Category: NBA

The projected top four in this year’s NBA draft — AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson — are all No. 1-caliber most years. The next wave of Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Aday Mara, Kingston Flemings and Nate Ament have incredibly high ceilings. Teams that fell in the lottery will wind up with strong prospects. 

Yes, this draft is that deep. Experts have been raving about this class for months, calling it one of the best in recent memory. 

“There’s four or five at least perennial All-Stars in this group,” a longtime NBA scout said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Not rotational players, but actual All-Stars.”

It gets going Tuesday night at Barclays Center. The Post’s Zach Braziller breaks down the eagerly anticipated first round with his mock draft: 

1. Washington Wizards

AJ Dybantsa, BYU (F,  6-9 , 217 pounds)

I can see the Wizards debating No. 1 right up until their selection. There is no easy answer. Darryn Peterson may have the highest upside, but there are major red flags, from his health issues in his one season at Kansas to his at times inconsistent motor. Cameron Boozer is a safe bet to be a productive player for a long time to come, but he may not be a superstar, due to athleticism questions. 

That’s why Dybantsa is the pick in the end. The BYU one-and-done standout has the fewest concerns, the highest upside and floor.  It’s easy to envision him leading the league in scoring one day. 

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, Kansas (G,  6-5 , 199 pounds)

There were times at Kansas that Peterson looked like the college version of Kobe Bryant – the game came easy to him. He dominated Dybantsa in a one-on-one matchup for a half, before an injury limited him to three second-half minutes. Peterson met with the Jazz over the weekend, after initially only spending time with the Wizards.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, Duke (F,  6-8 , 252 pounds)

If not for injuries to his supporting cast, Boozer may have become the first freshman to lead his team to a national title since Anthony Davis in 2012. He’s a two-way dynamo, a bruising forward with playmaking skills who was just the sixth freshman to be the consensus National Player of the Year after averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shooting 39.1 percent from 3. 

4. Chicago Bulls 

Caleb Wilson, North Carolina (F,  6-9, 211 pounds)

Five years from now, don’t be surprised if the Bulls landed the best player in this draft. Wilson is that talented. A supreme athlete, willing defender and fierce competitor, in a normal draft he is the No 1 pick. He brings a combination of production in his lone year of college – Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Tar Heels – along with immense potential growth. 

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville (G,  6-7, 221 pounds)

When healthy, he made Louisville appointment viewing. The electric guard has drawn Damian Lillard comparisons – although a back injury, which limited him to 21 games, is somewhat of a concern. Brown set an ACC freshman record with a dazzling 45-point showing in a rout of NC State and made at least three 3-pointers 10 different times. 

6. Brooklyn Nets

Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas (G,  6-2, 185 pounds)

You remember the Nets, right? Professional basketball team that plays in anonymity in Brooklyn. It’s just so easy to forget about them considering the Knicks’ spring takeover en route to their first championship in 53 years. The Nets falling to No. 6 after a tanking campaign that resulted in 20 wins was not ideal, but in this draft, it’s not a complete disaster. While the Nets are flush with point guards after drafting Egor Demin and Nolan Traore in the first round a year ago, they lack the Arkansas lead guard’s promise. He was the first player to lead the SEC in both points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.

7. Sacramento Kings

Keaton Wagler, Illinois (G,  6-5, 188 pounds)

There were supposedly 149 high school prospects better than Wagler in his class. Then, he started 6-for-21 in his first three games against high-major competition. From there, the freshman was one of the premier guards in all of college basketball, averaging nearly 18 points per game while shooting a shade under 40 percent from 3 on significant volume. Most importantly he won, leading Illinois to its first Final Four in 21 years. The Kings, who have suffered through 18 losing seasons over the last 20 years, can certainly use a player who impacts winning. 

8. Atlanta Hawks

Aday Mara, Michigan (F,  7-3, 225)

The biggest riser in this draft, the 7-foot-3 Mara was a defensive linchpin for national champion Michigan. He’s a natural fit for the contending Hawks, who desperately need a quality big man to join their young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil-Alexander Walker. 

9. Dallas Mavericks

Kingston Flemings, Houston (G,  6-3, 183 pounds)

One NBA scout believes the Houston one-and-done guard is being undervalued. He defends, can make shots and is used to being coached hard after a season with Kelvin Sampson. “I think he’s going to end up being really good. He does all the things you want your point guard to be able to do,” the scout said. 

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Nate Ament, Tennessee (F, 6-10, 210 pounds) 

Ament has the length, shotmaking and physical tools teams covet on the wing. His efficiency numbers at Tennessee – 39.9 percent shooting and 33.3 percent from 3 – were underwhelming, and he needs to get significantly stronger to avoid getting picked on defensively. Still, those are things that can be easily addressed, and Ament will have time to develop with the rebuilding Bucks.  

11. Golden State Warriors

Brayden Burries, Arizona (G, 6-2, 215 pounds)

The Warriors are looking to win and not rebuild, making this a no-brainer choice. Burries can contribute immediately at both ends of the floor, and if his shooting in his freshman year at Arizona (39.1 percent on 4.6 attempts from 3) is an indication of his development in that area, his ceiling may be higher than some have projected. 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder 

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan (F, 6-9, 241 pounds)

There isn’t a better story in this draft. Six years ago, Lendeborg was working at a warehouse, thinking his basketball career was over. His mother refused to allow him to give up. From junior college in Arizona to UAB and Michigan this past season, the 6-foot-9 forward from Pennsauken, N.J. is living out a dream he didn’t even think was possible. 

13. Miami Heat

Hannes Steinbach, Washington, (F, 6-10, 248 pounds)

All it takes is one elite skill to stick in the NBA, and Steinbach can count rebounding as his. He led all of college basketball in that category (11.8) in his lone season at Washington, and his 22 double-doubles equaled Boozer for the most nationally. The German forward will get you extra possessions – he averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds, third most in the country – and he has a refined post game. 

