NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 28: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball over Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Smoothie King Center on March 28, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA draft is under a week away, which means we’re under two weeks away from one of the league’s most active transactional periods: the start of free agency on June 30th. While NBA insider Chris Haynes recently cast some doubt on this, Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam previously stated the Bucks would like to have Giannis’ future resolved by the draft. The Greek Freak can’t technically sign an extension until October, but if the Bucks tell him they’ll offer it once he’s eligible, then they can operate accordingly. If he signals acceptance, commit to having him in Milwaukee moving forward, and if he doesn’t, trade him for the best package. Or they could just not offer the extension at all and trade him.
The business implications of that move aside, the main basketball argument that makes the most sense for moving on is Giannis’ increasingly worrisome injury history. However, that may drive down offers from rivals, and is it worth trading your franchise legend for 75 cents on the dollar coming off an injury-plagued season? Alternatively, with a new coach in place and the assets to upgrade around Giannis, taking some pressure off him could negate his injury woes somewhat while also returning the Bucks to the playoffs.
That’s what we’re looking at today: how could GM Jon Horst revamp the roster while keeping Giannis, who we’ll assume would extend if Horst made another Jrue Holiday/Damian Lillard-type splash? They appear ready to do something, with or without the big fella: Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints said yesterday that he expects the Bucks to be “one of the most aggressive teams” on the trade market, though in the context of a Giannis trade. He also stated that Ryan Rollins is the only player on the roster off the table.
It’s possible that they’re looking at win-now moves as well as rebuilding ones. Everyone and their uncle has written about the latter, but few are talking about the former. The reality is that the Bucks have every capability of being a buyer this offseason with what they have on hand.
The Bucks’ assets
Once again, Horst has a bevy of first-round picks available to trade, despite every pick from 2027–31 being property of other teams after trades for the aforementioned guards. He can currently only offer his 2031 and 2032 first-round picks, but after the Bucks make their first-round pick at 10 overall next week, he can trade that player plus his first- and second-rounders in 2033. So, once any trade can be made official involving any of their 2026 or 2033 picks, Milwaukee’s best package of draft assets is three first-round picks and a swap.
Many fans are loath to give up additional firsts to acquire another star-level talent that will convince Giannis to extend, as he did in 2020 and 2023. And while the Bucks have succeeded in finding young talent on two-way deals recently, since drafting Donte DiVincenzo at 17 in 2018 (definitely a hit), they’ve had just two first-rounders since at 23 and 24 overall, both misses. It’s harder to find talent in that range, so the prevailing sentiment seems to be to hold onto the 10th pick.
That spot doesn’t often bring in a difference maker, but in this loaded draft, it seems likely Milwaukee will end up with someone quite promising. We spent a few weeks conducting a community mock draft with the Bucks selecting Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg with their 10th overall pick… if that’s where they’ll draft. One rumor says Milwaukee is operating as if they’ll have three firsts next week. For now, let’s go with what they can offer on draft night: a maximum of three first-round picks—including whoever is selected at 10 on behalf of a trade partner—and one first-round pick swap.
Recall that Lillard was obtained for one first and two swaps in 2023, plus Holiday. Holiday cost Milwaukee three firsts and two swaps in 2020, plus Eric Bledsoe and George Hill. Each of those players was necessary to make the deals legal. Though Milwaukee has similar draft capital available now as they did six years ago, those players had plenty of value when traded: Holiday and Bledsoe were both coming off All-Defense selections, while Hill led the NBA in three-point percentage.
The Bucks’ main salary-matching pieces—Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis—don’t hold that same value, at least not on the floor. But their contracts could both expire next summer: Portis can opt out in a year and hit the open market the same time as Kuzma. That has a different sort of value; one that might help the Bucks acquire draft picks, as I’ll explain tomorrow.
But again, these are the questions: do the Bucks touch their draft stockpile again for another big-time roster upgrade, especially if they decide to keep Giannis? If they open the pick cupboard, how much are they comfortable giving up? Will it be enough to return to the postseason picture next year?
First, let’s level set. You might recall that Houston sent out the very same no. 10 pick in last year’s draft in the Kevin Durant trade. They also traded away Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, David Roddy, and five second-round picks. Durant was about to turn 37 and relatively healthy, so if you’re interested in Kawhi Leonard right now, I’d imagine the package would be similarly steep. Not to mention the Bucks would need to add AJ Green or Myles Turner alongside Kuzma and Portis to make the deal legal. Anyway, onto some better names…
Trey Murphy III
Here’s a longtime favorite of Bucks fans on trade machines. Reportedly, the Pelicans—who are without a first this year—are trying to acquire a lottery pick. And they have someone specific in mind who’s in the top-10 neighborhood. That should pique Milwaukee’s interest, because there’s a very real chance that whoever is selected 10th never becomes as good a player as Murphy, or the other players we’ll discuss.
New Orleans controls all of their future firsts, so they probably would prefer to trade future picks—and it may take a few—to get into this year’s lottery rather than trading from the roster. That means Horst might need to sweeten the pot. Kuzma’s expiring salary is enough to satiate trade rules, but is no. 10 enough for a sweet-shooting 26-year-old that averages 21 a game? If not, maybe swap rights on one of Milwaukee’s 2031–33 firsts does the trick.
Or perhaps New Orleans would like two picks in this year’s first round. I’ve written a bit about how Oklahoma City (who own no. 12 and 17) and Charlotte (no. 14 and 18) are who to call if Milwaukee wants to move down for multiple picks, and I’ve read OKC is interested in moving up. Sending no. 10 to the Thunder while the Bucks preserve their picks in 2031–33 and route two 2026 picks to the Pelicans might get a Murphy deal over the line. And get Giannis to sign on the dotted line in October.
Michael Porter Jr.
MPJ broke out last year in Brooklyn, and maybe his presence could also convince Giannis to extend. He was connected with several teams—never with the Bucks—around the deadline before the Nets decided to keep him. Now he’s on a $40.8m expiring contract, and could be eligible to extend with a team that acquires him after six months. Again, Portis plus Kuzma works, and saves Brooklyn $5.8m next year (not that they need it). But MPJ will likely have many suitors this offseason, and would the Nets, who have long had eyes for Giannis, want to do anything that keeps him a Buck? To convince them, I think no. 10 might be necessary, and hopefully not much more. They’d then have two top-10 picks on their roster next season.
Brandon Ingram, Lauri Markkanen, Franz Wagner
Packaging Kuzma and Portis would work as salary matching for Ingram, and if one of Trent/Harris/Prince opts in and is included, Markkanen. I imagine the latter would definitely require giving up a future first, though I don’t think either guy is worth no. 10. Plus, the on-court fit with Giannis isn’t as good. The only other player I’d group among the win-now acquisitions in this article is Wagner, but I don’t think Orlando is ready to call off their Wagner/Paolo Banchero frontcourt experiment yet, and Wagner played just 34 games last season.
Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at trades that won’t require the Bucks giving up picks, and would make at least some sense regardless of whether Giannis remains. But let’s close with a poll today to get your opinion on once again trading first-rounders. You can select multiple options, but obviously, don’t select any of the draft picks if you vote “none of the above.”
It didn’t help that the Frenchman had 32 points with eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks in the Knicks’ only loss of the series on the same night.
The fans then chanted the same “f–k Wemby” line during Game 4 at MSG.
“I guess,” Wembanyama said when asked if he’s being vilified by the Knicks fans. “I’m nowhere near Trae Young-level, though.”
Enormous crowds have already shown up for the parade celebrating the Knicks’ win, with viewing areas already full, per the NYPD.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during the NBA Finals. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostGeneral view of New York Knicks fans before the parade. REUTERS
“It may well be the largest parade in New York City history,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said.
Knicks fans have waited a long time to see their team parade through the Canyon of Heroes, but on Thursday that dream has become reality.
As fans flooded the streets of lower Manhattan — many arriving in the very early morning hours — let's take a look a some of the top moments as the Knicks and their fans soak in their NBA title.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today, New York City celebrates its champions, as the victory parade for the 2026 NBA champion Knicks will be held in Manhattan. It will be the culmination of a two-month long stretch of play, the likes of which New York has not seen from any of its teams in any of its sports in quite some time, as the squad steamrolled their way through the playoffs en route to their first championship since 1973. And just about everyone—from the longtime fans who have suffered through years of heartbreak and pain to the newbie fans joyfully jumping on the bandwagon—has been swept up in the mayhem of the Knicks and their unlikely march into the history books.
That includes many of us here at Amazin’ Avenue. Joe Sokolowski used the most recent This Week in Mets Quotes article to write a heartfelt treaty about experiencing the highs of this playoff run with his father. I first wrote about the Knicks when they were on the verge of clinching their way into the Finals and I didn’t really want to write an actual recap of another crappy Mets game. Then, prior to the beginning of the series against the Spurs, I wrote a more serious piece bemoaning the inability of the other blue and orange team we focus on around these parts to achieve the same kind of extended success that we’ve seen at Madison Square Garden over these past few years.
That latter article offered a somewhat more fatalistic outlook on how the success of the Knicks commented upon the failures (both new and old) of the Mets. And many of the feelings expressed therein are ones I still feel two weeks later. But now that the Knicks have finally reached the mountaintop, I think it’s only fair that I offer a culminating piece to this unofficial trilogy of mine—one that provides the more positive takeaway from all of this. Because if there’s one lesson I’ve learned from this Knicks run that I can take and apply to them, the Mets, and any other sports team that you or I may root for, it’s this: the pain and suffering is all worth it in the end.
I didn’t necessarily always know for sure if that statement would prove to be true. I speak as someone born in 1993, and I imagine my experiences mirror those of a lot of fans in my relative age range: those of us who were born too late to experience some of the great moments in our franchise’s histories, but also early enough that we have now spent decades of our lives waiting for our turn to finally know what it’s like to see our team win a championship. As a Mets/Jets/Knicks fan who has been consuming sports religiously for two decades now, the idea of actually seeing it happen has usually felt entirely unattainable, as the experience of rooting for my three primary teams was rooted almost solely in heartbreak. And when I allowed myself to dream about some distant future in which things actually broke our way for once, some part of me had to wonder: can the joy that I would experience in that hypothetical scenario actually make up for all the years I spent living with an entirely irrational level of stress and disappointment over the stumblings of these three teams?
