements, among the four guard prospects, Brown finished second in height (6’3.5”), first in standing reach (8’ 4.5”), wingspan (6’ 7.50”) in anthrometric measurements; second in both the shuttle run (2.89 seconds), third in 3/4-court sprint (3.24 seconds), and max vertical (39.5 inches). Similarly, he tied for first in spot-up shooting (72%) and free throw shooting (100%), second in 3-point shooting (62.0%).
Moreover, Brown is high character, a bit deal for the Nets after the Big 3 debacle. He knows what to say, too, as evidenced by his comments today and his confidence is sky-high, telling reporters that he believes he can play either guard position in the NBA. “Absolutely.”
As a freshman, Brown averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game for the Cardinals. He scored 45 points during a 118-77 win over N.C. State, breaking Cooper Flagg’s ACC freshman single game scoring record…
The man has range. In fact, he led the four lead guards in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet with 27, even though he played only 21 games compared to the 30-plus the others played. A troublesome back injury kept him out of the NCAA Tournament but he says he’s been cleared.
In addition to Brown’s comments, there was another from Keaton Waggler that seemed to hint that he’s gotten interest from the Clippers who hold the fifth pick…
Keaton Wagler confirmed to me that he canceled his workout with the Nets:
“I already worked out for the Bulls, and I was going to the Clippers. That’s 4 and 5. Hearing from them and knowing where I stood, I knew I didn’t need to work out for [the Nets]. But still meeting with… pic.twitter.com/6fHTLUEAm4
The Clippers passing on Wagler and taking Brown could of course change things, as could success in moving up into the top four, but increasingly, both seem unlikely. What about the others? Brian Lewis reported that Kingston Flemings has neither met with nor worked out for the Nets and Darius Acuff while having worked out with the Nets didn’t seem at all enthused and he seemed to dismiss concerns about this defense…
Darius Acuff Jr. said he worked out for the #Nets in Brooklyn. He said it went well & defense was part of the discussion. "Yeah. Of course. Every team you go to makes you play defense, so you do different defensive drills. You've got to show you can defend a little bit." #NBA
On the prospect of the Nets getting another pick in the first round, there was what could be construed as news. After Mike Scotto reported Sunday that the Nets had brought Morez, the 6’9″ Michigan PF, in for a workout on Sunday, Chris Cenac, the 6’11” Houston big, told Slater and the others that he too visited HSS Training Center on the weekend and said the Nets saw him as a good fit…
Chris Cenac Jr. told me he met with the Nets yesterday:
“We had a great conversation. They definitely think it’s a fit there. We’ll see tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/H4GbFfB8MI
Neither Johnson nor Cenac is projected near the No. 6 pick. Both are generally seen as mid-first rounders, with Johnson coming in at No. 12 in ESPN’s latest mock and Cenac No. 24. The Nets, of course, will have 35 future picks available on Draft Night: 14 firsts and swaps (10 of which are tradeable) and an NBA record 21 seconds (all of which can be moved) to offer teams that might be interested in saving some cap space in return for a first Tuesday night.
Another mid-first prospect, Karim Lopez spoke about how he thought his workout with the Nets (and up against Nate Ament) went…
Karim Lopez told me his workout with the Nets that featured Nate Ament went "great":
“It was a great workout. I did really good. [The Nets] were pretty happy. The feedback they gave me is that they love my competitiveness, they love how hard I play, my IQ, stuff like that.” pic.twitter.com/UC4StXsmjy
However, the team many considered the best candidate for such a move, the Oklahoma City Thunder, made two moves in the past 24 hours that would see to eliminate them. OKC controls the 12th and 17th picks and was projected to be at or above the second apron. Instead, they agreed to send Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for two seconds and trade Nos. 12 and 17 for the Mavericks No. 9.
The most likely possibilities other than the Thunder? The Knicks at No. 24? As their owner noted, they’re close to the second apron and he’s not willing to go over it. Using the 24th pick would require them to guarantee the player chose $3.4 million next season and $17.4 million over the full course of his contract. The Bulls also have two first at Nos. 4 and 15 but they are a rebuild as well and it might take a lot of unfree that second pick..
