Category: NBA

Jonathan Kuminga's agent hoping to find middle ground in Warriors contract talks originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Aaron Turner’s 6-year-old son, Jaxson, is asking the same question on a daily basis as everybody when it comes to Warriors restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga: “Have we got a deal done?” 

The answer remains the same: No deal. 

More than two and a half months have passed since the opening of NBA free agency and Kuminga’s agent, Turner, hasn’t been able to come to terms with the Warriors and general manager Mike Dunleavy. As first reported by ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania, and later confirmed by NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors currently have three contract offers on the table for Kuminga: Three years and $75.2 million with a team option on the third season, two years and $45 million with a team option on the second season, and three years for $54 million without any options. 

Kuminga so far has turned down all three deals. The reason isn’t so much money in a closed market that didn’t have any teams with proper salary cap space. His request is turning the team option into a player option and he’ll sign the contract. 

The last and final avenue is the qualifying offer. Kuminga has until Oct. 1 to sign a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer. Signing the qualifying offer would essentially be turning down over $40 million in guaranteed money from the Warriors’ highest offer, but it also would help Kuminga, who turns 23 on Oct. 6, control his destiny. He would be an unrestricted free agent next summer and assuredly wouldn’t be traded during this upcoming season. 

Understanding the risks of the qualifying offer, Turner and Kuminga are confident multiple teams with more cap space next summer would line up to sign him after such an unprecedented offseason.

“There are teams salivating that JK takes this QO,” Turner says.

Signing the qualifying offer is a very real possibility, though Turner told NBC Sports Bay Area on the latest episode of Dubs Talk that doing so isn’t a desired outcome. If the team option doesn’t turn into a player option, will Kuminga be signing the qualifying offer?

“I mean, I hope not,” Turner said. “I don’t think JK wants that. I don’t think the Warriors want that. Hopefully we figure this out and come to a middle ground that makes sense for everybody and everybody can put their best foot forward. 

“We don’t need all these distractions. … I’m not blaming anybody, but you’ve got to get everybody on the same page going into the year. I think it’s vital for everyone’s sake. I know JK wants that. I hope the Warriors want that. I would think they’d want that. Hopefully we get something done.” 

The Warriors are yet to include a player option on any contract they have offered Kuminga. 

Kuminga joined Turner at the end of his interview Friday with 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” and had his agent relay a message to Warriors fans of “I love you guys.”

“He loves the fans, he’d love to stay and be part of it,” Turner says. “Just because he gets a player option, it’s not like he’s leaving necessarily. Everybody is like, ‘Oh, he’s gone.’ Why? You have his Bird Rights, you’re the Warriors, what a platform. But he’d have some say and it would be because he wanted to stay. 

“It’s been a long summer. We’re all tired, but we’re continuing to push through and hopefully we find a solution and cooler heads prevail.” 

While the Warriors have offered more money on a yearly basis, Kuminga received larger contract offers from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, both of which featured player options. The Kings and Suns, according to Turner, also have promised more of a basketball investment into Kuminga than the Warriors have through his first four years and in regards to the 2025-26 NBA season with their current roster construction. 

Both the Kings and Suns, Turner says, would have fulfilled Kuminga’s goal of a larger role, starting and closing games. The same can’t be said for the Warriors following last season’s trade of Jimmy Butler. 

None of the six players taken ahead of Kuminga in the 2021 NBA Draft have won a championship like he did as a rookie. None of them have played with multiple futuqualre Hall of Fame players. All of them have received larger opportunities, more leeway to make mistakes and have signed contracts of at least $100 million. 

That’s part of why the player option matters so much to Kuminga. He believes the combination of his fluctuating role his first four seasons, along with the present and future of how he fits the Warriors, and being seen purely as a midseason trade asset deserves the good will of a player option.

“The theory on this has been from the beginning, if we’re going to take a number that keeps the team under the second apron and what matters most is the win-now and maximizing Steph [Curry’s] window and building a roster, fine. That’s great, we will fall in line,” Turner said. “But allow us to have the back end of the deal. JK can still stay on the Warriors. There’s nothing that says he couldn’t. They’ll have his Bird Rights. But it’s his choice.

“And if you believe in yourself, a player option is very, very, very valuable. It’s almost an insurance policy as opposed to having to pick it up. It’s a way to create flexibility. … That’s our theory. Give us the back end for the sacrifices up front of not being able to really chase his personal ambitions and fully expand his game, possibly getting traded in three months and just the back and forth of this for years.” 

The desire is a player option. The threat is signing a qualifying offer. The team option isn’t fully off the table for Kuminga and Turner, too. Turner has even presented hybrid options as well. 

“We’re not opposed to a team option,” Turner said. “A team option has been discussed and we’d be open to it, but then our theory and thinking is to just move the number up on the front end then. I get it, that’s difficult, you might have to make some tough choices but then you have the back end of the deal. I’ve also talked about hybrid deals. Inherently that 1+1 deal you lose your Bird Rights if you get traded. It has an inherent no-trade clause on the first year of it. Let him keep that. 

“Where would that put us? It’s in the same place we’re at right now, but you’re not in the base compensation rule and JK has a seat at the table. I think if you’re JK you have to think about this: He’s been in the same place for four years and the runway has never really been cleared. So he’s looking at it like, ‘Man, I want to make sure the next place I go there’s a runway. There’s a real clear, very defined plan. I don’t want to just get tossed to another team where I don’t really know what the plan is.’ I don’t fault him for that. It’s a fair ask on his part. 