14. Charlotte Hornets

Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan (F,  6-9, 250 pounds)

The unsung hero of Michigan’s first national championship team in 37 years. He’s a switchable defender, has untapped offensive upside and is a max effort guy that plays with an edge – attributes the Hornets could use up front, especially with Miles Bridges, Grant Williams and Josh Green all slated to hit free agency. 

15. Chicago Bulls

Cameron Carr, Baylor (G,  6-5, 184 pounds)

One of my favorite fits in this draft: The silky-smooth Carr with the uptempo Bulls. He has pogo sticks for legs and in-the-building range. Pairing Carr with Wilson is a fun young tandem for new coach Tiago Splitter to work with. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies 

Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (F, 6-8, 222 pounds)

The lone international prospect in my first round, Lopez needs time to further develop his perimeter jumper and ball-handling skills. But the Mexican-born Lopez has NBA athleticism, plays with physicality and has the potential to be a defensive menace with his 7-foot wingspan. He scored 358 points in 2025-26 in the Australian National Basketball League Next Stars program, the most ever by a draft-eligible player, and that list includes LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey and Alex Sarr. A popular comparison: Aaron Gordon. 

17. Oklahoma City Thunder

Dailyn Swain, Texas (F,  6-7, 211 pounds)

A strong perimeter defender who can touch the paint with a creative bag of counters moves sounds like a perfect match for the drive-and-kick Thunder. Swain lived at the rim this past season for Texas and shot an impressive 63 percent there, according to Synergy. Even if his 3-point shot doesn’t improve – Swain shot 34.4 percent from distance on limited volume for the Longhorns – he’s at worst a quality wing contributor for a winning team. 

18. Charlotte Hornets

Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama (G, 6-3, 176 pounds)

It’s the annual draft debate: Production or projection? Philon had a fantastic sophomore season for Alabama, tallying 22 points, five assists and shooting 39.9 percent from distance on 6.1 attempts. But teams are concerned about his thin frame holding up against NBA physicality and his agility testing at the combine created questions about his lateral quickness. It’s why he’s still here in the late teens. 

19. Toronto Raptors 

Bennett Stirtz, Iowa (G, 6-3, 186 pounds)

The shooting-starved Raptors can use someone like Stirtz, one of the top 3-point marksmen in this class. He can initiate offense and spread the floor. The Iowa standout is comfortable on and off the ball, which makes him a fit in Toronto’s Scottie Barnes-centric system. 

20. San Antonio Spurs

Chris Cenac Jr., Houston (F,  6-10, 240 pounds)

The Spurs need help on the interior to support Victor Wembanyama, and Cenac can provide backup minutes to the superstar Frenchman and play alongside him. He has potential to stretch the floor and profiles as a high-level rebounder with his 7-foot-5 wingspan, averaging 7.9 boards in only 24.8 minutes as a freshman at Houston. 

21. Detroit Pistons 

Christian Anderson Jr., Texas Tech (G,  6-1, 180 pounds)

Detroit wants to add offensive firepower, especially from long distance, to make it tougher on teams to load up on star Cade Cunningham. Anderson fits that need as arguably the top shooter in this class. 

22. Philadelphia 76ers 

Allen Graves, Santa Clara (F, 6-8, 226 pounds)

Graves bet on himself by passing on a huge college payday to go pro after an impressive season at Santa Clara. The 6-foot-8 forward has a 7-foot wingspan, soft touch from deep (41.3 percent from 3 on 2.6 attempts) and possesses offensive hub potential. Has an advanced feel for the game, a byproduct of playing point guard prior to a late growth spurt. 

23. Atlanta Hawks 

Koa Peat, Arizona (F, 6-7, 245 pounds)

Major bust potential. Non-shooting wings like Peat who don’t project to be a difference-making defender rarely stick in the league. In the Final Four, Peat was overwhelmed by Michigan’s size – the kind of length and athleticism he will see nightly in the NBA. 

24. New York Knicks

Isaiah Evans, Duke (G,  6-6, 186 pounds)

The big guard flashed lottery potential at times as a sophomore, but lacked consistency. He went from a spot-up shooter to a multi-faceted scorer in his second season at Duke, and has upside to be a steal in this spot. A potential Landry Shamet replacement if the valuable reserve leaves in free agency. 

25. Los Angeles Lakers 

Tarris Reed Jr., Connecticut (C,  6-10 / 264 pounds)

An old school-style big man, Reed was dominant in Connecticut’s run to the NCAA Tournament championship game, posting 19.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks. Improved as a passer and defender this season, and has the physicality and length with his 7-foot-4 wingspan to be effective against more athletic big men. 

26. Denver Nuggets

Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State (F,  6-8, 246 pounds)

Editor’s note: The author is part of the Iowa State forward’s fan club, and with good reason. He may not have one elite skill, but Jefferson does everything well. He rebounds, he guards, he distributes, he can score and the 3-point shot is improving, too. Productive college players tend to impact winning at the next level – just look at the world champion Knicks. 

27. Boston Celtics

Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s (F,  6-8, 245 pounds)

Detractors point to Ejiofor lacking a true position as an undersized big, and see offensive limitations. A smart team – like the Celtics – focuses on his immense improvement in recent years, his winning traits and high character as valuable assets. The face of the Rick Pitino era at St. John’s has a motor that is difficult to teach. A scout compared him to a modern-day Charles Oakley. 

28. Minnesota Timberwolves

Ebuka Okorie, Stanford (F,  6-1, 186 pounds)

He’s undersized, at 6-foot-1, but that didn’t stop the freshman from averaging 23.2 points and shooting 46.5 percent from the field in the ACC. Okorie can contribute right away in a reserve role, and the Timberwolves will be in need of firepower in the backcourt. Donte DiVincenzo is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon and Bones Hyland could potentially leave through free agency. 