Of course, things can change. Often do. See you Tuesday night at Barclays. We plan full coverage.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers works against the defense of Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. Rivals, but they have a lot in common. Both have long, heated rivalries with the Spurs, are in the Pacific division, and made the Finals this decade. While Los Angeles has more top-end talent with Luka Donćić and Austin Reaves (who is highly likely to resign, assuming he opts out), both are in a holding pattern when it comes to building out their teams.
Neither is anywhere close to competing with the Western Conference’s best, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder swept both, but the Lakers were after beating the Houston Rockets in the first round. Doncic missed the whole series.
Phoenix knows they want to build another Finals team with Devin Booker leading the helm, while Los Angeles has signaled they want to raise their 18th banner around a backcourt of Doncic and Reaves. The rest of both teams’ long-term rosters are more uncertain. Sure, don’t be surprised if LeBron James returns to the Lakers for his 24th season, and if Dillon Brooks gets an extension after his career year, but neither is in a position to drastically improve their rosters this summer to the point where they can be considered viable threats to compete with the Spurs and Thunder, so their best strategy may be to stay patient.
With his inconsistent play and energy concerns, Deandre Ayton left many unimpressed in his first year in the purple and gold, which is why there have been so many reports of Los Angeles looking to upgrade at center. With the team having “phantom cap space,” as ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst says, people in the NBA are calling their cap space mainly because of LeBron James and Rui Hachimura’s cap holds. The Lakers are not in a position to upgrade their five spot, meaning it might be best for them to stand pat or sign players to short-term deals in the process.
As their series against the Thunder showed, even if Doncic was healthy, they lacked the defensive presence to compete with West’s best. Los Angeles lost by 18 or more points in three of the four games, and allowed at least 125 points in two of them. To acquire the defensive and center presence needed to compete with Oklahoma City and San Antonio, patience might be what they need to exercise most right now, and the same can be said for the Suns.
Lacking draft assets and a flurry of premium young players, even if management believes Booker can be the same player that led the team to the 2021 Finals, to compete with the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Phoenix needs to recognize that they are not a lone All-Star away or better injury luck from returning to the top of the West. They already tried that method of teambuilding.
While having the Unanimous Defensive Player of the year and the reigning NBA MVP are the anchors for San Antonio and Oklahoma City’s dominance in their Finals runs, neither were one-man teams like LeBron James carried the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Finals in 2018. When the Thunder won the title in the 2024-2025 season, Jalen Williams had a 40-point Finals game, and Alex Caruso came off the bench and had multiple 20-point ones. On the Spurs way to the Finals, Stephon Castle went for 32 in their closeout game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, and Julian Champagnie hit six threes in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals. Both teams created rosters that were not reliant on their best players to be perfect in every game.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – JUNE 16: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates a dunk against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter in Game Five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 16, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. | Getty Images
As the New York Knicks just showed with their patient and methodical approach to team building, which got them a title nearly four years after signing Jalen Brunson. Along with his iconic game-winner in Game 4 of the Finals, OG Anunoby averaged 20 points in the Knicks’ playoff run, Landry Shamet shot 48% from three, and Karl Anthony-Towns was willing to take a backseat and play more as a distributor for the betterment of the team. The Knicks acquired Anunoby in 2023 and Towns and Shamet in 2024. New York built a team that was balanced and versatile.
Putting flex tape over your team’s biggest issues by adding a superstar and gutting the rest of your team’s assets doesn’t work. Just ask the Suns how it worked when they added Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in a five-month span.
Whether it’s the Suns resigning Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin to short-term deals or the Lakers getting Austin Reaves to not resign for the max, flexibility needs to be a priority for both teams.
Just because Los Angeles had a better season than the Lakers doesn’t mean they should take a different approach from the Suns. Making rash decisions just to slightly improve for next year can do more long-term damage than staying pat can.
