The millions of fans who packed the Canyon of Heroes for the Knicks parade were prohibited from bringing any type of bag — but Jordyn Woods was allowed to bring her iconic orange clutch.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ fiancée shared the orange ostrich version of her Woods by Jordyn Tux Clutch Mini with Mayor Mamdani, who was pictured posing with it on their float.
Karl-Anthony Towns holding his fiance Jordyn Woods’ lucky purse at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade Thursday. Instagram/jordynwoods
Hizzoner was seen beaming ear-to-ear as he held up the famous purse.
Towns, with a cigar dangling from his mouth, raised the lucky handbag to the crowd as his other hand clutches the NBA trophy.
The bag was seemingly the only one allowed through the parade’s access points — bags in any form were included on the restricted list, which also included “weapons,” pets, umbrellas, coolers and more.
Woods’ orange clutch became famous during the Knicks’ postseason run after Woods sported it at the team’s first game of the playoffs.
The model, 28, told Vogue she made the bag just for the NBA playoffs — though it retails for $125.
It was dubbed a good luck charm as the team soared to their first NBA championship in 53 years.
“Once playoffs start, everything becomes part of the ritual if we keep winning,” she said at the time.
“At this point, I’m not risking changing anything.”
At one point, Brunson hopped down from the team’s bus and walked with the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy along the parade route.
Jalen Brunson attends the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade with his wife Ali Brunson and daughter Jordyn on July 18, 2026 in New York City.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Woods brought her “lucky bag” that she wore to throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs — and Towns and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were posing with it.
Jalen Brunson attends the New York Knicks ticker-tape holding the Larry O’Brien championship trophy on July 18, 2026 in New York City. Erik Pendzich/ShutterstockJalen Brunson attends the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade with his wife Ali Brunson and daughter Jordyn on July 18, 2026 in New York City. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Brunson also posed for photos with his good friend, “Law & Order: SVU” actress Mariska Hargitay, television personality Martha Stewart, New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
Other celebrities at the parade included Knicks superfans, director Spike Lee, actors Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller, and rapper Fat Joe.
Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay attend the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes on July 18, 2026 in New York City. Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
The ticker-tape parade was set to end at City Hall in Lower Manhattan, where a special civic ceremony would take place.
The Knicks beat the Spurs in five games the 2026 NBA Finals to clinch their first championship in 53 years.
Kyrie Irving hit the shot that helped deliver Cleveland its long-awaited championship.
A decade later, he was missing from the reunion.
Several members of the Cavaliers’ 2016 title team, including LeBron James, Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith, have reunited in the United Kingdom for an ex-teammate getaway built around golf and sightseeing.
LeBron James celebrates the 2016 NBA Championship with his Cavalier teammates. EPA
Irving, though, has not been part of the visible festivities.
Smith appeared to address the speculation in an Instagram comment under a post about the reunion, though he did not mention Irving by name.
“Missing none,” Smith wrote. “He was invited and ghosted us all. So stop with that bs.”
The comment quickly drew attention because of Irving’s central role in one of the most famous Finals runs in NBA history.
The Cavaliers became the first team ever to come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, stunning the 73-win Warriors in 2016 and delivering Cleveland its first major professional sports title since 1964.
With less than a minute left in Game 7, he buried the go-ahead 3-pointer over Stephen Curry — a shot that remains one of the defining plays in Cavaliers history.
Irving and James were part of three straight Finals teams together in Cleveland, winning the title in 2016 before Irving requested a trade the following year.
He was eventually sent to the Celtics in 2017 after a controversial trade request, ending his six-season run with the Cavaliers.
Kyrie Irving during the 2016 NBA Finals. Getty Images
His relationship with Cleveland has at times appeared complicated since then, though the importance of the 2016 championship has never faded.
That is why fans quickly noticed his absence from the U.K. trip.
Smith’s comment suggested Irving had the chance to join his former teammates but did not attend.
Irving has not publicly addressed his absence.
For now, the reunion rolls on without the player who hit the shot that helped finish Cleveland’s historic comeback.
Apr 6, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) and guard Dennis Schroder (8) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
When the Cleveland Cavaliers sent De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings, the “prize” of the trade was getting Keon Ellis in return. Ellis looked poised to be a disruptive defender on the perimeter and someone who could reliably knock down threes enough to keep opposing defenses honest. The return of Ellis was far from what I think the Cavaliers front office and fans were hoping for.
Regular Season Stats
8.3 points
2.8 rebounds
2.4 assists
49.1% FG
35.5% 3PT FG
81.6% FT
Ellis was already falling out of the rotation in Sacramento when the Cavs traded for him. Cleveland was looking to add more backcourt depth in both Ellis and Dennis Schroder. Ellis gave Cleveland another disruptive defender, as Ellis came to Cleveland as being the only player other than Detroit’s Ausar Thompson to average 2.0 steals and 1 block per 36 minutes.
The idea of Ellis was more impactful than actuality. Ellis never felt like he really found his footing in Cleveland. The rotations were constantly in flux so the synergy with lineups was never going to develop. Cleveland’s offense is built with the motion and ball movement that should have allowed Ellis to flourish as a good three-point shooter (40.7% career average).
He registered the lowest three-point percentage of his career this year. In the regular season, the Cavaliers were willing to play through the struggles at times. Disruptive defenders like Ellis have more staying power as their effort stands out. However, the main issue with Ellis came once the postseason came around.
