Category: NBA

Surprise! It’s draft season!

It was hard to focus on the NBA Draft when the San Antonio Spurs were playing in the NBA Finals. But slowly, as the series started to slip, I found myself heading over to YouTube to check out the prospects who could be in San Antonio’s range come draft day. Now, with just mere days separating us from the NBA Draft, it’s time to do a full-blown deep dive into who the Spurs may pick on June 23rd.

In past years, there have been months without Spurs basketball where I could watch hours of games to catch up on who San Antonio should draft. This year’s playoff run made that nearly impossible. So, like one of my favorite basketball commentators of all time, Bill Simmons, I studied the 2026 Draft prospects extensively on YouTube. With little time to do individual posts on all of the prospects, they’ll be lumped together in this article on first-round targets.

The Spurs have the 20th, 35th, 42nd, and 44th picks in the draft. It’s highly unlikely they’ll use all four of those picks, so expect some trades up or out of the draft. There is no guarantee that they’ll even make a selection in the second round, as those picks can often be traded for cash. It would make sense for them to look for someone with their first round selection. The 20th pick offers a wide range of outcomes. Past draftees in that spot include Jaylon Tyson, Jalen Johnson, Matisse Thybulle, Caris LeVert, Malaki Branham, Harry Giles III, and Bruno Caboclo.

In this particular draft, it seems unlikely that San Antonio will be able to select a player ready to start or play a significant role as a rookie with the 20th pick. Several players have the potential to develop into quality role players and fill some gaps on San Antonio’s roster, but fans should temper their expectations on the quality of prospects the Spurs can bring in with this pick (unless they trade up or someone falls).

With the scene setting out of the way, let’s take a look at the prospects San Antonio could consider.

Trade up targets:

Yaxel Lendeborg, 6’9” PF/SF, Michigan

30.2 minutes, 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 51.5% shooting, 37.2% three, 82.4% free throw

San Antonio’s number one need this summer is a big forward/wing who can play inside and out. Someone who can bang with bigs inside and rebound to help Victor Wembanyama in the paint, while being able to space the floor. Those players don’t grow on trees. In this draft, Lendeborg might be the most gettable prospect with those skills.

If the Spurs trade up for anyone in the draft, it should be Lendeborg. Yes, he’ll be 24 when he plays his first NBA game, but his skill level and development over his collegiate career give him a high floor with room to grow. Lendeborg could step in on day one and be a physical, slashing big man who could help on the boards, defend inside and out, and space the floor. He fits like a glove in San Antonio and is one of the few prospects in the draft who could step in and play a role on day one.

Morez Johnson Jr., 6’9” PF/C, Michigan

25.1 minutes, 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 62.3% shooting, 34.3% three, 78.2% free throw

This year’s Michigan roster was stacked with NBA post players. It wouldn’t be a shock if the defending National Champions saw three bigs drafted in the lottery this year. Much of that is thanks to Johnson Jr.’s ascent over the last few months.

Johnson Jr. would give San Antonio a lot of the versatility they need in the frontcourt. He’s an imposing physical and athletic presence who can gobble up boards inside and is quick enough to guard on the perimeter. He’ll be able to step into the league and compete on the offensive glass and serve as a rim-runner offensively as a rookie. He has a developing jump shot that could turn him from an undersized hustle big man to a legit floor spacing workhorse. Trading up for Johnson Jr. would signal that the Spurs believe in his jump shot and that he could play alongside Wembanyama or back him up.

Hannes Steinbach, 6’10” PF/C, Washington

34.6 minutes, 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 57.7% shooting, 34% three, 75.9% free throw

San Antonio may never lose the rebounding war ever again if they draft Steinbach to play alongside Wembanyama. The Washington freshman is a tough, big, rebounding forward/center who exploded onto the scene this year. He’s adept at scoring around the basket, converting on 67.2% of his looks at the rim in half-court settings, and will get out and finish plays in transition.

There are question marks around Steinbach’s defensive positioning. Is he quick enough to guard smaller fours? Can he protect the rim well enough to play center? With Wembanyama, those defensive questions become less important, especially if he’s able to do more of the dirty work on the glass and score around the basket. The real swing skill for Steinbach is his jump shot. He showed signs of shooting touch in his freshman season, hitting 18 threes at a 34% clip. If his jump shot continues to develop, he’d be an ideal offensive fit with Wembanyama as a big man who can score inside and out.

In range at #20:

Cameron Carr, 6’5” Wing, Baylor

33.7 minutes, 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 49.4% shooting, 37.4% three, 80.1% free throw

Pretty much every player on this list fills a similar niche: a versatile big/wing who can join Wembanyama in the Spurs’ frontcourt. Carr is not that, but he could be just as valuable. The 21-year-old wing is a knockdown three-point shooter with some crazy vertical pop. Go watch the way Carr leaps for dunks and blocks and tell me you aren’t impressed.

San Antonio needs more floor spacers at all positions. They were over-reliant on Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell to hit open threes this season. Adding Carr would give them another shooter who would thrive in San Antonio’s up-tempo system. He can score as an off-ball cutter who finishes athletically at the rim and defend off the ball as a defender who plays aggressively in the passing lanes and erases shots at the rim with his 42.5-inch vertical. Carr needs to add more strength and become a more physical player overall, but his combination of shooting touch and athleticism would make him an exciting addition to San Antonio’s growing young core.

Allen Graves, 6’8” PF/C, Santa Clara

22.6 minutes, 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 51.2% shooting, 41.3% three, 75% free throw

Graves finds himself mock-drafted to the Spurs more than any other player. He fits exactly what they need as a versatile forward with good defensive instincts and a nice jump shot. Graves needs to get more physical around the rim and find a way to defend without fouling, but his combination of defensive playmaking, rebounding, floor spacing, and passing makes him an intriguing bet for San Antonio at 20.

Graves doesn’t seem like the type of player who can come in and play an immediate role on a title contender. He came off the bench for a WCC school in his sole collegiate season and played limited minutes. The Spurs could develop him into a long-term frontcourt partner with Wembanyama and use his versatility to give them another look in their big-man rotation.

Karim Lopez, 6’8” Wing, New Zealand Breakers

25.8 minutes, 11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 50.2% shooting, 32.6% three, 71.7% free throw

Lopez would best be described as a power player. He uses his size, frame, and physicality to score on tough drives in the half-court and transition. He does a lot of the things San Antonio needs in a wing/forward. He was fairly productive in the NBL, a professional league in Australia and New Zealand, but his question marks on defense and from three-point range have left him out of the lottery conversation.

Lopez showed flashes as a standstill shooter, but hit just 32.6% from three in his second season in the NBL. Defensively, he struggles to stay in front of athletic offensive players, and he allows players to back-cut after ball-watching off the ball. If San Antonio were to select Lopez, they would be betting on his physical tools and feel for the game, with the belief that his jump shot and defense can develop.

Jayden Quaintance, 6’9” C, Kentucky

(USING FRESHMAN YEAR STATS) 29.5 minutes, 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 52.5% shooting, 18.8% three, 47.9% free throw

The idea of Quantaince is exciting. He’s an athletic big man who is one heck of a defensive playmaker. The drop off in rim protection from Wembanyama to Quaintance would be like going from an A+ to an A. The reason he will be available where the Spurs are selecting is that it’s unclear when he will be able to play and how healthy he will be.

Quaintance tore his ACL in February of 2025 and has not recovered since. He played in just 4 games his sophomore year at Kentucky, dealing with complications from the injury. Not only are teams worried about his knee’s health, but also whether the experience has sapped some of his athleticism. It’s not just health with Quaintance; he’s also an extremely limited offensive player who will be best at rim running at the next level.

San Antonio is one of the few teams that make sense for Quaintance. There aren’t a ton of “win-now” prospects at 20 in this draft, and the Spurs’ rotation is already overflowing with logjams. San Antonio could select Quaintance, let him rehab and develop in the G League for a year, and then plan to unleash him behind Wembanyama in the years to come. Selecting Quaintance at 20 would be a long play, but one that could ultimately solve a lot of the Spurs’ backup big man problems for years to come.

Dailyn Swain, 6’7” Wing, Texas

32.8 minutes, 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 54.2% shooting, 34.4% three, 81.5% free throw

Swain played a crucial role for the Longhorns this year, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament in his breakout junior season. He has good size for a wing, is an excellent ball-handler and driver for the position, and has potential as a defensive playmaker. Off the ball, he’ll be a strong cutter, but won’t be an elite floor spacer, as he has a slow, inconsistent jump shot. He’ll be at his best with the ball in his hands at the NBA level. That’s a bit of a problem for his fit in San Antonio, since they already have a lot of ball-dominant players on the roster.

To a certain extent, San Antonio should draft the best player available at 20. If Swain is available at 20, he’d certainly be among the best prospects they could select. Do the Spurs need a ball-dominant handling wing who doesn’t space the floor? Probably not. But he would give them another offensive weapon in a bench unit that struggled to score at times in the playoffs.

Reaches:

Chris Cenac Jr., 6’10” PF/C, Houston

24.8 minutes, 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 48.5% shooting, 33.3% three, 62.1% free throw

Cenac Jr., in theory, would be an awesome fit next to Wembanyama. He’s got great size and athleticism, and projects to eventually shoot the ball consistently from three. He’s already a strong rebounder, has a ton of defensive tools, and could develop into an interesting offensive player who could dribble, pass, and shoot as a stretch 4/5. The problem is that a lot of these skills are theoretical. They came out in flashes during his freshman season at Houston, but most of the time, he was a weaker forward who played more like a wing than a center.

Selecting Cenac Jr. would be a developmental pick for the Spurs. Like Carter Bryant, he’d be a toolsy prospect who could maybe get some spot minutes, but has not consistently put it all together to earn significant minutes. San Antonio could take Cenac Jr., develop him in the G League for a year or two, and slowly work him into the rotation over time.

Koa Peat, 6’7” PF, Arizona

27.8 minutes, 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 52.8% shooting, 35% three, 62.3% free throw

Jeremy Sochan never found his footing with the Spurs, mostly because his offensive game couldn’t complement the rest of the roster. Peat gives me those same worries.