Feb 10, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) dunks the ball ahead of Baylor Bears guard Cameron Carr (43) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
It’s a very exciting time to be a BYU basketball fan. Sure, the team disappointed in the NCAA Tournament, losing in the first round to Texas. However, AJ Dybantsa is the most exciting basketball player to ever wear a BYU uniform. And he is on the precipice of BYU history, which could happen during the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, June 23.
BYU has never had the NBA No.1 overall draft pick. Twice, they have gotten the second overall pick. First, Mel Hutchins in 1951. Shawn Bradley was taken No. 2 overall in 1993 by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Last year, Egor Dёmin became the first BYU player to be taken in the first round since Jimmer Fredette in 2011 when he went eighth overall to Brooklyn.
Dybantsa will most certainly exceed Dёmin’s draft slot. In fact, it would be jaw-dropping if he falls below second overall.
The prediction exchange site Kalshi gives Dybantsa an 85% chance at being the No. 1 overall pick in this coming NBA Draft. That seems like a near certainty.
What is not certain quite yet is who will take the former BYU star at the top draft slot. Right now, the Washington Wizards occupy that spot and certainly could use a player like Dybansta. Understandably, the Utah Jazz sit at spot No. 2 and would love to keep the consensus All-American in Utah. However, Deseret.com says a trade up from two to one is “highly unlikely.” They cite the cost being too high and this draft class having several prospects with star potential.
Those conversations are juicy, with both Jazz owner Ryan Smith and CEO Danny Ainge having strong BYU ties. The ticket sales would sell themselves. Jerseys. Fan buy-in. Dybansta to the Jazz would be one of the easiest sells of all-time.
However, looking at the business side of things, it does not make a lot of sense for the Jazz to shell out an eye-popping trade package to move up one slot to get him when someone like Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer falls right into their laps at no extra charge. Unless internally, they feel strongly that Dybantsa is head-and-shoulders the best player on the board with a chance to take them to a title.
If the Wizards somehow don’t take Dybantsa with the top pick, the Jazz will be tripping over themselves to get to the phone to make the pick for him.
It certainly looks like the most likely scenario is Dybantsa heading to the nation’s capital to join Trae Young, whom the Wizards just signed to a massive extension to stay in D.C. That could be one of the more exciting one-two punches in the NBA next season.
"You are turning me somewhat grateful," he said on Twitch Sunday."I get to see some negativity that I didn't want, but that just gives me more fuel for the fire."
Brown waded into the speculation on his Twitch stream this weekend as he was training alongside Olympic sprinter Noah Lyles.
"To all the people that's doubted me, that want me to do this, or want me gone, you're turning me into a monster."
Jaylen Brown spoke about his social media feed yesterday and how he’s “grateful” for the negativity on it:
“That just gives more fuel to the fire…To all the people that’s doubted me, that want me to do this, or want me gone, you’re turning me into a monster.”
By Monday, the talk had some teeth with Brown's name headlining the return package the Celtics are offering. ESPN Brian Windhorst said on Get up that the Celtics are all the way in.
Brown is a a solid bargaining chip, as he is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists – all personal bests – and made his fifth All-Star team. Then it fell apart in May. Boston lost a Game 7 at home to Philadelphia in the first round, and Brown picked up a $50,000 fine for going after the officiating. He turns 30 in October. He is owed $183 million over the next three seasons.
Antetokounmpo is the biggest prize though.
He was the MVP in 2019 and 2020, took Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 and carried Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship as the Finals MVP. He has made 10 All-Star teams, The issue recently has been health. Injuries limited him to 36 games last year.
With just one guaranteed year left on his deal, Antetokounmpo holds the cards in this. He has agreed to sign an extension only with Boston or Miami, ESPN's Shams Charania has reported.
The NBA draft starts at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, so the clock is ticking.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Craig Porter Jr. #9 of the Cleveland Cavaliers controls the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on November 12, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers announced they are exercising their team option for Craig Porter Jr., bringing the undrafted guard back for his fourth season. Porter signed his first standard contract in February, 2024.
We have exercised the fourth-year team option on Craig Porter Jr. #LetEmKnow
Porter is fresh off the best season of his career, appearing in 64 games and playing a career-high 17 minutes per game. He helped Cleveland navigate a bumpy start to the year by serving as an energizer off the bench. Porter averaged 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season.
