CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Cameron Boozer 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One of the great things about the NBA Draft process is the gamesmanship and skullduggery. If somebody wanted, say, BYU star AJ Dybantsa, that team might plant doubts about his workouts or attitude, hoping to push him down the draft order.
Unless you get a crack at Shaquille O’Neal or Hakeem Olajuwon, where there’s no doubt who will go first, it always happens. It doesn’t always work, but somebody always does it. Sun Tzu would have loved the NBA Draft.
We’re not at all sure what’s happening with Cameron Boozer, but something is bubbling away. People are suggesting all sorts of things. There are subtle suggestions that the Washington Wizards might opt for him with #1. There are accounts that Utah may take him with the #2 pick.
This much is indisputable: Dybantsa’s family has moved to Utah and apparently quite likes living there. Dybantsa has said a couple of things that indicate he would like to stay in Utah. That would probably happen if Washington takes Boozer with the #1 pick.
And it’s worth remembering that Oklahoma City has a ton of draft picks that will devalue if they don’t make a trade to move up in the draft or at least move them further into the future.
OKC is a real wild card. If they decided that they wanted, let’s say, Boozer, they could work a trade with either Memphis or Chicago and send them a huge collection of future picks.
Barring that, the current wisdom is that Boozer will go either #3 to Memphis or at #4 to Chicago, but it doesn’t appear to be written in stone just yet.
As the old saying goes, it’s usually the team that loses four games by a combined 77 points that actually is the one that should have emerged triumphant.
James Harden reacted defiantly Monday night to a question about “how much better” the Knicks are than the Cavaliers after they completed their four-game sweep.
“I can’t even answer that question, honestly. Yeah, I don’t think we had a chance as far as our best shot from a standpoint of the circumstances,” Harden said after the 130-93 home loss. “Obviously, they dominated us 4-0, but I don’t know if I can necessarily answer that question because, genuinely, I do feel we are the better team. But series-wise didn’t show it, so tough question to answer.”
James Harden and the Cavaliers got swept. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
It’s one thing to hear this kind of refrain from a player after a close series with games that went down to the wire, but the Cavaliers lost each contest by at least 11 points. They couldn’t even stay within striking distance at home and lost by 37 on their home court in an elimination game.
This series simply did not come down to one shot or one play.
And even if Harden wants to point to Sam Merrill’s potential game-winning shot going halfway down and then rimming out, the Cavaliers were still below a 22-point lead in that game, and then got outscored by 11 points in overtime in one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA playoff history.
Much in the same way that coach Kenny Atkinson’s comment about the Cavaliers being ahead in the series advanced on analytics, Harden’s comments seem tone deaf considering the series outcome.
Harden may actually have been the one who gave the Cavaliers the best chance to show they were the better team in Game 1 when he was isolated against eventual Finals MVP Brunson with Cleveland nursing a big lead, but Brunson kept targeting him and scoring at will.
The 36-year-old, who famously has never reached the NBA Finals, averaged 16 points per game in the series and went out with a whimper, scoring 12 points on 2-for-8 shooting and 0-for-6 in Game 4.
He pointed to shot-making as the difference in the series, while adding that he felt he did “pretty good” in his first postseason with Cleveland after being acquired in a midseason trade.
James Harden and the Cavaliers were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images
Harden has a contract option and said he wants to remain in Cleveland.
“They made shots, some open and some just tough shots,” Harden said.
The New York Knicks completed their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to their first NBA Finals since the 1998-99 season, when they lost in five games to the San Antonio Spurs.
To put things in perspective, the New York Islanders were five years into their 23-season playoff series win drought at the time, coming off a 24-48-9-1 season, tied for the second-worst record in the NHL.
This was also Mike Milbury's final season as the team's head coach.
Following an 11-game winless streak, he stepped away from the bench to focus solely on his role as general manager, handing the coaching reins to Bill Stewart, who took over on January 21, 1999.
The Islanders’ leading point scorer was Robert Reichel, who had 56 points in 70 games before being dealt to the Phoenix Coyotes on March 20, 1999, for then-21-year-old Brad Isbister and a 1999 third-round pick.
Other notable Islanders from that season included Žigmund Pálffy, who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings during the 1999 offseason, and Zdeno Chara, who was in the second of four seasons during his initial stint with the Islanders.
At the time, Roberto Luongo and Mike Rupp were also prospects in the Islanders’ system, though both would be with new franchises by the 2000 offseason.
The Knicks will now face either the reigning NBA Finals champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in a 1999 rematch.
After the New York Knicks advanced to the 2026 NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani seized the moment to take a playful jab at the Cleveland Cavaliers on social media, reflecting the city's excitement in the team’s historic run in 27 years.
Just minutes after the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, completing a decisive 4-0 series sweep, Mamdani tweeted a clever message: “I’d like to report a sweep,” tagging New York’s Department of Sanitation.
The department quickly joined in the fun, replying, “Clean up in Cleveland!!” The playful exchange captured the city’s jubilant mood as fans celebrated the Knicks’ dominant performance and their long-awaited return to the NBA’s biggest stage.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 26, 2026
Mamdani, a well-known Knicks supporter, was spotted at Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, cheering on the team alongside fellow fans.
It's been a big week for Mamdani's favorite sports teams with Arsenal clinching its first English Premier League title since 2004, also set to play on May 30 in the UEFA Champions League final.
Dec 30, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) reacts in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and the playoffs always have a way of revealing what’s actually most important in high leverage games. Our instant mock draft immediately following the lottery tried to take a stab at how the picks will actually come off the board when the first-round begins on June 23.
Now, here’s a mock draft based on what I would do with every pick.
Boozer is the top player on my draft board, and in my estimation he’s the obvious No. 1 pick. I’ve been chronicling Boozer’s brilliance since he was in high school, and all he did as a freshman was win national player of the year in a nearly unanimous vote (59 out of 61). The Wizards should not be making team-building decisions with Anthony Davis in mind. Boozer was only four years old when AD was drafted. Washington needs shot-creation, shooting, and rebounding, and Boozer provides all of that at a high level. Alex Sarr should be a nice defensive complement to him in the frontcourt. This really shouldn’t be that hard.
2. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
I had Peterson over Dybantsa on my preseason board and my midseason board, and while I thought about moving off that take at times during Peterson’s bizarre freshman year, I’m sticking with it now. Peterson is just a better fit for what the Jazz need, and I do think Utah is potentially good enough for next season to be thinking about fit. Keyonte George needs a defensive-minded off-guard with volume three-point shooting next to him, and that can be Peterson. Of course, Peterson can also be so much more than that if he fully recovers from the strange soft tissue and cramping injuries that plagued his time at Kansas. Dybantsa would have some overlap with Ace Bailey if he’s the pick here. I like a lineup of George-Peterson-Bailey-Lauri Markkanen-Jaren Jackson Jr. with Walker Kessler off the bench. That feels like a playoff team with some real upside to me.
