Category: Basketball

Report: Kings expected to be ‘leading' Dennis Schroder suitor in NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings appear to be targeting depth at the guard position this summer.

Sacramento reportedly is believed to be a likely leading suitor for veteran guard Dennis Schröder, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday.

The Kings are already being painted as a likely leading suitor for Dennis Schröder when free agency begins, @TheSteinLine has learned.

MUCH more on the Kings and MANY trade, free agency and draft matters in this new piece co-scribed with @JakeLFischer: https://t.co/niZqzRShhZpic.twitter.com/XWls8MSNtK

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 25, 2025

Schröder, 31, is coming off a 2024-25 NBA season in which he averaged an admirable 13.1 points on 40.6-percent shooting and 5.4 assists per game while being traded from the Brooklyn Nets, where he started the season, to the Golden State Warriors and later to the Detroit Pistons.

The veteran could help Kings coach Doug Christie by providing everyday stability as the facilitator Sacramento seemingly lost when trading De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in the multi-team deal that brought Zach LaVine to Northern California.

A career journeyman, Schröder has played for nine total teams, even after a stable five-year start to his career with the Atlanta Hawks (2013-2018); the Kings would be his 10th.

It is unknown whether a potential Schröder-Kings free-agent deal would be for the short term or long term. However, Schröder has publicly shared his disdain for the career-long instability he has experienced, as he vulnerably explained to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson days before he was, yet again, traded.

“It’s like modern slavery,” Schröder told Johnson on Feb. 3. “It’s modern slavery at the end of the day. Everybody can decide where you’re going, even if you have a contract. Yeah, of course, we make a lot of money and we can feed our families, but at the end of the day if they say, ‘You’re not coming to work tomorrow, you’re going over there,’ they can decide that. They got to change that a little bit. 

“But still grateful that we’re here and that we can live this every single day. I think everybody who’s in here is blessed. But if you really think about it, it is kind of crazy that the organization can tell you, ‘We want you to be team-first, but you’re going over there.’ It’s a lot.”

Schröder sure would have a place in Sacramento during the 2025-26 NBA season if he wanted it. But until then, Schröder will remain a free agent.

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Draymond Green reveals why his mom doesn't watch Warriors games anymore originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green explained why his mother, Mary Babers, no longer watches his games.

The 35-year-old detailed why his mom cannot bring herself to watch the Warriors anymore.

“My mom doesn’t watch [my] games anymore,” Green said Tuesday on “The Pivot” podcast. “She’ll check the box score. It brings her anxiety [to watch my games] at this point in my career. Because she’s like, ‘Just be done, you did it. Just move on.’ And I’m like, ‘Nah, mom, I’ve got more to give.’ So, she can’t watch anymore.”

Green has been a lightning rod for controversy due to his physical style of play, which has landed him in hot water with the NBA on multiple occasions during his playing career. As one of the league’s elite defenders, it’s all just part of the job, but it’s difficult for his family to see him put himself into harm’s way on a nightly basis.

Green has no intention of hanging it up any time soon, though, as he and the rest of Golden State chase another NBA championship. The 35-year-old stayed out of trouble for the majority of the season and was named to the 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Now, Green, Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler will look to build cohesion during the offseason as they prepare for another deep playoff run. Just don’t expect to see Babers watching the games.

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Ranking the 10 best No. 1 draft picks in NBA history originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Some of the greatest careers in NBA history began with eight words:

“With the first pick in the NBA draft …”

In 78 years of the NBA draft, 20 players who were taken with the No. 1 pick are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. An additional 32 players made either an All-Star Game or an All-NBA team.

Both of those numbers will grow in the coming years. Among the 15 active players who were No. 1 picks, two made the NBA 75th Anniversary team already and will be joined by some of their current counterparts in Springfield, Mass., someday. Others are just getting started in their pro careers.

If all 78 No. 1 picks were put into a new draft based on their NBA résumés, which one would be first off the board? Here’s a ranking of the 10 best top selections in league history.

10. Patrick Ewing, New York Knicks, 1985

Frozen envelope or not, Patrick Ewing was a tremendous pick for the New York Knicks.

The Georgetown center was far and away the top prize heading into the 1985 draft lottery before he eventually landed with the Knicks. Once in the Big Apple, Ewing kickstarted a Hall of Fame career by winning the 1985-86 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Over his 17-year career, Ewing amassed 11 All-Star, seven All-NBA and three NBA All-Defensive Team selections.

9. Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis Lakers, 1958

Elgin Baylor wasted little time building a Hall of Fame career after being drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1958.

He averaged 24.9 points, 15.0 assists and 4.1 assists in his first NBA season, earning the 1958-59 Rookie of the Year Award. He was also named an All-Star, kicking off a stretch of 11 All-Star selections in his first 12 seasons. Over the same stretch, he was a 10-time All-NBA selection.

