MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 15: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round Two Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Guess who just got back to the WCF? Those crazy cats down in San Antone. Making sure Game 6 is all they need, Stephon Castle responded to the Timberwolves’ defensive switch-up and scored a game-high 32 points along with 11 rebounds. De’Aaron Fox chipped in 21 points with 9 assists while Victor Wembanyama “casually” scored 19 points with 3 blocks.
These lobs between Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama look so organic. Occasionally, Wembanyama will add some spice like dunk the ball from the side or with his back facing the rim. Next, I expect him to bounce one off his face like a seal and then flush it through.
Castle in the sky for this exclamated dunk. I know “exclamated” isn’t a word, but have you seen Howl’s Moving Castle? If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki, I would highly recommend watching it.
Dylan Harper out here making going left look like going right. It’s legitimately bonkers how bonkers Harper is playing in the playoffs right now. Explosive plays? Sure. Clamped down defense? Of course. Composure beyond his years as a rookie? Indubitably. Meme-able reactions that go viral on the internet? More on that below.
Look, I get nervous when Wembanyama catches a lob with his back to the basket and quickly spins around for a dunk for fear of him hitting his head on the rim if he misjudged his jump and location. Luckily, that doesn’t happen as often as I fear. On this play, De’Aaron Fox puts up a pretty full-court pass on the dot to our favorite sci-fi enthusiast who immediately pirouettes into a dunk off of one pivot of the foot.
Just in case you forgot that the Spurs have a young, budding wing like Castle, they draft Dylan Harper who they bring along patiently and then unleash in the playoffs. Just in case you forgot they have young, promising wings in Castle and Harper, here comes Carter Bryant flying in and soaking in every minute of the 10-13 minutes per game that Mitch Johnson puts him in for. I can’t wait to see Bryant’s increased role next season but am enjoying the burst of energy and effective defense he brings off the bench. What a fun team.
This post is a Julian Champagnie appreciation post. Rock solid is usually the description used to describe Champagnie, but if he was on any other team, you’d see regular highlights like below. Good thing he isn’t on another team because he fits right in with this crew.
You can almost see the light of enlightenment shine on Champagnie when he was about to pull up for an open three and realized his buddy Wembanyama is even more open down by the basket. Just ignore that little love tap Wemby gave out just like the (redacted)s ignored the other love taps give out on Wemby throughout these playoffs (wink).
There’s a lot of work left for these Spurs, but it’s just amazing to see their journey this season. It hits extra hard to our hearts to see a new band of lovable, fun players bring us basketball joy. Especially after that 2014 team, I myself did not think I would ever find that kind of sports joy again, but these guys make it a lot easier.
There’s so much homerism and bias in that paragraph that it almost makes you forget you’re reading it on a San Antonio Spurs site. Almost.
Wow! With all that adrenaline from Friday night’s big series finishing win, winding it down and sending everyone out with some comfort sitcom music, starring Dylan Harper with the most “The Office” face ever:
Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams, who has missed the last six Thunder playoff games — including the entire sweep of the Lakers in the second round — says he is healthy and will be back for the Western Conference Finals against San Antonio.
"I haven't had to rush back from my hamstring stuff at all. I'm actually taking extra days now then what was even originally planned because we were up 3-0 [against the Lakers], so there was no point in going into this series and possibly hurting myself before we have to play the Timberwolves or the Spurs. I'm about to go into another series healthy."
Health has been elusive for Williams this season. He missed time at the start of the season recovering from off-season wrist surgery, then suffered a hamstring strain during the season, resulting in him playing in a career-low 33 games. When he did play, he averaged 17.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.6 rebounds a game, while shooting just 29.9% from 3-point range, all numbers well off his previous, All-NBA season.
Not that the Thunder missed a beat. In the last round against the Lakers, Ajay Mitchell started in his place and averaged 22.5 points and six assists per game, and OKC swept LeBron James and the shorthanded Lakers out of the playoffs.
More than scoring, a return of Williams gives Oklahoma City another high-level defender with good positional size (6'5" as a wing), something needed against the young and athletic Spurs. That said, with the way Mitchell is playing, look for him to get a lot of minutes — Williams isn't returning and playing 40 minutes a night. Still, the Thunder just got deeper and better for the biggest series of the postseason.
Over the past decade-plus, Steve Kerr has coached some memorable games.
From Golden State’s run to its first NBA championship in 40 years during the 2014-15 season to that unforgettable 2022-23 campaign when everyone had counted them out — there’s no shortage of magical moments for Kerr to refer to.
And even despite the Warriors’ rocky 2025-26 season with injuries and inconsistencies, Kerr shared that the team’s electric NBA play-in win over the Los Angeles Clippers was a top-10 game for him.
“Well, first of all, it’s one of my all-time favorite games,” Kerr said Friday on “The TK Show.” “We’ve had so many amazing games, it’s probably a top-10 game in the 12 years we’ve had, and that’s saying something. It was just the first play-in game, we didn’t even qualify for the playoffs, but that’s how much the game meant to me and to those guys, probably because of the way this season went.
“The fact that Steph [Curry] missed 27 straight games, the fact that we were on life support, basically, going into that game, it just was so special. It was such a great win, and ultimately, this is what we do it for, that the players do it to feel that moment. The coaches work every day to achieve that level of play, and it hadn’t worked all year. We just couldn’t reach that level, and then to dig deep and to find it was so meaningful.
“It was probably a good metaphor for, like, you can’t get this anywhere else in life — you just can’t. And there’s a reason coaches get addicted to this work, it’s exhilarating. The camaraderie, the companionship, collaboration, it’s beautiful. And that was a wonderful moment.”
With their season on the line, the Warriors rallied from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Clippers 126-121 at the Intuit Dome. Curry led the comeback with 35 points — 27 in the second half — and Al Horford hit four 3-pointers in the final frame to secure the victory.
Draymond Green also displayed a defensive masterclass against Kawhi Leonard.
And even though the magic expired two days later with a crushing loss to the Phoenix Suns, that special win in Los Angeles will forever be one of Kerr’s favorites.
With the Knicks set to tip off the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday, legendary center Patrick Ewing takes a shot at some playoff Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.
Q: What would you tell these Knicks if you were standing in the locker room about the opportunity that is in front of them right now?
A: What I would tell them is they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. No one knows if it’s going to come back around. When we got there in ’94, I definitely thought that we were going to have another opportunity in ’95 — take advantage of this opportunity. Continue to do the things that they’ve been doing. Continue to play as a team. The five guys on the floor got to do their part, the bench has to do their part. So remember that it’s about team, this is not tennis with one person against another person, all five have to be locked in, be unselfish, be selfish when you need to be selfish, and just play a team game,
Q: Why do you believe these Knicks can win an NBA championship?
A: Anything is possible. These guys have been putting in the work, the coaches have been putting them in great positions to accomplish that. That’s everybody’s goal at the beginning of the year to win a championship, and we’re all hoping that happens.
Q: How do they do it?
A: They have to continue to do what they’ve been doing. We’ve been definitely hot in these last two rounds. We have to continue to do the same thing that we’ve been doing — playing as a team, both offensively and defensively taking care of business, no turnovers, just all the things that they’ve been doing.
Q: Could you paint the picture for me of what the city would be like if the Knicks won it all?
A: Hey … You see the way that the fans have been acting during these first two rounds. You saw the way the fans did when the Rangers won it or the Yankees won it. The whole city, the whole state would be so happy to be so proud to … I think the whole city would go wild.
Q: Why would Patrick Ewing have liked playing with Jalen Brunson?
A: Jalen is one of the most talented players that I’ve seen play. He not only can pass the ball, but he also can take a game over. I wasn’t fortunate enough to play with a talent like that. I think that having an opportunity to play with him would have only made my job that much easier.
Patrick Ewing sits on celebrity row during the first quarter of a playoff game against the Hawks.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: What do you think of Karl-Anthony Towns as an occasional hub of the offense?
A: Everybody has to learn how to play off each other. They’ve both been doing an outstanding job of learning each other. KAT has to continue to do all the things that he’s been doing, he’s been a facilitator and looking to score when he has an opportunity. I think both of them have to continue to do their part if we’re going to win.
Q: What makes OG Anunoby so invaluable?
A: To me, the last two series he’s been our best player. He’s been scoring, he’s been playing great defense. … I think all of them, you look at the team as a whole, it’s been all of them, all of those guys have been doing their part to help the team to get to where it’s gotten to. You can’t just say it’s Jalen or it’s KAT or it’s OG, I think that everybody has been doing their part — the whole entire team. When guys have had the opportunity to come in off the bench, they’ve been doing their part.
Q: From an intangible standpoint, does Josh Hart remind you of John Starks?
A: He definitely does. His heart and soul … John was a better shooter, but Josh wears his emotions on his sleeve, and I think that everybody on that team knows what he brings to the team and knows what he means to the team and he definitely has to continue to do all that.