Ellis was in the initial rotation for the Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors, but made little impact. He was then used sparingly in the second and third rounds before playing 15 minutes in Game 4 against the New York Knicks, when that series was already over. In short, he wasn’t a playoff contributor in any meaningful way.
The defense wasn’t as impactful as it needed to be to justify more minutes, particularly on a defense that was comfortable switching most actions. This forced Ellis to make defensive plays off-ball, and he didn’t provide enough offensively to distinguish himself from being just another guy on the floor.
It was disappointing to see Ellis cosplay as Isaac Okoro in the postseason. Defenses let Ellis fire away from three and a -31 in his limited minutes during the playoffs. A -141 in the regular season is also not great from someone whose calling card is to wreak havoc on offenses.
Ellis, who is now slated to be a free agent this summer, has forced the Cavaliers to make some decisions about whether to buy the dip and see if this was a blip in Ellis’s short career. It might not take much for the Cavs to wave the white flag on the experiment.
The Cavaliers appear to be focused on retaining Dean Wade over Ellis. If this bears true, the swing for Ellis and Schroder will be more remembered for the Schroder of it all. Which, if we are being honest, is a massive flop of a return.
NEW YORK — The New York Knicks’ victory tour following their first NBA championship since 1973 made another stop when Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart threw out ceremonial first pitches at Yankee Stadium.
Before the Yankees played the Chicago White Sox, Brunson and Hart were met with a standing ovation and loud cheers from fans as they took the field to a montage of highlights from the title run.
Standing in front of the mound and wearing Yankees pinstripes, Brunson made his toss to backup catcher J.C. Escarra while Hart threw to utilityman Max Schuemann.
“That was cool,” outfielder Cody Bellinger said after New York’s 10-5 victory. “Obviously, we’re all super tuned-in to the series and to the postseason. I saw them pregame and what they were able to accomplish is pretty amazing.”
Brunson and Hart were honored after the Knicks made appearances on NBC’s “The Today Show” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” Brunson and Hart along with starters Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby also appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The ceremony occurred a day before the Knicks were honored with a massive ticker-tape parade in lower Manhattan. Mayor Zohran Mamdani predicted the celebration could be “the largest parade in New York City history.”
“Oh, I think’s it been awesome,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “What a fun team to get behind and just the story of that team and how it’s kind of come together over the last couple of years and just a lot of grit, a lot of mental fortitude and to see the fanbase and then some galvanized around that club has been a lot of fun to witness.”
The parade will be the first for the Knicks, who won their first two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. After those titles, then-Mayor John Lindsay celebrated the team at the mayoral mansion and City Hall.
Brunson threw out a first pitch for the second time since joining the Knicks. He also did it before a Mets-Yankees game in July 2024 shortly after signing a four-year, $156.5 million contract to stay with the Knicks.
Brunson averaged 32.6 points in New York’s five-game victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals and won MVP honors. He led the Knicks to a 94-90 victory in the clinching Game 5 by scoring 45 points.
Hart is a great-nephew of former Yankees catcher Elston Howard, whose No. 32 jersey is retired by the team. Howard is also honored with a plaque in Monument Park.
The Knicks finished 16-3 in the postseason, an .842 winning percentage that matched the 2024 Boston Celtics for second-best since the format changed to best-of-seven series in all NBA playoff rounds beginning in 2003. The 2017 Golden State Warriors went 16-1.
New York won 13 consecutive postseason games, second to Golden State’s 15 in a row in 2017, and set records by winning nine straight road games and outscoring their postseason opponents by 283 points.
Brunson and the Knicks also pulled off several big comebacks on the way to their title.
“It’s just been a captivating run that they’ve been on and with a group that’s now been together for a couple of years and then on top of the 53 years since a championship, it’s been a great story and a fan base that has come to know several of these guys as they’ve kind of climbed that ladder to ultimately winning a championship,” Boone said. “So I think it’ll be one of the historic teams that we talk about when it comes to the NBA.”
Washington Wizards star Trae Young has declined his $48.97 million player option for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, electing to test free agency for the first time in his career.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Young’s decision to opt out did not come as a surprise to league insiders. Many expect him to ultimately re-sign with the Wizards on a lucrative three-year deal.
"He's going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract."@Windhorstespn gives an update on what could be next for Trae Young 🏀 pic.twitter.com/rQBcWPgczD
Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks looks on during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City.
There might be no one enjoying this Knicks championship more than Jose Alvarado.
During Thursday’s ticker-tape parade in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado grabbed a boombox and a microphone and began appealing to the thousands of Knicks fans who turned out for the franchise’s first ever parade up the Canyon of Heroes.
“We brought the trophy home. Let’s party, baby, let’s party. Knicks in five,” Alvarado professed into a microphone while standing atop a float.
"We brought the trophy home. Let's party, baby, let's party."
Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks looks on during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City. Getty Images
The victory goes even deeper for Alvarado, who grew up a Knicks fan and starred at Christ the King high school.
Alvarado’s roots and New York pride have endeared him to Knicks fans since his arrival to the team. He was born in 1998, one year before the Knicks’ last appearance in the Finals in 1999.