The Arizona freshman is a fierce competitor who has won at every single level. He’s a really strong athlete who bullied his way to the basket in college and high school. He shows intriguing upside as a playmaker, mid-range scorer, and versatile defender. The problem is that he cannot shoot. He went 7-20 from three-point range and only shot 62.3% from the free-throw line in his freshman season. What will his offensive role be for the Spurs if he’s not spacing the floor?

Peat has the pedigree and demeanor to be a winner at the NBA level. But it’s so uncertain how his skills will translate to the next level, and you have to squint to find a fit for him with the Spurs. San Antonio has done a great job drafting high-character winners in the last few seasons, like Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. If they value that above all else, Peat could be the selection at 20.

Joshua Jefferson, 6’8” PF, Iowa State

30.9 minutes, 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 47.1% shooting, 34.5% three, 70% free throw

Boris Diaw and Kyle Anderson. Those are the type of players that Spurs fans most often say they want on this team. Well, there might just be one of those guys in the draft. Jefferson is a slower, athletically limited player who thinks the game incredibly well. He’s an awesome playmaker and rebounder at his position while defending and scoring well as a senior at Iowa State. His jump shot came a long way, as he showed the ability to hit standstill threes this year. There are still significant questions about his athleticism and shot-making ability at the NBA level.

Jefferson, in my eyes, is the perfect fit for the Spurs. He can dribble, pass, shoot (kind of), rebound, and defend. He’s able to push the pace in transition and move the ball well in the half-court. If the shot continues to improve, he’ll space the floor alongside Wembanyama while providing some of the toughness San Antonio needs inside. A lot of people have a second-round grade on Jefferson, but his unique set of skills makes him an intriguing reach candidate for San Antonio at 20.

Henri Veesaar, 6’11” C, North Carolina

31.4 minutes, 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 60.8% shooting, 42.6% three, 61.5% free throw

The Spurs need another look in their front court. Luke Kornet is a solid screener, paint protector, and rebounder. He does the dirty work you need from a backup big, but he lacks the offensive pop and shot blocking that San Antonio could use against more athletic teams. Veesaar could be a great change of pace with his size, shot blocking, and floor spacing.

Veesaar is a weaker big man who struggles with physicality. Players will try to go through him when he’s defending, and they’ll try to take advantage of his lack of strength when he’s rolling or trying to finish around the rim. Because of that, it’s not a sure thing he’ll be able to play alongside Wembanyama even with his three-point shot. The Spurs would be incredibly thin in the front court with him and Wembanyama being their two bigs. On the flip side, Veesaar and Wembanyama would be incredibly tough to score over the top of, and could cause a lot of challenges for defenses with their floor spacing ability. Veesaar is another player who could be available with San Antonio’s second-round selections.

Isaiah Evans, 6’6” Wing, Duke

28.2 minutes, 15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.7 steals, 43.3% shooting, 36.1% three, 86% free throw

You can always use more shooting, and Evans is one of the best movement shooters in the draft. He hit huge shots for Duke in his two seasons there. A lot of those shots were with a high degree of difficulty, which bodes well for his ability to knock down threes with more space at the next level. Every aspect of his game stems from that shooting ability. His drives usually come from attacking hard closeouts, and his gravity as a shooter can open up lanes for others. He is improving as a defender, but still leaves a lot to be desired on that end. He’s also not much of a playmaker on the wing.

If San Antonio just wants to add more shooting, they could do a lot worse than Evans. There is a chance the Duke sophomore falls to the second round. At 20, he’s a bit of a reach, but at 35, he’d be a worthwhile flyer who could develop into a solid movement shooter off the bench.

What's the 2026 NBA Draft order? Here's a list of all 60 picks originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The NBA Finals just ended, but it’s already time for the league’s next event.

This week, all 30 teams will get a chance to add some young talent to their roster with the 2026 NBA Draft.

Just a few days after the New York Knicks’ championship parade, the two-day draft will take place across the East River in Brooklyn.

This year’s draft is one of the most anticipated in years, with several star prospects at the top of the board and a handful of potential gems later in the first round.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the updated order and more draft info:

Who has the first pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?

The Washington Wizards are picking first overall after winning the lottery with the best odds. In the drawing, the Wizards converted their 14.0% chance at landing the top pick into reality, with the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls filling out the top four slots.

This draft is headlined by four elite prospects, including BYU forward AJ Dybantsa, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, Duke forward Cameron Boozer and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.

What’s the 2026 NBA Draft order?

As with any year, the draft order is fluid. There will be trades before, during and after the draft this week, so don’t get comfortable with the current order just yet.

Here’s an updated look at the full draft order for all 60 picks in 2026 (as of Sunday, June 21):

1. Washington Wizards
2. Utah Jazz
3. Memphis Grizzllies
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Los Angeles Clippers (from Indiana)
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Atlanta Hawks (from New Orleans)
9. Dallas Mavericks
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Golden State Warriors
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LA Clippers)
13. Miami Heat
14. Charlotte Hornets
15. Chicago Bulls (from Portland)
16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Phoenix via Orlando)
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Philadelphia)
18. Charlotte Hornets (from Orlando via Phoenix)
19. Toronto Raptors
20. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta)
21. Detroit Pistons (from Minnesota)
22. Philadelphia 76ers (from Houston via Oklahoma City)
23. Atlanta Hawks (from Cleveland)
24. New York Knicks
25. Los Angeles Lakers
26. Denver Nuggets
27. Boston Celtics
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit)
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio via Atlanta)
30. Dallas Mavericks (from Oklahoma City via Washington and Philadelphia)
31. New York Knicks (from Washington via Oklahoma City and Houston)
32. Memphis Grizzlies (from Indiana via Milwaukee)
33. Brooklyn Nets
34. Sacramento Kings
35. San Antonio Spurs (from Utah via Minnesota)
36. Los Angeles Clippers (from Memphis via Utah and Atlanta)
37. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Dallas)
38. Chicago Bulls (from New Orleans via Boston, Detroit and Portland)
39. Houston Rockets (from Chicago via Washington)
40. Boston Celtics (from Milwaukee via Orlando)
41. Miami Heat (from Golden State via Charlotte, New York, Oklahoma City and Atlanta)
42. San Antonio Spurs (from Portland via New Orleans)
43. Brooklyn Nets (from LA Clippers via Houston)
44. San Antonio Spurs (from Miami via Indiana)
45. Sacramento Kings (from Charlotte via San Antonio, Atlanta and New York)
46. Orlando Magic
47. Phoenix Suns (from Philadelphia via Houston and Oklahoma City)
48. Dallas Mavericks (from Phoenix via Washington)
49. Denver Nuggets (from Atlanta via Brooklyn and Golden State)
50. Toronto Raptors)
51. Washington Wizards (from Minnesota via Detroit and New York)
52. Los Angeles Clippers (from Cleveland)
53. Houston Rockets
54. Golden State Warriors (from LA Lakers via Toronto, Miami and Cleveland)
55. New York Knicks
56. Chicago Bulls (from Denver via Minnesota, Phoenix, Charlotte and Phoenix)
57. Atlanta Hawks (from Boston)
58. New Orleans Pelicans (from Detroit via New York, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Orlando and LA Clippers)
59. Minnesota Timberwolves (from San Antonio via Indiana)
60. Washington Wizards (from Oklahoma City via San Antonio and Miami)

What are the 2026 NBA Draft dates?

The NBA draft will take place over two days for the third straight year. The first round, which includes the first 30 picks, is on Tuesday, June 23, followed by Round 2 on Wednesday, June 24.

What is the 2026 NBA Draft location?

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets in New York, is hosting the entire draft. The arena has hosted the draft annually since 2013, with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic.

If you were unaware that the Draft is this upcoming Tuesday, you aren’t alone. Wes is just as shocked! With the playoffs ending for the Pistons early in June, the NBA draft really seems to have snuck up on us with all the rumors and excitement surrounding potential free agents and trade targets for the Pistons to improve on last season’s 60-win pace. But, what about the draft? Sitting at pick #21, the Pistons should have a few very good, young players available for them to choose from. The guys brought in draft expert Stephen Gillaspie from No Ceilings NBA to break down all the potential players who could and should excite Pistons fans come Tuesday evening. Stephen breaks down all of Ebuka Okorie, Joshua Jefferson, Cameron Carr, Karim Lopez, Yaxel Lendeborg and more in this NBA draft deep dive!

We’ve got you covered for all this and more in this week’s episode!

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The Knicks’ run to the 2026 NBA championship didn’t just ignite the city and break a half-century curse, it was one of the most dominant runs in recent history. After falling behind 2-1 to Atlanta in the first round, the Knicks rattled off 13 consecutive postseason victories, tied for the second-longest streak ever.

It’s fair to ask where this team ranks compared to other champions. Few plowed through their conference like these Knicks, and though they’ll have additional chances to run it back with this core, even this year alone may put them in a higher tier than most.

To narrow down the scope, we’ll focus on this millennium’s champions, the past 26 dating back to 2000. Let’s dive in.

New York’s best historic argument would be the statistical one. Its constant drubbing of Eastern Conference foes -- including wins by 51, 39 and 37 points in each of the first three rounds, respectively -- profiles it among the most dangerous squads in history.

Its average margin of victory topped any of the recent champions’, even the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors and 2000-01 Los Angeles Lakers, legendary teams that boasted through the postseason with only one loss apiece. They also topped the list in offensive rating, sneaking by the 2023 Denver Nuggets.

Its defensive metrics can’t stack up to the radically different era of the 2000s, though it boasted the best defensive rating of everybody in the NBA’s recent parity streak of no repeat champions. It finished on par with the 2005 San Antonio Spurs and 2019 Toronto Raptors for reference -- not as impenetrable as the peak Warriors or LeBron James’ Heat, but no slouches either.

Fans will often point to the strength of a champion’s opponents, and here the Knicks have a tough hill to climb. In terms of strictly regular season record, New York is in the bottom tier when compared to other champs, beating a couple teams that finished in the mid 40s.

