Category: NBA

The 2026 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, and sifting through the speculation is especially intriguing this year.

There's a consensus top four of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson, but no consensus on what order in which they will be chosen. Dybantsa remains the trendy pick to go No. 1 in recent mock draft updates, but there is little agreement on the pecking order for the group of guards expected to be picked beginning as early as the fifth pick in the first round. Potential choices diverge even more from there now that the withdrawal deadline for prospects to return to college has passed.

AI is trying to figure out what's what just like the humans that feed its information capabilities, based on the latest mock draft curated by USA TODAY Sports using Microsoft Copilot's artificial intelligence chatbot. Though its top-four stayed the same, the rest of the first round is almost completely different from its analysis last month after the conclusion of the NBA draft scouting combine. It's a reflection of the changing perception of draft experts as workouts continue and new intel emerges.

Here's a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, including the chatbot's reasoning for making each first-round pick:

HIGH SCHOOL: How projected NBA draft first-round picks ranked as recruits

2026 NBA mock draft by USA TODAY Sports

You can compare AI's picks to the latest USA TODAY 2026 NBA mock draft by clicking here.

2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round after scouting combine

USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players eligible this year now that the NBA draft withdrawl deadline passed for college players. The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as the latest intel on team needs, prospect analysis and potential draft withdrawals.

Note: AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams. The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled by USA TODAY Sports using 12 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country, including USA TODAY.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

• Average mock draft pick: 1
• AI analysis: "A franchise devoid of elite wing creation takes the class’s best scoring forward archetype to anchor its rebuild."

2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas

• Average mock draft pick: 2
• AI analysis: "Utah secures a jumbo lead guard who can scale alongside or beyond its current young backcourt."

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke

• Average mock draft pick: 3
• AI analysis: "Memphis bets on elite production and feel to stabilize its frontcourt with a high-floor offensive hub."

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

• Average mock draft pick: 4
• AI analysis: "Chicago adds a mobile, two-way forward who can defend multiple positions and elevate lineup versatility."

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

• Average mock draft pick: 7
• AI analysis: "With an aging core, L.A. lands a dynamic shot creator to begin transitioning toward its next offensive engine."

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville

• Average mock draft pick: 7
• AI analysis: "Brooklyn prioritizes pure scoring upside and perimeter creation for a roster still searching for a centerpiece."

7. Sacramento Kings: Keaton Wagler, Illinois

• Average mock draft pick: 7
• AI analysis: "Sacramento adds a combo guard who can both initiate offense and space the floor next to its stars."

8. Atlanta Hawks: Kingston Flemings, Houston

• Average mock draft pick: 7
• AI analysis: "Atlanta targets a true lead guard to fill its post–Trae Young offensive void, prioritizing pace control and primary creation."

9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries, Arizona

• Average mock draft pick: 9
• AI analysis: "Dallas pairs Cooper Flagg with a versatile scoring guard who can handle, create, and space the floor, giving its new franchise centerpiece a dynamic perimeter partner to grow alongside."

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, Tennessee

• Average mock draft pick: 11
• AI analysis: "Milwaukee injects youth and athleticism into its wing rotation with a high-upside developmental forward."

11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 12
• AI analysis: "Golden State opts for a polished, high-IQ forward who can contribute immediately in a win-now ecosystem."

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aday Mara, Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 10
• AI analysis: "OKC swings on size and skill, adding a 7-footer with defensive and playmaking upside to its long-term core."

13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon, Alabama

• Average mock draft pick: 14
• AI analysis: "Miami selects a tough, downhill guard whose physicality and mindset align with its developmental model."

14. Charlotte Hornets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)

• Average mock draft pick: 16
• AI analysis: "Charlotte gambles on international upside with a versatile wing who fits LaMelo Ball’s pace-and-space style."

15. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Evans, Duke

• Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Chicago doubles down on perimeter scoring with a shooter who can stretch defenses and create off movement."

16. Memphis Grizzlies: Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky

• Average mock draft pick: 19
• AI analysis: "Memphis reinforces its defense with a disruptive, switchable big who thrives in modern schemes."

17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston

• Average mock draft pick: 22
• AI analysis: "Oklahoma City continues stockpiling length and athleticism with a rim-running, defensive-minded big."

18. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat, Arizona

• Average mock draft pick: 25 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Charlotte adds physicality and toughness with a power forward capable of balancing its finesse-heavy lineup."

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa

• Average mock draft pick: 21
• AI analysis: "Toronto secures a steady, efficient lead guard to bring structure to its evolving offensive identity."

20. San Antonio Spurs: Hannes Steinbach, Washington

• Average mock draft pick: 17
• AI analysis: "San Antonio adds another mobile, high-feel big to complement Victor Wembanyama, leaning into jumbo, position-less frontcourt versatility."

21. Detroit Pistons: Cameron Carr, Baylor

• Average mock draft pick: 15
• AI analysis: "Detroit adds a versatile wing defender who fits its identity shift toward length and two-way play."

22. Philadelphia 76ers: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas

• Average mock draft pick: 27 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Philadelphia grabs instant offense off the bench in a high-volume shooter to support its star guards."

