Category: NBA

The Chicago Bulls are cleaning house in the front office.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have been fired, team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf announced Monday, April 6.

"These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally," Reinsdorf said in a statement posted on the Bulls' social media accounts. "We are grateful for their dedication and the work they've put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction."

The Chicago Bulls announced today that Artūras Karnišovas, Executive Vice President - Basketball Operations and Marc Eversley, General Manager have been relieved of their positions. pic.twitter.com/nFFK0U66ng

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) April 6, 2026

Karnisovas and Eversley were brought on at the beginning of the 2020-21 NBA season and posted a 224-254 record over six seasons. They took big swings early on, such as making a blockbuster trade for center Nikola Vucevic during that first year and signing DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball in the summer of 2021.

The Bulls looked like the team to beat in the East at times early that season and held a 38-21 record at the All-Star break until knee injuries to Ball derailed the team – and the core never really recovered together. Their lone playoff appearance under Karnisovas was a first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021-22 campaign.

When the Bulls began to move off of their current core, they failed to recoup any significant draft capital for DeRozan, Caruso or Zach LaVine. Karnisovas sold at this year's trade deadline, shipping off several talented players, including Vucevic, Coby White and Ayo Dosumnu, in what he called an attempt "to get out of the middle."

NBA POWER RANKINGS: Where teams stand in final week of regular season

The Bulls currently sit in 12th place in the East with a 29-49 record, their fourth consecutive year without a playoff appearance. They have won just five of 29 games since Feb. 1.

"This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead," Reinsdorf said Monday. "I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right. At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships.

"We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Bulls fire GM Marc Eversley, vice president Arturas Karnisovas

For the second straight day, a skeleton-crew version of the Cleveland Cavaliers is taking on a more skeleton crew version of the Memphis Grizzlies. Cleveland will be without Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Max Strus. They will, however, have Sam Merrill, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Go Cavs!

Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.

On Saturday afternoon, two things happened that Spurs haven’t seen much this season. One: the Spurs stars failed to make plays in crunch time and two: the Spurs lost the game. It really was a perfect preparation for the playoffs where the team worked through their mistakes and still almost won the game, but also learned that wasting possessions on the road in a playoff atmosphere can cost games. The biggest question for the Spurs coming into the playoffs is their lack of playoff experience, and the Denver game is as close to a playoff game as many of the players on the current have had, and there’s no way that they don’t learn from the experience.

Tonight, they face the Sixers, who have been hampered with injuries all season long but have a relatively clean sheet tonight, with Maxey playing with a splint on his injured finger and former Spur (in name only) Cameron Payne out with a hamstring injury. Joel Embiid and Paul George should be ready to go, but with Embiid, it’s always hard to know how well he’ll move until you see him on the court. They also have a decent cast of supporting characters, with Kelly Oubre and Dominick Barlow. Did you realize that Kyle Lowry was still in the league? I didn’t, but he doesn’t play a lot, so he shouldn’t be a factor tonight. The most exciting matchup to watch will be VJ Edgecombe against Dylan Harper as the two super rookies showcase their talents.

The Spurs have no listed injuries, which means that Victor Wembanyama had no lasting effects from his hard fall on Saturday, where it looked like he banged his head on the hardwood in Denver after being tripped. The Spurs are the more talented team in this matchup, and they should be focused after the loss. The Spurs have four games left in the season, and the standings are set (OKC will NOT lose 3 of their 4 remaining games), so the remainder of the season will be an opportunity for Coach Mitch to work on preparing the team so that the mistakes of a few days ago don’t recur once the playoffs start. The Spurs won’t know their playoff matchup until after the first game of the play-in tournament, so they need to focus on poise and decisiveness more than specific plays, and I’m sure that’s what they’re going to be working on tonight. OK, GO SPURS GO!!!

Game Prediction:

Dom Barlow will attempt to dunk on Victor Wembanyama. It will not go well for him.

San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers
April 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest
Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.

The end is here. One week left before the second season begins. It’s the one that matters: the postseason. But this final stretch still carries weight for the Phoenix Suns, and not only in the standings. There is another layer to watch. Devin Booker and his path to an All-NBA nod.

Since the league implemented the 65-game rule back in 2023, eligibility has become part of the conversation. To qualify, a player needs to appear in at least 65 qualifying games, with at least 20 minutes played in 63 of them. For the other two games to play, the player must have played at least 15 minutes.

Per the CBA:

A player shall be considered to have played in a Regular Season game if he played at least twenty (20) minutes of such game, provided that in respect of no more than two (2) Regular Season games per Season, such player will be considered to have played in a Regular Season game if he played at least fifteen (15) minutes and fewer than twenty (20) minutes in such game.

As we enter the final week, Booker has played 62 games. Of those, 60 meet the 20-minute threshold. Only two fall short: the early exit against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 1 and the limited run against the San Antonio Spurs on February 19. Both were under 10 minutes played.

And this is where the challenge arises for Booker. Four games remain. If Booker plays in all four and logs more than 20 minutes in each, he clears the threshold relative to games and becomes eligible for All-NBA consideration on the surface. But his “eligible” games are 64, seeing as he did not play 15 minutes in his early exits against the Lakers and Spurs.