“Those are the deals, that’s why the PO means so much in this certain negotiation.”

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Ramp to Camp: What do you want to see from new C's owner Bill Chisholm? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Of all the changes the Boston Celtics incurred this offseason, none were bigger than Bill Chisholm becoming the first new owner of the franchise in 22 years.

Chisholm and his ownership group take over as the Celtics begin to chart a new path toward Banner 19 while navigating a series of near-term obstacles, including the absence of superstar Jayson Tatum and the talent squeeze put on the roster by a restrictive collective bargaining agreement.

So how can Chisholm and Co. help shepherd the Celtics forward?

For Day 15 of our Ramp to Camp series, and wrapping up our weeklong look at what’s next for key figures on this year’s team, the spotlight falls on Chisholm and the new ownership group.

It’s our belief that it’s not so much what Chisholm can do, it’s what he shouldn’t do. There’s a value in patience. Take Year 1 and be a fan, be a fly on the wall. Obviously, that’s easy for us to say when we’re not the ones cutting billion-dollar checks as part of a $6.1 billion purchase.

But there are simply too many recent instances of new owners trying to immediately put their stamp on a team. And while it’s completely understandable why these billionaires would want to do such, it’s typically set teams back in their championship quest.

Just google “New Owner Syndrome” and you’ll get a full recap of recent missteps. Hit the images tab and you’ll see a whole lot of Mat Ishbia and the Phoenix Suns, who have already pivoted from their initial changes.

From all accounts, Chisholm seems to have embraced maintaining the status quo. Keeping Wyc Grousbeck on as CEO and alternate governor will help preserve continuity from the last ownership group, and help Chisholm learn exactly what made the last group so successful here.

We love Chisholm’s passion. His fandom is clear. Being courtside will show how invested he is in the players and maintaining the winning culture here. Chisholm and his ownership group will have to deal with the uneducated who will pin the summer cost-cutting on them, instead of acknowledging the second apron. But Boston fans are smart and understand that the Celtics needed to reset a bit this offseason. It’s best to ignore the pundits. 

The last ownership group was willing to spend whenever the team was in position to truly chase a title. If Chisholm maintains that philosophy, he’ll do just fine. Grousbeck and Co. benefitted from putting smart people in charge and letting them do their jobs. They were rewarded with two banners (with trips to two other NBA Finals along the way). 

If the next 22 years are as successful as the previous 22, Chisholm will be revered in this city. 

Let’s find out what our panel wants to see from Chisholm:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Weekly interviews with Chris Forsberg on the Celtics Talk Podcast. (Just kidding … but consider that an open invite, Bill.)

Boston is in very good hands with president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, so Chisholm’s best tactic is to assure fans that Stevens is still calling the roster shots, and that there’s no mandate from on high to cut costs. 

If Chisholm can stay out of the personnel fray while conveying his passion for the team, he’ll have very high approval ratings.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I think just being visible at the Garden and being around Celtics fans is an important acclimation step.

What made Wyc Grousbeck so beloved was, A) He cared deeply about the Celtics, and B) He was always around. Those aspects also helped Robert Kraft earn plenty of goodwill in New England, while John Henry and Jeremy Jacobs have been dealing with accusations of being “absentee owners.”

It’s difficult to climb out of that hole, so it’s best to simply never get in it.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I want to see Chisholm uphold his commitment to winning in the near- and long-term.

While Jayson Tatum’s injury has caused expectations to soften, crazy things happen in the NBA. So, if the Celtics are approaching the NBA trade deadline in the playoff mix with title aspirations closer in sight than previously expected, I’d like to see the organization operate like it.

And to the contrary, if the Celtics are not in contention for the playoffs ahead of the deadline, I would like to see the organization operate with a long-term outlook.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Commitment to winning and maintaining Celtics culture.

My main thought here would be just don’t rock the boat. Definitely take the opportunity to put your stamp on the franchise and take ownership of some things. But the Celtics have so much history and culture that I am just hoping for the status quo of success to remain. 

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see very little from Bill Chisholm. The Celtics franchise has been one of the best-run in all of American sports over the last 25 years, and I hope he continues to let that happen.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

A joy for ownership of the team. We were blessed with that from the previous regime, and I hope that shows through despite what will likely be some shrewd moves to keep the team competitive given the CBA.

Pre-camp Sixers questions: Will 2025-26 Sixers have any bargain role players?  originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers will travel to Abu Dhabi for preseason games vs. the Knicks on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4. They’ll begin their regular season by facing the Celtics on Oct. 22. 

Before the action commences, we’re looking at key questions for the 2025-26 Sixers. 

So far, we’ve dived into: 

• Are the Sixers about to enter a true youth movement?

• Can the Sixers be a passable rebounding team?

Next up: Will the 2025-26 Sixers have any bargain role players? 

A giant chunk of the Sixers’ team salary for 2025-26 is dedicated to Joel Embiid ($55.2 million), Paul George ($51.7 million) and Tyrese Maxey ($38 million). 

That means low-cost, high-quality role players are a necessity. Recent success stories include Guerschon Yabusele and Kelly Oubre Jr., who both signed one-year, minimum-salary deals and became important players for the Sixers. 