Jose Alvarado #5 of the Knicks and Patrick Ewing hug before the game against the Atlanta Hawks during Round One Game Four on April 25, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NBAE via Getty Images
Q: How has Mitchell Robinson evolved?
A: I think [assistant] Mark Bryant has done an outstanding job of tutoring him, of teaching him. When I look at the talent that he has, I think he still has a lot more that he has to learn. But his energy, his effort … he’s looking more comfortable shooting his free throws.
Q: What do you think of Mikal Bridges lately?
A: He is hitting his stride right now, and he’s only going to get better as the next series goes on an and hopefully into the next one.
Q: What have you learned about Mike Brown coaching this team this season?
A: Mike has been doing an outstanding job. He’s a great coach. His record proves for itself everywhere that he’s been.
Q: What are your three all-time favorite Knicks moments?
A: To beat Indiana to get to the [1994] Finals, finally. That was definitely one of them. … I was hurt, but Larry Johnson’s four-point play [vs. the Pacers in 1999]. It’s funny, when I look at pictures of that, my son was a ballboy on that team, and they have a picture from the other end down by Larry shooting the shot, you could see our bench and my son jumped so high celebrating that play. So definitely that. I’ve had so many great memories that I really can’t put them into order.
Q: How would you describe your emotions when you stood on the scorer’s table with your arms raised to the rafters after winning Game 7 against the Pacers to get to the 1994 Finals?
A: I think that what I was feeling right then and there is all the raw emotion of finally getting there. We had not reached the pinnacle or the goal, but this was the first step, and I just wanted to embrace the city and the city to embrace me, because it was a journey to get to that point. And we just finished a hard-fought series against a talented Indiana team.
Q: If these Knicks were to win it all, would you stand on the scorer’s table and reenact that pose with your arms raised high?
A: I don’t think I’ll stand on a scorer’s table, but I’ll be right in the huddle with them, because I think that Leon [Rose) and Wes [William Wesley, aka World Wide Wes] and Mr. [James] Dolan have done an outstanding job of bringing a majority of us back to make us feel like we are a part of this. So I would definitely be in there celebrating with them. Because I do feel like I’m a part of it.
Q: How would you describe your on-court mentality?
A: I was focused, I was locked in, I had my game face. … I was tunnel-visioned.
Q: Why didn’t New York scare Patrick Ewing?
A: Hey look, there’s nothing to be afraid of. New York is a big city, biggest media market. Like I said, I was tunnel-visioned, I tried to block out the noise, block out the media, block out everybody and just concentrate on my teammates, my coaches and try to be the best version of myself that I could be.
Patrick Ewing looks to drive around a defending Pacers Rik Smits during a playoff series. New York Post
Q: When I think of Patrick Ewing, I think a lot of people use the word warrior. How proud are you of that?
A: I’m very proud of it. I’m very proud of it. Because that’s how I perceive myself. People who play sports, we always talk about that we’re going to war. … It’s not literally, you’re not out there killing people, but we are competing against others. Our job or our goal is to try to dominate the next person. So that’s how I perceive myself, I had my game face on, I try to mentally prepare myself to try to dominate that next person. I’m very proud of it.
Q: What was the worst pain you ever played in?
A: I played in a lot of pain. What’s the worst? I tore my Achilles against Indiana … it was in Indiana. I went back in, I taped it up and I told Jeff [Van Gundy, coach], “I can’t move. I’m going to do my best to get every rebound. I’m not sure if I’ll be effective on the offensive end.” I was able to finish that game and then we flew back to New York. I didn’t know that it was torn. I got an MRI [exam], said I had obviously torn my Achilles. … Spraining my ankle in Game 6 against the Bulls, hobbling around, finished the game, we were able to beat them and go to Chicago where unfortunately we lost Game 7.
Q: What drove you?
A: To win, to try to be the best version of myself that I could be. I always wanted to win. I wanted to be able to bring a championship to New York. I thought it was going to be a lot easier when I was in college to win a championship than I found out that it really was. Growing up in Boston and learning about Bill Russell and those 11 championships that he won, I’m like, “I’m going to get me a few championships.” That’s what drove me, to try to be the best player I could possibly be, and to also bring a championship to New York.
Q: How difficult was it early on for you to be expected to be the savior?
A: That’s just part of the sport. In high school I was the best player on my team, and at Georgetown I was one of the best, I’m not going to say I was the best. I was the most famous. I was fortunate enough to play with some great talent — Reggie Williams, David Wingate, Michael Jackson, Bill Martin, some great teammates. They helped me to be the player that I also became. Then coming to the Knicks, us losing Bernard [King] the year before I got there and then losing him for the next year and a half, that didn’t help. And then when he came back I got hurt. So I didn’t look at it as me being the savior, I just was out there trying to do the best I could to help us to win.
Q: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?
A: The biggest obstacle I guess was Michael Jordan (laugh). The biggest obstacle was definitely Michael Jordan.
Jes Kersey listens to Patrick Ewing plead his case as Michael Jordan looks on in the fourth quarter of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1996. WA Funches Jr./ New York Post
Q: If there was no Jordan, how many championships do you think you might have won?
A: Hey look, he was out for two years and we had an opportunity. We got to the Finals, unfortunately we didn’t get it done. Great players want to be able to play great players. I consider myself a great player, so I want to definitely go against Michael, I definitely want to go against Hakeem [Olajuwon], I want to go against Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal]. I think those players make you perform at a high level, so I never looked at it as, “OK, Michael is here or not here, this is my opportunity,” or, “If he wasn’t here I would have won X amount of championships.” I just think that you go out there and perform at your best every time you play. One thing about me is that I have the love for the game, so it didn’t make a difference who was there, I was going to go out and try to perform at my best, and I think that I showed it night in and night out.
Q: What do you remember about the plane flight home from Houston after losing Game 7 or the 1994 Finals?
A: Now you’re bringing up bad memories (laugh). I really don’t remember too much about the flight. I just remember after the game walking off the floor depressed, down. … I think I left the arena with Alonzo Mourning because he came to the game to support me. … People just talk trash to us on the way out. So it was a bad feeling.
Q: Did your 1993-94 Knicks pride yourselves on intimidation?
A: I think we prided ourselves on being a great team. We weren’t trying to intimidate people, we weren’t going to back down from anybody, we weren’t going to take crap from anybody, but we also thought that we were a talented team and had a great opportunity to hopefully win a championship, and we got there but just fell short.
Patrick Ewing of the Knicks posts up against Hakeem Olajuwon of the Rockets during Game 1 of the NBA Finals played on June 8, 1994 at The Summit in Houston, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
Q: How would the ’94 Knicks do against these current Knicks?
A: You know what, I’m not even going to go there. This team is a talented team, they’re in their era, my team was in my era, we played different brands of basketball. I think that Jalen is a special player, KAT’s a special player and the rest of the guys are special.
Q: What was the best motivational ploy coach Pat Riley used?
A: Pat had a lot of lot of different ploys, but I thought that we were self-motivated, I was self-motivated. Pat was a great coach, he’s won multiple championships, all you can do is take your hat off to him. Wish we could have been with him winning a championship in New York. He told a lot of different stories … but I was self-motivated.
Q: When you think about the ’99 Knicks, what do you think about?
A: The [lockout]-shortened season. I thought we had some talented guys on the team. We had Spree [Latrell Sprewell], we had Allan [Houston], Larry, Marcus [Camby], Kurt [Thomas], Charlie [Ward]. That’s the year I tore my Achilles and I couldn’t finish the year, but the guys did an outstanding job. Larry made that four-point play to help to propel us to the championship. When you talk about the biggest hurt, I would say that was the biggest hurt. Me physically not being able to play. I remember one game, we lost that game, and I went on the bus by myself and I broke down. I started crying, because I was so hurt that I was not able to play and help my team.
New York Knicks alumni John Starks (l) and Patrick Ewing (c) during the first quarter of a playoff game against the 76ers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: If you could go back in time and test your skills against any big man in NBA history, who would it be?
A: I felt like I played in an era where there were some great big men. You got Hakeem, you got Shaq, you got David [Robinson], Robert Parish when I was younger, Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] was at the end when I played against him but he was still kicking butt. I think that the guys I played against were fierce enough to play against, so I don’t think I need to go any further. … My idol was Bill Russell, watching him and Wilt [Chamberlain] battle it. But I’m going to say the guys I played against.
Q: Which was more rewarding, winning the 1984 national championship at Georgetown or coaching Georgetown to the 2021 Big East Conference Tournament championship?
A: Of course winning the national championship, that’s the pinnacle right there! But winning the Big East title was very rewarding. To be back at Georgetown coaching, I came full circle. … We went on a run at the right time, guys stepped up. I thought that Coach [John] Thompson was definitely looking down upon us, and we made him proud.
Q: Would you like to coach again?
A: Yes I would.
Q: Would you dream of coaching the Knicks one day?
