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Stephen A states Giannis joining Steph Curry, Warriors wouldn't be fair to NBA

Stephen A states Giannis joining Steph Curry, Warriors wouldn't be fair to NBA originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

With yet another round of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talk rumors surfacing, the NBA world brought back a familiar hypothetical.

What if Antetokounmpo joined forces with Steph Curry and the Warriors? 

Stephen A. Smith said the pairing would be “unfair” on ESPN’s “First Take.”

“You want to talk about unfairness in the National Basketball Association? Don’t let Giannis get to Golden State with Steph Curry,” Smith warned. “If that happens – oh my lord. It wouldn’t be fair to the basketball world.”

On paper, it would be a monstrous pairing. Curry and Antetokounmpo have a combined four NBA MVPs, five NBA Championships and two NBA Finals MVPs.

If Draymond Green still were in the mix in that hypothetical, that would give the Warriors two Defensive Player of the Year award winners. But, Smith notes the offensive opportunities with that trio. 

“For those two to be wearing the same uniform on the same court — especially — if you kept Draymond Green, who’s your point forward facilitator, who’s your Energizer bunny, and who feeds Steph Curry better than anybody on the planet. If you had those two in the same uniform as Giannis Antetokounmpo, forget the betting odds and all of that stuff in Vegas,” Smith said, “Golden State would coast to the title.” 

All three players have played their entire NBA careers with just one team. They have the three longest active tenures with a single team, with Curry and Green entering their 17th and 14th seasons, respectively, with Golden State, and Antetokounmpo entering his 13th season with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Antetokounmpo reportedly was open to leaving Milwaukee this offseason for the first time in his career. The Bucks star, however, has recently reaffirmed that he’s “locked in”  to playing for Milwaukee. 

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Why Jonathan Kuminga won't ‘waste energy' asking Steve Kerr about Warriors role

Why Jonathan Kuminga won't ‘waste energy' asking Steve Kerr about Warriors role originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Now that a contract has been settled between the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga, the focus shifts to what happens between the lines.

The 23-year-old forward’s role has fluctuated throughout his career, especially after Golden State acquired star forward Jimmy Butler last season. That fluctuation has created some uncertainty for Kuminga and created a big contention point during the offseason’s contract negotiations. 

Kuminga, speaking to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, said he is choosing not to worry about his role. 

“I don’t ask [Warriors coach Steve Kerr] about roles because I know what he is going to tell me,” Kuminga said to Andscape. “I don’t waste my energy. I choose not to ask because nobody is going to tell me. It’s whatever. You just have to find ways to do things when you get out there. Make plays, defend. I don’t have a consistent role. I just play a role where I make sure I play defense and run the floor.” 

When the Warriors don’t have superstar guard Steph Curry available, Kuminga has been tasked with being more of a focal point in the offense. But most nights, as it has been for over a decade, Curry is the driver of the offense. 

But that doesn’t render Kuminga useless by any means. Kerr detailed what a key supportive role looks like for Kuminga in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Dubs Talk.” 

“I think the role is right there for him,” Kerr told Burke. “We need JK’s size, athleticism on the wing, his ability to guard the big wing guys like Luka [Dončić], LeBron [James] and Kawhi Leonard. So, the role is right there for him. I know it hasn’t always been easy for him because he’s wanted more of a role, being more of a focal point in our offense.” 

Kuminga does recognize this, telling Spears that he thinks his role is “to rebound, play defense and run the floor,” while also saying that he doesn’t “stress myself about it or think about” variations in playing time from game to game.  

Nevertheless, Kuminga and his camp feel that he can reach All-Star level play with a starting role. Kerr, speaking to Andscape, acknowledged that wasn’t in the mix. 

“It’s been an interesting fit. He’s made it pretty clear that he wants the ball and an opportunity that a lot of his cohorts get and people that were drafted near him. And we weren’t able to offer that,” Kerr said to Andscape. “We were a championship team. We won the title his rookie year [2021-22] and have been in the mix the last few years. So, it’s been tough. I respect the fact that he is competing and fighting in a set of circumstances that maybe isn’t ideal for him. But the thing I keep telling him is he can play a role for us, absolutely, with his size, speed and athleticism. 

“He can play an important role on a very good team. He just turned 23 [on Monday]. He has plenty of basketball ahead. One day, hopefully, he will look back on this as a valuable time in his career. But I know he’s frustrated. He’s made it very clear publicly. I don’t mind that, but I want him to embrace the idea that he can be a part of something special.” 

In his four years of NBA service, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points per game with a 50.7 field goal percentage in 22.0 minutes per game. 

Last season, before the acquisition of Butler, Kuminga averaged 26.0 minutes per game and made 10 starts in his 32 games played. After the acquisition and return from an ankle sprain, his playing time dipped to 20.8 minutes per game.

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Why Warriors star Jimmy Butler wants to win ring for Steph Curry, Draymond Green

Why Warriors star Jimmy Butler wants to win ring for Steph Curry, Draymond Green originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has been chasing an NBA championship for more than a decade.

He has come close twice, reaching the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat, but the six-time All-Star still hasn’t won the ultimate prize.

After joining Golden State at the 2025 NBA trade deadline in February, Butler now is in his first full year with the team — and he made clear that his top motivation isn’t silencing his own doubters, but securing another legacy-defining title for Steph Curry and Draymond Green.

“It would mean the world to me, but it would mean the world to me if they won,” Butler told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on the latest “Dubs Talk.”

Butler understands his teammates’ résumés speak for themselves. Curry, drafted by the Warriors in 2009, already is a four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP and widely considered the greatest shooter of all time.

Green, selected by the Warriors in 2012, also has won four titles and built his reputation as the franchise’s defensive heartbeat, earning a NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017 and nine All-Defensive Team honors along the way.

Still, history shows that a fifth ring would move both into an even smaller circle of all-time greats. Only 26 players in NBA history ever have won five or more championships. For Butler, that pursuit isn’t about collecting another trophy, but about cementing his teammates’ place among the legends of the game.

“They’ve already solidified themselves in the basketball fame and in the league, we get that,” Butler explained. “But to separate themselves from other individuals — you get five, like, you’re there. You know? No doubting, you can’t question it.”

The Warriors’ dynasty already has stretched across three distinct eras — the “Strength in Numbers” group that broke through in 2015, the Kevin Durant years of 2017 and 2018, and their 2022 return to glory behind the original core. Winning a fifth title would underline just how adaptable Curry and Green have been at the center of it all.