Alvarado is making his second appearance at a New York parade in just one week. On Sunday, the day after the Knicks clinched their first championship in 53 years, Alvarado attended the Puerto Rican Day Parade, appearing on a float alongside New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani in Brooklyn. Teammate Jordan Clarkson joined in the celebration, as well.
JUNE 13: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after the victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. Getty Images
Alvarado won the championship in his first season with his hometown team. He spent five years with the New Orleans Pelicans before being traded to the Knicks in February. Though he had a limited role throughout the Finals, Alvarado came off the bench in Game 4 with an impressive performance, hitting multiple threes to help erase a 29-point deficit and give the Knicks the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. He also appeared in the closeout Game 5.
While the 2026 championship is the third in Knicks history, this is their first parade. There were no parades following the 1970 and 1973 Finals. The turnout for Thursday’s parade reportedly reached over 1 million revelers.
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 28: Trajan Langdon of the Detroit Pistons smiles during a press conference on June 28, 2024 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
A week that once brought excitement and hope to Detroit Pistons fans now carries a different feeling: low-stakes curiosity.
For the first time in years, the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed can finally say it has escaped the NBA cellar.
Thanks to Trajan Langdon’s savvy deadline deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit enters draft night with the No. 21 pick, a selection that could hold value in a class loaded with first-round talent.
This year’s draft is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory, featuring elite prospects at the top and growing speculation that stars could be on the move.
So, for the fans who learned to love the draft during the lean years, don’t worry – we’ve still got you covered.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
Washington will and should turn over every stone when it comes to making the right decision here – but all roads should lead back to Dybantsa. It’s hard not to get excited for everything he brings to the table as a prospect.
The freshman from BYU has the ready made talent to contribute immediately next season but also a ceiling that is as high as any. His 25.5 points per game led the nation and he does it in a variety of ways. He moves fluidly at 6’9 and uses his feet insanely well to get clean looks at the rim. The shot is OK right now but should improve quickly.
His frame will need to fill so he can be more physical at this level but the whole package is there. If the Wizards take Dybantsa, they’ll add him to an interesting roster filled with young talent and aging former all-stars (Trae Young, Anthony Davis). I’d be very interested to see how he fits alongside that group.
-Flores
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
There has not been a prospect more polarizing in quite some time. With a high school highlight tape that few can rival, Peterson came into his freshman season in the driver’s seat to go first overall. His alarmingly bizarre load management saga makes Dybantsa the safer pick at one, but there is no denying the overall talent here.
Peterson comes in with a case for the best shot making prospect since Kevin Durant and brings elite athleticism, coupled with flashes of great passing and defensive instincts. If questions about his character, competitiveness, and durability can be answered, then Utah gets the alpha scorer it needs to complete its rising young core.
-Sturm
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cam Boozer (Duke)
In one of the more loaded tops of the drafts we’ve seen in years, Boozer may have the highest floor. The question is whether the best version of him matches what you’d think of others at the top, and to me – it’s a no. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be a big part of winning teams.
A high level competitor at every level he’s played so far, he should come in and immediately make his team better in multiple ways. He’s not a physical specimen nor a freak athlete, but he just gets the job done on both ends.
Boozer brings in an old school style, often orchestrating the Duke offense with his back to the basket this season. A great passer, he’ll be able to quickly come in and make every shooter on the team a bit more comfortable.
The question will be how effective can Boozer be in the modern NBA with his style of play? He did not show much as an athlete or as someone who can find his own shot, but does Memphis just end up valuing the rest more? We’ll see.
-Flores
4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
Wilson is largely viewed as the last player in this draft with a realistic to good chance of being on multiple all-star teams. There is a lot to like starting with his measurables, as he has a legitimate argument as this draft’s best pure athlete at 6 ’10.
Wilson and North Carolina flamed out at the end of the year with injuries and a lack of team success, but there was a brief period in which there was real chatter about Wilson supplanting Boozer as the first big taken. He has shown enough glimpses of shot making ability and fluidity with the ball in his hands at his size to make GM’s salivate over what his ceiling could be. He also projects as a high-level rim protector with his length and leaping ability. There is a world where the freshman hits his ceiling and could be the best player in this class.
The problem is that Wilson possesses a distinctly lower floor than the other prospects in the top 4. He lacks a true skill that he can hang his hat on coming into the league, whereas Boozer (passing and post scoring), Dybantsa (dribble drive ability), and Peterson (shot making) all bring a real attribute that will translate from day one. Wilson got almost all of his points from rim running, transition, or posting up on the block in college. Post ups are a rarity in the NBA unless a player can prove it is an extraordinarily efficient play a la Jokic or Tobias Harris, so Wilson will need to show other ways to score early on. Additionally, he will likely need to add weight to his frame to play center full time, yet he does not currently shoot it well to be a consistent four man.
There will be questions of what the best lineup around him looks like. Simply put, Wilson is more of a blank canvas than many other prospects in this class. The Bulls will need to bet on their player development program to get the most out of him.
-Sturm
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
Wagler bursted onto the scene this season for Illinois to the surprise of everyone, maybe other than the man who recruited him, Brad Underwood. It’s rare these days to see a kid go from a 3-star high school recruit to consensus top-10 draft pick, but Wagler proved he was built for it every step of the way this season.
The freshman averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season and was the catalyst to their Final Four run. Another guy who doesn’t pop off the screen with his athleticism or frame, Wagler plays a methodical style that works so well because of his high level shot making ability. At 6’5, he can shoot over defenders but is also crafty enough to get to the rim without having blistering quickness.