You might look at it on the surface and say it doesn’t matter. That this isn’t an All-NBA caliber season for Devin Booker. And statistically, there is an argument there. 25.8 points per game, technically up from last season’s 25.6, but the efficiency has dipped. 45.5% from the field, his lowest since 2017–18. 33.0% from three, his lowest since 2018–19. Add in 6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 turnovers, and it doesn’t scream peak Booker. It feels steady. Productive. Not dominant.

But the 65-game rule has changed the landscape.

Look at who is falling off the board. Luka Doncic sits at 64 games and is done for the regular season. Had he not hit 16 techs, thus being suspended for one game, he’d be eligible. Stephen Curry has only appeared in 40. Cade Cunningham, who had a real case for All NBA First Team, is sidelined at 61. Anthony Edwards is at 60, and even if he plays out the final 4 games with the Wolves, he will not reach the threshold. He’d end up at 64, with 63 games deemed “eligible” after he played just three minutes against the Pacers in October.

That changes the field. When you filter it down to guards who are actually eligible, Booker’s profile looks different. He becomes one of the top scoring options in that group, sitting sixth among eligible guards. His 6 assists per game places him 11th. Not elite, but solid. Consistent. Available.

So while it may not feel like one of his best seasons when you watch it night to night, when you stack it against the league and apply the rules that now govern awards, there is a real path there. Not because he has been perfect. But because he has been present, and in today’s NBA, that counts for more than it used to.

So what happens? Do the Suns make an appeal, seeing as Booker played in 66 games but had to leave due to injury? Rumor has it the Lakers will be doing the same for Luka, who sits at that 64-game mark, and all of his games exceed 15 minutes played.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: the 65-game rule feels arbitrary. I understand the intent. The league wants its stars on the floor, wants fans to see the players they paid to see, and wants availability to matter. That part makes sense. But the game does not operate in a vacuum. Injuries exist. They always have. And this season has been a perfect example. Top-tier players are missing time not by choice, but because their bodies forced it. That is what has reshaped this race. That is what has created openings for players who stayed on the floor.

And that is where Booker may benefit. Not because he has had his best season. Not because he has been dominant every night. But because he has been there. Because he has played. Because in a year where availability has thinned the field, that matters more than it used to. How the NBA navigates this scenario with Booker will be interesting.

Minnesota Timberwolves at Indiana Pacers
Date: April 7th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM CDT
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Television Coverage: FanDuel Sports Network – North
Radio Coverage: Wolves App, iHeart Radio

The Wolves entered Sunday night’s game against Charlotte desperately needing a win to gain stability and maintain some semblance of control in the Western Conference standings. For three quarters, it looked like a normal, competitive NBA game. Minnesota hung around, traded punches, defended just well enough, and kept things within a possession or two. It wasn’t pretty (it rarely is with this team lately) but it was functional. You could see a path. You could talk yourself into it.

And then, somewhere late in the third, the whole thing cracked open.

Not slowly. Not subtly. Just… boom.

A one-point game turned into a double-digit deficit in what felt like two minutes. Then it stretched to 20+, and suddenly the Wolves weren’t just losing, they were disintegrating. The defense became a series of late rotations, wide-open looks, and revolving doors to the hoop. The offense devolved into turnovers, rushed threes, and missed layups that made you wonder if the rim had been raised a few inches mid-game.

It was one of those stretches where every possession feels like it’s somehow worse than the last. And the worst part? You’ve seen it before. This isn’t new. This is the recurring nightmare of the past week where the five-minute meltdown erases 40 minutes of decent basketball.

And just like that, they were done.

---

The Standings Gut Punch

If this were happening in January, you shrug, maybe fire off a few angry texts, and move on.

But it’s not January.

It’s the final stretch. And this loss didn’t just sting. It shifted things.

With Houston taking care of Golden State and the Lakers dropping one to Dallas, the Western Conference picture, which had been this chaotic, constantly shifting mess, suddenly snapped into something a little more rigid. A little more real.

Minnesota is now three games back of Houston with four to play.

Read that again. That’s not a gap you close. That’s a gap you stare at and try to rationalize.

Yes, there’s still a head-to-head matchup looming. Yes, mathematically, it’s not over. But realistically? The Wolves are holding an engraved invitation to the six seed.

And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the uncomfortable part nobody wants to say out loud: Phoenix is still there. Still lurking. Still holding the tiebreaker.

Would it take a collapse of truly spectacular proportions for Minnesota to fall into seventh? Absolutely. But if you’ve followed this franchise long enough, you know the phrase “spectacular collapse” isn’t exactly foreign territory.

So now Wolves fans are living in that weird emotional space where you’re 90% sure it’s the six seed… and 10% terrified you’re about to watch something go sideways in a way that ruins your season.

---

So Now What?

At this point, the conversation starts to shift. Yes, the standings still matter. Yes, you want to hold off Phoenix. Yes, maybe you squint and convince yourself there’s still a path to fifth. But more than anything, this is about getting right before the playoffs.

Because if this version of the Wolves, the one that unravels under pressure, is the one that shows up in round one?

It won’t matter who they play.

---

The Pacers Game

What appeared to be an early-April afterthought has suddenly become a must-win game for the Wolves. On paper, this is the easiest game left. A bottom-of-the-standings team. The kind of opponent you’d normally pencil in and move on. But nothing about this Wolves team is “pencil in” anymore, and the team can’t afford to let this one slip.

