INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on how the board falls, Michigan big man Morez Johnson, Jr. could be available when New York is on the clock at draft night next week. Should the Knicks consider him with their 24th or 31st selection?
The Basics
School: Michigan (transferred from Illinois after his freshman year)
Position: Forward / Center
Height: 6’9″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, 7’3.5″ wingspan)
Projected Draft Range: Late first to early second round (Picks 20–35)
The Numbers
Johnson Jr. was a crucial to the 2026 National Champion Wolverines, starting all 40 games. While his basic box score numbers are solid, it’s the underlying efficiency and physical dimensions that tell a larger story. He converted a 73% of his attempts at the rim, thriving on vertical gravity and physical finishes. Defensively, he hauled in 7.3 rebounds per game while averaging 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. His free throw shooting jumped from 62% as a freshman at Illinois to 79% at Michigan on 156 attempts. Combine that foul line touch with a subtle 12-of-35 (34%) showing from three-point range, and you see the structural outline of a modern, multi-dimensional frontcourt piece rather than just a rigid rim-runner. Squint and do you see Julius Randle? Maybe just a little bit?
What Does He Do Well?
Pro-Ready Physicality: At 251 pounds with a 7’3.5″ wingspan and a 39-inch max vertical, Johnson Jr. has an immediate NBA body. He plays with an aggressive, highly physical edge, meeting contact head-on and functioning as an interior enforcer.
Elite Rim Finishing: He is an active off-ball mover who understands spacing, hard screens, and diving lanes. Once he catches the ball with momentum downhill, his combination of power and mid-air body control makes him incredibly difficult to slow down.
Relentless Rebounding Motor: Dating back to his freshman year at Illinois, where he posted a near-nation-leading 17.2% offensive rebounding rate, Johnson Jr. tracks the ball beautifully. He establishes deep paint position, flips possessions, and secures defensive windows cleanly.
Defensive Versatility: He earned Big Ten All-Defensive honors by proving he can anchor the paint without being totally anchored to it. His Combine lane agility drill (10.59 seconds) flashed the lateral mobility required to survive on the perimeter when guards hunting switches try to drag him out.
What Are the Concerns?
Tweener Height: Measuring a true 6’9″ barefoot leaves him slightly undersized against true, elite NBA centers, while his offensive game is still a bit too interior-heavy to slide comfortably to a full-time power forward role right away.
Lack of Self-Creation: Johnson is an explosive play finisher, but not a shot creator. He relies heavily on guards to set him up, rarely creating his own look out of isolated post-ups or face-up drives.
Passing Limitations: With just 48 assists to 53 turnovers across 40 games last season, he can sometimes get tunnel vision when operating inside. He needs to improve his processing speed when hard doubles arrive or when kicking out to open shooters on the perimeter.
The Knicks Fit
Johnson Jr. fits the classic mold of an aggressive, physical, defense-first big man. Wouldn’t you drool to have a bruiser like this jogging onto the court with the second unit? He can crash the glass, execute drop coverage, and spend his rookie season sharpening his processing speed with the Westchester Knicks if need be. He offers the exact blend of toughness and physical tools that fits the organizational identity.
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: Juilius Randle or Al Horford
Median Outcome: Isaiah Stewart (A rugged, physical undersized center who locks down the glass and hits just enough outside shots to keep defenses honest).
Low-End Outcome: Precious Achiuwa (An energetic, highly athletic rim-runner who brings defensive utility but occasionally struggles with offensive processing and consistency).
The Verdict
Draft him at 24. If Morez Johnson Jr. is on the board, pull the trigger, Leon. Mo brings championship pedigree, an elite physical profile, a rock-solid defensive motor, and flashes of real shooting touch that suggest his ceiling is much higher than a standard backup center. He checks every box of a modern, versatile frontcourt piece.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Allen Graves #22 of the Santa Clara Broncos celebrates a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2025-26 season ended disappointingly for the San Antonio Spurs. Despite outperforming expectations and making it all the way to the NBA Finals, San Antonio has to feel it came up short after losing to the New York Knicks 4-1. The time for licking wounds should be brief, though, especially for the front office. The NBA Draft is a mere week away, and the Spurs have a real chance to add young players who can help them win a championship in the future.
San Antonio’s front office has been busy during the postseason, hosting draft prospects for workouts. The Spurs own four picks in the draft: #20, #35, #42, and #44. The front office has brought in players who are considered to go in the late-first to early-second round range. If there is any smoke of them moving up in the draft (and so far there hasn’t been), we could see some higher-profile players work out for the team this week, leading up to the draft.
For now, let’s take a look at the guys who have reportedly worked out for the Spurs so far. The list of players stems from HoopsHype’s draft workout tracker.
Graves is this draft’s riser after a productive freshman season at Santa Clara. He’s a big forward with excellent defensive instincts who shot the ball well from three in college. Graves isn’t the most athletic or physically imposing player, but he makes up for it with smart positional defense and aggression on the defensive end. Offensively, he profiles as a connective playmaker and pick-and-pop threat.
San Antonio needs a player like Graves – a big four who can defend, pass, and shoot the ball. He’s not a perfect fit, as he lacks the physicality, interior finishing, and rebounding ability that Victor Wembanyama’s ideal front-court partner would bring to the table. It’s hard to see him coming out of school and filling a substantial role for the Spurs immediately, but he’d give them another look in their front court as a stretch big.
You’ll start to see a trend in the players the Spurs have worked out. They are big forwards or small-ball centers with high defensive potential. Cenac Jr. was a highly regarded high-school prospect (something Brian Wright and the Spurs’ front office have valued recently) who didn’t have the best freshman season at Houston. He’s a project big man who, on the high end, could be a lockdown defender who shoots the ball from three and plays well as a cutter on offense. On the low end, he could be a weak stretch forward who doesn’t figure out an offensive role and struggles to find a spot in the NBA.