Sure, I know the people who have actually gotten to see their squads win it all—including fans who are older than me and were around to see the 1969/1986 Mets, the 1970s Knicks, the 1968 Jets—would tell me that it would be worth it, but that was their experience; that doesn’t necessarily mean it would be mine. And of course, I would also think about the Red Sox and Cubs fans who lived full lives hoping that they would one day get to see their respective franchises’ curses lifted, the ones who died before seeing that dream realized. Some part of me had to wonder if I was destined to suffer a similar fate—not just for one of my teams, but for all three of them.
Well, the jury’s still out on the Mets and Jets, but as of June 13, 2026, I can now say that I have seen one of my teams win a championship. And I can now say that it was worth it. But I don’t really think that suffices. I think it’s important to really reflect on why it was worth it—because I think the specific reasons are different than what I might have imagined they would be when I first started watching sports as a 12-year-old boy and in the years to follow.
Like many, most of my sports fandoms were originally rooted in the people around me—my grandmother instilled my love for the Mets, and my father cursed me with Jets fandom (incidentally, the Knicks are the one team for whom I didn’t really have that initial outside influence, but I certainly wasn’t going to root for the Nets when their games aired on the same network as the goddamn Yankees). Still, for a large portion of my life, these fandoms were largely an isolated experience, something that offered small and brief periods of comfort while dealing with the deepest throes of depression and isolation. We don’t need to linger too much on these dark years—this is supposed to be a celebratory piece, after all—but suffice to say that during these times, there wasn’t a whole lot to look forward to, and not many people to share victories and (mostly) defeats with. The dream of a championship from one of my teams offered a small but meaningful reason to keep going, to keep struggling through the rough times. It was a dream destination that made the trials and tribulations of the journey just a little bit more bearable.
Over time, this changed—thanks in no small part to this very site and its community. I met the woman who would become my wife while we were both anonymous posters in the comments section (and subsequently got to indoctrinate her into Knicks fandom). I made several other friends from this site and through my participation on it who would form such a large basis of my consumption of sports. I no longer lived and died by these moments alone—now I got to share the joys and sorrows with others. And that did fundamentally change my relationship with sports, and all for the better.
And lord, there has been so much of that shared joy over these past few months—and not just with my friends and family. Living in Washington DC, I have spent most of this Knicks playoff run outside of the city in which the magic was happening. While there were obvious drawbacks to that, there was also the advantage of coming upon other Knicks fans in foreign waters and having those brief moments of recognition and acknowledgement of these fellow travelers. A large group of Knicks fans congregated in a bar in Arlington, Virginia during these playoff games, with the number of attendees rising higher and higher as the playoff run deepened until both the inner and outer areas of the establishment were filled wall-to-wall in a sea of orange and blue. All of these expatriates—people whose lineage hail from the greater New York area, whose lives have brought them to an entirely different area of the country but who still represent their roots through their fandoms—came together and experienced the thrills of a Knicks championship run with the only people in our corner of the world who could truly understand what it meant. My wife and I got to see some of the most memorable highlights of the playoff run in this setting—from the Eastern Conference Finals clincher to the dramatic Game 4 comeback against the Spurs, culminated by a tip-in basket by OG Anunoby which will live right up with the Buckner error in the pantheon of all-time great New York sports moments.
But still, nothing could quite compare to experiencing the joy of Knicks mania in New York City itself—something my wife and I did get to experience this past Saturday, the day the 53-year drought officially ended. We journeyed throughout Queens early in the day in our Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart jerseys and screamed “KNICKS IN 5” at virtually every single one of the dozens upon dozens of people who were also geared up in Knicks attire. And then there was the game itself, which we watched at Fifth Hammer Brewing Company in Long Island City amidst a massive crowd of fellow fans. Like every single game in the Finals, it was a tense affair in which the Knicks spent most of the game down by a lot and needed to fight tooth and nail to come back. But when the final whistle sounded and it was all over? Utter pandemonium ensued. The loudest cheers I’ve ever heard in my life. Some people cried. Some people hugged. Some people took their shirts off. Some people did a combination of all three. I mostly just stood there with my arms held up and a huge, stupid smile on my face, not quite able to believe that it had actually happened after all these years.
And later on, when we finally left to begin making the trek home, it was clear that the celebration was just getting started. Cars were honking. People in the streets were screaming and dancing. I took a selfie with a complete stranger. And when we entered the subway to head to Grand Central, the entire car was shaking with people cheering and banging the walls. The jubilation continued throughout our entire journey home, and it really hasn’t stopped in the days since then.
All of these moments—and countless more I don’t have the time or space to describe—were what made the wait worth it to me. It wasn’t necessarily just the vague sense of accomplishment one illogically feels when their team wins through no effort of one’s own—though that was there, of course. It was those communal moments of joy and connection, both with the people I already know and love and with the people I had never met before and probably will never meet again. It was the shared humanity that we all experienced, the feeling of being really and truly alive. Those kinds of moments are all too rare in life, and sports are one of the few things that are capable of giving them to us—particularly when the collective angst of a city is relieved through the end of a drought that many thought would live on forever. Mayor Zohran Mamdani perhaps put it best: “Oftentimes this kind of unity comes in moments of tragedy. And to see it coming now in a moment of joy, it’s something I’ve never seen before across our city.”
Right around now, someone reading this probably feels the need to remind me that, sir, this is a Mets website. And look: As meaningful as this Knicks championship was, and as much as I would love to one day see the Jets get there as well, the Mets have always been and will always be the team for whom I have the biggest emotional attachment. They are the Alpha and the Omega, and a prospective championship from them is my great white whale. New York City may never react as strongly to a sports victory as they did to this Knicks victory, but as for me, the Mets winning it all and ending their own lengthy title drought would give me a satisfaction that would know no equal. As fun as it was to convert my wife to Knicks fandom and experience their achievement with her, it would pale in comparison to being able to jointly celebrate a World Series victory for the team whose existence is the very reason we found each other.
And yet, there is still likely to be a journey of struggle and sadness to get to that point. There still exists the possibility that we may never get there. And many may still wonder if the wait will ever be worth that. But I personally will not wonder that anymore—because the Knicks showed me that it is. Whether you are just as big a Knicks fan as I am, an innocent bystander, or anything in between, hopefully you were able to examine what this team was able to accomplish for this city, and hopefully you came to the same conclusion that I did.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 08: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 08, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Knicks are the 2026 NBA champions, which is a sentence that still feels a little strange to type, even after watching the confetti fall and Karl-Anthony Towns finally get his hands on the Larry O’Brien Trophy. After 53 years of waiting, after decades of false starts, front-office chaos, tabloid drama, and Madison Square Garden turning into the world’s most famous therapy session, the Knicks finally reached the top of the mountain. For Wolves fans, there was something satisfying about seeing KAT standing there at the center of it all. He was no longer the guy who couldn’t quite get over the hump, no longer the talented big man forever followed by questions about postseason winning, but a champion.
Towns becoming the latest former Timberwolves cornerstone to win a title elsewhere could easily send Wolves Nation into a dark corner. We have seen this song before. Kevin Garnett gave Minnesota everything he had, left, and won a championship in Boston. Kevin Love put up monster numbers in Minnesota, left, and won a championship in Cleveland. Now Towns, two years removed from being traded out of Minneapolis, has joined them. If you wanted to be miserable about it, nobody would stop you. You could turn the whole thing into another chapter in the franchise’s long-running book of “Why Can’t We Have Nice Things?”
But that would be the wrong lesson to take from this.
The better lesson is that the NBA has changed. New York’s title marks the eighth straight season in which a different team has hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Eight years, eight champions. That is not how this league used to work. Historically, the NBA has been the sport of dynasties, superstars, and teams that grabbed the wheel and refused to let anyone else drive for half a decade. The 1990s belonged to Michael Jordan and the Bulls. The early 2000s belonged to Shaq, Kobe, Duncan, and the Spurs. Then LeBron bent the league around his will for more than a decade, while the Warriors arrived and turned basketball into a three-point fever dream. For most of NBA history, parity was something the league pretended to want while the same three or four teams passed the trophy around like a family heirloom.
The 2020s have been different. There has been no repeat champion. There has been no unstoppable machine that simply shows up every June because the rest of the league has already accepted its fate. Instead, the championship has gone to teams that found the right mix at the right time, stayed healthy enough, caught a heater, survived the attrition, and threaded the needle through a league that has become more balanced, more fragile, and more unforgiving than ever. The second apron has made it harder to stack rosters without consequences. Injuries have mattered. Matchups have mattered. Timing has mattered. The champion has not always been the team that looked most inevitable in January. It has been the team that was still standing, still connected, and still dangerous when the lights got brightest.
That should matter to Timberwolves fans, because it is very easy right now to talk yourself into despair. The Wolves were eliminated by San Antonio in the second round after back-to-back trips to the Western Conference Finals, and the ending did not exactly inspire a lot of confidence. It was not just that Minnesota lost. It was the way the Wolves lost. Victor Wembanyama looked like the future had arrived ahead of schedule, and the Spurs looked like a team that might spend the next decade ruining everyone else’s plans. Oklahoma City, meanwhile, is still sitting out West with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a back-to-back MVP, a title of its own, and enough draft capital to classify Sam Presti as a hoarder. If you want to look at the Thunder and Spurs and decide the Wolves’ championship window is already closing, the argument is sitting right there waiting for you.
But this is where the Knicks’ title should jolt everyone back to reality. If eight teams can win in eight years, if the NBA has truly entered an era where the trophy is no longer reserved for dynasties and preordained superteams, then why exactly are we acting like Minnesota has no path? Why are we treating Oklahoma City and San Antonio like immovable monuments instead of extremely talented teams that still have to survive the same brutal playoff minefield as everyone else? Why are we assuming that the Wolves, with Anthony Edwards not yet in his prime, a talented core around him, and a front office that has already shown a willingness to be aggressive, are somehow locked out of the conversation?
Why not the Wolves?