His archetype will remind the Clippers of another tall, slender guard that they drafted and traded too soon in a package for Paul George in 2019. Not to say the expectations would match that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander coming in, but you’d think LA would want another shot if Wagler proves to be cut from a similar cloth. He’ll need to add some meat to the bones if he wants to score with the same efficiency as in college, but at this point, it’s hard not to believe in the kid.
-Flores
6. Brooklyn Nets: Darius Acuff Jr (Arkansas)
The Nets have drawn unfortunate lottery luck yet again, as they sit on the outside looking in at the chance to draft one of the consensus tier one players in this year’s class. After taking several players who were more projects in 2025, look for them to take a swing on a player who likely possesses the most star potential in the draft outside of the top four. Not to mention, his college coach has a track record of churning out all-star guards.
Acuff is as dazzling of a scoring lead guard as we’ve seen in years, as he took college basketball by storm with a series of video game-like offensive statlines. If it all breaks right for Acuff, he could legitimately be the primary creator on a winning team.
The 2 main knocks on the Detroit native are his size and defense. Can he get his spots consistently against NBA size and length? Will his defense improve to be at least serviceable on that end? If those answers are yes, then you are looking at a legit offensive engine for an NBA franchise. A comparison I like for his ceiling is Allen Iverson with three point range. If the answer is no to one or both, then he may end up at a range between a Trae Young chucker type, to heatcheck bench guy. For the Nets – who have been floundering for years in a post Kevin Durant era – Acuff represents the best shot at them bringing in a star in quite some time. At this point in the draft, it may be worth the risk.
-Sturm
7. Sacramento Kings: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
Sacramento would be happy to pick up a dynamic scorer like Brown after falling in the lottery this year. The back issues that plagued the start and end of his freshman season – and dropped him on draft boards early on – seem to be behind him.
The 20-year old averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists for Louisville this season. He’s advanced on offense, using his size and savvy to dominate ball screen situations. He can get hot at any time too; dropping 45-points vs. NC State by 10 threes in the process in his last game of the year before shutting it down. He can be chaotic at times with the ball offensively, so he’ll need to clean up some of the decision making at the next level.
The Kings are in desperate need of a youthful spark in the backcourt (or anywhere really). Brown has serious upside and may end up being a steal after it’s all said and done.
-Flores
8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings (Houston)
Flemings is a guy who flies under the radar a little bit compared to Peterson, Acuff, and some of the other freshman guards in this class. When you watch him play, his game is not the flashiest and he is a tad undersized for today’s point guard. But the guy is just flat out efficient. He can get to his spots with relative ease, and fills it up at all three levels. He boasts an incredible assist to turnover ratio for a freshman playing in one of the most competitive conferences in the country. He was asked to have the ball in his hands a lot and often delivered for a national title contender. Flemings has the feel of one of those players who we may look back on in a few years and go “how did he fall all the way to 8?”
The Hawks would be elated to get someone like Flemings here due to the optionality he gives them both now and later. The team took off after it acquired CJ McCollum, as he fit perfectly with their roster as a primary scoring option and secondary facilitator. With Jalen Johnson and an army of defenders in tow, the Hawks need a guard who can make things happen with the ball in his hands, especially with McCollum about to hit free agency. Flemings could feasibly step into the McCollum role if they wanted to use his salary elsewhere. Or, if they kept both players on the roster, he could become a part of a formidable three guard rotation along with Nickiel Alexander-Walker. He possesses the ability to play alongside either due to his defensive abilities.
-Sturm
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries (Arizona)
When the Mavericks landed the No. 1 pick and Cooper Flagg last year, it accelerated their rebuild and shifted the timeline of the franchise. With a suddenly youthful roster, Dallas should prioritize adding players who can contribute immediately.
Enter Burries.
Burries appears to have one of the narrower draft ranges in this class. His polished skill set and NBA-ready traits should allow him to make an impact right away, making it unlikely he slips out of the lottery. Wherever he lands, he will likely have an opportunity to earn minutes early.
This season, Burries averaged 16.1 points while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from three-point range, helping lead Arizona to the Final Four. At the combine, he measured 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and projects as a starting-caliber two-way guard at the next level.
Burries was easily the best shooter on an Arizona team that struggled from the perimeter. He also brings a tenacious defensive mindset that should translate quickly to the NBA.
His limitations as a creator are worth noting, but he may never be asked to run an offense. Instead, his value lies in his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. A high-level two-way role player, with the potential for more, should be the expectation.
-Flores
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Yaxel Lendenborg (Michigan)
Though Lendenborg’s teammate Aday Mara has been mocked here often, it would be difficult to see the logic there for the Bucks regardless of whether or not they have Giannis Antetokounmpo on the team. Mara is the best rim protecting prospect in this draft, but does little else to boost Milwaukee beyond that.
The case for pairing Lendenborg with Giannis is fairly easy. He can guard all five positions, and showed some ability to be a secondary playmaker during his last collegiate season. His median projection profiles as a guy who can be a jack-of-all-trades wing who impacts winning at a high level in multiple ways. His three point percentage has gone up every year, and he boasts good mechanics on his shot. He rarely turns the ball over and passes the ball well for his size and position. There are few holes in his game, and he would be able to step in from day one as a high level role player on a good team. Simply put, he has the ability to make the Greek Freak’s life easier.