23. Atlanta Hawks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara

• Average mock draft pick: 23
• AI analysis: "Atlanta targets a high-feel forward who can connect lineups and contribute without needing heavy usage."

24. New York Knicks: Dailyn Swain, Texas

• Average mock draft pick: 20
• AI analysis: "New York adds a switchable two-way wing with size and defensive versatility, aligning with a roster built around length, physicality, and lineup flexibility."

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina

• Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Los Angeles prioritizes frontcourt versatility with a big who can stretch the floor and fit modern spacing needs."

26. Denver Nuggets: Sergio de Larrea, Valencia (Spain)

• Average mock draft pick: 34 (appeared in 6/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Denver adds another high-IQ playmaker to sustain its ball-movement-heavy offensive ecosystem."

27. Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban, UConn

• Average mock draft pick: 32 (only appeared in 4/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Boston selects a proven connector whose shooting and decision-making fit seamlessly into its contender core."

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Morez Johnson, Jr., Michigan

• Average mock draft pick: 17
• AI analysis: "Minnesota bolsters its frontcourt depth with an athletic big capable of developing into a rotation piece."

29. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford

• Average mock draft pick: 23
• AI analysis: "Cleveland bets on a dynamic downhill guard to add much-needed shot creation and offensive pressure."

30. Dallas Mavericks: Luigi Suigo, Mega (Serbia)

• Average mock draft pick: 29 (appeared in 6/12 mock drafts)
• AI analysis: "Dallas closes the round with a long-term upside swing on a towering international big."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA mock draft 2026: AI predicts every first round pick

Doc Rivers may have some grudges to settle.

The longtime NBA coach appeared on “The Bill Simmons Podcast” following the Knicks’ Game 1 NBA Finals win over the Spurs. And as he praised the Knicks’ team-building, he took the opportunity to criticize some front office executives around the league.

“I don’t wanna take shots at anybody, but I will say this. There are a lot of front office guys who can go out and get the stars,” he began. “There’s very few of them that can then build a team into a championship team. That’s what you have to do.”

He continued: “You can go out and get these names. But can you make the other moves? You look at Danny Ainge, he’s done it a ton. Brad Stevens has done it, Sam Presti, it took him a while… and he finally kind of figured it out.”

I wonder who Doc is talking about pic.twitter.com/jd7iH1Hcmt

— Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude) June 4, 2026

Notably, Rivers — who spent parts of the last three seasons with the Bucks — did not mention Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst or his previous bosses: ex-Sixers president Daryl Morey and Clippers exec Lawrence Frank.

The 2008 champion, who earned his lone ring as a coach with the Celtics, praised the Knicks for filling out their roster with “role players” such as Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.

He claimed not to know who the role players are on the Spurs’ youthful roster.

While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 48 points on Monday, the Knicks got plenty of contributions elsewhere.

OG Anunoby hit some extremely timely shots in the fourth quarter and scored 17 points. Bridges was a plus-11 with nine points, and Hart grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out six assists.

Rivers, 64, finished this season 32-50 with Milwaukee before the two sides agreed to part ways.

He previously indicated to Simmons that he was done coaching after stints with five different teams.

There’s only one event Jalen Brunson would go off the wall for.

Fresh off leading the Knicks to a Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals, Brunson was asked by a reporter during a Thursday press conference if there’s a show he’d spend Finals at Madison Square Garden-level money on.

As of Thursday afternoon, the get-in price for Monday’s Game 3 in New York was $7,520, per TickPick.

“That’s a good question,” Brunson replied before taking about 15 seconds to consider his answer.

“A live Michael Jackson performance,” he said.

While a posthumous performance would be an expensive thriller, the “King of Pop” did not charge nearly such an exorbitant amount for his concerts.

One

The Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years has generated significant buzz, and ticket prices have matched the rising excitement.

After the Knicks clinched a Finals berth with a sweep of the Cavaliers, a pair of courtside tickets sold for nearly $280,000.

Days later, get-in prices for Games 3 and 4 were set at $3,745 and $3,464, respectively, making them “the most expensive NBA tickets on record.”

The Knicks are also auctioning a pair of courtside tickets for Game 3, with proceeds going to MSG’s Garden of Dreams foundation.

With a 1-0 series lead after Thursday’s gritty comeback against the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs, those prices have nearly doubled.

After trailing at halftime, the Knicks rallied from down 14 to seal a 105-95 win in San Antonio — New York’s 12th consecutive postseason win.

Despite an injury scare and arguments with referee Scott Foster and some “vulgar” fans, Brunson finished with a game-high 30 points.

The series resumes Friday night at Frost Bank Center as the Knicks go for a 2-0 series lead.

Stephen A. Smith gave the Spurs and their fanbase a blunt message after they lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Knicks on Wednesday night.

“Y’all better win [Friday] night or we ain’t coming back,” Smith told Spurs fans who gathered outside the set of ESPN’s “First Take” in San Antonio.

“I’m telling you, you better win tomorrow night,” he added.

Smith, a lifelong Knicks fan, is implying that the series won’t return to San Antonio if the Knicks take the second game at Frost Bank Center. Games 3 and 4 will be at Madison Square Garden, meaning the Knicks could win their first championship since 1973 on their home floor if they go up 2-0 Friday night.