29. Cleveland Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas, Arkansas (G, 6-3, 190 pounds)

The Cavaliers appear committed to running it back with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, and that duo could use more perimeter shooting to space the floor. Enter Thomas, a terrific shooter on the move as well as in spot-up situations. Shot 41.6 percent from 3 as a freshman for John Calipari at Arkansas. Should be able to contribute immediately as a microwave scorer off the bench. 

30. Dallas Mavericks

Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky (C, 6-9, 253 pounds)

If not for questions about his surgically repaired right knee, the rim-running, shot-blocking prospect would have gone in the lottery. After ACL surgery in March of 2025, Quaintance appeared in only four games a year ago. One of them, a win over St. John’s in which he had 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes, showcased his tantalizing talent. 

A new NBA champion being crowned is always followed with the tradition of the other 29 teams asking themselves “what can we learn from this?” or “what does it take for us to reach that mountain?” The thorough ass-kicking the Sixers received from the eventual champion New York Knicks to send them home in the second round of the playoffs made it easy to evaluate their own status as a title contender. In the words of their new front office, they are not one just yet.

Still only a year removed from a franchise-derailing 24-win season, that fact doesn’t present an existential crisis it would have in years past. The Sixers have a long road ahead of them to get back to title contention. A big stretch of that road may very well be patience for VJ Edgecombe to age into his prime.

If this eight-year pattern of no repeat champions continues for the league, there’s definitely a lesson the Knicks have taught the Sixers and the rest of the league when it comes to team building, and it’s that there is no one right way to do it.

The now infamous example of the Knicks bucking conventional wisdom when it comes to roster construction is winning with a small guard as the best player on the team. This has been a hot topic in New York since Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon voiced her concerns about Jalen Brunson being capable of being the best player on a championship team on an ESPN segment back in 2023.

Building their team around a small guard was just the start of the Knicks’ unorthodox path. They hardly built any of their team through the draft. The only rotation regulars they drafted were Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride. Three of their best players spent several years in college as opposed to being one-and-dones. They burned the last of their draft capital in a trade not for a star to push them over the hump, but for a role player.

At no point did the Knicks stop and try to put a team together the “proper” way — they just kept tinkering with pieces around Brunson until the puzzle came into place.

Even perhaps the most universal truth, it takes one of the best players in the world to win a championship, has started to become challenged. Two of these last three champions, the Knicks and the 2024 Celtics, have done so without a top-five player in the league. Both Brunson and Jayson Tatum are surefire All-NBA players, but you’d be hard pressed to find them in the top five in anyone’s player rankings.

The point of this post was inspired the God of Pacers and frankly, basketball coverage, Caitlin Cooper. She pointed out how different in play styles each of the last few champions have been compared to each other. Her observation in the difference in play also highlights how different each team’s path was in getting to the championship.

The Thunder didn’t play like the Celtics, and the Celtics didn’t play like Nuggets, and the Nuggets didn’t play the Warriors, and the Warriors didn’t play like the Bucks. If anything, the lesson from the playoffs is that there isn’t a lesson from the playoffs. Find your own path

— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) June 11, 2026

The Thunder underwent a long rebuild, but still lucked out a bit in acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a part of the Paul George trade. The Celtics were more traditional in building around two top-five draft picks, but the Nuggets didn’t draft their star until the middle of the second round.

If there is one pattern here, it’s that all of these teams still needed a bonafide star to win a championship. That’s been the case even for Brunson and Tatum.

Now, this will matter a whole let less if the 7-foot-4 alien who just lost to the Knicks ends this era of parity, which he and the San Antonio Spurs still look well set up to do. If they don’t, the good news for the Sixers is they believe they have one, potentially two of those guys who can be that in Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey.

With Paul George and Joel Embiid having years left on their contract, it won’t be a straightforward path to get the Sixers to optimize their backcourt. Recent history has shown the path isn’t always obvious.

They just have to find the one that works for them.

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Max Strus’s 2025-26 season was definitely not the plan either the Cleveland Cavaliers or Strus envisioned. However, the Cavaliers needed Strus for the postseason, and from that perspective, he was up to the task.

Regular Season Stats

• 11.2 points
• 5.4 rebounds
• 2 assists
• 44.3% FG
• 40.2% 3PT FG
• 77.8% FT

Late last August, it was announced by the Cavaliers that Strus underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his left foot. It was initially estimated he would be sidelined for three to four months. Well, one setback after another, it became a real concern whether Strus would even be able to suit up for the Cavaliers at all this past season. Then, it was announced with 12 games left in the regular season that Strus would be able to get some minutes under his belt before the postseason.

Strus did his best to make up for lost time in his return. Against Dallas, Strus was running around like a man on fire. His lack of conscience resulted in a 7-9 shooting night (6-7 from three), ending with 24 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes.

While it wasn’t like the Cavaliers were a Strus away from being a title team, he is one of the more adaptable players on the roster. Strus is someone who isn’t just a one-dimensional offensive player, which plagues more of the team’s role players. His ability to operate as a secondary ball handler, get defenders to bite on pull-ups, and try on defense are little things that add to his well-rounded game.

Strus, in his limited 12 games in the regular season, scored in double digits six times. Not too shabby for someone who missed the first 85% of the season. It felt like Strus was able to fast-track his ramp-up period in time for the Cavaliers to make a serious playoff push.

In the postseason, Strus had pivotal performances as the Cavaliers made their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Strus couldn’t find a rhythm against the Knicks, but neither could anyone on the team. However, in the first two rounds, Strus was tasked, along with Dean Wade, with guarding the bigger-bodied ball handlers like Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham, and performed admirably.

Strus is far from an elite defender; however, he did a great job of hustling enough to stay on their hips and playing the role of on-ball pest. Offensively, Strus provided enough with his movement shooting and as a secondary ballhandler.

When you take the one-thousand-foot view of Strus’s season, it is incredible that a guy who could not play for 70 games to start the season was able to step into 25+ minute playoff games for a month and a half. Strus has always been an emotional leader of the Cavaliers. He is someone who has an edge that the team can respond to. This year showed just how valuable he is.

