NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 10:43:59
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 05:53:33
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 10:43:59
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 05:53:33
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 05:53:33
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 10:43:59
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 05:53:33
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 10:43:59
NBA Basketball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2026-06-24 10:43:59
First Round Draft Recap – Darryn Peterson brings hope to Salt Lake City
The 2026 NBA Draft will go down in the history books for the Utah Jazz. It really was a long time coming. Tonight, they selected their first top-2 pick since the 1980 Darrell Griffith selection. For weeks, there was a shakeup between the top-3. First, the Wizards-Jazz egregious mock trades (sorry, Ace is still ours, Wizards fans), then came the rumors that the Wizards preferred Darryn at #1, in addition to the consideration of Cam Boozer at #2.
The board fell as expected. BYU phenom AJ Dybantsa was the first name off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft, as well as the wails and cries of Cougar fans ringing off in Salt Lake City.
Then, it seemed as if the Ainge family was already on speed dial. At 6:13 am MST, Jake Fischer leaked the pick:
The pick seemed like a no-brainer. Utah could have paired the father and son Boozers (who fell the next pick to Memphis), but called through yet another draft bluff and took the consensus #1 high-school star. This moment will *hopefully* play in the back of my head for the rest of my days:
Jazz fans reacted just as enthusiastically, video courtesy of SLC Dunk’s very own Diana Allen:
But Darryn Peterson’s night wasn’t over. An hour later, he graced the cover of SLAM 263 despite being a #2 pick, rocking his brand spankin’ new black and purple threads. I’m no psychic, but I have the belief he may want to play here if he already did a photoshoot in a Jazz uniform during the weeks and weeks of rumors.
Darryn Peterson’s night refused to end. The draft marked the day Adidas signed Peterson to a long-term deal with Adidas, making it the top 5 richest rookie shoe deals in NBA history. No other prominent Utah Adidas rookies to mention…*cough* …none whatsoever.
As of the end of Round 1, the Jazz do not own a second-round pick, or any other pick at all after #2. They could attempt to add another rookie if they decide to reset their contract timeline. Or the Jazz could stand pat and relax in the Darryn Peterson cheers. They’re not in a rush to develop talent anymore. Now they’re ready for the big leagues to battle aliens and Greek freaks. Peterson is going to need time to figure out how to shoot at the NBA level, but Keyonte, Lauri, Jaren and Ace will have his back until then.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. dismisses Yaxel Lendeborg age concerns: ‘He’s not 38’
The Golden State Warriors used the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Yaxel Lendeborg, a consensus first-team All-American who was viewed by most as second only to Cameron Boozer among collegiate players last year. So why did he fall all the way to No. 11?
It’s fairly simple: his age. Lendeborg was a super senior who spent time at both a junior college and a lower-level NCAA school before transferring to Michigan his final year, where he won a national championship. Because of that, he’ll turn 24 before making his NBA debut, which stands in stark contrast to everyone else drafted in the first round on Tuesday.
You can easily make the case that Lendeborg’s age limits his ceiling (the oldest player among the 10 prospects drafted ahead of Lendeborg, Brayden Burries, is a full three years younger). But Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. doesn’t seem concerned. Speaking with reporters after the draft, Dunleavy wryly got off a joke, saying, “He’s what? 23? Almost 24? I’m not worried, because he’s not 38.”
While part of Lendeborg’s allure is that he’s one of, if not the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, Dunleavy helped set expectations accordingly, saying, “I think it’s tough anytime a guy’s changing levels, whether you’re going from high school to college, college to the NBA … but generally guys like this guy, who’s physically read, who’s played at the highest level of college, won a national championship, maybe those guys can play sooner.”
Despite those comments, Dunleavy made it clear that the door is not only open for Lendeborg to earn minutes as a rookie, but that he’ll likely be thrust into a role by nature of the circumstances. “Next year, to be frank, whether we want him to or not,” Dunleavy explained, “Given our roster constraints, and injuries and stuff like that, the opportunity will be there.”
While Lendeborg’s age may have kept him from being one of the top picks in the draft, it surely is something of an asset to the Warriors. Golden State is hoping to compete for one of the top seeds in the Western Conference next year, but has a difficult path to reach that goal, due to a lack of depth on the roster, and serious injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody, which will sideline each player until sometime around the All-Star break.