The Cavs will owe Porter $2.4 million next season. He’s now in the final year of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Porter might be limited by his 6’1″ frame, but his playstyle is that of a player much larger. He’s one of the better offensive rebounders on the roster and is just as capable of blocking a shot as anyone not named Evan or Jarrett. This unique skillset has paved the way for Porter to be impactful despite not being a serious threat to score the ball.
There’s still room for CPJ to grow. At 26 years old, Porter is searching for a reliable jump shot that he trusts enough to use more than once a game. Porter shot a respectable 35.5% from deep last season but attempted three-pointers at one of the lowest rates in the league. He makes up for this by hustling on defense and generating turnovers. But his long-term viability will ultimately depend on his development as a shooter.
Porter’s fit next to James Harden and Donovan Mitchell is questionable. He doesn’t have the off-ball skills to space the floor and isn’t a strong enough creator to take touches away from them. Yet, as a backup guard who can eat innings during the regular season, Porter is one of the better options available to Cleveland. Simply retaining him is a move worth making.
The projected top four in this year’s NBA draft — AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson — are all No. 1-caliber most years. The next wave of Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Aday Mara, Kingston Flemings and Nate Ament have incredibly high ceilings. Teams that fell in the lottery will wind up with strong prospects.
Yes, this draft is that deep. Experts have been raving about this class for months, calling it one of the best in recent memory.
“There’s four or five at least perennial All-Stars in this group,” a longtime NBA scout said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Not rotational players, but actual All-Stars.”
It gets going Tuesday night at Barclays Center. The Post’s Zach Braziller breaks down the eagerly anticipated first round with his mock draft:
1. Washington Wizards
AJ Dybantsa, BYU (F, 6-9 , 217 pounds)
I can see the Wizards debating No. 1 right up until their selection. There is no easy answer. Darryn Peterson may have the highest upside, but there are major red flags, from his health issues in his one season at Kansas to his at times inconsistent motor. Cameron Boozer is a safe bet to be a productive player for a long time to come, but he may not be a superstar, due to athleticism questions.
That’s why Dybantsa is the pick in the end. The BYU one-and-done standout has the fewest concerns, the highest upside and floor. It’s easy to envision him leading the league in scoring one day.
2. Utah Jazz
Darryn Peterson, Kansas (G, 6-5 , 199 pounds)
There were times at Kansas that Peterson looked like the college version of Kobe Bryant – the game came easy to him. He dominated Dybantsa in a one-on-one matchup for a half, before an injury limited him to three second-half minutes. Peterson met with the Jazz over the weekend, after initially only spending time with the Wizards.
Duke forward Cameron Boozer. Getty Images
3. Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer, Duke (F, 6-8 , 252 pounds)
If not for injuries to his supporting cast, Boozer may have become the first freshman to lead his team to a national title since Anthony Davis in 2012. He’s a two-way dynamo, a bruising forward with playmaking skills who was just the sixth freshman to be the consensus National Player of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shooting 39.1 percent from 3.
4. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina (F, 6-9, 211 pounds)
Five years from now, don’t be surprised if the Bulls landed the best player in this draft. Wilson is that talented. A supreme athlete, willing defender and fierce competitor, in a normal draft he is the No 1 pick. He brings a combination of production in his lone year of college – Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Tar Heels – along with immense potential growth.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville (G, 6-7, 221 pounds)
When healthy, he made Louisville appointment viewing. The electric guard has drawn Damian Lillard comparisons – although a back injury, which limited him to 21 games, is somewhat of a concern. Brown set an ACC freshman record with a dazzling 45-point showing in a rout of NC State and made at least three 3-pointers 10 different times.
6. Brooklyn Nets
Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas (G, 6-2, 185 pounds)
Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. Getty Images
You remember the Nets, right? Professional basketball team that plays in anonymity in Brooklyn. It’s just so easy to forget about them considering the Knicks’ spring takeover en route to their first championship in 53 years. The Nets falling to No. 6 after a tanking campaign that resulted in 20 wins was not ideal, but in this draft, it’s not a complete disaster. While the Nets are flush with point guards after drafting Egor Demin and Nolan Traore in the first round a year ago, they lack the Arkansas lead guard’s promise. He was the first player to lead the SEC in both points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.