3. Memphis Grizzlies – AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
Dybantsa probably won’t still be on the board at No. 3 on draft night, but if he is it would set up a fascinating decision between him and Caleb Wilson for Memphis. I give Dybantsa the edge simply because of his shot-creation ability. There just aren’t many players in the world this size — 6’8.5 barefoot, 217 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan — who can create shots for themselves and others like Dybantsa. I’d love to see him take a little more pride in his defense and up his three-point volume, but he’d be a wonderful addition to Memphis’ rebuild.
4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Wilson is the obvious ‘best player available’ choice for the Bulls here. This draft has been defined by a ‘big three’ since these players were in high school, but Wilson was so good at North Carolina that it can now credibly be called a ‘big four.’ Wilson is a bit of an odd fit on the Bulls’ current roster with some overlap with Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, and Leonard Miller — the team’s three most appealing young players. Ultimately, that doesn’t matter. There’s a strong chance that Wilson is better than any of them, and Buzelis has developed as a shooter enough to play the three. Take Wilson and figure out the rest later.
5. Los Angeles Clippers – Aday Mara, C, Michigan
This is the first big decision of the draft. I’m torn between Mikel Brown Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Mara, but ultimately it’s harder to find a 7’3 center with a 7’7 wingspan than point guards or forwards. Mara was the single biggest riser of March Madness, but I’ve been on him as a potential top-10 pick since he was entering UCLA out of Spain. His size is a game-changer in the middle, and he also has ridiculous passing feel for someone so big. I know the Clippers drafted Yanic Konan Niederhäuser at the end of the first-round last year, but I was never too high on him. After trading Ivica Zubac to the Pacers for this pick, the Clippers find their center of the future.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
Yeah, the Nets took four pseudo point guards in the first-round last year, but that can’t stop one of the league’s worst rosters from drafting the best available player. Brown fits that description to me as the highest-upside prospect still on the board. The Louisville guard brings super-high volume three-point shooting, creative passing, and some downhill attacking ability to an offense desperately in need of juice. Brown’s frame is very thin and he doesn’t even have hair on his face yet, but the Nets need to be thinking long-term, and Brown is oozing with potential over time.
The Kings falling to No. 7 in the lottery is a huge bummer, but the upside is that the team really wanted a point guard, and there will be multiple great ones to choose from here. There’s already rumors that Sacramento has a preference for Darius Acuff, and that would be fine, but I like Flemings more. The Houston guard is a lot more disruptive defensively off the ball, and I give him a slight edge as a live-dribble playmaker. KINGSton Flemings to the Kings would be a very good fit for both the player and team.
8. Atlanta Hawks – Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
The key to modern basketball is the intersection of positional size, shooting touch, and IQ. Wagler checks all three boxes while also having worst in class explosion and length for a point guard. How does a 6’6, one-and-done lottery pick finish the season with zero dunks? This will be the first time it’s ever happened, at least for as far back as the statistics go. The Hawks have had some trouble with smaller guards, so Wagler is at least tall while having the ability to play on or off the ball. His pull-up shooting would be really good next to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, and the first two guys there could help insulate him defensively. He’ll probably go higher than this, but I like the fit in Atlanta.
I will have Lendeborg higher than No. 9 on my personal board, and I seriously considered him at No. 5 for the Clippers. I didn’t love his fit in Brooklyn, Sacramento, or Atlanta, but I do think he makes plenty of sense for the Mavs. Dallas should be ready to accelerate this thing around Cooper Flagg pretty quickly, in part because they don’t control their first-round pick from 2027-2030. Lendeborg will be a 24-year-old rookie, but he has unique strengths as a massive wing who can play on the perimeter or bang down low for some small ball five minutes. Critics of this pick will say Dallas already has PJ Washington, but he can be traded. Yaxel is four years younger, would be on a cost controlled deal, and in my opinion should be better pretty quickly. I like the idea of pairing Flagg with a defensive-minded forward who can stretch the floor and give the Mavs positional versatility.
I thought Quaintance would be a top-5 pick coming into the season. Instead, he rushed back from a torn ACL, and shut it down after only four underwhelming games at Kentucky. Quaintance explained his decision to end his season early to me at the combine. If he’s healthy, he has a case as the best defensive player in the class. While he’s a tad short for an NBA five at 6’9 barefoot, JQ measured well with a hulking 253-pound frame and 7’5+ wingspan. His offense is a huge question mark, but his defense should be bankable if he can stay healthy. Assuming the Bucks finally trade Giannis this summer, they will need a new identity long-term, and Quaintance can help that start on the defensive end.
11. Golden State Warriors – Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
The Warriors could really go in any direction here, and I remain intrigued by the Mara fit from my instant mock if he’s still on the board. Given the way this draft goes, Steinbach feels like he would be a good choice to add some physicality and rebounding to the frontcourt. Steinbach’s offensive rebounding is potentially the single best skill in this draft class (behind Cameron Boozer’s brain), and he could feast off misses from Steph Curry and Brandin Podziemski to generate extra possessions.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Morez Johnson Jr., F/C, Michigan
Johnson is the best kind of tweener with the ability to be additive on both ends at either the four or the five. The 6’9 big man has a hulking 250-pound frame with 7’3.5 wingspan and boundless athleticism. He’s one of the best defenders in the class with the strength to wall up inside, the quickness to switch some screens, and outstanding ability to patrol the backline as a low man. I think he’s going to be shoot long-term, and if you agree, he has to be a lottery pick.
13. Miami Heat – Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
I have questions about Acuff’s scoring process and worry that he might be the worst defensive player in the NBA, but at a certain point he’s too productive to continue passing on. This pick would absolutely be in play in a potential Giannis trade.
14. Charlotte Hornets – Dailyn Swain, F, Texas
The Hornets really need some beef inside, but this class just isn’t very deep in big men after Motiejus Krvias and Patrick Ngongba pulled out. I’ve liked Swain for a while as a bouncy wing stopper who made big offensive strides as a slasher and shooter during his junior season at Texas, but he wasn’t too impressive with his measurements or play at the combine. Still, this feels like a plug-and-play rotation piece for what should be an excellent team in the East next season.
15. Chicago Bulls – Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
I’d prefer Morez Johnson or possibly Jayden Quaintance here, but both are off the board in this mock. Burries will likely be long gone by the time Chicago comes on the clock at No. 15, but he would add two-way physicality to the backcourt with good shooting projection. I don’t think Burries has the shot-creation or the playmaking to be in an on-ball role that would give him star upside, but he checks a lot of boxes as a role player. He’s a player who feels like he’s pretty good everywhere but without a signature skill to fall back on.
16. Memphis Grizzlies – Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Stirtz is a high-volume creator who doesn’t turn the ball over and also offers floor spacing potential with a quick and accurate trigger from three-point range. He’s not the biggest lead guard and he’s likely to have some issues defending at the point of attack, but he’s such an additive player offensively that he can work in a variety of roles. I’m curious what Stirtz would look like in a faster system and more scaled down role after creating every advantage and playing nearly every minute for Iowa during his senior season.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Ament couldn’t live up to the top-5 hype in the preseason he as struggled with physicality and failed to score efficiently from any part of the floor. Still, there’s a reason he was so highly touted entering the year, and it’s easy to see the outline of an athletic, two-way four man who can still impact the game in a more scaled down offensive role. Ament’s 29 percent usage rate was tops on Tennessee, and giving him that much offensive responsibility on a team without great spacing was always too much to ask. I’d like to see what he looks like as a more of a fourth option on offense who can space the floor and attack closeouts while using his 6’10 frame to alter shots defensively.