Selecting Cenac Jr. means that the Spurs believe in that upside. In theory, he could be an ideal fit alongside Wembanyama, with his athleticism, rebounding, and potential floor spacing. Again, this is another player who likely won’t be a high-level contributor in year one.
Reed Jr. is the opposite of Graves and Cenac Jr. He’s a bruising big man who thrives on contact, but isn’t a very versatile player. Reed Jr. is going to make his bread and butter by dominating physically and athletically in the paint. He’s strong, has good footwork, and a great touch around the basket. Reed Jr. should be ready to physically play and compete on the glass in his first season, but don’t expect him to be a player who dominates offensively.
San Antonio could take a flyer on Reed Jr. in the second round to add some front-court depth and some needed physicality in the paint. Like Luke Kornet, don’t expect the big man to provide much in terms of floor spacing. He’d give the Spurs a more athletic, physical option behind Wembanyama and Kornet.
If you’re looking for your enforcer next to Wembanyama, Ejiofor could be that guy. He’s a versatile defender with an extremely high motor who is as strong as an ox. His offensive role in the NBA is questionable, as he was used mostly as a post scorer and playmaker at St. John’s, while his jump shot is still developing. As a second-round pick, Ejiofor would be a fun bet for a Spurs team that needs to add more physical defenders in its front court.
It feels like Karaban has been linked to the Spurs for the last three draft cycles. His upside is clear: he’s a proven wing who shot over 37% from three in his four seasons at UConn. He won two championships and played in three National Championship games in his college career, so he’d obviously impacted winning. He’s a dream of an off-ball player, who thrives on hitting threes off movement and is typically in the right position defensively. Just don’t ask him to create his own shot or be a lockdown wing defender.
Guys like Karaban are valuable in the NBA. San Antonio could always use more wing shooters. It’s hard to find an immediate spot for him in the rotation right now, but he’d add great depth and could be a contributor in the near future.
We are now solidly in two-way contract territory. Okpara has an NBA body at center, is extremely athletic, and defends with a motor. That combination typically finds you a spot in the league at some point. His offensive output is limited as he projects as mainly a rim runner at the next level. San Antonio has been lacking a solid two-way big man since Dominick Barlow. Okpara could give them some solid tools to develop in one of their three two-way slots.
It was hard to find much on Fricks. He looks like a stretch four who hit a good number of threes at the Portsmouth Invitational and had success blocking shots in college. He could be someone the Spurs look at for a Summer League invite.
Ajayi is a good wing athlete who defended well in college. He’s got a high motor on both ends, but doesn’t shoot the ball well enough as an undersized player. San Antonio could take a flyer on him in the Summer League.
Collins can fill it up as a scoring guard, but 1.6 assists for a smaller guard who isn’t a great defender puts him in a niche that typically doesn’t make it in the NBA. This could be another Summer League target for the Spurs.
Donaldson had the reputation of a defensive guard until his senior season at Miami, where he had the best offensive season of his career on a Hurricanes squad that won a game in the NCAA Tournament this year. He’s likely to go undrafted because of his size and scoring questions, but San Antonio could give him a look as an undrafted free agent.
Dunning Jr. is a former Alabama high-school star turned college basketball journeyman. He’s got good size and athleticism on the wing, and has intriguing pedigree for a potentially undrafted player.
Kyle III put up impressive numbers in his Senior season at Syracuse. He’s a pogo stick on the basketball court. Some of his jumps are out of this world.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 26: Meleek Thomas #1 of the Arkansas Razorbacks drives to the basket against the Arizona Wildcats during the Sweet Sixteen round game of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at SAP Center on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with picks No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55. Depending on how the board falls, Meleek Thomas could be available when New York is on the clock. Should the Knicks consider him?
The Basics
School: Arkansas
Position: Combo Guard
Height: 6’3″ (Measured barefoot at the Combine, with a 6’6.75″ wingspan)
Projected Draft Range: Mid-to-late first round or early second round
The Numbers
Thomas put together a impressive freshman campaign in the SEC, flashing high-major shot-making capabilities. His average of 15.6 points per game is strong on its own, but the highlight is his shooting efficiency. He converted 42% from beyond the arc on 5.3 attempts per game, an excellent mark for a freshman handling a significant offensive workload. Even better: in SEC play, he set an Arkansas record by knocking down 49% of his threes.
When you pair that deep-range accuracy with an 84% clip from the free-throw line, it becomes clear that his shooting touches are real and project well to the next level. Defensively, he recorded a solid 1.54 steals per game (57 total), thanks to active hands and good instincts in passing lanes.
The biggest area of growth reflected in the metrics is his playmaking efficiency. While he managed a respectable 92 assists on the season, his true role was a finisher rather than an playmaker.
What Does He Do Well?
Elite Perimeter Shooting: Thomas doesn’t need much space to get his jumper off. He has a smooth release, excels as a catch-and-shoot threat, and seemed comforted shooting off movement or hitting pull-up jumpers when running defenders off the line.
On-Ball Self-Creation: He possesses a fast first step and tight handle, allowing him to get into the paint or create separation for his mid-range pull-up. He can rescue an offensive possession when the play breaks down.
Controlled Decision-Making: Despite playing high-leverage minutes in a tough conference, his turnovers were limited. He takes care of possessions, making simple, smart reads without over-penetrating into a crowd.
Defensive Disruptiveness: He uses his 6’6.75″ wingspan effectively at the top of the floor. Thomas plays with an intense competitive fire on both ends, getting deflections and turning steals into immediate fast-break opportunities.