This time around, Trendon Watford is a clear contender after he signed a two-year minimum contract with a team option in Year 2. Watford, 24, is coming off of his best NBA season. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists with the Nets. 

The Sixers’ hope is that Watford keeps doing a little bit of everything — passing, ball handling, defending different positions — and makes meaningful growth as a shooter. Watford shot 2.0 three-pointers per game last season and hit 33.0 percent. 

“I think I’ve made big-time progress, especially the last two years with my attempts continuing to go up,” Watford said at his introductory press conference in July. “Now it’s just continuing to work on it. Having three great players that will draw a lot of attention, I’ll be able to get a lot of wide-open shots. 

“Just stay in the gym, keep working on it and keep getting better year by year. That’s my goal, be better than I was last year.”

Unless a returning veteran such as Eric Gordon or Andre Drummond surprises with a much-improved year thanks to greater health, the next logical place to look is the Sixers’ youth.

Second-year players Justin Edwards and Adem Bona each have approximately $2 million salaries for the 2025-26 campaign. Edwards earned a new contract this offseason by playing like a legitimate NBA two-way wing as a rookie. 

“I feel like it just shows all the hard work I put in,” he said on July 2. “Going undrafted, I didn’t let it determine the rest of my basketball life. I just worked hard and did what I was able to do, and I got a contract out of it.”

Jared McCain ($4.2 million salary) is an obvious player to highlight. He posted 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game in a rookie year cruelly ended by a left lateral meniscus tear. McCain’s studied Stephen Curry and sure has some of his special offensive tools. Given McCain’s knack for learning quickly and shooting through slumps, major development in his second season wouldn’t be shocking at all. 

The Sixers inked No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe ($11.1 million) and No. 35 selection Johni Broome ($1.3 million) to rookie contracts this summer. And perhaps one of their two-way contract players — Jabari Walker, Hunter Sallis and Dominick Barlow — can emerge and prove worthy of a standard deal. The Sixers have made a decent amount of two-way conversions in recent years with players like Edwards, Paul Reed, Ricky Council IV and Shake Milton. 

Whoever shines, the Sixers’ reality is that they require a bargain or two. 

Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has kept Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings partly is due to the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrants keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would be shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has made Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings is the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him, if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrents keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would include the Warriors shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

A mock draft is one of the best ways to prepare for your fantasy basketball season. With a panel of NBA Fantasy experts, I hosted a 12-team, 9-category mock draft on Yahoo to analyze different strategies and values. From the first-overall pick to late-round sleepers, I'll break down my picks with commentary on player value, position scarcity, and which players might be worth a gamble. Full results for every team can be found at the end.

1- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

You should consider Victor Wembanyama here too, but I still believe Jokic is the safer option. He's been the best fantasy asset across the past half-decade. Nothing should change this year for him, though I wouldn't be shocked if he saw 1-3 fewer minutes per game since Denver is deeper than last year. Either way, drafting Jokic sets you up for almost any other type of build you want to execute.

24- Amen Thompson, Rockets

Maybe these next two picks could be considered small reaches, but you don't have much of a choice when picking at the turn. You have to get your guys. Thompson certainly fits that bill for me around this draft slot. He's one of the best athletes in the NBA, an All-Defensive player, and versatile on the offensive end. If Thompson can improve his perimeter shooting even a little bit, there might be a first-round fantasy asset here.

25- Josh Giddey, Bulls

You shouldn't expect Giddey to produce at the level he did in March and April last season. But he's still the lead playmaker for this run-and-gun Bulls squad, and agreeing on a contract extension cements the organization's commitment to him. He's a candidate for a triple-double every time he steps on the floor, and he's made strides as a three-point shooter and defender.

48- Coby White, Bulls

I didn't mean to grab Bulls players back-to-back, but Giddey/White is a solid pairing. You get the team's top two offensive options. White is essentially doing a Zach LaVine impersonation. He's an efficient scoring combo guard who can drop some dimes. If Giddey misses any time, White becomes the team's best playmaker by a mile.

49- Joel Embiid, 76ers

There isn't really a "right" spot for Embiid with his injury risk, but this is generally where he's being drafted. Part of me couldn't resist the MVP pairing of Embiid with Jokic. It's also important to remember Yahoo's default league requires two starting centers. There's a premium on bigs, so I didn't mind taking a bit of a gamble.

72- Josh Hart, Knicks

The fantasy basketball community doesn't buy Hart producing at the same level that he did last season. Part of that was potentially unsustainable efficiency; another part is wondering if new coach Mike Brown will play Hart (and the rest of the starters) knee-destroying minutes like Tom Thibodeau did. But at pick 72, I'll buy the dip.

73- Julius Randle, Timberwolves

Randle has holes in his game, especially defensively. But his floor is quite high as Minnesota's clear No. 2 option – a team that doesn't have many reliable playmakers. I'll happily take the points/rebounds/assists combo at this draft position.

96- Brandon Ingram, Raptors

My argument for drafting Ingram at 96 isn't much different from drafting Randle at 73. Who else in this range has 20/5/5 upside? Yes, Ingram falls this far for a reason – he can't stay healthy, and Toronto's offensive hierarchy is confusing. I knock him for those exact same reasons, but those concerns ring more hollow around pick 100.

97- Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Edey won't begin the season healthy, and it's possible he misses the first month or two. For that reason, this might be a little early for him. Still, I'll toss him in my injured reserve slot and figure it out later. Edey's play was encouraging down the stretch last season, and it seems like new coach Tuomas Iisalo is interested in featuring him more than Taylor Jenkins was. We know it doesn't take much for centers with Edey's statistical profile to contend for top-50 production.

120- TJ McConnell, Pacers

Indiana's gameplan for this season feels up in the air. Ultimately I trust McConnell to play 20-25 minutes. He's got top-75 upside if he can get more into the 26-28 minute range. At this point in the draft, he's an excellent source of assists and steals. And we know he can pop for big games when given expanded opportunities.

121- Brandin Podziemski, Warriors

Despite being about a month away from regular-season basketball, we do not have a resolution on the Jonathan Kuminga situation. That makes Podziemski's value murkier than I would like, but he improved significantly toward the end of last year after struggling out of the gate. I buy him as a glue guy with upside to expand his role if/when Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green miss time.

144- Kyle Kuzma, Bucks

I'm far from a Kuzma optimist, but the Bucks are not a deep team when it comes to playmakers. In theory, Kuzma could fill the No. 2 role behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Very few potential No. 2 options are available with your second-to-last pick in a fantasy basketball draft.

145- Collin Sexton, Hornets

Sexton has almost faded into obscurity while playing for the tanking Jazz, but he has quietly been one of the more productive per-minute guards in the NBA. I don't trust him to have more than a sixth-man role for Charlotte, but we know LaMelo Ball has struggled to stay healthy.

Draft Results - Rounds

Round 1

Nikola Jokić (DEN - C) - Alex Barutha

Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG) - Rotomancer

Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Trae Young (ATL - PG) - Joel Bartilo...

James Harden (LAC - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 2

Stephen Curry (GSW - PG) - SteveSaintP

Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C) - Joel Bartilo...

Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C) - Mike Catron ...

Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Alperen Sengun (HOU - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF) - Alex Barutha

Round 3

Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C) - Rotomancer

LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG) - DT's Fabulou...

De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C) - Joel Bartilo...

Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

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

Round 4

Myles Turner (MIL - C) - SteveSaintP

Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

Ivica Zubac (LAC - C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Ja Morant (MEM - PG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF) - Rotomancer

Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Coby White (CHI - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Round 5

Joel Embiid (PHI - C) - Alex Barutha

Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jalen Duren (DET - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Deandre Ayton (LAL - C) - Maven's Mind...

Darius Garland (CLE - PG) - Mike Catron ...

Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 6

Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG) - SteveSaintP

Mark Williams (PHX - C) - Matty G @NBA...

Nikola Vučević (CHI - C) - Joel Bartilo...

DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Jarrett Allen (CLE - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Walker Kessler (UTA - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Alex Sarr (WAS - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 7

Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C) - Alex Barutha

Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C) - Kirien's Mat...

Donovan Clingan (POR - C) - Rotomancer

Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG) - Aburnshoops

Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C) - Mike Catron ...

Michael Porter Jr. (BKN - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG) - Matty G @NBA...

Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF) - SteveSaintP

Round 8

Rudy Gobert (MIN - C) - SteveSaintP

Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Nic Claxton (BKN - C) - Maven's Mind...

Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF) - Aburnshoops

John Collins (LAC - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 9

Zach Edey (MEM - C) - Alex Barutha

VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG) - Rotomancer

Dereck Lively II (DAL - C) - Fantasy•Ba...

Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF) - DT's Fabulou...

Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Tobias Harris (DET - PF) - Maven's Mind...

Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF) - Mike Catron ...

Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF) - Matty G @NBA...

Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG) - SteveSaintP

Round 10

Isaiah Jackson (IND - C) - SteveSaintP

Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF) - Joel Bartilo...

Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF) - Mike Catron ...

Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG) - Maven's Mind...

D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG) - Aburnshoops

Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C) - DT's Fabulou...

Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL - PG,SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

T.J. McConnell (IND - PG) - Alex Barutha

Round 11

Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF) - Rotomancer

Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF) - DT's Fabulou...

Malik Monk (SAC - SG) - Jeff's Sensa...

Scoot Henderson (POR - PG) - Aburnshoops

Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF) - Maven's Mind...

Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG) - Mike Catron ...

CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG) - Joel Bartilo...

Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG) - Matty G @NBA...

Ace Bailey (UTA - SF) - SteveSaintP

Round 12

Egor Demin (BKN - PG) - SteveSaintP

Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C) - Matty G @NBA...

Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF) - Joel Bartilo...

Brook Lopez (LAC - C) - Mike Catron ...

Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C) - Aburnshoops

Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C) - Jeff's Sensa...

Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG) - DT's Fabulou...

Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF) - Fantasy•Ba...

Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG) - Rotomancer

Jay Huff (IND - C) - Kirien's Mat...

Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF) - Alex Barutha

Round 13

Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG) - Alex Barutha

Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF) - Kirien's Mat...

Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF) - Rotomancer

Ty Jerome (MEM - SG) - Fantasy•Ba...

Daniel Gafford (DAL - C) - DT's Fabulou...

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF) - Jeff's Sensa...

Yang Hansen (POR - C) - Aburnshoops

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU - PF,C) - Maven's Mind...

Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF) - Mike Catron ...

Yves Missi (NOP - C) - Joel Bartilo...

De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF) - Matty G @NBA...

Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C) - SteveSaintP

Draft Results - Teams

Alex Barutha

(1) Nikola Jokić (DEN - C)

(24) Amen Thompson (HOU - PG,SG,SF)

(25) Josh Giddey (CHI - PG,SG)

(48) Coby White (CHI - PG,SG)

(49) Joel Embiid (PHI - C)

(72) Josh Hart (NYK - SG,SF,PF)

(73) Julius Randle (MIN - PF,C)

(96) Brandon Ingram (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(97) Zach Edey (MEM - C)

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

(121) Brandin Podziemski (GSW - PG,SG)

(144) Kyle Kuzma (MIL - SF,PF)

(145) Collin Sexton (CHA - PG,SG)

Kirien's Matchless Team

(2) Victor Wembanyama (SAS - C)

(23) Scottie Barnes (TOR - SG,SF,PF)

(26) Paolo Banchero (ORL - PF,C)

(47) Brandon Miller (CHA - SF,PF)

(50) Austin Reaves (LAL - PG,SG)

(71) Alex Sarr (WAS - C)

(74) Kel'el Ware (MIA - PF,C)

(95) Toumani Camara (POR - SF,PF)

(98) VJ Edgecombe (PHI - SG)

(119) Zaccharie Risacher (ATL - SF,PF)

(122) Reed Sheppard (HOU - PG,SG)

(143) Jay Huff (IND - C)

(146) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW - SF,PF)

Rotomancer

(3) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC - PG)

(22) Kevin Durant (HOU - SF,PF)

(27) Chet Holmgren (OKC - PF,C)

(46) Cooper Flagg (DAL - SF)

(51) Desmond Bane (ORL - SG,SF)

(70) OG Anunoby (NYK - SF,PF)

(75) Donovan Clingan (POR - C)

(94) Ausar Thompson (DET - SF,PF)

(99) Jalen Suggs (ORL - PG)

(118) Keegan Murray (SAC - SF,PF)

(123) Kyshawn George (WAS - SG,SF)

(142) Jared McCain (PHI - PG,SG)

(147) Sam Hauser (BOS - SF,PF)

Fantasy•Basketball•PH's Team

(4) Luka Dončić (LAL - PG,SG)

(21) Alperen Sengun (HOU - C)

(28) LeBron James (LAL - SF,PF)

(45) Ja Morant (MEM - PG)

(52) Jimmy Butler III (GSW - SF,PF)

(69) Walker Kessler (UTA - C)

(76) Miles Bridges (CHA - SF,PF)

(93) Jaden Ivey (DET - PG,SG)

(100) Dereck Lively II (DAL - C)

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

(124) Andrew Wiggins (MIA - SG,SF)

(141) Cam Whitmore (WAS - SF,PF)

(148) Ty Jerome (MEM - SG)

DT's Fabulous Team

(5) Cade Cunningham (DET - PG,SG)

(20) Jalen Williams (OKC - SF,PF)

(29) Jalen Brunson (NYK - PG)

(44) Trey Murphy III (NOP - SF,PF)

(53) Jalen Duren (DET - C)

(68) Jarrett Allen (CLE - C)

(77) Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC - C)

(92) Anfernee Simons (BOS - PG,SG)

(101) Bennedict Mathurin (IND - SG,SF)

(116) Naz Reid (MIN - PF,C)

(125) Herbert Jones (NOP - SF,PF)

(140) Cason Wallace (OKC - PG,SG)

(149) Daniel Gafford (DAL - C)

Jeff's Sensational Team

(6) Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL - PF,C)

(19) Jaylen Brown (BOS - SG,SF)

(30) De'Aaron Fox (SAS - PG,SG)

(43) Ivica Zubac (LAC - C)

(54) Lauri Markkanen (UTA - SF,PF)

(67) Jalen Green (PHX - PG,SG)

(78) Cam Thomas (BKN - SG,SF)

(91) John Collins (LAC - PF,C)

(102) Devin Vassell (SAS - SG,SF)

(115) Aaron Gordon (DEN - PF,C)

(126) Malik Monk (SAC - SG)

(139) Santi Aldama (MEM - PF,C)

(150) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL - SG,SF)

Aburnshoops

(7) Anthony Davis (DAL - PF,C)

(18) Donovan Mitchell (CLE - PG,SG)

(31) Bam Adebayo (MIA - PF,C)

(42) Franz Wagner (ORL - SF,PF)

(55) Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL - PF,C)

(66) Jordan Poole (NOP - PG,SG)

(79) Zach LaVine (SAC - PG,SG)

(90) Mikal Bridges (NYK - SF,PF)

(103) Draymond Green (GSW - PF,C)

(114) D'Angelo Russell (DAL - PG)

(127) Scoot Henderson (POR - PG)

(138) Kyle Filipowski (UTA - PF,C)

(151) Yang Hansen (POR - C)

Maven's Mind-Blowing Team

(8) Anthony Edwards (MIN - PG,SG)

(17) Jalen Johnson (ATL - SF,PF)

(32) LaMelo Ball (CHA - PG,SG)

(41) Deni Avdija (POR - SF,PF)

(56) Deandre Ayton (LAL - C)

(65) Immanuel Quickley (TOR - PG,SG)

(80) Matas Buzelis (CHI - SF,PF)

(89) Nic Claxton (BKN - C)