With Minnesota unable to field a healthy roster, their opportunities to notch a critical victory are growing thin. Their last battle with the Magic resulted in them being run out of the gym. Expecting them to go into Houston and pull out a short-handed W is asking a lot. Lose here to Indiana, and it’s not too far-fetched to envision a scenario where this team heads into its finale in New Orleans needing a victory to avoid the play-in.

This game with the Pacers isn’t about style points. It’s not about a bounce-back statement.

This is about survival.

---

Keys to the Game

1. Finish Defensive Possessions

At this point, the Wolves don’t have a defensive scheme problem. They have a finishing problem.

On many trips down the floor, they are actually doing enough on the initial action. They’re contesting. They’re forcing tough looks. They’re getting to that point where a possession should end… and then it doesn’t. The rebound kicks out. The loose ball bounces the wrong way. Someone hesitates instead of attacking it. And suddenly what should have been a stop turns into a putback, a reset three, or worse, a momentum swing.

That’s been the difference in these recent losses.

You can live with great offense beating great defense. What you can’t live with is giving teams second and third chances when you already did the hard part.

Against Indiana, this has to be a point of emphasis from the opening tip. Rudy Gobert can’t be the only one treating rebounds like they matter. Julius Randle has to bring force. The wings have to crash. It has to look like five guys who understand that the possession doesn’t end until someone in a Wolves jersey actually secures the ball.

---

2. Recognize the Avalanche, and Stop It Before It Starts

Every Wolves fan can feel it now. That moment when the game starts to tilt. When the offense gets a little rushed, the defense a half-step slow, and suddenly the teems is teetering. It’s subtle at first, a turnover here, a missed rotation there, but it builds.

And the Wolves keep letting it build.

Good teams don’t eliminate runs, that’s impossible, but they interrupt them. They sense when things are slipping and they respond immediately. A timeout. A set play. A drive to the rim to get to the line. Something to stop the bleeding. Minnesota hasn’t been doing that. They’ve been letting those stretches snowball into game-deciding runs.

That’s where Chris Finch comes in. That’s where the veterans come in. That’s where the group has to show some awareness and maturity. If Indiana strings together six quick points, the response can’t be another rushed three and a blown defensive rotation. It has to be intentional. It has to be controlled.

Because the difference between a 6–0 run and a 16–0 run? That’s the season right now.

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3. Tighten the Rotation and Ride the Players Who Have It

We’re past the point of experimentation.

If someone doesn’t have it, whether it’s Naz Reid struggling through the shoulder issue, or a shooter who clearly doesn’t have his legs, Finch has to adjust. He can’t wait for it to fix itself in real time.

The Wolves need energy. They need decisiveness. They need players who are going to play with force.

If that means leaning into younger legs, giving someone like Beringer a real look, if that means riding the hot hand instead of the expected one… so be it.

The worst thing this team can do right now is stick to a script that clearly isn’t working. Find the five guys who are ready to compete that night. Then trust them.

---

4. Push the Pace

When this team gets stuck in the halfcourt right now, things tend to stall. But in transition? There’s still life. Bones Highland pushing tempo. Ayo getting downhill. Randle attacking early before the defense sets. Those are the moments where the offense feels natural again.

More importantly, upping the tempo prevents the kind of stagnation that leads to bad shots and live-ball turnovers, which are the exact things that have fueled opponents’ runs this past week.

Against Indiana, the Wolves need to play like a team that understands its current reality. They’re not at full strength. They’re not at full rhythm. They can’t afford to make the game harder than it needs to be.

Run. Attack. Force the issue. Get easy ones before the defense can settle in. When this team is playing fast and decisive, it looks like a completely different group.

---

5. Play With Urgency, Not Anxiety

This is the fine line.

The Wolves know what’s at stake. They know the standings. They know the margin for error is basically gone. And sometimes, that awareness shows up as tightness instead of urgency. That can’t happen here.

Urgency means focus, energy, purpose. It means sprinting back on defense, making the extra pass, attacking the glass.

Anxiety is the opposite. It’s rushed decisions, forced shots, and trying to make the “big play” instead of the right one.

The Wolves don’t need to play desperate. They need to play locked in. Because when they do, we’ve seen what it looks like. Boston. Houston. Those weren’t accidents.

That version of this team that still exists. They just have to channel it.

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This Is About Who They Are, Right Now

At some point, the standings become secondary to something more important.

Identity.

Right now, the Wolves are sitting in that uncomfortable space where they’re good enough to beat anyone, but not stable enough to trust it. They’ve shown flashes of being a team nobody wants to see in a playoff series… and stretches where they look like a team that’s one bad quarter away from packing it up early.

That’s the tension of this moment. The six seed is probably where this is headed. The Houston gap is real. And unless something dramatic happens, Minnesota’s playoff path is starting to come into focus.

But how they arrive there still matters. If they limp into the postseason, still dealing with the same issues like the rebounding lapses, the offensive stagnation, and the mental collapses, then it won’t matter who they draw. Denver. Los Angeles. Whoever. That series is going to feel like an uphill battle from the jump.

But if they use these final games, starting with Indiana, to clean this up, to reestablish their defensive identity, to rediscover their rhythm and confidence?