Without Giannis, Lendenborg still represents one of the best upsides at this point in the lottery for a team that would be looking to pivot into rebuilding mode. Despite being an old man by NBA draft standards at 24, Lendenborg is unique in the fact that he has not been playing basketball for very long, and only played one year of high level competition. Each year, he has expanded his game which one could reasonably predict should continue to happen in the pros. Two years ago, Lendenborg was viewed primarily as a center, last year he was a point-forward on a national championship team. If the Bucks decided to hit the reset button, Yaxel could be an interesting player to see what you have with the opportunity for higher usage. At worst, he could become a valuable trade chip down the line if he becomes less of a star and more of a role player.
The only concern with Lendenborg are recurring questions regarding his maturity. His best fit would be in an established organization like the Heat or Warriors for that reason, so this would be a big bet on Milwaukee’s culture. It may be worth the risk at ten.
-Sturm
Bonus
21. Detroit Pistons: Cameron Carr (Baylor)
Trajan Langdon has his work cut out for him in what will be the most important offseason for Detroit in decades. You’d have to think if the roster construction is a puzzle, this year’s pick would be just a smaller piece of it. But if Detroit stays at No. 21 and can land an immediate contributor, it could change their short term fortunes as well.
There may be a slim chance Carr ends up falling this far after a strong combine performance and skillset that will be hard to pass on. Last season at Baylor, Carr averaged 18.9 points per game on 49.4/37.4/80.1 shooting splits. His combination of length, athleticism and shot making are traits all teams covet in today’s game – especially a Detroit team that lacked offensive firepower in the postseason.
-Flores
Double Bonus – Pistons Mock Trade
Detroit moves up 6 spots to grab Morez Johnson (Michigan)
Detroit Receives: Pick 16
Memphis receives: Pick 21, two future second round picks, Marcus Sasser
Morez Johnson continues to move up mock drafts, and looks less realistic for the Pistons to draft at 21. As for why Johnson would be a good fit in Detroit, read more here. By making this trade, it allows the team the chance to move up and nab the former Wolverine. This in turn, gives Detroit flexibility to use one of Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart in a trade later this summer. As rumors linking the team to Trey Murphy III, Kawhi Leonard and others heat up, the opportunity to use one of its bigs in a potential deal in order to preserve other assets would be a welcome sign for Detroit’s front office.
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 29: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a photo with Kyrie Irving #11 and Dereck Lively II #2 during the 2026-26 Rookie of the Year Presentation on April 29, 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With there being nearly 3,000 comments between the current Lounge thread and the NBA Finals thread, it seems you all like to talk! I am glad, I want you to hang out here. A couple of notes:
With regard to content moderation: I have no say. SB Nation has made a big push and we want y’all here, but the terms of service are pretty broad and the latitude given to the mods is also broad. Just don’t get banned please :).
Use the FEED. While I very much appreciate these threads, my bosses have asked me to try to direct daily questions, debates, etc. to that location as it’s higher up on the main page.
Now that’s out of the way, on to the topics for the month. This thread starts about 5 days before the NBA Draft. That’s going to be wild, rumors are simply moving like mad at this point and half our online fanbase is terrified Nate Ament is going to be the pick at nine. I just can’t see that.
I would be happy with any guard. I would accept a trade back. But what I DO hope is for an active day one (remember they split this thing into two nights for reasons beyond me). What’s your hope?
Free agency comes next, but I expect it to be tame. There’s no open money really. Dallas will make moves, though, they have to.
After that, it’s my favorite event in NBA Summer League.
The New York Knicks are NBA champions, and today New York City gets to celebrate. Fifty-three years after the franchise’s last title, the Knicks will parade through Manhattan with the Larry O’Brien Trophy in tow.
This thread will serve as our watch-along and open discussion throughout the day. We’ll update this post throughout the parade with highlights, quotes, and notable moments.
Schedule & Route
Time: The parade officially begins at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Starting Point: Battery Park and Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan.
Route: The procession will travel north along Broadway through the historic Canyon of Heroes.
Ending Point: City Hall Plaza.
City Hall Ceremony: Following the parade, an official ceremony will be held at City Hall, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani will present the World Champion Knicks with the Keys to the City.
Important Information
Viewing Areas: The NYPD has announced that designated viewing pens along the parade route reached capacity early this morning. Access to the route is being strictly monitored and remains subject to crowd limits.
Security Restrictions: All viewing areas require security screening. Fans are encouraged to travel light, as bags, backpacks, umbrellas, folding chairs, strollers, and coolers are prohibited.
Transit & Traffic: Several MTA stations near the parade route, including Wall Street (4, 5 trains) and City Hall (R, W trains), are closed or experiencing service disruptions. Vehicular traffic and street parking throughout Lower Manhattan are heavily restricted, and significant congestion is expected throughout the day.
On TV
MSG Network is providing live TV coverage of the New York Knicks championship parade. Their end-to-end broadcast of the Canyon of Heroes celebration in lower Manhattan begins at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Mitchell Robinson celebrates in the bed of his tricked-out pickup truck during the Knicks’ parade up the Canyon of Heroes on June 18, 2026. Getty Images
The customized ride was hard to miss as Robinson arrived for the parade, with the bright orange look fitting naturally into a day filled with Knicks colors across Lower Manhattan.