(104) Tobias Harris (DET - PF)

(113) Isaiah Collier (UTA - PG,SG)

(128) Jaden McDaniels (MIN - SF,PF)

(137) Neemias Queta (BOS - PF,C)

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

Mike Catron - @watchtheboxes

(9) Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK - PF,C)

(16) Evan Mobley (CLE - PF,C)

(33) Jamal Murray (DEN - PG,SG)

(40) Tyler Herro (MIA - PG,SG)

(57) Darius Garland (CLE - PG)

(64) DeMar DeRozan (SAC - SF)

(81) Onyeka Okongwu (ATL - C)

(88) Christian Braun (DEN - SG,SF)

(105) Bradley Beal (LAC - SG,SF)

(112) Tari Eason (HOU - SF,PF)

(129) Stephon Castle (SAS - PG,SG)

(136) Brook Lopez (LAC - C)

(153) Aaron Nesmith (IND - SF)

Joel Bartilotta RW

(10) Trae Young (ATL - PG)

(15) Domantas Sabonis (SAC - C)

(34) Pascal Siakam (IND - PF,C)

(39) Derrick White (BOS - PG,SG)

(58) Zion Williamson (NOP - SF,PF)

(63) Nikola Vučević (CHI - C)

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

(87) Andrew Nembhard (IND - PG,SG)

(106) Keyonte George (UTA - PG,SG)

(111) RJ Barrett (TOR - SF,PF)

(130) CJ McCollum (WAS - PG,SG)

(135) Bilal Coulibaly (WAS - SG,SF)

(154) Yves Missi (NOP - C)

Matty G @NBAGEEWHIZ

(11) James Harden (LAC - PG,SG)

(14) Devin Booker (PHX - PG,SG)

(35) Dyson Daniels (ATL - PG,SG,SF)

(38) Kawhi Leonard (LAC - SF,PF)

(59) Jakob Poeltl (TOR - C)

(62) Mark Williams (PHX - C)

(83) Fred VanVleet (HOU - PG)

(86) Shaedon Sharpe (POR - SG,SF)

(107) Norman Powell (MIA - SG,SF)

(110) Donte DiVincenzo (MIN - PG,SG)

(131) Jrue Holiday (POR - PG,SG)

(134) Bobby Portis (MIL - PF,C)

(155) De'Andre Hunter (CLE - SF,PF)

SteveSaintP

(12) Tyrese Maxey (PHI - PG)

(13) Stephen Curry (GSW - PG)

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

(37) Myles Turner (MIL - C)

(60) Cameron Johnson (DEN - SF,PF)

(61) Payton Pritchard (BOS - PG)

(84) Paul George (PHI - SG,SF,PF)

(85) Rudy Gobert (MIN - C)

(108) Kyrie Irving (DAL - PG)

(109) Isaiah Jackson (IND - C)

(132) Ace Bailey (UTA - SF)

(133) Egor Demin (BKN - PG)

(156) Chris Boucher (BOS - PF,C)

Essential Resources for Fantasy Basketball Success

Check out RotoWire'sHow to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:

• Check out custom NBA Fantasy Projections
• Look intoFantasy Basketball Mock Drafts
• Listen to aFantasy Basketball Podcast
• Check in onFantasy Basketball Player News
• ReadFantasy Basketball Articles
• Dive into RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Draft Kit
• StudyNBA Depth Charts
• See RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Dynasty Rankings

New to basketball betting? Check out the best basketball betting promos to find the sportsbook and sign-up bonus that's right for you!

Zolak & Bertrand share intel on Tatum's intense approach to Achilles rehab originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jayson Tatum is still a long way from returning to action for the Boston Celtics. But he seems hell-bent on making his absence as short as possible.

Tatum underwent surgery mere hours after rupturing his Achilles tendon on May 12 in the Celtics’ second-round playoff series with the New York Knicks. By early July, he was doing pool workouts. By August, he was out of his walking boot.

And what appears to be aiding his recovery is essentially treating it like a full time job.

Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolak, the co-hosts of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand radio show, revealed Thursday that they went out to dinner Wednesday night with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who relayed some positive news about Tatum’s recovery.

“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said.

“(Tatum) did not leave town. He has been here the entire time. … Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics’ facility with their people and their team almost every single day for months.”

It’s not uncommon for injured players to be away from the facility during their rehab, especially during the offseason. For example, there were reports before Damian Lillard re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers that he planned to rehab from his torn Achilles in Portland, regardless of where he signed.

But Tatum apparently has been doing his entire rehab in Boston under the guise of the Celtics’ training staff at their facility. And his commitment to that rehab is such that he’s been in the building virtually every weekday, per Zolak.

“He’s taken trips. He’ll go away to a certain island or something,” Zolak said. “But he’ll get his Friday workout in, fly down, work out there at that place, fly back late Sunday night, and be right back in the building on Monday morning.”

“All summer long, all he did was take weekend trips away,” Bertrand added. “He did not go away for any extended period of time, because he wanted to be back to work on his rehab.

“He’s doing things that nobody asked him to do.”

What all of this means for Tatum’s return date is still unclear. The Celtics have refused to put a timeline on his recovery, and it’s still possible they hold him out for the entire 2025-26 season, especially if the team isn’t a serious playoff contender after losing several key players this offseason.