Should the Knicks arrive back home with a 2-0 series lead, the Garden will be even more alive than anticipated.

“I know that what I’m going to experience on Monday at Madison Square Garden is unlike anything I have ever seen in my lifetime. I’ve been covering sports for 30 years, I will never experience what I know I’m going to experience Monday in New York City,” Smith said.

“And I’m telling you right now…If you [the Spurs] lose Game 2, you have let the New York Knicks know, ‘Wait a minute. We can go to the Garden and we don’t have to come back to the Alamo?’”

In Game 1, the Knicks pulled off a 105-95 victory after coming back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit.

Jalen Brunson put up 30 points, and his Knicks are now considered the favorites to win the title, flipping the odds prior to the series start.

Game 2 of the NBA Finals will tip off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

In the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Milan Momcilovic finished off Mark Pope’s second season as Kentucky’s men’s basketball coach, scoring 20 points in Iowa State’s 82-63 rout of a once-ballyhooed Wildcats team.

Two months later, he may have just saved Pope’s job.

One of the final moves of the 2026 transfer portal cycle was arguably the most seismic, with Momcilovic, the No. 1 player in USA TODAY Sports’ portal rankings, committing to Kentucky five days after he pulled out of the 2026 NBA Draft.

REQUIRED READING: Kentucky's Mark Pope can look to Joe B. Hall entering pivotal season

On its own, Momcilovic’s decision is enormous. 

Last season, on his way to earning second-team All-Big 12 honors for a 29-win Iowa State team that made the Sweet 16, the 6-foot-8 forward was perhaps the best shooter in the country. He led the country in made 3-pointers (136) and averaged 7.5 attempts from beyond the arc per game. Despite that high volume, he was still incredibly efficient, making 48.7% of his 3s. As Kyle Tucker of 247Sports pointed out, Momcilovic is the only Division I player since the 3-point line was introduced in 1986 to make at least 130 3s in a season while shooting at a 48% clip or better.

Given what Pope had endured in the preceding weeks and months, the addition of Momcilovic meant that much more.

After a laudable debut season in 2024-25, Pope’s second Kentucky team fell drastically short of immense expectations. An ill-conceived roster reportedly worth more than $20 million finished ninth in the SEC, lost 14 games, needed a miracle, last-second heave to avoid a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Santa Clara and was punked in the second round by an Iowa State team down its best player, with one Cyclones player saying after the game that they knew the Wildcats would quit if they got down by enough at any point.

An offseason that initially carried the promise of a fresh start quickly turned into a recurring nightmare. 

Kentucky brought several of the biggest names available in the portal to campus and was well-positioned to land them only to ultimately be rebuffed. There was Rob Wright III, who announced he was going back to BYU the day after wrapping up a visit to Lexington. Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman had long been viewed as a virtual lock for Pope until he reversed course and committed to St. John’s and Rick Pitino. The portal whiffs hardly ended there, with players like Jeremiah Wilkinson, Dink Pate, Dedan Thomas Jr. and Cruz Davis either visiting the Wildcats or being in close contact with them only to end up elsewhere. On the high-school front, Tyran Stokes, a Kentucky native who is the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, received a full-court press from the Wildcats before going before millions of viewers on “Inside the NBA” to announce he was headed to Kansas.

A coach who had been greeted back at his alma mater two years earlier by thousands of fans who packed into Rupp Arena for something as banal as an introductory news conference was suddenly staring at the very real possibility that if an underwhelming roster didn’t overachieve in 2026-27, he could soon be out of a job.

REQUIRED READING: College basketball transfer portal rankings: Milan Momcilovic leads best available

Then, much like the Otega Oweh 32-foot 3 that tied Santa Clara at the buzzer back in March, a prayer was answered. And with it, the outlook for Pope and his team next season changes considerably.

From a transactional sense, the slew of recruiting misses earlier in the cycle put Kentucky in an excellent position to land Momcilovic, with one of the most well-resourced programs in the sport having that more money to shell out for a player several other marquee brands were also pursuing. The fact that one of those other suitors was archrival Louisville, which had won a handful of recruiting battles against Pope this offseason and would have become a bona fide national title threat with Momcilovic in the fold, only makes it sweeter for the Wildcats.

With Momcilovic on board, what looked like an impotent Kentucky roster a week ago is suddenly much more intriguing. Center Malachi Moreno, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, is poised for a breakout sophomore season after forestalling the NBA himself. As only a freshman, Alex Wilkins was one of the best mid-major guards in the country last season and should only continue to blossom. Zoom Diallo’s an ostensibly odd fit for Pope’s 3-point-centric offense, but he’s a dynamic lead guard who should be able to make plays. Forward Justin McBride and guard Jerone Morton are nice depth pieces.

What that group was desperately missing was a star, a reliable bucket-getter who the rest of the roster could be built around. In Momcilovic, it got just that.