7. Sacramento Kings
Keaton Wagler, Illinois (G, 6-5, 188 pounds)
There were supposedly 149 high school prospects better than Wagler in his class. Then, he started 6-for-21 in his first three games against high-major competition. From there, the freshman was one of the premier guards in all of college basketball, averaging nearly 18 points per game while shooting a shade under 40 percent from 3 on significant volume. Most importantly he won, leading Illinois to its first Final Four in 21 years. The Kings, who have suffered through 18 losing seasons over the last 20 years, can certainly use a player who impacts winning.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Aday Mara, Michigan (F, 7-3, 225)
The biggest riser in this draft, the 7-foot-3 Mara was a defensive linchpin for national champion Michigan. He’s a natural fit for the contending Hawks, who desperately need a quality big man to join their young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil-Alexander Walker.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Kingston Flemings, Houston (G, 6-3, 183 pounds)
One NBA scout believes the Houston one-and-done guard is being undervalued. He defends, can make shots and is used to being coached hard after a season with Kelvin Sampson. “I think he’s going to end up being really good. He does all the things you want your point guard to be able to do,” the scout said.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Nate Ament, Tennessee (F, 6-10, 210 pounds)
Ament has the length, shotmaking and physical tools teams covet on the wing. His efficiency numbers at Tennessee – 39.9 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from 3 – were underwhelming, and he needs to get significantly stronger to avoid getting picked on defensively. Still, those are things that can be easily addressed, and Ament will have time to develop with the rebuilding Bucks.
11. Golden State Warriors
Brayden Burries, Arizona (G, 6-2, 215 pounds)
The Warriors are looking to win and not rebuild, making this a no-brainer choice. Burries can contribute immediately at both ends of the floor, and if his shooting in his freshman year at Arizona (39.1 percent on 4.6 attempts from 3) is an indication of his development in that area, his ceiling may be higher than some have projected.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan (F, 6-9, 241 pounds)
There isn’t a better story in this draft. Six years ago, Lendeborg was working at a warehouse, thinking his basketball career was over. His mother refused to allow him to give up. From junior college in Arizona to UAB and Michigan this past season, the 6-foot-9 forward from Pennsauken, N.J. is living out a dream he didn’t even think was possible.
13. Miami Heat
Hannes Steinbach, Washington, (F, 6-10, 248 pounds)
All it takes is one elite skill to stick in the NBA, and Steinbach can count rebounding as his. He led all of college basketball in that category (11.8) in his lone season at Washington, and his 22 double-doubles equaled Boozer for the most nationally. The German forward will get you extra possessions – he averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds, third most in the country – and he has a refined post game.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan (F, 6-9, 250 pounds)
The unsung hero of Michigan’s first national championship team in 37 years. He’s a switchable defender, has untapped offensive upside and is a max effort guy that plays with an edge – attributes the Hornets could use up front, especially with Miles Bridges, Grant Williams and Josh Green all slated to hit free agency.
15. Chicago Bulls
Cameron Carr, Baylor (G, 6-5, 184 pounds)
One of my favorite fits in this draft: The silky-smooth Carr with the uptempo Bulls. He has pogo sticks for legs and in-the-building range. Pairing Carr with Wilson is a fun young tandem for new coach Tiago Splitter to work with.
16. Memphis Grizzlies
Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (F, 6-8, 222 pounds)
The lone international prospect in my first round, Lopez needs time to further develop his perimeter jumper and ball-handling skills. But the Mexican-born Lopez has NBA athleticism, plays with physicality and has the potential to be a defensive menace with his 7-foot wingspan. He scored 358 points in 2025-26 in the Australian National Basketball League Next Stars program, the most ever by a draft-eligible player, and that list includes LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr. A popular comparison: Aaron Gordon.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder
Dailyn Swain, Texas (F, 6-7, 211 pounds)
A strong perimeter defender who can touch the paint with a creative bag of counters moves sounds like a perfect match for the drive-and-kick Thunder. Swain lived at the rim this past season for Texas and shot an impressive 63 percent there, according to Synergy. Even if his 3-point shot doesn’t improve – Swain shot 34.4 percent from distance on limited volume for the Longhorns – he’s at worst a quality wing contributor for a winning team.