Standouts include the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers that dethroned the 73-win Warriors, plus the early 2000s Lakers that had to fight through multiple high-50s winners. In New York’s defense, its final foe was a 62-win Spurs team, the second-toughest record any team trumped in the championship round within the past 26 years, with a nasty net rating to boot.

What about on-paper talent? People might have viewed Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart as far less of a super team mere weeks ago, but we’re effectively talking about an MVP-caliber player, two more top-25 guys, collectively four All-Star level players plus a couple star role players.

Unfortunately for New York, this isn’t much of a separator when stacked up against dynastic teams like the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers, the four-time champion Spurs and most LeBron teams. Even one-offs like the 2008 Boston Celtics or 2004 Detroit Pistons are debatable.

But championships aren’t won on paper, they’re won on the court. Unfortunately, we won’t ever get to see these Knicks compete with the greats that came before them. 

Were they able to, even the most optimistic of Knicks fans wouldn’t be able to expect an edge over the dynastic Lakers, Spurs and Warriors. That already puts them far behind in the rankings, though their talent and production would make them a good fight for the champions that didn’t reign over multiple seasons.

They have a strong argument for being one of the better teams since Kevin Durant left the Warriors and the NBA failed to find a repeat champion. New York topped Boston in last year’s playoffs when neither were at their peaks, routinely dominated Denver in recent years, and are deeper than the 2020 Lakers or 2021 Bucks. 

Dig back further and things get murkier. LeBron’s earlier championship teams and Bryant’s latter-year Lakers certainly wouldn’t be easy.

Until we get a chance to see this group try to recapture its magic over the next few seasons, it will be hard to paint it in an appropriate historical context. What we know for sure was this was a standout run to the title from a standout collective of professionals, and the NBA should fear what they do next.

The Golden State Warriors enter next week’s NBA Draft facing one of the most important decisions of general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s tenure. Armed with the No. 11 pick, does the front office keep the selection and add a young talent, or use it in a trade to either move around the draft board or acquire an established veteran?

If our latest SB Nation Reacts survey is any indication, Warriors fans have already made up their minds. According to the poll, 72% of fans believe Golden State should keep the No. 11 overall pick rather than use it in a trade.

It’s easy to understand why fans feel this way. The Warriors are coming off a disappointing 37-45 season and enter next year with more questions on their roster than answers. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are both expected to miss a big portion of the season after suffering significant leg injuries, while Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continue to battle Father Time as they approach their age-39 and age-37 seasons, respectively.

The aging roster and questions about the team’s overall talent level have also been reflected in the betting markets. FanDuel Sportsbook currently gives the Warriors +8000 odds to win the 2026-27 NBA championship, placing them well outside the league’s group of true contenders.

With those long odds, it makes sense why many fans appear to prefer a more measured approach. The No. 11 pick gives the Warriors an opportunity to add an inexpensive young player to a roster that badly needs an injection of youth, athleticism, and long-term upside. In a draft class widely regarded as one of the deepest in recent years, holding onto the selection may ultimately prove more valuable than chasing another short-term move.

Whether the front office agrees with its fanbase remains to be seen. But if the poll is any indication, Warriors fans would prefer to see Golden State use this year’s draft to strengthen both its present and its future.

Winning the championship made everything so good that I have been reading old P&T posts from nearly 20 years ago and rewatching early-aughts Knicks games, feeling great about it. Just imagine.

This machine never stops, even on Father’s Day, so here’s the latest I’ve gathered from the interwebs.

• The New York Post’s Jared Schwartz wrote a little piece for the early haters and the doubters who will inevitably, sooner or later, say the Knicks will have it impossible to become the next back-to-back champs. JS split the obstacles on the road into “Likely Threats,” “Variables,” and some internal business NYK needs to handle before next season. Anyway, never not enjoyable to read sentences like “Pistons exposed as frauds” and “Celtics overachieved.”
• The masses read the comments section… or the comments section’s inhabitants represent the masses. That’s why Stephen A. Smith was rained with boos as he joined the latest Roomates Show live at Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Either that, or the folks love Deuce so much.
• The Jalen Brunson statue talk is getting serious, with @newyorkers founder Benjamin Cohen going all-in for it. Cohen spoke to the NYP to discuss his ideas, and one can’t argue he’s got everything planned. “We’re at a stage where we have an artist and we have a private property in walking distance from Madison Square Garden,” he said, and hey, kudos to the artist, but I’m personally undecided about that mockup. “I hope that the city and Madison Square Garden will step up. If they don’t, we’re gonna make it happen.” That, I can agree with.
• Our friends from SNY have put together a solid Mock Draft roundup covering pretty much every MD published by all major outlets heading into Tuesday’s NBA Draft. As a fellow Latin man, I found it rather charming and surprising to find Mexican forward Karim Lopez projected to land in New York at No. 24 in CBS’s mock. The other predictions are more in line with what we have in mind, and the names linked to the Knicks are those of the usual suspects. Too bad, nobody is projecting the Knicks to go for a St. John’s standout. Suckers! Get a better idea of a bunch of possibilities by checking our own Draft Guide!
• Very long Q&A with Papa KAT at The Post. Worth reading in full.
• OAKAAK Jeremy Lin has been in the spotlight more during the past month than he was for the last decade, and he keeps squeezing the beat. According to Lin, who experienced the Knicks’ life from inside and seemingly stayed in New York to know the organization and all its inner workings, albeit 14 years removed from it, New York won the title because of much more than what went down on the court.

“It’s team and its grit, right? The team starts with [Jalen] Brunson giving up 113 million. And the grit, every time someone needs to step up, somebody does. Whether it’s OG or Mikal or Josh Hart, even Alvarado. They always have somebody that steps up and makes a difference and so really just their ability to create winning plays that’s something it just feels like every time it’s close, the Knicks are going to find a way.

“The team starts, you know, in college, them learning how to win, them dealing with pressure, them being clear-minded and focused in the clutch in endgame situations, getting used to that.

“Also, a lot of credit to Mike Brown coming in, the atmosphere, the culture, the way they talk about each other – you can just feel it.” “You can feel they really love each other, they root for each other… They just don’t care about individual stats.”

• Cute Country Boy Mitch Robinson had quite the gesture with his neighbors right before heading to Broadway. Shout-out Big Mitch!
• Speaking of gestures, OG Anunoby also had a feline one.
• Have you seen this man?
• Here’s another question for you to guess: which sport and dream pro team was Big Bogeda close to pursuing and aiming to join one day before locking into basketball? KAT spoke about his young life and early career decisions on Saturday.
• Non-Knicks (or maybe it is?) list item. The Timberwolves want to move up (h/t HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto) in the draft board—they own the No. 28 selection—and they are exploring moves involving Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to sweeten a deal that gets the franchise to the podium quicker on Tuesday. Thoughts on potential landing spots?
• Per the same Scotto report, there’s a lot going on around the league. Quick summary here, but go read the full piece.
  • The Miami Heat seemingly have the best package—Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and first-round draft compensation—to offer Milwaukee in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and are gaining traction again after the latest Celtics/Jaylen Brown rumors.
  • The Detroit Pistons have shown interest in Tyler Herro and could become the third team in a multi-team trade.
  • The Clippers are interested in Jaylen Brown if the Bucks don’t want to build around him following a three-team deal.
  • The Orlando Magic are deciding between building around one of Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs, but likely not both.
  • RJ Barrett—on an expiring $29.62 million contract—has drawn trade interest in multi-team conversations involving the Toronto Raptors.
  • Isaiah Hartenstein is expected to remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder, though the structure could involve either his team option or a new multi-year deal.
  • Lu Dort is likely gone from OKC, with reports linking him to the LA Lakers.

No Knicks game later today, just in case.

Most of the time when we run these SB Nation Reacts polls at Canis Hoopus, I have a pretty good idea where the results are headed before the votes even start rolling in. It is a product of spending time in the comments section, and understanding the mood of Wolves Nation. There are certain questions where the answer feels almost preordained.

This week, though, I was caught a little off guard. Not necessarily by the winner, because the answer makes a painful amount of sense. What surprised me was the margin. We asked the Canis Hoopus faithful what the biggest thing standing between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the 2027 NBA title is, and the options were legitimate. We listed real, championship-level threats.

There was Oklahoma City, sitting there like the league’s fully weaponized basketball laboratory. The Thunder have the two-time league MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a championship already tucked into their belt, a roster that plays with relentless intensity, and more assets than just about anyone else in the league to keep tinkering, adjusting, and improving. They are young, loaded, battle-tested, and somehow still positioned to get better.

There was San Antonio, the team that ended Minnesota’s season in the second round and then kept right on moving. The Spurs are the reigning Western Conference champions, led by Victor Wembanyama. He headlines a young core that is still learning, still growing, and already ahead of schedule. That is the scary part. The Spurs were not supposed to be this far along this quickly, and yet there they were, sending the Wolves home and announcing that their timeline may not care about anyone else’s plans.

And then there were the newly crowned NBA champion New York Knicks, who now stand at the top of the league with Minnesota’s former franchise star Karl-Anthony Towns and the impossible-to-rattle Jalen Brunson leading the way. The Knicks did what the Timberwolves could not do. They took down San Antonio convincingly in the NBA Finals, winning the title and putting an end to one of the longest droughts in professional sports. That team is not going anywhere either. They have toughness, identity, star power, and the kind of championship validation that turns confidence into something more dangerous. If the Wolves can claw their way through the Western Conference gauntlet, there is every chance New York could be waiting on the other side.

Those are three extremely legitimate answers. Any one of them would have made sense. You could have voted Thunder, Spurs, or Knicks and defended the choice without breaking a sweat. But according to Wolves fans, none of those teams represented the biggest threat to Minnesota’s title hopes.

Neither did injuries, which is a little remarkable considering injuries absolutely helped cripple the Wolves this past postseason. Anthony Edwards was dealing with two bad knees. Naz Reid had the shoulder issue. Ayo Dosunmu was slowed by the calf. And most significantly for next season, Donte DiVincenzo will be recovering from a ruptured Achilles, leaving a major question mark hanging over Minnesota’s rotation before the 2026-27 season even begins. Ant, Naz, and Ayo’s issues should theoretically improve with an offseason of rest and recovery. DiVincenzo’s injury is different. Donte is not walking through that door in October ready to pick up where he left off. Whether Wolves fans see him at all next season remains very much up in the air, and even if he does return, it is fair to wonder when he will look anything like the version of himself this team expected to have.