Despite the hefty price tag he came with — he reportedly earned a deal worth more than $6 million — Momcilovic doesn’t instantly transform Kentucky from an also-ran into a national title contender, at least on paper. The Wisconsin native, who didn’t make the 10-player All-Big 12 first team in 2026, likely takes his new team from outside of various preseason top 25s to somewhere near the bottom end of the top 20.

If nothing else, though, he gives his new coach some sorely needed breathing room with a rabid fan base with justifiably lofty expectations for their beloved program. The team Pope had constructed before the NBA draft decision deadline had a relatively low ceiling, both in its conference and in the broader national landscape. With him, the Wildcats have a chance, whether it’s to compete with the best teams in the SEC, advance to the second weekend of the tournament or maybe even dream of a run to Detroit for the Final Four come next April.

For their coach, who had just suffered through the most tumultuous stretch of his brief tenure, that’s more than enough for now.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Why Milan Momcilovic is more than just a top-ranked transfer for Kentucky basketball

When you find yourself in a relationship, you quickly learn there’s a lot of give and take. Plenty of moments where both people have to meet in the middle. Balance is what makes a relationship work, and one of the places that balance gets tested most often is the television remote.

Sometimes you win, and you get to spend a Tuesday night watching a random baseball game. Sometimes you lose, and suddenly you find yourself far more emotionally invested in The Valley or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills than you ever thought possible.

I’m fortunate because when Phoenix Suns basketball is on, I usually win the battle for the remote. I can always claim I’m watching for work. In reality, I’m usually “banished” to my office, where I can watch the game in peace, focus on what’s happening, and take notes without distractions.

That being said, I’ve had my fair share of watching shows I would never voluntarily choose. That’s part of the deal. You pick your battles, and sometimes those battles lead you to watch some concoction called Love Island. Love Island Season 8 premiered on June 2, and thankfully I’ve avoided it entirely so far. With my wife and daughter at home, they can spend their time watching that while I’m in my office watching the NBA Finals.

What is it, exactly? From what I can gather, a bunch of single contestants live together on an island. The guys make breakfast every morning. There’s a lot of kissing, a few cold sores, and apparently a lot of drama.

I did get summoned into the living room last night, however, because Love Island Season 8 has a Phoenix Suns connection. One of the contestants, Aniya Harvey, is the daughter of a former Phoenix Suns player.

Aniya’s dad Donnell Harvey was posted by Phoenix Sun #LoveIslandUSApic.twitter.com/STO416mkAa

— Zuriel (@ivoryzuriel) June 4, 2026

Donnell Harvey. Do you remember him?

Once upon a time, he spent half a season in Phoenix, appearing in 36 games and making seven starts during the 2003-04 campaign alongside Stephon Marbury. The 22nd overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft played five seasons in the NBA and arrived in Phoenix via a trade that sent out a 2004 second-round pick.

Truthfully, I don’t remember much about Harvey. The highlights are pretty nice, though.

So, of course, I thought I’d do a little digging on Donnell, trying to find a little trivia nugget for you. He played 147 games alongside Juwan Howard, the most of any teammate. He is one of 27 players to wear jersey number 4, the most used number in franchise history, doing so between Alton Ford and Jackson Vroman. He averaged 3.9 points per game as a Sun, tying him with 3 other players in franchise history to do so: Greg Howard, Jerrod Mustaf, and Bo Outlaw.

So if you find yourself sitting around with your wife, or maybe a teenage daughter, you can casually mention that one of the contestants on Love Island has a connection to the Phoenix Suns. Now you know. I’ve done my due diligence. I’ve helped bring a little balance to your relationship and given you a conversation starter for the next family viewing session.

You’re welcome. And welcome to offseason storytelling.

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Lakers head coach JJ Redick said something very simple, but profound during his exit interview.

“Luke [Kennard] is a great example. He’s a guy that can dribble, pass, and shoot,” Redick said. “I think because of injuries, there were times that we didn’t have enough of that. We’ve got to be better being able to dribble, pass and shoot.”

Now that the offseason is here, the Lakers can address these detriments with an injection of new talent. One position in particular that needs players who can dribble, pass and shoot at the highest level is the wings.

Since every team in the NBA desires this as well, wings are in high demand and hard to find, even when roster spots and money are available. Still, the Lakers have a bit of both open, so they need to find some new wings to become a true Western Conference contender.

Here’s a look at five wings the Lakers could target this summer, either in free agency or via trade.

Herb Jones

The Lakers have been connected to Jones for quite some time, but the Pelicans haven’t been interested in making a deal. Reportedly, New Orleans wants a ton of draft capital, which has made a trade tough to execute.

Now, the Lakers currently have three first round picks they can offer, and perhaps the market has changed, making Jones a tradeable player.

His value is clear. Jones is a great defender, and while his scoring dipped to just 8.9 points per game this season, he has been a double-digit scorer over the last two years.

Considering all the open space he’ll have to operate under with Luka Dončić on the ball, he’d likely have an offensive uptick playing with the Lakers. Still just 27 years old, Jones still has room to grow, and LA would be a great place for that to happen.

Trey Murphy III

While the Pelicans didn’t win many games, they have another quality player that teams like the Lakers want in Murphy. LA has had ties to Murphy since before he was an NBA player, having him come in for a pre-draft workout back in 2021 when he stated he wanted to be an All-Star.