Grade: A-

Last week’s survey centered around the upcoming NBA Draft, which takes place over two days this week, Tuesday and Wednesday. Dallas picks 9th in the draft, a maddening position considering how bad the team was this year.

The first question was a simple yes/no question about your concern level about the availability of players in the draft for the Mavericks when they select in the first round.

A slight majority says yes, they are concerned. That’s the group I fall in, but if you’re hopeful and like the quality of players available in the range Dallas picks in, I get it. There’s a lot of interesting players, so maybe I need to relax.

The second question asked if you want the Mavericks to try to trade up.

A slight majority said no to this question which tracks with the first question. If you believe in Dallas and the players in the range, there’s no need to trade up. Hint, I want them to trade up but know they don’t have the assets to do so.

The third question asked whether you wanted Dallas to trade down (and, theoretically, acquire more assets).

Only two in five fans want Dallas to trade down. The majority of fans seem to want Dallas to stay put and draft whoever is there. Man I get it but this is the last time Dallas has a lottery pick they control maybe for the decade. If you want to place a bet on who the Mavericks might draft, or anyone else in the NBA, you can do so via our partners at FanDuel. It’s fun, I recommend it.

The national poll asked questions about the NBA Finals.

2 out of 3 fans enjoyed the Knicks title fun; count me as one of them. But begrudgingly.

This question is stupid and heavily influenced by Knicks fans. Brunson shouldn’t have beeb allowed to walk, but trading Luka is worse. Come on now.

Most fans think the Thunder come back with a fury and I have to agree.

Look forward to another poll later this week!

It turns out Trae Young won’t be going anywhere.

Just days after he reportedly declined his $49 million player option, Young reportedly plans to sign a four-year, $212 million contract to remain with the Wizards, as the team looks to elevate itself into contention.

The Wizards also hold the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, whose first round is set for Tuesday, June 23.

Young, 27, played just 15 games last season and averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 assists per game. The Hawks traded him in early January, and Young played just five games for Washington, as he dealt with a quad injury. The Wizards, who were in a race for the bottom, also didn’t press the issue and were happy to let Young and Anthony Davis, another acquisition, recover from their injuries.

Now, the Wizards can pair Young with Davis, 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alexandre Sarr and whoever the franchise ends up with Tuesday night.

Young also has the chance to establish himself as the clear leader in the locker room, as the Wizards do have a trio of younger guards who could look to him as a model: Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington.

That could be magnified further if the Wizards opt to select Darryn Peterson out of Kansas with the top selection Tuesday night.

On the other hand, if Washington chooses to select AJ Dybantsa from BYU, Young’s play-making ability could free up Dybantsa to play off the ball more as a slasher.

Either way, the Wizards, who finished with the NBA’s worst record at 17-65, suddenly appear like a team that’s poised to make a leap in 2026-27.

Young, a four-time All-Star, led the NBA in assists two seasons ago with 11.6 per game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trae Young lands four-year, $212M Wizards deal after opting out

As far as all-time fumbles by a franchise go, the Mavericks going from having a young backcourt pairing of Luka Dončić and Jalen Brunson to having neither and nothing to show for it is near the top of the list.

It’s two of the more inexplicable moves in recent NBA history. Dallas watched Brunson excel throughout the 2021-22 season, including the playoffs, and let him walk. Then, two-and-a-half years later, they handed Luka on a silver platter to the Lakers.

Despite both being done dirty by the Mavs — or maybe even because of it — Brunson and Luka have kept a friendship throughout the years. So, when Brunson was on the verge of an NBA title in the Finals, Luka reached out to him, as he recently confirmed in a Spanish interview with the YouTube channel DrafteadosNBA.

Luka says Jalen Brunson is a winner on the court and great guy.
– Did you congratulate JB on his win?

“Of course. Before the last game I said to him “One more” and then when he won I congratulated him and he texted me back, I thought he had a lot of messages”

YT/DrafteadosNBA pic.twitter.com/REPpHzbN1e

— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) June 16, 2026

Given how close he is with so many past and current teammates, it really seems like Luka is one of the best guys in the league. From Brunson to Dorian Finney-Smith to Kyrie Irving to Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves, Luka has so many teammates he’s close with.

Luka did an interview in Slovenia where he revealed he did not watch the Finals, but mainly because the games came on in the middle of the night. He was clearly paying attention to the scores and cheering on his former teammate.

The hope is that, next spring, it’s Brunson sending texts to Luka encouraging him to finish off a Finals win and congratulating him on his first title.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Washington Wizards guard Trae Young intends to sign a maximum contract extension to remain in the nation’s capital, ESPN’s Shams Charania reportedMonday.

BREAKING: Trae Young intends to sign a four-year, approximately $212 million deal to stay with the Washington Wizards, with a player option in Year 4, sources tell ESPN. The four-time NBA All-Star declined his $49M player option for a long-term commitment ahead of free agency. pic.twitter.com/BAGANqomo0

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2026

The reported four-year, $212 million max contract comes days after Young declined his $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

Young’s cap hit will rise by roughly 5% in each season of his four-year, $212M contract extension with the Wizards, sources tell Bullets Forever. The contract culminates with a player option in Year 4.

ESPN reported that Young’s contract was “equal to the max he could’ve signed elsewhere,” which signals Young had a solid free agent market that forced Washington’s front office to offer more money than some originally expected.

Young’s market changed following the league’s updated lottery rules, which brought other teams into the mix. The Wizards signed Young at a comparative league value, giving him the maximum amount opposing teams could’ve offered in free agency.

Washington could’ve offered Young an additional $75 million but signed him for one less year and significantly less money.

Young, 27, was acquired by Washington in a January trade that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Atlanta Hawks. The nine-year veteran averaged 15.2 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 59.5% from the field across five appearances with the Wizards last season.

Young missed 67 games due to several injuries, most notably a quad contusion and an MCL sprain that forced him to miss nearly two months following the trade. Back irritation and another quad contusion caused Young to miss the team’s final 15 contests.