2026 NBA Draft: Henri Veesaar, Bruce Thornton among best available after first round
The expectation entering night one of the NBA Draft was that there would be a ton of trades. Well, the first trade didn't happen until pick 16, and while there was some movement, only draft picks were dealt.
However, that doesn't mean it wasn't a fun draft. Morez Johnson Jr. to Dallas at pick No. 9 was the first surprise of the night, which reunited him with head coach Dusty May after the pair helped lead Michigan to a National Championship last season.
The Knicks made some cost-cutting moves that may help them retain more of their championship team. They moved out of the first round after multiple trade downs from 24 and acquired future second-round picks and cash considerations.
This is a loaded class with plenty of talent already gone, but there is still a lot left for teams to be excited about. Here are the 10 best available players after round one.
C Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Veesaar was one of the stars for the Tar Heels last season after spending two years at Arizona. He’s a floor-spacing seven-footer that can pass and rebound, which led to him averaging 17.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.3 triples per game last year while shooting 60.8 percent from the floor and 42.6 percent from deep. There were definitely a few teams that could’ve used his services that opted for a different center at the end of the first round. Veesaar should immediately slot in as a strong backup option down low for whichever team drafts him.
G Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
After being a five-star prospect out of high school, Thomas was disappointing during his freshman year for the Razorbacks. That led to his slide to round two, but there is still plenty of talent to be intrigued by. He averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 triples per game last year while playing alongside Darius Acuff Jr. He didn’t test well at the combine, but he’s one of the few upside swings left in the draft entering the second round.
G Richie Saunders, BYU
Saunders will turn 25 in September, making him one of the older prospects in the class. He also tore his ACL in February, which means he won’t be available for the start of next season. However, Saunders is going to be really productive at the next level, and his game is built for the modern NBA. He can get to the rim and shoot from the perimeter, but he can also force turnovers on the other end of the floor. He averaged 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.6 triples per game last year and should become a solid rotation player in the NBA.
G Isaiah Evans, Duke
The former five-star recruit didn’t see the floor much during his freshman season at Duke, but he was a big part of last year’s team. He averaged 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.7 triples per game and projects to be a high-level shooter at the next level. He should go early in round two and be a rotation piece in year one as a floor spacer that also improved as a rim finisher last season.
G Bruce Thornton, Ohio State
It’s unfair to deem any player the “next Jalen Brunson”, but if there were to be one in this class, it’s Thornton. He’s a smaller, stocky guard that was incredibly productive during his four seasons at Ohio State. Last season, he averaged 19.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.8 triples while being incredibly efficient as a scorer and playmaker. Again, expecting Thornton to turn into Brunson is setting him up for failure. However, he does project to outplay his draft position and should be one of the steals of the second round.
F Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
After spending a year at Missouri and four years at Arkansas, Brazile entered the NBA Draft at 23 years old. He provided well-rounded numbers last season, averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 triples, but his combine numbers are what make him intriguing. At 6’10.75”, Brazile boasts a 7’3.75” wingspan and a 41.5” vertical. He doesn’t have superstar upside, but he should be a strong option in round two.
G Jack Kayil, Alba Berlin
Kayil was inefficient in Germany last season, which is to be expected for a young guard playing in a professional league. However, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 triples per game. He still has plenty of growing to do, but he’s a strong guard with upside, making him worth the swing for rebuilding teams.
G Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Lipsey is another smaller guard that projects to be an effective rotational ball handler in the NBA. He averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.2 triples per game last season. He doesn’t project to be a strong perimeter shooter, but he was still able to impact the game in other ways and should make an impact on both ends of the floor from day one.
F Baba Miller, Cincinnati
Miller is an older prospect at 22 years old, but there is a lot to like about him as a prospect. Last season, he averaged 13.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, though he doesn’t have much upside as a shooter. He’s a strong defender, rebounder and playmaker and is nearly seven-feet tall, making him an intriguing addition in round two.
C Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia
Teams can typically find rotation minutes for players that can defend the paint. Onyenso only played 18.6 minutes per game last year, but he averaged 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. He also added a three-point shot after shooting 0-of-1 from deep in his first three collegiate seasons. He may never become a starter, but he should be able to make a massive impact in limited action.
Cameron Carr gives Lakers injection of athleticism
Before a draft pick was ever made, NBA commissioner Adam Silver laid out why this day was important for every franchise.
“Every pick matters in the chase to become an NBA champion, and that pursuit begins tonight.”
For the Lakers, patience was key for this draft. After waiting hours, anticipation turned into action for the Lakers as they moved up one spot to the No. 24 pick to select Cameron Carr.