He hasn’t quite reached that level, but this year he averaged a career-high 21.5 points per game. Murphy is also a career 38.2% 3-point shooter, making him an ideal wing for the Lakers. Similar to Jones, Murphy is under contract through the 2028-29 season, making $27 million-plus each year, and the team has a club option for the following season. So, a trade is the only way the Lakers can acquire him, but that’s a great option to go with if the Pelicans are serious about making a deal.

Peyton Watson

Watson is a restricted free agent, but considering that the Nuggets flamed out of the playoffs and could be in the second apron with a hefty luxury tax bill if they don’t shed salary, so it’s very possible Denver will have to move on from him.

This past season, Watson scored 14.1 points per game and shot 41.1% from beyond the arc. That level of shooting is hard to find, and if the Lakers are smart, they’ll aggressively pursue him.

Luguentz Dort

Okay, some Lakers fans will detest the idea of Dort, mainly because he is a tough defender with a reputation for being dirty.

However, he is exactly the kind of player you hate to play, but love to have. He is a defensive irritant and while his offensive numbers are modest, averaging just 8.3 points per game this season, Dort has had seasons where he’s been a sniper from deep.

If he can get back to being a 40% shooter from 3-point range like he was back in 2024-25 when the Thunder won it all, then he can have a bounce-back year with the Lakers, similar to what Marcus Smart had with LA this season.

OKC has a team option for Dort, but their cap situation is looking pretty tough. So, perhaps they’ll have to let him go to avoid some restrictions, making this their loss and LA’s gain.

Khris Middleton

Middleton isn’t the most alluring option, but he’s a good option for the Lakers. He is an unrestricted free agent, and with the Mavericks rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, his staying in Dallas doesn’t make much sense.

Middleton has been on a steady decline and barely cracked 10 points per game this season. Still, he’s a great vet and an elite 3-point shooter who made 39% of his shots from beyond the arc.

He won’t be the top priority, but Middleton in LA would certainly give the franchise some additional wing depth.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

The 2026 NBA Draft is creeping up.

Teams are welcoming draft prospects to their facilities for individual and group workouts as they scout for a player to add to their roster. For the Golden State Warriors in particular, they could use a player who can come into the league ready to fit in to whatever role is handed to them.

Best player available is the best method to go for Golden State, but they need a versatile swingman, someone who can play multiple positions from forward, and even guard. Ultimately, the player needs to be able to defend at a high level, but also compliment veteran stars such as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler on the offensive end as well.

They also need more bigs, specifically a center.

Questions loom around which players will be back next year and who will be packaged in a major deal. One of those players are Kristaps Porzingis, who they acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent. And so is Al Horford (player option), who is also 40-years-old.

With that, it's obvious the Warriors will be buyers during the free agency period. Their draftee will be someone who understands they will bring value by doing the little things that make a lasting impact on the game. It's likely someone who's not a big name right now, but could be one day.

In USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft 15.0, Bryan Kalbrosky has the Warriors selecting Karim López, a 19-year-old from Mexico, to fill that role. López would be the ideal fit for the Warriors given his 6-foot-8 frame. He has the prototypical size to be a Swiss Army knife for Golden State.

"Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical," Kalbrosky wrote.

Here's who sports experts predict the Golden State Warriors will draft with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft:

More: NBA mock draft 15.0: Projecting entire first round

USA TODAY Sports: Karim López

• TEAM: International
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Mexico
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

"Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical."  – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY

Yahoo Sports: Aday Mara

• TEAM: Michigan 
• POSITION: Center
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• DRAFT AGE: 21

"The Warriors need a true center. There is no better option in this range than Mara, who stepped on UCLA's campus as a lottery-projected center from Spain. Then he fell off draft boards during two forgettable seasons there before transferring to Michigan and becoming one of the best true 5s in the country on his way to winning the national championship. He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing. The complication is he doesn't shoot from outside, makes below 60% of his free throws, and opponents are going to attack him on the perimeter." – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports

ESPN: Brayden Burries

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

"Steve Kerr's decision to return to the Warriors is a fair indicator that Golden State doesn't plan to rebuild in the near future, but this pick gives it a chance to get younger and deeper. Long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody mean the Warriors will be extremely light on the perimeter to open next season, which could be a consideration here. GM Mike Dunleavy also told reporters this week that Golden State would consider moving around in the draft.

"Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10 but could also end up being the guard who falls. He would be a solid fit for the Warriors in this scenario. His dimensions will play up better on the ball than at the two, but his sturdy build should also help him defend wings. The fact he's a year older than some of the other freshmen and somewhat caught between positions based on tools makes him more of a back-half lottery option." – Jeremy Woo, ESPN

CBS Sports: Brayden Burries

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

"While it might be tempting for Golden State to maximize its fading competitive window with Stephen Curry by taking an older player like Yaxel Lendeborg, that would be short-sighted. Burries is a top-10 caliber talent whose effective field goal percentage of 57.2% surpassed that of every other guard ahead of him in this mock." – David Cobb, CBS Sports

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warriors NBA mock drafts: Expert picks and needs for Golden State

Two fans have been banned for life from NBA arenas after one of them ran onto the court in an apparent attempt to film himself with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

As the Spurs were taking the ball downcourt midway through the fourth quarter, a fan dashed onto the floor to where Wembanyama and New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson were playing away from the ball near the three-point line.