That is not blind homerism. That is not pretending the roster is perfect or ignoring what happened against San Antonio. It is simply acknowledging the reality of the current NBA. The Wolves have what every team in the league spends years trying to find: a true superstar. Anthony Edwards is not a theoretical franchise player anymore. He is the franchise. He is the kind of player who changes the trajectory of a team’s future, the kind of player who gives you permission to think bigger than “maybe we can win a round.” He has already been through real playoff wars. He has already stared down Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, SGA, and Wembanyama. He has taken hits. He has played hurt. He has failed. He has learned. And he is still climbing.
That last part is the most important part. Edwards is not some veteran star with one last clean shot at a championship before the window slams shut. He is still approaching his prime, still refining the balance between scoring and playmaking, still learning how to control a playoff series possession by possession. If the Wolves had a 29-year-old Edwards and had just watched their best chance slip away, maybe the panic would feel more justified, but that is not where they are. They are building around a superstar who should be better next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.
Around him, the Wolves still have a core that is much better than the mood of the fan base currently suggests. Julius Randle can be maddening at times, and the anti-Randle bandwagon has filled up so quickly it probably needs a second bus. The San Antonio series was not good enough. The OKC series the year before was not good enough. There are fair questions about whether he can be the reliable second option the Wolves need when the playoffs tighten and the margins shrink, but we also should not pretend that peak Julius does not exist. When Randle is engaged, decisive, attacking downhill, and using his gravity to create for others, he gives Minnesota a level of offensive force that is difficult to replace. We have seen stretches where Edwards and Randle together make the Wolves look like a title-level offense. The problem is not that Randle cannot help a championship team. The problem is figuring out whether the Wolves can consistently get the version of him that does.
Rudy Gobert remains a Defensive Player of the Year-level anchor, and while his limitations will always create debate in certain playoff matchups, the Wolves are not the Wolves without the foundation he provides. Jaden McDaniels is still the kind of defensive bulldog every contender wants, a wing who can swallow up elite scorers, tilt a series with his length, and occasionally remind everyone that there is more offensive juice in there than he always shows. Naz Reid is a luxury most teams would love to have, a floor-spacing big who can bomb away from deep, attack mismatches, and swing games when he catches fire. Ayo Dosunmu showed enough after arriving to make you believe there is real playoff value there, especially when you remember that this is a guy who dropped 43 points in a postseason game and gave Minnesota a burst of creation and confidence when injuries had gutted the rotation.
That is a real group. It is not flawless, but nobody in this league has a flawless group anymore. That is the entire point. The champion Knicks had holes. The Spurs had holes. The Thunder had holes. Every contender has something that keeps its fans awake at night. That is life in the second-apron NBA. The question is no longer whether you can build a perfect roster. You cannot. The question is whether you can build a roster with enough high-end talent, enough matchup flexibility, enough health, and enough belief to survive four rounds when everyone else is dealing with their own problems.
The Wolves’ playoff loss to San Antonio was disappointing, but it also needs to be viewed with some perspective. Minnesota was not close to whole. Edwards was playing on two bad knees and was clearly limited. Donte DiVincenzo was sidelined with an Achilles tear, removing a player whose shooting, toughness, and connective tissue would have mattered enormously. Dosunmu was banged up. Naz was dealing with a shoulder issue. This was not the Wolves at their apex. This was a compromised version of the roster trying to solve one of the hardest puzzles in basketball, and even then Minnesota took two games and reached a 2-2 tie before the wheels came off. That does not mean the Wolves were secretly the better team. They were not. San Antonio deserved to advance. But it does mean the gap is not some uncrossable canyon unless you choose to see it that way.
The point guard issue remains the biggest flashing red light, and if Tim Connelly does nothing else this offseason, he has to address it. We have beaten this topic into sawdust already, but it remains true. Minnesota needs another player who can handle the ball, organize the offense, create a shot, and take pressure off Edwards. That is why the Kyrie Irving idea keeps lingering in the background. It is risky, complicated, and not without plenty of reasons to hesitate, but the basketball logic is obvious. A player like Kyrie would give the Wolves a level of late-clock creation and half-court shot-making they sorely missed when defenses loaded up on Edwards. He would change the shape of the offense. He would make opponents pay for sending extra bodies at Ant. And if the price is Randle, or a Randle-centered deal, you at least have to explore whether that recalibrates the roster in a way that makes Minnesota more dangerous.
At the same time, this is where Connelly has to be careful. The Knicks just won a title, but that does not mean the lesson is “panic trade for the flashiest name possible.” It means the lesson is that the right team at the right time can break through. Sometimes that requires a major move. Sometimes it requires patience. Sometimes it requires the move you do not make. Randle may be the clearest path to changing the roster, but moving him only makes sense if the return actually solves a problem and raises the ceiling. Trading him just because fans are frustrated would be the kind of reactive decision that bad franchises make. The Wolves are no longer supposed to be that franchise.
DiVincenzo’s injury complicates everything. Maybe 2026-27 is the year Minnesota is one player short because DDV is rehabbing a torn Achilles. Maybe he returns late and is not quite himself. Maybe he is not truly back until 2027-28. That is a real blow, because his shooting and competitiveness were exactly the sort of traits that translate in the postseason. But even that should not turn next season into title-or-bust hysteria. This is not a one-year chase. This is a multi-year fight through Edwards’ prime.
That is why the proper response to the Knicks winning the title is not jealousy. It is not fatalism. It is not panic. It is belief sharpened by urgency. New York just showed what can happen when a talented team catches the moment and a franchise with decades of baggage finally stops acting like history gets a vote. The Wolves have baggage too. Nobody needs to remind this fan base of that. Garnett had to leave to win. Love had to leave to win. Towns just left to win. It is tempting to turn that into a curse, to treat Minnesota as the place where stars are forged for someone else’s parade.
But Edwards gives the Wolves a chance to change that story.
He is the difference. He is the reason this does not have to become another chapter in the same old book. The Wolves have the superstar. They have the core. They have the defensive infrastructure. They have enough talent to be dangerous. They need the right adjustment, better health, more consistency, and a little bit of the timing that every champion needs. That is not some impossible formula. That is how teams win in this era.
So take a deep breath, Wolves fans. The Thunder are scary. The Spurs are scary. Wembanyama might spend the next decade making everyone feel like they are playing NBA2K on the wrong difficulty level. Oklahoma City might have enough picks to keep adding reinforcements until 2047. Acknowledge it, respect it, and then stop acting like the Wolves should be terrified.
Eight champions in eight years tells us this league is open. It tells us the next team is not predetermined. It tells us that if you have a superstar, a real core, a smart front office, and the courage to keep pushing, you have a chance.
The Knicks got theirs. KAT got his. Good for him. Truly.
BRONX, NY - JUNE 17: Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks smile after throwing out the First Pitch at the New York Yankees Game on June 17, 2026 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Will we finally land on Earth when we watch the New York Knicks on parade later today?
Don’t bet on it, cause this championship still feels surreal, and it will take a minute to digest it in full.
Here’s the latest before we move on to watch things unfold at the Canyon of Heroes.
Jalen Brunson on LinkedIn:
“Winning an NBA Championship with the New York Knicks is everything I ever dreamed of. The fans, the city, this organization…This is why I came to New York.
I'm so proud of this team. No matter the situation, we never stopped believing in each… pic.twitter.com/v4vnTkjXhU
“Winning an NBA Championship with the New York Knicks is everything I ever dreamed of. The fans, the city, this organization… This is why I came to New York.
“I’m so proud of this team. No matter the situation, we never stopped believing in each other or lost sight of our goal.
“With enough work and enough belief, your dreams are possible, and you can overcome any obstacle. Whatever it is in life, believe that you belong.
“People might disagree, but let that strengthen your belief because with hard work, preparation, and the right mindset, anything is possible.
“I can’t wait to celebrate with my family, my teammates, the city of New York, and everyone who’s been here from day one. We don’t win this championship without you!
“I also look forward to continuing to support other people’s dreams through my work with the Second Round Foundation, where our mission is helping young people determine their own success no matter where they come from.
“It is important to me to support the under-resourced, under-represented, and under-estimated, and to ensure that they have the tools, guidance, and belief they need to achieve their dreams.
“Thank you, New York. I am forever grateful. And always remember… The Magic is in the Work.”
On bringing the championship trophy to the Dominican Republic:
“It’s awesome that our country is being shown to the world at the highest standard, and everyone is being able to see how amazing the Dominican Republic really is.
“I’m bringing the trophy over there. We’re taking it all over. Yessir, l’m gonna bring it to Santiago, Santo Domingo, Casa de Campo, La Romana … We’re gonna have a li’l world tour with it. But it’s great that Dominicans all around the world get to celebrate this moment.”
On the Knicks’ versatility in the Finals:
“It speaks volumes about this team, how versatile and the depth of our team.”
On winning Game 5 with defense:
“It’s crazy, for all of us, me personally, you would have thought for us winning, it would have to be my offense that goes to another level. But it was the defense that got it done in Game 5 for me.”
On proving himself defensively:
“Something that’s always been talked about me and my defense, and I’m glad I got to show the world on the biggest stage that I could get it done.”
On tiring out opponents mentally:
“It’s not only, as you know, the game is already physically tiring, but if you add the mental component as well and have them thinking the whole game, it makes them even more tired and allows for more opportunities for us to get better looks.”
On the Knicks’ ball movement and revamped offense:
“I think what you can do when you do move the ball and allow the IQ to flow and the ball to flow is you allow great shots to happen, especially when you’re touching the paint or having movement on the offense and allowing the defense to make a mistake, instead of us having to make a tough shot or a great shot. I’ve always loved passing, and it’s always one of my greatest joys is getting my teammates an assist and allowing them to see them succeed.
“It’s truly, for me, better than hitting a great shot, because when you make a shot, only one person is happy, but when you get an assist, two people are happy. I think that’s a recipe for success, when everyone is really feeling good about themselves.”
James Dolan says there’s “no reason” to consider selling the team, even if Elon Musk offered to buy it, due to the team’s skyrocketing valuation.
"No, I don't think we're going to sell the team… The stock of the team has gone up dramatically."