The Oklahoma product was selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021. His best season came in 2021-22 when he averaged 28.4 points and 9.7 assists en route to All-NBA Third Team honors.

Michael Winger revealed on the Ryen Russillo Show that Washington’s front office ranked Young as the top 2026 free agent. Rather than wait for Young to decline his player option and test free agency, the Wizards used their abundance of cap space to acquire him via trade.

Wizards general manager Will Dawkins applauded Young’s court vision and said the organization acquired him to serve as the team’s floor general. With an extension inked, Young’s role is now official as the team’s PG of the future.

“You just see the playmaking, the scoring, the presence that he has for naturally moving and sharing the ball,” Dawkins said in March.

The four-time All-Star guard has averaged at least 25 points and nine assists per game five times in his career. There have only been 16 such seasons in NBA history.

Young led the league in assists three times and is the league’s current active leader in assists per game. He ranks third all time in that category behind Magic Johnson and John Stockton.

Dawkins also praised Young’s desire to be in Washington — a feeling Young shared during a recent appearance on “The Pivot” podcast.

“I wanted to go [to Washington],” Young said. “It’s not like [Atlanta] just shipped me to Washington. Because that wasn’t the case.”

Trae Young said he wanted to come to the Wizards when he discovered he would be traded last season.

“I wanted to go [to Washington]. It’s not like [Atlanta] just shipped me to Washington. Because that wasn’t the case.”

(🎥 via @thepivot) pic.twitter.com/5FVUGwRg6O

— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) June 10, 2026

Young projects as Washington’s starting point guard alongside Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr. That leaves openings in the team’s starting unit for two of the following players: Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson and whoever Washington selects with the No. 1 pick.

No matter the starting lineup, Young believes the Wizards are ready to ascend behind their young core and group of veterans poised for a better season.

“I know our team is gonna be ready,” Young said on The Pivot. “We have young guys who have been through the rebuilding stage. They went through a lot of losing the last few years, and they’re tired of losing. I want to be there with them when we’re winning.”

The Dallas Mavericks have officially hired Dusty May out of the college ranks to guide the team and young star Cooper Flagg into the future. Merely two-and-half months after leading Michigan to the National Championship, May departs Ann Arbor to continue his meteoric rise through the basketball world.

Tyler Edsel has a must-read piece that will tell you all you need to know (and then some) about the Mavs’ new head coach. The tangibles and pedigree are objectively digestible. May is a winner who catapulted Florida Atlantic to heights previously unseen, then helped Michigan cut down the nets for the first time in over 30 years. There are, of course, some fears that go along with a college coach jumping to the NBA, as David Trink articulates by way of the historical track record of such occurrences.

Simply put, May is an unknown quantity in the NBA, despite his impressive track record. Despite that, I would strongly contend that it doesn’t matter. Putting aside the successes of his past and any speculation as to how his future in the NBA will play out, there is an entirely different perspective I can’t help but think about – this is a massive win for the Dallas Mavericks no matter what.

The Mavericks continue to announce their new world order

Weeks ago it was reported that Dallas touched base with both May and Duke’s Jon Scheyer, with both being deemed longshots. From there, news broke about a variety of NBA assistants that were in the running and it appeared likely that would be the direction the Mavs took. Dallas would not be getting a big name ready to make the jump. Then, out of nowhere, May was hired.

This is a massive get for the Mavericks and it comes at a perfect time. Virtually no one expected May to make a move to the NBA. He had it made for at least a few more seasons in Michigan after coming off the National Championship. Dallas’ pursuit of him (and Scheyer) were reported and then almost simultaneously dismissed as a pipe dream. Actually landing May is a statement by the organization.

Masai Ujiri was a breath of fresh air – a first step toward the Mavericks having a professional basketball front office for the first time in years. The immediate follow up was expected to be the always-controversial results of the Draft. No matter the selection, there would be both supporters and detractors. However, Dallas swerved everyone with what I personally view as an indisputable win as the follow-up to the hirings of Ujiri and GM Mike Schmitz. Dallas got their guy despite him being such a longshot, and as intangible as “the get” is, it comes with juice that indicates the new regime in Dallas can make waves. Yes, the production needs to be there on the court, but May has plenty of time to find success as the Mavs rebuild around Flagg. For now, Dallas’ newly minted front office getting “their guy,” who just so happens to be the biggest coaching name in basketball outside the NBA (until a few hours ago), is a huge win for the Mavs. If nothing else, it puts the Mavs in a favorable spotlight and continues to scrub the stain of the past regime as the Mavs further build good will with the fan base. If May’s talents translate to the NBA level (which personally, I feel they will), this hiring could be paying dividends for years to come.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

The Los Angeles Lakers are scrambling for ways to improve a roster that was overwhelmed by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, and one of the players who helped eliminate them may now be on their radar.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers have reached out to Oklahoma City about the availability of veteran wing Lu Dort as they explore potential offseason upgrades.

“I’m also told that the Lakers have called the Thunder about swingman Lu Dort’s availability,” Stein reported on his Substack.

The inquiry comes at a fascinating time for the reigning Western Conference powerhouse. Oklahoma City is facing a roster crunch with 15 players already under contract and two first-round picks in the upcoming draft. That situation has fueled speculation that the Thunder could consider moving Dort after exercising his $17.2 million team option.

The 27-year-old has long been viewed as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders. He earned First Team All-Defense honors during Oklahoma City’s championship run in 2025 and has built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest assignments for opposing stars.

For a Lakers team that finished near the bottom half of the league defensively and struggled to contain Oklahoma City’s athletic wings during the postseason, Dort’s skill set is an obvious fit.

The challenge, however, is convincing the Thunder to move him.

While Dort’s offensive production dipped last season to 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, his defensive value remains significant. Oklahoma City still views him as a key contributor, and any trade would likely require meaningful assets from a Lakers team that is already limited in draft capital.