18. Charlotte Hornets – Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
The Hornets have to come away with a big, and Cenac is the best available at this slot. While he’s likely a couple years away from making an impact, Cenac has elite physical tools at 6’10+, 240 pounds with a 7’5 wingspan. He has a confident shooting stroke from deep, and could be a valuable stretch five (or a four in bigger lineups) who also crushes the defensive glass down the line. He’s a bit raw right now and can struggle with his feel for the game, but the idealized version of Cenac would be a great piece for Charlotte as it continues to build a contender in the East.
19. Toronto Raptors – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Philon could inject some much needed juice into the Raptors’ halfcourt offense, which ranked No. 13 in efficiency during the regular season but struggled badly in the playoffs. The Alabama guard is super shifty off the bounce and will thrive in an NBA drive-and-kick game, and he offers scoring ability inside the arc with his floater. His three-point shot made a big leap this season (from 31.5 percent to 40 percent from deep while nearly doubling his volume), but there are some questions about how sustainable that is with a lower release point. Philon is very skinny and will probably never be a good defender, but this would be a very good value at this slot for a potential high-octane creator.
20. San Antonio Spurs – Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
For a 6’5 wing, Carr is extremely long (7’1 wingspan), highly explosive (44 dunks), and a really good spot-up shooter who hit 37.6 percent behind the arc on 205 attempts. There’s a case for him to go much higher than this, but his limited creation ability, shaky passing vision, and thin frame gives me some pause.
21. Detroit Pistons – Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
No one expected Okorie to be a one-and-done entering the year as a recruit ranked outside the top-100, but his creation flashes made it undeniable while playing for a middling Stanford team. Okorie has the best first-step in the class and the acceleration to separate once he gains the initial advantage. He’s more of a scorer than a playmaker right now, which isn’t ideal for a 6’2 guard. Still, his ability to create his own offense while limiting turnovers and showing a solid three-point stroke gives him real upside in this part of the draft. I’d like to see what Cade Cunningham looks like in a more off-ball role at times, and Okorie can get him there.
22. Philadelphia 76ers – Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
Graves would fill a position of need for the Sixers at power forward while also offering two-way upside if he can cut down on fouling. The redshirt freshman from Santa Clara forced turnovers at an incredible rate this season while also shooting 40 percent from three, but his aggressive play led to a lot of hacking that kept him in a sixth man role. Graves isn’t the best athlete, but this area of the draft feels right for an analytics darling who measured well at the combine (7-foot wingspan and 225-pound frame) and has some real skill flashes.
23. Atlanta Hawks – Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez is a big forward who can play with the ball in his hands, but there are questions about his shooting and off-ball defense. He can look good attacking in a straight line as a driver, but he’s a bit stiff athletically when he’s in need of counters. His frame and downhill ability are worth betting on at this point, and he could offer quite a bit of upside if he figures out his spot-up three-pointer.
24. New York Knicks – Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Jefferson’s ability to play with physicality on both ends while also bringing connective offensive traits makes him one of the best seniors in this year’s draft. I had Jefferson as the third best player in college basketball this year. While I doubt he’ll have quite as much creation equity at the next level, his reps in a high usage, more on-ball role at ISU will serve him well in the NBA when the ball swings to him. It feels like he fits the Knicks’ ethos well,.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Henri Veesar, C, North Carolina
Veesar is one of the only stretch five options in this class, but he does a lot more offensively than just shoot. The 7-footer thrived in a high-low game with Caleb Wilson by showing good passing touch and efficient scoring inside the arc. He won’t be a plus defensively at center, but giving Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves a pick-and-pop big man with good feel offensively would be a nice choice after this range of the draft was thinned out by NIL.
26. Denver Nuggets – Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
It’s hard to find a place for all the small guards in this draft given the way the league is trending, and that means someone like Anderson could be a major steal. The Texas Tech point guard is one of the very best shooters in this draft class, and also a solid playmaker who won’t rack up turnovers. While he measured pretty small at the combine, he does have a 6’6+ wingspan that at least gives him a chance defensively.
27. Boston Celtics – Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
Tanner might be destined to return to college after being one of the most divisive players in this year’s class. He was one of the very best players in college basketball as a sophomore, but he’s just so small at a tick under 5’11 barefoot and 167 pounds with a 6’4.25 wingspan. He definitely plays bigger than his size on both ends with a sixth sense for forcing turnovers and a rare ability to dunk on your head for such a tiny guard. I have questions about his three-point shooting and creation ability at the next level. He’d be a great flier in this range.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Koa Peat, F, Arizona
The NBA seems to think Peat should return for his sophomore year, and it’s hard to blame them. He looks more like a run-stopping defensive end than an NBA power forward, but there’s still some potential here for a defensive wing stopper with short-roll playmaking and some play-finishing ability. His outside shot is broken and he lacks lateral quickness or agility, but he would be a fine flier in this range.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s
Ejiofor is a rugged big man who can help wall off the paint defensively while adding some impressive connective passing traits in the frontcourt. He’s a disruptive defender who plays with a high motor and does all the little things good role players need to do. He’s a tad small for a five at 6’7.5 barefoot with a 7’2 wingspan and 245 pound frame, but he’ll find a way to make it work with an impressive combo of physicality and feel.
30. Dallas Mavericks – Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Thomas can fill it up from outside as a microwave scorer while also not making stupid decisions with the ball. He should be able to defend a little bit better than most players in his archetype. The Mavs could stand to add some off-ball offensive firepower off the bench in this slot.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the first half against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Reports have emerged that the Suns would like to trade into the first round. John Doehass at Bright Side of the Sun also proposed five potential trades for the 17th, 26th, 29th, 30th, and 31st picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. I have written several articles in the past looking at who the Suns might acquire with the 47th pick in the second round. Some of the players I identified previously have risen in mock drafts to become potential first round draft picks, including Henri Veesaar, Ebuka Okorie, Joshua Jefferson, and Zuby Ejiofor.
However, my previous analyses didn’t look at players I thought had no chance of falling to 47, particularly players showing up routinely in the late teens. Therefore, I’m putting together three articles over the next few days that will look at three classes of players that I haven’t already covered: guys whom the Suns should look at if they have the 17th pick, ones who will be available at 26 (but probably not by 29), and late first/early second (29-31) prospects.
I looked at and statistically analyzed 16 of the top mock drafts to identify who the Suns should focus on at each of these three draft areas. The players listed here all meet a team need: I did not include players who play positions or roles the Suns already have filled (shooting guard, small forward, centers who can’t shoot the three).