To this day, Baylor remains one of the top first picks in NBA history, as well as one of the best players to finish their playing careers without a championship.

8. David Robinson, San Antonio Spurs, 1987

Coming in at No. 8 is the Admiral.

David Robinson was one of two key No. 1 picks the San Antonio Spurs made to change the course of the franchise (we’ll get to the other one in a bit). After spending two years in the U.S. Navy, Robinson debuted for the Spurs in 1989 and won Rookie of the Year. 

That was just the beginning of accolades for Robinson. The center earned 10 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections, a Defensive Player of the Year Award, an MVP Award and a (controversial) scoring title to go along with two NBA championships.

7. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals, 1960

The Big O did it all.

In his first NBA season with the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar Robertson averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game. He upped the ante in Year 2 and made history, averaging a triple-double with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game. He went on to average 30-plus points and 10-plus assists six times from 1961-62 to 1966-67.

With 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA selections, an MVP, a scoring title, a Rookie of the Year Award and an NBA title on his career résumé, Robertson became one of the league’s first great point guards.

6. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets, 1984

It’s one thing to be taken before Michael Jordan in the NBA draft. It’s another thing to look back on it and still consider it a worthwhile selection.

That’s something the Houston Rockets can be proud of. In 1984, they drafted Hakeem Olajuwon, then Akeem Olajuwon, out of the University of Houston and landed a franchise cornerstone. The team reached the Finals in the center’s second NBA season and won back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995.

Olajuwon, unsurprisingly, played a major part in that. The Dream won Finals MVP for both championships, adding to a list of accomplishments that features 12 All-Star selections, 12 All-NBA selections, nine NBA All-Defensive Team selections, two NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards and the 1993-94 MVP Award.

5. Shaquille O’Neal, Orlando Magic, 1992

Between his stature, personality, play style, accomplishments and nicknames, everything about Shaq was BIG.

After a monstrous career at LSU, Shaquille O’Neal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992. He won NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 boards per game and helped Orlando reach the NBA Finals in just his third season. He headed to Los Angeles in 1996 and proceeded to win three titles with the Lakers before earning a fourth with the Miami Heat in 2006.

In all, O’Neal was a 15-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA selection, three-time All-Defensive Team selection, three-time Finals MVP and a two-time scoring champion across 19 NBA seasons.

4. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs, 1997

“Draft Tim Duncan. After that, stay alive.”

That was the response from Gregg Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history, when asked about his key to success. And he’s not wrong.

The Spurs had never won a championship until Duncan arrived. The organization proceeded to win the 1999 NBA Finals in Duncan’s second season and added four more throughout his 19-year career.

Along with the five titles, Duncan’s accolades include 15 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 15 NBA All-Defensive Team selections (most in NBA history), two NBA MVPs, three NBA Finals MVPs and 1997-98 NBA Rookie of the Year.

3. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, 1979

The selection of Magic Johnson in the 1979 draft led to the birth of the Showtime Lakers.

Johnson and Co. won five NBA titles from 1980 to 1988, beginning with his rookie season. In those 1980 Finals, the point guard famously took over as center in Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers and led the way with 42 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.

Johnson’s career catalog includes 12 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, three MVPs, three Finals MVPs and four assist titles. His 11.2 assists per game remain the most in NBA history, continuing his legacy as one of the greatest offensive talents the game has ever seen.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks, 1969

Despite coming in at No. 2 on this list, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is No. 1 in a number of prominent NBA categories.

The Bucks and Lakers center holds the record for most and NBA MVP Awards (six). Other accolades include 19 All-Star selections, 11 All-Defensive selections, six NBA titles, two Finals MVPs and the 1969-70 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.

Abdul-Jabbar was also the NBA’s all-time leading scorer … until …

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2003

No. 1 is a just place for The King, both in the NBA draft and in this list.

LeBron James’ name is all across the league’s history books. He won championships with three different organizations: the Heat, Cavaliers and Lakers. When it comes to individual accolades, he is a 21-time All-Star, 21-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Defensive Team selection, four-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA Finals MVP and 2003-04 NBA Rookie of the Year.

And he’s still going. James passed Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record in his 20th NBA season and is still adding to his record in 2025.

One last thing worth mentioning with James is how he got to the NBA in the first place. He is the only player on this list who entered the NBA straight out of high school, heading to the Cavs when he was just 18 years old.

Honorable mentions: Elvin Hayes (1968), Bill Walton (1974), James Worthy (1982), Ralph Sampson (1983), Chris Webber (1993), Allen Iverson (1996), Yao Ming (2002), Dwight Howard (2004), Kyrie Irving (2011), Anthony Davis (2012)

Warriors' Draymond Green details ‘therapeutic' process of writing his book originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green revealed off-the-court news directly related to his NBA career on Tuesday.