Asked why he wanted the truck involved, Robinson said it felt right for both the occasion and who he is.
“Because of the orange theme — I thought it would be good for the truck and also, you know, my personality,” Robinson said.
It was a fitting parade entrance for one of the Knicks’ most distinctive characters.
Robinson, 28, has become known around the team not just for his rebounding and rim protection, but also for his love of trucks, country music and a personality that stands out from the usual New York athlete mold.
The Pensacola native has long leaned into that side of himself, and Thursday’s parade gave him the perfect stage for it.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson poses with the Larry O’Brien trophy after the team’s NBA championship win on June 13, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Robinson played an important role in the Knicks’ title run, even if his work did not always show up in the loudest parts of the box score.
The 7-footer gave New York size, defense and physicality throughout the postseason, doing much of the dirty work inside as the Knicks battled their way to the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years.
He gave the Knicks important size and rebounding against a Spurs frontcourt led by Victor Wembanyama as New York closed out the series.
Thursday, though, Robinson’s biggest contribution was impossible to miss before the parade even got going.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 26: Chris Cenac Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars shoots the ball against Tomislav Ivisic #13 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the next month before the 2026 NBA Draft, we’ll take an in-depth look at different prospects here at Liberty Ballers and try to figure out which players would be the best fit for the Sixers at No. 22. Next up in this series is Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr.
By this point, we’ve all been frustrated with the rotating door of failed attempts at front court depth behind Joel Embiid from the Sixers. In recent years, it’s been a lot of players who are at best good on one end of the floor but a liability on the other end. With Embiid’s lack of availability only increasing, Philly could use a big that could not only solve its problems when he’s not on the floor, but also potentially play next to him. The good thing is, the answer to that problem might be staring them in the face next week.
Let’s start with the most obvious thing Cenac has going for him, which happens to be a great fit for Philadelphia. He’s a very good rebounder having averaged close to eight rebounds per game is just under 25 minutes per game. Per 40 minutes in college, he was averaging a robust 12.7 boards. Simply put, when Cenac is on the floor, offenses aren’t getting second chances off of missed field goals and free throws. His productive rebounding can be traced back to strong instincts, physicality and a relentless motor. That’s the kind of stuff that not only earns you more playing time, but endears you to a fanbase as a rookie. At 6’11” and 240 pounds, he’s certainly ready to come in and start grabbing rebounds off the bench for an NBA team at the very least.
Next is his athletic ability. Cenac isn’t just a halfcourt player who hauls in defensive rebounds. He can run the floor and finish as a lob threat while also finishing off the dribble in pick-and-rolls when he is in halfcourt sets. While a lot of his athletic ability did not necessarily translate to a lot of blocked shots in college, he certainly possesses the traits to be a good rim protector and he’s also athletic enough to guard on the perimeter when drawn out that way.
Speaking of things that you have to watch in Cenac’s game more than simply look at the stats for, he’s a willing jump shooter with enough fluidity in his mechanics to make you think those percentages above can improve. He took about 2.5 threes per game at Houston so it’s certainly not foreign to him to get shots up from deep and in some of his highlights, he looks pretty comfortable already as a face-up jump shooter in the midrange area. He’s not just one of those guys who gets drafted in the first round purely on athletic ability who has a broken jumper. It looks fixable but the encouraging thing here is that he seems cognizant of the importance to continue to develop his jump shot.
Weaknesses
Whether it was taking too many outside shots in certain games with an underdeveloped jumper or just making some bad decisions, at nearly seven feet tall, you’d like to see a better field goal percentage than 48.5%. While he’s ready right now to rebound in the NBA, he could probably afford to add about 20 pounds of muscle which would likely make him a more viable post scorer and make finishing in the paint in halfcourt sets a little easier.
Another problem that likely kept his minutes per game average around 25 is his tendency to pick up fouls. He averaged 2.3 fouls per game in the 25 minutes per game that he played last season at Houston. That’s about one foul in every 10 minutes of action. Do the math and while Cenac has the upside to become an NBA starter, if he’s fouling at the same rate that would have him averaging four fouls every 40 minutes which could mean some foul outs on certain nights.
He could also benefit from good coaching that boosts his basketball IQ. In watching a lot of his film, Cenac appears to drift into midrange areas too frequently offensively instead of cutting to the rim. That’s perhaps one factor that led to a lower field goal percentage than you’d like from a big man in college. Defensively, he would occasionally get mixed up with the other big man who he was playing with on who was guarding the stretch big and who was hanging around the rim.
Positional Fit
Cenac could come right into the NBA and play power forward today. He’s certainly comfortable enough guarding the perimeter and runs the floor better than a lot of NBA centers, which makes him more of an instant fit at the four. However, he’s certainly the kind of player that could grow into more of a center during his rookie contract. Perhaps by year two or year three in the NBA, Cenac is strong enough to score in the interior and defend just about any NBA center. He fits into an NBA frontcourt one way or another. Whether that’s as a power forward or a center likely depends on the team that drafts him.
Cenac lands at 20th overall in this mock draft, so he’s a very viable target for Philadelphia in the first round. Often times, teams in the late teens and early 20s are in that tier below the league’s true contenders drafting in the late 20s. Therefore, do certain teams prioritize their current rosters a bit more in hopes of landing more immediate help? As that school of thought pertains to Cenac, would a team that likes its power forwards opt not to take Cenac due to some concerns that he could come in and play center right away?