Prospects at 17
The players in this section are ones who realistically might be there at 17, which would happen if the Suns traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently possess the 12th and 17th picks. There’s almost no chance they’d still be around at 26. This includes four players: Hannes Steinbach, Morez Johnson, Jr., Bennett Stirtz, and Chris Cenac Jr. If the Suns are set on acquiring an athletic power forward, and Morez, Jr. is off the board, Chris Cenac would still be a good consolation prize at 17, given there’s only modest odds (17%) he’ll still be available at 26.
Morez Johnson, Jr. (Michigan, Sophomore, PF)
Morez Johnson Jr. is a physically imposing, high-motor big man and key anchor for the Michigan Wolverines. Standing 6’9” barefoot with an elite 7’3″ wingspan and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses excellent lateral mobility and defensive switchability.
Defensive Versatility: Possesses the rare ability to switch 1-through-5. His nimble footwork and core strength allow him to contain smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter.
Rebounding: An elite, high-effort rebounder who controls the glass through determined positioning, length, and strength.
Interior Offense: Highly efficient finisher around the rim, operating as an excellent lob threat and playing well above the rim. He also projects as a high-quality screener who rolls effectively in pick-and-roll.
High Motor: Known as the “heart and soul” of his team, bringing consistent energy, toughness, and defensive instincts to every possession.
Weaknesses
Offensive Hub Limitations: He does not possess a true perimeter scoring package yet. He rarely attempts jump shots and relies primarily on put-backs, lobs, and interior dump-offs rather than self-creation.
Raw Passing & Playmaking: His playmaking upside remains limited, often forcing turnovers or lacking playmaking vision when forced to distribute from the high post.
Undersized Center Profile: While his wingspan allows him to play bigger, he still lacks the pure height of a traditional back-to-the-basket NBA center, meaning he will need to rely heavily on his leaping and positioning to protect the rim.
Draft Range
Between 12 and 25, with an average of 17.4 and a median of 17. 55% chance he will still be available at 17.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
I’m not going to lie: of all the players I’ve looked at in the draft so far, Morez Jr. is the one I’d most like to see land on the Suns. He ticks all the boxes: absolutely killed it on the measurements, vertical athleticism, and agility at the combine. He’s done well against the top competition in the nation. Shoots the three well, and his high free-throw percentage suggests that he will get even better.
Young enough that substantial improvement is possible. He’s “got that dawg in him” metaphorically, and is “aligned” with the hustle and heart that underlie the team concept of the Suns. The only tepid criticisms I can offer are that he’s still raw enough that he won’t immediately come in and lead the Suns to the second round, but he’s also instantly the team’s starting power forward.
Isaiah Stewart, Aaron Gordon, and Patrick Patterson
Hannes Steinbach (Washington, Freshman, PF)
Hannes Steinbach is a highly coveted 2026 NBA Draft prospect and elite rebounding big man. Following a stellar freshman season at Washington, the 6’10.25″ (barefoot) 248-pound forward averaged 18.5 points and a nation-leading 11.8 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as a probable lottery or first-round selection.
Elite Rebounding: His rebounding is widely considered the best in the 2026 draft class. Averaging 11.8 boards (including an elite 4.2 offensive), he pairs an aggressive motor with a massive wingspan and remarkably large hands to secure the ball at its apex.
Soft Touch & Catch Radius: Steinbach catches almost everything thrown his way and is an exceptionally efficient finisher inside. He converts at a high rate on hook shots, push runners, and leaners.
Fluid Movement: He runs the floor effortlessly for a big man. He handles the ball well in transition, allowing him to snake around defenders and face up in space.
Weaknesses
Rim Protection: He relies more on positioning and energy than explosive vertical leaping. His low block rate raises slight concerns about his ability to function as a traditional, heavy-minute rim-protecting center.
Defensive Versatility: Translating his interior presence to the next level requires proving he can either anchor the paint or effectively slide over to defend the power forward position in modern, switch-heavy lineups.
Draft Range
Between 11 and 29, with an average of 16.3 and a median of 15. There is a 44% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
The Suns really don’t have a reliable PF/C who can both rebound, defend, and space the floor. It’s not hard to imagine slotting Steinbach in alongside Fleming, Williams, Oso, or Maluach. He’s a much better positional defender than Sabonis, and there’s a strong chance his three-point percentage will continue to improve.
His athleticism and measurements are excellent, but not elite like Cenac, Johnson, Jr., and Brazile. The biggest red flag is that aside from rebounding, none of his stats show him to have any elite skills. He’s above average in many, below average in only one (defensive rating, which is a red flag), but the best players need more than one elite skill.
All in all, Steinbach looks to have the tools, size, and athleticism to carve out a long NBA career.
NBA Comparisons
Domatis Sabonis with a three-point shot. Nikola Vučević, Drew Gooden. Worst case: Frank Kaminsky
Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, Senior, PG/SG)
Bennett Stirtz is a crafty, highly efficient 6’4” 184-pound guard known for his elite basketball IQ, outstanding shooting, and steady playmaking. Originally a standout at the Division II level who transferred to Drake before finishing his college career in Iowa, Stirtz profiles as a high-floor, plug-and-play rotational guard.
Elite Shooting: A deadeye marksman who is especially dangerous in catch-and-shoot scenarios. He creates separation comfortably using a lethal step-back jumper and shows deep range.
High-Level Decision Making: Possesses a phenomenal assist-to-turnover ratio. He is a calculated pick-and-roll orchestrator who plays at his own pace and rarely forces bad shots.
Crafty Finisher: Though he relies more on touch and angles than raw vertical athleticism, he is incredibly efficient scoring in the paint. He utilizes a high-arcing floater and scores well with either hand.
Off-Ball Intelligence: Excels at relocating for open looks and reading defender habits, making him a dangerous cutter.
Weaknesses
Physical Profile: Firmly average by NBA standards in terms of vertical and horizontal athleticism. He does not blow past defenders and is mostly a below-the-rim player.
Defensive Questions: Stirtz’s lack of elite length or lateral quickness can lead to struggles when isolated against quicker NBA guards.
Shot Creation Against Elite Size: Against top-tier, long-armed defenders, he can occasionally struggle to get his shot off or finish inside the arc without drawing fouls.
Draft Range
Between 17 and 28, with an average of 21.1 and a median of 19. There is an 88% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
There is strong consensus that Stirtz is a mid-to-late first round pick, and 10 out of 16 mocks have him going in the late teens. He’s a great shooter, a slightly above-average athlete according to combine results, and has a great basketball IQ. The downsides are his defense, rebounding, and fit with the current roster. He also seems to lack a skill or quality you can point to that is elite rather than just “very good” (like his shooting, particularly from the corner).
The biggest question I have with Stirtz is his fit next to Booker. The general opinion is he’s a tweener guard who can play either position, but he’s not a true point guard, and may be better suited to a secondary initiator role. How close is this to Gillespie? Jalen Green? It’s hard to say, but the Suns should be wary of adding what amounts to a 5th shooting guard to the roster behind Booker, Green, Goodwin, and Allen.