But if Tatum continues this round-the-clock approach to his recovery, don’t be surprised if the discussion around his possible return gets louder when the calendar flips to 2026.

Here’s more from Zolak & Bertrand on Tatum:

Tatum’s progress is undoubtedly encouraging. But even if he’s ready to play by late February or early March (about nine to 10 months after his surgery), it’s still possible the Celtics keep him out or slow-play his return to ensure he’s 100 percent healthy for the 2026-27 campaign, instead of rushing him back amid a season with lower expectations.

Either way, younger players like Walsh, second-year wing Baylor Scheierman and rookie Hugo Gonzalez will have opportunity for larger roles while Tatum is sidelined. And it sounds like there’s already a fierce competition playing out for those minutes on the Celtics’ practice courts.

“The energy is already different. You can feel it,” Walsh said. “It’s kind of like, everybody’s trying to find their footing. Everybody’s trying to make their way, because it’s a bunch of young guys who are not necessarily proven. It’s a lot of potential and unproven talent that’s on the team.

“You can feel it in every workout where everybody is going at each other’s necks. Everybody’s trying to earn that spot, earn that playing time, earn that position. So, it’s like a dog fight right now.”

Check out Walsh’s full interview with Forsberg on the latest Celtics Talk Podcast:

Sixers unveil 25th anniversary court for 2000-01 East champs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers on Thursday unveiled the court they’ll play on 14 times this season in celebration of the 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team. 

While the Sixers have not yet formally announced the jerseys they’ll wear on those nights, the team has strongly hinted at bringing back the black uniforms Allen Iverson and company wore that season.

Here’s a look at the 25th anniversary celebration court: 

The Sixers have said they plan to “honor the ’01 team’s legacy with alumni tributes, in-game and promotional throwbacks, custom merchandise, and much more.”

Their 25th anniversary nights are on the following dates:

• Nov. 8 vs. Raptors
• Nov. 9 vs. Pistons 
• Nov. 23 vs. Heat 
• Dec. 4 vs. Warriors 
• Dec. 7 vs. Lakers 
• Dec. 20 vs. Mavs
• Dec. 23 vs. Nets 
• Jan. 24 vs. Knicks
• Jan. 31 vs. Pelicans 
• Feb. 11 vs. Knicks
• March 3 vs. Spurs 
• March 4 vs. Jazz
• March 23 vs. Thunder 
• April 12 vs. Bucks 

Ramp to Camp: What's one thing you want to see from Mazzulla this season? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Every season of Joe Mazzulla’s tenure as Boston Celtics head coach has featured a rather unique challenge.

From being thrust into the fire after the dismissal of coach Ime Udoka, to watching the core of the team get overhauled before the 2024 title run, to trying to defend that crown last season with a virtually identical roster, there have been obstacles different from what most young coaches encounter during their initial runs in the big chair.

Even entering Year 4, Mazzulla will be challenged in a new way again during the 2025-26 season.

Mazzulla is now tasked with shepherding the Celtics out of a summer of change. There is new ownership, a new-look roster thinned of talent by a prohibitive second apron, and a glaring void as superstar forward Jayson Tatum rehabs from an Achilles tear.

It’s also another opportunity for Mazzulla to show why the Celtics have put their faith in him. After rewarding him with a long-term contract extension this summer, Boston’s brass has been adamant that he remains the right person to lead this team forward. The goal hasn’t changed, but the pathway to Banner 19 is much murkier.

For Day 14 of our Ramp to Camp series — and continuing our weeklong examination of what comes next for key members of the 2025-26 Celtics — the spotlight falls on Mazzulla.

It’s wild that Mazzulla has already coached nearly 300 games in green (246 regular-season games; 50 postseason). The 37-year-old coach ranks eighth among the 19 coaches in Celtics history in regular-season wins and could slide into the top five before the end of his current contract. 

Skeptics will suggest that while Mazzulla can thrive with talent-filled rosters — as evidenced by delivering Banner 18 in 2024 — he must still prove he can make the most out of more inexperienced groups.

And no one will be more excited for that challenge than Mazzulla.

Entering a season where we’ll find out a lot about the players on Boston’s roster, we’re equally intrigued to see how Mazzulla can put his imprint on this team. What’s next for Mazzulla is showing that he can make strategic decisions that help mask potential weaknesses exposed by the departure of veteran talent.

How can Mazzulla make life easy for Jaylen Brown as he elevates into the 1A role while Tatum rehabs? How can Mazzulla maintain the Celtics’ status as a top-10 defense after losing considerable size and experience in the frontcourt this offseason? How can Mazzulla deploy the talent on his new-look roster to maximize what remains? Can Mazzulla tweak the team’s play style — playing harder and faster — to mask some of the talent drain?

Can his so-called “Mazzulla Ball” thrive with the current mix of players? Can Mazzulla embrace playing younger talent in a way that wasn’t always desirable considering the veteran talent this team possessed?

There is little reason to think Mazzulla won’t be up to the task, that he can’t maximize this roster. Maybe his biggest challenge is that his current boss, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, was renowned for his ability to take lesser rosters and produce expectation-exceeding results. Fair or not, Mazzulla must show he can do the same.

We’re eager to see what changes he’ll embrace. The Celtics certainly seemed to signal a desire to play faster and harder with some of their offseason additions. The cupboards are far from bare with a team bringing back Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard, but there are decisions to be made on the best way to deploy that talent while working in a newcomer like Anfernee Simons.