What Are the Concerns?
Physical Frame and True Size: Measuring 6’3″ barefoot puts him on the smaller side for a standard NBA shooting guard. While his wingspan compensates for a bit of that height, his 190-pound frame means he will get physically targeted until he adds muscle.
Finishing at the Rim: Against elite collegiate interior defense, Thomas struggled a bit inside the arc, converting just 45% of his two-point attempts. He can sometimes rely too much on his touch and floaters rather than exploding all the way to the rim and welcoming contact.
Identity: Is he a point guard or a secondary wing? While he took care of the ball at Arkansas, he spent most of his time looking for his own shot next to Darius Acuff Jr. Finding a true schematic home in an NBA half-court offense will take some time.
The Knicks Fit
The Knicks might not need another guard, but they could use bench depth, spacing, and dynamic shot-creation.
Thomas fits a distinct mold that Mike Brown can appreciate: he competes at a high level defensively and is an sniper from deep. Offensively, he would provide insurance and alternative backcourt depth behind Jalen Brunson. He’s someone who can play off the ball, spaces the floor, and acts as a dynamic tertiary scorer.
Tyler Kolek remains in the fold and is positioned to make his case for more playing time when training camp commences. He and Thomas could split time between situational bench minutes in New York and in Westchester to get heavy, on-ball developmental reps. For a team that occasionally struggled to get buckets from the reserves when Brunson sat, Thomas offers a compelling solution.
NBA Comparison
Best-Case Comparison: An explosive, elite-shooting version of CJ McCollum.
Median Outcome: Jordan Clarkson with steadier defensive habits.
Low-End Outcome: Bryn Forbes or a microwave bench specialist who floats on the fringes of a rotation.
The Verdict
Draft him at No. 24. If Meleek Thomas is still on the board when the Knicks pick in the late first round, they shouldn’t overthink it. It is difficult to find 19-year-old guards who can shoot over 41% from deep on high volume while possessing the quickness to create their own look. He brings the kind of high-octane offensive skill set that can break open games during the dog days of the NBA season, wrapped in a competitive package that won’t compromise defensive identity.
If he slips to No. 31, he becomes an undeniable steal. The Knicks should consider Meleek Thomas because his elite shooting foundation gives him a high floor, while his on-ball shot-creation hints at a potential impact rotation player for years to come.
It’s becoming increasingly likely that Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 10-time All-Star and two-time Most Valuable Player, will have a new home within a week, as the Bucks weigh his future in Milwaukee.
Though there still is the possibility the Bucks can somehow convince Antetokounmpo to commit to a long-term deal, the impression I‘ve gotten from conversations with several people on different sides of this is that both parties — if not the majority of power brokers across the league — expect Antetokounmpo to be traded before the NBA draft.
So, what’s the holdup?
For starters, moving Antetokounmpo is no easy task.
Despite his injuries this season, he remains an elite force in the NBA. He’s 6-foot-11 and wields a singular blend of strength and speed that makes him the league’s premier fast break weapon.
The Bucks grasp the magnitude of moving the greatest player in franchise history, one who ranks first in points (21,531), rebounds (8,882), assists (4,484), blocks (1,088), triple-doubles (56) and games played (895).
As awkward as the last season was, Milwaukee understands that its fans will be upset and question the move, even as it has become clear a fresh start is best for all parties. It makes sense, therefore, that the Bucks are remaining patient in negotiations, extracting as much value as they can. You happen to get lucky with a player like Antetokounmpo only once every couple of generations; if your hand is forced and you need to move him, you might as well make it worth your while.
But let’s get to the potential landing spots.
Consensus among those I polled was that it is coming down to the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. Other teams could always emerge and make a compelling offer. Still, it becomes harder to justify if Antetokounmpo and his representatives indicate they’re not willing to sign a long-term deal with those teams. In essence: why would a great team with plenty of assets - say the Thunder - give up valuable draft capital for a two-year loan?
Miami’s proposition is pretty clear, so we’ll get to that in a bit. The more interesting scenario is Boston.
The Celtics are notoriously guarded and do not like their business aired out this way. To that point, if you scan through the reports hinting at their potential interest in Antetokounmpo, it becomes clear it’s all coming from opposing front offices or people outside the Auerbach Center. Further to that point, when I tried to check in with some people in the building, I was shut down.
The Celtics, however, need to operate with precision and tact.
My sense is they would absolutely love to bring in Antetokounmpo, though they would want him to be one-third of a trio alongside both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That would almost certainly force Boston to part with promising young players like Payton Pritchard and Hugo González, as well as a fan-favorite veteran like Derrick White. Draft considerations, of course, would also be part of that equation. That, however, won’t be enough to pry Antetokounmpo away, because Miami’s offer is already better.
Popular convention is that Brown would need to be part of the calculus. If that becomes clear to president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, exploring a potential trade would require a deft tightrope act of gauging interest from the Bucks and possible third teams while keeping one of the team’s stars happy. Because if Brown catches wind that the Celtics dangled him in a trade package, and if said package blows up and never materializes, Stevens would almost certainly face some internal discord. Brown could potentially sour entirely on the organization.
It’s a massive risk, considering the Celtics are two seasons removed from a championship and already have a talented core in place with Tatum and Brown, one that can compete in the East.
This caution and risk don’t exclude Boston from the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes; they only elevate the stakes. If the Celtics do decide to act, their options are to pass or go all in.
The Heat are in a different case. President Pat Riley has been trying to land a franchise-altering star for years, and he faces losing the fan base that may be wondering if it’s time for him to step down.
Miami’s offer is pretty clear-cut: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and other younger players combined with draft assets that include the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft. The Heat have been the most active and consistent team in Antetokounmpo talks, going back to the February trading deadline, if not years earlier.