“You can’t say, ‘Who was on your team?’ ” Butler added. “You’ve done it with multiple different types of players and rosters. You get five, nobody is questioning anything about anybody that got five.”

If the Warriors do reach that mountaintop again, Butler will know he played a role in ensuring Curry and Green’s dynasty ends with no questions left to ask.

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Fantasy Basketball Breakout Candidates: Top Options for 9-Category Leagues

When it comes to preparing for your fantasy basketball draft(s), it is incredibly important to identify players who could be headed for a breakout campaign. Those types of players offer plenty of upside with the potential to provide tremendous return on investment for managers. In this article, we'll highlight some of the guys you should consider drafting who have the talent and opportunity to take a leap during the 2025-26 season.

Matas Buzelis, F - Chicago Bulls

Buzelis has been a popular choice as a potential breakout candidate for his hometown Chicago Bulls after a strong Summer League. The 20-year-old continued that momentum in his two preseason outings so far, posting averages of 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 1.0 blocks on 55.6/40.0/75.0 shooting splits in 18.6 minutes. He didn't start a game until after the All-Star break last year as a rookie, but Buzelis is expected to take over as a full-time starter in Year 2.

Over his final 27 games in the first unit in 2024-25, Buzelis put up 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.1 blocks in just 26.8 minutes a night. He should certainly see an increase in playing time as a sophomore, and in an up-tempo offense with Josh Giddey at the helm, Buzelis' speed and athleticism will be on full display. With a year under his belt and growing self-confidence, he'll get every opportunity to improve upon his preseason success as a two-way difference-maker.

Evan Mobley, F/C - Cleveland Cavaliers

It might be difficult to think of Mobley as a breakout candidate after he won the 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year award, but the forward-center is ready to make another jump at both ends of the court as he enters his fifth season as a pro. Through his first four years with the Cavs, he's never averaged more than 12.8 field goal attempts a night. In 2025-26, coach Kenny Atkinson, Mobley and Donovan Mitchell have talked extensively about the 24-year-old demanding the ball on offense while making a concerted effort to run more offense through the big man.

In limited preseason action, Mobley has been on-ball a bit more, recording a 27.9% usage rate in 44 total minutes across two outings. The sample size is small, but with Cleveland expected to be missing two-time All-Star Darius Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) for extended periods, Mobley will be tasked with more offensive responsibilities than in previous years. After averaging 18.5 points, 9.3 boards, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocks over 71 appearances last season, it wouldn't be surprising to see him eclipse 20.0 points and 10.0 rebounds while chipping in a steal and at least one block per contest.

Neemias Queta, C - Boston Celtics

Now that Al Horford is no longer in Beantown, Queta is set to be the starting center for the Celtics in 2025-26. The Portugal native represented his country in EuroBasket 2025 this past summer, posting a stellar 23-point, 18-rebound outing in an upset victory over the reigning European champions Spain. 

This isn't to suggest Queta will be going off with similar performances in the NBA this season. What it does prove, however, is that he's a talented seven-footer who will earn the most playing time of his young career as he enters his fifth season. In 13.9 minutes per game last year, Queta averaged 5.0 points, 3.8 boards and 0.7 blocks, numbers that jump to 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes. He probably won't see that much time on the court every night, but averaging a double-double with some defensive stats while shooting north of 60% from the field should absolutely be in the cards for the 26-year-old.

Brice Sensabaugh, G/F - Utah Jazz

Sensabaugh is entering his third season in the NBA. Historically speaking, players experience a breakthrough as a pro at this time in their careers. After suiting up for only 32 games as a rookie in 2023-24, he appeared in 71 contests for the Jazz last year and impressed over the final two months of the season. In 27 games after the All-Star break, Sensabaugh tallied 14.1 points, 3.7 boards, 2.1 assists and 0.7 steals on 47.4/47.5/86.7 shooting splits in just under 25 minutes per night.

Utah made several moves in the offseason to make way for their young talent in 2025-26, and Sensabaugh stands to benefit as the starting small forward for coach Will Hardy in Year 3. During his lone preseason outing against Houston on October 8, Sensabaugh dropped 24 points (9-15 FG) with six made 3s, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 26 minutes.

Amen Thompson, G/F - Houston Rockets

Much like Evan Mobley on this list, some readers may take umbrage with Thompson's placement as a breakout on this list after he seemingly did so last season by averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 boards, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks across 69 games as a sophomore. In Year 3, Amen is poised for another big jump, one that should land him firmly in the All-Star and Most Improved Player conversations.

With the unfortunate news that Fred VanVleet could miss the entire 2025-26 campaign after tearing his ACL in late September, Thompson has the chance to earn heavy minutes as the lead ball-handler on a team featuring Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith. As one of the most explosive athletes in the NBA, Thompson is a dynamic two-way force that will wreak havoc for the Rockets and provide stellar production in nearly every statistical category for fantasy managers. He may not necessarily help in terms of three-pointers or free-throw percentage, but his positional versatility, defensive stats and all-around game are too juicy to pass up.

Kel'el Ware, C - Miami Heat

Heading into Year 2, Kel'el Ware looks ready to make an impact at both ends of the floor for the Heat. In somewhat of an up-and-down rookie season, the seven-footer started to show signs of growth over the last two months that he carried into Summer League and now the preseason. Over his final 26 contests in 2024-25, Ware averaged 10.3 points, 9.7 boards, 0.7 steals and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes, compiling nine double-doubles in the process.

Across three preseason appearances in 2025-26, Ware has recorded two double-doubles while scoring in double figures in each outing, and he's gone 6-for-12 on three-point attempts overall. In a loss to the Spurs on October 8, he erupted for 29 points (12-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt), 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 26 minutes of action. Targeting Ware towards the latter stages of drafts could pay huge dividends for managers, regardless of his status as a starter or reserve in Miami.

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Knicks remain undefeated in preseason play after 100-95 OT win over Timberwolves

The Knicks extended their preseason record to 3-0, beating the Timberwolves in their first game at MSG this season, 100-95, in overtime. Mikal Bridges led the way with 15 points on 3-for-7 shooting from three, followed by 11 points from Jalen Brunson.

New York was without Josh Hart, but Karl-Anthony Towns picked up the slack with a double-double in 26 minutes while Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson each added 10 off the bench. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 17 points while former Knick Julius Randle notched 16. 

Here are the takeaways...

-Despite being a man down, the Knicks set a competitive tone using the same starters from the last contest, going on a 7-2 run off of strong team defense. The Timberwolves quickly met their intensity, responding with a 7-0 run of their own.