For those who have watched DiVincenzo closely over the last two seasons, his absence cannot simply be waved away. It is easy to look at his role statistically and convince yourself that Minnesota can paper over the loss with Dosunmu, more minutes for others, or some clever reshuffling from Chris Finch. But Donte’s value was never just the box score. It was the toughness. It was the willingness to dive across the floor for a loose ball in January. It was the hustle plays, the defensive pressure, the edge, the three-point shooting, and the little bursts of energy that helped raise the team’s temperature when things started to drift. Anyone who thinks losing that will not matter does not fully understand what he brought to this roster. Going to war without the Big Ragu puts the Wolves behind the eight ball before the first game has even tipped.

And still, even with all of that, the injury bug was not the top answer.

No, Canis Hoopus voters overwhelmingly declared that the biggest thing standing between the Timberwolves and the 2027 NBA title is the Timberwolves themselves. When I put that option in the poll, I will admit, it was at least partially tongue-in-cheek. But the more you sit with it, the more obvious it becomes that the answer was not a joke at all. It was probably the most accurate option on the board.

If you understand this roster, if you have watched the Wolves at their best, you know there is enough talent here to compete with anyone. That is what makes the frustration so intense. This is not a team trying to convince itself it belongs in the conversation. This is not a scrappy overachiever hoping to steal a round. The Timberwolves have a top-tier superstar, elite defenders, versatile bigs, real depth, and enough shot-making to run with the best teams in the league when everything is connected. They have already proven they can beat Denver. They have shown they can hang with Oklahoma City. They took games from San Antonio despite being compromised. The ceiling is not imaginary. We have seen it. That is why the floor stings so much.

It starts, of course, with Anthony Edwards. He will be 25 when next season tips off, right on the doorstep of his prime, and at some point the conversation has to shift from what Ant might become to what Ant is willing to demand from himself and everyone around him. He has been through multiple NBA seasons now. He has played in multiple long postseason runs. He has seen what happens when a team tries to flip the switch too late. He has felt the physical toll of getting to the Conference Finals and the emotional toll of coming up short when the path is sitting right there in front of you.

A fully mature, fully locked-in Anthony Edwards may very well be the most dangerous weapon the NBA has to offer. That is not hyperbole. When he combines his athleticism, shot-making, defensive force, playmaking growth, and competitive fire, there are very few players in the league who can match the total package. The question is whether that version shows up consistently over 82 games and four playoff rounds. Is next season the year Ant stops saving his highest engagement level for the biggest opponents and starts setting the tone every night? Is this the year he stops drifting into hero-ball possessions when the offense bogs down and instead learns how to manipulate the entire floor like the best postseason performers do? Has the pain of the last few playoff exits burned into him what it actually takes to win a championship, not just in moments, but as a daily standard?

That is the next step. Not another highlight. Not another fourth-quarter explosion that makes everyone remember why he is special. The next step is leadership through consistency. It is setting the temperature in November so the team is not scrambling to rediscover its identity in April. It is understanding that the regular season is not a chore to endure, but the place where habits are built. It is realizing that the great ones do not simply rise to the moment; they prepare so relentlessly that the moment has no choice but to meet them.

Then there is Julius Randle, assuming he remains on the roster. There may not be a more fascinating, maddening, and important swing piece on this team. When Randle is right, he gives Minnesota something it desperately needs: a second offensive force who can create his own shot, bully smaller defenders, punish mismatches, and draw attention that opens the floor for everyone else. Peak Julius is not some theoretical concept. We have seen it. There are nights when he looks like exactly the kind of co-star Edwards needs, a bruising, playmaking, downhill force who makes the Wolves more physical and more difficult to guard.

But the issue has never been whether Randle can reach that level. The issue is whether he can live there often enough. Can he get out of his own way? Can he avoid the moodiness, the inconsistency, the possessions where the ball sticks and the offense turns into a wrestling match against five defenders? Can he be the reliable second option this team needs rather than a nightly mystery box? The Wolves do not need Randle to be perfect. They need him to be dependable. They need the version that wears opponents down, rebounds with force, defends with engagement, and understands that his greatest value comes when he is not trying to prove everything on one possession.

Jaden McDaniels faces a different kind of challenge. We saw against Denver what it looks like when Jaden turns defense into a personal vendetta. There were stretches where he looked like he was trying to remove Jamal Murray from the concept of basketball. That version of McDaniels is terrifying. The question is whether he can bring that edge night after night over the long grind of the regular season. Can he turn that playoff defensive intensity into an 82-game reign of terror on opposing offenses? Can he pair it with enough offensive aggression to punish teams that ignore him, get to his spots, and avoid becoming a corner statue waiting for the occasional kick-out three?

That matters because the Wolves are not at their best when Jaden is simply a defensive specialist. They are at their best when he is a two-way problem. When he is defending the other team’s best perimeter player on one end and then attacking with confidence on the other, Minnesota’s ceiling rises dramatically. He does not need to become a 22-point-per-game scorer. He needs to be assertive enough that opponents cannot treat him like a passenger.

The broader question is whether the entire team can finally get off the roller coaster. That was the theme of last season, and frankly, of too many stretches before it. The Wolves would look like a championship team one night and then spend the next game wandering around aimlessly. They would build a lead, then act personally offended by the idea of maintaining it. They would put an opponent on the ropes and then inexplicably step back, allowing the other team to breathe, regroup, and punch back.

That cannot be who this team is if it wants to win a championship. The small plays have to become non-negotiable. Rebounds. Rotations. Closeouts. Free throws. Taking care of the ball. Not letting a 14-point lead become a two-point game because everyone decided to chuck threes and stop defending. Not treating lower-tier opponents like optional homework. If the Wolves want a top seed, and they should, it cannot be because someone tells them home court is important. It has to come from pride, from competitiveness, from the desire to build habits that survive the playoffs.

Because yes, the Wolves have proven they do not need a top seed to win a series. They have won on the road, they have won as underdogs, and they have survived hostile environments. But that does not mean seeding does not matter. It does not mean habits do not matter. It does not mean you can sleepwalk through half the regular season and assume the best version of yourself will magically appear when the lights get brighter. The postseason exposes whatever you have been all year. If you have spent six months cutting corners, eventually the bill comes due.

That is why the poll result hit harder than expected. Wolves fans are not saying Oklahoma City is not dangerous or that San Antonio is not terrifying. They are saying that the Timberwolves already have enough to make the fight real. They are saying this team’s greatest obstacle is not talent. It is execution. It is maturity. It is consistency. It is whether the Wolves can finally stop being their own worst enemy long enough to become the team they have teased us with for the last three years.

Tim Connelly can and should make tweaks. The point guard situation still needs attention. DiVincenzo’s absence creates a real hole. The roster can be sharpened. There are moves that could matter enormously. But this is not a team that needs to be saved from itself by one massive transaction. The bones of a contender are already here. The superstar is here. The defensive infrastructure is here. The playoff experience is here. The question is whether the lessons have actually sunk in.

So when the summer ends, when the standings reset, when the new uniforms are hanging in the locker room and the Wolves get another crack at this thing, we will find out what kind of team they want to be. Are they going to sleepwalk through the regular season again, bide their time, flip the switch when they feel like it, and hope April adrenaline can cover up six months of bad habits? Or are they going to show up from the opening tip and announce that something has changed? That they have grown up. That they have had enough of almost.

In the end, that is what stands between the Timberwolves and true title contention. Not SGA. Not Wembanyama. Not Brunson. Not even the injury gods, cruel as they can be. The biggest obstacle is the man in the mirror, the nightly choice between discipline and drift, between maturity and excuses, between being a team that talks about championship standards and one that actually lives them.

The Wolves have the talent to win the title.

Now they have to decide if they are willing to become the team that does.

---

The NBA season may be over, but FanDuel Sportsbook has you covered for all of your betting needs, including the NBA draft and 2026-27 season futures. Wolves +3300 for the title, anyone?

Remember when the Los Angeles Lakers hired former Duke star JJ Redick? There were a lot of people who predicted failure, that he had no experience, that they should have gone after a more established coach, say, Sam Cassell, or Kenny Atkinson, or UConn’s Dan Hurley, for whom they were ready to open the vault.

In the end, despite the controversy, they hired Redick, and he’s panned out pretty well.

In his first season, Redick won 50 games, and this past season, he won 53. In both seasons, the Lakers finished first in the Pacific Division.

His career record now stands at 164-103.

That’s all very impressive, but even more so when you consider that this team is in a long and slow transition. LeBron James is still an amazingly effective player at 41, and he works hard to maintain his presence, but he’s not the player he was a few years ago. He doesn’t work as hard on defense as he used to, and he’s not feared in the way he once was.

Ideally, this should be Luka Doncic’s team now, but Doncic has historically been poorly conditioned, and there are those who believe that, at 27, he may have already peaked.

When you get past those two, 29-year-old Austin Reaves is getting 34.5 minutes per game, then it’s Marcus Smart, who is 32, with 28.5 mpg. Rui Hachimura pulled 28.3, De’Andre Ayton is pulling 27.2, from former Demon Deacon Jake LaRavia handled 25.2 and former Blue Devil Luke Kennard, got 32.6 minutes.

Redick has done a tremendous job with a team handling what could be a difficult transition, and an uncertain future for both stars (James for age and Doncic, essentially for durability).

In one sense, the best thing for L.A. would be if James finished his career elsewhere. He’s making $52.6 million, while Doncic is getting $54.1. Additionally, Reaves will be a free agent, and while the Lakers would like to keep him, it will be difficult to keep three guys who all want big money. Who do you let go?

We’d argue for the guy who will be 42 next year. James has had a great career, but he’s going to be a free agent as well, and at this point in his career, the math is inexorable. They simply can’t pay him what they have. We could imagine him going to Dallas for a year to mentor Cooper Flagg, or perhaps the San Antonio Spurs for similar reasons, but to stay with L.A., he’d likely have to take a big pay cut.