Then suddenly the conversation changes. Then you’re not talking about a fragile six seed. You’re talking about a dangerous one.

That’s the opportunity sitting right in front of them.

Because the truth is, for all the frustration, for all the missed chances, for all the “what are they doing?” moments, this team is still right there. Still talented enough. Still experienced enough. Still capable of flipping this thing in a way that makes the last few weeks feel like noise instead of foreshadowing.

But that switch? It doesn’t flip itself.

And if they don’t find it now, against teams like Indiana, in games they absolutely have to bank, then we’re not going to be talking about matchups or paths or possibilities. We’re going to be talking about another season that felt like it had more in it… and never quite got there.

And at this point?

Nobody in that locker room, or watching from the outside, wants to sit through that ending again.

Observations after Sixers lose key game to Spurs despite Embiid's 34 points  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

 The Sixers’ odds of needing to go through the NBA’s play-in tournament increased Monday night.

With a 115-102 road loss to the Spurs, the Sixers dipped to 43-36. The defeat again meant that the Sixers fell from sixth to seventh in the ever-changing Eastern Conference standings. The Raptors hold a half-game lead over the Sixers for the final spot above the play-in. Toronto will host the 10th-seeded Heat on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 

Both the Hornets and Magic now also sit at 43-36. The Sixers hold tiebreakers over each team.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers with a 34-point, 12-rebound performance.

Paul George scored 16 points. Tyrese Maxey tallied 15 points and VJ Edgecombe added 14. 

Stephon Castle posted a triple-double for San Antonio with 19 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. 

The Sixers were down Cameron Payne (right hamstring strain) and Johni Broome (right knee surgery recovery). 

The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama was ruled out at halftime with a left rib contusion. He had 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, five rebounds and three blocks in the first half. 

The Sixers’ next stop in Texas will be Houston, where they’ll play the Rockets on Thursday night. Here are observations on their loss in San Antonio: 

Injuries a central story 

Kelly Oubre Jr. started instead of Dominick Barlow. It’s the first time that’s been the case since Oubre returned from his left elbow sprain in late March and that Sixers had all their rotation pieces available. 

George drained three three-pointers in under six minutes. He had another excellent first quarter, posting 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting. George also picked up an early steal when he poked that ball away from De’Aaron Fox on the perimeter. That started a fast break which Oubre finished off with a put-back layup. 

Uncertainty about Embiid’s status was the largest story of the first quarter.

The Sixers’ star big man landed awkwardly after blocking Wembanyama in the first minute of the game. Embiid sat on the scorer’s table with 7:42 left in the first quarter and the Sixers called timeout. Andre Drummond entered. It wasn’t clear exactly what was bothering Embiid, though he appeared to be flexing his left foot or ankle at one point. 

Whatever the issue, Embiid subbed back in with 3:33 to go in the first. He swished a jumper from the right elbow 23 seconds later, although Embiid continued to move gingerly late in the first quarter. Eventually, he looked more steady and forceful. 

For the Spurs, Castle and Wembanyama also had apparent injuries pop up in the first half. 

Castle was cleared to return and fine for the rest of the night, but Wembanyama kept dealing with discomfort that seemed to stem from a collision with George. Luke Kornet started the second half at center.

Nothing doing for Maxey in first half 

Maxey entered Monday averaging 28.6 points. He scored zero in the first half on 0-for-4 shooting. 

The Sixers’ All-Star guard dished out seven assists over the first two quarters and wasn’t blatantly gun-shy. He was certainly more deferential than usual, though. 

Embiid got into a good offensive rhythm in the second quarter. His highlights included a nimble step-back three over Wembanyama that cut the Sixers’ deficit to five points. The team trailed by seven at halftime.

The last time Embiid and Wembanyama matched up before Monday, Embiid scored 70. He was never anywhere near that pace Monday, but Embiid showed he’s still a serious challenge for any defender to face 1-on-1. 

While Embid served as the Sixers’ primary defender on Wembanyama, Barlow also got key minutes guarding the Spurs’ 7-foot-4 superstar in the first half. As usual, he was intelligent and high-effort in that task. 

Crucial Embiid-less stretch goes poorly

The teams exchanged runs early in the third quarter. The Sixers briefly went in front with an Embiid triple, but San Antonio replied with a 9-0 spurt.

The Spurs shifted to small ball after Kornet subbed out. Embiid’s physicality was a plus against whoever San Antonio had on the floor. The seven-time All-Star’s rebounding and free throw numbers were two reflections of his strong night in that department.

Embiid recorded five offensive boards and seven defensive boards. He set new season highs in free throws made (16) and free throws attempted (19).

Embiid played the whole third quarter. Andre Drummond opened the fourth on a night Adem Bona never left the bench.

The Sixers didn’t fare well during that important Embiid-less stretch. Drummond missed a corner three. Kornet then beat him down the floor and slammed in an alley-oop dunk. A Dylan Harper three put the Spurs up by 14 points.

Quentin Grimes’ subpar outing also did not help when the Sixers were were trying to tread water without Embiid. Grimes had five points on 2-for-7 shooting and two rebounds in 23 minutes as the Sixers’ sixth man. Oubre had an identical stat line of five points on 2-for-7 shooting and missed multiple late jumpers. Barlow subbed in for Oubre with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter.