Towns was active early with two aggressive drives leading to scores, including an acrobatic lefty and one, as he had five points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals in the opening period. On the other end, it was Minnesota’s stars Randle and Edwards leading the way with nine and eight, respectively, as their Wolves led 21-20 after one, capitalizing on the Knicks' shooting just 2 of 14 from three.

-The first half likely looked close to what we’ll see from the Knicks' final rotation, as we saw them play nine guys and decent starter minutes. However, there was still experimentation going on with a different starting and closing unit, plus the three-guard bench had Landry Shamet featured over Malcolm Brogdon.  Dillingham was a big spark off the bench for Minny with seven quick points in the second period, but New York kept their deficit within single digits. Even a late first-half spark from Brunson to give him a team-leading 11 points at the half failed to bridge the gap, though, as Minny led 44-38 at halftime behind 14 points from Edwards.  

-Head coach Mike Brown opened the second half with Guerschon Yabusele in as the “fifth” starter, then subbed him for Shamet, after opening with Robinson and trying out McBride to finish the first. Fans have been watching this storyline closely throughout the preseason, but expect to continue seeing variations of the looks around the core four well into the regular season.

Nothing he threw out made meaningful headway against the Timberwolves while the Knicks bricked away from three, as they started 4-for-30 from deep on this night. The silver lining was that they created tons of good looks that simply didn’t go down, and their defense fared well. 

Late in the third, things shifted as Bridges hit a couple and OG Anunoby drilled one facing up in Rudy Gobert’s eye. The Knicks took advantage of some offensive rebounding without Robinson on the floor, then doubled down with a super small lineup of Yabusele at the five. 

But Minnesota closed the third strong, featuring an inside hook and buzzer-beating corner three from the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, going into the final frame up 71-63.

-The fourth quarter began with a bench unit of Brogdon, McBride, Clarkson, Pacome Dadiet, and Ariel Hukporti that kicked off a massive 19-9 run to give the Knicks an 82-80 lead, their first since the opening period. McBride was the big offensive boost, hitting a flurry of jumpers, while the rest each chipped in to the effort.

Midway through the period, the Knicks went deeper into their bench as the Timberwolves also cleared the pine to close the game. Down two with 10 seconds left, Minny’s Johnny Juzang drove for a running right hook to tie the game. 

The Knicks declined to call timeout, running it up to Garrison Mathews, who got a clean look from the top of the break but couldn’t pull off the game-winner. 

-New York ran with Kolek, Mathews, Dadiet, Tosan Evbuomwan and Hukporti for the extra minutes. Their defense sparked an 8-0 run with some solid teamwork and execution on the other end and coasted from there. 

Highlights

What's next

The Knicks continue their preseason slate with a home game against the Wizards on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

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James to miss start of NBA season with sciatica

LeBron James holds his hands on his chest
LeBron James began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 [Getty Images]

LeBron James has been ruled out for up to four weeks and will miss the start of the NBA season with sciatica, Los Angeles Lakers have confirmed.

James, 40, signed a new contract with the Lakers in June and is set to become the first player to play across 23 separate NBA seasons.

Sciatica is a pain in the sciatic nerve that goes down the lower back and through the leg.

James has not taken part in pre-season and missed the defeats against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns earlier this month because of the glute nerve irritation.

The American is expected to be sidelined for all five of the Lakers' games in October, including the season-opener against Golden State.

James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, has never previously missed the start of the season in his 22-year career.

His tally of 1,562 regular-season appearances is just 50 short of breaking former Boston Celtics star Robert Parish's NBA record.

The four-time NBA champion featured in 70 of the Lakers' 82 games last term and played on 71 occasions in the year before.

Last season, James averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game and finished sixth in Most Valuable Player vote.

The Lakers qualified for the play-offs in 2024-25 but lost 4-1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

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LeBron James out at least three weeks with sciatica: Fantasy impact, roster fallout

Lakers star LeBron James could not take the court to begin the preseason due to a right glute issue, and apparently, the injury is more serious than initially believed.

On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that James will miss at least three to four weeks due to sciatica in his right side. Due to the timeframe, he won't be available for Opening Night for the first time in his 23-year NBA career.

After failing to play at least 60 games in three consecutive seasons, James appeared in 71 and 70 games the past two. His absence opens up a spot within the Lakers' starting lineup, raising the fantasy ceilings of Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.

Who will start with LeBron sidelined? Lakers head coach JJ Redick has multiple options at his disposal, but regardless of who he selects, that player will likely be more impactful defensively than offensively. Holdover Jarred Vanderbilt and offseason addition Marcus Smart are two possibilities, with each bringing more consistent production to the table on the defensive end of the floor. While Smart has been the better scorer of the two throughout their careers, he hasn't always been a consistent shooter.

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Another option is offseason addition Jake LaRavia, who has started the Lakers' first two preseason games. While not the defender that Vanderbilt or Smart is, LaRavia's versatility makes him an intriguing deep-league option if he's allowed to start in James' place.

As for the remaining starters, Luka Dončić is the Laker whose draft outlook will be impacted the least, as he already boasts a top-5 ADP. He'll have even more responsibility to begin the year, so fantasy managers who land Dončićwill hope his efficiency does not take a hit with LeBron unavailable.

Reaves, Ayton and Rui Hachimura should all move up draft boards, with the former being the safest option to reach for. Last season, Reaves provided fourth-round per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Hachimura was a late-round option a season ago, and he remains a player who should be selected just outside the first 100 picks.

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Ayton is the wild card, especially considering his play in the Lakers' first two preseason games. After a listless effort in the team's opener, the center was better in Sunday's exhibition loss to the Warriors. The former first-overall pick doesn't lack talent, but inconsistent effort is why the Lakers signed him on a relatively cheap deal this summer.

Ayton totaled 95 appearances in his two seasons with the Trail Blazers, including 40 during the 2024-25 campaign.

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LeBron James out at least 3-4 weeks with sciatica on his right side, will miss opening night

One of the most impressive parts of LeBron James' career has been his durability. For example, in 22 seasons, he had never missed an opening night.

That changes this year. LeBron James is out with sciatica on his right side and will be re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks, the Lakers have announced. That means he is out for opening night, Oct. 21, when the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the Warriors in the second game of a double-header, the games that mark the return of the NBA to NBC and its debut on Peacock.

Even the most optimistic timeline has LeBron missing the Lakers' first six games, but with him being re-evaluated in a month expect that number to climb into the double digits.

Sciatica is a shooting pain, often accompanied by weakness or numbness, along one side of the body due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. That nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down the leg to the feet. That compression of the nerve can be caused by a number of things, such as a herniated disc, a bone spur, lifting something heavy incorrectly, or other issues. The treatment rarely involves surgery, but is more about rest, specific stretches and exercises (depending on the cause of the pain) and heat/ice on the affected area.