NBA Comparisons
Payton Pritchard, Landry Shamet, and Jeff Hornacek
Chris Cenac (Houston, Freshman, PF/C)
Chris Cenac Jr. is an elite, modern frontcourt prospect. Standing 6’11” with an impressive 7’5″ wingspan, the former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected as a first-round selection.
Physical Profile & Mobility: Cenac possesses rare athletic fluidity for a 6’11” big man. He runs the floor with long strides in transition, boasts a 37-inch vertical leap, and possesses excellent second-jump capabilities.
At-Rim & Roll Finishing: He is highly efficient as a play-finisher, placing in the 97th percentile in at-rim efficiency. He serves as an elite lob threat and frequently capitalizes on weakside putbacks, logging an impressive 9.8% offensive rebounding percentage.
Stretch Potential: Unlike traditional rim-bound bigs, Cenac displays a clean, smooth, and repeatable shooting motion. Shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc on notable volume provides an intriguing foundation as a pick-and-pop floor spacer.
Rebounding Production: He has a natural knack for tracking the ball off the rim. He led Houston in rebounding as a freshman—becoming the first freshman to do so for the program since 2012—and recorded standout double-doubles, including a 17-point, 17-rebound showing against Kansas.
Weaknesses
Physicality & Post Strength: Despite a 240-pound frame, Cenac can play tentatively when absorbing contact in the paint. Stronger, more physical low-post centers occasionally out-muscled and pushed him out of position during his collegiate tenure.
Interior Defense Discipline: While his perimeter switchability and footwork allow him to contest wings effectively on the outside, his interior paint protection is an ongoing work in progress. He has a tendency to bite on pump fakes and pick up premature fouls.
Offensive Creation: He is primarily a complementary, off-the-ball scorer. When forced to create his own shot in isolation, he can become overly reliant on settling for difficult mid-range jumpers rather than attacking the rim.
Draft Range
Between 16 and 32, with an average of 21.9 and a median of 22. There is an 17% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
Cenac projects as an athletic PF/C with a reach and wingspan nearly identical to Rasheer Fleming, but better hops and agility. He’s only a freshman, and projects well as a rebounder and defender. He shot 33.3% from three in college and did well in the three-point star drill at the NBA draft combine. However, his corner three numbers there left a lot to be desired (near the bottom at 9 of 25).
However, he’s still very raw, and the nuances of the game are still coming to him. He doesn’t really move the ball well (his assist numbers are abysmal, and his low turnover rate is because he doesn’t pass much either), and he doesn’t move well with the ball. Even more than Fleming, he’s a long-term investment for whatever franchise picks him. If he by some chance falls to 26, he’s fallen and likely won’t fall much further. The Suns seem to be taking a more patient approach now, and Chris Cenac would be a great insurance policy on the development of Fleming and provide some depth and versatility at PF/C.
However, between Cenac, Steinbach, and Morez, I would pick Morez over Steinbach, which is why Chris Cenac fell to this tier.
NBA Comparisons
Jaren Jackson Jr., Naz Reid, and Kel’el Ware
Coming tomorrow, players available if the Suns were to trade up into the 26th pick with the Denver Nuggets.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: AJ Dybantsa looks on 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thanks to some lottery luck, the Washington Wizards own the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft for the first time in 16 years.
John Wall, the team’s top selection in 2010, was considered by many as the consensus No. 1 pick. So it came as no surprise when Washington made Wall the franchise’s centerpiece.
Sixteen years later, Washington is faced with a more complex situation surrounding their choice at No. 1.
Will it be AJ Dybantsa, the high-flying BYU product who led college basketball in scoring with 25.5 points per game and is currently -390 to be the No. 1 pick, according to FanDuel Sportsbook?
Does Washington instead opt for the draft class’s top guard prospect in Darryn Peterson, Kansas’s talented scorer who averaged 20.2 points per game on 38.2% 3PT as a freshman? Or will the Wizards surprise everyone by selecting Cameron Boozer, the 2026 Naismith Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year who some have labeled the top prospect in the 2026 draft class?
Below is an overview of which prospect several NBA Draft experts believe the Wizards will select at No. 1.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Tyrese Proctor #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tyrese Proctor’s rookie season came to an end Monday night as the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 130-93, sweeping the series, 4-0.
Proctor, who rarely got off the bench in the playoffs, got 9 minutes here. He didn’t score, but he got 1 rebound and 2 assists.
The Knicks move on and will play either the San Antonio Spurs, with Mason Plumlee, or the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Jared McCain, in the finals.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEVELAND — The leap between being a great team and being a championship-caliber one is the hardest to make. This series shows that the Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot of work to do before they can say they’re on that level.
This was supposed to be a somewhat even matchup with the New York Knicks, but it wasn’t.
The Knicks dominated every aspect of the series since the fourth quarter of Game 1. That continued as they completed their sweep with a 37-point victory in Game 4.
The ending to this season was always going to be messy, but this was much worse than anyone could’ve reasonably expected.
This series, and the playoffs as a whole, were a referendum on Donovan Mitchell.
This group was constructed around Mitchell. Each player was brought here because they either cover up a weakness or accent one of Mitchell’s skills. So when Mitchell isn’t playing at a star level, things can get sideways quickly.
It’s not impossible for elite playoff teams to gameplan around a 6’2” guard who can only score at a high level. We’ve seen this throughout his four postseason runs in Cleveland, and did so again here.
Each team the Cavs ran into this postseason was able to take Mitchell out of his comfort zone.
The Toronto Raptors were physical at the point of attack and able to switch every on-ball screen. The Detroit Pistons put one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Ausar Thompson, on Mitchell, making it difficult for him to get to his spots. And then the Knicks just crowded the paint, making it difficult to get anything going inside.
This all added up to Mitchell accumulating his lowest point total and the least efficiency in his last three postseason runs.
Throughout the playoffs, the Cavs were better with Mitchell off the court than they were with him on. They lost the minutes he’s played in 12 of the 18 postseason games. This includes every matchup against the Knicks.
Mitchell had good moments — including an impressive Game 7 in Detroit — but they made it to this point despite his play on the court, not because of it. That’s a problem.
Game 4 showed this again.
It was a four-point game when James Harden subbed out with three minutes left in the first quarter. Evan Mobley and Mitchell anchored a hybrid bench lineup without him. And by the time Harden came back into the game, it was a 12-point game.
This had been happening all postseason. Mitchell couldn’t elevate groups when Harden isn’t on the court, even when he’s going up against other teams’ bench units. As a result, the Cavs are losing the minutes Mitchell plays without Harden by 9.4 points per 100 possessions going into Game 4. Overall, the Cavs were outscored in when Mitchell is on the court by 1.4 points per 100 possessions.
It’s fair to wonder if the Mitchell and Harden pairing can ever work in the postseason. Far too often, the flaws of the backcourt — mostly on the defensive end — came through while their strengths didn’t. Those lineups weren’t outstanding offensively, and didn’t hold up well on the other end.
The duo didn’t have much time to gel in the regular season. Figuring out an entirely new playing style with under 1,000 regular-season possessions is nearly impossible. That alone could give you hope that they could improve.