The Heat try to be similarly secretive, but they’re operating from a position of less leverage than Boston; Miami has struggled to seriously compete since trading Jimmy Butler in February 2025 and it’s clear roster changes are necessary.
The Bucks may like parts of Miami’s package, but - once again - this is Antetokounmpo we’re talking about. So some of the holdup might be the Bucks telling Miami to source other teams to reroute Herro for additional draft capital.
Either way, the draft is the window. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam already set that as a soft deadline. And just as in any industry, deadlines spur action.
Given that this draft is deep and loaded with talent, the Bucks presumably want to know exactly what kind of picks they will have at their disposal, especially if they want to package picks in a trade-up. Miami’s No. 13 selection becomes significantly appealing. But Milwaukee also doesn’t want to be scrambling with all this in the hours leading up to the draft, so look for talks to intensify before the weekend.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: The sneakers worn by Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One week out from the NBA Draft, rumors around trades and free agency are coming fast. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the name most often discussed — get the latest on his potential trade here — but there is much more going on as well. Here are some of the latest news and notes.
Is Trae Young available?
All indications out of Washington have been that it plans to get Trae Young to reject his $49 million player option and get the All-Star point guard to sign a longer-term extension at a lower per-year number.
That said, teams are eying a potential Young trade, including the Miami Heat, who see him as a "big fish" backup if they strike out on landing Giannis Antetokounmpo, reports Jake Fischer at The Stein Line.
That all seems a little odd after there was virtually no market for Young at the trade deadline, and the Wizards got him for a song. Fischer notes that the changed lottery rules — where the teams with the three worst records have a worse chance of landing the No. 1 pick than seeds 4-10 — have increased the value of a floor-raiser like Young.
The key thing to watch: If Young picks up that $49 million player option — which he has to do by draft day next Tuesday — it's a sign he's about to be traded.
Miami also has its eye on Kawhi Leonard — if he becomes available, he is not currently — and Ja Morant as big swings if they miss out on Antetokounmpo.
Kessler, Jazz at “odds”
Being a restricted free agent sucks, especially if the team holding a player's rights makes it known they plan to match any offer.
Enter Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz big man will be a restricted free agent (once the Jazz extend a $7.1 million qualifying offer), and a number of teams have interest in the 24-year-old. However, he is frustrated by the way the Jazz are handling the situation, reports Sam Amick at The Athletic.
Kessler... was already known to be frustrated by Utah's choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah. Yet, as is always the case with restricted free agents, it's never quite that simple. Kessler can either strike a deal with the Jazz, sign an offer sheet with another team (starting on July 1) that Utah could match, find a suitable sign-and-trade option for both parties or sign the qualifying offer (worth $14.6 million) for next season as a pathway to unrestricted free agency next summer. Whatever route he ultimately takes, this much is clear: Kessler is currently disenchanted with the Jazz franchise.
Welcome to Negotiations 101. Kessler and his agent want as big a deal as they can get from the Jazz, so the goal is to create leverage — and an unhappy player who might take an offer from another team, or hold a grudge long term, is some leverage. Will Kessler be able to get the size of offer he wants from a team with cap space, like the Lakers? Maybe, but those teams are not tying up their cap space for a couple of days unless they believe Utah will not match the offer. There is no reason to believe that.
Ultimately, Kessler and the Jazz will settle on a number and go from there. If Kessler can be the anchor at the five this team needs next to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen, then he will have a lot more leverage on a future contract.
Nuggets want to keep Gordon, trade Braun
There is going to be some re-shuffling in Denver this summer. Peyton Watson is a restricted free agent and his absence during the playoffs showed how vital it is for this team to re-sign him. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray both making $50+ million next season, the Nuggets are already flirting with the second tax apron before re-signing Watson, which means shedding some salary.
I'm told Aaron Gordon, who turns 31 in September, is the Denver veteran drawing the strongest external trade interest. Next season will be the first on a three-year, $103.6 million contract extension ... League sources say that the Nuggets' preferred course for a roster shakeup is finding a trade market for Christian Braun rather than entertaining deals that involve Gordon or Jamal Murray after Murray's first All-Star season, but those efforts are rife with challenges.
A lot of teams would love to trade for Gordon for the same reason Denver can't afford to let him go — Gordon is the ultimate glue guy, a two-way four that was critical to their championship run. The market for Braun will not be as strong, but he is a plus defender on the perimeter who averaged 12 points a game last season and is a career 36.5% from 3-point range — he can help a lot of teams. He's also locked into a fully guaranteed contract with four years and $103.4 million remaining.
One way or another, Denver has to get under the second tax apron and create some flexibility.
Other trade notes:
• Cleveland, a team over the second apron last season, is looking to trim some salary and, with that, is seeing what the trade market looks for veteran guard Dennis Schroder, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Schroder is set to make $14.8 million next season and $15.5 million the season after, but only $4.4 million of that second season is guaranteed.
• No, Oklahoma City is not trying to trade Chet Holmgren. It's not on the table. That was never logical or on the table, but when a few teams did call, they were shot down quickly, something Zach Lowe noted on his podcast.
• One trade the Thunder are looking to make is moving the No. 17 pick in this year's draft, with multiple reports that they are looking to move on from that selection. They likely keep the No. 12 pick.
• League sources keep telling NBC Sports to expect that the Lakers will re-sign Austin Reaves despite rumors of other teams expressing interest. The only question is the final number.
Apr 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo watches during the first half of the game between the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
TOC Nation, I know most of us are not pleased with the chain of events we have seen in East Lansing over the past few weeks. As Tom Izzo said yesterday in his brief comments to the media, it is up to all of the Spartan community to get things moving in the right direction. So in this week’s survey questions, I am asking a couple questions about the road ahead. First, I want to see if you believe we can get this thing turned around. And second, I want to see what you are looking for in the person to lead us there.