The fit with the Sixers is good enough to make me wonder if Mike Gansey and company would consider moving up for him to ensure he lands in Philadelphia. If Cenac had a strong rookie season, you could certainly argue starting him next to Embiid by the end of the regular season and in the playoffs would make a lot of sense. Embiid’s athleticism has dwindled and so having a big man on the court with Embiid who could defend the perimeter adequately and rebound well should raise the team’s floor defensively. Regardless of how quickly Cenac could become a starter for the Sixers, he could be someone that could play with Embiid in the short term and replace Embiid in the long term and that should have everyone in the organization interested.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Caleb Wilson shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 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
We are less than a week away from the 2026 NBA Draft, which means things are more or less feeling finalized as far as predictions go. Granted, nobody’s predictions are going to be perfect — there will inevitably be some trades, some unexpected selections, and other fun surprises. That could turn out to be true for Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar as well, but there’s a lot more uncertainty around Veesaar that could make things interesting.
That said, let’s take a look at where both players are currently projected to get drafted. We will tap into HoopsHype.com, who did an aggregate mock draft based on the following sources: ESPN, NBADraft.net, CBS Sports, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Babcock Hoops, SB Nation, USA Today Sports and No Ceilings.
Caleb Wilson: No. 4 overall to the Chicago Bulls
While there was a lot of talk that UNC star Caleb Wilson could get drafted higher than fourth, it seems like a lot of that talk has cooled down. The most likely scenario is that Wilson will hear his name called by the Chicago Bulls on draft night, a team that is going through both an organizational and roster rebuild.
Should there be no surprises and Wilson ends up in the Windy City, he will be one of very few players on the roaster that is guaranteed to be there within the next year or two. Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham seeks to do everything he can to return the Bulls to relevance in the NBA, but in order to do so he will have to completely overhaul the roster. Wilson will be one of two first-round picks for the Bulls assuming that they do not trade their No. 15 pick. He could end up becoming a star in Chicago, but that’s only if Michael and Jerry Reinsdorf are finally ready to start taking this franchise seriously again. Though, let’s be honest: Wilson may end up becoming a star anyway.
Henri Veesaar: 29th overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers
The situation with Henri Veesaar feels a lot more fluid than the situation with Wilson. Media outlets seem pretty convinced that Veesaar could end up being one of the final first-round picks, but deciding which team he could go to is tricky. Some outlets had him going to the Dallas Mavericks, but if we’re going off the aggregate that Hoops Hype created, the Cleveland Cavaliers would be the landing spot, which would guarantee that Veesaar plays a bench role at best.
The Cavaliers already have Evan Mobley on their roster, who is currently one a five-year max rookie contract that lasts until 2030. They also have Jarrett Allen at the center spot, whose contract goes until 2029. Things aren’t especially impressive being either guys, so there’s definitely a world where Veesaar sees a reasonable amount of playing time behind Allen at the very least. It’s hard to imagine that he’d spend time at the four, but who knows? Players are expected to be versatile in the NBA, but it’s hard to imagine Veesaar playing anything but the five.
Either way, should the Cavaliers draft Veesaar, he’d be a solid three-level scorer and solid passer for a playoff-contending team. Oh, and he’d face Caleb Wilson often in the Central Division. Who doesn’t want that?
The NBA Draft is June 23-24 in Brooklyn, NY. The event will be broadcasted on ESPN. What do you think of where the two Tar Heels are currently positioned in the mock drafts? Let us know in the comments below.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Dillon Mitchell #1 of the St. John's Red Storm dribbles during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 22, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on how the board falls, St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell could be available when New York is on the clock on draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th, 31st, or 55th selection?
The Basics
School: St. John’s (transferred from Texas, then Cincinnati)
Projected Draft Range: Mid-second round to undrafted
The Numbers
Mitchell’s production does not jump off the page like that of teammate Zuby Ejiofor’s did at St. John’s, but his profile is built more around his tools and energy than his raw scoring numbers and a plug-and-play profile transitioning from college to the NBA.
He averaged 8.3 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game for the Red Storm, giving Rick Pitino a high-motor forward who could defend, rebound, cut, run and finish without needing plays called for him. In St. John’s Sweet 16 loss to Duke, Mitchell scored 13 points on 86% shooting, showing the type of efficient, low-usage role that gives him an NBA pathway, although that will only happen after he spends some considerable developmental time in the chamber.
The passing is probably Mitchell’s calling card on offense, as he finished his senior campaign with 111 assists to only 37 turnovers, a great 3:1 ratio for an athletic forward whose offensive reputation has mostly centered on rim running, cutting and transition finishing.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported on Wednesday that the Knicks brought Mitchell in for a pre-draft workout, alongside UConn forward Alex Karaban. That matters because New York owns a second-round pick (No. 55), which fits the range Mitchell is expected to hear his name, unless he goes all the way and ends up signing a two-way, UDFA contract after the draft is over.
Skills That Pay the Bills
Elite Athleticism: Mitchell is a rare vertical athlete. He runs the floor hard, jumps quickly off the ground, and can finish above the rim in transition, off cuts and on putbacks.