There are also questions about whether Dort’s offense would complement a roster built around Luka Dončić. After shooting better than 41 percent from three during Oklahoma City’s title season, Dort’s efficiency slipped considerably in 2025-26, raising concerns about spacing alongside the Lakers’ stars.

Still, the reported interest reveals Los Angeles’ priorities this offseason. The Lakers are expected to pursue defensive-minded wings and frontcourt help, with veteran centers Walker Kessler, Mitchell Robinson and Robert Williams III also reportedly on their radar.

Whether a deal ultimately materializes remains uncertain, but the Lakers have clearly identified the type of player that is on their radar.

Michigan chose continuity. It also faced reality. Hiring a college basketball coach in late June is not ideal timing.

The Wolverines, according to multiple reports, will promote Mike Boynton Jr. to interim coach to succeed Dusty May, who’s leaving for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

The key word in that sentence? “Interim.”

That suggests this is a trial run — as it should be.

What's next? Michigan has interim fix to Dusty May exit. But who could be long-term answer?

If Boynton can keep Michigan’s roster together, the Wolverines possess enough talent after signing an elite recruiting class to pursue another deep NCAA Tournament run. Achieve that, and Boynton can shed the interim label.

But, this job is too good for Michigan to commit to Boynton being anything more than a one-year experiment.

Never mind Michigan isn’t a blue blood, it boasts top-tier resources, and money matters more than ever in the buy-a-player landscape. If Boynton wobbles as interim, Michigan should open the job next spring to a full search that ought to attract top candidates.

Keep Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz on speed dial. Schertz would have been a natural heir to May if the job had opened two months ago.

The good news for Michigan? Schertz isn’t going anywhere between now and March. Schertz passed on Syracuse and NC State to stay at SLU — perhaps, because he figured something better would open if he showed patience.

Well, Michigan would fit the bill as something better.

Schertz and May are good pals, too. Before SLU faced May’s Wolverines in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Schertz spoke of his yearslong friendship with May, calling him “an incredible resource.”

“We’re always picking each other’s brain,” Schertz said then.

Josh Schertz would fit Michigan's past playbook of hiring Dusty May

May climbed the ladder from video coordinator to becoming best coach in college basketball. Schertz also knows how to grind. He spent more than a decade coaching in Division II before Indiana State smartly hired him.

Schertz would’ve been an appropriate and qualified successor to his friend. He’s more accomplished than Boynton, who proved a valuable assistant to May, but who made just one NCAA Tournament appearance in seven seasons coaching Oklahoma State, a tenure that quickly got sideways as the FBI investigated assistant coach Lamont Evans for taking bribes.

Schertz’s resume, by comparison, includes multiple D-II Final Fours, an NIT runner-up finish at Indiana State after the NCAA selection committee snubbed the Sycamores, and winning an NCAA Tournament game in his second season at SLU, while setting a school record for wins.

If Schertz outperforms Boynton this season, make the switch.

No need for Michigan to reinvent the hiring wheel. Hiring Schertz next spring would amount to dusting off the “Hire Dusty” playbook by targeting a coach who's proven himself in the NCAA Tournament, but who hasn't peaked yet. May took Florida Atlantic to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons and reached a Final Four before Michigan plundered him. He needed just two seasons to take Michigan to the pinnacle.

Don't get distracted by Billy Donovan

Let Kentucky pine over Billy Donovan. Donovan’s past performance at Florida indicates potential for a high ceiling, but he last coached in college more than a decade ago. His inexperience within the landscape of NIL and transfer free agency would make him a riskier hire than you’d expect for someone with his resume.

Instead of Donovan, Michigan could target a savvy coach on the rise who’s won big without Michigan’s resources — someone like Schertz.

Schertz's brand of up-tempo, unselfish offense that tilts toward the 3-pointer suits the modern game.

“When you look at a lot of our metrics and analytics, we mirror each other (in style),” May said last season, while comparing his Wolverines to Schertz’s Billikens.

Put Michigan’s checkbook in Schertz’s hand, and see if he could replicate his friend’s success.

Mike Boynton is a low-risk trial move

Making Boynton the interim for this season amounts to a low-risk option. If he crushes it, keep him. If not, you’ve burned just one season, and Michigan would be positioned to pursue top candidates at a better stage in the calendar.

While I’d put Schertz near the top of the watch list, the list also should include names like Mark Byington (Vanderbilt), Ben McCollum (Iowa), T.J. Otzelberger (Iowa State) and Grant McCasland (Texas Tech). Like Schertz, they're in-their-prime coaches in their mid to late 40s or early 50s.

If this job had opened in April, I’d have hired any of those guys ahead of Boynton, but the job opened in late June.

That’s a recipe for an in-house interim coach — with a head coach watch list stashed away in Michigan’s top drawer.

Blake Toppmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Josh Schertz makes sense at Michigan if Mike Boynton fizzles

A Knicks primer on the 2026 NBA Draft:

WHERE DO THEY PICK?

The world champs have the No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55 picks in this week’s draft.

Of note, the Knicks have been talking to teams about deals that include the No. 24 pick as recently as Tuesday morning.

WHO HAVE THEY WORKED OUT IN THE NO. 24 TO NO. 31 RANGE?

Michigan PF Morez Johnson Jr.

Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas

Duke wing Isaiah Evans

St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor

UConn forward Alex Karaban

Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile

Houston guard Emanuel Sharp

South Florida big Izaiyah Nelson

Virginia big Ugonna Onyenso

WHAT ARE POSITIONS OF NEED?

That depends on what the Knicks plan to do in free agency. 

Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Sochan, Mohamed Diawara (restricted), Ariel Hukporti (restricted), Kevin McCullar Jr. (restricted) and Trey Jemison (restricted) are free agents. Jose Alvarado has a player option. Miles McBride is eligible for an extension.

If Robinson and Shamet are back, the Knicks probably look at size on the wing or a player who can handle the ball. Ejiofor has some fans in the organization. If they think they are losing Robinson or Hukporti, maybe the Knicks draft a center? Tarris Reed Jr. from UConn would be a strong pick in New York’s range.