LeBron, 40, was a second-team All-NBA player for the Lakers last season averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds a game. The Lakers had hoped to use this year's training camp to get LeBron and Luka Doncic more comfortable playing next to one another, but LeBron's sciatica has put that on hold. Doncic has been a full participant in practices, Lakers coach J.J. Redick said today.

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LeBron James to miss Lakers' opening game because of sciatica issue

El Segunda, CA, Monday, September 29, 2025 - LeBron James talks with reporters.
LeBron James will be reevaluated in three to four weeks for a sciatica issue that has sidelined him during training camp. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James will miss the season opener with what the team said was a sciatica nerve injury on his right side, the team announced after practice Thursday. The Lakers said James will be re-evaluated in approximately three to four weeks and that further updates will be provided at that time.

James, who is entering an NBA-record 23rd season, was limited to mostly individual workouts while dealing with nerve irritation in the glute during training camp. He didn’t play in the Lakers’ first two preseason games.

When asked about managing stars Luka Doncic and James during camp before the announcement was made about his superstar player, Lakers coach JJ Redick told the media that the 40-year-old James was “on his own timeline.”

"You gotta play the cards you're dealt,” Redick told reporters. “I know that's a cliche, but that's just reality. … No one's gotten any time with LeBron. … He hasn't been on the court with the team. So that's just reality."

The Lakers open the regular season Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, but fans won’t get to see legends James and Stephen Curry share the court together at Crypto.com Arena.

The best-case scenario for James and the Lakers have him returning in three weeks, meaning he would miss the first five games and would return to play Oct. 31 at Memphis.

Read more:Fan is suing LeBron James for 'fraud, deception' after Lakers star teased 'Second Decision'

The four-week timeframe would have James missing the first nine games and coming back Nov. 8 at Atlanta.

The last time James spoke to the media was on media day on Sept. 29 and the conversation was about his plans on retirement.

He didn’t give a timeline then, mostly shrugging it off.

“I don't know,” James said then. “I'm excited about today, I'm excited about an opportunity to be able to play a game that I love for another season. And whatever the journey, however the journey lays out this year, I'm just super invested, because like you just said, I don't know when the end is, but I know it's a lot sooner than later.

“So just being super appreciative of the fact that I could come up here, do another media day and talk to you guys and do all this stuff around here, so just excited about the journey and whatever this year has in store for me.”

James has just one year left on his deal with the Lakers, a $52.6-million contract option that he exercised over the summer. He did not sign an extension with the Lakers, meaning that James will be a free agent when the 2025-26 season is over, free to sign with another team — or retire.

James is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer during the regular season with 42,184 points. He’s played the second-most regular-season games in history at 1,562, only 50 behind the leader, Robert Parish, a record James is in line to break this season — although that timeline has been pushed back because of his sciatica injury.

He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists last season, showing no signs of slowing down.

“The things that still push me is the fact that the love of the game is still high,” James said on media day. “The love of the process is even higher. So that's what continues to push me to play this game. I mean, it's really that simple. Me training and working on my body and trying to get my body as close to 100% as possible every year, it's something that's like — it's a beautiful thing for me.

“Just continue to challenge to see how well I can push myself to play the game at a high level, recover at a high level, be able to sleep better, mentally prepare, try to stay sharp throughout the course of a long season. And just the roller coaster of an NBA season, that's all like, gratifying to me, no matter the good, the bad, the ugly. I love that process. … So much that goes into it, more than just picking up a basketball and shooting at the rim.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fan is suing LeBron James for 'fraud, deception' after Lakers star teased 'Second Decision'

LeBron James closes his eyes and laughs heartily during Lakers media day
LeBron James attends the Lakers' media day Sept. 29 in El Segundo. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

A fan who spent hundreds of dollars for tickets to what he thought would be one of LeBron James' final NBA games is looking to recoup the money in small claims court after it turned out "The Second Deicision" teased by the Lakers superstar had nothing to do with his retirement.

Norwalk resident Andrew Garcia filed a claim Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court that states that James owes him $865.66 because of "fraud, deception, misrepresentation, and any and all basis of legal recovery."

Garcia told The Times that he spent that amount for two tickets to the Lakers' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 31, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena , thinking it would be the 40-year-old NBA icon's final game against the team that drafted him in 2003.

He and other basketball fans were under that impression after James posted Monday on X that he would be announcing "the decision of all decisions" the next day. The post included a video clip teasing "The Second Decision," a clear reference to 2010's "The Decision," in which James famously announced he was going to "take my talents to South Beach" to play for the Miami Heat.

Read more:Plaschke: LeBron James is 'maybe' retiring? This is going to be fun

Garcia said he purchased the tickets within 10 minutes of James' social media post.

"I was like, 'Holy s—, LeBron is going to retire! We've got to get tickets now,'" the 29-year-old Garcia said. "Like, literally, because if he formally makes this announcement, you know, there's gonna be some significant price changes, right?"

Garcia is a huge fan of the Lakers and James, as well as an avid basketball fan in general, so he thought it would be cool to see the NBA's all-time leading scorer play for the last time against the team with which he started his career and brought its first title in 2016 after his return from Miami.

"Moments like that, I understand the value," Garcia said. "There still may be some moderate value [to the tickets], however it's not the same without him retiring. I remember Kobe's last year, it was kind of what this would have been, per se, where every ticket was worth a lot. Every game had value. …

"I missed out on that. I was a little bit younger at the time. I obviously wasn't in a position to where I could just buy tickets unfortunately at that age. I believe I was like 18 or 19 at the time. And that's one of my biggest regrets as a sports fan. I really wish I could have gotten the Kobe's last year. So I see this as a potential to kind of make up for what I lost with Kobe."

Read more:Natalia Bryant makes her debut as a creative director with Lakers short film

But "The Second Decision" ended up having nothing to do with retirement. It was merely a Hennessy ad.

So now Garcia wants his money back.

"There is no circumstance absent him saying he's gonna retire that I would have bought tickets that far in advance," Garcia said. "I mean, I buy tickets, but I don't buy tickets five months' advance. I'm the kind of person that buys tickets five hours in advance. It was solely, solely, solely based on that. So that's why I was really thinking, 'You know what, this might be grounds for a case.' "

The Times reached out to an attorney said to be working with James related to the claim but did not receive an immediate response.

In light of everything that has happened this week, though, Garcia said he'd still be willing to pay the same amount of money to see James play during his eventual retirement tour.