The 14-year Warriors veteran announced that he is enjoying the process of writing a book in a conversation with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor on “The Pivot” podcast.

“I don’t even know if I’m supposed to say this, but I’m writing a book,” Green told Clark, Crowder and Taylor. “And that process is so therapeutic for me, because it’s actually where I worked my way through, like, ‘Oh, sh–, it is two different people.’”

Dub Nation, get ready to meet author Draymond Green.

The four-time NBA champion is excited about his literary endeavors because of the opportunity to highlight the differences in his personality on and off the court. Green understands – and seemingly embraces – his on-court disposition, but believes who he is away from basketball couldn’t be more unproblematic.

“Like, they probably think I’m crazy as hell,” Green said of basketball fans to Clark, Crowder and Taylor. “But [I am] two different people; on the court, I’m a menace. But off the court, I think I’m arguably one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. 

“On the court, I’m a menace. [I’m] two completely different people.”

Green undoubtedly is a menace on the hardwood. The 35-year-old has collected 163 technical fouls, 18 flagrant fouls and 20 ejections throughout his 13 regular seasons, and Green also has been involved in some of the game’s most iconic altercations, for better or worse.

But the Warriors forward claims to be quiet in his personal life. 

Green told Clark, Crowder and Taylor that he doesn’t speak nearly as much off the court as on it, and that perspective will be detailed in his book.

There aren’t any more details on Green’s book outside of what he said Tuesday. It will be interesting to see what the Golden State legend shares in print when the time comes.

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Why Alperen Sengun gained Draymond Green's respect after Warriors-Rockets series originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green gained a newfound level of respect for Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün after a ferocious NBA first-round playoff series.

Green and Şengün tussled on a nightly basis as the Warriors held off the Rockets in a classic seven-game series that featured a decidedly old-school brand of bruising basketball.

“I gained so much respect for that young fella [Şengün] because in the beginning, he was folding and he caught up and he stood up,” Green said Tuesday on “The Pivot” podcast. “And once you stand up, we’re going to go at it, but I like that. And I gained respect for him.”

The 22-year-old gave Green all he could handle during the series, which saw Houston’s young and up-and-coming squad narrowly lose to Golden State. Şengün’s elite play at the rim was one of the reasons the Rockets almost won the matchup, as he gave Green headaches throughout the chippy series.

Şengün has steadily progressed ever since Houston selected him with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he made his first All-Star Team this past season.

With the Rockets reportedly acquiring Kevin Durant in a trade, Houston will be an even more dangerous postseason foe next year. If they do face off against Golden State again, expect another physical matchup between Şengün and Green.

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Report: Heat have legitimate interest in restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There are a handful of NBA teams that could have serious interest in Warriors’ restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga this summer.

One of the potential suitors ahead of the June 30 free-agent negotiating window just so happens to be a team Golden State recently did business with.

The Miami Heat, after missing out on superstar forward Kevin Durant, who the Phoenix Suns reportedly agreed to trade to the Houston Rockets over the weekend, have “legitimate” interest in Kuminga, The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported in his latest story, citing league sources.

Miami is an interesting potential Kuminga suitor due to the familiarity the Warriors have with the Heat after facilitating a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler before the NBA’s Feb. 6 trade deadline.

As a restricted free agent, Kuminga only can sign offer sheets with other teams, which the Warriors can match and, in turn, retain the 22-year-old for the same contract. Warriors CEO Joe Lacob recently stated that it would “take a lot” for Golden State not to match a Kuminga offer sheet.

Golden State also could move Kuminga in a sign-and-trade deal for other assets, which is an avenue that the young forward is actively exploring as he prepares to test the market.

“I trust my people, trust my agent (Aaron Turner),” Kuminga told Slater. “I want to know more about how this trade stuff goes, how this sign-and-trade goes or how this contract goes. I want to learn more about it. But most of the time I just focus on playing, just working. The better I get, wherever I get my chance, it’s going to show.”

It remains to be seen which direction the Warriors will go in with Kuminga, but with Golden State general manager Mike Dunleavy stating Monday that he wants to have a resolution with the restricted free agent “sooner than later,” it appears Kuminga’s future could be decided soon.

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The most pressing need the Lakers have is finding a rim-running, shot-blocking young center to put alongside Luka Doncic for the present and future.

But the Lakers don’t have a first-round pick to use in Wednesday night’s NBA draft, and when they do make their choice in the second round at No. 55 on Thursday night in the two-day event, that’s probably not where they are going to find that sort of talent.

So, the Lakers will look for the proverbial “best player available” and look to develop him and most likely have him play for the South Bay Lakers, their G League team.