18. Charlotte Hornets
Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama (G, 6-3, 176 pounds)
It’s the annual draft debate: Production or projection? Philon had a fantastic sophomore season for Alabama, tallying 22 points, five assists and shooting 39.9 percent from distance on 6.1 attempts. But teams are concerned about his thin frame holding up against NBA physicality and his agility testing at the combine created questions about his lateral quickness. It’s why he’s still here in the late teens.
19. Toronto Raptors
Bennett Stirtz, Iowa (G, 6-3, 186 pounds)
The shooting-starved Raptors can use someone like Stirtz, one of the top 3-point marksmen in this class. He can initiate offense and spread the floor. The Iowa standout is comfortable on and off the ball, which makes him a fit in Toronto’s Scottie Barnes-centric system.
20. San Antonio Spurs
Chris Cenac Jr., Houston (F, 6-10, 240 pounds)
The Spurs need help on the interior to support Victor Wembanyama, and Cenac can provide backup minutes to the superstar Frenchman and play alongside him. He has potential to stretch the floor and profiles as a high-level rebounder with his 7-foot-5 wingspan, averaging 7.9 boards in only 24.8 minutes as a freshman at Houston.
21. Detroit Pistons
Christian Anderson Jr., Texas Tech (G, 6-1, 180 pounds)
Detroit wants to add offensive firepower, especially from long distance, to make it tougher on teams to load up on star Cade Cunningham. Anderson fits that need as arguably the top shooter in this class.
22. Philadelphia 76ers
Allen Graves, Santa Clara (F, 6-8, 226 pounds)
Graves bet on himself by passing on a huge college payday to go pro after an impressive season at Santa Clara. The 6-foot-8 forward has a 7-foot wingspan, soft touch from deep (41.3 percent from 3 on 2.6 attempts) and possesses offensive hub potential. Has an advanced feel for the game, a byproduct of playing point guard prior to a late growth spurt.
23. Atlanta Hawks
Koa Peat, Arizona (F, 6-7, 245 pounds)
Major bust potential. Non-shooting wings like Peat who don’t project to be a difference-making defender rarely stick in the league. In the Final Four, Peat was overwhelmed by Michigan’s size – the kind of length and athleticism he will see nightly in the NBA.
24. New York Knicks
Isaiah Evans, Duke (G, 6-6, 186 pounds)
Duke guard Isaiah Evans (3) Getty Images
The big guard flashed lottery potential at times as a sophomore, but lacked consistency. He went from a spot-up shooter to a multi-faceted scorer in his second season at Duke, and has upside to be a steal in this spot. A potential Landry Shamet replacement if the valuable reserve leaves in free agency.
An old school-style big man, Reed was dominant in Connecticut’s run to the NCAA Tournament championship game, posting 19.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks. Improved as a passer and defender this season, and has the physicality and length with his 7-foot-4 wingspan to be effective against more athletic big men.
26. Denver Nuggets
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State (F, 6-8, 246 pounds)
Editor’s note: The author is part of the Iowa State forward’s fan club, and with good reason. He may not have one elite skill, but Jefferson does everything well. He rebounds, he guards, he distributes, he can score and the 3-point shot is improving, too. Productive college players tend to impact winning at the next level – just look at the world champion Knicks.