I look forward to seeing how you vote and reading your comments on these. And as always, sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Bill Simmons believes Jalen Brunson’s championship run has changed the way he should be viewed historically.
The Ringer founder said Brunson now belongs among the top 50 players in NBA history after leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973, capped by a 45-point performance in New York’s Game 5 win over the Spurs.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks to the media after the game San Antonio Spurs during Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
It is a major jump in reputation for Brunson, who arrived in New York as an undersized guard with playoff credibility but not the profile of a player expected to become the centerpiece of a championship team.
That changed during the Knicks’ run.
Brunson was repeatedly the player New York leaned on to create offense late in games, and his Game 5 performance helped close out a 94-90 win over San Antonio that delivered the franchise its first title in 53 years.
Simmons said that kind of run puts Brunson in a different category, especially when compared with other great guards whose teams never quite reached the same stage with them as the clear lead option.
“He did something a bunch of great guards were never able to do,” Simmons said.
Simmons pointed to James Harden, Steve Nash, Chris Paul and Jason Kidd while making the argument.
Harden reached the Finals early in his career with the Thunder, but never got there as the lead star of his own team. Nash won two MVP awards but never made the Finals. Paul reached the Finals with the Suns in 2021 but lost to the Bucks, while Kidd lost twice in the Finals with the Nets before later winning a championship with the Mavericks.
“What Brunson did was up there with Dwyane Wade in 2006,” Simmons said. “It was up there with Walton in ’77.”
Wade led the Heat to the 2006 title with a dominant Finals performance against the Mavericks, while Bill Walton carried the Trail Blazers to the 1977 championship.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson motions after a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Finals basketball series, Saturday, June 13, 2026, in San Antonio. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Simmons said Brunson’s case was built not only on production, but on how often he delivered under pressure.
“He was the guy over and over again who could create the best offense for them, and he got better when it mattered,” Simmons said.
“He never got tired,” Simmons said. “As a small guy, the stuff that he did was inconceivable.”
The performance that appeared to push Simmons over the edge was Game 5, when Brunson’s 45 points finished off the series and secured the title.
“The more I look at it and stare at it, I think it is one of the great Finals games,” Simmons said.
Simmons said he now has Brunson ranked No. 40 on his all-time list, placing him above several Hall of Fame-level names, including Nash, Kidd, Sam Jones and George Gervin.
He also acknowledged how unlikely that would have sounded earlier in Brunson’s career.
Brunson was a second-round pick, became a key piece with the Mavericks and then took another leap after signing with the Knicks. What once looked like a strong free-agent addition turned into the foundation of a championship team.
“He is somebody that I never in a million years would have thought would make the pyramid,” Simmons said.
After the Knicks’ title run, Simmons no longer sees that as a debate.
Brunson, in his view, has moved from star guard to all-time company.
When asked by Dan “Big Cat” Katz on Fox’s “Wake Up Barstool” whether he abstained for that long, the starring Knicks role player laughed and dodged the question.
“Did anyone on the team take James Dolan’s pleas to not have sex for the entire playoff run?” Katz asked.
“Oh man. Oh, man,” Alvarado said with a giant laugh.
Katz jokingly scolded Alvarado when it appeared that he couldn’t quite abide by Dolan’s request.
“Jose! The boss told you,” Katz added, while everyone laughed with him.
Jose Alvarado laughs when asked if he did or did not have sex. Barstool Sports
“He said 10 weeks. He said sacrifice. We all sacrificed,” Alvarado eventually responded.
Dolan met with his team on April 3 before a playoff run that turned into an incredibly dominant ride in which the Knicks lost only three games and won the NBA title.
James Dolan asks his team to not have sex for 10 weeks. Roomates Show
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” Dolan told the Knicks before the playoffs. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks, but like Spartans — do you know what Spartans are? — They denied themselves to gain an edge. Get the edge.”
Dolan’s joke was part of a 15-minute speech to the team about sacrifice.
“Go home, talk to your wives. Don’t tell them you’re not going to have sex, and don’t tell them it was my idea,” Dolan added. “But let them know what this is going to be like, what your commitment is going to be like.”
Whether the team actually abided by Dolan’s request will forever remain a mystery, but Alvarado’s response to the question is even more intriguing.
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 5: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Finals are over. The Knicks have beaten the Spurs in five games. Every year, there are storylines that pervade the playoffs. Last season, it was Haliburton’s incredible run.
These playoffs, the storyline that stuck out to me more than any other was De’Aaron Fox’s fall from grace. Just a few seasons ago, he was the star of the Light The Beam Kings. He was an NBA media darling. Now, he’s a leper, and it isn’t hard to understand why. Take a look at his game log over the course of the NBA Finals:
Yikes. That is frighteningly low efficiency, especially for the volume of shots he was taking. That’s just his stats. There was also that layup attempt that the world has criticized him for.
Add an estimated salary next season of $49.5 million (which only escalates) and the fact that Dylan Harper looks ready to start next season, and you have a recipe for a player with negative value. The Spurs could look to dump Fox this offseason.
Can the Suns get involved? Should the Suns get involved?
What a trade would look like:
This is one option for what a De’Aaron Fox salary dump would look like. Right now, the calendar year hasn’t flipped over, and Fox’s on-paper salary is still $37 million. After the July 1 calendar change, the Suns are likely adding salary to this in the form of Grayson Allen.