The big news for the Lakers will be the contract status of Doncic, LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Clippers, on the other hand, have the last pick in the first round of the draft, at No. 30. They also have the 51st overall pick in the second round.

And they too will be looking for the best player available with those selections.

Read more:NBA draft has international flair after American Flagg

With the unlikelihood of the draft providing them a rotation player, the Lakers will continue to build their team in other ways, from free agency to trades.

James, 40, has a player option for next season at $52.6 million and he has to let the Lakers know of his decision by June 29. He can opt-in to his deal with an extension or opt-out and sign a new contract.

James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists and shot 51.3% from the field per game last season, and he was named to the All-NBA second team.

Doncic can sign an extension with the Lakers starting on Aug. 2. He will earn $45.9 million next season and $48.9 million for the 2026-27 season if he exercises his option.

He can sign a four-year extension for $229 million, with the $51-million first-year of that deal replacing his player option from 2026-27. Or Doncic could sign a three-year extension for $165 million, and that would include a player option for the third season.

Reaves is eligible to sign an extension off his $13.9-million salary for next season starting July 6. Reaves can sign a four-year deal for $89.2 million.

Finney-Smith has a player option that will pay him $15.3 million, and he too is looking for an extension.

Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations for the Clippers, talked in May about the team’s needs in the draft.

Frank said the Clippers could use some frontcourt help, a playmaker and some shooting.

Several NBA mock drafts have the Clippers taking Noah Penda at No. 30. He’s a 6-foot-8 forward from France. Penda, 20, played last season at Le Mans, where he averaged 10.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.

“In the draft, typically you’re always going for the best available, especially if it’s a younger player,” Frank told the media in May after the team had been eliminated from the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets. “Because by the time that player hits his prime, our team will be completely different. … So, you are drafting best available, but we have certain characteristics that we really prioritize.

“Positional size is important to us. Basketball IQ and processing is important to us. The ability to pass, dribble and shoot is important to us. And then the DNA, the makeup, the toughness, the competitiveness, examples of where they are really shown resiliency, grit. So, there’s a lot of things into it, but those typically are kind of in general of how we look at it.”

Clippers veterans James Harden, Nicolas Batum and Norman Powell also have contract decisions to make.

Harden has a player option for $36.3 million and he has to inform the Clippers of his decision by June 29. The consensus around the NBA is that Harden will opt out and seek a two-year extension from the Clippers.

Harden, 35, who averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds, made the All-Star team and was All-NBA third team.

Batum, a favorite of his teammates and Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, has a player option for next season that pays him $4.9 million and he has to let the team know by June 29 of his decision.

Powell, 32, has one more year on his deal that pays him $20.4 million next season. Powell, who averaged a career-high 21.8 points per game, also is likely looking for an extension.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga outlines priority ahead of restricted NBA free agency originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Ever since he entered the NBA as the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Jonathan Kuminga has wanted to become a star.

And this summer, as a restricted free agent, he has an opportunity to put himself in the best position to do just that.

Kuminga spoke exclusively with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater ahead of the NBA’s June 30 restricted free agent negotiation window, and discussed his goal of developing into a star player capable of leading an offense.

“That’s what’s been on my mind,” Kuminga told Slater. “Things take time, but I feel like I’m at the point where that has to be my priority, to just be one of the guys a team relies on. Aiming to be an All-Star. Multiple times. Aiming to be great. … Wherever I’m going to be at, it don’t matter if it’s the Warriors or if it’s anywhere else, it’s something I want. I want to see what I could do. I know I got it. So I want to really see. I’ve never got that chance.”

The 22-year-old Kuminga has had a roller-coaster career with the Warriors, showing flashes of immense potential, but struggling to maintain a consistent role in coach Steve Kerr’s rotations.

Those inconsistencies in four seasons with Golden State will play a role in deciding what situation is best for him this summer.

“I did it here and there, but it was never a consistent role, a consistent role given to me,” Kuminga said. “It only happens five games on, 10 games off. I want it to be a consistent role. Because I know what I got. I know what I could bring. I know how much work I put in. I know I’m dedicated to this game, how much I love the game.”

Kuminga averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game during the 2023-24 NBA season, and appeared to be developing into the star player the Warriors hoped he could become this past season before an ankle injury sidelined him for 31 games.

In 47 games (10 starts) during the 2024-25 season, Kuminga averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on 45.4-percent shooting from the field and a career-low 30.5 percent from 3-point range.

He once again was in and out of the Warriors’ rotations down the stretch and throughout Golden State’s playoff run, but did impress in the Western Conference semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he reprised his feature role after Warriors superstar Steph Curry went down for the remainder of the series after suffering a hamstring strain in Game 1.