On potentially selling the Knicks if Elon Musk comes calling:
“No, I don’t think we’re going to sell the team. We’ve been at this a long time, and I’m going to enjoy this team. (And) the stock of the team has gone up dramatically in the last year, but there’s really no reason for us to consider any of that. I think we’re just going to consider repeating.”
On his refusal to enter cross the second apron line:
“We cannot go into the second apron. We’re willing to stretch, but there’s certain things in the NBA that you’d have to be suicidal to do. One of them is the second apron. But that’s up to Leon. I just tell him how big a cheque I can write. I’ll write as big of a check as possible, but I can’t write a check into the second apron.”
On whether or not the Knicks will bring back all their current players:
“First of all, most of our guys are on a contract. A couple of guys are not. If we could bring back the whole team, why wouldn’t you? But I don’t think we’ll be able to.”
On the White House invitation:
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted. We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course. Look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
Iconic streetball brand AND1 officially welcomes NBA champion and New York native Jose Alvarado to the company.@AlvaradoJose15 x @AND1basketball 📄✍️
“It was cool. The emotions were still there, everybody was still feeling it. I have a lot of guys on the Knicks, we support each other and we know each other and we show love to each other all the time. Brunson, KAT, Hart, OG was in there. It was just cool to go in and hang out with some champions and give you that feeling of you want to win that championship, too, and celebrate like the way they are.”
On talking with Jalen Brunson:
“Hearing stories about the game and how his emotions were in the game and how he was going through it day by day. It was sick. How he was feeling through it, how his emotions were going. What was his mindset? I mean, he’s the leader of a championship team, so you always want to try and take in what you can to kind of help your guys do what he did with his guys.”
On New York’s reaction to the title:
“The city’s reaction was amazing, and what’s we want to bring to the city. That’s what you want to be remembered by is winning a championship and being remembered by New York forever.”
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart toss out first pitches at Yankee Stadium after securing the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in 53 years 😤 pic.twitter.com/V7eFvdriys
“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 fanbase that has come to know several of these guys as they’ve kind of climbed that ladder to ultimately winning a championship. 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.”
On the legacy of this Knicks team:
“So I think it’ll be one of the historic teams that we talk about when it comes to the NBA.”
On the Knicks parade:
“I know [Thursday’s] just going to be otherworldly as far as a parade goes.”
‘26 knicks lore thread 💙🧡
all of the funniest moments of our beloved comedy basketball team in their championship year, mostly chronological with some pre-season lore at the beginning (tysm to all my oomfs who helped me gather all these clips) pic.twitter.com/vskLR0rf22
— non-binary finals mvp jalen brunson (@budgetzendaya) June 18, 2026
Stephon Marbury
On his advice for Knicks fans attending the parade:
“We haven’t won in 53 years. If you think you going to come to the parade and you’re going to mess it up… don’t do it.”
On Victor Wembanyama shoving Jalen Brunson:
“If he ever in his life thought that it was okay to mush somebody from New York, I’m going to be the first person standing there to let him know that it’s not going down like that. You laughed and you smiled. All New Yorkers were mad because you touched the King of the North. Until you say sorry publicly, you got to make a public apology.”
A pissed off Joe budden says Karl Anthony towns is from jersey and Mitchell Robinson has that country strength that fake tough guy stuff victor Wembanyama was doing to Chet Holmgren wasn’t going to work they were man handling that little French dude https://t.co/tZSSF7dm6zpic.twitter.com/tArkBkWO3W
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@Thechat101) June 17, 2026
Rick Pitino
On what teams can learn from the Knicks:
“The Knicks should teach every team from high school to college how important work ethic and chemistry are. Besides having the best player in the NBA this year, they had an attitude of never relenting, and never giving up.”
On the Knicks title:
“Amazing run. Champions we can all look up to!”
"He was soft and he was scared." 🫢@KendrickPerkins sounds off on Victor Wembanyama's NBA Finals performance.
“Wemby was soft… let’s keep it real, he was soft and he was scared, especially in the big moments. He did a whole lot of barking in the interviews, but he did no biting whatsoever.”
On advice for Wembanyama:
“If I’m in the locker room and they bring me in, the first thing I’m going to do is actually tell him to embrace being the big man first with guard skills.”
On the Spurs’ defensive adjustments:
“After Game 1 and Game 2, they made an adjustment and started hiding Wemby so that he didn’t have to guard Karl-Anthony Towns. We’re talking about the Defensive Player of the Year… you’re [7 foot 5], you can be the most dominant player in the league by just embracing being a big man.”
On comparing Jalen Brunson to all-time great small guards but stopping short of giving him proper kudos:
“It’s tough because we’re looking at guys that have a career of work. What’s Brunson in year 6-7? Allen Iverson, I’ve heard this debate: Is he better than A.I.? Is he a better scorer than A.I.? It’s different because A.I.‘s era was a 7-footer in the paint every night. He’s not gonna be outside the paint, and you have to score over him. Plus, the two guys who are guarding you.”
"Oh, you mean the participation trophy?"
ESPN's Vincent Goodwill calls the Larry O'Brien Trophy a 'participation trophy" after the NBA crowned its eight champion in the last eight years. pic.twitter.com/bPBLc4sSaf
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 16, 2026
Vincent Goodwill
On the current NBA landscape:
“Dynasty is better for the sport. I like to know that greatness is validated. How we do know that any of the last eight champions are actually validated because they have not done it again? Giannis [Antetokounmpo] is itching to get out [of Milwaukee,] Boston is thinking about trading Jaylen Brown, they don’t believe in their one championship. LeBron [James’] one championship in L.A. was not enough. So why would it be enough for us?”
“Now, you’re legislating parity. The owners are saying you aren’t allowed to be great for an extended period of time. (The Larry O’Brien) is a participation trophy.”
Alan Hahn
On the meaning of the NBA championship:
“The validation is the Larry O’Brien trophy that I put on that shelf, and it stays there forever. That’s the validation. The Larry O’Brien is an actual trophy.”
When Kevin Durant went to Brooklyn in 2019, it forced Jim Dolan to tear it all down and consider a new, unorthodox approach to rebuilding the Knicks. He hired Leon Rose, an agent at CAA, and he gave him and William Wesley the keys to the castle.
On Kevin Durant inadvertently leading the Knicks to a title:
“Here’s sort of the order of things if I look from 30,000 feet and sort of sketch it. The Knicks were banking everything on getting Kevin Durant in 2019. He didn’t come, and then later basically said the Knicks were uncool.”
On James Dolan’s response to the KD debacle:
“The idea that would be said was a gut punch to Jim Dolan. So he went out and hired the combination of Leon Rose and Wes Wesley. One of them is the savvy negotiator, dealmaker, and one of them is the relationship guy with players.”
On the Knicks’ front office:
“The secret sauce was Jim Dolan, believe it or not, understanding, ‘I got to get a different type of executive because it’s not working.’ And then those executives leveraging what they knew.”
Lou Williams wants Wemby's "a**hole" side should be paid as much attention as the praise he gets 👀
On the Knicks fans’ criticism of Victor Wembanyama:
“One of my favorite things that’s come out of all this is the crying that has occurred because it appeared Wemby didn’t shake the hands of the Knicks afterward, and now we don’t like that. ‘It’s arrogant, he’s a bad guy,’ there’s a lot of Knicks doing that to whom I respond, go burn something else down and maybe worry about what’s classy and what’s not.”
Cam’ron was FIGHTING for his life trying not to say “pause” after Stephen A. Smith said the most sus thing live on TV 🤣🤣💀 pic.twitter.com/XusbpppxNL
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 17: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Draymond Green is kind of nuts when he’s working, but no one can deny that he’s an incredibly smart basketball player. He’s built a career as a 6-6 center, at least on defense, something we don’t think anyone has done since Wes Unseld. And while the Warriors have occasionally had big men, as they now have 7-2 Kristaps Porzingis, Green has played the post for most of his career and will probably do it at times again next season.
So while at times he can seem loony (like when he compared himself to Charles Barkley recently), when he opines on a younger player, you should listen.
And in this case, since he’s talking about former Blue Devil Cameron Boozer, Duke fans will be interested. Here’s what he said:
“Cam Boozer is probably a 20 [points] and 10 [rebounds] guy from the time he walks in [to the NBA]. He wins and he’s fundamentally sound.
“Tim Duncan never had to blow you through the roof, yet he was so great. He’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen. And I think that was Tim Duncan. And you look at Cam Boozer, he has a similar thing. Not saying Cam Boozer is going to be Tim Duncan. I don’t know that.
Tim Duncan’s the greatest power forward we’ve ever seen play. But what I’m saying, there’s no wow to it. It’s just results after results after results after results.”
That kind of sums it up, but he missed a key strength: first, his teams tend to win, and second, people seem to always miss his passing, because Boozer is a tremendous passer. He’s not Larry Bird, making passes over his shoulder or without looking, but like everything else in Boozer’s game, his fundamentals are impeccable, and he’s strong as hell.
Most teams will find that useful.
Speaking of Boozer, there are strong rumors now that the Utah Jazz are genuinely torn on who to take with the #2 pick. They like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, but Boozer has apparently made an impression as well.
Jalen Brunson C of New York Knicks holds the MVP trophy during the awarding ceremony after the final game 5 between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at the 2025-2026 NBA basketball game in San Antonio, the United States, June 13, 2026. (Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty Images)
It’s parade day in New York City.
The New York Knicks are celebrating something that will live forever in that city and around the fanbase — an NBA Championship.
As a fan of both the Knicks and Villanova, this was a special year for me personally. June 13th, 2026 is a day that will be remembered forever and it began in the morning on the college side.
As I sat there waiting for Game 5 of the NBA Finals in hopes of closing it out, Villanova received the news that Italian big man Luigi Suigo decided to withdraw from the NBA Draft and commit to the Wildcats. The inevitable became reality after Suigo made this decision on deadline day.
Suigo brings incredible size at 7-foot-3 and versatility as he can handle the ball on the perimeter and score from all three levels. With the combination of Kwame Evans in the frontcourt and Devin Royal at the three, Villanova now has one of the best rosters in the nation.
So, the day began with this commitment that will have Villanova in the Top 25 rankings to begin the season. We got to enjoy the news and picture the Wildcats back in the NCAA Tournament competing for a Final Four appearance.