The fan held his phone out as he stood in front of Wembanyama and was almost immediately placed in a bear hug by a member of Frost Bank Arena security, then dragged away by that guard and one other.

Read more:Victor Wembanyama rookie card sells for $5.11 million, a record for a non-autographed NBA card

“The juvenile committed the offense of Disrupting Meeting or Procession (Texas Penal Code §42.05) by intentionally disrupting a lawful gathering, namely, the Spurs basketball game, through physical interference,” the Bexar sheriff’s office said in a statement emailed to The Times.

“Additionally, the juvenile committed the offense of Criminal Trespass (Texas Penal Code §30.05) by entering property, specifically the basketball court, without the effective consent of the owner, despite having notice that entry onto the court was prohibited. ...

“The juvenile was subsequently arrested for the above-listed charges.”

Read more:A new board game mocks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for 'foul baiting.' He wants it destroyed

The NBA said in a statement that the second fan was banned “for his role in the incident” but did not provide details.

A video that appears to have been taken on the first fan’s phone as the incident unfolded has been uploaded to social media. In it, the fan appears to film himself running onto the court and trying to stop in front of Wembanyama to get him in the shot.

The 7-foot-4 superstar is cut off at the neck in the footage.

Read more:NBA probe of Steve Ballmer, Kawhi Leonard and Clippers at forefront after Aspiration fraud sentencing

Throughout the incident, the fan yells, “Wemby!” as well as what is thought to be the name of a meme coin.

As it all went down, Wembanyama looks somewhat amused; Robinson does not.

“I’ve never been in that situation,” Wembanyama said after the Spurs’ 105-95 loss. “I didn’t know how to act.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The 2026 NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, as NBA teams have hosted pre-draft workouts for this year's draft prospects.

The Sacramento Kings missed out on a top-5 pick but still landed the No. 7 pick after ending the 2025-26 season with a 22-60 record, tied for worst in the Western Conference.

Sacramento has a number of questions that need to be answered going into the draft, but none bigger than what they will do to address their point guard situation. The Kings need a player, specifically a point guard, who has the caliber to change a franchise.

The team has been searching for someone who can fill those shoes since they shipped their franchise player, De'Aaron Fox, in a three-team trade to the San Antonio Spurs in Feb. 2025. They received in return Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks (2025 from Charlotte, 2027 from San Antonio, 2031 from Minnesota), and three second-round picks.

Last season, they finished with Russell Westbrook, who is 37 years old, as their starting point guard. The future Hall of Famer was a productive contributor on the floor and showed up as one of the team's vocal leaders.

However, he was on a one-year deal, and he'll be 38 next season. Kings should prioritize bringing Westbrook back and adding a guard who can learn under his tutelage.

In USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft 15.0, Bryan Kalbrosky has Sacramento going after Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. as the perfect guy to take the throne for the Kings.

Kalbrosky wrote: "The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It's also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college."

Here's who sports experts predict the Sacramento Kings will draft with the No. 7 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft:

More: NBA mock draft 15.0: Projecting entire first round

USA TODAY Sports: Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor, folks around the league "widely believe" they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. right now. En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It's also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college. – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY

ESPN: Kingston Flemings

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 19

"The Kings drew a short straw on lottery night but will have an opportunity to address their need for a point guard at this spot, with Acuff frequently tied to them, and Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. also potentially still on the board. In what order Sacramento prioritizes those players -- and whether they value Acuff enough to consider moving up to get him -- remains to be seen, but it was a point of speculation from other teams at the combine.

"Flemings measured smaller than his listed 6-4, at 6-2½ barefoot with just a plus-1 wingspan, but he unsurprisingly tested quite well athletically. Though the size factor might not help him as lottery teams split hairs among the guards, the feedback was positive on his interview process, reaffirming the intangibles that helped make him successful at Houston." – Jeremy Woo, ESPN

Yahoo Sports: Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 19

"Weeks ago I reported the Kings are widely believed to be targeting Acuff with this pick. That reporting has since been supported by others in the industry, and that belief remains unchanged around the league. That said, the Kings are still working out other players and nothing is locked in. Just consider Acuff the favorite here. Acuff is not the biggest guard or the most explosive athlete, but he reads defenses like someone who's been in the league for a decade. He emerged as a freshman as a skilled, low-turnover playmaker. And that's not even what he's best at. Acuff is a wiry scorer who can get a bucket from anywhere on the floor with a quick trigger, slippery handle, and a feel for manipulating defenses. He has a knack for clutch moments too. The question that follows every undersized guard into the draft is whether the brilliance survives contact with bigger, longer, faster defenders." – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports

CBS Sports:Mikel Brown Jr.

• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

"Brown is a lead guard with unlimited range and zero conscience as a 3-point shooter. A nagging back injury during his freshman season at Louisville underscored concerns about the durability of his slender frame. But his combination of shot-making, athleticism and floor vision makes him a potential All-Star." – David Cobb, CBS Sports

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kings NBA mock drafts: Can Darius Acuff Jr. save Sacramento?

The NBA has banned two fans for life after an incident in which a man ran on to the court to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 of the finals.

In a separate case, ESPN reports that the league is investigating an incident during Wednesday night’s game when New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson became upset after an interaction with fans during the fourth quarter of his team’s 105-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Related: NBA finals: in a mud wrestle shaped by 53 years of dread, Jalen Brunson was the difference

In the first incident, a fan ran on the court holding his phone above his head during the fourth quarter. He approached Wembanyama and appeared to attempt a selfie with the Spurs star, who smiled briefly as security closed in and escorted the fan out of the arena.

“The individual who entered the court area during Game 1 of The Finals was arrested and will be banned for life from all NBA arenas. A second individual will also receive a lifetime ban for his role in the incident,” the NBA said in a statement on Thursday.

Wembanyama said he was bemused rather than shaken by the incident. “I’ve never been in that situation,” Wembanyama said. “I didn’t know how to act. It really surprised me, almost as much as that time [when] a bat crossed the court.”

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the incident wasn’t a factor in San Antonio struggling to down the stretch as the Knicks ended on an 11-0 scoring run.

In the Brunson incident, the Knicks guard appeared to become upset with a group of fans courtside in the final minute of the game. He spoke to crew chief Scott Foster and then talked to him again after the end of the game. Brunson has received criticism this season from some fans who have accused him of “flopping” to win fouls. Brunson finished the game with 30 points, 13 of which came in the fourth quarter.

Game 2 of the finals takes place on Friday night in San Antonio before the series moves to New York for Monday’s Game 3.

The Knicks stormed back from a 14-point deficit in Game 1 of the NBA Finals to take down the Spurs, 105-95, on Wednesday night in San Antonio, drawing first blood in the series with Game 2 set for Friday night.

And with the Spurs facing the possibility of arriving at a raucous Madison Square Garden in a 2-0 series hole for Monday's Game 3, the Knicks know what to expect from San Antonio in Game 2. 

"A desperate team," Mitchell Robinsontold reporters on Thursday when asked what the Knicks are preparing for. 

With the benefit of having eight days off after sweeping the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks looked fresh in Game 1, although they were a bit rusty in the first half -- and struggled for the whole game when it came to shooting from behind the arc.

The Spurs, who prevailed over the Thunder in seven games in the Western Conference Finals, had only three days off to prepare. And while their energy level was high, superstar Victor Wembanyama seemed a bit winded down the stretch as New York pulled away.

One big reason for the Knicks' comeback wasJosh Hart, who was one of the most important players on the floor despite scoring only three points.

Hart, whose motor never stops, had 15 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and zero turnovers -- stuffing the stat sheet despite missing a big chunk of the first half because he was in foul trouble.

"His energy is just relentless," Jalen Brunson said about Hart. "It doesn't stop. I mean, he eats candy all the time. That tells you who he is -- he's a big kid with an absurd amount of energy."

As they came away with the win in Game 1, the Knicks' defense tightened up late, giving the Spurs fits.

That included big performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, and is something New York will have to continue as the series goes forward.

"I think we just tried to be physical and be aggressive defensively," Anunoby said. "We try to make anyone we're playing uncomfortable. We don't want people to be comfortable. Taking up space when you can, always make sure to get a contest, and just fly around -- communicate on defense."

Welcome to a limited series called “Overreactions: Where answers become questions, questions become more questions, and you question your own sanity so much that you slowly convince yourself that Malik Rose could have been an All-NBA point guard if Gregg Popovich had a little bit of imagination.”

It’s a safe place for anxious fans to overreact to every loss, win, tie, and moral victory after every single game in these NBA Finals. And because there are no ties in the NBA, we should add that item to another longstanding list of grievances from NBA fans for Adam Silver. That list includes putting up a statue of Manu Ginóbili plucking a bat out of midair during an actual NBA game and putting that statue out in front of the NBA office in New York, New York.

Today we discuss Game One. It’s time to panic.

10. Jalen Brunson is unstoppable. Kelly Oubre said the hardest part about guarding the Knicks star guard is that big ol’ head. The Spurs could bring out a replica of Rick Moranis’s big (expletive) helmet when he played Dark Helmet in Spaceballs, chase Brunson around the court and try to corral him in it to prevent him from putting 30 points up again, but it’d be no use. The Villanova Knicks will find a way.

9. Karl Anthony-Towns is the only good thing about The Devil Wears Prada 2. Have I seen the second movie? No. Do I love the first movie because I love anything with Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Stanley Tucci? Of course. Will I pay $90 for a babysitter, $40 for two tickets to go see the sequel in a movie theater that smells like the mops are soaked in melted butter to clean the floors or wait until it comes out on streaming where I could just use my wife’s aunt’s mother’s streaming service login? The latter. What does that have to do with KAT’s stellar line of 18 points, 12 rebounds in 34 minutes of bruising play down in the paint? I don’t know. Why is Stanley Tucci so (expletive)ing charming? We just don’t know.