Kuminga, as a restricted free agent, can sign offer sheets with other NBA teams, which the Warriors can match and retain him for the same price. Whichever team ultimately ends up paying him, he hopes to prove his worth immediately.

“Wherever I go, wherever I’ll be, off the rip, I just want them to be like, ‘Oh, yeah, he deserved what he got. He deserved to be here. He worked hard for it.’ Wherever it is, that’s what I want it to feel like.” Kuminga added. “I want to be great. I feel like I’m capable of being that, capable of doing some special things, and I won’t just let it go like that. The only way to get there is just to lock in every single day.”

Might that be with the Warriors?

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Explaining the second apron, a key financial rule in the NBA's CBA originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

In under 24 hours, the Boston Celtics had to trade two players key to their 2024 NBA title.

Guard Jrue Holiday was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and a pair of second-round picks, while center Kristaps Porzingis moved to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that saw Georges Niang and a draft pick return.

Why would the Celtics make such a move, let alone two? Is it because they’re trying to get younger? Do they want to refresh the core around Jayson Tatum as he rehabs from a torn Achilles?

There may be some truth to multiple reasons, but there’s also one key aspect to note: the second apron. Here’s everything to know about the financial rule that is in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement:

What is the second apron in the NBA?

The second apron in the NBA is a spending threshold that triggers additional layers of penalties for exceeding certain limits.

The NBA operates with a soft cap, meaning teams can still spend over the limit — usually by paying the luxury tax — to keep their roster intact without too much enforcement. It’s different than the NFL’s hard cap, which is stricter and has penalties that can be enforced sooner.

How does the second apron in the NBA work?

The second apron is the final spending limit franchises can go into before facing severe team-building penalties. First there is the luxury tax, which helped the Golden State Warriors build their recent dynasty.

Then there is the first apron, which has its own sets of penalties for teams. The second apron goes even further, so teams with significant payrolls are likely to break up the roster after a few years, which can affect long-term planning.

When did the second apron start in the NBA?

The second apron took into effect in the 2024 offseason after the new collective bargaining agreement was ratified in 2023.

What is the second apron amount in the NBA?

Entering the 2025-26 season, the salary cap is projected to be $154.6 million and the luxury tax is projected to be $187.9 million, according to ESPN. The first apron is set for $195.9 million and the second apron $207.8 million — higher by $17.8 million from 2024-25.

What are the second apron penalties in the NBA?

These are the key penalties for teams in the first apron and second apron:

First apron:

• Sign-and-trades are not permitted if the player acquired keeps the team above the apron.
• Cannot sign players who were waived during the regular season if their salary was above the $12.2 million mid-level exception.
• Salary matching in trades has to be within 110% instead of the 125% teams in good standing get.

Second apron:

• Includes all first-apron penalties
• Cannot have access to the MLE in free agency or absorbing contracts.
• Cannot trade first-round picks from seven years out.
• Cannot use trade exceptions from previous years.
• Cannot use cash in trades.
• First round pick moves straight to the end of the first round if the team stays in the second apron for three of five years.

Which NBA teams are in the second apron?

The Celtics will be out of the second apron once their Holiday and Porzingis trades are official. Heading into 2025-26, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns are currently in the second apron, per Spotrac, while the Houston Rockets, New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets are approaching the amount.

Five guard, forward fits for Warriors at pick No. 41 in 2025 NBA Draft originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

More than a month has passed since the Warriors’ season ended in the second round of the NBA playoffs. A week later, they already began hosting players at Chase Center on their practice court for pre-draft workouts. 

The Warriors mainly have studied older players with an abundance of college experience for their second-round pick at No. 41 overall. There’s always more to the year-long process behind closed doors. The way the draft has been affected by the changing landscape of college basketball with NIL, though, it would be a major surprise if a player younger than even 22 years old was drafted by the Warriors. 

Trayce Jackson-Davis (No. 57 overall) was 23, and turning 24 in February, when the Warriors drafted him in the second round of the 2023 draft. Quinten Post (No. 52 overall) was even older at 24, and turning 25 in March, last year as the Warriors’ second-round pick.

Hearing a teenager have his name called when the Warriors are on the clock is highly, highly unlikely if they keep the pick and use it. A cheap player that can contribute as a rookie is of major value for a team like the Warriors. 

“It does lend itself to the older guys generally can play sooner than later,” Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy admitted Monday at Chase Center.

The chaos of the NBA offseason already knocked down the door and has made itself at home. Now that it’s time for the draft to be part of the headlines for two days, here are the five best fits for the Warriors with the 41st pick in the draft.

Sion James, Wing, Duke

He’s the one singular prospect that I wrote about as being the perfect fit for the Warriors, and it will take some serious convincing to change my mind. 