In this deal, Jalen Green goes to the Pistons, who are in desperate need of buckets next to Cade Cunningham. In exchange, the Pistons send Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert to San Antonio and two firsts to Phoenix. Those two firsts are this year’s #21 and Detroit’s own first in 2028. If Grayson is added to this deal, he goes to Detroit as well. In fact, I think Detroit may demand Grayson as part of the deal if they are giving up two first-round picks.
The Spurs are getting off of Fox and adding two quality vets on short contracts. In return, the Spurs are sending Atlanta’s 2027 1st, Boston’s 2028 1st, and Dallas’ 2030 1st to Phoenix.
Why this deal makes sense for Detroit
Despite boasting the 8th-best offense in the NBA last season, Detroit was 17th in three-point percentage, 29th in three-pointers attempted, and 28th in three-pointers made. After Cade Cunningham’s 18.6 field goal attempts per game, their second highest was Jalen Duren at 11.5. What the Pistons need is volume scoring and three-point shooting.
Green gives you average three-point shooting and high-volume scoring. With Detroit’s third ranked defense, you can get the benefits of Jalen Green in a system built to support him. If you add Grayson to this deal as well, then you also get great three-point shooting to go along with him.
To add this, you lose two first-round picks, one at #21 and the other likely to be even later in the draft, and two veteran role players that you are already replacing with upgrades in this trade.
This has the potential to be a no-brainer for Detroit.
Why this deal makes sense for San Antonio
If the Suns and Pistons call San Antonio with this deal, the Spurs will say yes faster than you could believe. At the end of this deal, they get off of one of the worst contracts in the NBA, get two quality NBA veterans, and they still have all of their own draft picks. They go into next season with Harper and Castle as their starting backcourt, and they threaten to go on Finals run after Finals run for the next decade.
Is three first-round picks a lot to give up? Yes, it is. But does it open the door for their core to flourish? Yes, it does. They are going to have to dump Fox at some point in the next few years anyway in order to pay for that core. The second apron comes for all in the end.
For San Antonio, the price prevents this from being a no-brainer, but I don’t think it stops the deal from being done.
Why this deal makes sense for Phoenix
This deal does many great things for the Suns. To start, it rights a wrong done almost a decade ago. In the 2017 NBA draft, the Suns should have selected De’Aaron Fox, not Josh Jackson. Fox should have been the Suns’ point guard for the last nine years.
More importantly, this deal nets the Suns around five first-round picks. While yes, there are new lottery rules that make picks more valuable and less likely to be traded in large quantities, this trade involves exactly zero first-round picks that are projected to be lottery picks. The most likely lottery pick is the Dallas pick in 2030, and we might have a whole new lottery system for that season. The new lottery system that just got approved is set to expire in 2029.
This trade opens a whole new level of flexibility that the Suns haven’t had in years. This gives the Suns first-round picks in every draft moving forward except 2029 and two in 2028.
The biggest reason the Suns do this trade, though, is because you are buying as low as possible on a second star. One that fits next to Devin Booker.
Don’t let the Finals fool you, De’Aaron Fox is really good at basketball. He was an All-Star just this past season, averaging 18.6 points, 16.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. To top it off, he is just 28 years old.
De’Aaron Fox is not a washed-up has-been. Much like Jalen Green, he is wildly overpaid on a roster where he is redundant. In Phoenix, he could have a new life as the co-star that Devin Booker needs.
Is he perfect? No, of course not. But we as Suns fans need to get used to the fact that in the near future, Phoenix is shopping for stars in the bargain bin. This kind of deal, where the Suns would provide an opportunity for a redemption arc while collecting assets, is the kind Phoenix needs to take a chance on.
The original name for this article was “The buy-low option I want to love.” But the fact is that I do love it. This deal, even if it was just for Fox and four first-round picks, brings the Suns closer to a title than they have been in years and gives them the asset flexibility to get even better in the future.
What do you think, Suns fans? Are you ready for the De’Aaron Fox experience?
The possibility of LeBron James finishing his career alongside Stephen Curry continues to gain traction, and one prominent NBA voice believes the Golden State Warriors may now be the favorite to land the future Hall of Famer.
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons made a bold prediction about James’ future as the NBA offseason begins.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers NBAE via Getty ImagesLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court Corey Sipkin for NY Post
“Before we get to Giannis, LeBron, what happens with that is a good one,” Simmons said. “This one is a really fun one because the Warriors are really in play now, like for real. I really feel like if I had to bet my life on a team, I’d think I would bet on them.”
While Simmons offered no direct reporting, his comments echo a rumor that has lingered for years, fueled by repeated indications that Warriors owner Joe Lacob and the front office have explored the possibility of bringing James to the Bay Area.
The four-time NBA champion is entering free agency after completing his eighth season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although many around the league still expect James to either return to Los Angeles or potentially finish his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors have emerged as a legitimate dark-horse contender.
James and Curry have developed a strong relationship through multiple All-Star appearances and their time together with Team USA, most recently helping lead the Americans to Olympic gold under the coaching of Warriors coach Steve Kerr
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently gave the Lakers a slight edge in the race to retain James, estimating a 51 percent chance he remains in Los Angeles. However, Windhorst also identified Golden State as the team to watch if James decides to leave.
“I’d watch Golden State,” Windhorst said on The Pat McAfee Show. “He played with Steph Curry and Steve Kerr in the Olympics. You know he’s close with Draymond Green.”
Bill Simmons believes the Warriors are a real contender to land LeBron James this offseason. Getty Images
The challenge, of course, is making the finances work.
Golden State already has significant money committed to Curry and Jimmy Butler, making it difficult to add another max-level contract without substantial roster changes. That reality may be that James would need to accept a significant pay cut if he hopes to join the Warriors.
No public indication has emerged from either James or his longtime representative Rich Paul regarding his offseason plans, but Windhorst reported that James is not expected to simply accept a discounted deal, with the Lakers needing to justify any offer below the maximum salary.