The Sixers were left with almost no margin for error in the final minutes against an opponent that’s grown very accustomed to winning. The Spurs cemented their 60th victory.

The headline of today’s extremely good and compelling game preview by Brennan Sims was “The Pistons are not done.” The Detroit Pistons’ injury report might slightly disagree with that take. Detroit is down several players: Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and Caris LeVert, notably among them.

Now, the Detroit Pistons have spent an entire season proving every doubter wrong, and that includes the team’s ability to win games no matter which players are suiting up. This is the same team that took the Oklahoma City Thunder to overtime shortly after losing Cunningham to a collapsed lung, after all. But the Orlando Magic, tonight’s opponent, is no Washington Wizards or Utah Jazz. They are a playoff team and currently sit above .500. You can’t sit that many core rotational pieces and expect to have an easy path to victory.

But I like Detroit’s odds. It feels like a special Ausar game to me. Maybe that’s just me being tricked by the pleasant spring weather I experienced today. But Ausar is often special in invisible ways, and I’m manifesting a very visible dominating performance that sends a handful of highlight plays ricocheting through social media. It could also be another good Daniss Jenkins night. The Magic are not shy about fouling players who force the action inside, and when Jenkins has everything working, he can put some sauce on his drives and create real contact.

Game Vitals

When: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -1

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (57-21)

Daniss Jenkins, Kevin Hueter, Ausar Thompson, Javonte Green, Jalen Duren

Orlando Magic (42-36)

Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan da Silva, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

The New York Knicks (50*-28) face the Atlanta Hawks (44-33) tonight at State Farm Arena. This matchup is a potential playoff preview as the third-place Knicks attempt to hold off the surging fifth-place Hawks in the Eastern Conference standings. New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to return from an elbow injury, while Atlanta remains without backup center Jock Landale due to an ankle sprain.

Tip-off is 7:00 pm EST on MSG Network. This is your game thread. This is Peachtree Hoops. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Picture yourself as a well-mannered individual and proceed accordingly. And go Knicks!

* Should be one more, but the NBA Cup disappeared after a blind date with the Stanley Cup.

Let’s be honest, Cameron Boozer’s name was never in the conversation for #1, and he has slim chances at being #2. Even his projected #3 spot has been infiltrated by names such as Caleb Wilson or Darius Acuff.

Much like his father, who we should all be aware of by now if you dare call proclaim as a Jazz fan, Cameron is a highly polished 250-pounder juggernaut forward that’s a walking double-double machine. He’s strong, he’s steady, and he’s likely going to be the most reliable out of the three at the top of the draft.

Boozer was the longest-lasting competitor out of the top three, taking his first-seeded Blue Devils squad all the way to the Final Four of the March Madness Tournament — the story of Braylon Mullins’ walk-off fastbreak snipe shall be a story left until another day.

NBA Draft Profile: Cameron Boozer

Bio: 6 ft, 9 in | 250 lbs | 18 yrs old | Duke University

2025-26 regular season stats: 22.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.4 STL, 55.6% FG, 39.2% 3PT

Accolades: Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year, Karl Malone Award Winner, ACC Player of the Year, National Player of the Year

NBA Comparison: Anywhere between the Kevin Love-Al Horford-PJ Washington archetype, Jayson Tatum’s defensive and scoring versatility

Mastery

The hype around Cam is that he’s going to contribute to winning; that’s almost an undeniable fact. He’s a bulky 90s computer with a Windows 11 operating system. Throughout March Madness, we’ve seen more of him putting the ball on the floor and getting to his spots by using his strength.

I am here to proclaim that Cameron Boozer is not a one-on-one replica of his dad. Carlos, who is currently playing a scouting and front-office role on the Jazz (whatever that implies), didn’t have Cameron‘s shooting, high-IQ and certainly not his handles.

The Boozer disciple was, however, blessed with his father’s upper body and nimble feet. Their free throws are identical, even though the form is completely different. Ge sets hard screens and is a threat to pop and roll. His pick and pop action is a tough assignment for defenders — his screening action equals buckets nearly every time.

Cameron’s bread and butter has always been his post-game. In high school, he completely dominated his opponents with his size, strength and touch. He dunks, he’s got a sweet touch, and he’s flat-out relentless. Mid-range isn’t too far out of his artillery. He’s got the tools and size that’ll translate nicely in the NBA.

Most burly bigs with Cam’s size struggle to drive to the rim, but Booz makes it look easy. He‘s shown many flashes as a fownhill creator, who has a tight handle to put his shoulder down, shove his defenders and finish well through contact. It’s an area of his game that will be one of the most valuable when it comes to success at the NBA level. His speed is impressive, but can he get a step on his opponents rather than relying on brute strength?

As a handler, Cam handles the rock quite well. He’ll randomly pull out combos that you’ve never seen guys of his caliber even think of attempting. You’ll have your patient eyes on him as a defender and then—oh, he just went past me off a behind-the-back and just dunked all over the rim.

That’s not to say he’s reliant on the inside. Jumpers are a last resort when defenders give him space, but his high-release shot makes him deadly off the catch. Back in December 2025, he was already shooting 47.2% from the three-point line in about 3 attempts per game. That included a key three-pointer in a 29-point performance against Florida. The fact that he’s already a decently reliable shooter is a big plus in the eyes of NBA scouts.