A: That one I’m not going to answer. The Knicks have a great coach in Mike Brown, and I’m just happy to be there to support him and the team in any way that we can.
Q: Describe the 1980s St. John’s rivalry and Chris Mullin in particular?
A: We’re playing against one of the best or one of the greatest shooters to play this game in my opinion in Chris Mullin. Going against St. John’s … when people talk about rivalry, right, they always equate us with Syracuse. But I think of St. John’s as well. St. John’s had Chris and we both came into college together, we left together, we played with each other on both Olympic teams. … We hated each other back then, we didn’t become good friends until ’84 when we played in the Olympics and actually were around each other. But to compete against him, Walter Berry, Willie Glass, all those guys, those were some great memories.
Q: Whatever comes to mind: John Thompson.
A: Father figure. One of the best people that I ever got the opportunity to work with, or work for.
Q: Mike Jarvis.
A: The same. One of the best people I got to play for and build a relationship and a friendship with.
Q: Mark Jackson.
A: One of the best passers and teammates in the game.
Q: Rick Pitino.
A: One of the greatest coaches in college and NBA history in my opinion.
Knicks alumni Carmelo Anthony (l) and Patrick Ewing (r) sit on celebrity row during the third quarter for a game against the Thunder. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Q: Jeff Van Gundy.
A: One of the greatest minds in basketball. Great coach, a great friend.
Q: Him hanging on to Alonzo Mourning’s leg during a 1998 brawl?
A: (Laugh) Yes. He needs to learn that he’s small and can’t fight.
Q: Alonzo Mourning.
A: A great friend. One of the best players in the game. Great competitor, but a great role model. But I would say the best thing is a great friend.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Martin Luther King [Jr.], Malcolm X, Jesus.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I think that from where I came from in Kingston, Jamaica, to where I ended up today, I’m proud of the journey. I’m proud of my mom and my dad working hard, scraping up their money to bring their family to a new country, and me falling in love with the game of basketball and what basketball was able to accomplish for us.
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks arrives to the arena before the game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 27, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We’ve reached a point where you can say the Cavs and the Pistons are doing this on purpose to prevent Knicks fans from enjoying New York basketball.
But hey, seven games on their legs? Can’t complain!
We’re the latest four days and a few hours from the ECF Game 1 tip-off. Finally.
OG Anunoby fully participated in Knicks practice today
On OG Anunoby returning as a full participant in practice:
“He practiced today in full. Everything we did today, he did. Anytime anybody is able to do anything like that, it’s always encouraging.”
On leaving the final decision about Anunoby’s availability to the medical staff:
“At the end of the day, I’m a wait and let the medical group tell me each day what he can do. We’ll see if they tell me something different tomorrow. But it’s definitely encouraging to see somebody be able to go out there and practice a full practice like OG did.”
On maintaining consistency after a long layoff:
“If we expect to be who we think we’re capable of being, we’ll find a way to stay consistent with what we’re doing. Whether it’s the energy level, the effort level, or embracing/focusing on the details that we have to be able to understand in order to go out and get a win.”
On ignoring outside noise and focusing on a championship goal:
“I don’t look at it like that. I literally do this to try to compete to try to win a championship. That’s what my focus is throughout the course of the year. Throughout the course of the year, there’s going to be noise out there. When [ex-San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich] was at his height, people talked about him. When [Golden State Warriors head coach] Steve Kerr was at his height, people talked about him. People can talk about Mike Brown for sure, but it’s my job to ignore the noise. It’s easy to do that because the pressure that I put on myself and the team puts on itself to be great or try to be the best team in the league, doesn’t even match up to what everyone else says.”
On weighing player suggestions before making adjustments:
“You can’t act upon everything. Because if you act upon everything, you’re going to be driving yourself crazy and everybody else crazy. It was just something where we were struggling to score [at the time] and I had been thinking about it for awhile and it finally came to me at that point. … I take suggestions from everybody. At the end of the day, it’s up to me to make the decision of yea or nay. The tough part about it is, sometimes when you have suggestions, and there are a lot of good ones out there, a suggestion is one thing, but trying to actually put the suggestion into something that can be real for the group and fit the group, not just that one person, that’s the tricky part. I’ve always been a guy that if you come to me with a suggestion, a lot of times, especially as a coach, you gotta have something to back it up. Some video, some analytics. Tell me how.”
On tailoring his system to the personnel he has:
“We kind of figured it out along the way. [KAT and Sabonis] do a lot of stuff that are similar. You have an idea [coming into a new job with a new team] of what you want to do offensively [and] defensively, but then it’s your job as a coach to try to figure out, ‘Does this really fit the group that you have in front of you?’”
On the challenges of implementing changes in Year 1:
“That’s why it’s always tough to do things in Year 1, because it takes some time to get used to the group, not just what their strengths are as skill players, but their personalities and other things that make them tick. Trying to put a guy like Sabonis at his strength, trying to put a guy like KAT at his strength is something that, as a head coach, it’s my job to think constantly about, as long as it enhances everybody else.”
On embracing collaboration while retaining final authority:
“I take suggestions from everybody. And at the end of the day it’s up for me to make the decision of yay or nay. I’ve always been a guy who if you come to me with suggestions especially as a coach. You have to have something to back it up. Some video or analytics. At the end of the day, I have to say this makes sense let’s do it, but this is how we’re going to do it.”
"I believe luck is not given, it's earned. I've earned my luck. I've put the work in outside of the basketball court…that keeps me healthy and feeling good. I've earned the right to have luck in my situation because I put the work in."
On watching potential Eastern Conference Finals opponents with his fiancée:
“My fiancee [Jordyn Woods], she loves watching basketball a lot. It’s always something, even when I’m not thinking about it, maybe I’m thinking of talking to my family, my niece, my nephew, [Jordyn] has the game on. She’s constantly updating me on what’s happening. She knows ball now, after all these years together. She’s talking about flex screens, UCLA cuts and stuff like that.”
On staying connected with his former Minnesota teammates:
“I definitely am tuned in. I watch the games, especially on the days that we’re not playing, and the Wolves are playing. I’m always tapped in, I’m watching, I’m texting Ant [Edwards], I’m texting Rudy [Gobert], I’m texting those guys and just watching them play.”
On approaching the coaching staff about changing his role:
“You’re down 2-1, obviously it’s not the end of the world but you guys understand the importance of the next game. … You go in there and say how you feel, your feelings, your idea and see if it’s received. And it was received.”
On embracing a facilitator role:
“I’ve always loved this role. I’ve always wanted this role, so [I’m] happy we got to this point.”
On whether he feels vindicated by the adjustment:
“I’ve always said since the beginning, I’ll do whatever it takes to impact winning. I’m glad I’ve been able to do that with this changing role and be able to help our team win. That’s the most important thing. And utilize my talent.”
On entering Year 1 under Mike Brown without expectations:
“I really didn’t have any expectations. I didn’t know what to expect.”
On crediting Brown for the team’s current position:
“He’s done a great job of adjusting our team to give us the best chance to win. The spot we’re in now is because of his courage and trust to change what we were doing and putting us in a better position.”
On Mitchell Robinson’s impact:
“[Robinson’s] one of the most impactful players on our team. I think all of y’all know how important he is to us.”
"Both great opponents, we respect both of them. We'll be ready to go."
On how the offense naturally evolved through Towns late in possessions:
“Using KAT sometimes at the end of the [shot] clock, we started using him more [in that role]. And then we kind of naturally started getting into it. Obviously, our coaches are taking notice. It’s kind of what we’ve been doing all year, but I think the more it started happening when, at the end of the clock, guys were [playing] off of him and then we started using it, guys playing off the ball, and then we kind of just started making it a point of emphasis. I felt like it was something [Towns] was always capable of.”
On believing Towns could handle the expanded responsibility:
“I felt like it was always something he was capable of. You don’t get a lot of practice time. I always feel like it’s tough to figure it out — but again — that’s what the regular season is for.”
On Mitchell Robinson’s continued growth and value:
“It feels like every year Mitch just continues to get better. He’s so important to our team. And when it’s time for him to show up, he shows up. … It’s huge for us creating opportunities at the offensive end. And obviously being at the rim and helping us in so many ways is huge.”
“He’s always wanted to have open dialogue since day one. And obviously he’s still the coach and he’s going to make the decisions and everything. But I mean, we give our opinions, and whether they’re good or bad opinions, they’re talked about and they’re decided on later.”