The Warriors may need to make a similar pitch to attract the 41 year old, where they have a big advantage While the Lakers have fully and publically turned their attention to building around Luka Doncic for the future, the Warriors are making a significant push to get Curry his fifth championship ring.
For now, a Curry-James partnership remains speculation. But with Simmons publicly predicting Golden State as the most likely destination, one of the NBA’s longest-running will-they-won’t-they continues to gain momentum.
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The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade situation appears to be moving slowly because the Bucks have not yet found an offer they are ready to accept.
Milwaukee has been in talks with the Heat for months, with Antetokounmpo open to signing a contract extension if he were traded to Miami, according to ESPN.
That has kept the Heat firmly in the mix, but it has not been enough to push a deal over the line.
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts on the court in the second half at Madison Square Garden in New York, Friday, November 28, 2025. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
The Bucks have reportedly continued to discuss possible packages with other teams as they weigh whether Miami’s offer is strong enough to move on from the face of the franchise.
Miami’s package has improved since the trade deadline and could be built around the No. 13 pick in next week’s NBA Draft, Tyler Herro, rotation players and prospects.
Herro would be one of the more notable pieces in a possible deal, not only because of his scoring ability but also because he is a Wisconsin native who would bring local ties to Milwaukee.
Still, the Bucks are not under pressure to take the first workable offer.
Any Antetokounmpo trade would likely reshape the team’s direction for years, and Milwaukee appears to be taking time to see whether a better package develops.
The Celtics are also viewed as a possible landing spot, with Antetokounmpo reportedly willing to sign an extension if he were moved to Boston.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 in a game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
But that route comes with complications.
Boston has typically preferred to keep major roster moves quiet and is not known for operating in trade situations where a player’s camp has a major role in the process.
Antetokounmpo and his representatives have reportedly tried to have some involvement in discussions, which could make a Celtics pursuit more difficult.
There is also the issue of what Boston would have to give up.
Adding Antetokounmpo would also likely force Boston to rethink parts of its playing style, given how different his game is from the perimeter-heavy structure the Celtics have relied on.
Another factor is the possible size of the deal.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro #14 drives to the basket as New York Knicks guard Miles McBride #2 defends during the first quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
If Milwaukee decides to trade Antetokounmpo, the Bucks may need a third or fourth team involved to help move players, redirect assets or manage salary. That kind of structure can make negotiations slower and harder to complete.
For Miami, the appeal is obvious. The Heat would get the superstar they have been chasing and could build around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
For Boston, the upside would be significant, but the cost and complications would be just as large.
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the Knicks defends against Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter.
Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
For Milwaukee, the decision is about more than choosing between two offers. The Bucks have to decide what kind of return would be enough to justify moving their franchise cornerstone — and whether they are ready to start the next phase without him.
That is why the talks have dragged.
Miami has a clearer path, Boston remains a major name to watch and Antetokounmpo’s willingness to extend in either place gives both teams reason to stay engaged.
But until the Bucks see an offer they believe matches the scale of the decision, the trade saga is likely to continue.
Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship with an officer nearby.
One uncomfortable moment involving Rick and Jalen Brunson and a Texas deputy sheriff after Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio has begun making the rounds on social media as the Knicks celebrate their historic championship.
In the video, Jalen greets and poses for a photo with a man as a Bexar County deputy sheriff approaches the scene behind them.
The deputy sheriff then appears to push Jalen, seemingly indicating to him that he must get out of the way.
Jalen Brunson #11 and Assistant Coach Rick Brunson smiles with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy after the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 6 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
"Don't push him"
–– Rick Brunson after deputy sheriff pushes Jalen Brunson during Knicks celebration in San Antonio pic.twitter.com/BDEmD1CukM
Jalen turned to the deputy sheriff, appearing annoyed and responding before his father Rick — an assistant coach with the Knicks — came in and said, “Don’t push him.”
In the background of the video, viewers can see a woman respond to the deputy sheriff, seemingly saying “He’s the Finals MVP.”
The moment came amidst in-arena celebrations of the Knicks’ first championship in 53 years.
They clinched their third title in franchise history — and first in 53 years — on Saturday with a 94-90 win over the Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Brunson received the Bill Russell Trophy for Finals MVP shortly after putting up 45 points in a heroic closeout game performance.
Jalen Brunson celebrating the Knicks championship with an officer nearby. NBA_NewYork/X
The win sent New York into a celebratory frenzy as the city watched the Knicks celebrate over a thousand miles away in Texas before flying back home late that night.
Rick Brunson, now an assistant coach with the Knicks, is a former player himself, having spent parts of three seasons in New York from 1999-2001.
The elder Brunson was a part of the last Knicks team to make the Finals in 1999. That year, coincidentally, the Spurs defeated the Knicks in five games for their first title in franchise history.
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The 2025 NBA Draft class and NBA commissioner Adam Silver stand on stage before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The NBA draft is a week away and a new batch of mocks dropped following the conclusion of the Finals. Parsing through the different projections for the Sixers at pick 22 reveals new names compared to mock drafts after the combine.
With new president of basketball operations, Mike Gansey, in position to command the war room for the Sixers, the 22nd pick will be the first revelation as to his team-building strategy moving forward.
“With Cleveland I’ve always been pretty good with the draft, I think we’ve drafted well,” Gansey said last week on 97.5 The Fanatic. “We’ve been able to hit on some guys, you know, through the G-League, two-ways, you know Dean Wade, Sam Merrill. Those guys who helped us win playoff games this year we basically got for free.”
Confidence in his drafting ability is a major plus, however the limited time he has had between getting the role of president of basketball operations and the draft has presented a new challenge.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, “the 76ers are still relatively early in their decision-making process and will begin bringing in players for workouts this week.”