8. De’Aaron Fox will never make another shot in the fourth quarter again. Ever. Ever never ever again. The former (and inaugural) NBA clutch player of the year for 2022-23 season will be forced to return that award just based alone on the cries of angry fans’ reactions all over Spurs Twitter. That’s the only criteria, and frankly the only one we as a society should use to evaluate anything from Fox’s fourth quarter metrics to why penguins cannot fly—because angry people on social media demanded it so. Maybe if penguins paid a monthly subscription to have a blue check mark next to their names, they’d be able to fly off that huge island of ice and hang out in warmer climates like the Kohl’s parking lot in Irving, Texas that has no trees for shade in the heat of summer.

7. The Spurs are going to keep shooting 25% from three as a team. I mean take away Julian Champagnie’s 5-10 shooting from downtown and the team percentage falls all the way down to 18%. Do you know what is the only thing that is higher than 18%? Every single credit card interest rate. So worry not, if the Spurs’ insanely low (almost outlier-ish from a statistical standpoint) three-point percentage doesn’t keep you up at night, those CC APRs should.

6. The nuns are out. They brought us so much luck, charm, lucky charms, and distractions through the Western Conference Finals, and we owe so much to their faith in serving others, selflessness, and humble vibes. But now? After Game One? It’s time to panic and bring in Alex Caruso lookalikes dressed as chupacabras. Nothing says panic like making unholy alliances with chupacabras. Doing all of this nonsensical, downright delusional non-basketball bits won’t guarantee a win in Game 2. No, we just want to let the panic wash over us like a terrifying flashback of every made three pointer that left Alex Caruso’s magical hands in that last series.

5. Blame the corgi. Yeah, the corgi is cute. Like too cute in fact. And it briefly united the world against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the defending champs, because no one’s going to test the magical clairvoyance of a freakin’ corgi. But fame is a fickle mistress. And no one has more mistresses in the dog world than corgis. You know that meme where the dude is looking at another woman while holding hands with his current significant other? That meme was created by dalmatians as a warning to humans that corgis are coming after humans’ loved ones next. Behind those cute little round eyes is the charm of a certified psychopath. What does that have to do with the Spurs shooting less than 25% from three as team in Game One? Nothing. I just need to blame someone, even a cute, little corgi.

4. Mitchell Robinson broke his pinky at home on purpose. Hear me out. But maybe Victor Wembanyama’s least favorite finger is the pinky. Maybe his least favorite genetically enhanced laboratory mice who try to take over the world are Pinky and the Brain. Insert Charlie Kelly conspiracy meme from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia here. Just maybe, these things were enough of a phobia to distract Wembanyama from taking more shots down low. It’s time to panic, people, so we cannot leave any stone unturned or unblamed.

3. The Knicks are never going to lose another playoff game. Ever. Ever never ever again. This 12-game playoff winning streak will extend into next season and into playoff seasons for the next 10 years. During that time, they will make four more sequels to The Devil Wears Prada, and us NBA fans will be begging Adam Silver to quit rigging the playoffs in favor of the Knicks just so Anne Hathaway can continue to share cameos with KAT. I’m not trying to jinx their streak. I’m legit panicking. Didn’t you read the sixth sentence up there? It’s time to panic and overreact to every little thing. What is a Knickerbocker? Does it translate to “Bane of Spurs’ existence”? Don’t bother googling what a Knickerbocker is AIing it or whatever you kids use AI for today. And don’t bother explaining it to me. I want the smell of panic to linger over us because we’re definitely not going to act like we’ve been here before (6 times). Yes, I remember 1999. But we Spurs fans want to panic. We need to panic.

2. Speaking of panicking over every little thing. Who gave their Spurs court-side tickets to Ben Stiller? I know he’s a Knicks “superfan,” but have you seen The Secret Life of Walter Mitty? It’s a really good movie that was vastly underrated when it came out. I know those big market teams like parading their celebrities around like a proud parent who just saw their kids play little dribblers with no enforced rules for dribbling! Rules are rules, and I just don’t like seeing dual threat actor/director Ben Stiller seeing his favorite team win against our favorite team. If TSLoWM comes on cable, sure, I’ll stop what I’m doing and watch it again because I love that movie, and yes I still have cable. But I don’t have to like it, even if I do like it.

1.It’s time to give up. There’s a scene in Airplanes II: The Sequel where Buck Murdock (played by William Shatner playing Captain James T. Kirk playing Buck Murdock. It’s Kirk Lazarus’s “I’m the dude playing the dude pretending to be another dude” before Kirk Lazarus or reborn Robert Downey Jr. ever existed) gives up trying to help William Striker land the plane because the latter couldn’t find a piece of metal to shove into the control panel. The scene reads as incredulous as Shatner’s acting style. At the first sign of difficulty, he (Buck Murdock) completely gives up and tells everyone to shut it down. He even tells them to go home as he’s packing up his own suitcase while still on the line with Striker (even if the control tower they are all working in is on the moon where the plane piloted by William Striker is about to crash into).

That’s my overreaction. Let’s just give up. What’s a man doing with a bobby pin? 1982 humor. Gotta love it.