James played four seasons at Tulane, then transferred to Duke as the exact player needed around their trio of freshmen players primed for the top 10 in the draft. Dunleavy laid out the formula Monday of needing defense – point of attack plus rim protectors – and players who can space the floor. James has the size and physicality to jump into an NBA game right now, and he’s only improved as a shooter every season in college. 

An easy comparison is Lu Dort with a lot more college experience. They’re both built like football players who were handed a basketball as a joke just to laugh in everybody else’s face. Dort is listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, was named to the All-Defensive First Team and shot 41.2 percent from three for the champion Oklahoma City Thunder this season after shooting 23.7 percent as a rookie. 

At 22 years old, 23 in December, James played 153 college games. He measured in at the combine at 6-foot-4 1/2 and 217 pounds, was voted to the ACC’s All-Defense Team this season, and after shooting 28 percent from three as a freshman, James was a 41.3 percent 3-point shooter in his one year at Duke.

Koby Brea, SG/Wing, Kentucky

Shooting and scoring dropped off a cliff to end the Warriors’ season with an injured Steph Curry. Adding perhaps the draft’s best pure shooter, outside of Kon Knueppel, could be a good start in fixing that problem. 

Brea doesn’t project to be a two-way player like Klay Thompson was. His athleticism doesn’t jump out, even on highlights. But damn can he shoot it. 

He also has ideal size on the wing as a shooting guard or small forward at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds. Like James, Brea was a five-year player in college. Also like James, his age shouldn’t be a negative for someone who will be 23 in November. This is a smart player who will know how to play his role, and not step outside of it. 

The marksman shot 43.4 percent on threes in his college career, including making 46.5 percent of his threes the past two seasons while putting up six a game.

Micah Peavy, Wing, Georgetown

Peavy is the type of player that would fit a long list of second-round picks that had lasting, solid, impactful careers in the NBA. He’s the glue guy every team wants. 

That was obvious with Peavy’s performance in his first scrimmage at the combine. His team lost by three, yet Peavy was a game-high plus-20 in 23 minutes. Peavy, who turns 24 on July 16, is a versatile wing at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds with the feel and skills to be part of a rotation. The big question is if his 3-point shot was a one-hit wonder. 

After four years in college, one at Texas Tech and three at TCU, Peavy shot 26.7 percent from three. Year by year, he also became a more willing shooter from deep. Then in his fifth college season, Peavy transferred to Georgetown and averaged 17.2 points, put up over four threes a game and made 40 percent of them.

Chaz Lanier, G/Wing, Tennessee

The first three years of Lanier’s college career didn’t amount to numbers of someone who would be on any draft boards. Lanier averaged just 4.2 points per game in that span at Florida Atlantic, and then his breakout came in Year 4. Finally fully entrenched in the starting lineup, was All-A-Sun First Team in 2023-24, averaging 19.7 points while shooting 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three and 88 percent at the free-throw line. 

Lanier then joined Tennessee for his fifth and final college season, where that same offensive firepower followed him to the Vols. The 23-year-old who will turn 24 in December led Tennessee to the Elite Eight by averaging 18 points per game and shooting 39.5 percent beyond the arc. Lanier in his final two college seasons shot 41.5 percent from long distance while taking essentially eight threes per game. 

There are some defensive questions when it comes to Lanier for a player listed at 6-foot-4. But he rarely came off the floor for one of the top defenses in college basketball, and his 6-foot-9 wingspan and 39-inch max vertical leap gives him the traits that can produce a competent defensive player.

Alijah Martin, G, Florida

Guards Kam Jones and Tamar Bates were both considerations here. In the end, it came down to two players: Martin, or Kentucky big man Amari Williams. 

The Warriors worked out both players, who are 10 inches apart. Williams would be the second straight 7-footer Dunleavy picked in the second round. However, he’s a much different player than Post. 

As seen throughout his rookie year, Post is a stretch-five but has work to do defensively and around the rim, and likely will never be a plus athlete. Williams is not a shooter. He’s a massive shot-blocker and strong rebounder. Most importantly for Steve Kerr, Williams is a really strong player out of the middle. 

Center, as always, will be an incredibly interesting position to watch for the Warriors. They don’t want Draymond Green to start there, but he still will have minutes at center when necessary. They’re high on Post, and like a lot of what Jackson-Davis brings. Kevon Looney still could come back on a veteran minimum, and the Warriors will be active eyeing bigs through other avenues as well. 

So instead, Martin is the pick. He’s only 6-foot-2, but plays way bigger with his 6-foot-8 wingspan. Jerry Stackhouse would be begging Kerr to unleash this Pitbull. Martin is a high-energy super-athlete who was a huge reason why Florida won it all this year. 