The Lakers won’t pick in next week’s NBA Draft until the 25th pick, which could mean a shooter like Duke’s Isaiah Evans, or a risky pick like Jayden Quaintance or Koa Peat.

If James left, they would have a good bit of money to pursue free agents, like possibly Detroit’s Jalen Duren or former Blue Devil Gary Trent.

L.A. has always been a magnet for great players, and they could pull that off again via free agency. It’s just a question of the fit.

In other words, while Redick has done a tremendous job with the players he’s had, improvement for L.A. is going to be more on GM Rob Pelinka, who, to be kind, has a reputation for not being entirely straightforward.

It’s possible he could find some talent that slips through the draft, which could happen to former Blue Devil Maliq Brown, but L.A. has just one draft pick and not that many assets they could get a good return on. And given Pelinka’s reputation, that is even more complicated.

• Lakers News: JJ Redick Discusses Importance Of Adding Depth
• Lakers feel defensive concerns of Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves backcourt are overstated
• Lakers get major Dalton Knecht trade news after disappointing season
• Austin Reaves’ return to Los Angeles in jeopardy as multiple teams expected to take big swings
• JJ Redick’s successful second season leaves no doubt about his Lakers’ future
• Luka Doncic In Constant Contact With Rob Pelinka JJ Redick As Lakers Face Promised Summer Of 26 Roster Plan
• Austin Reaves’ Next Contract Could Have Massive Implications for LeBron James’ Future in Los Angeles
• Luka Dončić Tells The Los Angeles Lakers He Needs Shooters And A Rim-Protecting Center

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One thing I’ve realized since the offseason began for the Phoenix Suns is that when they’re not playing, and I’m not writing nightly articles or recording postgame podcasts, I have a lot of time on my hands. Maybe too much time.

Thankfully, I have this outlet to help fill some of that time, and this project of identifying the best player drafted at every draft position has done a stellar job of keeping me occupied. It’s also been a fun reminder of how much NBA history is tucked away in the draft, especially when you start digging into the careers of players selected outside the lottery.

Now we move into the top 20 draft positions. And that’s where things start to get really interesting.

The deeper we’ve gone into this series, the more we’ve encountered quality role players, unexpected success stories, and the occasional Hall of Famer. But once you enter the top 20, the conversations become much tougher. Hall of Famers become commonplace. Franchise cornerstones begin appearing everywhere. And some of the debates become genuinely difficult because you’re no longer comparing good players to great players. You’re comparing great players to all-time great players.

Before we begin working through the top 20 selections, let’s take a look at where we currently stand after identifying the best player drafted at each position from 60 through 21.

Pick	Player	Year
60	Michael Cooper	1978
59	Pat Cummings	1978
58	Kurt Rambis	1980
57	Manu Ginobili	1999
56	Amir Johnson	2005
55	Luis Scola	2002
54	Sam Mitchell	1985
53	Anthony Mason	1988
52	Rasual Butler	2002
51	Kyle Korver	2003
50	Steve Kerr	1988
49	Eddie Johnson	1997
48	Marc Gasol	2007
47	Paul Millsap	2006
46	Jeff Hornacek	1986
45	Bob Dandridge	1969
44	Malik Rose	1996
43	Michael Redd	2000
42	Stephen Jackson	1997
41	Nikola Jokic	2014
40	George Gervin	1974
39	Khris Middleton	2012
38	Lou Dampier	1967
37	Nick Van Exel	1993
36	Mauric Cheeks	1978
35	Draymond Green	2012
34	Carlos Boozer	2002
33	Jalen Brunson	2018
32	Rashard Lewis	1998
31	Danny Ainge	1981
30	Jimmy Butler	2011
29	Dennis Johnson	1976
28	Tony Parker	2001
27	Dennis Rodman	1986
26	Vlade Divac	1989
25	Mark Price	1986
24	Sam Cassell	1993
23	Alex English	1976
22	George McGinnis	1973
21	Rajon Rondo	2006

And now, into the top 20 we go…

20. Larry Nance (1981)

Honorable Mentions:

• Gus Williams (1975)
• Zydrunas Ilgauskas (1996)
• Jameer Nelson (2004)
• Paul Pressey (1982)

Suns Taken at 20:

• Larry Nance (1981)

You have some solid names drafted 20th overall, and this ultimately came down to a debate between Gus Williams and Larry Nance.

Gus Williams is one of those players who has largely been lost to history. As we just watched Jalen Brunson lead a team to a championship despite being undersized, that’s somewhat reminiscent of what Gus Williams accomplished in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was a two-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA selection, and won a championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. For many people, that résumé would be enough to earn him this spot.

But I’m going with Larry Nance. Part of that is admittedly hometown bias. Nance was drafted by the Phoenix Suns out of Clemson in 1981, and Suns fans know exactly how impactful he was during his time in the Valley.

Beyond that, his impact on the game extended beyond the box score. Nance became one of the league’s premier high flyers and won the inaugural Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, helping popularize an event that would become one of the NBA’s signature attractions as the league continued its rise in popularity.

He was much more than a dunker, however. During the 1986-87 season, Nance averaged 22.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, showcasing the complete skill set that made him one of the league’s better forwards. For his career, he averaged 17.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game across 13 NBA seasons.

His greatest impact may have come on the defensive end. Nance earned three All-Defensive Team selections, including one First Team honor, using his length, athleticism, and timing to become one of the better shot-blocking forwards of his era. He also earned three All-Star selections during his career.

Interestingly, two of those All-Star appearances came after the Suns traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988. That deal became one of the most important transactions in franchise history, bringing Kevin Johnson, Mark West, the draft pick that became Dan Majerle, and additional assets back to Phoenix.For Cleveland, they received an All-Star-caliber forward. For Phoenix, they received pieces that helped build a contender. 

Either way, Larry Nance proved to be a hell of a player.

19. Tiny Archibald (1970)

Honorable Mentions:

• Zach Randolph (2001)
• Jerry Sloan (1964)
• John Paxson (1983)
• Rod Strickland (1988)

Suns Taken at 19:

• Marty Byrnes (1978)

If you want to talk about undersized players who made a massive impact on the game, look no further than the best player ever selected 19th overall: Tiny Archibald. At 6’1”, Archibald proved that size wasn’t a prerequisite for greatness.

Drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1970, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. By his third season, he was doing something that remains one of the most impressive accomplishments in NBA history: He led the league in both scoring and assists. During the 1972-73 season, Archibald averaged 34.0 points and 11.4 assists per game, becoming the first player ever to lead the NBA in both categories in the same season. It was also the first of his six All-Star appearances.

What made Tiny so difficult to defend was his ability to get downhill. He constantly attacked the basket, put pressure on defenses, and found ways to get to the free throw line. Three times early in his career, he led the league in free throws made, a testament to how relentlessly he pressured opponents.

Unfortunately, injuries interrupted what could have been an even greater career. In 1978, while playing for the Buffalo Braves, Archibald suffered a torn Achilles tendon. It was a devastating injury at a time when medical advancements weren’t what they are today. His recovery took time, and shortly thereafter, he was traded to the Boston Celtics. That’s where the final chapter of his career became complete.

In 1981, at 32 years old, Archibald helped lead the Celtics to an NBA championship. While he was no longer the scoring machine he had been in his prime, he still contributed 10.3 points and 5.5 assists per game during that title run and provided veteran leadership for one of the great teams of that era.

When you step back and look at the résumé, it’s incredibly impressive. Archibald was a six-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, the 1973 scoring champion, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, and a Hall of Famer. That’s a remarkable career for any player, let alone one selected 19th overall.

And there’s even a connection to Arizona. Before transferring to the University of Texas at El Paso, Archibald played at Arizona Western College in Yuma, making him yet another great player with ties to the Grand Canyon State.

18. Joe Dumars (1985)

Honorable Mentions:

• Mark Jackson (1987)
• Calvin Murphy (1970)
• David West (2003)
• Quentin Richardson (2000)
• JR Smith (2004)

Suns Taken at 18:

• Tyler Ennis (2014)

As we arrive at draft slot No. 18, the honorable mention list starts getting a little longer. There are some quality names here. Mark Jackson deserves recognition for the way he orchestrated offenses throughout his career and for being one of the better pure facilitators of his era. But when it comes to the best player ever selected 18th overall, it’s Joe Dumars, and it’s really not that close.

The Detroit Pistons drafted Dumars out of McNeese State in 1985, and what they got was a foundational piece for one of the toughest teams in NBA history. Joe Dumars was a catalyst for two championship teams, and he’s also one of those players who probably doesn’t get enough credit for spending his entire career with one organization.

That’s right. All 14 years. Dumars played every season of his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. No player in franchise history appeared in more games. He even outlasted Isiah Thomas, who spent 13 seasons in Detroit.

And while the longevity is impressive, the production was as well. From 1990 through 1993, Dumars was selected to four consecutive All-Star teams. He added two more appearances in 1995 and 1997, giving him six total All-Star selections. He earned three All-NBA honors, one Second Team selection, and two Third Team selections, while also being named to five All-Defensive Teams.

Then there’s his greatest accomplishment. In 1989, as the Pistons swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, Dumars was named Finals MVP. He averaged 27.3 points on 57.6% shooting while adding 6.0 assists per game, helping Detroit secure the first championship in franchise history.

That’s an impressive résumé. Six-time All-Star. Three-time All-NBA player. Five-time All-Defensive Team selection. Two-time NBA champion. NBA Finals MVP. Hall of Famer.

They don’t make them like Joe Dumars anymore.

17. Shawn Kemp (1989)

Honorable Mentions:

• Jrue Holiday (2009)
• Jermaine O’Neal (1996)
• Doug Christie (1992)
• Roy Hibbert (2008)
• Josh Smith (2004)

Suns Taken at 17:

• Zarko Cabarkapa (2003)

There have been some excellent players drafted 17th overall, and part of me wanted to give this spot to Jrue Holiday. And who knows? By the time his career is over, he may very well be the answer. The résumé certainly supports the argument. Multiple championships, multiple All-Star appearances, and a reputation as one of the best two-way guards of his generation make Holiday a worthy candidate.