**Owner James Dolan said recently on WFAN that he doesn’t want to spend into the second apron. I have to think that Dolan was mistaken, referencing the penalties a team incurs when it is in the second apron for three out of five seasons. The Knicks would need to get into the second apron to re-sign Robinson and Shamet. So it wouldn’t make sense for the club to limit spending at below the second apron. Especially a team coming off of a championship whose best player (Jalen Brunson) took a pay cut to help build out the roster. If Dolan is serious about the second apron, it will significantly impact the Knicks’ offseason.

WHO HAVE THEY WORKED OUT IN THE NO. 55/UNDRAFTED FREE AGENT RANGE?

St. John’s forward Dillon Mitchell 

Miami guard Tre Donaldson 

George Washington center Rafael Castro 

Texas Tech guard Donovan Atwell 

Marshall forward Wyatt Fricks 

Missouri forward Mark Mitchell 

Alabama forward Amari Allen 

Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. 

Hofstra’s Cruz Davis

Here is a full list of players who worked out for the Knicks.

HOW DID THE KNICKS GET THEIR PICKS?

The No. 24 pick is their own first-rounder – which is a rarity for the franchise. As things currently stand, the next time the Knicks have their own first round pick is in 2030. They will send their 2027, 2029 and 2031 first-rounders to Brooklyn as part of the Mikal Bridges trade. They also have a first-round pick swap with the Nets in 2028.

The No. 31 pick is from Washington as part of the 2022 NBA Draft night trade of the No. 11 pick to Oklahoma City. The Knicks will get Washington’s second-round pick in 2026 and 2027 as part of that trade. The deal was executed as part of an effort to clear enough cap space to sign Brunson in free agency.

The No. 55 pick is New York’s own selection. Including the 2026 draft, the Knicks have at least six second-round picks in the next three drafts.

While the Lakers are set to potentially have a lot of cap space this summer, it comes with a lot of moving parts attached.

That cap space is only created if the team renounces the cap holds on certain players — namely LeBron James — and only matters if they have players they want to sign or acquire via trade. It’s going to be a juggling act for the Lakers that could, and likely will, leave someone as the odd man out.

Could that be Rui Hachimura? The wing is set for a big payday after a strong regular season and playoffs as a shooter. In a recent piece for ESPN, Dave McMenamin revealed that some around the league wonder if Rui might have to look elsewhere for that payday.

The biggest unknown is swingman Rui Hachimura. The 28-year-old forward followed up a strong regular season (11.5 points per game on 51.4% from the field and 44.3% from 3) with a brilliant playoffs (17.5 points on 54.9% overall and 56.9% from 3) while playing on an $18.3 million expiring deal.

Several league sources told ESPN they believe Hachimura could be the odd man out and that he might need to explore the market to find a desired deal.

The market for Rui is almost certainly going to be at the mid-level exception, given how few teams have cap space. That will allow the Lakers an idea of what to expect in his next contract and plan accordingly.

But Rui and the rest of the free agents aren’t obligated to wait on the Lakers. If he wants a deal quickly while the team wants to wait to see how things across the league play out, that deal might have to come from some other team.

Having said all that, Rui sounded like someone who has enjoyed his time with the Lakers and the team appears to have interest in retaining him, so they could make him a priority in free agency and ensure a deal is done early.

However, things can change quickly in free agency, which could hurt the Lakers as much as it could benefit them.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Mike Boynton Jr. is reportedly Michigan's choice to serve as interim head basketball coach after Dusty May left for the Dallas Mavericks on June 22.

Boynton joined May's staff in 2024 after serving seven years as Oklahoma State's head coach. Boynton was on Brad Underwood's staff for a year at OSU before Underwood left for Illinois. Boynton was elevated to head coach and posted a 119-109 (.522) record, which included two NIT quarterfinals appearances and a trip to the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

What's next? Michigan may have interim fix to Dusty May exit. But who could be long-term replacement?

Prior to his time in Stillwater, Boynton worked for Underwood for three seasons at Stephen F. Austin. Boynton then followed Underwood to Oklahoma State for one season, before Underwood left for Illinois and Boynton was promoted to head coach.

Here's what to know of Boynton, who's taking over a talented roster capable of repeating as national champions in 2026-27, assuming players don't head for the portal:

Mike Boynton coaching record

Boynton has had assistant coaching stints at Furman, Coastal Carolina, Wofford, South Carolina, Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State, before being promoted to head coach at OSU after Brad Underwood took the Illinois job in 2017. In seven seasons at Stillwater, Boynton posted a 119-109 (.522) record, which included two NIT quarterfinals appearances and a trip to the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

What was Mike Boynton's role at Michigan?

Boynton was hired as an assistant coach on May's inaugural staff at Michigan in 2024, and also served as the program's defensive coordinator.

Mike Boynton NCAA Tournament record

Boynton has a 1-1 record at the NCAA Tournament as a head coach, with his lone win coming against No. 13 seed Liberty 69-60 in the first round in 2021. Oklahoma State subsequently fell to No. 12 seed Oregon State in the second round, sending the Cowboys packing.

It was a disappointing finish for the Cowboys, especially as they were led by future No. 1 overall pick and first-team All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham, now of the Detroit Pistons. It was the only season of his seven as a head coach that his team reached March Madness.

Mike Boynton coaching career timeline

Here's a look at Boynton's full coaching history, including each stop of his career:

• 2004-05: Furman (graduate assistant)
• 2005-07: Coastal Carolina (assistant)
• 2007-08: Wofford (associate head coach)
• 2008-13: South Carolina (assistant)
• 2013-16: Stephen F. Austin (assistant)
• 2016-17: Oklahoma State (assistant)
• 2017-2024: Oklahoma State (head coach)
• 2024-2026: Michigan (assistant)
• 2026-present: Michigan (interim head coach)

Where did Mike Boynton go to college?

Mike Boynton played four seasons at South Carolina, where he later served as an assistant coach from 2008-13.