What’s next for Mazzulla might simply boil down to being more flexible. Maybe he has to lean harder into youth development. Maybe he has to tweak this group’s defensive tendencies or its offensive shot profile.

But as is the case for the players on his roster, it’s a chance for Mazzulla to show off a new side of his talents.

Here’s how our panel responded when asked what they want to see from Mazzulla:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Play the kids, Joe!

Mazzulla has been hesitant to give significant minutes to younger players, and that made sense when the Celtics were chasing championships. But it’s time for the head coach to think bigger-picture and focus on the development of recent draft picks like Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh — even if that means working through some growing pains.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

I would say some creativity when the 3s aren’t falling.

I know that’s a critique that’s often most clear in retrospect, but when you’re missing 45 threes in a playoff game and losing by three points in overtime, there is plenty of room for a coach to adjust — even if temporarily — to take care of business on a given night. Thus far, Mazzulla’s “live or die by the 3” mantra has been taken to the extreme, regardless of in-game results.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I would like to see Mazzulla develop more of a versatile offense rather than living and dying by the 3.

It was more understandable when you had elite players and big men who could stretch the floor like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis. However, it doesn’t feel like Boston would have the same success without Tatum, and with Neemias Queta (who has never shot a 3-pointer in an NBA game) and Luka Garza (31.4 percent 3-point shooter on 1.3 attempts per game).

Overall, it will be interesting to see how Mazzulla fares with a less-talented lineup than any he’s had before.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Maximize impact from role players.

This is a new roster with a lot less high-end talent and depth, meaning the pressure will be on Mazzulla to pull the right strings with his rotations and minutes. The bench is almost all new faces, and some guys who had small roles last season will be elevated to bigger roles this season.

I am looking at Joe to help these players develop and find the right role for each one.

Max Lederman, Content Producer

I want to see Mazzulla lean into the defensive side of the court.

He’s known for his “Mazzulla Ball” offense, but if this team is going to overachieve, it needs to be great on defense.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Anything that allows the talking heads to stop complaining about how many 3s the team shoots.

As time ticks away on the NBA offseason, the Knicks head into training camp with the most expectations the franchise has carried in decades.

But for the team to reach its goal of a championship or at least an NBA Finals appearance, players like Karl-Anthony Towns will have a lot to prove. Let’s look at the three Knicks facing the most questions heading into the new season...

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns arguably had the best season of his career in 2024-25. He made the All-NBA third team after finishing second in rebounds (12.4) and 12th in points (24.4). And his individual play helped the Knicks succeed, as the team won 51 games during the regular season and advanced to the Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter of a century.

Towns’ skill set is unique. It’s hard to find big men with the ability to shoot efficiently from nearly every spot on the court. But even after 10 seasons in the NBA, Towns’ fit on a championship-level roster is murky. 

When he is the last line of defense, teams mercilessly attack him. In a microcosm of the season, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton incessantly put Towns in pick-and-rolls down the stretch of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals and scored or created a good look for his teammates every time.

Can Towns consistently fit as a power forward in jumbo lineups with rim-protecting center Mitchell Robinson? The Knicks' offense held up with both big men on the floor last season, but it’s not the best way to optimize Towns individually, as he can be stuck on the perimeter to preserve spacing.

This season is pivotal for both the Knicks and Towns. The five-time All-Star will turn 30 in November. With a new head coach in Mike Brown, this season will give the Knicks a better understanding of how or if they can build around Towns.

Mikal Bridges

After signing a four-year, $150 million extension in August, Bridges has a chance to bounce back from an uneven first season in New York. 

Brown established a pass-first identity with the Kings, and there’s hope he can add some pace and ball movement to New York’s offense.

The largest beneficiary of a more equally distributed offense would be Bridges.

A former leading scorer with the Nets, Bridges has a chance to be a more dynamic perimeter weapon. When Jalen Brunson was sidelined for 15 games late last season, Bridges was more active, averaging 20.5 points and 4.9 assists. 

As the Knicks potentially try to have Brunson play without the ball more, it could provide an opportunity for Bridges to be more assertive in the offense and less of a bystander.

This offseason, the Knicks have added guards capable of making plays off the dribble like Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. But New York's title hopes lie with Bridges. They need the wing to step up by being more aggressive. 

Will Bridges be more efficient and willing to play through contact? That will define the season.

Mitchell Robinson

The X-factor of New York’s entire playoff run was Robinson. After missing all but 17 games during the regular season, the seven-footer was a nuisance for opponents in the postseason -- leading all players in the league in offensive rebound rate.

The Knicks gave up 109.0 points per 100 possessions in Robinson’s 370 playoff minutes, per NBA Stats. In the minutes Robinson sat, New York conceded 113.3 points per 100 possessions. 

Robinson could begin this season as a part of New York’s starting lineup. Either way, his impact as a rim protector and offensive rebounder is paramount to New York’s success.

Though it’s clear how impactful Robinson is on both ends of the floor, having him available to play has been difficult. He has missed 139 games in the last three seasons, mainly due to a left ankle injury that required surgery in 2024.

Robinson is in the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract. The Knicks can sign him to an extension now, but given his injury history, it makes sense to see if Robinson is capable of staying healthy throughout the course of an entire season before digging deep into the second apron.