"Of course," Garcia said. "I would probably spend more, because life is all about memories and experiences."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Heat's Erik Spoelstra expected to be named head coach of USA Basketball for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra is the leading candidate and is expected to be named the head coach of USA Basketball's men's team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2027 World Cup in Qatar, according tomultiple reports.

A contract has yet to be signed and finalized, but could be before the month is out. Tim Reynolds at the Associated Press notes any deal would have to be approved by the USA Basketball board of directors, who are set to meet later in October.

Spoelstra would take over for Steve Kerr, who stepped away after the team won gold at the Paris Olympics, the fifth consecutive gold medal for the American men's team. Spoelstra served as an assistant coach on Kerr's staff in Paris and at the World Cup before that. Spoelstra had said previously he would be honored to be considered for the job, and he would be the first Heat coach ever to hold the position.

Entering his 18th NBA season, Spoelstra is the longest-tenured head coach in the NBA (by six years, Kerr is the second-longest tenured). Spoelstra was just voted the "best coach in the NBA" in the annual poll of general managers, who also said he is the best manager and motivator of players in the league.

Spoelstra has led the Heat to six NBA Finals appearances, winning two (with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh) in 2012 and 2013.

USA Basketball has to select a coach who elite players want to play for, someone for whom the game's best are willing to spend their summer with him in a gym. Someone above the petty fray of agents and shoe politics that can try to influence decisions. Spoelstra fits that mold, he is highly respected by players.

This report comes just days after USA Basketball announced that Duke coach Kara Lawson will coach the USA women’s national team for the next Olympic cycle and the Los Angeles Games.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo responds to trade talk saying he's with Bucks now: 'I'm here. I believe in this team.'

We've all seen the movie that played out with Giannis Antetokounmpo on Wednesday before. A new report lights a fire under rumors that Antetokounmpo is eyeing another team — right now the Knicks — but then he comes out and throws cold water on it, calming things down. For now.

Here is what Antetokounmpo said on Wednesday, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

"I've said this many times, I want to be in a situation that I can win and now I'm here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I'm here to lead this team to wherever we can go and it's definitely going to be hard. We're going to take it day-by-day, but I'm here. So, all the other extra stuff does not matter. I think I've communicated with my teammates, communicated with the people I respect and love that the moment I step on this court or in this facility I wear this jersey, the rest does not matter. I'm locked into whatever I have in front of me.

"Now, if in six, seven months, I change my mind, I think that's human too, you're allowed to make any decision you want, but I'm locked in. I'm locked in to this team. I'm locked in to these guys, to this group and to this coaching staff and to myself."

Unsurprisingly, coach Doc Rivers was trying to play things down as well.

"If you read [Antetokounmpo's] comments this summer, every comment he's made is about being in Milwaukee, loving the city, but for some reason. And it's funny, what's the old saying, you create the story and then you report on the story you created. And that's what it feels like. And it gets old for us. But at the end of the day, there's nothing we can do about it, but I can tell you Jon has never called a team about Giannis. That has never happened. And until that happens, you really don't have a story."

Notice Antetokounmpo said, "if in six, seven months I change my mind," which would be next offseason, not him pushing for a trade at the February deadline. Antetokounmpo realizes that trading his $54.1 million salary in-season to a place he wants to be is incredibly difficult and unlikely to happen.

The real inflection point in this relationship between the Bucks and Antetokounmpo comes next offseason, when Antetokounmpo is extension eligible and the Bucks can offer a max deal of four years, around $260 million (or more, depending upon the salary cap). In the past, every time he was extension eligible, Antetokounmpo has used that as leverage to get the Bucks to do more to build a contending team, but he ultimately signed the deal and stayed in Wisconsin. He may well do that again, or he might refuse to sign it and then the trade talks are on.

Until then, Antetokounmpo says he is all in with the Bucks for this season.

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Why is NBA returning to China after six years?

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[BBC]

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets play the Phoenix Suns in two pre-season games.

It puts an end to a six-year NBA absence in the country following a breakdown in relationships over protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019.

The matches will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau, a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.

The NBA have announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese technology giant Alibaba at the end of last year, which they believe will enhance fan engagement using AI technology.

The Nets are also owned by the company's chair Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian businessman.

Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets participates during NBA Cares and Sands Cares Community Service Week Tipoff as part of 2025 NBA Global Games China at Venetian Arena
It is the first time an NBA fixture has been played in Macau since 2007 [Getty Images]

Why they haven't played there since 2019?

The NBA has not held games in China for six years after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a message on Twitter, now X, in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.

Morey tweeted: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong."

The tweet was subsequently deleted, but the the Chinese Basketball Association and streaming platforms suspended all cooperation with the team and immediately stopped broadcasting their games.

What's the history behind Hong Kong and China?

Originally a British colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong, signed a treaty in 1984 with China that would see them return to Chinese administation in 1997, under the principle of "one country, two systems".

In June 2019, protests started in the country against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.

Rights groups accused China of perceived interference, resulting in clashes with the police which lasted until 2024.

Why is basketball big in China?

The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China - but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.

The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into "China's team" during a seven-year spell in the United States.

The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA's profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.

Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (£3.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.

"We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

"As you know, there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it's wonderful to be back here."

Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: "Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person."

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

The team will find out everything you need to know and be able to call upon a network of contacts including our experts and pundits.

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Top three-point targets include Payton Pritchard, Norman Powell

The NBA preseason is well underway, and we're a little over a week away from the regular season tipping off. That means we've got plenty of fantasy basketball draft content up on the site.

Whether it's dynasty sleepers or players to avoid at ADP or just straight rankings, we've got it all up there. Today, I'm going to add to that collection by looking at players who can help you in drafts if you're looking for three-point value.

In a standard 9-category fantasy basketball league, you pile up stats in Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, Field Goal Percentage (FG%), Free Throw Percentage (FT%), 3-Pointers Made, and Turnovers. That means, when we're looking for three-point help, we are looking for accumulators, players who will make a lot of threes, but also players who shoot at a high enough percent that they won't tank our field goal percentage.

In this article, I looked at some of my favorite targets, specifically for three-point value, spread throughout the draft. I separated the article into two sections: early round picks (guys in the top 100 in ADP, which is approximately the first eight rounds) and then everybody outside of that. So flag some of these guys in your draft prep, and good luck assembling your teams.

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2024-25 NBA Three-Point Leaders

TOP 10 IN THREE-POINTERS MADE PER GAME

RankNameTeamPos3pt/g
1Stephen CurryGSWPG/SG4.4
2Anthony EdwardsMINSG/SF4.1
3Malik BeasleyDETSG/SF3.9
4Brandon MillerCHASG/SF/PF3.9
5LaMelo BallCHAPG/SG3.8
6Luka DoncicLALPG/SG3.5
7Derrick WhiteBOSPG/SG3.5
8Jayson TatumBOSSF/PF3.5
9Jordan PooleWASPG/SG3.5
10Damian LillardMILPG3.4

TOP 10 IN THREE-POINT FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE (QUALIFIED)

RankNameTeamPOS3pt%
1Seth CurryGSSG45.6
2Zach LaVineSACSG44.6
3Taurean PriceMILPF43.9
4Ty JeromeMEMSG43.9
5Vit KrejciATLPG/SG43.7
6Nic BatumLACPF43.3
7Harrison BarnesSASSF43.3
8Keon EllisSACPG/SG43.3
9Luke KennardATLSG/SF43.3
10Aaron NesmithINDSG/SF43.1

Fantasy Basketball Draft Targets: Three-Pointers

It's obvious that, if you want three-point value, you're going to want to draft the best three-point shooters in the league, so I'm not going to include guys like Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Klay Thompson, etc. We're going to focus on guys going in the early rounds (inside the top 100 picks) and guys going in the later rounds (post top 100 picks) who can provide you with 3-point value if your team is lagging there at various points in the draft.

▶ EARLY ROUNDS

Jordan Poole - PG/SG, NOR

(ADP: 66)

It's fun to clown on Jordan Poole on social media because he's made some boneheaded plays, and he also got punched in the face by his own teammate once, but he can shoot. Poole had a bit of a mini-breakout with Washington last season, and put up 9.1 three-pointers per game, ninth-most in the league, while making 37.8% of them. His 3.5 made threes per game was 9th-best in basketball. Poole now heads to the Pelicans, where only Zion Williamson is a really high-usage player in the starting lineup. Trey Murphy III is a talented player, but Poole didn't have a 30% usage rate in Washington just to cede tons of opportunities to Murphy. Zion also only played 30 games last year and has a checked injury past, so when he is inevitably out for a bit, who do you think it's going to be putting up shots?

Brandon Miller - SG/SF/PF, CHA

(ADP: 71)

Miller put up the third-most three-point field goals per game at 10.9 attempts and also made a solid 35.5% of them. That's not shooting the lights out, but that's a pretty good clip given the amount of shooting he's doing. The 22-year-old played only 27 games last season, but he had a 28% usage rate, and I see no reason why that wouldn't continue. I think you're getting a bit of a discount based on his injury, but I will take a 36.6% career three-point shooter who has put up nearly eight threes per game in his young career.

Payton Pritchard - PG, BOS (ADP: 78)

Anfernee Simons - PG/SG, BOS (ADP: 82)

Yes, it's possible that we've pushed Pritchard's draft cost up too high in this new-look Celtics offense that tried hard to rid themselves of big salaries after the Jayson Tatum injury, so they could get under the second apron. We know Pritchard is going to start and see big minutes, but a top-80 pick is certainly a decent investment. Still, if you need three-point value, it's hard to pass up on a guy who shot 40.7% from behind the arc and whose 3.2 made threes per game was 14th-best in basketball. The Celtics as a team love to shoot threes. Now, that philosophy might change a bit with the new personnel, but I can't see them simply becoming a grind-it-out team like the Marc Gasol Grizzlies, so there will be three-point shots taken, and both Pritchard and Simons are likely to take them. I'm shocked the Celtics were able to get Simons this offseason, but it's a nice add for the team, and his 3.1 made threes per game last year with Portland was 17th-best in basketball. Simons is not as efficient a shooter as Pritchard is, but I like his all-around game better, so I'd rather take him since both are going in the same range.

Cam Thomas - PG/SG/SF, BKN

(ADP: 79)

Thomas is another guywho didn't play a full season last year, playing only 25 games due to hamstring injuries. When he was on the court, he was a 32% usage player who took 7.8 three-point attempts per game, which was 24th-most in basketball. His 2.7 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 33rd in the NBA, and while he shot them at just 34.9%, which is slightly below a few players on this list, it's not really a mark that's going to hurt your overall field goal percentage. Since you want to focus more on the made three-pointers when targeting three-point value in the draft, I like Thomas because who else is going to shoot on Brooklyn? Thomas is also playing on a qualifying offer, which means he's going to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and you know he's going to try and earn a big payday.

Norman Powell - SG/SF, MIA

(ADP: 84)

His 3.0 made threes per game was 19th-best in basketball. While that was with the Clippers, he finds himself in a pretty good situation in Miami with Tyler Herro out. Andrew Wiggins posted just a 25.5% usage rate last year and is not a three-point shooter. Davion Mitchell is not a huge usage player and averaged just 2.9 three-point attempts per game in his career. The Heat are going to need Powell to space the floor and create space in the post for Bam Adebayo and slashing lanes for Wiggins. I think the three-point value will be here again.

Matas Buzelis - SF/PF, CHI

(ADP: 88)

A little over a week ago, I had Buzelis as a sleeper based on his ADP of 110 at the time. That ADP has since been slowly creeping up, and then he went out on Tuesday night and scored 19 points in 18 minutes in the first preseason game. Buzelis shot 36.1% from deep last season, but he played only 19 minutes per game and took only 6.9 total shots per game. However, he joined the Bulls starting lineup in February and took 4.9 three-pointers per game in 22 games between March and April. He also shot 39% from deep over those 22 games. I think this kid is going to be special, and I could see him being a high usage player on this Bulls team.

Cameron Johnson - SF/PF, DEN

(ADP: 92)

Look, Cam Johnson is not going to head to Denver and be a high-usage player, but the good news is that he wasn't one in Brooklyn either. Johnson had just a 22.5% usage rate in Brooklyn last season, but still took 7.2 three-point attempts per game with the Nets, which was 33rd-most in basketball. His 2.8 made three-pointers per game ranked 31st in the NBA, and he shot them at 39%. Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon are not three-point shooters. This is what Johnson was brought to Denver to do, and now he gets to do it on a significantly better team.

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26 Preseason Top 200: Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the way
Nikola Jokić headlines Rotoworld’s Preseason Top 200, but key injuries across the league make this one of the most unpredictable fantasy seasons in years.

▶ LATE ROUNDS

De’Andre Hunter - SF/PF, CLE

(ADP: 152)

Hunter was pretty good in Cleveland after coming over in the middle of the season from Atlanta, but a lot of his totals dipped a bit in a bench role. Still, on the season, his 2.5 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 44th in the NBA, and he shot them at a 40.5% clip. With Max Strus hurt and Isaac Okoro no longer in Cleveland, there's a decent chance that Hunter will begin the season as the starting small forward for the Cavs. If that's the case, he should put up something closer to his 6.7 three-point attempts per game with the Hawks, and, considering he's a career 37.3% shooter from deep, that you could be looking at around 2.5 made three-pointers per game while also posting stats across the board on one of the best teams he's ever been on.

Jerami Grant - SF/PF, POR

(ADP: 188)

Last year in Portland, Grant had just a 19.5% usage rate, but he still put up 6.3 three-point attempts per game, which was 49th-best in basketball. He shot them at a 36.5% mark, so he didn't hurt your field goal percentage, and hit 2.3 per game, which made him a value in that category. With Anfernee Simons now in Boston, opportunities are there for the taking. Jrue Holiday was brought in, but he's more of a facilitator than a guard who looks for his own shot. I like Deni Avdija, and Shaedon Sharpe could take a big step forward this year, but he's a career 33% shooter from three, so I don't think he's going to threaten Grant's ability to space the floor. Plus, at this ADP, the risk is so minimal.

Royce O’Neale - SF/PF, PHO

(ADP: 196)

I don't know what O'Neale's role is going to be on this team with Durant gone, but Jalen Green in town. Still, his 2.4 made three-pointers per game last year ranked tied for 46th in the NBA, and he shot them at a career-high 40.6%. There is a chance that Green and Devin Booker will simply shoot so much that O'Neale doesn't get enough opportunities, and that also goes for Grayson Allen - PG/SG/SF, PHO (ADP: 219), but both of these guys are willing to launch from deep and can hit at a high clip, so if we start to see one getting more opportunities this pre-season, it's time to pounce.

Gary Trent - SG/SF, MIL

(ADP: 242)

I mentioned Trent Jr. on Twitter/X as one of my sleepers for this season because I think he has a good chance to start on this Milwaukee team. There are a lot of high usage players in this lineup, but there are also a lot of players who command defensive attention, so Trent is going to be used to space the floor, and he's likely going to get plenty of open looks. His 2.4 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 46th in the NBA, and he shot them at 41.6%, which was the second-best mark of his career. If you need three-point value with one of your last picks, he's perhaps my favorite.

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Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Paolo Banchero leads team built from 12th pick

Fantasy basketball season is here, and the best way to prep for your drafts is to mock, mock again and mock some more!

Drafting out of the No. 12 spot in a 12-team, 9-cat league offers the benefit of back-to-back picks to start your build, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The top-tier players have been selected, and your two picks will be the only ones you have until your next two picks nearly two full rounds later.

I completed a mock drafting from this spot to show how it might play out. Here are the results and brief analysis.

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Round 1

1. Nikola Jokić (DEN - C)

2. Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C)

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C)

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG)

5. Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG)

6. Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG)

7. Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C)

8. Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C)

9. Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG)

10. Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG)

11. Trae Young (ATL - PG)

12. Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF)

Round 2

13. Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF)

14. James Harden (LAC - PG,SG)

15. Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C)

16. Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF)

17. Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG)

18. Stephen Curry (GSW - PG)

19. Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C)

20. Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG)

21. Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG)

22. Alperen Sengun (HOU - C)

23. Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C)

24. Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF)

Drafting from the 12 spot with back-to-back picks, my options are wide open, but there is some strategy involved here.

With the clear-cut top options off the board, I turned my attention to the slew of quality second-rounders. Having the 12th pick means I get two players and don’t get to draft again for 23 more picks. Taking Thompson and J-Dub here may look like a slight reach, but I value them more highly than any of the other players taken in the same range, and neither would have gotten back to me at Pick 36.

My first two picks lean into a build that’s punting three-pointers, but I try to make up some ground in that category later in the draft. I’m already off to a solid start with rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and FG%. I’m not too shabby in the scoring department with this duo, but points won’t be at a premium after my selections in Rounds 3-4.

Round 3

25. LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF)

26. LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG)

27. Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

28. Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF)

29. Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG)

30. Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C)

31. Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG)

32. Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C)

33. Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG)

34. Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF)

35. Ivica Zubac (LAC - C)

36. Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C)

Round 4

37. Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF)

38. De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG)

39. Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF)

40. Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF)

41. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM - PF,C)

42. Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF)

43. Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF)

44. Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF)

45. Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF)

46. Ja Morant (MEM - PG)

47. Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF)

48. Myles Turner (MIL - C)

Banchero is expected to take another step forward in Year 4 after a tremendous 2024-25 campaign in which he averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocked shots and 1.9 three-pointers. His shooting percentages weren’t elite (45.2 FG%, 72.7 FT%), but Banchero offered a ton of value as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator. His dual eligibility as a PF and C makes him an excellent and versatile selection, but he will need to improve his percentages and defensive contributions to pay off his Round 3-4 ADP.

The first rookie comes off the board at 37, and he goes to me. Flagg is expected to take on a sizeable role in Year 1, and he could be utilized even more on offense while Kyrie Irving is out. Flagg represents an elite, two-way talent who can rack up points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocked shots. Taking him at 37 is a bit of a reach, and I’m probably grabbing him at his ceiling. Nevertheless, I want to get him on my team for the tremendous upside, and he won’t be available when it’s my turn to pick at the 5-6 turn.

Round 5

49. Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C)

50. Joel Embiid (PHI - C)

51. Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF)

52. Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG)

53. Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF)

54. Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF)

55. Nikola Vučević (CHI - C)

56. DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF)

57. Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF)

58. Jalen Duren (DET - C)

59. Walker Kessler (UTA - C)

60. Deandre Ayton (LAL - C)

Round 6

61. Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF)

62. Jarrett Allen (CLE - C)

63. Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG)

64. Darius Garland (CLE - PG)

65. Coby White (CHI - PG,SG)

66. Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF)

67. Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG)

68. OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF)

69. Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

70. Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C)

71. Rudy Gobert (MIN - C)

72. Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG)

The purpose of mock drafts is to learn. Trial-and-error is the name of the game, and admittedly, this is a bit of an error. While there is nothing inherently wrong with selecting Ayton at 60, I didn’t need to grab him. Paolo Banchero is eligible at Center, meaning I could have pivoted to a player with PG eligibility - a position with which this team is scarce on depth. I addressed Center depth later in the draft with Jakob Poeltl, who is a fine pick a couple rounds later. Live and learn.