“Sweep is great right… but dog. 7 days? No games? That’s torture. I’m over here doing nothing… We’re in a good rhythm right now. JB’s passing the ball, KAT’s passing the ball, not yelling at the refs, Kal hooping, Mike Brown… pic.twitter.com/lW0vBkfFbG
On revisiting his postgame comments about Philadelphia:
“I was wrong in part of my post-game interview. I said Philly wasn’t a sports town. I thought it was, but it’s no longer is. It’s not a sports town. They’re diehard and they love the Eagles. What’s the definition of a sports town? You can’t be a sports town if another team fan base takes over your arena. You cannot be a sports town if that happens. Boston? Sports town. You won’t see anyone take over their arena. So yes. (Los Angeles) is more of a sports town than Philly. Because the Rams, they just got back. So I mean, it’s going to take a little bit of time to kind of, you know, cultivate that environment, but they’re almost there. But we’ve taken over Philly. We’re down the street from Boston. Have we ever taken over TD Garden? No. And you will never see Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum sitting there saying, fans, we need y’all to come out because if y’all don’t, the Knicks are going to [take over], they’re never going to say that because they don’t have to.”
“It’s just been amazing, like, ‘Who are these guys?’ ”
On the similarities to the 1970s championship teams:
“They remind me so much of Frazier-to-Bradley-to-Barnett-to-Reed-to-DeBusschere. The way the ball is moving around the court. The way they hit the open man.”
On how stagnant the offense once looked:
“I kept hoping. A lot of times they were stagnant, too much dribbling. And sometimes when Jalen was playing so well, it was like the other guys would stand transfixed, and they weren’t moving like they are now, all of them realizing how equally important they all are. And then KAT happened.”
On Towns’ creativity as a passer:
“Some of the passes are really just very impressive. You know, Globetrotter-like, extraordinary where he has the ball in one hand, behind his back, but that’s the other thing that’s fascinated me is the moving and grooving. How does that happen all of a sudden? Bridges is going back door? OG’s going back door. All these guys, it doesn’t matter, the second unit. They’re all moving the ball.”
On adapting alongside Earl Monroe during the 1973 title run:
“He had to play more defense here than he did in Baltimore. And I had to make sure he shot the ball enough because he didn’t want to come across like a ball hog. We figured it out.”
On his excitement about this Knicks team winning the title:
“Yeah, man, let’s go. Let’s go Knicks!”
"The humble warrior. He just wants to play basketball. … He definitely just wants to win."
“The humble warrior. He just wants to play basketball; he definitely just wants to win. He definitely just wants to win. [Brunson] definitely is a guy that’s going to take over when he needs to. But he knows he needs his team. He knows everybody in that locker room, so he’s going to do whatever he’s got to do and say whatever he’s got to say for everybody to be together.”
You never know who you'll see on the street @Shift4
Anthony Edwards gets no respect for showing respect.
The Timberwolves star was hit with criticism, including from one basketball Hall of Famer, after his unusual decision to walk to the other end of the court to congratulate the Spurs with 8:01 remaining in San Antonio’s 139-106 series-clinching beatdown in Minneapolis.
Udonis Haslem, a three-time champion in his 20 seasons with the Heat, sharply called out the 24-year-old Timberwolves star during the Amazon Prime postgame show.
Anthony Edwards went to the Spurs' bench to congratulate them on winning the series with 8 minutes to go.pic.twitter.com/5HLhHi9GmB
“As great as Ant is as a basketball player, there’s still some growth for him as well because as a leader I would not have walked down there and shook their hand,” Haslem said. “I would not have walked down there and shook their hand with eight minutes left in the game. As a leader of my troops and my guys, I would not show that weakness. The game is not over, I got eight minutes left. I still got smoke coming out of my ears because I’m so damn mad that we’re losing. Let me calm down for those eight minutes since I’m not in. And then after those eight minutes, I’ll go down there and I’ll congratulate them and their coaching staff. But in the middle of the game, when I got guys that have sat the bench and cheered me on, no, I’m going to sit there and cheers those guys on. I’m going to put that energy back into those guys and then when the game’s over, I’ll go over there and shake their hands.”
He added: “I damn sure know [Spurs star Victor Wembanyama] wouldn’t have went down there and shook his hand.”
NBA Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki and six-time All-Star Blake Griffin both could not believe what happened, although they did not go as far as Haslem.
“I’ve watched the NBA and been a part of [it] for a long, long time. I’ve never seen this,” Nowitzki said. “A guy walking into the huddle with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter and dapping up the entire team. Too much for me. Obviously, you can do that after the game and show plenty of respect.
“That was a little strange for me.”
Players usually wait for the postgame handshakes or maybe in the final minute or two to show respect to a foe that just conquered them in the playoffs.
Edwards among a sea of Spurs players and coaches. @underdogNBA/X
There are also notable exceptions like the Bad Boys Pistons, who skipped postgame handshakes after being ousted by Michael Jordan’s Bulls in 1991.
Edwards opted to get out in front of his congratulating the other team after being pulled from the game during a timeout with the Timberwolves trailing, 128-95. The game was all but over.
With a towel in his left hand, he walked over and immediately congratulated several members of the Spurs coaching staff.
Edwards walking to the other end of the court. @underdogNBA/X
He eventually started hugging and dapping up several of the Spurs’ stars, including Wembanyama, who tallied 19 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
“At that point, you know ain’t going back in so you just trying to give them the respect they deserve,” Edwards said after the Spurs won the last two games of the series to advance to the conference finals.
Even the broadcast crew highlighted the odd move.
Udonis Haslem called Anthony Edwards’ actions a sign of “weakness.” @ChazNBA/YouTube
“Something you wouldn’t often see, at the 8:01 mark of the fourth quarter of a closeout game, but Anthony Edwards, knowing [coach] Chris Finch is going to empty the bench, made his way to the San Antonio bench and dapped up players, coaches, one by one,” play-by-play man Ian Eagle said.
Former head coach Stan Van Gundy then made a good prediction.
“All I want to know, I want to hear Udonis Haslem comment on that in the postgame show,” he said. “I would much rather see [Edwards] wait until the end of the game.”
Anthony Edwards hugging Stephon Castle. @ChazNBA/YouTube
Amazon showed Edwards retreating to the bench and he eventually put on a hoodie to watch the remainder of the game from the bench while the Timberwolves yet again fell short of the NBA Finals.
Edwards showed heart in this series while playing through a knee injury to average 23.7 points per game, but his team fell short in the conference semis after back-to-back conference finals trips.
The Timberwolves are clearly one of the better teams in the NBA, yet they have not been able to get over the hump in a tough Western Conference.
And that leaves Edwards in the spot of having to congratulate the other side each postseason.
“I do like what he said, that he wanted to give them respect,” Griffin said. “But I do think you wait and you have to take your licks at the end of the game like everybody else.”
NEW YORK - JUNE 25: NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the tenth overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, Brandon Jennings during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Sunday afternoon, the Milwaukee Bucks found out they’d received the 10th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, a pick that they absolutely cannot afford to mess up. Analysts have had their say on who they think should be taken, and you soon will too (more on that to come). Until then, franchise saviour, rotational piece, just how high should we get our hopes up? Here are 10 for 10—the six best league-wide picks at 10 and the four selections Milwaukee has made at this spot.
The six best at 10
The 10th overall pick has a mixed history (for a complete list click here). From superstars to busts and everything in between, it’s proven to be a volatile draft position, one that can offer franchises new hope—or keep them in the doldrums. These guys fit the former.
1. Paul Pierce (1998)
NEW YORK – 1998: Paul Pierce shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected by the Boston Celtics at the 1998 NBA Draft in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges 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 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A stud from day one, Paul Pierce is the gold standard for pick 10, becoming a 10-time All Star, four-time All-NBA member, NBA champion, and Finals MVP winner, leading to his selection as one of the NBA’s top 75 players of all time. His reputation has taken a bit of a hit in his post-playing days, but don’t let his questionable calls as analyst fool you, Pierce was the truth.
2. Paul George (2010)
NEW YORK – JUNE 24: Paul George shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected number ten overall by the Indiana Pacers during the 2010 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden on June 24, 2010 in New York City. 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 2010 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One of the great two-way players of his generation, Paul George earned his stripes as a lockdown defender before blossoming into the go-to scorer on some rugged Indiana Pacers teams that just couldn’t get over the Miami “Heatles” hump. Smooth and explosive at 6’8”, George has made nine All Star appearances, six All-NBA teams, and four All-Defensive selections. He even finished third in MVP voting as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite this, George has often been criticised for underperforming (especially in the playoffs), being injury prone, and focusing on podcasting. Still, you’d take his career at 10 any day.
3. Gus Johnson Jr. (1963)
UNITED STATES – NOVEMBER 18: Basketball: Baltimore Bullets Gus Johnson (25) in action, boxing out vs Boston Celtics Tom Satch Sanders (16), Boston, MA 11/18/1964 (Photo by Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (SetNumber: X10407)
Hall-of-Famer Gus “Honeycomb” Johnson Jr. was a force for the Baltimore Bullets—you don’t earn five All Star selections, four All-NBA team honours, and two All-Defensive team selections if you’re not. He also won an ABA championship as a role player in his final season as a pro with the Indiana Pacers. But I cannot profess to know his game, and direct you instead to our friends at Bullets Forever, who profiled Johnson back in 2007.
4. Paul Westphal (1987)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1975: Paul Westphal #44 of the Boston Celtics drives on Kevin Porter #10 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1975 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Westphal played for the Celtics from 1972-75. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As with Johnson, I didn’t get to watch Paul Westphal play basketball, knowing him primarily as a head coach for the early-90s Phoenix Suns and later as an assistant for Avery Johnson’s Dallas Mavericks (and later again for Lionel Hollins’ Brooklyn Nets). But the history books will tell you that Westphal was a baller, especially after being traded from the Boston Celtics to the Phoenix Suns in 1975. In fact, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame website does just that:
In Phoenix, with the Suns, Westphal developed into one of the best all-around guards in the NBA, being named to four consecutive All-Star rosters. In 1977, the ambidextrous slasher earned his first of four straight all-league nods. He averaged better than 20 points per game for five straight seasons, one of the most efficient players in the game. Dynamic, sure-footed, and intelligent, he kept defenders off-balance as he twisted, faked, and weaved his way through traffic for acrobatic shots.
5. Joe Johnson (2001)
NEW YORK CITY – JUNE 27: Joe Johnson shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected number ten overall by the Boston Celtics during the 2001 NBA Draft on June 27, 2001 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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 2001 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Also drafted by the Boston Celtics—that’s three of the five best 10th picks ever—Iso Joe, like Westphal, started to bloom when he moved to the Phoenix Suns and was given freedom in Mike D’Antoni’s “Seven seconds or less” offence, which ushered in the type of NBA basketball that has become so prominent today. But it wasn’t until he became the number one option in Atlanta that his metamorphosis was complete. A big wing—were talking Lebron-like—with a premier handle—just ask Pierce—Johnson was a versatile scorer and playmaker, with one of the best clutch resumes on the planet. He was a winner too, helping transform the Hawks from a 13-win team before his arrival to a 53-win team five years later, but wasn’t quite good enough to lift his teams to championship contention.
6. Eddie Jones (1994)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JUNE 29: Eddie Jones, selected number ten overall by the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern during the 1994 NBA Draft on June 29, 1994 at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Before Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers had another dynamic 6’6” two-guard who could stick a J in your eye or put you on a poster. A three-time All-Star and All-Defensive player, Jones was both a premier sniper and swiper, hitting 37% from three and averaging 1.7 SPG across his 14-year career (including leading the league with 2.7 SPG in the 1999–2000 season, where he finished third in DPOY and made the All-NBA third team). Jones played four years with the Lakers but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in 1999—the year before LA started its three-peat—to make room for Bryant’s ascension.
The four Bucks at 10
While the six guys above all boomed, the same can’t be said for the players the Bucks have chosen with their 10th overall picks. Milwaukee has selected 10th just four times in its 58 years of NBA existence, with only two of those selections ever actually suiting up for the Bucks. In chronological order, here they are:
1. Danny Fortson (1997)
NEW YORK CITY – FEBRUARY 6: Bobby Jackson and Danny Fortson of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait prior to the Rookie Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend on February 6, 1998 in New York City. 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 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andy Hayt/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A bruising 6’7” and 260 pounds, Danny Fortson was immediately traded to the Denver Nuggets along with Johnny Newman and Joe Wolf for Ervin Johnson (no, not that one—check the spelling). Fortson had a 10-year career in the league, but struggled to consistently leave his mark on the court due to injury, excessive fouling, and attitude. In his best years, he’d give you 12 and 12, vacuuming in rebounds—he twice led the league in total rebound percentage—but he was mostly a backup big, especially after his age-25 season.
2. Brandon Jennings (2009)
NEW YORK – JUNE 25: NBA Commissioner David Stern poses for a photograph with the tenth overall draft pick by the Milwaukee Bucks, Brandon Jennings during the 2009 NBA Draft at the Wamu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 25, 2009 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Of Milwaukee’s four picks at 10, this is the cream of the crop. Brandon Jennings burst onto the scene for the Bucks, dropping 55 points in just his seventh game, and it seemed like the franchise had found its cornerstone for years to come. While Jennings never lived up to those expectations, he had a quality four-year run with the Bucks, putting up 16.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 5.6 APG during his tenure. He was also part of the deal that brought Khris Middleton and Brandon Knight to the Cream City, and his 2013 “Bucks in six, that’s for the culture” rallying cry might just be the best in Bucks history, creating a cultural mythos that continues to symbolise loyalty, unity, and identity for the Milwaukee faithful.
3. Jimmer Fredette (2011)
NEWARK, NJ – JUNE 23: Jimmer Fredette from BYU greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected #10 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. 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 Stobe/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In 2011, the Bucks selected Jimmer Fredette with their 10th pick but immediately traded him to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal including the Charlotte Hornets that netted Milwaukee Stephen Jackson, Tobias Harris, Shaun Livingston, and current Wisconsin Herd head coach Beno Udrih. Despite his shooting prowess, Fredette had an underwhelming NBA career, averaging just 6.0 PPG and 1.0 APG across 241 games.
4. Thon Maker (2016)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 23: Thon Maker shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected number ten overall by the Milwaukee Bucksduring the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23, 2015 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The last time the Bucks picked 10th in the draft—after using recent first-round picks on Larry Sanders, then John Henson, then some kid from Greece—they took a swing on another skinny, long-limbed big. Maker was always a boom-or-bust prospect, but despite Kevin Garnett claiming that he would “be the MVP of the league one day,” Maker never lived up to the hype, averaging just 4.5 PPG and 2.6 RPG over three seasons with the Bucks before falling out of the league just two years later. He did, however, have some notable moments with Milwaukee, including a 14-point, five-rebound, five-block playoff performance in a Game 3 win against the Boston Celtics in 2018.
Honorary Inclusion
Brook Lopez (2008)
NEW YORK – JUNE 26: Brook Lopez shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern after being selected tenth overall by the New Jersey Nets during the 2008 NBA Draft on June 26, 2008 at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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 2008 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There are certainly other players who are just as worthy for this spot—Paul Silas, Horace Grant, Jeff Malone, and Caron Butler come to mind—but Brook Lopez’s longevity and impact on both sides of the ball cannot be overlooked (and yeah, neither can my Bucks bias). Still the all-time leading scorer in Brooklyn Nets history, Lopez made an All-Star team as a low-post scorer before transforming into the long-range bomber and DPOY candidate we came to know and love in Milwaukee. One of the great people in basketball, Lopez is a testament to the power of evolution—and deserves to have his jersey hung in the Fiserv rafters.
There you have it, a brief history of the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft. In the best-case scenario, the Bucks draft their own Paul Pierce, who becomes the franchise cornerstone for nearly two decades and leads the city back to championship glory. But as Milwaukee’s own selections at 10 attest, the pick is anything but a lock for success—or even to stay in Milwaukee.
So, how does this inform your wishes for June’s draft? Does it sway you in favour of a particular player and offer you excitement for what could be? Or does it make you fearful, ready to trade the pick for a proven commodity?
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 5: P.J Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 5, 2026 at American Airlines Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
PJ Washington became a beloved figure for the Dallas Mavericks after the 2024 trade that brought the passionate forward over from the Charlotte Hornets for Grant Williams and a protected 2027 first-round pick. PJ established himself as a vocal leader of the team, an ever-reliable defensive presence, and a hometown hero who played a vital part in the story of the 2025–2026 Dallas Mavericks.
Season in Review
Washington played a career low 56 games this past season, which fell just short of last year’s total of 57 games, and started 53 of those games. Despite spotty availability due to enduring ankle issues throughout the season, PJ put up counting stats very similar to last year’s, averaging 14 points, seven total rebounds, just shy of two assists, and one steal and block each per game on the season. As the originally intended “tall ball” starting lineup morphed early to accommodate injuries to both Dereck Lively II and Anthony Davis within the first seven games, PJ Washington’s role and involvement both bloated to an unmanageable degree. The typically off-ball forward was asked to create for himself more often alongside other inexperienced shot creators like rookie “point guard” Cooper Flagg, Hall of Fame corner-sitter Klay Thompson, and the inexperienced Naji Marshall. This led to many ugly offensive possessions, early shot clock heaves with no advantage created, and horrible floor balance that Washington contributed to by averaging a near career low 32.5% from three.
Despite scoring points seemingly through sheer volume of minutes and attempts, PJ did still provide real value in one part of his original role. The often out-of-position forward contested nine shots at the rim per 100 possessions, causing opponents to shoot 7% less than expected on those field goal attempts (which is good for the 83rd percentile at his position group) while only fouling on 8.4% of his rim contests (which is in the 90th percentile for his position group). When slotted in his proper role on defense as a weak-side rim protector, PJ was still stellar at blocking, altering, and even deterring shots at the rim for the Mavericks.