Cutting and Play Finishing: His best offensive role is simple, as he’s adept at moving without the ball, finding dunker-spot openings, attacking backdoors and finishing plays created by guards. He does not need high usage to create value, as he’s a high-activity player.
Defensive Versatility: Mitchell has the feet, mobility and athletic profile to defend multiple spots. He can navigate screens, switch in certain matchups and use his quickness to stay involved away from the ball.
Rebounding Motor: He averaged seven rebounds per game and has posted more than two offensive rebounds per game in back-to-back seasons. His second jump and activity help him create extra possessions.
Passing Growth: Mitchell’s senior season showed legitimate progress as an offensive connector, removing any concerns about him turning into a pro offense-stopper. He can make quick passes from the interior, hit cutters and move the ball without forcing plays.
Concerns
No Reliable Jumper: This is the biggest issue, and not precisely a small one. Mitchell does not space the floor and his perimeter game remains underdeveloped, with the forward attempting 57 three-pointers in 144 college games across four seasons for an average of 0.4 3PA per game, hitting them at a horrid 19.3% clip. That limits lineup flexibility and makes his offensive role narrow in the current NBA economy.
Free-Throw Shooting: His career free-throw percentage sits below 50%, which raises real questions about his touch and late-game playability alongside his non-existent long-range shooting.
Limited Self-Creation: Mitchell is not a player who manufactures offense, mostly because of his shooting issues. He needs to play under a heavy structured offense, take advantage of spacing, and have elite playmakers around him to maximize his athletic tools and find him open.
Tweener Role: He is 6’6.75” without elite length for a forward and does not shoot well enough to play a clean wing role. His NBA value depends on defending, rebounding, cutting and finishing at a high level.
The Knicks Fit
I don’t need to tell you how Mitchell fits the Knicks if you just read where the kid is coming from. New York just won their first championship since 1973, and Mitchell spent his final college season at St. John’s, playing home games at Madison Square Garden, and making this the ultimate good-story draft pick if NYK uses the late second-round selection on him or simply adds him to one of their two-way slots if he’s still available after the second day is over.
There is also real St. John’s history with the Knicks. New York drafted Mark Jackson out of St. John’s in 1987, and Jackson became NBA Rookie of the Year with the franchise, although the comparisons here are virtually non-existent. The other famous connection, and one still due for fix, is that with former Red Storm forward and Queens-born-and-raised Ron Artest, whom the Knicks passed on in 1999 when they selected Dunk-of-Death casualty Frederic Weis one pick before Artest went to the Chicago Bulls.
Mitchell would not arrive with Jackson’s or Artest’s profile or expectations—and he should definitely not be treated like that kind of prospect—but the local connection is there.
From a basketball standpoint, Mitchell fits only if the Knicks are comfortable taking a developmental bet, even late in the draft. New York already has physical wings and forwards in OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, while Karl-Anthony Towns gives the team offensive firepower up front. Mitchell would need to earn minutes through defense, rebounding, pace and energy, and he won’t do anything to improve the offense, not being even close to Hart’s already-subpar shooting.
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: Derrick Jones Jr. (Explosive cutter, finisher and defensive athlete without a lot to offer on offense)
Median Outcome: KJ Martin (Vertical athlete who runs, cuts and finishes near the rim but not far from it)
Low-End Outcome: Keita Bates-Diop without the jumper (Forward body, defensive chops, can’t hit a shot)
The Verdict
Pass at 24th and 31st. Consider him at 55th: Mitchell is not worth a first-round pick, whether that’s No. 24 or No. 31, unless the board completely collapses and the Knicks are convinced his jumper will develop, which is far from guaranteed. The athletic tools are obvious—Mitchell can run, jump, defend, cut and finish—but the shooting concerns are too big to ignore. A forward who does not space the floor and shoots below 50% from the free-throw line needs to be excellent in the margins to stay on the floor. Mitchell has some of those margins covered, especially with his cutting, rebounding and defensive versatility, but he still projects as a developmental player. Let him go past 55th, and with just five more picks remaining, there’s a good chance he goes undrafted, and the Knicks can ink him after he becomes a UDFA.
The Knicks’ head coach wore a shirt alluding to James Dolan’s joke about abstention during the team’s 10-week NBA playoff run that culminated with the the ticker-tape parade Thursday.
Brown showed off the shirt after while joining in on a rendition of “Who Let the Dogs Out” with a nearby crowd Thursday morning, and was jumping for joy before boarding a bus.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown enters the team bus during celebratory parade with “10 weeks” on the back of his shirt. @nypostsports/YouTube
His shirt is in reference to the Knicks’ owner’s 15-minute speech to the players before the playoffs about making sacrifices for 10 weeks to win a championship, including giving up sex.
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” Dolan told the Knicks before the playoffs on April 3. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — they denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge.”
Brown is not the first to reference the joke, which was released to the public Monday.
Mikal Bridges also joked about it on his NSFW Instagram live earlier in the week.
Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks poses for a portrait after winning Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks hired Brown as Tom Thibodeau’s replacement in July 2025 due to his “championship pedigree.”
It’s safe to say it was the right choice as Brown led the Knicks to a 53-29 record during the regular season and one of the greatest NBA Playoff runs in history, winning 13 straight games during one stretch and the team’s first NBA Finals since 1953 when they downed the Spurs in five games.
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