27. Boston Celtics
Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s (F, 6-8, 245 pounds)
Detractors point to Ejiofor lacking a true position as an undersized big, and see offensive limitations. A smart team – like the Celtics – focuses on his immense improvement in recent years, his winning traits and high character as valuable assets. The face of the Rick Pitino era at St. John’s has a motor that is difficult to teach. A scout compared him to a modern-day Charles Oakley.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Ebuka Okorie, Stanford (F, 6-1, 186 pounds)
He’s undersized, at 6-foot-1, but that didn’t stop the freshman from averaging 23.2 points and shooting 46.5 percent from the field in the ACC. Okorie can contribute right away in a reserve role, and the Timberwolves will be in need of firepower in the backcourt. Donte DiVincenzo is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon and Bones Hyland could potentially leave through free agency.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers
Meleek Thomas, Arkansas (G, 6-3, 190 pounds)
The Cavaliers appear committed to running it back with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, and that duo could use more perimeter shooting to space the floor. Enter Thomas, a terrific shooter on the move as well as in spot-up situations. Shot 41.6 percent from 3 as a freshman for John Calipari at Arkansas. Should be able to contribute immediately as a microwave scorer off the bench.
30. Dallas Mavericks
Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky (C, 6-9, 253 pounds)
If not for questions about his surgically repaired right knee, the rim-running, shot-blocking prospect would have gone in the lottery. After ACL surgery in March of 2025, Quaintance appeared in only four games a year ago. One of them, a win over St. John’s in which he had 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes, showcased his tantalizing talent.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy after the victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A new NBA champion being crowned is always followed with the tradition of the other 29 teams asking themselves “what can we learn from this?” or “what does it take for us to reach that mountain?” The thorough ass-kicking the Sixers received from the eventual champion New York Knicks to send them home in the second round of the playoffs made it easy to evaluate their own status as a title contender. In the words of their new front office, they are not one just yet.
Still only a year removed from a franchise-derailing 24-win season, that fact doesn’t present an existential crisis it would have in years past. The Sixers have a long road ahead of them to get back to title contention. A big stretch of that road may very well be patience for VJ Edgecombe to age into his prime.
If this eight-year pattern of no repeat champions continues for the league, there’s definitely a lesson the Knicks have taught the Sixers and the rest of the league when it comes to team building, and it’s that there is no one right way to do it.
The now infamous example of the Knicks bucking conventional wisdom when it comes to roster construction is winning with a small guard as the best player on the team. This has been a hot topic in New York since Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon voiced her concerns about Jalen Brunson being capable of being the best player on a championship team on an ESPN segment back in 2023.
Building their team around a small guard was just the start of the Knicks’ unorthodox path. They hardly built any of their team through the draft. The only rotation regulars they drafted were Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. Three of their best players spent several years in college as opposed to being one-and-dones. They burned the last of their draft capital in a trade not for a star to push them over the hump, but for a role player.
At no point did the Knicks stop and try to put a team together the “proper” way — they just kept tinkering with pieces around Brunson until the puzzle came into place.
Even perhaps the most universal truth, it takes one of the best players in the world to win a championship, has started to become challenged. Two of these last three champions, the Knicks and the 2024 Celtics, have done so without a top-five player in the league. Both Brunson and Jayson Tatum are surefire All-NBA players, but you’d be hard pressed to find them in the top five in anyone’s player rankings.
The point of this post was inspired the God of Pacers and frankly, basketball coverage, Caitlin Cooper. She pointed out how different in play styles each of the last few champions have been compared to each other. Her observation in the difference in play also highlights how different each team’s path was in getting to the championship.
The Thunder didn’t play like the Celtics, and the Celtics didn’t play like Nuggets, and the Nuggets didn’t play the Warriors, and the Warriors didn’t play like the Bucks. If anything, the lesson from the playoffs is that there isn’t a lesson from the playoffs. Find your own path
The Thunder underwent a long rebuild, but still lucked out a bit in acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a part of the Paul George trade. The Celtics were more traditional in building around two top-five draft picks, but the Nuggets didn’t draft their star until the middle of the second round.
If there is one pattern here, it’s that all of these teams still needed a bonafide star to win a championship. That’s been the case even for Brunson and Tatum.
Now, this will matter a whole let less if the 7-foot-4 alien who just lost to the Knicks ends this era of parity, which he and the San Antonio Spurs still look well set up to do. If they don’t, the good news for the Sixers is they believe they have one, potentially two of those guys who can be that in Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.