Of course, this is something we saw three times in six years with two National Championships. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges were freshmen in 2016 as Josh Hart led Villanova to a title. That year, the Knicks were a 32-win team looking for answers. It would only get worse in New York as win totals dropped to 31 the next year and 29 in 2018 as Villanova was celebrating another championship.
The Villanova trio would go on to enter the NBA as the Knicks remained in the cellar with 38 wins over the next two years.
In 2022, Brunson signed a four-year deal with the Knicks and this began the rise, but not right away. The signing of Brunson was criticized. New York struggled to find a point guard for years and at first, Brunson was not viewed as the savior. Over the next two years, the Knicks would make moves to acquire Hart (2023) and Bridges (2024), both who signed deals to remain in New York.
Let’s not forget about Donte DiVincenzo, who joined Brunson in New York as a free agent. He was sent to Minnesota in the deal that brought Karl-Anthony Towns to the Big Apple. DiVincenzo still has one of the most memorable shots in recent memory against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two at Madison Square Garden.
Once the Villanova trio was brought to town with OG Anunoby and eventually Towns to complete the starting lineup, the Knicks were ready to compete for a title. Injuries took over in 2024 as the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semis before they were knocked out in the conference finals last year by the same Pacers.
As a fan of Villanova, it has been incredible to watch the trio in New York bringing the Knicks back to the top of the league. While I saw them win titles at Villanova, it was impossible to visualize the Knicks holding up the Larry O’Brien at the end of the playoffs.
It was done in an epic way. The Knicks logged the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4 after being down 29 points. Brunson would then scored 45 points in the closeout game on the road. When the clock hit zeros, the Villanova trio had won an NBA title and proved to be the ultimate winners.
It has been a surreal week celebrating the New York Knicks being NBA Champions, but I have also thought about Villanova each day. Jay Wright has also been featured in many interviews discussing how this group has been able to get it done at every level. It brought back visions of Villanova on the stage at the end of the NCAA Tournament celebrating championships. It did not take long for Kevin Willard to bring the Wildcats back to the tournament and now, he has built one of the top rosters in the nation in the transfer portal.
Saturday brought it all full circle. The day began with Suigo and it ended with three Wildcat legends becoming NBA Champions.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“For me, this was a success. I came into this year not knowing where I was gonna be, how long I was gonna play, if I was even gonna play based on how the knee was the last few years. I came in just hoping for the best.
“And I feel like we’re in a position where we figured out the knee. It hasn’t been an issue. If it wasn’t for the oblique or some of the other stuff I had, it would have been different as would have how many games I would have played.”
Under that lens, Embiid’s season was an unqualified success. Following yet another surgery last year, Joel was clearly uncertain whether the knee would allow him to keep playing going forward, particularly at the level he expected for himself. However, after a slow start to the season, he appeared in 14 January games, averaging 29.7 points and 8.4 rebounds, and shooting 53.7 percent from the field. Embiid twice played 40 or more minutes in a game during the month. He wasn’t back to his previous MVP form, particularly with less mobility and spring on the defensive end, but this version of Embiid was still an All-Star-caliber player.
Of course, Joel would then go on to miss significant time with an oblique injury, have ankle and hip issues, and have the start of his postseason impacted by emergency appendicitis surgery. Add it all up and he only appeared in 38 regular season games and seven of Philadelphia’s 11 postseason contests. Those figures speak to the predicament the Sixers find themselves in with regard to Joel. Embiid is set to make close to $58 million next season, with escalating values across the subsequent two years. You need someone soaking up that percentage of your cap to be the unquestioned cornerstone of the team. But this version of Embiid is more of a seasonal decoration you bring out for a month or two and then place back into storage.
Embiid is automatically missing a dozen or so games per season by sitting out back-to-backs. Even under a best-case scenario, he’s going to also miss a handful of games here and there and you’re looking at a ceiling of 60 games played. Sixers fans would be doing backflips if that were the case and you’re talking about a starter missing a quarter of the season. You can’t allocate major resources to the backup center position when Joel is making that much money, and the team overall is going to have trouble adopting a continuity of play style with Embiid in and out of the lineup. It’s a problem.
Still, I don’t know exactly what route Mike Gansey and the new front office can take. You’re not getting positive value for Joel in a trade, and any smaller salary dump contracts the team would receive in return would almost certainly lower the team’s ceiling vs. having him around. Hopefully, that stretch from late December to early February can provide the blueprint moving forward. You play it smart with him during the regular season, hoping to have him available for something like 60-70 percent of the year, then have him round into form as the playoffs approach and hope one of his internal organs doesn’t unexpectedly rupture.
As the Sixers prepare for the future and build around the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, I believe Embiid can still be a positive part of the team’s present. Hopefully, last season represents more of a positive step towards a new normal for the big man, and not as much a last glimpse of a tremendous career.
The 2025-26 Knicks championship run, aside from being euphoric, historically impressive and unifying, was validating. It validated Leon Rose, who built a team like a family and made good moves to reach this pinnacle.
It validated Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns, two talents who could never get over the hump. But maybe more than anybody, it validated Jalen Brunson, an all-time great playoff performer who was a championship shy of pantheon status.
Now he’s got it, and despite the best efforts of the naysayers and rewriters of history, he’s ascended from gutsy underdog to legend. It’s time we talk about him that way.
First, a refresher on his resume to this point. After his first regular season as full-time starting point guard in 2022-23, he led the Knicks to the second round by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, ultimately losing to the Finals-bound Miami Heat in six.
He averaged 27.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 47.4 percent shooting from the field. In a desperate stand against the Heat, he put up 32 points and 11 assists, 38 points and 41 points in consecutive closeout games, playing at least 45 minutes in each.
Turns out that was only a preview of how dominant Brunson could be in carrying a team despite the defensive gameplan being focused on him. He’d average 28.7 points and 6.7 assists the following season, losing his co-star, Julius Randle, halfway through, and finishing top five in MVP voting.
With little but high-skilled role players and the power of friendship, he clawed the Knicks past the Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey-led Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 41.8 points and 10.3 assists on 54.7 percent shooting from two and 35.3 percent from three over the last four games of the series. He opened Round Two with another 43-point outburst, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to record four straight 40-point games in the postseason, joining only Bernard King,Jerry West and him.
Injuries and wear-down would nix that run, but Brunson came back prepared last season, averaging 26 points and 7.3 assists (a career high) and winning Clutch Player of the Year thanks to his countless fourth quarter takeovers. He’d carry that over into the playoffs, averaging 29.4 points and seven assists on 51.4 percent shooting from two and 35.8 percent from three.
Brunson led his Knicks to two wins shy of an NBA Finals berth, icing the Pistons on a game-winning step-back three and pulling off a major upset of the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates with his teammates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Of course, this year he followed up a relatively muted regular season with the playoff run of his life. He averaged 28.4 points and 6.1 assists on 51 percent shooting from two and 36.3 percent from three, numbers burdened by multiple blowouts wins that saw him sit for entire fourth quarters.
After a Towns-centric first round, Brunson led the Knicks past Philadelphia and Cleveland in dominant fashion, and took control of the NBA Finals against the frisky Spurs. He put up 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the championship round, clutching Games 1 and 2, leading a 29-point comeback in Game 4, and dropping a masterclass 45 points in the Game 5 clincher, all while being the center of attention against the league’s top defense.
In this four-year span, Brunson’s scored 300 more playoff points than any other NBA player and became the second-fastest point guard in history to 2,000 postseason points after Stephen Curry. He became one of six players to notch 26 points per game and 50 playoff wins before the age of 30, joining Curry, Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Shaquille O’Neal.
He’s tied for the most postseason wins over the last four seasons. His 45 points to win the Finals tied Jordan for an NBA road clincher record, and his 10.3 points in fourth quarters was the highest since Jordan in 1997.
Much of this was invalidated by the critique the Knicks couldn’t win a championship this way, or with a player of Brunson’s stature at the lead. Those critics were wrong, and while many will double down or move goalposts, the evidence speaks for itself at this point.
Brunson isn’t just a heartwarming second-round come-up story, he isn’t just the Knicks’ savior or an All-Star tier player. He is one of the greatest guards this game has ever seen, and the time for such discussion is over.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 13: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks celebrate after the victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hopefully a lot of people and teams around the league are asking themselves what they can learn and take from the success of the New York Knicks after their dominant playoff run and Championship title win this year.
Because what the Knicks did on the court – and off – through the last few years has been so consistent, so insisting on trusting the process and players, and so team-oriented that it is bound to warm the hearts of basketball fans all over the world.
It turns out that team basketball is back. As a European, I feel a personal sense of joy and pride, and perhaps something you could call excitement for what’s to come. Whether you come from the continent of team-oriented basketball like me or not, the direction which basketball seems to be headed with the Knicks blazing the trail, should excite each and every one of us.
Team basketball has never really been the strongpoint of the NBA, but once in a while a team comes along, whose players and leadership all understand the upside, strength and value of this kind of approach. To the benefit and collective gain of us all.
Sure, Jalen Brunson often plays a heliocentric type of basketball, and sure there’s some iso’ing especially in big moments, but I’d argue that that is a needed aspect of basketball at the highest level. All in all, in how they built the team, in their star playing not being a superstar – when he arrived, anyway – and their insistence on the value of cohesion, it’s more team basketball oriented consistently than most teams in the recent past.
Here’s why.
When the Villanova brothers Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart were reunited in New York, a culture of trust was reestablished. A culture that seems to push away the ego, instead highlighting the importance of every single player and what they do for the team emerged.
A culture of winning taught at Villanova no doubt. And as the three amigos had gone through winning a Championship together in college they knew what it took. They knew how to set the tone, and they knew how everyone matters in getting there.
Not everyone who enters the NBA or plays basketball at the highest level understands this. It’s a common misunderstanding that just because you’re a great basketball player, you also know what it takes to win. Most players, even the best in the world, have not been in a situation where they had to lead a team to win.
The Villanova brothers are not the best basketball players in the league. The Knicks are not the best team, talent-wise and on paper. But what this Knicks team proved to everyone watching is that it takes more than that to win.