But I’m going with the Reign Man, Shawn Kemp.

Maybe it’s because I grew up watching basketball in the 1990s. Maybe it’s because some players simply leave an imprint on your basketball soul. Whatever the reason, Shawn Kemp is one of those guys I can’t separate from that era. Heck, I used to wear a pair of black and red Kamikazes to school in middle school.

If you were around in the 90s, you understand. Shawn Kemp was the man.

Before Vince Carter. Before Blake Griffin. Before all of the modern high flyers, there was Kemp. He attacked the rim with a level of violence and athleticism that made him must-see television. Every night felt like it could produce a highlight that would live forever.

And the production matched the highlights. Kemp was a six-time All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection. More importantly, he was the perfect running mate for Gary Payton. While The Glove was locking people down and orchestrating the offense, Kemp was finishing at the rim and terrorizing opposing frontcourts.

Those Seattle teams were fun. They never won a championship, but they were one of the defining teams of the decade, and Kemp was a huge reason why.

What’s always fascinated me about his career is how abruptly it declined. One minute, he was one of the most dominant and explosive forwards in basketball, a player receiving MVP consideration and averaging more than 20 points per game. The next, he was bouncing around the league and eventually averaging only 6.3 points per game during his final season in Portland.

It was a sharp fall for a player who once felt unstoppable. That’s why I can understand the argument for Holiday. Longevity matters. Championships matter. Consistency matters. But when I think about the 17th overall pick, I think about Shawn Kemp. I think about the dunks. I think about the Sonics. I think about those Kamikazes. So for now, the Rain Man gets the nod.

16. John Stockton (1984)

Honorable Mentions:

• Ron Artest (1999)
• Hedo Turkoglu (2000)
• Dana Barros (1989)
• Alperen Sengun (2021)

Suns Taken at 16:

• Ricky Sobers (1975)
• Zhaire Smith (2018)*

*traded on draft day for rights to Mikal Bridges

The next stop on our journey is another player who never won a championship, and I think that’s an important reminder as we work through this exercise. Championships matter. They absolutely matter. But they aren’t the sole determining factor when evaluating who the best player drafted at a particular slot was. If they were, this process would be much easier.

There are some interesting names selected 16th overall throughout NBA history, but nobody tops John Stockton.

The Gonzaga product was selected by the Utah Jazz in 1984 and, much like Joe Dumars, spent his entire career with one franchise. The difference is that Stockton did it for 19 seasons. He played until he was 40, long before that became commonplace in the NBA. And even fewer players were doing it at the point guard position.

John Stockton was simply built differently. He played all 82 games in 16 of his 19 NBA seasons, including his final year in the league. Think about that for a second. A 40-year-old point guard playing every game of an 82-game season. In today’s NBA, that almost feels impossible.

Had it not been for Michael Jordan, Stockton probably has a championship on his résumé. Instead, he became one of the greatest players to never win one. And what a player he was.

Stockton was the definition of tough, physical, and cerebral. When people say they don’t make players like him anymore, they’re right. The John Stockton archetype is dead. It doesn’t exist in today’s NBA. The game has changed too much. From 1984 to 2003, he put together one of the most remarkable careers the league has ever seen. He was a 10-time All-Star. He led the NBA in assists nine times. He was a two-time steals champion. He earned 11 All-NBA selections and five All-Defensive Team honors. He was the 1993 All-Star Game MVP and, of course, a Hall of Famer.

The numbers are staggering. The longevity is staggering. The consistency is staggering. And while I grew up watching Stockton and couldn’t stand him, mostly because of how skilled he was and how often he seemed to make life miserable for Kevin Johnson and the Suns, there comes a point where you simply have to respect greatness. John Stockton was greatness.

15. Giannis Antetokounmpo (2013)

Honorable Mentions:

• Steve Nash (1996)
• Kawhi Leonard (2011)
• Dell Curry (1986)
• Brent Barry (1995)
• Al Jefferson (2004)

Suns Taken at 15:

• David Thirdkill (1982)
• Steve Nash (1996)
• Robin Lopez (2008)

Oh, this was a hard one. The 15th overall pick might be the toughest decision I’ve had to make so far. Because in my personal Phoenix Suns pyramid, Steve Nash sits at the very top. He’s the pinnacle of what the organization represents. He’s the beacon. He’s the player I most associate with Suns basketball. And yet, much like the 2021 NBA Finals and that infamous coin flip in 1969, the Suns come up short to Milwaukee once again. Because Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player ever drafted 15th overall.

You could even make an argument that Kawhi Leonard deserves consideration for the No. 2 spot. That’s how loaded this draft position is. But when it comes to the top spot, I have to give it to the Greek Freak.

The comparison to Nash is fascinating. Both players are two time MVPs. Both transformed franchises. Both became faces of the league. But Giannis has something Nash never got. The championship. He also has more All-Star selections, which is partially a product of how early his ascent began. Nash didn’t become Steve Nash until later in his career. Giannis was a superstar before he turned 25.

And the résumé is absurd. Through 13 seasons, he’s averaged 24.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. He’s a nine-time All-Star, an NBA champion, a Finals MVP, and the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year. That’s what ultimately separates him from Nash. Giannis impacts the game on both ends of the floor.

As much as I love Nash, and as much as those MVP seasons meant to Phoenix, there was always an understanding that the league still belonged to other players. During Nash’s peak years, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were still viewed by many as the league’s dominant figures. Eventually, that baton passed to LeBron James. Nash was brilliant. Nash was unique. Nash changed the way basketball was played. But you never felt like the league belonged to him.

For a stretch, it belonged to Giannis. For two or three seasons, you could make a legitimate argument that he was the best player in the world. Not the most valuable. The best. And while this exercise isn’t solely about peak performance, Giannis checks every other box as well. He has the longevity. He has the accolades. He has the dominance. He has the championship.

Unfortunately for Suns fans, he earned that championship at Phoenix’s expense. Which makes this choice hurt a little more. But it doesn’t make it any less true. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player ever selected 15th overall. Right?

14. Clyde Drexler (1983)

Honorable Mentions:

• Tim Hardaway (1989)
• Peja Stojakovic (1996)
• Bam Adebayo (2017)
• Dan Majerle (1988)
• Maurice Lucas (1974)

Suns Taken at 14:

• John Roche (1971)
• Dan Majerle (1988)
• Earl Clark (2009)
• TJ Warren (2014)

*opted to stay in the ABA

Do you know why the Portland Trail Blazers drafted Sam Bowie instead of Michael Jordan in 1984? It’s because they had already drafted Clyde Drexler the year before and believed they didn’t need another shooting guard.

History has turned that decision into one of the most criticized draft choices of all time, but it’s important to remember there was logic behind it. Portland wasn’t passing on Jordan because they didn’t think talent mattered. They were passing on him because they already had a young player they believed could become a star. And they weren’t wrong about Clyde Drexler. They were wrong about Michael Jordan. There’s a difference.

When you look at the honorable mentions at No. 14 overall, there are some excellent players. But Clyde stands above the rest. He was smooth. He was effortless. They called him Clyde the Glide for a reason.

Drexler entered the league out of Houston in 1983 and quickly developed into one of the most dynamic players of his generation. His athleticism was elite, his ability to finish in transition was spectacular, and he could impact every aspect of the game.

Unfortunately for him, he played in the same era as Michael Jordan. That’s something many great players had to deal with.

The defining moment came in the 1992 NBA Finals when Drexler’s Trail Blazers faced Jordan’s Bulls. At the time, there were legitimate debates about who the better player was. Drexler had finished second in MVP voting that season, and some wondered whether the gap between the two stars was as wide as many believed. Jordan took that personally. What followed was one of the most memorable Finals performances in NBA history, highlighted by Jordan’s famous shrug game. By the end of the series, the debate was over.

But that shouldn’t diminish what Drexler accomplished. He eventually got his championship with the Houston Rockets in 1995, joining forces with Hakeem Olajuwon to capture the one title that had eluded him in Portland. By the time his career was over, Drexler had put together an incredible résumé. He played 15 seasons in the NBA, spending 12 with Portland and four with Houston. He was a 10-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, an NBA champion, and a Hall of Famer.

Most importantly, he was one of the defining players of his era. The problem for Clyde is that his era happened to include Michael Jordan. For almost anyone else, finishing second to Jordan would be viewed as an accomplishment. For Clyde Drexler, it became part of his legacy.

And despite that, he’s still the best player ever selected 14th overall.

13. Kobe Bryant (1996)

Honorable Mentions:

• Karl Malone (1996)
• Devin Booker (2015)
• Hal Greer (1958)
• Donovan Mitchell (2017)
• Richard Jefferson (2001)

Suns Taken at 13:

• Jay Humphries (1984)
• Markieff Morris (2011)
• Kendall Marshall (2012)
• Devin Booker (2015)

Kobe Bryant is one of those players I could never stand. Part of that is because I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan. To me, Jordan was the standard. And when Kobe entered the league, it always felt like he was doing a Kirkland Signature version of Jordan’s game. The footwork, the fadeaways, the mannerisms, the competitive fire. Everything reminded me of Jordan, and younger me wasn’t interested in accepting an imitation of the original.

I didn’t like that he dominated the ball. I didn’t like how egocentric he could be. And I certainly didn’t like how often he tormented teams I rooted for. Most of all, I didn’t like how good he was. But respect and like are two different things. I may not have liked Kobe Bryant, but I respected him immensely. The guy was a killer.

When the Charlotte Hornets selected him 13th overall in 1996 and immediately shipped his rights to the Los Angeles Lakers, nobody could have imagined what would follow. Twenty years later, Bryant retired as one of the most decorated players in league history, spending every season of his career in Los Angeles.

The résumé is staggering. Eighteen All-Star appearances. Two scoring titles. Five NBA championships. Fifteen All-NBA selections. Twelve All-Defensive Team selections. Two Finals MVPs. Twenty years with one franchise. That’s sustained greatness.

Now, I’ll admit something that often gets people fired up. I think Kobe is one of the most overrated players in NBA history.