“He’s helped this group and myself get somewhere we’ve never been,” Mitchell said of Harden. “And that’s with three months of work, three months of prep, three months of whatever. Now, you have a full summer of conversations, of film, of working out together, training, you have a whole year now.”
All that said, banking on them doing so is far from a guarantee, given both players’ track record in the postseason and Harden’s age.
For as inconsistent as this postseason was, the Cavs don’t get to this point without Mitchell.
This regular season was a disaster in so many ways. A combination of injuries to key players, the offseason acquisitions not living up to their standards, and a general step backward from most of the remaining pieces resulted in this team being 17-16 just after Christmas. For context, they didn’t lose the 16th game of the season before until the beginning of April.
This could’ve, and honestly, should’ve been a lost season. However, it wasn’t.
“He’s the number one reason we went to the conference finals,” head coach Kenny Atkinson said of Mitchell. “He took it to another level. Led even better than he did the year before. Adapted to a new roster. … With his communication, his leadership, he kind of made that work on the fly.”
For as frustrating as it ended, you don’t accidentally make it to the conference finals. That’s something you have to earn, and the Cavs proved something that they haven’t previously during this postseason run. However, just getting to the conference finals wasn’t the end goal, and there’s no guarantee that you will get back to that point.
This all makes deciding what they should do in the summer so much more difficult.
The argument for making a drastic change is straightforward. We’ve seen this group not play up to their standards in too many postseasons to run back the same basic two guard, two big structure and expect the result to be different.
Figuring out the perfect move that gets them over the hump isn’t.
Do you try to make a big swing for a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo? This would require giving up multiple key players and draft picks to do so, and then you’d have to figure out a way to retool the roster around a new number one.
Would doing everything you could to convince LeBron James to return for one more go around turn them into championship contenders?
Is there a way to retool and get younger, while not losing your standing in the conference?
There is still merit to wanting to avoid shaking things up too much. After all, this run showed that they can have postseason success. If they handle business quicker and shoot better against New York, this would be a very different conversation. A full offseason with Harden trying to figure out a more concrete playing style on both ends of the floor should help as well.
“I have no doubts that this group can get there,” Mitchell said. “I’ve said this all year. I think the biggest thing is you use this as a learning lesson. It’s a tough learning lesson, but now we know. … This team that we faced had to go through this. They’ve been together and had to go through this tough experience. So this is our turn.
“And I’m sorry for the city of Cleveland, for it to be like this, a sweep, like, that’s ass. But I told y’all last year, and I’ll say it again, we’ll be ready, and we’ll be hungry, and be locked in.”
The Boston Celtics were nearing the finish line of this year’s 56-win regular season, a campaign that far exceeded what most outsiders thought possible given the jarring roster changes.
But as we peppered head coach Joe Mazzulla with questions about the progress of all the players who elevated to larger roles, he turned introspective.
“I think that winning is obviously something that you’re going after, but you’re really going after the process of growth and the process of being in a competitive arena and having competition expose who you are as a person and a player — the good and the bad,” Mazzulla said. “And I think that journey is more fulfilling than the wins.”
It’s a quote that stuck with us, especially after Mazzulla’s team came unglued and fumbled away a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers en route to an unceremonious first-round playoff exit, staining what otherwise was an overachieving season.
In the aftermath of Boston’s collapse, Mazzulla again pondered the duality of his job.
He suggested he felt as empty after Boston’s 2024 title season as he did in the years when the team fell short of its perpetual championship goals. Now, he hinted at a struggle to balance the obvious pain of a disappointing finish with all the high points in the journey before it.
On Tuesday, Mazzulla could become the first Celtics coach to win NBA Coach of the Year since Bill Fitch in 1980. Mazzulla would be only the fourth Celtics coach to win the award, joining Fitch, Tommy Heinsohn (1972-73) and Red Auerbach (1964-65).
Receiving the honor in the aftermath of Boston’s early exit won’t sit well with Mazzulla, who routinely bristled at talk of the award during the season. Mazzulla, who would prefer the organization as a whole be lauded for its regular-season success, is likely focused on what’s ahead and not what’s behind him.
Competition exposes who you are — the good and the bad. And despite his overwhelming successes — guiding the team to Banner 18 in 2024, and all those regular-season wins — the 2026-27 season will force Mazzulla to prove yet again that he can learn and grow from notable missteps.
The coach who so routinely pushed all the right buttons while leaning on every player on his roster at various points of the 2025-26 season must assess why, for the third time in four years, he wasn’t always able to find the right combinations on the big stage.
Mazzulla’s .726 regular-season winning percentage ranks third among all Celtics coaches, trailing only K.C. Jones (.751 over five seasons) and Fitch (.738 in four seasons). Fold in the playoffs and only Jones (.729 winning percentage over 512 games) has a better winning percentage overall than Mazzulla (.711 over 385 games).
The numbers make it impossible to suggest that Mazzulla hasn’t routinely put his team in position to be successful. The Celtics stiff-armed any suggestion of a gap year in large part because Mazzulla leaned heavily into bringing the best out of the younger players on Boston’s roster.
The one question heading into next season, with a harsher spotlight on Mazzulla despite all his successes, is whether he can be quicker to embrace change on the playoff stage.
It does not seem unfair to suggest that Mazzulla can sometimes be stubborn. He’s firm in his beliefs and surely isn’t afraid to voice them. While it’s also much easier in hindsight to second-guess some of his playing-time decisions in the aftermath of recent playoff exits, there does seem to be one theme in Boston’s recent playoff demises, and that’s a slow trigger on changes.
For much of the 2025-26 season, Mazzulla leaned into his team’s depth and thrived by finding the combinations that gave the team the best chance to win on a night-to-night basis. As the Sixers series slipped away, Mazzulla was perhaps a bit slow to try the curveballs that he routinely mixed in during the regular season.
He waited until Game 7 to fully experiment, trotting out a unique and unproven starting five, giving rookie Hugo Gonzalez his first real minutes of the series, and finally shifting fully away from midseason acquisition Nikola Vucevic while leaning on smaller lineups.
During the 2025 playoffs, Kristaps Porzingis was a shell of himself while battling a mystery illness that sapped his energy and left him inefficient on the floor, yet Mazzulla gave him every opportunity to fight through. In 2023, the Celtics dug themselves an 0-3 hole in the East Finals against Miami, eliminating all margin for error the rest of the way before falling short when Jayson Tatum limped through Game 7 after an early ankle sprain.
Mazzulla’s overall coaching acumen is not in judgment here. His Xs and Os are fantastic and Boston’s after-timeout success routinely showcases his white-board wizardry. Mazzulla has elite feel for his team over the course of an 82-game season.
The question is simply whether can he get better at the chess match when the playoffs arrive.
For those who want to rail against Mazzulla’s play style, we’ll kindly push back. The term “Mazzulla Ball” has become the blanket term for Boston’s 3-point heavy offensive style. But we’d suggest that Mazzulla’s bigger focus is on the margins as a whole, and Boston’s 3-point totals are more of a reflection of the roster delivered to him.
Yes, Mazzulla needs to be better at imploring his players to generate additional looks near the basket when perimeter shots are not falling. But we shake our head at the, “Too many 3s!” crowd when it’s clear that Boston’s roster is constructed to maximize that math game.
If the Celtics want to increase rim attempts, it’s also on president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to craft a roster with players who are able to create better off the dribble and get inside the paint with more frequency. The best shot for the Celtics might still be a kick-out 3 in most instances.
Crush Mazzulla if you want for Boston’s struggles against Philadelphia after Joel Embiid returned — and we absolutely would have preferred to see him get more creative with lineups earlier than Game 7 — but the Celtics simply did not have the personnel to combat Embiid once he shook his initial rust.
Neemias Queta couldn’t stay out of foul trouble, while Vucevic and Luka Garza had known defensive deficiencies. The Celtics lost a ton of talent up front last summer and, even as Queta thrived in his first season as a starter, the depth deficiency came to roost on the big stage.
Mazzulla isn’t the first coach to run into some other familiar troubles with this core. Like Stevens and Ime Udoka before him, the Celtics have routinely struggled with prosperity, fumbling away big leads and being unable to put away opponents when they’re on the ropes.
Regardless of the reason, the coach is always the easy target when things go awry. That’s just part of the job. It’s a lot easier for most organizations to shuffle in a new coaching voice than make changes to the core of their lineup. Every coach in the NBA knows they have a finite shelf life.
Mazzulla loves embracing a challenge. He’s the one who phoned Derrick White on his birthday last summer, noted how he loved that everyone thought the Celtics would suck, then hung up. Mazzulla used the gap-year suggestion as motivation to prove the doubters wrong.
The skeptics remain after the Celtics’ early playoff exit. Even Banner 18 doesn’t buy you much of a grace period in these parts. This is another chance for Mazzulla to embrace the journey, embrace some changes, and reaffirm why he’s a championship coach.
HOUSTON, TEXA - MAY 4: Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone speaks to the media during a news conference wrapping up the season at Toyota Center in Houston, Monday, May 4, 2026. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ offseason plans haven’t been made clear. The Rockets could go in a number of directions, as they’ve got glaring roster needs.
Last season’s team lacked playmaking guards, not to mention the Rockets’ lack of outside shooters. The Rockets lost the math game essentially every night. And they could use more shot makers (and shot takers) in general.
From a roster standpoint, the team needs major upgrades. They can’t expect another season like this from Kevin Durant.
And they can’t expect Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams to make all the difference and fill all of the voids. They’ve even admitted that.
However, the messaging regarding what Houston intends to do this summer has been very inconsistent, especially if you’ve been keeping up with General Manager Rafael Stone’s media appearances since Houston’s early postseason exit.
During Houston’s end of season presser, Stone essentially stated that Houston would be running it back, save for marginal moves intended to shore up the tail end of the roster.
“In terms of the roster, we’ll look at everything and look at all potential deals but we think that the players in our locker room can win alot of games and be very competitive.
We have players coming back from injury that will help us. If we bring back largely the same group, continuity will help us.”
Stone and Ime Udoka sat side by side and emphasized the importance of internal growth from the Rockets’ younger players, across the board. Udoka’s quote is below.
“For us, I think improvement across the board with our young guys…not making any changes, that’s growth from those guys. Getting everybody back healthy, that’s part of it.”
Stone then joined the Ryen Russilo podcast and seemingly said something entirely different.
“Hopefully, we get healthy and we’ll work really hard this summer at bolstering the roster. Maybe there’s things we can do that help us a little bit and come back next year and hopefully we’re a much better team.”
Perhaps this is all just a matter of conjuring. Maybe Stone doesn’t want to show his hand.
Understandably.
Once you make it known that you’re looking to move a player, they lose value, as an asset. Because teams know you’re ultimately wanting to rid yourself of said asset and they may not be as inclined to offer top value.
The messaging has certainly been inconsistent and a bit difficult to follow, regarding whether the Rockets intend to run it back or make an aggressive, franchise-defining move. They likely want to find another bargain, like last year’s deal for Kevin Durant.
That seems unlikely. Especially on the star front.
Donovan Mitchell and/or Giannis Antetokounmpo — the stars on the market this summer — won’t come cheap. It’s been suggested that Houston could try to make a move at those players.
Regardless, Houston’s brass can’t afford to simply run it back and bank on internal improvement and/or development. They’re going to have to be active, if they hope to get on the same tier as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs — who sit atop the Western Conference.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter an in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
An NBA season can end in many ways.
For about half of the league, the season ends without ever really beginning. Teams that finish in the lottery or lose in the Play-In Tournament never had much on the line.
Losing in the actual playoffs can vary. A hard-fought exit for a young team like the Toronto Raptors is still encouraging. A brutal 3-1 collapse from a title contender in Boston is harrowing, but they have enough championship DNA to feel good about running it back.
But then, there are the teams that get humbled. The ones who have to swallow some reality pills.
It’s hard to feel good about anything that comes on the wrong side of a sweep, and that only gets worse the deeper you go in the postseason.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, I’m not sure a clearer message could have been sent in the Eastern Conference Finals: This team isn’t good enough.
Let’s start by adding context.
Getting this far is hard
Making it to the Eastern Conference Finals is an achievement. It’s not the ultimate goal, of course, but an accomplishment nonetheless. This was only the ninth time in 56 years that Cleveland made it to the final four. That means something.
It’s more impressive considering this team was put together on the fly. Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, and Lonzo Ball were all supposed to be key contributors to this team. All of which were shipped out in February, leaving the newcomers only a few weeks to acclimate themselves to Cleveland.
Teams that make a blockbuster move at the deadline rarely go deep into the playoffs. Inserting James Harden into the lineup and managing to go this far in the postseason is an anomaly. Again, that’s worth something.
But it still wasn’t good enough.
The Cavs hit the ground running in round one. They surged to a 2-0 series lead over the Raptors, riding the momentum of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. The two-shot creators looked ready to rewrite the narratives around their playoff shortcomings and hit no hitches in their first two playoff games together.
That didn’t last.
Mitchell and Harden hit a wall in Toronto. They struggled to generate quality offense without turning it over or relying entirely on the outside shot. This would prove to be the theme throughout the rest of the playoffs, causing them to play seven games against a Raptors team that was missing multiple starters and then later failing to close out a reeling Pistons team.
“I tell you what didn’t help was losing those two Game 6’s,” said Kenny Atkinson. “I’ve been in this a long time, and you have to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Overcoming adversity and winning two Game 7s is encouraging. It’s a step forward for this squad. But it was also a sign that this team isn’t as close as they should be. Good teams don’t play with their food.
The Eastern Conference Finals confirmed that.
Shut Out by New York
The Cavs had to battle through two grueling seven-game series to get here. That begged the question, how much gas would they have left? The answer, after blowing a 22-point lead in Game 1, was none.
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance,” said Mitchell. “You can’t play with your food. We had an opportunity to close both [previous] series and give ourselves a rest.”
Cleveland jumped out to an early lead and then gradually played worse as the series went on. New York controlled every facet by the end, working harder, playing smarter, and providing solutions for anything the Cavs threw at them.
Conversely, the Cavs had nothing to fall back on. They aren’t an elite defense, falling outside of the top 10 this season for the first time since emerging as a playoff team. They also took a step backwards offensively, finishing the season 13th in three-point percentage after being a historically efficient squad last year.
That all rang true throughout the series as New York blew the doors off offensively while the Cavs failed to ever muster up a counter punch.
“I don’t think we even had a chance, not giving our best punch,” said Harden. “We didn’t even play a quarter of Cavs basketball.”
They were defeated through and through. I’m not sure holding on in Game 1 would have made a meaningful difference.
“Go through the other games, and look at the totality of it, and they pretty much dominated,” said Aktinson.
New York has won 11 straight playoff games. They’ve done it with the greatest offensive stretch of basketball in postseason history. That didn’t happen just because they shot the cover off the ball (they did), but because they properly adjusted to every moment of adversity and had an identity to fall back on.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks don’t need three-pointers to beat you. They can get downhill, score from the mid-range, get to the free-throw line, or punish you with their passing. And while Brunson, for example, isn’t a great defender, the effort he puts into not being picked on was far greater than either Mitchell or Harden showed. That gives you a higher floor to work with.
That wasn’t true for Cleveland. The Cavs, who finished 13th in three-point percentage, launched over 150 three-pointers in this series and converted on fewer than 30% of them. That’s an indication that no one knows what this team is supposed to turn to when things get tough. They just kept firing away from deep, praying the results would change.
Again, how you end a season can tell you a lot.
The Cavs didn’t just get swept; they were run off their home floor in an elimination game. A night that was over almost as soon as the jump ball was thrown into the air. Championship-caliber teams don’t do that.
Season Conclusion
This type of exit means more than Cleveland’s previous losses. They weren’t injured. They didn’t underperform against a team that’s going nowhere. They measured themselves up against a legit contender and found out they don’t even come close to meeting the mark.
The writing was on the wall for most of the season. Cleveland wore their weaknesses on their sleeve and stayed committed to a process that no longer matched the personnel on the roster. They never came close to finding the joy, pace, or unselfish ball movement that defined their success a year ago. That finally led to their end versus New York.
The individual talent on this roster allowed the Cavs to overachieve in many ways. They made it farther than most. But the cohesion and willingness to adapt are what made the Knicks a significantly better basketball team. You can’t fake what they had — and the Cavs clearly didn’t have it.
Perhaps this is another stepping stone towards the end goal. That’s what the Cavs are hoping, anyway. Harden and Mitchell both ended their media availability by re-committing to the franchise and each other.
“I’m sorry for the city of Cleveland, for it to be like this in a sweep,” said Mitchell. “We have unfinished business. The city deserves a ring.”
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Four of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 24, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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
Everything is tied up heading into Game Five of the Western Conference Finals. The San Antonio Spurs played stout defense against the Oklahoma City Thunder on their way to a 103-82 victory in Game Four. Now the Spurs need to win two of the next three games, including one on the road, to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
San Antonio made a major adjustment in the Game Four win. The Spurs doubled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander early and often in the first three games of the series. That may have neutralized SGA’s impact to an extent, but it also led to more open shots for the Thunder’s role players. In Game Four, the Spurs guarded Gilgeous-Alexander 1-on-1 and sent light help on drives. The result was a 19-point game for SGA and a 6-33 night from deep for OKC.
The playoffs are all about adjustments and counter-adjustments. The Thunder will certainly come out with a solution to San Antonio’s defense. They’ll have to do it without key ball-handlers. Ajay Mitchell is out with a calf strain, and Jalen Williams is questionable as he deals with his hamstring injury.
Every playoff game is a “must-win,” but Game Five feels particularly important. Defeating a shorthanded OKC squad on the road with two chances to clinch the series would put the Spurs in a strong position to advance to the Finals. They’ll need another dominant defensive performance to steal Game Five on the road.
Thunder Injuries: Thomas Sorber – Out (knee), Ajay Mitchell – Out (calf), Jalen Williams – Questionable (hamstring)
What to watch for:
Interior scoring
The Spurs outscored the Thunder in the paint 50-36 in Game Four. So far in the playoffs, if San Antonio can control the battle on the interior, they typically can win the game. The Thunder have been good at keeping Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ guards from dominating inside. In Game Four, Wembanyama was able to score through or over Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, while the guards did a better job getting downhill, particularly in the pick-and-roll. Outscoring the Thunder inside again will be crucial to winning Game Five.
Limiting turnovers
The best part about having De’Aaron Fox back in the lineup is the calming presence he brings alongside Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. San Antonio has been much better at valuing possessions since Fox returned to the lineup in Game Three. The Spurs had just 13 turnovers in Game Four. OKC is at its best when it can create turnovers and score easy buckets in transition. San Antonio’s defense is already suffocating enough. They can’t give the Thunder breaks by turning the ball over and letting them get easy shots.
Champagnie’s shooting
Julian Champagnie has been ice-cold in the Conference Finals. He’s shooting 19.4% from three-point range in the series. San Antonio desperately needs him to start hitting shots. The Thunder have loaded up on Wembanyama and the Spurs’ guards. Devin Vassell has taken advantage of the lack of defensive attention. If Champagnie can follow suit, San Antonio’s offense could be set for an explosion in Game Five.
The New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years with a commanding 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks continued their fine form as they swept the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals 4-0 and extended their franchise record play-off win streak to 11 games.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks' scoring with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while the series' Most Valuable Player Jalen Brunson added 15.
The Knicks, whose only NBA titles came in 1970 and 1973, last reached the NBA Finals in 1999 when they lost 4-1 against the San Antonio Spurs.
Brunson, 29, was just two years old at the time, but his father Rick - who is now an assistant coach at the franchise - was a guard on the team.
"It means a lot, but I wouldn't be here without my team-mates, the belief they had in me," said Brunson.
"They give me the confidence. They let me be me. Most importantly, we all believe in each other from top to bottom. It's an honour to play with them."
The Knicks will face either defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder or the Spurs in next month's showpiece, with the teams tied at 2-2 in the Western Conference finals.
Landry Shamet, who scored 16 points and netted all four of his three-pointer attempts, said his side are remaining focused on the "larger goal" rather than dwelling on their victory over the Cavaliers.
"We've got four more wins to try and go get and we know it's going to be even harder. Being in this position with this team, it's pretty special," he said.
If the Knicks continue their unbeaten run and sweep the finals, they will equal the NBA's record play-off win streak of 15 set by the Golden State Warriors in 2017.
The Knicks ended the first quarter with an 8-0 run and began the second with 12 unanswered points to lead 50-26.
Shamet's third three-pointer later put the Knicks 61-32 up and they never looked back, overwhelming the Cavs after half-time with 22 turnovers.
Donovan Mitchell top-scored for the Cavs with 31 points.
Game five of the Western Conference finals takes place on Tuesday (01:30 BST Wednesday).
The New York Knicks are hoping to win their third NBA title [Getty Images]