It’s always hard to tell what franchises are thinking. During the draft, gathering trustworthy intel becomes a Herculean effort. No longer are teams’ draft workouts touted, and it becomes difficult to understand their goal for each draft.
That’s why tonight’s pick should make Lakers fans happy. Perhaps Carr will turn into a quality selection, becoming a rotation player or even an All-Star. He could also very well be a bust who doesn’t amount to much.
Regardless of his fate, the Lakers’ selection of him is a step in the right direction. It aligns with what Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka said during his exit interview.
“The archetype of the roster we want is going to be retrofitted around Luka [Dončić] and the things he needs,” Pelinka said. “Clearly, he’s that leader and player for the future that we want to build the right way around.”
What Luka needs, outside a top center, are players who can hit shots and apply pressure on the rim. Carr fits that description.
In his sole season at Baylor, he averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Importantly, Carr shot 37.4% from deep and did so on high volume, averaging 6.1 shots from beyond the arc each contest.
As a dunker, Carr will instantly make the Lakers more explosive. Similar to Adou Thiero, Carr has some dunks that will drop your jaw.
Carr also has size and is more than willing to defend. He averaged 2.2 stocks per game. He has good natural instincts and can gamble well on defense.
Given that the Lakers were 22nd in rejections with just 4.3 per game during the regular season, they need an injection of players who can go out there and contest against the league’s best finishers.
During the playoffs, the Lakers’ lack of athletic playmakers became painfully obvious. The team simply couldn’t keep up with the Thunder’s athleticism. It felt as though OKC won all the 50/50 balls and could beat LA not only on the scoreboard, but in the margins with their athleticism, size and depth.
The selection of Carr acknowledges that the franchise is aware of its weaknesses and is working to address them. The last time Lakers head coach JJ Redick talked to the media, he made it sound simple what kind of players the team needs.
“Luke [Kennard] is a great example,” Redick said during his exit interview. “He’s a guy that can dribble, pass, and shoot. I think because of injuries, there were times that we didn’t have enough of that. We’ve got to be better being able to dribble, pass and shoot.”
Carr fits that archetype, and the Lakers didn’t allow anything to get in their way of acquiring him. When the moment came, they paid the Knicks and moved up in the draft to get their guy.
As in life, in sports, you want a franchise’s words to align with its actions. To start this offseason, the Lakers have not contradicted themselves.
They mentioned wanting to get players who can be triple threats, and they acquired one with Carr. There is a lot left to figure out, and the Lakers are far from done with moves this summer.
But this was a good way to begin what is supposed to be a huge offseason for the purple and gold.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade linked to 1st of 9 deals in Round 1 of NBA draft
The first round of the NBA draft started quietly on Tuesday night with teams selecting players and keeping them at least through the first 12 spots.
Then the trades started at No. 13 involving the teams that were part of the massive swap agreed to on Monday sending Giannis Antetokounmpo from Milwaukee to Miami.
That was the first of nine trades involving 10 players over the final 18 selections to wrap up the first round. The Memphis Grizzlies were involved in two deals sliding back five spots and netting five future second-round selections, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Why? Because none of these trades can be finalized until July 6.
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No. 13: F Nate Ament, announced to Miami with rights quickly sent to Milwaukee.
No. 16: G Bennett Stirtz, selected by Memphis with rights swapped to Oklahoma City for No. 17 and two second-round selections.
No. 17: G Ebuka Okorie, slot held by Oklahoma City sent to Memphis in trade for Stirtz's rights.
No. 21: F Karim Lopez, announced to Detroit with rights sent to Memphis along with three first-round selections for Okorie's rights.
No. 24: G Cameron Carr, New York Knicks sent his rights to the Los Angeles Lakers.
No. 25: F Sergio De Larrea, the Lakers' pick sent to the Knicks with his rights traded to Dallas.
No. 26: C Tarris Reed Jr., Denver traded his rights to San Antonio.
No. 28: F Joshua Jefferson, Minnesota traded this slot to Brooklyn as part of the Julius Randle trade as the Nets moved up five spots.
No. 29: F Alex Karaban, Cleveland moved back to No. 34 in this draft, sending Karaban's rights to Sacramento.
No. 30: F Koa Peat, the Knicks traded out of the first round entirely ESPN reported by sending the Dallas pick to Phoenix for the rights to the player from the Phoenix-area who played for Arizona.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba