Sunrise/ Sunset/ Since the beginning it hasn’t changed yet/ People fly high begin to lose sight/ You can’t see very clearly when you’re in flight — “On Your Way Down” Allen Toussaint
To be honest I didn’t pay much attention initially when Pat Kelsey was first asked Monday morning about not being invited to attend the NBA Draft.
He was diplomatic, commenting how Mikel Brown Jr. only had so many invites, etc, etc.
Then he said this, and my ears perked up.
“Although he was only here for one year, that young man is going to be celebrated and remembered and revered around here for a long, long time.”
I. Don’t. Think. So.
At least that’s my sense from feedback by the Commentariat, conversations along the way, and my own conversion on the issue.
I still didn’t pay a lot of attention. For me, the NBA Draft is a curiosity, far from an obsession.
However when Louisville’s Dean of Sportswriters Eric Crawford returned to the subject later in the interview, I rethought my dismissal that it wasn’t any big deal in these environs.
I’ve thought about it a lot between then and now, just having viewed the part time U of L mercenary take the stage in his bespoke white, pink and baby blue tux, the fitting of which was videoed by his team.
To which attire he added a Brooklyn Nets hat.
Let’s set aside for a moment the underlying dialog about the true extent of MB’s injury, considering how bad the kid’s back really was that “caused” him to sit out over a third of the Cardinals’ games, including the post season.
What I know is Pat Kelsey had Brown’s back during the step aways. Season long. As late at his presser.
“He’s got an ‘it’ about him. … I’m well aware of how special of a player I coached. I’m more proud of how special of a human being Mikel is.”
Unlike Bill Self who publicly wondered aloud how much his eventual No. 2 pick was truly injured last campaign, PK has never never had a discouraging word for Brown.
The very least Brown and his team — Read: Helicopter Father — could have done was bring Pat Kelsey along Tuesday night. To show some respect. Gratitude for PK’s indulgence.
They did not.
For shame.
I’m firmly of the opinion it was a disgrace.
It’s high time that you found/ The same people you misuse on your way up/ You might meet up/ On your way down — AT
* * * * *
During the season, I was an apologist for Brown.
I was close by in the gym when his back went out during a game. Memphis State, right?
Having had a troublesome back through the decades, I observed the signs in the PG’s hobble during his down time.
A fellow Cardinal hoopaholic advised Brown told him, he’d had back issues previously.
Thus I was inclined to accept he simply wasn’t sandbagging after his breakout national TV performance against UK.
Of course, I was dazzled by his game in early February against a North Carolina State gang mailing it in, “coached” by Will Wade who was already packing to move to Baton Rouge.
I was still dismayed that he matched the individual game point record of four year icon Wes Unseld in ’67. Just didn’t feel right, worthy.*
*I’ve had a former Cardinal, member of the family, share that he’d heard Brown’s dad was upset because Kelsey pulled him before he could break the record. ????
In retrospect I now find it suspect that Brown shut it down once and for all as a Cardinal after hitting but 2/10 in a late February L at Clemson, following by five days his atrocious shooting night in a loss to the Tar Heels on February 23.
How conveeeeeniant!!!
Then came his remarkable full recovery when NBA tryout season and combine dawned.
With the same no lumbar issues that didn’t seem to plague him in AAU and for the USA squad before he came here.
* * * * *
So, I’d offer he dropped by for a cup of coffee. Shared a couple of almond croissants with us against UK and a jayvee Wolfpack contingent.
Then moved on. Without giving a legit thank you to his coach.
Sayonara, dude.
* * * * *
I read a piece this morning about Steve Spurrier. In it, he lamented like many the current state of roster movement in college sports, how different it was in his heyday of the 90s.
How his recruiting pitch was, “You’ve got a home to come back to.”
Jordan Nwora comes back for visits.
Donovan Mitchell comes back for visits.
Chucky Hepburn, though a senior one and done is properly revered, and comes back for visits.
Mikel Brown Jr.?
If the over/ under on how many times he comes back was 1, I’d bet the under.
BRONX, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 9: The Bronx Zoo transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors as fall foliage surrounds its animal habitats in New York, United States on November 9, 2025. Visitors enjoy the mix of wildlife and seasonal scenery, with golden leaves creating picturesque views across one of New York City's most famous attractions. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The Knicks entered Tuesday night with the No. 24 pick. They left with no first-round picks… but five additional second-rounders, a bag full of cash, and what feels like another Leon Rose-Brock Aller masterclass.
A few notes and links…
Let’s start with the obvious: the Knicks did not trade out of the first round because they hated Sergio de Larrea as I did, or even Koa Peat, Cameron Carr, or any other prospect at reach. Every report coming out before and afterward pointed in the same direction, which is none other than avoiding the second-apron and keeping the title-winning core together. It isn’t simple, but New York is simply operating like the savviest franchise.
As SNY’s Ian Begley pointed out, New York saved itself roughly $3.4 million in first-round salary obligations by moving out of Round 1 and letting others pay for the 24th-best prospect. Can’t complain, let alone if Sergio was the bet.
Even with all the maneuvering from Tuesday and all the surprises yet to come, the Knicks currently have roughly $211 million committed to 11 players, leaving about $10.8 million before reaching the second apron. Not exactly the type of cushion that lets you sleep comfortably, considering all of Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, Ariel Hukporti, Jeremy Sochan, Kevin McCullar Jr., Trey Jemison, and Jose Alvarado don’t have a contract in place right now.
Speaking of Alvarado, Sean Deveney spoke to an Eastern Conference executive who described his upcoming market in the most terrifying way possible.
“Oh, it would be a cluster. He’s the kind of guy you want on the bottom half of the roster if you’re a contender. So all the teams that were after him before will be after him again, and they can all bump him to $6 million with an (cap) exception or go higher, go into the midlevel for him. And you’d have to add some teams to that mix, too.”
Linked to both Alvarado and Tuesday’s dealing and wheeling: remember that New York originally acquired Alvarado by sending two second-round picks and a Frankensteinian Dalen Terry-Guerschon Yabusele body to New Orleans. Suddenly, those freshly-acquired five second-rounders Rose grabbed don’t look quite as random, do they? Keep ’em coming!
If you are still lost amid all the draft sennanigans and deals and cap issues and stuff like that (which I have publicly admitted to being) and you haven’t read Michael Zeno’s breakdown of the cap implications and Knicks situation, do it right now. The entire piece is basically a love letter to Brock Aller, and the argument is simple: second-round contracts are cheaper, they create more flexibility, and could massively help New York retain all/most veterans while staying under the apron.
If you don’t love Nate, fear nothing. I’d keep loving him for you.
Pour one out for the St. John’s crowd, even if it hurts not to have Zuby Ejiofor around. The Red Storm standout ended up going No. 23 to Atlanta, one pick before New York’s original No. 24 selection. Fun what-if: had Zuby been available for the Knicks, would we be talking about trading out of the first round? Worth Weisioning.
Jalen Brunson announced his first children’s book, Jalen Plays It All, and I don’t know why you haven’t preordered it yet.
Speaking of Brunson! Becky Hammon refused to apologize for her take that she couldn’t be the No. 1 option on a title team. “All he did was prove history wrong,” she said, adding that ESPN doesn’t pay her to cancel her own opinions. Stay strong, Becky!
Only wow, she actually admitted being wrong a few hours later, in what sounded like a simple “Here you have it, leave me alone” type of statement. See, Becky’s initial comments sucked, and she knows it. She knows it so much, and it became so clear that she was wrong, that now she’s just trying to escape the spotlight, one she couldn’t bear, in the only possible way. Throwing the rock and hiding her hand as quickly as possible, at the start of a Las Vegas Aces press conference, trying to evade endless loops in X as if this wasn’t the year 2026 of our Lord. Good luck escaping history, Becky.
Not happy with her comments, she went on to say the following thing about Jalen Brunson, probably, perhaps, one has to imagine, thinking that she was being so clever as to make me mad once again, in a plot twist only meant to deflect attention from his initial and unmistakable remark. And in doing so, she inevitably fell for the trap a second time, now finding herself waiting for another eventual round of backlash. Some people never learn, I guess.
“Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever. Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea because it was clearly a historical and analytical take.”
Adam Silver keeps trying to avoid saying the League is going 32 while sounding increasingly locked into the upcoming expansion. The commish said Seattle and Las Vegas remain the focus and, in a new/confirmed development, he floated the 2028-29 season as the first one featuring the Sonics and the Gamblers.
Celtics Corner I: Shams Charania reported before the draft and post Giannis-to-Miami that Boston is “listening, engaging, and discussing” trade offers for Jaylen Brown.
Celtics Corner II: Brad Stevens then said Brown is “a big part of us,” but the funniest thing is that literally five seconds later, he added, “you never know… I don’t want to predict the future.”
Celtics Corner III: These two statements seem somewhat contradictory.
Celtics Corner IV: I support whatever creates the most chaos, and it doesn’t look like the C’s are escaping this messy situation with their duo intact. If it doesn’t break by July, it will by September. And if it stays together all the way up to next season’s tip-off, I would be watching and waiting for the Brown Stream That Bombs It All. Here’s the link, click the notifications button!
Old “report” brought back to life a couple days ago: the Knicks “could pursue” OAKAAK Tim Hardaway Jr. for his third stint in Manhattan. The internet remains undefeated.
Enjoy Round 2.
In honor of him getting his jersey retired, he’s the great Pau Gasol singing “How to Save a Life” pic.twitter.com/SWfuORZPu5
Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) is introduced Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever’s season opener game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
INDIANAPOLIS — It’s the third quarter of a late May game against the Valkyries and the Fever are looking to cap off a third-quarter rally that saw them overturn a seven-point deficit to take the lead.
With 20 seconds remaining, a miscommunication by the Golden State defense allows Kelsey Mitchell to find Raven Johnson in the corner for a three that ignites the home crowd.
In a moment that could hardly better define the highs and lows associated with playing rookies, Johnson’s excitement after the shot quickly transforms into overzealousness. Without a single player on either team having yet crossed half court, she fouls Veronica Burton 94 feet from the basket to send her to the free throw line.
As cliché of a rookie mistake as it was, it was also a perfect teaching moment, and Aliyah Boston took advantage.
Standing at half court, she waits for Johnson, puts her arms on her shoulders and offers advice. Despite being just 24 years old and in her fourth year in the league, Boston has become one of the team’s leaders.
Boston isn’t new to the role. By her own admission, she’s a natural talker. But talking is not leading, nor is it necessarily communicating, either. Those are skills she’s had to develop over the years, something she credits her college coach, Dawn Staley, for helping kickstart.
It’s also something that came along by necessity. When injuries ravaged the Fever last season, Boston became the point guard of sorts at times. Point guards are vocal leaders, so Boston had to assume that role as well.
All those experiences and circumstances have led to this season, where Boston has blossomed into a leader and a constant voice for the Fever, whether in practice, the locker room, a huddle or during the game.
In this moment against the Valkyries, it’s allowed her to help refocus Johnson in a tight game. The results are immediate as Johnson opens the fourth quarter with a flurry of activity, scoring or assisting on the first seven points of the period for Indiana — including setting up Boston for a layup — as the lead extended to double digits en route to a victory.
Leadership is often demonstrated in the moments behind the scenes and away from the cameras, but that game and that moment offered a rare chance for fans to see how impactful it can be.
It’s been clear for multiple years that the Fever have three stars in Caitlin Clark, Boston and Mitchell.
But sometimes even if something is implied, it’s still best to make it known. So, this preseason, head coach Stephanie White took aside the trio and told them the obvious.
This is your team.
“I think we’ve kind of known that from the jump that it’s really just like, we got to — the three of us like as a unit — we have to make sure that we lead the team in the right direction,” Boston told SBNation of White’s preseason message. “I think it’s always different, especially last year with [Clark] being out, so it was like kind of just finding that group again. But I think, honestly, like we’re doing a pretty good job of it.”
Setting aside the multiple All-Star selections in the last two seasons from the three, they are also among the most tenured players on the roster. The roster turnover since the arrival of Boston and Clark in consecutive drafts leaves them as three of the four longest-serving Fever.
For Boston, even if talking comes naturally, White’s message was a reassurance that the team needed her to speak up. She took that vote of confidence and ran with it this season, and her team has taken notice.
“I think the thing that really stands out is Aliyah’s constantly the one talking in our huddles,” Clark said. “She’s the first voice we have there…She has a very strong voice and you constantly hear it whether it’s in-game, whether it’s on the bench in a timeout, whether that’s in the locker room on not just game days, but even on practice days too.”
Being the vocal leader also hasn’t taken away from Boston’s production either. If anything, the opposite has been true.
She’s averaging 17.2 points, the most of her career, while still grabbing 8.6 rebounds per contest. Much of her jump in scoring can be attributed to her improvement as both a 3-point shooter, where she’s shooting 44.7% on 2.5 attempts per game, and at the free throw line, where she’s shooting 83.8%.
“I think talking about the game is always great and I think it allows you to just see and understand it a lot more, understand teams, player tendencies,” Boston said. “I think the more that you watch, the more you talk about it, it just makes it clearer.”
As great as Boston has been this season, ask just about anyone with the Fever, and they’ll point to last season as the moment Boston took a leap in many ways.
It was a year marred by injuries for the Fever. As quickly as the team would make an in-season signing, another player would fall by the wayside with the point guard position being the most common point of attrition.
To help alleviate the burden of the rotating new faces, the Fever did what they do so often: lean on Boston.
“At times she was our point guard last year,” Clark said. “And if you’re the point guard, you got to communicate a lot, you got to know what’s going on, you got to be on the same page as a coach and you have to be able to get your teammates where they need to be.”
Boston became one of only three players in league history to have at least 350 rebounds and 150 assists in a season last year. She also realized how impactful she can still be as a communicator even if she wasn’t a point guard.
“I think that just my positioning, how we wanted to play, I think that definitely was a super big part of it,” Boston told SBNation. “So for this year, I’m just trying to make sure that I continue on that path.
“I think you can still lead from the post. I know the guards have the ball a lot, but I think being able to just communicate and talk about what I’m seeing is always going to be crucial.”
On top of everything else, the interplay between Boston and Clark remains one of the most reliable actions for any team in the league. What continues to make Boston particularly difficult to defend is her passing ability. As quickly as Clark can find Boston on a roll to the rim, the latter can hit the former on a backcut.
Boston is one of only two players in the league this season with a total rebound percentage and an assist percentage both above 20%. The Fever are putting the ball in her hands more than ever before, evidenced by her career-high 27.8% usage percentage, and she’s repaying them with career numbers.
“She’s solid,” White said. “She doesn’t get too high, she doesn’t get too low. Certainly, every player gets frustrated at times, but she’s an elite communicator. You trust her to make the right play and to make the right read. She brings people together. She’s a connector, which is so important, and she just continues to lead by example and be a vocal leader for our team.”
Those lessons learned from a challenging 2025 season are paying dividends for Boston in 2026. As a team, the Fever have struggled to find consistency this season. Offensively, Indiana is averaging the most points per game in the league. Defensively, they’re allowing the third most.
Not surprisingly, highs and lows have followed them. A recent four-game win streak included a game-winner from Clark in Washington. But that streak came shortly after an ugly loss in Portland, when they trailed by as many as 26.
What remains most consistent throughout it all, though, is Aliyah Boston, who just keeps improving.
The Warriors drafted a prospect who holds a prestigious place in college basketball history.
Not only is Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who Golden State selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday night, a highly touted prospect and a national champion with the Wolverines, but when he played for the University of Alabama at Birmingham for two seasons from 2023-25, made college basketball history with a do-it-all performance for the ages.
In last 20 years, only one DI player has had, over the course of his entire career (same game or not),
a game w/ 30+ pts a game w/ 20+ reb a game w/ 8+ ast a game w/ 9+ stocks (stl+blk) a game w/ 40+ minutes & 0 TO
Lendeborg began his collegiate career at Arizona Western College, where he played junior college ball from 2020-23 before transferring to UAB and eventually Michigan ahead of the 2025-26 season.
That stat line Lendeborg produced in the Blazers’ 94-77 win over East Carolina in the AAC Tournament on March 15, 2025 is a product of the unique skill set he possesses that Golden State hopes translates to the NBA.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - APRIL 14: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat plays against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on April 14, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If I had a nickel for the amount of times a former Indiana men’s basketball star who wore No. 1 was involved in a blockbuster NBA trade… well I’d have two nickels.
Kel’el Ware, who spent a single season with Indiana in 2023-24 before being selected by the Miami Heat in the first round of that year’s NBA Draft, has reportedly been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a massive deal in exchange for former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He averaged 11.1 points, 9 rebounds and 0.7 assists while shooting 53% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range in 22.1 minutes per game for the Heat this past season. He’ll have an opportunity to prove himself in Milwaukee.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Hoosiers today:
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: Cameron Boozer is interviewed with his father Carlos Boozer during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Laura June Kirsch/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Before the NBA Draft, and after being taken by Memphis with the #3 pick, Cameron Boozer made it clear that he didn’t understand why he wasn’t seen by many as a likely #1 pick.
He has a point, but let’s look at the other side of the argument.
Boozer is seen, somewhat unfairly, as not highly athletic. By conventional measures, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are more athletic. They do jump higher and run faster.
But as we learned during the run-up to the draft, Boozer rated better on his athleticism than many people expected. In some metrics, for instance, he surpassed UNC’s Caleb Wilson.
But athleticism is not always the ultimate metric. The gold standard there is still Michael Jordan, but that guy refined his game endlessly, and he became a great scorer, great defender, and great ball handler.
He mastered his craft, in other words.
Arkansas’s Darius Acuff has mastered some of his craft, but not defense. We’ve talked a lot about the importance of going to a solid organization, and Acuff, unfortunately, went to Sacramento. He won’t get what he needs there, so if he becomes a good defender, it’ll be because he wants to, and so far, he’s shown no desire to defend.
You can’t measure athletic intelligence by measuring athletic ability. Tim Duncan is widely regarded as a better player than Karl Malone, James Worthy, Charles Barkley, or Clyde Drexler. A quiet presence on the court, Duncan was called the Big Fundamental, and he rarely made foolish mistakes.
He mastered his craft.
Of all the players in the draft, no one has mastered his craft to the level Boozer has. That’s been called a high floor, with the implication that his potential ceiling is not that impressive.
But this guy walked into his first college event, an exhibition game at Tennessee, and scored 24 points, pulled down 23 rebounds, and handed out 6 assists.
Keep in mind that Tennessee regularly beats opponents into the ground. It’s a Rick Barnes trademark.
As an 18-year-old, Boozer consistently dominated older players while at Duke, and his consistency was ridiculous.
But can that translate into success in the NBA?
Well, we won’t know for sure until we do, but you can look at some precedents. You can start with a whole cruise ship full of guys who were drafted over the years who were far more athletic than Boozer. There are hundreds of guys like that who never made a dent in the NBA, and often didn’t make the league at all.
On the more positive side, you can point to Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokic, Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Steve Nash, Andre Miller, and Shane Battier, to name a few, who all managed to thrive in the league despite perceptions that they were not “athletic.”
If you’ve never seen them, YouTube is just full of videos of 1980s players who were vastly more athletic than Bird who just marvel that they couldn’t stop him, even if he told them exactly what he was about to do to them.
Realistically, there’s what you might call a graph between athleticism and intelligence. You could be the most brilliant player in history, but without at least minimal athleticism, you won’t get to the NBA.
Conversely, if you have superb athleticism and a low basketball IQ, your chances of making it are pretty minimal.
We don’t want to pick on Sean Stewart, but the former Blue Devil is a good example, because the guy is physically gifted beyond most people’s dreams. But at Duke, we watched his teammates physically shove him into position on defense multiple times. For whatever reason, he just didn’t get it, and it cost him.
You don’t get that with Boozer. And what you see with him is that if you take away his drive, he can step out and shoot. He is also a brilliant passer who (and this is important) has strong wrists. He can zip a pass through two or three defenders before they realize what just happened.
On a break, if he’s up against a guy who could block his shot, he has a sweet Euro Step, and that’s just one example of his superb footwork. And if that fails, well, he can pass his way out of it.
The point is, you can deny him certain things, but you can’t deny him everything, and he will gut you. He’s just too sound. We haven’t really talked about his rebounding, but watch him work the boards. He gets great position, and he’s strong enough to hold it.
So while the proof is in the pudding, we’ll see where the points on the lines on the graph intersect. Our guess is that Boozer’s athleticism is more than acceptable, but his IQ is off the charts. And as others before him have proved, it’s better to be reasonably athletic and smart than it is to lack game smarts and be highly athletic.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: An overall photo of 2026 NBA Draft stage before the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Hannah Ally/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In case you missed it, the NBA draft has been turned into a two-day affair since 2024. After a relatively tame day one yesterday, teams are now on the clock for the second round today.
Draft Info
What: 2026 NBA Draft Round 2 When: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 @7:00 pm CT Where: Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) TV: ESPN
Wolves Notes
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: RoccoZikarsky of Timberwolves warms up before the NBA game 34 between Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors in San Francisco at Chase Center on March 13, 2026 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
What to Expect in Round Two
A year ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves were in the most enviable spot in the second round, holding the first pick. However, the result was an uninspiring thud, as President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, ended up moving down 14 spots, getting two future second picks, and some sweet cash considerations along the way. Rocco Zikarsky was the resulting pick, a relatively mysterious giant. Nothing wrong with that.
The most disappointing part, though, was when Connelly came out and publicly stated post-draft that the second round was difficult for them as it was “largely agent-driven.” This essentially confirmed that the Wolves’ front office wasn’t fully prepared for what unfolded that day.
Will his group be better prepared this year?
After the Randle trade on Monday, Minnesota now holds the 33rd and 59th picks in the second round. I mentioned yesterday that some view second round picks as more valuable asset chips compared to late first round picks. It really comes down to the flexibility of deals that second rounders can sign. They can sign two-way contracts, “Gupta Special” non-guaranteed deals, etc. First rounders, in contrast, are given guaranteed deals for two years plus two more years of team options.
Will Connelly turn these minor assets into some more considerations of the greenback variety? Or will he pull another rabbit out of his hat as he did in 12 years ago, drafting a three-time MVP with the third or 41st pick in the second round?
For reference, some notable players drafted early in the second round in the last five drafts: Ryan Kalkbrenner (34), Kyle Filipowski (32), Ajay Mitchell (38), Jaylen Wells (39), Andrew Nembhard (31), Jaylin Williams (34), Max Christie (35), Herb Jones (35), Ayo Dosunmu (38).
Here are some names of guys from late in the second round: Quinten Post (52), Cam Spencer (53), Ariel Hukporti (58), Jaylen Clark (53), Trayce Jackson-Davis (57), Gui Santos (55), Jabari Walker (57), Sandro Mamukelashvili (54), and Aaron Wiggins (55).
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 23: AJ Dybantsa poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Draft - Round One on June 23, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Happy Wednesday everyone. In case you haven’t heard, the Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft. So after one entire month of spamming you this guy’s name (and even a few other prospects), we finally know what the Wizards are moving in with their young roster.
The last time the Wizards selected a No. 1 overall pick, it was in 2010. John Wall was the selection, he was the franchise player, but he was also the first player for Washington’s rebuild at the time. Unlike 2010, the Wizards have been rebuilding for three seasons. They only very recently have acquired two All-Stars in Trae Young (who will be a Wizard for the next four seasons) and Anthony Davis. Now that Dybantsa is in the mix, there’s a lot of optimism right?
First, let’s look at where people put their money. How good do they expect the Wizards to be? Unfortunately, according to FanDuel as of 6 a.m. ET on June 25, 2026, the Wizards are the 11th most likely team to win the Eastern Conference with +20000 odds. Based on that number alone, NBA fans nationwide (and beyond) would say no. They expect the Wizards to still be rebuilding, even if they are no longer expected to be the absolute doormat.
That said, betting markets can’t be the only way we look at this kind of stuff. How do the fans think? Let’s go to the Wizards’ Draft Party last night at The Anthem, a concert venue at The Wharf.
Good morning, here’s how Wizards fans reacted to the No. 1 pick when AJ DYBANTSA WAS SELECTED! (Video from the Wizards’ IG stories) pic.twitter.com/ES0JM3Z3y6
How about the Wizards front office when they called him? (I still wonder how NBA teams get the phone numbers of players … it’s probably an agent phone and it’s probably a scripted call for social media. But still.)
Sometimes, you have to go off of vibes when you’re talking about a “rebuilding” vs. a “contending” era. And my vibes give me a clear answer: Yes, AJ Dybantsa is the player who ends the Wizards’ rebuild. Sure, the Wizards will change their roster over the next few years. Sure, the Wizards are NOT NBA championship contenders. Hell, they probably won’t contend for the Southeast Division in 2026-27 because the Miami Heat (as usual) are bringing in superstars.
But is the worst stretch of Wizards basketball in franchise history over? Do we know WHO the Wizards WILL have five years from now? Yes. And that means the rebuild (at least from a tanking perspective) is finally over.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver under the board showing the 2026 NBA draft first round results at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Though the stakes weren’t as high as recent drafts for the San Antonio Spurs, it was a consequential one due to the glaring roster holes revealed during the recently concluded NBA Finals loss. They made an attempt to address them last night by drafting two big, defensive-minded centers using their own pick at 20th and trading for the Denver Nuggets 26th pick:
26th selection (via trade with Denver) Tarris Reed, Jr. (UConn) – 6’11” 265 lb.
Below is a review of the entire first round, but first, a few quick observations:
Gratitude: That the Giannis trade happened (no more speculation on the sports networks and interwebs, AND we only have to play that team twice a season!)
It was really nice to have them formally introduce the entire draft class (well, the ones that they anticipated would go in this first round) in alphabetical order by last name from A-Z before the festivities began.
Did not realize that University of Houston’s Chris Cenac, Jr.’s last name was pronounced “SEH-NACK“.”
Santa Clara’s Allen Graves came in noticeably trimmer than what his highlights showed.
And now onto the picks! (For the Spurs-specific comparisons, the following players were not eligible for actual considerations: Tim Duncan, Victor Wembanyama, and Manu Ginobili.)
OBSERVATION: This pick was traded to Memphis, and then ultimately ended up in Detroit. Memphis received the 21st pick and 5 future second round draft picks.
UNOFFICIAL PLAYER COMP: Non-Spurs: Right-handed Jalen Brunson (throwing my keyboard out the window) / Spurs: Taller Patty Mills
OBSERVATION: This pick was part of the previous complicated trade and ultimately went to Memphis – essentially cementing Ja Morant’s departure.
UNOFFICIAL PLAYER COMP: Non-Spurs: (ancestrally) Eduardo Najera / (stylistically) Ricky Rubio / Spurs: what they thought Kyle Anderson would turn out to be
OBSERVATION: San Antonio sent Denver a 2026 second round pick (and 2 future seconds) for the UConn big man. The fact that they went after Reed instead of Alex Karaban was an eye-opener.
OBSERVATION: This selection went to Brooklyn as part of the trade featuring Julius Randle earlier in the week. It is really cool to see when players not featured in the draft room come straight out of the crowd like Jefferson did.
UNOFFICIAL PLAYER COMP: Non-Spurs: Domantas Sabonis / Spurs: late career Rudy Gay
Cenac started 36 games for a Houston team that finished with a 30-7 record and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
One of the most glaring roster weaknesses for the Celtics coming into the offseason was a lack of frontcourt depth and talent. Cenac has an exciting skill set and can play power forward or center.
Here’s a breakdown of what Celtics fans need to know about the team’s newest rookie.
Cenac has an intriguing skill set at just 19 years old, and he improved a lot during his freshman season.
“He’s raw. That’s the first thing we have to mention,” CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter said on NBC Sports Boston’s draft show Tuesday night. “He could only play (for Houston coach Kelvin Sampson) if he rebounded. Rebounding is literally the lifeblood of that program, and he was one of the best rebounders in this class. I put him up there near the top. He rebounds outside of his area, he chases offensive rebounds, he was a high-motor player all the time.”
Cenac also has the ability to shoot 3-pointers or attack from the midrange.
“I think what Boston’s idea here is — he has great measurables at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan,” Trotter added. “He plays really hard, so you don’t have to teach effort. He can stretch the floor. He made over 30 3-pointers this season and took a bunch of pull-up jumpers.”
Cenac played a little too much on the perimeter for Houston and didn’t get to the basket enough offensively, but with the athleticism and size he brings to the floor, the Celtics should be able to correct those weaknesses.
“Just a good young player, energetic, plays hard,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said after making the pick. “Excellent athlete, long, fits a position of need. Some things that we were a little short on this year from an athletic perspective, I think with this size and his strength.”
Can he make an impact right away?
Unless injuries crush the Celtics’ frontcourt depth, Cenac probably won’t be a consistent part of the rotation during the 2026-27 campaign.
He’s only 19 years old and needs to develop in a lot of ways, including adding some strength and muscle to his frame.
“I hope we’re good enough that it’s hard for any 19-year-old to come in here and be good right out of the gate,” Stevens admitted Tuesday night.
The Celtics, to their credit, have done a good job developing centers of late. They turned Neemias Queta into a Most Improved Player Award candidate and a legitimate starter. Luke Kornet made a meaningful impact in his time in Boston. Luka Garza had a productive 2025-26 season, too.
Cenac also should benefit from not being thrown into the fire too early. He should be able to develop his skill set at a pace that’s best for him and not be rushed.
“With his size and his length, when you play in the program he’s played for, he’s been taught well and been held to a high standard,” Stevens said. “I like that and he’ll undoubtedly come here and be eager … he’s got a lot to learn.”
The 2026 draft class is loaded with talent. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
Winners
The tanking teams
After a season that featured multiple teams participating in the most egregious display of tanking in NBA history, Adam Silver responded by implementing new rules that will supposedly stop the tactic. However, those rules will not go into effect until next season, which means the biggest losers were the biggest winners on draft night.
The Washington Wizards (AJ Dybantsa), Utah Jazz (Darryn Peterson), Memphis Grizzlies (Cameron Boozer), and Chicago Bulls (Caleb Wilson) picked up generational players in what is considered the deepest draft in years. Among the teams who won by tanking, the Wizards stand out – they are poised to improve significantly after drafting Dybantsa No 1 overall. Adding Dybantsa as the centerpiece on a team that features two former All-NBA picks, Trae Young and Anthony Davis, could lead to the Wizards making the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The Jalen Brunson Effect
After leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973, Brunson proved that shifty guards with a knack for scoring can anchor title-contending teams. In an era where 3-and-D wings were previously considered the gold standard, Brunson’s feats may have reshaped the NBA: six guards were selected in the top 10 of this year’s draft.
Peterson, Keaton Wagler, Mikel Brown Jr, Darius Acuff Jr, Kingston Flemings, and Brayden Burries are all aggressive guards who, like Brunson, can take over in the fourth quarter and dictate the outcome of games in critical moments.
Peterson will battle Dybantsa for rookie of the year honors and garner more attention for the often-forgotten Jazz. Brown (Brooklyn Nets) and Acuff (Sacramento Kings) will have multiple explosive scoring nights. And Wagler (LA Clippers) and Flemings (Atlanta Hawks) will be essential lead guards as their teams fight for playoff positions.
The new big men of the Thunder and Spurs
Big men Aday Mara, Jayden Quaintance, and Tarris Reed Jr are set to play key roles as the Thunder and Spurs aim for a title run. Mara (7ft 3in) will attempt to solve the Thunder’s glaring inability to stop Victor Wembanyama.
On the Spurs’ end, Wembanyama appeared fatigued at times while battling the physicality of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson in the NBA finals. The Spurs’ backup center, Luke Kornet, failed to stabilize the team during the non-Wemby minutes.
Quaintance (6ft 10in) and Reed (6ft 11in) will allow Wembanyama to play more minutes at power forward, freeing the Frenchman to utilize his overall skillset. And the Thunder will hope that Mara’s pairing with Chet Holmgren becomes Wembanyama’s kryptonite.
Losers
Labaron Philon Jr
In some cases, a player can lose by entering the draft a year too early or too late. If Philon had entered the 2025 draft, he probably would have been selected as a late lottery pick or mid-first rounder.
The highly-skilled guard from Alabama averaged 22 points a game and erupted for 35 points against Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. However, Philon fell to the Philadelphia 76ers at No 22 because an abundance of elite guards were present in this year’s draft.
Philon would be a starter on most NBA lottery teams. Instead, he will begin his career behind Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe for the Sixers.
Dusty May’s first draft
In 24 hours, Dusty May was announced as the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, and his former Michigan player Morez Johnson Jr was drafted by the Mavs. Johnson is an enforcer who will do the dirty work in the paint next to the versatile Cooper Flagg.
Although there’s a feelgood story here somewhere, drafting Johnson at No 9 appears to be an overreach.
Johnson was projected to be a mid-first round selection, with the ceiling of a high-value role player. With Kyrie Irving returning from injury, the Mavs should have drafted a high-scoring guard such as Burries or Dailyn Swain.
Blockbuster moments
One of the most intriguing aspects of past NBA drafts was the drama of the unexpected. At any moment, a shocking blockbuster trade could change the landscape of the league while becoming fodder for a desperate news cycle.
This year’s draft lacked the suspense and intensity of moments such as Kobe Bryant being traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers; the Philadelphia 76ers trading Jayson Tatum to the Boston Celtics for Markelle Fultz; and the Atlanta Hawks trading Luka Dončić to the Dallas Mavericks for Trae Young.
But while this year’s draft lacked intrigue and controversy, the overall talent will be analyzed for years to come.
The Richard Jefferson Comedy Tour won’t be making its way across America anytime soon.
The ESPN analyst turned a discussion about broadcast teammate Jay Williams’ 2002 draft night experience and the motorcycle accident that changed his life into a cringe-fest segment with two jokes that absolutely bombed.
After Kevin Neghandi asked Williams about why he received such a loud ovation after being drafted in New York by the Bulls with the No. 2 pick, with Williams joking that most folks who attended Duke lived in New York and New Jersey, Jefferson made things uncomfortable.
“Well, they also didn’t see the future coming, so they were cheering kind of pre-empt — sorry, I apologize,” Jefferson said while indirectly referencing Williams’ career-altering motorcycle accident in 2003 .
“Wow,” Williams responded flatly.
Williams lasted just one season in the NBA due to the multiple injuries he suffered in a horrific motorcycle accident in 2003, with the Bulls cutting him due to the injuries and him violating his contract.
He referred to the accident as “the day I almost died” — per CBS — in his autobiography, “Life is not an Accident: A Memoir of Reinvention.”
Smith, a veteran from “Inside the NBA,” tried to steer the conversation back into normalcy.
Jefferson’s jokes about Williams’ career didn’t land. @awfulannouncing/X
He complimented how Williams had been an “unbelievable talent” whose career trajectory would have been different if he “didn’t like motorcycles,” a remark that landed well with Williams.
Williams said, “Yes, that’s on record. I wrote a book about it.”
And that’s when Jefferson got himself in trouble again.
Williams is one of the biggest “What ifs?” in Bulls history. NBAE via Getty Images
He first offered a Jim Halpert-esque moment by seemingly looking toward a side camera before attempting another joke.
“I guess everybody that goes to Duke isn’t that smart,” he said, which resulted in Smith putting his head down and going, “Ohh.”
Williams didn’t seem to like Jefferson’s remarks. @awfulannouncing/X
Jefferson, realizing his routine wasn’t hitting the right chords, tried to defend himself.
“What? He wrote a book about it, I’m agreeing with him,” Jefferson said.
Smith then referenced the book line before realizing they should move on, saying, “But, anyway” to mercifully move on from the Jefferson comedy hour.
It shows how segments such as those contrast to when Jefferson is behind the mic with Mike Breen and Tim Legler for NBA Finals games, where there is better chemistry and fewer spontaneous moments.
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Former New York Knick Charles Oakley and rap artist Ice Cube attend a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Knicks at Barclays Center on Sunday, Mar. 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Day one of the NBA Draft is in the books…
…and oh, shocker, there was a trade down completed by the Knickerbockers!
Here’s the latest batch of quotes in what is likely going to become a dying Bulletin, at least throughout the dry summer.
On the meaning of New York to the NBA and the Knicks’ title:
“No one understands—besides y’all—the weight that that wearing that jersey has sometimes. And, you know, we kind of talk around it and dance around it, but New York is a special place, but there’s a lot of pressure when you put that jersey on. So we want to thank you and celebrate you (Carmelo Anthony) a little bit, man, for laying the foundation, but also, you know, talking to us during it.”
Jalen Brunson has published a children’s book called ‘Jalen Plays It All’ 🧡 💙 pic.twitter.com/OwUdM24C55
“I’m beyond happy to share that JALEN PLAYS IT ALL, written by me and illustrated by the incredible [Neely Daggett], will be released (next year) by Feiwel & Friends. This children’s book is a story about discovering that success doesn’t happen overnight. There are mistakes, setbacks, and moments when giving up may feel easier than pushing forward. And while basketball was always at the center of my journey, every sport I played helped build the habits, character, and work ethic that made me who I am.”
😳 EXCLUSIVE: Charles Oakley blasts "coward" Patrick Ewing, says relationship is beyond repair. pic.twitter.com/xErznILYZP
“Patrick (Ewing) always been like that. He never stood up for nobody. Even when they offered him the D-League job, I said something. And the coldest thing out of this all, I took a case for Patrick on an airplane. Put that out there. I took a case from him. Ask any teammate, Chris Childs, Charles, Allen, John, they might not say nothing, but I took a case to better his self. And this happened to me, he don’t say nothing.”
On Jalen Brunson vs. Patrick Ewing as the Knicks’ GOAT:
“Brunson is a better Knicks than Patrick.”
On Dolan supposedly blocking his appearances on the Roomates Show and elsewhere:
“I was supposed to be on the Roommate podcast. I get a call the day before. They said, ‘We have to cancel you.’ And then three weeks later, guess who was on there? Dolan. Dolan. I was shooting a commercial right across from the Garden and Cafe 31, and something else. We shot for one day, the next day, somebody said we had to shut it down. We had permission and everything. So he bullying me around the city, too.”
Guerschon Yabusele: «Cuando estuve en los Knicks, si hubiéramos movido el balón como hacía el Real Madrid, habríamos acabado primeros»https://t.co/i02rh8NOUi
“Well, actually, I will never say no. I will never say no. But where, uh, it has to be clarified is that for me today, it is the NBA first. Why? Very simple. Uh, if the NBA, I do not go back there this summer, let’s say, I think it is going to be finished. We all agree. I do not think I would have a second chance to be able to go back.”
On his frustration with his lack of playing time in New York:
“The games go on, the games go on, and well, I still do not play. I still do not play. And sometimes, zero minutes, sometimes… And me, there, actually, it hit me, where I say to myself, ‘Ah, but I feel like I am in Boston, actually.’ When I look at Boston, we are in 2026, and it was ten years ago. It hit me. I said to myself, ‘Damn, ten years. A ton of things have happened, you know, since then, and I am still getting zero minutes. It is not possible.’ The frustration was there. I would go home, I did not know what to do anymore. I said to myself, ‘But it is not possible. I am not going to go back into that for the whole season.’ And I signed there for two years. And I say to myself, ‘He signed for three years or four years, the coach. I am not going to not play for two years.’”
On publicly admitting being wrong about Jalen Brunson:
“I was wrong. I was wrong. My opinion was wrong.”
On Jalen Brunson proving history wrong:
“Jalen, all he did was prove history wrong. He proves he’s an outlier, so you can put his name next to Steph Curry and Isiah Thomas, and I thought he played brilliantly, especially down the stretch. I mean, he was that 1A dude.”
On initially refusing to apologize for her wrong opinion:
“But apologize… I’m never gonna apologize for having an opinion. That’s what ESPN pays me for.”
On Brunson’s place in Knicks history:
“Let me just piss off Knicks fans again and say, I think he’s the greatest Knick ever. Give them something else to talk about… I’ve always been a Jalen Brunson fan. I was a fan of his at Villanova, in Dallas and why this comment went off the rails, I have no idea, because it was clearly a historical and analytical take.”
"If we expand, at least, we're thinking 28/29 season. The only two cities, at the moment, we're looking at are Las Vegas and Seattle. We haven't had a vote on it, it's not a foregone conclusion, but we're in the process of talking…"
“We’ll never go back to where we were. We ended up in a situation where fans of teams were actually rooting for their teams to be bad. It was particularly bad this year, I think, because of the perceived depth of (the 2026 NBA) Draft.”
On why the league changed course:
“It just caught up with us over the years. It was a practice by a very few teams over time where they could genuinely say they were rebuilding. Every team in all sports is focused on analytics, and everyone — sort of the guardrails went off — and said there’s an advantage if you’re not really good, to be really bad, and it doesn’t work to be in the middle. So once roughly a third of our teams were acting under those incentives, everyone came together, and I would say it was agreement across the league from every constituent group, but most importantly, our fans.”
On evaluating the new system before making further changes:
“Part of the agreement with the teams was that this system would be in place for three years. In essence, it’s grandfathered in. We all agree that would give us an opportunity to assess how this is working, and also look at some other approaches, which we thought, in fairness, the teams needed to be built in over time. But most importantly, we will not be returning to a system where there is an incentive to be bad.”
On NBA expansion:
“If we were to expand, most likely in the 2028-29 season, I bet that’s when they would come into the league, but no decisions have been made yet. What we’ve made clear to our teams, we’ve at least specifically said it’s Las Vegas and Seattle. We’re looking at some other great cities that are interested in having franchises. We’re focused on those two right now. We could decide ultimately to go to new cities. One or two bids are being solicited at this time. The groups are coming together, talking to bankers, talking to the league office, and I think what we’ve said, in fairness to everyone, let’s make a decision by the end of this calendar year, at the latest.”
On the timeline for expansion:
“If we expand, at least, we’re thinking ’28-29 season. The only two cities, at the moment, we’re looking at are Las Vegas and Seattle. We haven’t had a vote on it, it’s not a foregone conclusion, but we’re in the process of talking to groups that are interested in getting an expansion team in those two cities.”
On the possibility of adding one, two, or no teams:
“We’re currently looking at two teams, but what we’ve said is it’s possible we won’t expand at all, and we could expand to just one market. But we’re officially looking at both those markets right now.”
On conference realignment after the expansion:
“We’ll want to likely even out the conferences, so there will be some movement then.”
It took me a while, but I finally found the video of the fat slob riding the train with the stolen Knicks garbage can.
“It feels like a homecoming. It’s a chance for us to appreciate people who have written the soundtrack to the city. I’m just so happy to see many of them getting their due; you cannot disentangle those songs from our own stories and memories as New Yorkers.”
Rick Brunson got some explaining to do because he did play in the Philippines in 1998 😂 pic.twitter.com/FK3bmFIxbh
Teams may be satisfied with their first round selections, but they have to follow it up with additional pieces to compliment their team.
The Golden State Warriors made a splash selection grabbing Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, a wing player who is seemingly ready to step in and contribute in the Bay Area.
The Warriors were plagued by injury last year and it revealed some of the team's deficiencies. Golden State still requires more two-way wings, versatile small forwards and power forwards. They will also need to focus on adding more bigs. They lack size in the middle. And even if they bring back Kristaps Porzingis, they will need someone who can compliment his offensive game with tenacious hustle on defense.
They have Brandin Podziemski, but taking a peek at another ball handler, facilitator and shot creator could be the best bet for the Dubs.
Here's a look at the players in the second round the Warriors should consider taking with the No. 54 pick.
Who should the Golden State Warriors target on Day 2?
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and company will need to be decisive on Day 2. There are sleeper prospects they can bring in to contribute to their system. They can take their pick between wings, guards and bigs that are versatile in skill. Ideally, Golden State should identify talented glue guys who will come in and play a role, but also possess the talent to be a key contributor. Here are some of those guys the Warriors should keep an eye on:
Meleek Thomas (Arkansas, Guard): Thomas might not be available when the Warriors pick at No. 54. However, he is a talented shooting guard who can score with ease. He averaged 15.5 points for the Razorbacks. He's a confident, polished scorer who spaces the floor and attacks closeouts.
Darrion Williams (N.C. State, Wing): The Northern California native could be a good piece to add for the Warriors. He stands 6-foot-6, giving him size that Golden State is looking for. He's the prototypical Swiss army knife. He averaged 14 points a North Carolina State including 40.4% from three-point range as a senior and 38.8% over his four-year NCAA career.
Trevon Brazile (Arkansas, Forward): If Brazile is available, the Warriors need to act fast. Simply because the 6-foot-10 forward can make life simple for your defense. Check this, last season at Arkansas he became the first player to record at 40 three-pointers (45), blocks (58) and steals (53) in a season.
Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida, Big): Standing at 6-foot-9, Nelson gives up some size as a big man, but that doesn't take away from his productivity. He's a unit. And defense is where he can shine for the Warriors. He was the 2025-26 American Conference Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in a season where he averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals per game.
Aaron Nkrumah (Tennessee State, Wing): Nkrumah could become the first HBCU player drafted since Kyle O'Quinn was selected by the Orlando Magic out of Norfolk State in 2012. Nkrumah is a 6-foot-6 standout who ranked second in total steals (98) and steals per game (2.8).
The Sacramento Kings were active on Day 1, taking an anticipated franchise cornerstone prospect in Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7 and pairing another shooter and winning role player with him at No. 29 in Alex Karaban, following a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers sending the No. 34 pick and a future second round pick.
Sacramento aims to follow up on its first round wins in the second round. The Kings have the No. 45 pick in the second round of the NBA Draft.
The second round has a wide variety pool of talent featuring some players that can help contribute to a NBA team in the immediate future and others might need a year or two.
The Kings need guys who are defensive-minded. They are stacked at the wings. It would be ideal for Sacramento to target a big or another guard to backup Acuff.
Here's a list of players that the Kings should look to select if they're available:
Who should the Sacramento Kings target in round 2?
There is a bevy of guys that can contribute to a team like the Kings. Guys can contribute to secondary roles where they find their niche within a team whether it's as a knockdown shooter, board man, hustle guy, playmaker or lockdown defender. The Kings focus lies within perimeter defenders, interior defenders and additional ball-handlers. These following players fit within that mold.
Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, Forward): Veesaar likely won't be available but the Tar Heels big man is an example of what the Kings should look for.
Braden Smith (Purdue, Guard): Smith is someone who can facilitate with the best of them. The proof? He finished his collegiate career as the NCAA Division I career assists leader with 1,103.
Emanuel Sharp (Houston, Guard): Sharp is sharp offensively. The two-guard is a true shooting guard. He can knock it down from deep, he can slash and get to the rim. He averaged 15.5 points for the Houston Cougars. However, an area that needs improvement is shooting percentage, averaging 41% from the field.
Felix Okpara (Tennessee, Big): Okpara played a huge role for Tennessee, as an anchor to their defense. If that translates to the NBA, the Kings could beef their frontline with aggressors who play physical, giving Sacramento an edge.
Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia, Big): Onyenso could be a project but with huge defensive upside. He led the ACC in blocks and ranked second nationally with 2.92 swats per game in 2025-26 in just 18.6 minutes.