With Paul George and Joel Embiid having years left on their contract, it won’t be a straightforward path to get the Sixers to optimize their backcourt. Recent history has shown the path isn’t always obvious.
They just have to find the one that works for them.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 9: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on April 9, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
May 3, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) reacts after a play against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of game seven in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Max Strus’s 2025-26 season was definitely not the plan either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Strus envisioned. However, the Cavaliers needed Strus for the postseason, and from that perspective, he was up to the task.
Regular Season Stats
11.2 points
5.4 rebounds
2 assists
44.3% FG
40.2% 3PT FG
77.8% FT
Late last August, it was announced by the Cavaliers that Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. It was initially estimated he would be sidelined for three to four months. Well, one setback after another, it became a real concern whether Strus would even be able to suit up for the Cavaliers at all this past season. Then, it was announced with 12 games left in the regular season that Strus would be able to get some minutes under his belt before the postseason.
Strus did his best to make up for lost time in his return. Against Dallas, Strus was running around like a man on fire. His lack of conscience resulted in a 7-9 shooting night (6-7 from three), ending with 24 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes.
While it wasn’t like the Cavaliers were a Strus away from being a title team, he is one of the more adaptable players on the roster. Strus is someone who isn’t just a one-dimensional offensive player, which plagues more of the team’s role players. His ability to operate as a secondary ball handler, get defenders to bite on pull-ups, and try on defense are little things that add to his well-rounded game.
Strus, in his limited 12 games in the regular season, scored in double digits six times. Not too shabby for someone who missed the first 85% of the season. It felt like Strus was able to fast-track his ramp-up period in time for the Cavaliers to make a serious playoff push.
In the postseason, Strus had pivotal performances as the Cavaliers made their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Strus couldn’t find a rhythm against the Knicks, but neither could anyone on the team. However, in the first two rounds, Strus was tasked, along with Dean Wade, with guarding the bigger-bodied ball handlers like Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham, and performed admirably.
Strus is far from an elite defender; however, he did a great job of hustling enough to stay on their hips and playing the role of on-ball pest. Offensively, Strus provided enough with his movement shooting and as a secondary ballhandler.
When you take the one-thousand-foot view of Strus’s season, it is incredible that a guy who could not play for 70 games to start the season was able to step into 25+ minute playoff games for a month and a half. Strus has always been an emotional leader of the Cavaliers. He is someone who has an edge that the team can respond to. This year showed just how valuable he is.
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks speaks during a press conference after being named the 2025-26 NBA Rookie of the Year at American Airlines Center on April 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last week’s survey centered around the upcoming NBA Draft, which takes place over two days this week, Tuesday and Wednesday. Dallas picks 9th in the draft, a maddening position considering how bad the team was this year.
The first question was a simple yes/no question about your concern level about the availability of players in the draft for the Mavericks when they select in the first round.
A slight majority says yes, they are concerned. That’s the group I fall in, but if you’re hopeful and like the quality of players available in the range Dallas picks in, I get it. There’s a lot of interesting players, so maybe I need to relax.
The second question asked if you want the Mavericks to try to trade up.
A slight majority said no to this question which tracks with the first question. If you believe in Dallas and the players in the range, there’s no need to trade up. Hint, I want them to trade up but know they don’t have the assets to do so.
The third question asked whether you wanted Dallas to trade down (and, theoretically, acquire more assets).
Only two in five fans want Dallas to trade down. The majority of fans seem to want Dallas to stay put and draft whoever is there. Man I get it but this is the last time Dallas has a lottery pick they control maybe for the decade. If you want to place a bet on who the Mavericks might draft, or anyone else in the NBA, you can do so via our partners at FanDuel. It’s fun, I recommend it.
The national poll asked questions about the NBA Finals.
2 out of 3 fans enjoyed the Knicks title fun; count me as one of them. But begrudgingly.
This question is stupid and heavily influenced by Knicks fans. Brunson shouldn’t have beeb allowed to walk, but trading Luka is worse. Come on now.
Most fans think the Thunder come back with a fury and I have to agree.