From Jalen Brunson taking a huge pay cut, to the team and leadership understanding and appreciating what Josh Hart does to secure a win outside the stat sheet, and how much connection and cohesion matters when creating a winning team.
What team basketball teaches and reminds us is that no one can win alone. We all have a role in the success of this thing that is bigger than us, and playing together is better and more efficient than taking on a challenge alone. Playing for something bigger than yourself is more powerful than playing just for yourself.
No, when you play for others, meaning arrives – and that’s where things start to become interesting. If we ever needed a reminder of that, it’s right now in today’s world.
The New York Knicks remind us of what is good and meaningful about basketball, about being a fan, about belonging somewhere and being part of something bigger.
Often, teams try to make a star player fit into a roster. They assume they can move people around and they will just play the same anywhere they go and with whomever they play.
But once again we see evidence that human beings don’t work like that. A multitude of things affect if they are able to play up to their best. The personnel around them. The coaching approach and chemistry. The trust and energy of the whole franchise.
The Knicks got Brunson what he needed to succeed. They took their time and trusted the players and the process. And that all paid off.
Brunson was never a superstar like others in his generation. Still, he managed to lead his team to an incredibly dominant NBA Championship, because he had the right people around him. Imagine if other stars had that same kind of advantage.
It’s about people. Hopefully, Dallas will take notes on how to develop and build the Mavs around their young superstar in a similar way.
Who they pick with their highest selection since 2021 could hold the cards to not only the final years of Steph Curry’s career but also the future direction of the franchise.
Former Arizona star guard Brayden Burries has the Warriors’ attention ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This week, we are profiling five possible prospects GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. could target.
Continuing with Part 2:
Brayden Burries
Age: 20
Position: Guard
Height/weight: 6-foot-4 / 215 pounds
School: Arizona
Why he’s a fit
Without Jimmy Butler or Moses Moody to begin the season, the Warriors need playmakers and point-of-attack defenders who can step in and contribute right away.
Enter Burries, who starred on both sides of the ball as a freshman — the oldest in the class, for what it’s worth — while leading Arizona to the Final Four. The sturdily built combo guard was the Wildcats’ leading scorer at 16.1 points per game and took on their top on-ball matchups.
Coach Steve Kerr and a contingent of Warriors brass watched Arizona play in the Sweet 16. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Steve Kerr and a contingent of Warriors brass traveled to San Jose to watch Arizona in the Sweet 16. Golden State has dipped into Kerr’s alma mater in the draft just once before — second-round guard Nico Mannion in 2019 — so maybe the second time’s the charm.
After one of their NCAA Tournament wins, Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd gave a description of Burries that would be fitting for another unassuming guard around these parts.
“He’s a laid-back, kind-of-unassuming guy, but he has a killer in him,” Lloyd said. “And that’s a beautiful attribute. There’s nothing wrong with being a great human being off the court and being a killer on the court. And he definitely has that combination.”
Why he’ll last until No. 11
Burries won’t look out of place on an NBA court, already weighing more than plenty of his future peers. That said, at 6-4 with only a plus-two wingspan, he will be at a slight disadvantage against most other shooting guards and lacks the speed of a smaller guard.
However, he makes up for it with instincts and athleticism.
His 38.5-inch max vertical leap ranked 18th among all prospects at the combine, and he jumped higher in the standing leap than all but three other guards.
Burries’ underwhelming 2.4 assists per game and inconsistent ball handling have also led evaluators to question whether he can be a primary creator in the NBA.
NBA comp: Derrick White
Burries’ relentless motor and ability to defend the perimeter should make him instantly playable for any NBA coach, even Kerr. Offensively, Burries showed that he can score at all three levels, with efficient 49/39/81 shooting splits as a freshman.
Five days until the NBA Draft, which means it’s time to continue our countdown of the best players selected at every draft position in NBA history. Why? Because I wanted to know, I wanted to do the thought exercise…and it sure was an exercise. But along the way, I learned some things I did not know, and am here to report back what I have found.
Recapping yesterday, here is where we currently sit for the players drafted 60 through 51:
Pick
Player
Year
60
Michael Cooper
1978
59
Pat Cummings
1978
58
Kurt Rambis
1980
57
Manu Ginobili
1999
56
Amir Johnson
2005
55
Luis Scola
2002
54
Sam Mitchell
1985
53
Anthony Mason
1988
52
Rasual Butler
2002
51
Kyle Korver
2003
Today, we move to the middle of the second round, examining picks 41 through 50. In today’s NBA, this area of the draft is often viewed as a place to find developmental prospects, stash players on two-way contracts, or take low-risk swings on upside. Yet there’s still value to be found here. As I worked through the history of these draft slots, one thing became clear. That wasn’t always the case.
For much of NBA history, players selected in this range often never made an NBA roster. Once upon a time, the draft stretched far beyond two rounds, and there simply weren’t enough roster spots available for everyone selected. The league was different then. There was no G League to absorb developmental talent. There wasn’t a structured pipeline for player growth. Teams drafted prospects and hoped things worked out, but many players either never received an opportunity or chose to continue their careers overseas.
That’s no longer the reality. The modern NBA has created far more avenues for player development, and as you’ll see throughout this list, there are still plenty of hidden gems to be found in the middle of the second round. In fact, one of the players we’ll discuss is, in my opinion, the most impactful second-round pick in NBA history.
So let’s get into it. Picks 50 through 41, and the best player selected at each spot in NBA Draft history.
50. Steve Kerr (1988)
Honorable Mentions:
Larry Kenon (1973)
Georges Niang (2016)
Suns Taken at 50:
Steve Kerr (1988)
Milos Babic (1990)*
Joey Wright (1991)
Charles Claxton (1994)
Alton Ford (2001)
Alec Brown (2014)
*traded to Cleveland for Stefano Rusconi
There aren’t a ton of names drafted 50th overall who truly move the needle, which made this one unbelievably easy. The greatest player ever selected at No. 50 is former Sun player and GM Steve Kerr.
Coming out of the University of Arizona, Kerr was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1988. His rookie season in Phoenix was modest, as he averaged 2.1 points per game while trying to find his footing in the NBA. The Suns ultimately traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989 for a second-round pick.
From there, Kerr bounced around the league for a few years as a role player, steadily carving out a niche for himself. Then came 1993 and a move that changed everything. Kerr joined the Chicago Bulls. What followed was one of the most successful runs any role player has ever experienced.
Over the next four seasons, Kerr played all 82 games each year for Chicago. He didn’t start a single game during that stretch, but his impact was undeniable. While he wasn’t a high-volume three-point shooter by modern standards, he was one of the most efficient shooters the league had ever seen. In 1994-95, Kerr led the NBA in three-point percentage, knocking down an absurd 52.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
He won three championships with the Bulls before the franchise dismantled its dynasty in 1999. Kerr then landed with the San Antonio Spurs, where the winning continued. He captured two more championships in San Antonio, bringing his total to five as a player.
When it was all said and done, Kerr played 15 seasons in the NBA, won five championships, and retired as the most accurate three-point shooter in league history. His career mark of 45.4% from beyond the arc remains one of the greatest shooting accomplishments the game has ever seen.
49. Eddie Johnson (1977)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1979: Eddie Johnson #3 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Johnson played for the Hawks from 1977-86. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
James Jones (2003)
Haywoode Workman (1989)
Suns Taken at 49:
Rich Jones (1968)*
Earl Williams (1974)
Ron Ellis (1992)
Mark Buford (1993)
*opted to go to the ABA
Former Suns player and executive James Jones was drafted 49th overall, but he isn’t the best player ever selected at that spot. That honor belongs to Eddie Johnson. And no, not the Eddie Johnson Suns fans know and love as the longtime Phoenix Suns broadcaster, who was drafted four years later. We’re talking about Edward Lee Johnson Jr., better known as ‘Fast Eddie’.
The 6’2″ shooting guard out of Auburn was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in 1977 and quickly established himself as a productive two-way player. Johnson spent the majority of his career with Atlanta, becoming one of the better guards in the Eastern Conference during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His accomplishments speak for themselves. Johnson earned All-Star selections in both 1980 and 1981 while also receiving All-Defensive Team honors in 1979 and 1980. Over the course of a 10-year NBA career, he averaged 15.1 points per game and developed a reputation as a player who could impact the game on both ends of the floor.
There’s also a Suns connection. Johnson was the older brother of Frank Johnson, who spent parts of seven seasons with Phoenix and later served as the team’s head coach from 2002 through 2004.
On the court, Eddie Johnson’s résumé makes him a clear choice as the best player ever selected 49th overall. Unfortunately, that’s not the entire story. His life after basketball became defined by legal troubles and controversy. Over the years, Johnson was arrested and convicted on numerous charges, including burglary, battery, robbery, drug possession, assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest. It’s an unfortunate chapter that forever impacts how his career is remembered.
When evaluating the 49th pick, the basketball accomplishments are undeniable. The career that followed, however, complicates the legacy of the most accomplished player ever selected in that draft slot.
48. Marc Gasol (2007)
PHOENIX – FEBRUARY 13: Marc Gasol #33 of the Rookie team gets set to shoot a free throw attempt during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 13, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Cedric Ceballos (1990)
Craig Ehlo (1983)
Suns Taken at 48:
Vann Williford (1970)*
Dennis “Mo” Layton (1971)
Cedric Ceballos (1990)
Brian Davis (1992)
Malik Hairston (2008)**
Taylor Griffin (2009)
*opted to go to the ABA **traded to San Antonio for Goran Dragic
Oooo, I wanted to go with Ceddy in this spot. But as I looked down the list and started comparing career accolades, it’s clear that one guy stood above the rest. Easily. Your older brother is a dominant big man, yet despite standing 6’11”, you still find yourself selected in the second round, 48th overall. That was the story of Marc Gasol.
The Lakers drafted him in 2007, but the then 23-year-old opted to remain in Spain for another season with CB Girona. It turned out to be a wise decision. Gasol won MVP honors in the Spanish League, further cementing himself as one of the best players outside of the NBA.