There is no player more overrated all time than Kobe Bryant

— John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) June 21, 2025

Not because he wasn’t great. Because he was. The issue comes when people place him in their top five players of all time. That’s where I disagree. For me, he’s not in that conversation. I don’t think he’s a top five player ever. I don’t even think he’s top 10. But top 20? Absolutely.

Kobe Bryant was a phenomenal basketball player. He was relentless. He was fearless. He was one of the defining stars of his generation. And while Suns fans will always remember moments when Phoenix got the better of him, with Raja Bell clotheslining him and those mid-2000s Suns teams knocking the Lakers around a bit, those moments are memorable precisely because beating Kobe Bryant was so difficult. He demanded that level of respect.

So while he may never be one of my favorite players, and while I’ll continue to argue against some of the more exaggerated claims about his all-time ranking, there’s no debate when it comes to the 13th overall pick. Kobe Bryant is easily the best player ever selected at that draft position.

12. Julius Erving (1972)

Honorable Mentions:

• Tyrese Haliburton (2020)
• Cedric Maxwell (1977)
• Steven Adams (2013)
• Mookie Blaylock (1989)
• Muggsy Bogues (1987)

Suns Taken at 12:

• Phoenix has never drafted from this position 

You have some quality players drafted 12th overall throughout NBA history, and then you have Julius Erving.

Before Michael Jordan changed the trajectory of the NBA. Before Larry Bird and Magic Johnson turned the league into must-watch television. Before the modern superstar era existed, there was Dr. J. Julius Erving, who was basketball’s first truly marketable superstar.

The Milwaukee Bucks selected him 12th overall in the 1972 NBA Draft, but he never played for them. Instead, he remained in the ABA, beginning his professional career with the Virginia Squires before eventually being traded to the New York Nets. And what a career he had there. In five ABA seasons, Erving averaged 28.7 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. He won two championships, captured three MVP awards, earned five All-Star selections, and was named to the All-ABA First Team every year he played in the league.

Honestly, that résumé alone would probably be enough to make him the best player ever drafted 12th overall. The only problem is that it happened in the ABA. When the ABA and NBA merged in 1976, the Nets sold Erving’s rights to the Philadelphia 76ers, and that’s where the NBA chapter of his career truly began.

Fortunately for his legacy, he was just as spectacular there. Erving became the face of the 76ers for more than a decade, earning 11 NBA All-Star selections and seven All-NBA honors. In 1981, he won the NBA MVP award, and in 1983 he finally captured an NBA championship alongside Moses Malone, delivering what remains the most recent title in Philadelphia 76ers history.

His impact, however, goes far beyond the accolades. Dr. J changed the way basketball was played. He brought creativity to the game. He brought flair to the game. He made above-the-rim basketball cool. Many of the things we associate with modern stars originated with Julius Erving. He was a pioneer.

When you combine his ABA accomplishments with his NBA accomplishments, the résumé becomes overwhelming. Championships. MVPs. All-Star appearances. Scoring titles. Hall of Fame honors. Cultural significance. Very few players in basketball history can match that combination.

So while his path to greatness was unconventional, and while much of his early dominance occurred outside the NBA, the conclusion is easy. Julius Erving is the best player ever drafted 12th overall.

11. Reggie Miller (1987)

Honorable Mentions:

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2018)
• Jamaal Wilkes (1974)
• Klay Thompson (2011)
• Robert Horry (1992)
• Domantas Sabonis (2016)

Suns Taken at 11:

• Cameron Johnson (2019)*

*draft rights acquired on draft night

The 11th overall pick is an interesting one because recency bias can absolutely creep into the conversation. You have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who already owns two MVP awards and an NBA championship. You have Jamaal Wilkes, a Hall of Famer and four-time NBA champion. You have Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters in basketball history, and another four-time champion.

There are plenty of worthy candidates. But I’m going with Reggie Miller.

Drafted by the Indiana Pacers out of UCLA in 1987, Miller spent all 18 seasons of his NBA career with one franchise. In an era when stars rarely changed teams, Reggie became synonymous with Indiana basketball. And what a player he was.

Miller earned five All-Star selections and three All-NBA honors, but his impact extends far beyond the awards. He was one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen and one of the most feared clutch performers in NBA history. Long before the modern three-point revolution, Reggie understood the value of the shot.

During the 1996-97 season, he attempted 6.6 threes per game and connected on 42.7% of them. Those numbers may not seem outrageous today, but in the context of the era, they were revolutionary. Miller was stretching defenses before most teams fully understood the value of floor spacing.

He was ahead of his time. Of course, statistics only tell part of the story. For many basketball fans of my generation, Reggie Miller wasn’t defined by percentages or advanced metrics. He was defined by moments. The battles with the Knicks. The trash talk. The impossible shots. The ability to completely silence an arena with one jumper. He had a flair for the dramatic that few players have ever possessed.

Yes, he’s near the top of every list of great players who never won a championship. That’s the unfortunate reality of playing in an era dominated by Michael Jordan and later the Shaq and Kobe Lakers. But championships aren’t the only measure of greatness. Reggie’s influence on the game, particularly as a shooter, helped pave the way for future generations. Players like Stephen Curry transformed the sport, but players like Reggie Miller laid the groundwork.

Could someone reasonably choose Shai here? Absolutely. If Gilgeous-Alexander continues on his current trajectory, he may eventually claim this spot. Could someone argue for Klay Thompson or Jamal Wilkes? Sure.

But when I think about the 11th overall pick, I think about one of the greatest shooters, one of the greatest clutch performers, and one of the most memorable players the league has ever seen. I’m giving the nod to Reggie Miller.

---

That was difficult.

There were plenty of strong arguments for other players throughout this section of the draft, and I completely understand if someone reaches a different conclusion on a few of these picks. That’s the challenge when you’re evaluating draft positions from 20 through 11. You’re no longer sorting through role players and hidden gems. You’re debating Hall of Famers, franchise cornerstones, and players who defined eras.

It’s a good problem to have. It’s also a reminder of why lottery picks are so valuable.

When you’re drafting in this range, you’re not simply hoping to find a rotational player. You’re looking for someone who can become an impact player, an All-Star, or even the face of your franchise. That’s why organizations covet these selections. The upside is immense.

What’s interesting is that many of the players selected in this portion of the draft landed in ideal situations. They joined teams that already had some level of infrastructure in place. They weren’t always asked to carry the weight of an entire franchise from day one. Instead, they had the opportunity to develop, contribute, and eventually grow into starring roles. That’s often the sweet spot in the draft.

The players selected at the very top don’t always have that luxury. Those are the players expected to change franchises overnight. Those are the players handed the keys immediately. Those are the players burdened with the expectations that come with being a top 10 selection. And that’s exactly where we’re headed next.

Tomorrow, we close out this series with the final installment, identifying the best players ever drafted at each position from 10 all the way to No. 1. The stars. The superstars. The players who were expected to carry the weight of a franchise the moment their names were called.

The 2026 NBA Draft will be immortalized for the four standout talents available at the top of the class. A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are reportedly battling for the No. 1 overall pick until the very last second. For as good as those two players are, Cameron Boozer is the best player in the class in my view, and it isn’t really that close. Caleb Wilson’s statistical dominance and jaw-dropping athleticism turned this big three into a big four, and he appears to have the mentality required to reach his full potential.

The talent keeps coming after the first four picks, though there seems to be little consensus in the rest of the board. The draft really starts when the Los Angeles Clippers come on the clock with the No. 5 overall pick. The biggest points of curiosity will be in what order a loaded class of lead guards come off the board, and if Michigan can put three players in the lottery after winning the men’s college basketball national championship.

There are big changes from last week’s mock draft throughout the lottery with first-round just around the corner on Tuesday, June 23. Let’s dive into the movement from our previous projection after the table.

Pick	Team	Player	Position	School	Class
1	Washington Wizards	AJ Dybantsa	Wing	BYU	Freshman
2	Utah Jazz	Darryn Peterson	Guard	Kansas	Freshman
3	Memphis Grizzlies	Cameron Boozer	Forward	Duke	Freshman
4	Chicago Bulls	Caleb Wilson	Forward	North Carolina	Freshman
5	Los Angeles Clippers	Keaton Wagler	Guard	Illinois	Freshman
6	Brooklyn Nets	Darius Acuff	Guard	Arkansas	Freshman
7	Sacramento Kings	Kingston Flemings	Guard	Houston	Freshman
8	Atlanta Hawks	Mikel Brown Jr.	Guard	Louisville	Freshman
9	Dallas Mavericks	Brayden Burries	Guard	Arizona	Freshman
10	Milwaukee Bucks	Nate Ament	Forward	Tennessee	Freshman
11	Golden State Warriors	Yaxel Lendeborg	Forward	Michigan	Senior
12	Oklahoma City Thunder	Morez Johnson	Center/Forward	Michigan	Sophomore
13	Miami Heat	Labaron Philon	Guard	Alabama	Sophomore
14	Charlotte Hornets	Hannes Steinbach	Center/Forward	Washington	Washington
15	Chicago Bulls	Aday Mara	Center	Michigan	Freshman
16	Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic)	Bennett Stirtz	Guard	Iowa	Senior
17	Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers)	Karim Lopez	Forward	NZ Breakers	Born 2007
18	Charlotte Hornets (via Suns)	Dailyn Swain	Wing	Texas	Junior
19	Toronto Raptors	Christian Anderson	Texas Tech	Guard	Sophomore
20	San Antonio Spurs	Chris Cenac Jr.	Big	Houston	Freshman
21	Detroit Pistons (via Wolves)	Cameron Carr	Wing	Baylor	Junior
22	Philadelphia 76ers	Jayden Quaintance	Big	Kentucky	Sophomore
23	Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs)	Ebuka Okorie	Guard	Stanford	Freshman
24	New York Knicks	Allen Graves	Forward	Santa Clara	RS Freshman
25	Los Angeles Lakers	Joshua Jefferson	Forward	Iowa State	Senior
26	Denver Nuggets	Koa Peat	Forward	Arizona	Freshman
27	Boston Celtics	Sergio De Larrea	Guard	Valencia	Born 2005
28	Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons)	Isaiah Evans	Guard	Duke	Sophomore
29	Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs)	Henri Veesaar	Big	North Carolina	Junior
30	Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder)	Meleek Thomas	Guard	Arkansas	Freshman

Here’s what’s changed since our last mock.