Cam provides a similar level on the defensive end to top it all off. He can guard from 2 to 5, depending on the matchups, using his physicality and strength to bring his opponents into the post and force tough shots. Off the ball, he parks in front of opponent driving lanes and positions himself smartly to clean the glass and limit opponents to one possession. He’s a great pick-and-roll drop defender that makes opponent decision-making less successful.

Margin

Booz isn’t the type of player who’s going to routinely jump over defenders for highlight-reel posters. He plays a very grounded game, relying more on his massive frame and footwork rather than raw pogo-stick leaping ability. His lack of vertical pop makes it tricky for him to finish in traffic when matched against true 7-footers with long wingspans. I worry that he’ll struggle to create easy separation against the freakish Wembys of the NBA.

Even though he’s a physical force, Cameron doesn’t really project to be a primary shot-blocker at the next level. He won‘t have the ‘twitchy’ second jump that elite rim protectors use to erase mistakes at the hoop. Most scouts see him more as a versatile forward who needs a dedicated shot-blocker to play alongside. There’s a big question mark about whether he can actually anchor a defense as a small-ball center. If not, then that really limits how Cameron can be utilized on a winning roster.

He’s definitely a threat from deep, but his shooting process is a bit slow and set rather than fluid. He usually needs a clear window and a wind-up to get his shot off. Faster NBA close-outs will exploit that. He also hasn’t shown much of a midrange pull-up game, mostly sticking to either rim finishes or spot-up threes. If he can turn that set-shot into a flick-of-the-wrist-weapon, he’ll become a much more needed three-level threat

When he catches the ball in the post, he often follows a pre-written script that smart scouts have already memorized. He tends to always spin toward the baseline or use the same shoulder, depending on which side of the floor he’s on. He’ll need to add some more counters to his counters so that the opponent can’t counter that counter with a counter. Diversifying his post-game will ensure that he isn’t just a one-trick pony when the game slows down in the half-court.

At times, Boozer has been critized for parking the car on defense to preserve energy for his offensive workload. There have been stretches where he seems less interested in impacting the ball as a help-side defender or rotation player. This lack of a high-motor, combined with his tweener size in some cases, makes it difficult to project him as a truly elite two-way. The Will Hardy mentorship program would have its hands busy.

Mandate

The verdict on Cameron Boozer is that he’s the ultimate safe harbor pick — a player who immediately contributes Utah’s size and versatility while providing a high-IQ offensive hub. Even if he doesn’t possess the flashy star explosiveness of Dybantsa or Peterson, Booz will have a place in this league for years to come if he lives up to the hype. His 2025-26 freshman season at Duke is statistically one of the best ever seen. For a Jazz team looking to pivot into playoff contention, Boozer is the best plug-and-play starter to find in the draft.

I’ll be blunt: Cameron Boozer would not be at the top of the board if the Jazz land the #1 pick — that honor would go to Ryan Smith’s funded AJ Dybantsa project. But Cameron Boozer’s family roots in the Jazz organisation don’t leave him too far down the list. This isn’t nepotism, this is a safe bet.

A big test against a possible first-round playoff opponent as the Atlanta Hawks (45-33) welcome to town the New York Knicks (50-28).

Jock Landale (ankle sprain) has been ruled out.

Starting lineup:

• G CJ McCollum
• G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
• F Dyson Daniels
• F Jalen Johnson
• C Onyeka Okongwu

Please join in the comments below as you follow along.

Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen

Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT

TV: NBA TV

Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)

Streaming: Peacock, Fubo (out of market), NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)

The Chicago Bulls are shaking up their C-suite.

With the team set to miss the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons, the Bulls announced on Monday that they’re firing executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley.

The pair were both hired in the spring of 2020 as the Bulls parted ways with longtime executive Gar Forman (and reassigned John Paxson), but Chicago has continued to mire in mediocrity — posting a 224-254 record under Karnisovas and Eversley.

“Arturas and Marc have led with a deep commitment to the Chicago Bulls. These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally,” Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement.

“We are grateful for their dedication and the work they’ve put in over the past years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it’s my responsibility to go in a new direction. This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead.”

The move comes as Chicago is just 29-49 and 12th in the Eastern Conference, with the team set to draft in the lottery for the third straight year.

Karnisovas and Eversley’s rocky tenure was brought into focus last week when the team cut Jaden Ivey less than two months after trading for the 2022 No. 5 overall pick.

Ivey, who was dealt to Chicago in a three-team deal that saw the Bulls send Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to Detroit, was released by the organization for ‘conduct detrimental to the team’ after criticizing the NBA’s support of Pride Month in a lengthy video rant online.

The Christian guard spent much of the video speaking about religion and also called Catholicism a “false religion” in the Instagram live stream.

Karnisovas and Eversley also traded away productive players in Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White at this year’s trade deadline, and in 2021 shipped off a future All-Star in Lauri Markkanen.

Patrick Williams — who is averaging a career-low 6.6 points per game this year — was also rewarded with a five-year, $90 million extension in 2024.

Despite the Bulls’ changes to their front office, they will reportedly try to keep head coach Billy Donovan.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bulls hope to retain Donovan, whose hiring coincided with the start of the Karnisovas-Eversley era. 