Then everything changed. The Lakers traded his rights to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal that brought his older brother, Pau Gasol, to Los Angeles. It’s one of those rare trades that worked out beautifully for both organizations. The move helped open the door for multiple championships in Los Angeles. It also opened the door for a long and prosperous career in Memphis.
Gasol finished eighth in Rookie of the Year voting and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most skilled centers. By his fourth season, he had earned the first of what would become three All-Star appearances with the Grizzlies. His breakthrough came in 2012-13. That season, Gasol was named Defensive Player of the Year while also earning All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive Team honors. Two years later, he elevated his game even further, landing on the All-NBA First Team in 2014-15.
As the years passed, Gasol became one of the defining players of the Grizzlies’ Grit and Grind era, serving as the anchor of one of the toughest teams in basketball. Eventually, Memphis traded him to the Toronto Raptors in 2019 in a deal that included Jonas Valanciunas, C.J. Miles, and Delon Wright. The move paid immediate dividends. Gasol helped Toronto capture its first NBA championship, adding a title to an already impressive résumé.
For the 48th overall pick, it’s hard to ask for much more. Gasol was a three-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, a Defensive Player of the Year, an All-Defensive Team member, and an NBA champion. The pedigree was always there. He simply needed the opportunity to prove it.
47. Paul Millsap (2006)
LAS VEGAS – FEBRUARY 16: Paul Millsap #24 of the Rookie Team poses for a portrait prior to NBA All-Star T-Mobile Rookie Challenge at All_Star Weekend on February 16, 2007 at The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2007 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Mo Williams (2003)
Gerald Wilkins (1985)
Alvin Williams (1997)
Suns Taken at 47:
2026 will be the Suns first ever pick at No. 47
Paul Millsap is one of those players who always seemed to be around, providing a physical presence and steady production no matter where he played. He’s also one of those players who, in my opinion, benefited from the explosion in NBA salaries that came with the new television rights deals. When he landed his massive contract in 2017, he was getting paid as much for what he had already accomplished as for what he was expected to do moving forward.
And what he accomplished prior to that payday was impressive.
Millsap was a four-time All-Star, a member of the 2007 All-Rookie Team, and an All-Defensive Team selection in 2016. Over the course of a 16-year career, he played for five different organizations and established himself as one of the most dependable power forwards of his era.
His best years came after signing with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent in 2013. Over the next four seasons, Millsap earned four consecutive All-Star appearances while serving as one of the foundational pieces of a Hawks team that consistently won games and challenged the top teams in the Eastern Conference. During that stretch, he averaged 17.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He impacted every area of the floor. He could score. He could defend. He could rebound. He could create turnovers.
Simply put, he was a problem. Opposing teams had to account for him every night because he affected the game in so many different ways.
When his career finally came to an end, Millsap had played 16 NBA seasons, scored more than 14,000 points, and grabbed over 7,600 rebounds. Those are remarkable numbers for a player selected 47th overall. For someone drafted this late, Millsap wasn’t merely a success story. He became a star.
46. Jeff Hornacek (1986)
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1992: Jeff Hornacek #14 of the Phoenix Suns drives on David Wingate #55 of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1992 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Hornacek played for the Suns from 1988-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Hornacek; David Wingate | Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Jerome Kersey (1984)
Danny Green (2009)
Norman Powell (2015)
James Edwards (1977)
Suns Taken at 46:
Jeff Hornacek (1986)
Bruce Dalrymple (1987)
Ricky Blanton (1989)
Richard Dumas (1991)
Gani Lawal (2010)
The 46th overall pick has produced some pretty impressive players over the years. For the Phoenix Suns, it was the draft slot that yielded both Jeff Hornacek and Richard Dumas. You could certainly make the argument that Jerome Kersey is the correct answer here. He won a championship in 1999 and enjoyed an outstanding NBA career. But not for me. I’m going with Jeff Hornacek.
Part of that is admittedly personal. Hornacek is one of the first players I remember watching as a kid when I became a Suns fan. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t overwhelmingly athletic. He was simply efficient. Everything he did looked under control.
Hornacek was built in the mold of the old school shooting guard, before the three-point revolution changed the sport. He could shoot it, facilitate, and make smart decisions. During his six seasons with Phoenix, he became one of the most reliable players on the roster, earning an All-Star appearance in 1992 after averaging 20.1 points per game.
That’s a pretty strong résumé for the 46th pick. He’s also one of those players who reminds me a little bit of Mikal Bridges. Not because they played the same way, but because they represent the type of player fans become attached to. The type of player you hate to lose, even when the return is a superstar. The Suns ultimately traded Hornacek to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the deal that brought Charles Barkley to Phoenix. It was absolutely the right basketball move, but that didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.
Hornacek would later continue his success with the Utah Jazz, helping the franchise reach the NBA Finals in both 1997 and 1998 alongside Karl Malone and John Stockton. When it was all said and done, Hornacek played 14 seasons in the NBA, averaging 14.5 points and 4.9 assists per game. He shot 40.3% from beyond the arc for his career, an impressive mark considering he averaged fewer than two three-point attempts per game during an era when teams simply didn’t prioritize that shot.
For the Suns, he was a fantastic selection out of Iowa State in the 1986 NBA Draft. And for me, he’s the best player ever selected 46th overall.
45. Bob Dandridge (1969)
MILWAUKEE, WI – 1971: Bob Dandridge of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the New York Knicks game against the Milwaukee Bucks circa,1971 at the Milwaukee Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 1971 NBAE (Photo by Vernon Biever/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Antonio Davis (1990)
Lou Williams (2005)
Goran Dragic (2008)
Hot Rod Williams (1985)
Suns Taken at 45:
Ira Terrell (1976)
Paul Williams (1983)
A couple of players who made an impact in Phoenix were drafted 45th overall, including Goran Dragic and Hot Rod Williams. But this one isn’t particularly difficult. The answer is Bob Dandridge.
The Milwaukee Bucks had themselves quite a draft in 1969. With the first overall pick, they selected Lew Alcindor out of UCLA. Then, when the fourth round arrived, they used the second pick of that round, 45th overall, to select Bob Dandridge out of Norfolk State. Not bad. Dandridge had also been selected by the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA Draft, but he chose the NBA and the Bucks. It proved to be a pretty smart decision for everyone involved.
What Milwaukee received was a player who became one of the foundational pieces of the franchise for more than a decade.
When people think about the Bucks’ 1971 championship team, they naturally remember Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Those are the names that dominate the conversation. But Dandridge was a massive contributor to that title run as well. In the NBA Finals against the Baltimore Bullets, he averaged 20.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, helping Milwaukee capture the championship.
Years later, he would find himself on the other side of the equation. After joining the Washington Bullets, Dandridge played a key role on the 1978 championship team that defeated the Seattle SuperSonics in seven games. He finished second on the team in scoring during that playoff run, averaging 20.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. To this day, it remains the only championship in franchise history for Washington.
Dandridge spent 13 seasons in the NBA and put together a résumé that is remarkably strong for a player selected 45th overall. He averaged 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game during his career. The 6’6″ forward earned four All-Star selections, an All-NBA nod in 1979, and First Team All-Defensive honors that same season.
The final piece of recognition came in 2021, when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For a fourth-round pick, that’s an incredible legacy. And when you’re discussing the greatest player ever selected 45th overall, Bob Dandridge stands in a class of his own.
44. Malik Rose (1996)
3 Dec 1996: Malik Rose of the Charlotte Hornets tries to fend off center Charles Outlaw of the Los Angeles Clippers at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won the game 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport | Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Mike Muscala (2013)
Brian Cardinal (2000)
Suns Taken at 44:
Dennis Stewart (1969)
Greg McDivitt (1970)
Andrew Harrison (2015)*
*traded to Memphis for Jon Leuer
We go from a draft slot that produced a Hall of Famer to one that doesn’t offer a particularly impressive list of candidates. The best player ever selected 44th overall is Malik Rose. And while that might not jump off the page, Rose carved out a long and productive NBA career for himself.
Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 before being dealt to the San Antonio Spurs, Rose became one of those players every good team needs. He wasn’t a star. He wasn’t someone you built a franchise around. But he understood his role and played it well. That’s why he lasted 13 years in the NBA.
The majority of his career was spent in San Antonio, where he played eight seasons and became part of one of the most successful organizations of the era. Along the way, he helped the Spurs capture championships in both 1999 and 2003. Those title teams were built around Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and eventually Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. But Rose was one of the role players who helped make everything work.
His best individual seasons came in the early 2000s when he established himself as one of the better reserve big men in basketball. He finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2002 and sixth in 2003, recognition that reflected the impact he was providing off the bench.
When his career came to a close, Rose had appeared in more than 800 NBA games while averaging 6.2 points and 4.1 rebounds. Those numbers won’t overwhelm anybody. But when you’re evaluating the 44th overall pick, longevity matters. Championships matter. Finding a player who can contribute to winning basketball for more than a decade matters. Malik Rose did all of those things.
43. Michael Redd (2000)
22 Dec 2001: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives upcourt during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at Compaq Center in Houston, Texas. The Rockets defeated the Bucks 115-110. Digital Image Mandatory Credit: Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images 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 2002 NBAE | NBAE via Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Trevor Ariza (2004)
Eric Snow (1995)
Isaiah Hartenstein (2017)
Suns Taken at 43:
Steve Mitchell (1973)
Ben Davis (1996)
Hey, another guy who spent some time in Phoenix.
Michael Redd was selected 43rd overall in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, and they got themselves a hell of a player. Redd was a sniper. Over the course of his career, he shot 38.0% from beyond the arc on 4.4 attempts per game, a number that would be even more impressive if he played in today’s NBA. At his peak, he was one of the league’s most dangerous scorers, earning an All-Star selection and an All-NBA Third Team nod in 2004.
What I remember most about Redd is how quickly he could fill up the stat sheet. He was one of those players you feared when your team was playing Milwaukee because he could explode at any moment. In November 2006, he dropped 57 points on the Utah Jazz. Later that same season, he hung 52 on the Chicago Bulls. When he got hot, there wasn’t much you could do about it.