After four years at Florida Atlantic where Martin twice was All-CUSA, as well as the 2023 CUSA Tournament MVP, he averaged 14.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game as a fifth-year senior. Martin turns 24 in December, can be in the Gary Payton II role for the Warriors long term, and might offer more offense.

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What time is the 2025 NBA Draft? First-round order, top prospects and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Dallas Mavericks are on the clock.

A new group of young prospects is set to enter the league when the 2025 NBA Draft gets underway. Dallas won the lottery in May with just 1.8% odds, landing first dibs at star Duke prospect Cooper Flagg.

Flagg has been the consensus top prospect of this class for several years, and Dallas getting the first pick right after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers generated plenty of mixed reactions.

But unlike last year’s class, the pool of talent beyond Flagg is much more tantalizing. Flagg also isn’t the only possible top-five Duke pick, while Rutgers may see two top-five picks of its own.

Here’s everything to know as the first round of the draft gets underway:

What time does the NBA Draft start?

The draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 25. It is the second straight year of the event being held over two days. The second round is set for Thursday, June 26, also at 8 p.m. ET.

Where is the NBA Draft?

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, is once again the venue for both days.

Where to watch and stream the NBA Draft online, on TV

The first round on Wednesday will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. ESPN will air the second round on Thursday.

Both rounds will be available to stream on ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile app.

What is the NBA Draft order?

Here is the order of the draft entering the first round, via NBA.com:

First round:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Phoenix Suns

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks 

14. San Antonio Spurs

15. Oklahoma City

16. Memphis Grizzlies

17. Minnesota Timberwolves

18. Washington Wizards

19. Brooklyn Nets

20. Miami Heat

21. Utah Jazz

22. Brooklyn Nets

23. New Orleans Pelicans

24. Oklahoma City Thunder

25. Orlando Magic

26. Brooklyn Nets

27. Brooklyn Nets

28. Boston Celtics

29. Phoenix Suns

30. LA Clippers

The second-round order can be viewed here.

There are usually 60 picks, but the New York Knicks had a second-round pick taken away after an investigation found the team violated the league’s tampering rules when signing Jalen Brunson in 2022.

Who are the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The top prospect is Cooper Flagg of Duke given his frame, skills and potential. He’s a rare blend of ready-now, well-rounded and possible future No. 1 option on a contender.

Beyond Flagg, Rutgers has both Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey in the mix. Harper has the potential to be an elite combo guard given his 6-foot-10 wingspan, though his 33% 3-point shooting will need to improve at the next level. Bailey has the chops to be a star shotmaking forward, but he’ll need to improve defensively while there has been some red flags in regards to canceling pre-draft workouts with teams.

Fellow Duke prospect Kon Knueppel is a plug-and-play 3-point shooter. His versatility will allow him to play in multiple positions, with a sweet shot from deep. There are athleticism concerns defensively, so it’ll be interesting to see how he handles that end.

Other possible top-five picks include Baylor G V.J. Edgecombe, Texas G/F Tre Jackson and Illinois G Kasparas Jakucionis.

Outside of the top five, potential steals include Duke C Khaman Maluach, Michigan State G Jase Richardson, Duke G/F Tyrese Proctor, Colorado State G/F Nique Clifford, Michigan C Danny Wolf and St. John’s F RJ Luis Jr., among others.

What time is the 2025 NBA Draft? First-round order, top prospects and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Dallas Mavericks are on the clock.

A new group of young prospects is set to enter the league when the 2025 NBA Draft gets underway. Dallas won the lottery in May with just 1.8% odds, landing first dibs at star Duke prospect Cooper Flagg.

Flagg has been the consensus top prospect of this class for several years, and Dallas getting the first pick right after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers generated plenty of mixed reactions.

But unlike last year’s class, the pool of talent beyond Flagg is much more tantalizing. Flagg also isn’t the only possible top-five Duke pick, while Rutgers may see two top-five picks of its own.

Here’s everything to know as the first round of the draft gets underway:

What time does the NBA Draft start?

The draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 25. It is the second straight year of the event being held over two days. The second round is set for Thursday, June 26, also at 8 p.m. ET.

Where is the NBA Draft?

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, is once again the venue for both days.

Where to watch and stream the NBA Draft online, on TV

The first round on Wednesday will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. ESPN will air the second round on Thursday.

Both rounds will be available to stream on ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile app.

What is the NBA Draft order?

Here is the order of the draft entering the first round, via NBA.com:

First round:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Phoenix Suns

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks 

14. San Antonio Spurs

15. Oklahoma City

16. Memphis Grizzlies

17. Minnesota Timberwolves

18. Washington Wizards

19. Brooklyn Nets

20. Miami Heat

21. Utah Jazz

22. Brooklyn Nets

23. New Orleans Pelicans

24. Oklahoma City Thunder

25. Orlando Magic

26. Brooklyn Nets

27. Brooklyn Nets

28. Boston Celtics

29. Phoenix Suns

30. LA Clippers

The second-round order can be viewed here.