The coach made the playoffs just once with Chicago, in 2021-22.

“I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right,” Reinsdorf said in his statement.

“At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud.”

The NCAA men's basketball championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and UConn Huskies will feature several players projected as first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

While top picks including AJ Dybantsa as well as Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson were eliminated earlier during March Madness, the Final Four saw several star-studded prospects participate. Arizona freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat as well as Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler were one win short of an appearance in the title game, but several other future NBA players will play for a chance to cut down the nets.

In addition for a chance at a championship trophy, the title game between Michigan and UConn is also a wonderful opportunity to put on one more show in front of scouts during the Big Dance.

Note: Some highly-ranked players not included here who could potentially return to college include Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor), Alijah Arenas (USC), Meleek Thomas (Arkansas), Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) and Flory Bidunga (Kansas). But if these players decide to declare and stay in the draft, they could potentially warrant first-round consideration as well.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

• TEAM: BYU
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Massachusetts
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances. 

2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer 

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.

3. Brooklyn Nets: Darryn Peterson

• TEAM: Kansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While he is no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. The Nets have the worst offense in the NBA and could change the course of the franchise by selecting Peterson. It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season. 

4. Utah Jazz: Kingston Flemings 

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While most project North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson at No. 4 overall, he may not fit in Utah’s crowded frontcourt. Meanwhile, the Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the Western Conference and could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. He helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.   

5. Sacramento Kings: Caleb Wilson

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need the best player available, and that is North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, who unfortunately missed the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement, though. According to Bart Torvik, before the injury the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach thresholds of 2.5 percent for both block and steal percentage while also notching a defensive rebound percentage above 20.0 percent.

6. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darius Acuff Jr. 

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Hawks could use a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. after trading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem. 

7. Dallas Mavericks: Keaton Wagler 

• TEAM: Illinois
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Kansas
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Mavericks have the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and could benefit from a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role to help the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman. while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season. 

8. Memphis Grizzlies: Yaxel Lendeborg

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: New Jersey
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 23

The Grizzlies could add to their rebuilding core after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. by selecting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has shown on his way to the men’s collegiate national championship game that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. The Grizzlies have drafted players with similar trajectories like Jaylen Wells and Cedric Coward.

9. Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Burries would make a great pick for whatever new executives take over the front office for the Bulls.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. 

• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Milwaukee Bucks need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

11. Golden State Warriors: Labaron Philon 

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Alabama
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Warriors could still use more reliable players in the backcourt and could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Hannes Steinbach

• TEAM: Washington
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Germany
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 20

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are projected to add even more lottery-caliber talent in the 2026 NBA Draft. They could use it to potentially replace Isaiah Hartenstein by drafting a younger German big man: Hannes Steinbach. While his team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.

13. Portland Trail Blazers: Nate Ament 

• TEAM: Tennessee
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

After a relatively slow and inefficient start to the season, Tennessee freshman Nate Ament started to realize some of his lofty expectations. The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is almost certainly picking in the lottery.

14. Miami Heat: Koa Peat 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Arizona
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro. 

15. Charlotte Hornets: Braylon Mullins 

• TEAM: Connecticut
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Indiana
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic): Joshua Jefferson 

• TEAM: Iowa State
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Nevada
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 22

A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Iowa State forward was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16.

17. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz 

• TEAM: Iowa
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors could use another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa. 

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Suns): Jayden Quaintance

• TEAM: Kentucky
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators.

19. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Karim López

• TEAM: International (Australia)
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Mexico
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Thunder have drafted multiple players from Australia’s NBL, including Josh Giddey. They could dip into this well again by selecting Karim López with their pick from the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Mexican-born forward still needs some development, he is physically gifted and widely seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Even if he is a draft-and-stash player, that is ideal for a team with a rotation as crowded as the Thunder.

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Aday Mara 

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• DRAFT AGE: 21

After leading his team to the NCAA championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama. 

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson 

• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 20

While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and could use more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players, per CBB Analytics. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. 

22. New York Knicks: Chris Cenac Jr. 

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 19

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. While he still remains a candidate to return to college and improve his draft stock for the 2027 NBA Draft, Cenac Jr. got hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds. 

23. Denver Nuggets: Thomas Haugh 

• TEAM: Florida
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Pennsylvania
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 22

After winning a national championship with Florida last season, Thomas Haugh was instantly regarded as one of the most interesting players who elected to return to college. The All-SEC forward had one of the top motors in the NCAA this season before an early elimination from March Madness. While he did not score efficiently in a set offense this year, he does not need the ball in his hands very often to make a difference on the floor for his team. He can serve as a glue guy for a contending team looking to win an NBA title like the Nuggets. 

24. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Patrick Ngongba II

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Many teams could use a big man like Patrick Ngongba II, who is an above-average passer for his position. His assist rate is the highest among underclassmen listed at 6-foot-11 or taller, per Bart Torvik, and he is at the top of his game when passing to a driving perimeter player. The big man, who helped Duke earn a spot in the Elite Eight, is a big-bodied prospect who can carve out space as one of the more prolific cutters in college basketball. He is on an encouraging development track, displaying legitimate year-over-year improvement from his freshman to sophomore campaign.

25. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Allen Graves 

• TEAM: Santa Clara
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 20

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who currently held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson.

26. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Illinois
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season, leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

27. Boston Celtics: Cameron Carr 

• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Minnesota
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA. 

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Tyler Tanner 

• TEAM: Vanderbilt
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Tennessee
• HEIGHT: 6-0
• DRAFT AGE: 20

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise should he decide to turn pro after this season, it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. Tanner could also return to school but should earn serious first-round buzz if he turns pro.  

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Dailyn Swain  

• TEAM: Texas
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 21

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders. 

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Amari Allen 

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Wisconsin
• HEIGHT: 6-7
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Alabama's Amari Allen is a 6-foot-7 freshman who averaged 12.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists with 1.7 "stocks" (combined steals and blocks), while shooting 39.5 percent on 3-pointers on 4.8 shots per game for the Crimson Tide during SEC conference play. The SEC All-Freshman wing is a good connective piece who plays hard, cares about winning and knows how to make the right play. Despite a weak showing against Michigan in the Sweet 16, he is still someone who could earn fringe first-round consideration. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: 2026 NBA mock draft: First round picks before NCAA championship game

There was always going to be something jarring about whoever North Carolina was going to hire as its next men’s basketball coach.

After firing Hubert Davis following a first-round NCAA tournament flameout last month, it was widely expected that for the first time in 74 years, the tradition-rich, arguably insular Tar Heels were going to get a replacement with no previous experience at the school as a student, player or assistant coach.

Still, even with that assumption, the end of their search for Davis’ successor managed to raise more than a few eyebrows.

REQUIRED READING: Mike Krzyzewski says North Carolina's Michael Malone will have 'learning curve'

A storyline that loomed over the college basketball world for the past two weeks reached its conclusion on April 6, with North Carolina hiring longtime NBA coach Michael Malone to take over arguably the most prestigious and coveted job in the sport.

The move didn’t exactly come out of nowhere. Malone’s daughter, Bridget, is a sophomore on the Tar Heels’ volleyball team and, because of that, Malone has spent his share of time around Chapel Hill, all of which linked him to the job from virtually the moment it came open.

There’s plenty of reasons to like the decision, too. He led the Denver Nuggets to the NBA playoffs six times over his 10-year tenure, highlighted by a championship in 2023. He oversaw Nikola Jokic’s development into a three-time NBA MVP. He was widely regarded as a sharp tactical mind who knew how to coach defense and push the right buttons at the right time.

In his tenures with the Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, Malone built strong relationships with players, even with the famously mercurial DeMarcus Cousins. Though his intensity reportedly wore on his Nuggets players over time, leading to his surprising ouster last April with three games still remaining in the regular season, it came after a decade in Denver — and after plenty of wins. It wasn’t a reflection of his abilities as a coach; it was simply time for a new voice.

For as lengthy and his resume is, Malone’s hiring presents a tremendous risk for North Carolina, which accounts for at least some of the astonishment around the freshly forged marriage.

Malone hasn’t coached at the college level since he was an assistant coach at Manhattan in 2001. After a quarter-century in the NBA, how will he adjust to coaching and trying to reach college kids? Though college basketball is becoming increasingly professionalized, he’s stepping into a sport that’s rapidly changing, from the influence of NIL to navigating the transfer portal and international recruiting.

Together, those challenges have befuddled and even overwhelmed some of the game’s most accomplished coaches, all of whom have significantly more experience with the college game's various quirks and nuances than Malone. Even if he wins big in Chapel Hill, what’s stopping him from going back to the NBA, where he would have been one of the most sought-after coaches during this year’s hiring cycle?

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The next several weeks will be telling in just how well-equipped Malone is to excel out of the gate. Most crucially, after 25 years away from the college game, he’ll need to hire an on-court and front-office staff that can make up for his numerous blind spots. From there, he’ll need to build out a roster that will dictate the initial direction of his tenure.

While the comparisons and jokes are easy to make, this isn’t quite the same as the Tar Heels hiring Bill Belichick, another championship-winning professional coach, to lead their football program. At 54, Malone is 19 years younger than Belichick, putting him in his coaching prime rather than in the twilight of his career. Unlike Belichick, whose New England Patriots dynasty crumbled shortly after Tom Brady left, Malone was still winning at a high level at the end of his time with the Nuggets, with a 157-88 record in his final three seasons. Malone doesn’t arrive on Tobacco Road with an army of lackeys to fill out his most important staff positions or a significant other who spends her days stepping on public-relations rakes.

If this pairing fails, it will be hard to separate from Belichick, with North Carolina leadership thinking a big name with a fat championship ring on his hand can translate to a completely different sport. If it pays off — and given Malone’s famously furious work ethic, this is probably the more likely possibility — the Tar Heels will once again become one of the most feared forces in the country, an annual threat to win the ACC, make the Final Four and accomplish the kinds of things Davis largely failed to during his inconsistent five-year run at his alma mater.

In a sometimes meandering search, North Carolina didn’t get Tommy Lloyd or Dusty May, the types of proven winners at the power-conference level who would have been guaranteed success stories in Chapel Hill. But, even with all the questions Malone will have to answer, the Tar Heels may have gotten the next-best thing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why North Carolina basketball hiring Michael Malone is a worthwhile gamble