For most of his career, Redd was the face of the Bucks franchise. He spent 11 seasons in Milwaukee and developed into one of the most prolific scorers of the 2000s. Unfortunately, injuries changed everything. In 2009, Redd tore both his ACL and MCL. He worked his way back and returned the following season, only to suffer another ACL and MCL tear in 2010. At that point, the injuries had taken a significant toll on both his athleticism and availability. That’s what ultimately derailed a career that looked destined for even greater heights.
By the time he arrived in Phoenix for the final season of his career in 2011-12, he was 32 years old and no longer the player he had once been. He still averaged 8.2 points per game for the Suns, but shot only 31.8% from three, a far cry from the elite shooter who had terrorized defenses throughout his prime.
42. Stephen Jackson (1997)
BOSTON – APRIL 23: Stephen Jackson #1 of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Boston Celtics in Game one of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs at Fleet Center on April 23, 2005 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Pacers 102-82. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE/Getty Images
Honorable Mentions:
Zaza Pachulia (2003)
Patrick Beverley (2009)
Davis Bertans (2011)
Suns Taken at 42:
Claude Terry (1972)*
Joe Reaves (1973)
Kimberly Belton (1980)
Stephen Jackson (1997)**
*opted to go to the ABA **waived before the start of the 1997 season
The 42nd overall pick is a draft slot seemingly defined by agitators. You have Zaza Pachulia, whose closeout on Kawhi Leonard became so infamous that it helped accelerate the league’s emphasis on protecting a shooter’s landing space. You have Patrick Beverley, who built an entire career around getting under opponents’ skin. And then there’s Stephen Jackson, who quite literally went into the stands during the Malice at the Palace and started fighting fans. So yes, this draft slot has a type.
Jackson’s story is an interesting one because even his draft position comes with a little controversy. Basketball Reference lists him as the 43rd overall pick, while NBA.com and Wikipedia list him as the 42nd overall selection. So for the purposes of this exercise, I’m putting him at No. 42.
Jackson was originally drafted by the Phoenix Suns, who promptly waived him. He then played internationally before returning to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets in 2000.
From there, he steadily developed into a productive player. At his peak, Jackson could do a little bit of everything. His best statistical season came in 2008-09 when he averaged 20.7 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was a versatile wing who could score, facilitate, defend, and provide a level of toughness every team covets.
Of course, no discussion of Jackson’s career is complete without mentioning the Malice at the Palace.
The 2004-05 Indiana Pacers looked like one of the best teams in basketball and appeared capable of making a serious championship run. Instead, the infamous brawl in Detroit changed everything. Jackson was suspended for 30 games for his role in the incident and placed on probation for a year. The event became one of the defining moments of his career. But it didn’t define his entire career.
Jackson continued playing at a high level for years afterward, ultimately spending 14 seasons in the NBA with eight different franchises. Along the way, he won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003 and established himself as one of the league’s toughest players. That’s probably why the Spurs loved him. He was physical. He was fearless. He was confrontational. He embraced the dirty work and never backed down from anybody.
Honestly, when you think about it, Stephen Jackson was the perfect Spur, wasn’t he?
41. Nikola Jokic (2014)
Nov 24, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) guards Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Honorable Mentions:
Cuttino Mobley (1998)
TR Dunn (1977)
Jarred Vanderbilt (2018)
Suns Taken at 41:
Phoenix has technically never drafted from this position, although Koby Brea was selected in 2025 via Golden State
We close out today with not only the best player ever drafted 41st overall, but quite possibly the greatest second-round pick in NBA history. And his career isn’t even over yet.
Nikola Jokic has already redefined what a second-round selection can become. In many ways, he’s shattered every expectation that comes with hearing a player’s name called after the first round has ended. Only two second-round picks have ever won the NBA MVP award. One is Willis Reed. The other is Nikola Jokic. The difference is that Jokic has done it three times.
Only four second-round picks have ever won Finals MVP. Willis Reed did it twice. Dennis Johnson did it once. Jalen Brunson added his name to the list this season with the New York Knicks. And then there’s Jokic, who earned Finals MVP honors in 2023 while leading the Denver Nuggets to their first championship in franchise history.
That’s merely scratching the surface of what he’s accomplished. This past season, Jokic led the NBA in total rebounds and total assists, a statistical feat that feels almost impossible for a center. He’s an eight-time All-Star, an eight-time All-NBA selection, a three-time MVP, an NBA champion, and a Finals MVP. And he’s only 31 years old.
What’s remarkable is that we’re still adding chapters to his story. He has played only 11 seasons in the NBA, yet he’s already forced his way into conversations about the greatest centers ever, the greatest international players ever, and eventually, perhaps, the greatest players ever. Who knows where he’ll ultimately land on those all-time lists?
What we do know is this. There has never been a better player selected 41st overall. And there may never be a better player drafted in the second round.
Some pretty impressive names in there, aren’t there? It’s a reminder that no draft pick should ever be viewed as a throwaway pick. Sure, second round selections don’t typically carry the same expectations as lottery picks or first rounders. The odds of finding a star are significantly lower. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t value to be found.
This exercise has shown that organizations can still uncover meaningful contributors in the second round. Rotational players, starters, and in rare cases, even stars. The key is having the infrastructure to support them once they arrive. You need player development. You need patience. You need a system that gives those players an opportunity to grow and succeed. When those pieces are in place, the draft slot matters a little less.
Talent can emerge from anywhere. And as we’ve seen throughout this portion of the countdown, there are plenty of examples of players who far exceeded the expectations attached to their draft position.
Tomorrow, we continue the journey and wrap up the second round as we explore the best players ever selected from picks 40 through 31.
The 2026 NBA Draft is on the horizon, bringing one of the most significant dates on the league’s calendar.
Childhood dreams of making it to the NBA will be achieved.
UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. is one of the most physically imposing prospects in this year’s NBA draft. NBAE via Getty Images
Teams will turn draft assets into tangible players who they hope will contribute to winning in the short- and long-term future.
And in the background, teams will continue to explore the options that’ll help them achieve their goals for 2026-27.
For the Lakers, who have a first-round pick in the draft (No. 25), the opportunity the draft presents as it pertains to roster building can’t be whiffed on.
In their pursuit of assembling a roster that’ll be competitive against the 2026 Western Conference champion Spurs and 2025 NBA champion Thunder, the Lakers have two main options for their first-round pick: trade it for a player who’s ready to compete for a title now alongside Luka Doncic or select a prospect whom they plan to develop and hope will help now and in the future.
If the Lakers choose the latter, there isn’t a shortage of options.
Toward the top of that list should be UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., who could contribute to winning from Day 1.
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn big
2025-26 stats (UConn): 14.7 points (60.7% shooting), 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2 blocks, 27.3 minutes in 35 games
2024-25 stats (UConn): 9.6 points (67% shooting), 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, 19.9 minutes in 35 games
2023-24 stats (Michigan): 9 points (51.9% shooting), 7.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 26.6 minutes in 32 games
2022-23 stats (Michigan): 3.4 points (51.7% shooting), 3.9 rebounds, 12.6 minutes in 34 games
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka might consider Reed at No. 25 because he could contribute to winning from Day 1. Getty Images
Why draft Tarris Reed Jr.?
Reed is one of the most physically imposing prospects in this year’s draft.
He weighed in as the second-heaviest player at the combine last month, and he used the combination of his strength, length and coordination to be one of the more dominant players in the paint in men’s college basketball.
Reed was an uber-efficient scorer inside of the 3-point arc in college. He shot 63.5% on 2s in his two seasons with the Huskies and led the Big East in field-goal percentage (60.7%) in 2025-26 after shooting 67% from the field in 2024-25.
He has great touch around the rim with both hands and is a skilled post player with a variety of finishes near the basket. As a more experienced prospect (136 college games played), Reed knows how to use his body to create good shots for himself by overpowering and moving through defenders.
Reed used those physical advantages to dominate the glass, averaging 5.8 defensive rebounds and 3.2 offensive rebounds per game in 2025-26. And he took advantage of those extra scoring opportunities by powering through defenses with putbacks.
He’s a strong screener who can play out of the short roll, finishing around defenders or spraying the ball out with simple passes after reading the defense.
Defensively, Reed’s strengths start with protecting the rim. He averaged at least 1.4 blocks in his last three college seasons.
He may not be the most traditionally athletic player, but Reed is a polished big man who should be able to contribute to an NBA team from Day 1 as a backup or third big man in the rotation for a good team.
Reed doesn’t need touches offensively to make an impact and should be at least solid in a lot of areas.
Areas of improvement?
Reed didn’t show to be much of a scoring threat outside of the paint, and his low free-throw percentage throughout college (58.2%) suggests that won’t change.
While he’s a switchable defender, he didn’t show to be an elite athlete by NBA standards in college, which could limit his effectiveness when guarding guards or even quicker forwards.
Reed can also improve with finishing at the rim when he can’t power through his defender.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - JUNE 13: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The 2026 NBA season has officially ended and the New York Knicks were crowned the 2026 NBA Champions. After Game 5, Victor Wembanyama stated, “Our domination stints are absolute. We absolutely dominated for most of the series. But our errors, our mistakes, are punished so hard that we can’t have ups and downs like this.”
Wemby took some flack on social media for the comment. But mathematically speaking, he was correct.
According to ESPN Analytics, in the 4 games the Spurs lost in the NBA Finals, they had a…
— 91.6% chance of winning Game 1 up 13 points midway thru the 3rd — 72.8% chance of winning Game 2 up 2 points with 1 minute left in the 4th — 99.6% chance of winning Game 4 up 20 points… pic.twitter.com/WkOw0shz7W
“According to ESPN Analytics, in the 4 games the Spurs lost in the NBA Finals, they had a 91% chance of winning Game 1 up 13 midway through the 3rd, 72,8 chance of winning Game 2 up 2 points with 1 minute left in the 4th, a 99.6% chance of winning Game 4 up 20 points, and a 95.4% chance of winning Game 5 up 10 points with 7:54 left in the 4th.”
Obviously, there were problems closing out games which will be a major focus next season. But in three of the four games, the Spurs had over 90% chance of winning during the second half. The Knicks did the impossible while the Spurs did the unthinkable.
FYI: I ordered Midrange Theory By Seth Partnow. It should come next week. For anyone who wants to read and discuss along. Thanks for the suggestion Montreal. I assume zsals is in?
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