There are usually 60 picks, but the New York Knicks had a second-round pick taken away after an investigation found the team violated the league’s tampering rules when signing Jalen Brunson in 2022.

Who are the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The top prospect is Cooper Flagg of Duke given his frame, skills and potential. He’s a rare blend of ready-now, well-rounded and possible future No. 1 option on a contender.

Beyond Flagg, Rutgers has both Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey in the mix. Harper has the potential to be an elite combo guard given his 6-foot-10 wingspan, though his 33% 3-point shooting will need to improve at the next level. Bailey has the chops to be a star shotmaking forward, but he’ll need to improve defensively while there has been some red flags in regards to canceling pre-draft workouts with teams.

Fellow Duke prospect Kon Knueppel is a plug-and-play 3-point shooter. His versatility will allow him to play in multiple positions, with a sweet shot from deep. There are athleticism concerns defensively, so it’ll be interesting to see how he handles that end.

Other possible top-five picks include Baylor G V.J. Edgecombe, Texas G/F Tre Jackson and Illinois G Kasparas Jakucionis.

Outside of the top five, potential steals include Duke C Khaman Maluach, Michigan State G Jase Richardson, Duke G/F Tyrese Proctor, Colorado State G/F Nique Clifford, Michigan C Danny Wolf and St. John’s F RJ Luis Jr., among others.

What time is the 2025 NBA Draft? First-round order, top prospects and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Dallas Mavericks are on the clock.

A new group of young prospects is set to enter the league when the 2025 NBA Draft gets underway. Dallas won the lottery in May with just 1.8% odds, landing first dibs at star Duke prospect Cooper Flagg.

Flagg has been the consensus top prospect of this class for several years, and Dallas getting the first pick right after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers generated plenty of mixed reactions.

But unlike last year’s class, the pool of talent beyond Flagg is much more tantalizing. Flagg also isn’t the only possible top-five Duke pick, while Rutgers may see two top-five picks of its own.

Here’s everything to know as the first round of the draft gets underway:

What time does the NBA Draft start?

The draft will begin at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday, June 25. It is the second straight year of the event being held over two days. The second round is set for Thursday, June 26, also at 5 p.m. PT.

Where is the NBA Draft?

The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, is once again the venue for both days.

Where to watch and stream the NBA Draft online, on TV

The first round on Wednesday will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN. ESPN will air the second round on Thursday.

Both rounds will be available to stream on ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile app.

What is the NBA Draft order?

Here is the order of the draft entering the first round, via NBA.com:

First round:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

5. Utah Jazz

6. Washington Wizards

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Brooklyn Nets

9. Toronto Raptors

10. Phoenix Suns

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Chicago Bulls

13. Atlanta Hawks 

14. San Antonio Spurs

15. Oklahoma City

16. Memphis Grizzlies

17. Minnesota Timberwolves

18. Washington Wizards

19. Brooklyn Nets

20. Miami Heat

21. Utah Jazz

22. Brooklyn Nets

23. New Orleans Pelicans

24. Oklahoma City Thunder

25. Orlando Magic

26. Brooklyn Nets

27. Brooklyn Nets

28. Boston Celtics

29. Phoenix Suns

30. LA Clippers

The second-round order can be viewed here.

There are usually 60 picks, but the New York Knicks had a second-round pick taken away after an investigation found the team violated the league’s tampering rules when signing Jalen Brunson in 2022.

Who are the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft?

The top prospect is Cooper Flagg of Duke given his frame, skills and potential. He’s a rare blend of ready-now, well-rounded and possible future No. 1 option on a contender.

Beyond Flagg, Rutgers has both Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey in the mix. Harper has the potential to be an elite combo guard given his 6-foot-10 wingspan, though his 33% 3-point shooting will need to improve at the next level. Bailey has the chops to be a star shotmaking forward, but he’ll need to improve defensively while there has been some red flags in regards to canceling pre-draft workouts with teams.

Fellow Duke prospect Kon Knueppel is a plug-and-play 3-point shooter. His versatility will allow him to play in multiple positions, with a sweet shot from deep. There are athleticism concerns defensively, so it’ll be interesting to see how he handles that end.

Other possible top-five picks include Baylor G V.J. Edgecombe, Texas G/F Tre Jackson and Illinois G Kasparas Jakucionis.

Outside of the top five, potential steals include Duke C Khaman Maluach, Michigan State G Jase Richardson, Duke G/F Tyrese Proctor, Colorado State G/F Nique Clifford, Michigan C Danny Wolf and St. John’s F RJ Luis Jr., among others.