Best Game
Choosing the best game from Washington’s season was surprisingly difficult given the up-and-down nature of his play as the result of having extra responsibility foisted upon him by the roster Nico Harrison constructed. I almost chose a mid-March 20-point, 11-rebound, and five-steal Sunday afternoon game against the supposedly competitive Cleveland Cavaliers, but even at the time, that felt more like the Cavaliers laying down and having a lazy Sunday than the Mavericks rising and claiming a statement win amid an abysmal season.
The game that I’ll choose 23 point, 12-rebound, three assist, two block, and one-steal performance on the road against the Houston Rockets in early November. In typical PJ Washington fashion, this game came after one of his worst shooting performances of the season. Cooper Flagg and PJ each spent most of the previous game against the Detroit Pistons being hounded by a star Thompson, Ron Holland, and Beef Stew with the chairs of Mexico City, basketball fans ringing in the background. In this game, the Mavericks face the other Thompson twin, and gave Amen Thompson all he could handle despite suffering a loss to the Rockets in the end.
Contract Status
After signing a healthy contract extension just before this past season began, PJ will be under contract with the Mavericks for the next four years for roughly $89 million over that span. His salary for the upcoming year will be $20 million.
Looking Ahead
It would take a severe misunderstanding of how he has succeeded on both ends of the court or the rosiest tinted glasses one could find to not see that the Mavericks have come to a fork in the road with PJ Washington after drafting last year‘s rookie of the year, Cooper Flagg. PJ Washington is best played at forward. Flagg can play on the wing, but has been most productive at forward. Washington’s most effective Defensive role is as a low-man help defender that rotates over from the weak side to break up rim attempts, switch onto uncovered bigs, and secure tough defensive rebounds that kickstart the Mavericks’ fastbreak. Cooper Flagg’s Best defensive role is much the same. Both players suffered offensively from the lack of consistent playmaking and shot creation within the Mavericks’ guard room this season, but the lineup data suggests that both players were more effective when on the court without each other.
The Mavericks posted a -2.4 net rating in 1254 minutes played with Flagg and without Washington. With Washington and no flag, the Mavericks posted a -4.4 net rating in 683 minutes. That rating sank to -5.8 in the 709 minutes neither player was on the floor, but plummeted to an untenable -6.9 in the 961 minutes they shared the court.
I’ve appreciated the prodigal son story that was PJ Washington’s early tenure with the Mavericks, where he played a key role in a March to the 2024 NBA finals and appeared poised to take a big step as a player early in the next season. However, that story was balled up and cast aside by the previous general manager of the team. PJ Washington is no longer an ideally aged core piece to a contending team looking to get back in the NBA finals. He is now 27 years old veteran forward making over $20 million a year on a team revolving around a player who won’t be able to legally drink until a year and a half from now. For as awesome as many of us believe Cooper Flagg to be, and as soon as we believe, you will be ready to make his presence felt among the winning teams that reached the postseason, the writing could be on the wall as soon as draft day as to what direction the team will be moving in going forward, and what that means for the veterans on this squad not named Kyrie Irving, and possibly even him.
Grade: B
PJ Washington came into the 2025-2026 NBA season knowing that the Mavericks had just drafted his positional replacement with the number one overall pick a few months prior. Whether he had truly accepted that or not was unclear, but the veteran embraced the rookie as well as could be expected under the circumstances. He set out to fulfill the innumerable insane on-court tasks that the coaching staff presented to him with all the professionalism you could reasonably expect and weathered the Dallas fans’ smoldering anger that was always intended for the team’s basketball operations, but inevitably was felt by the players as well. This was a weird season for everyone,e and frankly, not the way that anyone involved would’ve liked to have seen his potentially last season in a Mavericks uniform unfold, but his lack of three-point shooting consistency, inability to defend smaller wings or guards, and deficient shot creation spell the end of his time here. We would do well to remember it fondly, because the NBA and sports at large rarely allow for this kind of Hometown kid success story to end as well as this is likely going to.
Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle led the way as the Spurs advanced to their first Western Conference finals since 2017.Photograph: Abbie Parr/AP
The San Antonio Spurs were well on their way to the Western Conference finals in the fourth quarter when Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards went down to their bench to briefly offer his congratulations. The young Spurs left no doubt they’re already a serious NBA title contender.
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs romped past the Timberwolves 139-109 on Friday night in Minneapolis to finish in the second-round series in six games and reach the conference finals for the first time since 2017. Stephon Castle had 32 points and 11 rebounds in another dominant performance from the backcourt.
The Spurs will face defending champion Oklahoma City in Game 1 on Monday night. The Thunder swept their first two series.
Highlights from Spurs-Timberwolves Game 6
Wembanyama was well guarded by the Wolves in Game 6. He had 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes. But he still served as a constant defensive deterrent in the paint – handling Minnesota’s physical play days after his stunning ejection in Game 4 for elbowing Naz Reid in the face – and he dutifully joined the Spurs in transition whenever they had the opportunity to run.
“I had to make a statement coming back,” Wembanyama told Amazon Prime’s postgame broadcast. “I knew there was going to be a certain narrative, but I felt like if I gave in to the physicality and the dirtiness, that would have helped them, and I knew I couldn’t go over the edge again, so I had to beat them by playing basketball.”
The size, smarts and shooting touch of the Spurs guards were too much for the Wolves, who predictably had their hands full with the 7ft 4in Wembanyama.
De’Aaron Fox added 21 points and nine assists and rookie Dylan Harper had 15 points off the bench for the Spurs, who set their franchise postseason record for three-pointers made by going 18 for 38.
“I just tip my hat to them,” Edwards said. “They were just the better team.”
The Spurs outscored the Wolves by a whopping 97 points in the series and never once trailed by double digits. The Spurs breezed by the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the first round.
“Of course we’re confident, but we need to keep the right confidence level,” Wembanyama said. “Right now, I’m not even thinking about it. I’m just thinking about recovering.”
Edwards had 24 points on 9-for-26 shooting for the Wolves, who got another spark from reserves Terrence Shannon (21 points) and Naz Reid (18 points) but were again flustered by the Spurs and their relentless switch-heavy defense.
“Defensively, man, he’s incredible,” Edwards said of Wembanyama. “He changes every shot at the rim, he goes to the rim every time after every block, whether it’s goaltending or not, he’s going to go up and challenge it. It’s tough.”
This no-show in the elimination game might’ve felt familiar to Wolves fans, who have otherwise enjoyed an unprecedented run of success in the playoffs over the last three years.
Minnesota trailed by 33 points at half-time in a 30-point loss at Oklahoma City in the Game 5 ouster in the Western Conference finals last year and were down by 29 points at the break to Dallas in losing the Western Conference finals in 2024 in a 21-point loss in Game 5.
Cleveland Cavaliers 94-115 Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham scored 21 points and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons dominated the second half, beating the Cavaliers 115-94 in Cleveland to force a Game 7 in their Eastern Conference second-round series. The decisive game is Sunday in Detroit.
Jalen Duren had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins also scored 15 for the Pistons, who have won four games this postseason when facing elimination. They were down 3-1 to Orlando before winning the last three to advance out of the first round.
James Harden scored 23 points for Cleveland, who suffered their first home loss of the postseason. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley scored 18 apiece.
May 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) celebrates making a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
In this magical postseason run, the Spurs capped off a gritty second round with a victory that was extremely impressive. Of course, the only reward San Antonio has earned through this achievement is the opportunity to face one of the most statistically dominant teams in NBA history (albeit one they’ve enjoyed much success against), but there will be plenty of time to discuss that matchup in the days ahead. In the meantime, let’s dive in to this game’s WILD box score:
Note: Now that we’ve moved into the postseason, the reference period used for grading changes from the set of regular season games since 2012-2013 to the set of postseason games since 2012-2013. Unless otherwise noted below, this set DOES include play-in games. As of the end of May 15, 2026, this group include 1,189 games.
Factors that decided the game
Unbelievably, Minnesota enjoyed a MASSIVE advantage in the turnover battle, with San Antonio having 11 more that the Timberwolves.
However, the Spurs’ domination of the glass was nearly unprecedented, as the Silver and Black recorded 31 more rebounds than Minnesota.
In fairness, that huge TRB differential was almost entirely generated by defensive rebounds, and those were available to the Spurs in abundance because the Timberwolves had a dreadful shooting night.
Despite taking 18 fewer shots, the Spurs made nine more due to a FG% margin of +17.95 percentage points.
San Antonio also made six more threes, largely due to a +12.07 percentage-point edge in 3P%.
On top of everything else, the Spurs enjoyed advantages in volume (+6 FTA) and efficiency (+4.23 percentage points) from the charity stripe. Consequently, San Antonio widened their lead by +6 through free throws.
Rare Box Score Stats
This box score is BONKERS. One way to tells is that the winner’s (i.e., the Spurs’) grades were average to exceptional in 14 of 17 box score stats, with 12 of those 14 being well above average and four being truly excellent. At the same time, San Antonio was dreadful in the remaining three areas.