He started 47 career games for the Gamecocks, averaging 4.3 points with 2.0 assists per game from 2000-04.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Mike Boynton? What to know about Michigan basketball interim coach

We’re now a day away from the 2026 NBA Draft, set to be one of the best of the decade with a strong class of intriguing young prospects. The Sixers, as many of you know, hold the 22nd selection. With the draft closing in fast, talent evaluators from all corners are publishing their final mock drafts ahead of the big night. Let’s check in around the league and see who’s being projected to Philadelphia at 22.

SB Nation: Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance

Let’s keep things on our homecourt, starting with SB Nation. Ricky O’Donnell has the Sixers selecting Jayden Quaintance out of Kentucky, over names such as Ebuka Okorie, Allen Graves and Joshua Jefferson.

For those unfamiliar with Quaintance, my colleague Will Rucker wrote an excellent profile outlining his strengths and weaknesses. The basic rundown: Quaintance is a true bruiser with a legit frame at 6’10, 253 lbs, and a 7’5.25 wingspan. He’s still raw and just 18 years old, which suggests a longer development runway compared to most prospects in this range. The big red flag is health related, as he tore his ACL in February 2025. He played only a few games for Kentucky before being shut down entirely due to knee swelling during the ramp-up process.

Quaintance at 22 would be a big swing, but a healthy version could make this a pick people look back on fondly. He’d blend well alongside Joel Embiid, embracing the dirty work with rebounding and finishes around the basket. By most accounts, though, the knee is a real concern that could cause him to tumble well below 22. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo reported that ‘multiple team sources fear could cause [Quaintance] to miss time next season’. Will the Sixers be willing to take that chance? We’ll know soon enough.

ESPN: Stanford’s Eubka Okorie

Shifting over to ESPN, Jeremy Woo’s yearly mock draft has the Sixers selecting Ebuka Okorie over names such as Chris Cenac Jr., Henri Veesaar, Jayden Quaintance and Zuby Ejiofor.

For those unfamiliar with Okorie, Will Rucker also wrote his draft profile, which can be found here. The basic rundown: Okorie is a small guard (I already hear the comments) at 6’2.5 with a solid 6’7.75 wingspan, legit burst and shiftiness, and stellar ball handling. The red flags are defensive concerns, mainly tied to size rather than effort, and finishing around the basket. That said, he’s one of the better shooters and scorers in this draft, capable of creating his own shot. His numbers test well, and the eye test backs them up. He has one of the deeper bags in this class.

Okorie, in a vacuum, is a solid guard prospect. If the Sixers want a proven scorer, it’s hard to do much better than him. Most of the hesitation here would stem from his size, but after last season’s postseason run, I’d set fit concerns aside. This team just needs guys who can play. Not only can Okorie play, he might be the best prospect on the board at No. 22.

Bleacher Report: Chris Cenac Jr.

Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman is one of the more renowned names in the draft world, and he just published his final intel-based mock draft. At 22, he has the Sixers selecting Chris Cenac Jr. over names such as Hannes Steinbach, Zuby Ejiofor and Meleek Thomas.

For those unfamiliar with Cenac, you can check out Greg Frank’s draft profile on him found here. The gist: he’s a legit big man with a 6’11 frame at 240 lbs. He’s a strong rebounder with a good motor, which bodes well for what the Sixers need. He’s also a strong athlete, capable of running the floor and finishing lobs. On top of that, he’s a willing jump shooter with good mechanics, which would hypothetically open up his game at the power forward position. His weaknesses mainly pertain to overall refinement. He’s a raw player who needs to be coached up to reach his ceiling, gets in foul trouble often, and doesn’t shoot great for his size.

Cenac has long been linked to the Sixers for obvious reasons. They simply need a better answer at backup center, with or without Embiid. Cenac has skills that should translate from day one, and if you believe in his upside, he should be able to play alongside Embiid or without him. It’s hard for me to see Cenac as the best player available at 22, but the theoretical fit is undeniable.

Yahoo Sports: Henri Veesaar

Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor published his mock draft 10.0, with the Sixers taking Veesaar at No. 22 over names such as Tarris Reed, Dailyn Swain, Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor and Joshua Jefferson.

Veesaar is a skilled big man boasting a near 7-foot frame. He’s a smart basketball player, capable of being a connective piece and making quick reads as a playmaker. Offensively, he has soft touch and finishes well around the basket, with floor spacing capability to boot. Defense is where most of the red flags pop up. He isn’t the most athletic big in this draft, being heavy footed and lacking vertical pop on that end. The closest NBA comparison I can think of is Kelly Olynyk, who offers offensive skill but not much on defense outside of rebounding and the occasional block.

While Veesaar is a safe option, he might just be that. The Sixers need an innings eater at the backup five spot, but I’m not sure how much upside Veesaar truly offers beyond what he gives you from day one. I’d comfortably go Swain in this mock draft, but it’s clear many talent evaluators around the league are prioritizing the Sixers adding a young big.

The Athletic: Koa Peat

Finally, we’ll check out The Athletic, spearheaded by Sam Vecenie. In this mock draft, the Sixers go with Koa Peat, over names like Chris Cenac, Tarris Reed, Zuby Ejiofor and Ebuka Okorie.

Peat, like Cenac among many others, is one of the few players we know worked out for the Sixers. The fit makes sense. The Sixers value forwards who can play next to Embiid and embrace the dirty work, and Peat does exactly that. He excels as a rebounder and hustle player, is switchable, and can hang with most wings and even some centers. He has serious bounce and would inject athleticism into the roster. On the other hand, his shot needs serious rework, as he’s essentially a non-factor from range. As a player who relies heavily on physicality, adjusting to bigger, faster, and stronger NBA competition could be a challenge. You’re likely looking at a project player when it comes to Peat.

Peat fits the profile of a player the Sixers should be targeting. At 22, though, better options are likely available. If the Sixers were to trade back into the draft in the second round, he’d be a very intriguing name that makes a lot of sense.