I’m happy to grab Thompson at 61, but he is far riskier than his “breakout” moniker implies. Like his brother, Detroit’s Thompson is an athletic phenom, capable of scoring in transition and elevating at the rim on offense and adept at disrupting opponents on the defensive end. He doesn’t have an outside shot, and playing time is still questionable given how many minutes he’s played in his first two seasons. A bump in court time and additional usage as a playmaker would do wonders for his fantasy value.

Round 7

73. Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG)

74. Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG)

75. Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG)

76. Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C)

77. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF)

78. Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF)

79. Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG)

80. Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF)

81. Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG)

82. Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG)

83. Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG)

84. Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF)

Round 8

85. Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C)

86. Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF)

87. Donovan Clingan (POR - C)

88. Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF)

89. Mark Williams (PHX - C)

90. Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF)

91. Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF)

92. John Collins (LAC - PF,C)

93. RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF)

94. Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C)

95. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C)

96. Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF)

Thomas is my favorite player in fantasy basketball this season. He’s a certified bucket coming off the best statistical season of his career. Thomas’ would-be breakout campaign was hampered by injuries, and he’ll surely be hungry to get back on the court in 2025-26. Thomas should also have some additional motivation after going through lengthy contract negotiations with Brooklyn that ultimately led to him accepting a qualifying offer. He’ll be playing for pride and for a new contract. Watch out.

As mentioned earlier, I didn’t need to reach for Ayton at the end of the fifth round. I had Banchero, and Poeltl was available three rounds later as a strong, later-round center option. He’s coming off the best season of his career and just inked a big extension with the Raptors. Toronto’s center depth is bare, so fantasy managers should expect big minutes and solid production with a discount price tag on draft day.

Round 9

97. Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF)

98. Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF)

99. Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C)

100. D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG)

101. Tobias Harris (DET - PF)

102. Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF)

103. Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF)

104. Nic Claxton (BKN - C)

105. Alex Sarr (WAS - C)

106. Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C)

107. Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C)

108. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG)

Round 10

109. Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF)

110. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF)

111. Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF)

112. Dereck Lively II (DAL - C)

113. CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG)

114. Zach Edey (MEM - C)

115. Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C)

116. Wendell Carter Jr. (ORL - C)

117. Jeremy Sochan (SAS - PF,C)

118. Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG)

119. Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF)

120. Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C)

KPJ is penciled in as Milwaukee’s starting PG, and we’ve seen his tremendous upside in flashes throughout his career. Porter Jr. had some good moments in Cleveland before moving to Houston and breaking out at the end of the 2020-21 campaign. Injuries and off-court issues have prevented him from being on the court more during his NBA tenure, but if he can stay healthy and out of trouble in 2025-26, he should be able to post respectable numbers. KPJ averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 1.7 steals across five starts between the Clippers and Bucks last season.

George is one of the players I highlighted in Rotoworld’s Staff Favorites article. The young and athletic George is a versatile wing with the ability to get hot from downtown and make a major impact on defense. He played solid minutes for Washington a season ago, but his playing time could increase in Year 2 as the team continues its rebuild. Bilal Coulibaly is dealing with a thumb injury and will miss time early in the season. That opens the door for George to be a starter on opening night. If he can build momentum from the jump, he could parlay early-season success into a quality campaign.

Round 11

121. Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG)

122. Dennis Schröder (SAC - PG,SG)

123. Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG)

124. Jaylen Wells (MEM - SG,SF)

125. Lonzo Ball (CLE - PG,SG)

126. Quentin Grimes (PHI - SG,SF)

127. Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG)

128. Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG)

129. Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF)

130. Klay Thompson (DAL - SG,SF)

131. Malik Monk (SAC - SG)

132. Kon Knueppel (CHA - SF)

Round 12

133. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF)

134. Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG)

135. Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG)

136. Chris Paul (LAC - PG)

137. Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF)

138. Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C)

139. Davion Mitchell (MIA - PG)

140. Ty Jerome (MEM - SG)

141. Yves Missi (NOP - C)

142. Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF)

143. Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF)

144. Brook Lopez (LAC - C)

Another rookie comes off the board as I grab Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel. The Summer League MVP is poised to see big minutes for the Hornets in Year 1. Elite, long-range shooting is his calling card, but he’s a hound on defense and a guy able to get teammates involved with his quality, playmaking abilities.

No player had a more tumultuous offseason than Kuminga. After a bizarre 2024-25 season in which he was taken in and out of Golden State’s lineups for reasons that still aren’t inherently clear, Kuminga dealt with trade rumors and contract disputes with the team for months. He finally agreed on a two-year deal, but the prevailing thought is that the Warriors will use him as a trade piece after he’s eligible to be traded in early 2026. He’s playing for his next deal, and the Dubs may look to give him ample playing time as an audition. He’s a risky pickup here, but there is plenty of upside.

Round 13

145. Daniel Gafford (DAL - C)

146. P.J. Washington (DAL - SF,PF)

147. Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C)

148. Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG)

149. Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF)

150. T.J. McConnell (IND - PG)

151. Scoot Henderson (POR - PG)

152. Ace Bailey (UTA - SF)

153. VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG)

154. Dejounte Murray (NOP - PG,SG)

155. Jay Huff (IND - C)

156. Dylan Harper (SAS - SG)

I debated grabbing Kyrie Irving here but opted to go for a player who could be an immediate contributor. Harper’s path to meaningful minutes isn’t clear given the competition for playing time at guard with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but the No. 2 pick surely won’t spend the entirety of his rookie season on the bench. There’s upside here, and that’s what the final round of fantasy drafts is all about. If Ace Bailey hadn’t been taken four picks earlier, he would have been my selection. Given how good he’s looked in the preseason, I highly doubt he’ll be available this late again.

My team

1. Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF)

2. Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF)

3. Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C)

4. Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF)

5. Deandre Ayton (LAL - C)

6. Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF)

7. Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF)

8. Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C)

9. Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG)

10. Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF)

11. Kon Knueppel (CHA - SF)

12. Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF)

13. Dylan Harper (SAS - SG)

Strengths: Defense, rebounding, FG%

Weaknesses: Three-pointers

I grabbed several quality defenders here, so my team is good to go with steals, blocks, rebounds and FG%. Three-pointers have been punted, though we may have a few surprisingly competitive weeks in that category if Cam Thomas, Kyshawn George and Kon Knueppel go off.

Ultimately, this is a risk/reward build. Jalen Williams is a safe selection, but there are question marks everywhere across this roster. Will the Thompson twins break out? Will Paolo Banchero improve his percentages and defensive numbers enough to make his early-round selection worth the cost? Rookies are always an unknown, and despite the buzz around Cooper Flagg, his early success is far from a guarantee.

Picks 7-13 are full of big swings, but they could all be home run selections. Safe picks have never been my forte, so this final roster is certainly indicative of my draft style.