Let’s start with the things that are UNIQUE to this contest in the 1,189 postseason games played since 2012-2013:
Timberwolves: No one else has lost by 30+ points while having no more than five turnovers.
Timberwolves: No other team has lost by 30+ points with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 5:1 or better. Previously a team with a ratio that good had never lost by more than 15.
Spurs: No other team has won by 30+ while having a turnover differential of +11 or more. Prior to this game, the highest margin of victory for a winner with a turnover differential at least this bad was 23 points.
Spurs: No other winner has logged a DRB margin of +28 or more.
Spurs: No other winner has had a TRB margin better than +25 while earning an ORB margin of +3 or worse.
Spurs: No other team has won by 30+ points with a FGA differential of -18 or worse.
Spurs: No other team has earned a FGM margin of +9 or better while having a FGA differential of – 18 or worse.
Ok, let’s turn our attention to the stuff is that – while still extremely rare – is not completely unique in the last 14 postseasons. The odds of everything listed below happening have been no better than 1-in-99 games during the reference period:
There has been only one other case in which a winner has recorded a TRB margin of +31 or better. That occasion was a 102-79 Washington Wizards victory over Indiana on May 13, 2014.
This is just the fifth time that a winner has had 34+ assists and lost the assist-to-turnover ratio battle.
Only six other winners have recorded a block differential of +11 or better. Hilariously, Game 1 of this series (in which Wemby alone had 12 blocks) is NOT one of these six cases (the Spurs’ block margin in that game was a paltry +9).
This is just the 11th time that a winner has recorded FG%, 3P%, and FT% values as good or better than 55.68%, 47.37%, and 85.19%, respectively.
This game marked the 12th case in which winner has a turnover differential of +11 or worse.
What are Team Graded Box Scores?
Very briefly, these box scores grade winner-loser differentials for basic box score statistics, with the grade being based on the winning team’s differential relative to other NBA winners during a defined reference period. Think of it like a report card for understanding how a given winner performed relative to other winners. The reference period used runs from the start of the 2012-2013 season to the latest date of play, including only games in the same season category (i.e., regular season and playoff games are not compared to each other).
Data Source: The underlying data used to create these box scores was collected from Basketball Reference. In all cases, the data are collected the morning after the game is played. Although rare, postgame statistical revisions after data collection do occur and may affect the results after the fact.
When the Rams announced their list of undrafted free agents they agreed to terms with, one name should stick out to fans who also follow the NBA.
Darryl Peterson III.
Peterson is the older brother of standout NBA prospect Darryn Peterson, widely considered one of the top two players — alongside BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — available for the 2026 NBA draft.
According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post According to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, the Darryl and Darryn Peterson will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.Getty Images
After an up-and-down season where Darryn’s character and work ethic were questioned due to random events while at Kansas, Darryn silenced many doubters with a stunning performance at the NBA draft combine this past week.
It was there where he spoke at length with Krysten Peek about his brother Darryl.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but my brother played football at Wisconsin. He’s a really good football player and he just got signed with the LA Rams. We grew up working and having the same dream, different sport and it’s just super cool to see him achieve his and me, hopefully next month, achieve mine. Shout out to our parents. We both worked super hard and they sacrificed so much for us to both chase our dreams. Without them it wouldn’t be possible.”
According to Peek, the duo will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year.
While Darryn’s NBA future most likely comes down to Washington or Utah, Darryl will be in Los Angeles trying to make the Rams’ team.
Darryl played in all 12 games for Wisconsin as a senior, registering a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. He was named honorable mention All-Big-10 as the Badgers finished 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play.
Another fun one from this piece…Darryn Peterson's older brother Darryl (former linebacker at Wisconsin) just signed with the LA Rams. Next month, the duo will be the first pair of brothers to enter the NFL and NBA in the same year. https://t.co/xWCSKhNUrxhttps://t.co/YZCxhVyvEn
Mar 7, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) reacts after scoring against the NC State Wolfpack during the first half at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images CHICAGO, IL – MAY 11: NBA draft prospect, Ebuka Okorie poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Editor’s note: this is the first piece from new staff writer Jeremy Riggs. He’ll be contributing to our NBA draft coverage and beyond. Please give him a warm welcome as we’re excited for him to join our team at Peachtree Hoops.
As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches and the Hawks look to inject youth and creativity into a backcourt that is still adjusting after the Trae Young era, Ebuka Okorie has been rising up draft boards.
The Stanford freshman did not just announce himself this season. He announced himself with authority, leading the ACC in scoring while turning heads as one of the most productive one and done guards in recent memory. At six foot two and 185 pounds, the 19-year-old from Nashua, New Hampshire (via Brewster Academy) is not the tallest or most explosive athlete on the board. Yet his feel for the game, craftiness as a scorer, and ability to create offense in tight spaces make him a prospect worth serious consideration in the late first round. Here is our full breakdown on Okorie, pulled from film study, the recent combine workouts, and conversations around the league.
Background and College Production
Okorie arrived at Stanford as a three-star recruit who flew somewhat under the national radar. That changed fast. In 31 games as a true freshman, he averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three, and an impressive 83.2 percent from the free throw line. He led the ACC in scoring, set Stanford freshman records for points in a season (719), and dropped eight 30-point games, including a 40-point explosion against Georgia Tech. Those numbers placed him among an elite group of freshmen since 2000 who hit the 20, 3.5, 3.5 threshold.
What stands out beyond the box score is how he carried a heavy load. Okorie operated with a usage rate above 31 percent while posting one of the lowest turnover rates among high usage freshmen in the modern era. He was the engine for a Stanford team that leaned on him night after night.
Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) with the ball in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Okorie is not a freak athlete in the traditional sense. There is no elite vertical pop or above the rim explosiveness. Yet he is a jitterbug with elite change of pace and burst in short spaces. His wingspan gives him functional length for a guard his size, helping him navigate screens and finish through contact. He is listed at 185 pounds but plays stronger than that thanks to a compact, sturdy frame that holds up in traffic.
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 11: Ebuka Okorie participates in the pro lane drill during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 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 Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Offensive Game: The Real Strength
This is where Okorie shines. He is a shifty, creative ball handler who manipulates defenses with ball fakes, hesitation moves, and misdirection. Watch him in the pick and roll or isolation. He reads angles, uses his body to shield defenders, and finds seams others miss. His driving ability is elite for the class. He attacks with purpose, changes speeds, and finishes with soft touch on floaters, reverse layups, and off-balance runners.
He drew fouls at a high rate and converted at the rim with craft rather than raw power. The pull up game is smooth, especially from the elbows and mid range. He is comfortable stepping into threes off the dribble, and while his 35.4 percent mark from deep was not lights out, it improved dramatically late in the season (46.9 percent in his final 12 games). He is a true point guard at heart, comfortable distributing and running sets, but he can also play off the ball as a secondary creator.
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 02: Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal takes a jump shot during the 2026 College Basketball Crown – Quarterfinal game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 02, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Playmaking and Vision: Real potential
Okorie is not a flashy passer, but he is a smart one. He makes the simple read ahead of the defense and flashes real vision in live dribble situations. His assist numbers (3.6 per game) do not scream floor general, but the tape shows a player who keeps the offense flowing and rarely forces the issue. Low turnover rate for his usage is a big plus.
LAS VEGAS, NV – APRIL 02: Ebuka Okorie #1 of the Stanford Cardinal dribbles up court during the 2026 College Basketball Crown – Quarterfinal game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Resort on April 02, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Defense: Functional but With Limits
On ball, Okorie is pesky. Quick hands, active feet, and that wingspan help him poke away steals (1.6 per game) and stay in front of most guards. He is disruptive in passing lanes and brings energy. Off ball, he is engaged and rotates well for his size.
The concern? He can get overpowered by bigger, stronger guards and some tape suggests that he lacks elite lateral quickness against elite athletes. Versatility on the defensive end will be an area to watch in the NBA.
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 10: Stanford Cardinal guard Ebuka Okorie (1) during the ACC Men's basketball tournament between the Stanford Cardinal and the Pitt Panthers on March 10, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Areas for Improvement
A quick list:
Three point consistency and shot selection: He can hunt tough pull ups early in the shot clock. Refining his decision making will boost efficiency.
Defensive physicality: Adding strength and learning to navigate bigger matchups without fouling.
Lead guard polish: More consistent command of tempo when the game slows down.
None of these feel like deal breakers for a 19 year old who just dominated the ACC as a freshman.
NBA Projection and Fit with Atlanta
There are likely some wary fans when it comes to Okorie due to him not getting as much buzz as some of the prospects. But there seems to be a clear floor and ceiling for a guy who possesses the kind of skill and film that he has.
Ceiling? A starting caliber lead guard on a good team. Floor? A high level bench spark who can create his own shot and defend.
For the Hawks specifically, he offers intriguing fit as the team builds its backcourt long term with young pieces like Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander Walker and not to mention a mentor in CJ McCollum if he is back with the team next season. With the No. 8 pick from the Pelicans already secured and the No. 23 pick via Cleveland in hand, Okorie could be a strong option if Atlanta goes another direction with the higher selection or decides to double down on guards. He can provide rest for the current starters, play alongside them in certain lineups, or grow into a secondary creator who adds scoring punch off the bench.
His ability to score in bunches and draw fouls gives Atlanta another weapon in half court sets, and his youth aligns perfectly with the timeline of injecting fresh talent into a roster that has shown real promise since the midseason reset.
Bottom line: Ebuka Okorie is the kind of player who can surprise people who only look at the measurables. He plays bigger than his size, processes the game at a high level, and scores with real creativity.
If he lands in Atlanta, do not be shocked if he is contributing meaningful minutes sooner than expected. We will be watching closely on draft night.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 02: Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 02, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.
Player Snapshot
Position: C
Age: 24
2026-27 Contract Status: RFA ($9.6 million qualifying offer)
SunsRank (Preseason): 5
SunsRank (Postseason): 6
*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.
Season in One Sentence
While Mark Williams provides the rim deterrence and verticality this roster craves, his inability to stay on the floor makes him a luxury that a shifting contender has to think twice about overpaying for.
By the Numbers
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
BLK
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
60
23.6
11.7
8.0
1.0
0.9
64.4%
1.000%
77.1%
111.3
113.3
-42
The Expectation
Many folks knew what to expect in Mark Williams. A lob threat who could rebound and alter shots defensively. He has an insane wingspan and standing reach, and provides size that this Suns team hadn’t had a ton of in recent years.
The hope was straightforward: Mark Williams would serve as the definitive interior anchor for the future. A physical, high-motor bridge center who could lock down the paint while rookie Khaman Maluach learned the ropes. Phoenix needed a consistent, 60-70 game defensive presence capable of solving the team’s interior rebounding woes and anchoring the backline.
Phoenix handpicked Williams as a trade target moments before drafting Khaman Maluach. The vision was clear. Add more youth, size, and athleticism, and figure the rest out later.
PHOENIX, AZ – JANUARY 9: Khaman Maluach #10 and Mark Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns high five before the game against the New York Knicks on January 9, 2026 at PHX Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Reality
When he was active, the physical impact was obvious. Williams is an elite lob threat with a massive wingspan and a legitimate motor. He gave the Suns true verticality, averaging 11.7 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an incredibly efficient 64.4% from the field.
The problem is, we spent the second half of the year holding our breath every time he contested a shot. The same foot and back issues that disrupted his early career caught up with him during the stretch run. Playing in 60 games was technically a personal career high, but the injuries piled up exactly when the stakes were raised. He missed the entire postseason, including the Play-In games. Watching the Suns get physically overwhelmed inside by longer, twitchier teams made his absence in street clothes feel like a recurring structural flaw.
Do we really want to do that to ourselves again?
What It Means
This comes down to resource allocation in a tightening financial landscape. Williams enters restricted free agency with a $9.6 million qualifying offer, giving Phoenix matching rights. If an outside suitor offers a deal in the $16 million to $20 million annual range, matching that sheet means anchoring significant cap space to a big man with major medical red flags. A sign-and-trade makes sense for anything above $18 million per season.
If the Suns move on from Williams, it likely means the following factors were considered:
Khaman Maluach may need to be ahead of schedule. At just 20 years old next season, Maluach flashed immense defensive upside in his limited minutes, proving he possesses the raw length and perimeter-switching fluidity that this frontcourt needs. He’s still very raw and may need another year of seasoning, but if thrown into the fire, I think he could survive.
Oso Ighodaro’s reliability. Ighodaro played all 82 games, offering an athletic, playmaking counterweight that keeps the offensive flow from stagnating.
The cost of replacement-level talent. Functional backup bigs are consistently the easiest assets to secure via low-cost free agency or the draft. Tying up premium money in a non-shooting center who carries availability risks is how a roster stays inflexible and lacking in lateral quickness.
If he returns next season, it’s pretty clear that the Suns need to hold him off from playing in ALL back-to-backs. Not just occasionally. All of them. It’s easy to get lost in the emotion of a season where things seem to be going well.
Defining Moment
January 27th vs. Brooklyn: Williams absolutely dominated the interior, bruising his way to an ultra-efficient 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block on 13 of 16 shooting from the field in a gritty, physical 106-102 win. The 81% clip for a season-high 27 points was a glimpse at just how dominant he could be when involved in the flow of the offense.
It was a showcase of exactly how imposing he can be when his body cooperates.
Grade: B
It’s difficult to go any higher or lower than a solid B. He did his job and made strides with his durability by appearing in 60 games. That should not be glossed over, even if the timing of his injuries could not be worse. By all accounts, he had himself a strong season.
If Phoenix can land him on a team-friendly deal or one that is heavily incentivized with games played or team options in the back-end of the deal, then I’m all for bringing him back. If he prices himself out by commanding a good chunk of the salary cap, then that’s another story.
If a team like Brooklyn or Toronto wants to step up and offer a massive multi-year bag, the Suns should look to leverage their matching rights into a sign-and-trade rather than locking themselves in long-term. With Maluach and Ighodaro on cheap rookie deals, executing a pivot now maximizes Williams’ trade value before his health history complicates the books.
I do believe retaining Mark Williams is something the Suns would like to do so not having him in my top two priorities is NOT me saying he won't be back since so many of you are commenting on this. I do think he will be back. Just believe Collin and Jordan are the 2 most… https://t.co/Ha893NcwiQ
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 15: Mason Plumlee #45 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the fourth quarter of a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Six of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In Friday Night’s Brotherhood Playoff Action, Tyrese Proctor and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 6 to the Detroit Pistons, 115-94, while Mason Plumlee and the San Antonio Spurs moved on, knocking off Minnesota, 139-109.
The Detroit win was no surprise after reports that a wave of illness hit Cleveland. Apparently it was some sort of stomach bug.
The NBA operates at a level of peak athletic performance, and while you might get past one guy getting sick, this sounds worse than that. Just a tough break.
Proctor did not get off the bench.
Plumlee did play for the Spurs for the first time in a while, getting 2 points and 2 rebounds.
So the Western Conference Finals are set with San Antonio facing Oklahoma City.
And that means that whoever emerges from the West has a chance to join former Blue Devils who have won rings: either Plumlee or Jared McCain will play for it all soon.
Here’s the list of Blue Devils who have already done it:
Jeff Mullins — Golden State (1975)
Danny Ferry — San Antonio (2003)
Shane Battier — Miami (2012, 2013)
Kyrie Irving — Cleveland (2016)
Dahntay Jones — Cleveland (2016)
Quinn Cook — Golden State (2018) and Los Angeles Lakers (2020)
Jack White — Denver (2023)
Jayson Tatum — Boston (2024)
It’s interesting, isn’t it, that the only two guys who have won twice are Battier and Cook.
As we noted Friday about the late Hack Tison, he opted not to play pro ball when Boston took him in the 1965 draft. Had he played, he would have surely won rings in 1967, ‘68, and ‘69.
May 15, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) looks on again the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Since joining the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs have played in the Conference Finals fourteen times. For six of those, they advanced to the NBA Finals and have won five NBA championships.
Only four Conference Finals appearances took place before Gregg Popovich became head coach. Ten trips with Pop occurred between 1999 and 2017.
2017 was the last time the Spurs made the Western Conference Finals, and it was a pivotal turning point for the organization. In Game 1, Zaza Pachulia slid his foot under Kawhi Leonard, injuring him in a way that altered his career and sent the Spurs into a tailspin for a few years.
This year, the Spurs have been considered “ahead of schedule” by pundits, but as Stephon Castle pointed out last night after the Spurs dominant Game 6 close out in Minnesota, they knew they were ready.
If 2017 was the beginning of the pendulum swing for the storied franchise, this Western Conference Finals represents the Spurs on their upswing, considered to be a contender for years to come.
Their next challenge facing the Spurs is one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Oklahoma City are the reigning NBA champs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP and Finals MVP and was recently named this year’s Clutch Player of the Year. They just went through the Phoenix Suns in round one and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals without a loss.
As Udonis Haslem stated in the postgame show, what happened in the regular season doesn’t matter now, the teams are 0-0, starting from scratch.
The Spurs will have to make adjustments. After being pushed around by the Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama will face Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren in the paint, forcing him to alter his shot selection.
SGA is NBA royalty and gets to the line quite often. By comparison, Stephon Castle’s aggressive defense has gotten him into foul trouble throughout the playoffs.
When asked about the Spurs inexperience with postseason, Victor Wembanyama simply stated “heart matters more than anything.”
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals takes place in Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
Welcome to the Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.
Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.