The Wizards go with A.J. Dybantsa over Darryn Peterson

It’s starting to feel like the public won’t know what the Washington Wizards are doing with the No. 1 overall pick until Adam Silver announces it. I had Darryn Peterson going first overall last week, but I’m flipping back to Dybantsa for a couple reasons. It feels like the Wizards would try to leverage Utah to trade up if they really wanted Peterson. There’s still time for that to happen, but there hasn’t been much smoke on a No. 1 for No. 2 trade the last few weeks. Dybantsa also feels like a cleaner fit in Washington’s projected lineup with Trae Young potentially signing a long-term deal this summer, plus last year’s No. 6 overall pick Tre Johnson already installed at the two. Dybantsa also has fewer questions about his mental makeup than Peterson does after a bizarre freshman season at Kansas.

I’d take Cam Boozer with the first pick, and I lean Peterson over Dybantsa on my personal board, but it still feels like A.J. is the slight front-runner to go No. 1.

The Clippers select Keaton Wagler over Mikel Brown Jr.

Brown’s got a little bit of LaMelo Ball in him, and while that’s a compliment coming from me, it also carries some serious risk. The Louisville guard battled a bad back throughout his freshman year at just 19 years old, and his shot selection might make a head coach’s skin crawl early in his career. Brown also just isn’t a very good fit next to Darius Garland, because that backcourt would be too small and too vulnerable defensively. Wagler has a little more height on him after measuring 1.5 inches taller at the combine, and he also feels far less ball dominant than Brown entering the league, two factors that make him a better fit with Garland.

I like Brown a lot as a prospect for his pull-up three-point shooting ability, passing creativity, and dynamism going to the basket. He still feels a little too risky to be a top-5 pick.

The Thunder change their mind on Michigan big men

The Thunder need to try to find a Victor Wembanyama stopper in this draft, but they can go about a few different ways. Last week, I had Michigan center Aday Mara in this spot as a 7’3 center with a 9’9 standing reach who could be one of the few humans alive able to match Wemby’s length. After watching the NBA Finals, though, I’m more convinced that the best type of matchup for the Spurs superstar is a stronger and more athletic big man who wrestle him away from his spots and keep pressure on him by rolling hard to the rim and hitting the glass. Johnson checks those boxes even if he lacks ideal height for the matchup at 6’9 barefoot. I might be wrong, but I have a gut feeling the Thunder are going to prefer Johnson to Mara if both are on the board at No. 12 overall.

In this projection, Mara falls out of the lottery and into the waiting arms of the Chicago Bulls at No. 15 overall. New head coach Tiago Splitter could really use a young big man to help mold, and Mara would be ideal with a special intersection of size, passing, and footwork as he starts his tenure in Chicago.

Labaron Philon and Hannes Steinbach sneak into the lottery

I had Steinbach going No. 17 to Charlotte and Philon going No. 19 to Toronto last week, but that just feels a little low for both players. Steinbach is a pretty clear lottery-level talent in my eyes: his offensive rebounding is the sharpest skill in the draft after Cam Boozer’s processing, and soft hands and coordination on the move are also rare traits for someone with his size. I don’t see Steinbach as a defensive anchor, but he should thrive in the two-big looks that are back to the norm around the league.

Philon goes No. 13 to Miami in this projection, but it’s possible that pick ends up belonging to Milwaukee. The Bucks had Philon in for a workout, and he’d give them an element of shot creation they need after reaching for Nate Ament at No. 10 overall. The Bama also just feels like a lottery talent, so it’s hard to see him falling all the way to Toronto.

Leave your NBA Draft comments and questions below

I’ll respond to any inquiries in the comments. This draft is going to be a blast.

Mitchell Robinson is approaching unrestricted free agency with outside interest building, but early indications suggest the New York Knicks are in a strong position to retain their most prominent free agent and backup player.

The veteran center has drawn attention from multiple teams, including the meat-lacking Los Angeles Lakers, who are widely expected to explore upgrades in the frontcourt this offseason.

Despite all the whispers, noise, and supposed external interest, recent reports from different outlets point toward a potential reunion between Robinson and the Knicks.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported in Marc Stein’s substack that Robinson is “very open” to remaining in New York heading into free agency, signaling a willingness on the player’s side to stay with the reigning champions.

“The Lakers have been linked to all sorts of veteran big men in the forthcoming free agent market as well. They could emerge as a suitor for the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson and the Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III, although sources say both players are very open to remaining in their incumbent roles with the Knicks and Blazers.”

Fischer’s information follows prior reports from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who has indicated that the Knicks have already taken early steps toward keeping Robinson on the roster, prioritizing retaining the big man.

“Mitchell Robinson, he is an unrestricted free agent in two weeks here, and the Knicks are going to definitely try to keep him.

“[The Knicks] are about $8 million under the luxury tax line. They know they’re going over the luxury tax. They intend to make Mitchell an offer that will keep him.

“He might have some outside interest, but they’re going to make him a priority.

“Their front office is reporting to work today with a list of things to do. They’ve got to figure out a way to keep Mitchell Robinson on this roster.”

Albeit a backup following the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns two seasons ago, Robinson certainly played a meaningful role in the Knicks’ championship run, providing interior defense and offensive rebounding off the bench.

In the Finals, Robinson averaged 5.6 rebounds per game, including 3.0 offensive boards. In the playoffs as a whole, Mitch averaged 4.8 points, 5.5 boards, and 1.0 stocks a pop. Not only did he do that, but he remained healthy for the major part of the season thanks to a heavy load-managing plan deployed by the Knicks, who only made him available for 60 regular-season games.

Financial considerations are an obvious part of the equation here, as re-signing Robinson could push New York closer to or beyond the NBA’s second apron, a threshold that, given the latest we’ve heard from honcho James Dolan, the Knicks are certainly not interested in stepping into.

Still, it looks like both NYK and Mitch are destined to keep their relationship going, or at least that both sides are willing to try and find some common ground, so the partnership isn’t broken so shortly after reaching the promised land together.

The news of Collin Gillespie signing a contract extension with the Phoenix Suns adds more to weeks of action in the NBA surrounding Villanova.

The New York Knicks are NBA champions with a trio of former Wildcats on the roster and now, Gillespie adds to the pot of money made from former Villanova greats.

The news broke on Saturday night of Gillespie’s new deal and it made one think, what are the contract situations of former Villanova players currently in the NBA?

Wildcats in the NBA

• Jalen Brunson: 4 years, $156.5 million with New York Knicks
• Mikal Bridges: 4 years, $150 million with New York Knicks
• Josh Hart: 4 years, $81 million with New York Knicks
• Collin Gillespie: 4 years, $48 million with Phoenix Suns
• Donte DiVincenzo: 4 years, $46.8 million with Minnesota Timberwolves
• Saddiq Bey: 3 years, $20 million with New Orleans Pelicans
• Cam Whitmore: 4 years, $15.6 million rookie deal with Washington Wizards

NOT MENTIONED: Kyle Lowry spent the last two plus years with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was rostered this past season but, while not official, shared his plans to sign a one-day deal to retire as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Lowry spent 20 years in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and 76ers. According to Spotrac, Lowry earned $281.6 million during his career.

Jalen Brunson left $113 million on the table when he signed his extension in 2024. He wanted to give the Knicks flexiblity to keep the core together in hopes of winning championship. With that goal accomplished, Brunson is set up for a well-earned payday after the 2027-28 season. This extension could be upwards of $400 million over five years.

Brunson’s move allowed the Knicks to sign Mikal Bridges to a new four-year deal after he was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets. Donte DiVincenzo was another signing of the Knicks in free agency and made an impact for the team before being dealt to Minnesota in a deal that landed the Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns. He will enter the final year of his deal in 2026-27 and become a free agent at the end of the year.

Both Saddiq Bey and Cam Whitmore are also in the final years of their contracts. For Whitmore, it is the fourth year of his rookie deal. He was selected 20th overall in 2023. Bey is in the third year of his deal with the Pelicans.

Bey and Whitmore were part of the same trade that involved getting CJ McCollum out of New Orleans. In a three-team deal, Bey was sent to New Orleans from Washington while the Wizards brought in Whitmore.

It’s time for one of the best times of the year for NBA fans, the NBA Draft, where teams have the opportunity to draft new, exciting young players to join their team! The first round and second round will be aired on ESPN, with the first round airing only on ABC.

The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft will take place on Tuesday, June 23, while the second round will take place on Wednesday, June 24. The event will begin at 8 p.m. ET on both nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Then, on May 10, a lottery was held to select the first 14 picks in the draft. The first overall pick went to the Washington Wizards, who had the worst record in the league, so they won the lottery. Utah will pick second, followed by Memphis, Chicago, and the Los Angeles Clippers (in a pick obtained through a trade with the Indiana Pacers.

Like previous years, the Rockets will be hosting a draft party. This year’s draft party will be hosted at Karbach Brewery on Wednesday, June 23rd, starting at 6:00.

This season, Houston holds two picks in the NBA draft, with both picks being in the second round (pick 39 and pick 53). It is largely unknown what Houston will do with these two picks, and it is possible that they could trade the picks or trade up into the lottery; it all just depends. Historically speaking, second-rounders have a lower ceiling, but sometimes turn into great players (think Nikola Jomic, Isiah Thomas, Jalen Williams, Neemias Queeta, Jeremi Grant, and Khris Middleton, to name a few).

With all the information given, how do you all feel about the draft? Do you have any players you are after? Any moves you are predicting, let me know, and as always, be sure to check back here at the Dreamshake for all things Houston Rockets.

Date: June 23-24, 2026

Time: 7:00pm CST

TV channel: ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes

Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling and more

When is the 2026 NBA draft?

The 2026 NBA draft is on June 23 and 24, starting at 7:00pm CST

Where to watch the NBA draft:

The NBA draft will air on ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes on June 23, and on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on June 24.

Where to stream the NBA draft:

This year’s NBA draft will stream on ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling and YouTube TV.