Better late than never, but the condensed timeline has drawn more uncertainty over the Sixers mindset heading into draft night. Below is who national draft experts have Gansey picking with just a week until the draft.
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
The 6’7” Swain put up a strong season at Texas, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He showcased his athleticism through savvy finishing at the rim, coast-to-coast decision making in transition, and opportunistic defense. He has a knack for picking off lazy passes and is a determinded rebounder on both ends.
The mark on Swain’s resume revolves around his three-point shooting. In two seasons with Xavier, Swain shot 20% on 54 attempts from deep. His improvement at Texas, 34% on 93 attempts, is a good sign, but the jumper will need to be sped up a few notches when facing NBA-level defense. Both Woo and SBNation’s Ricky O’Donnell have the Sixers picking Swain at 22 in their most recent mocks.
Woo said of Swain:
“There are still questions around his shooting, but teams view his ability to get downhill and solid defensive upside as worth the long-term investment.”
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
USA Today’s Bryan Kalbrosky has the Sixers taking Iowa State senior Joshua Jefferson with the 22nd pick. The 6’9” forward put up 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 35 outings for the Cyclones. He used his larger frame to consistently create positioning in the post for easy finishes or passes to open teammates.
He showed a confidence to pull-up from three-point range and his shooting form appears sound and quick enough to transfer to the NBA level. His decision-making and passing prowess made him an offensive initiator for Iowa State, and saw the ball in his hands often to make the right play or take the open catch-and-shoot jumper with no hesitation. He shot 35% on 110 attempts from three last season.
Jefferson’s athleticism yields more towards power as opposed to speed, but he has room to grow displaying such on the defensive end and as a screener.
Kalbrosky on Jefferson:
“The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.”
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Houston freshman Chris Cenac Jr. has become a popular choice for mock draft curators projecting the Sixers pick. The popularity stems from Cenac’s measurables as compared to his statistical output last season. He is 6’11” in shoes, has a 7’5” wingspan and 240-pound frame.
He averaged 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds in 24.8 minutes per game. Cenac showed confidence with his jump shot even if it did not bear fruit, shooting 30% on 90 attempts. He shot 62% from the free throw line on 58 attempts, and registered only 1.3 “stocks” per game (steals plus blocks). He played intelligent off-ball offense on a team with a strong ball-handler in Kingston Flemings, utilizing backdoor cuts and crashing the offensive glass for easy opportunities with the defense out of position.
“Houston handed him a starting role with national title aspirations and trusted him with heavy minutes. But the Cougars fell short again, in part because Cenac struggled to stay out of foul trouble, couldn’t score efficiently, and was overeager to play on the perimeter despite having the body of a bruiser. He arrived in college with lottery expectations, and he still could become that player in the future. But the NBA team drafting him is taking a project.”
With this new slate of projections to work off of, let us know which prospect you would take at pick 22 for the Sixers in the comments.
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Pacome DaDiet is drafted 25th overall by the New York Knicks during the 2024 NBA Draft - Round One on June 26, 2024 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks enter the 2026 NBA Draft with a luxury few championship teams enjoy: patience. The draft will be held June 23-24, and New York, fresh off a title run that ended a 53-year drought, is scheduled to make the 24th, 31st, and 55th selections.
The championship core is in place. The challenge now is finding affordable contributors who can strengthen the bench, fit the culture, and grow alongside the vets. Over the next week, Posting and Toasting will profile prospects who could hear their names called by the Knicks, breaking down the strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, and potential fits. Bookmark this page to track who we profile, and if there’s someone you’d like us to spotlight, drop the name in the comments below.
Updates
6/21/2026: Jake Fischer reports that Atlanta, Golden State, Oklahoma City, Charlotte, and Chicago have all shown varying interest in drafting frontcourt help between picks 8 and 15. The resulting leaguewide expectation is that Aday Mara, Morez Johnson, Jr., and Hannes Steinbach could all be gone before the second half of the first round begins. This puts a spotlight on the next tier: Jayden Quaintance, Tarris Reed, Jr., Henri Veesaar, Zuby Ejiofor, and Chris Cenac, Jr. The Knicks may not love all five equally, but they can’t assume their preferences will survive until slot 31. They might have to use the 24th pick on the big they actually want, rather whoever remains after the Lakers, Celtics, et al. finish clearing the shelves.
6/19/2026: ESPN published its final 2026 big board Friday morning, and the most relevant section belongs almost entirely to New York. Seven prospects connected to the Knicks’ range sit between No. 25 and No. 32: Isaiah Evans, Zuby Ejiofor, Henri Veesaar, Meleek Thomas, Sergio de Larrea, Alex Karaban, and Tarris Reed Jr.
6/18/2026: Jake Fischer reported that league sources expect New York to trade either No. 24 or No. 31. Fischer also identified Spanish guard Sergio de Larrea as a Knicks target and noted that Minnesota, which selects 28th, is interested. The logical implication is that New York may need to take de Larrea at 24 and then shop No. 31, potentially exploiting the bidding window between the draft’s first and second nights.
One of the most intriguing boom-or-bust prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft, pairing elite defensive instincts, a massive 7’5.25″ wingspan, relentless rebounding, and explosive lob-finishing ability with major concerns about his offensive limitations and recovery from a devastating knee injury that limited him to four games at Kentucky. Still just 18 years old, he projects as a long-term developmental center who could thrive in the G League while refining his shooting and decision-making. If healthy, his ceiling resembles a Robert Williams III or Clint Capela-type rim protector, but his poor free-throw shooting and raw offensive game remind us of someone. . . .
Two-time national champion Alex Karaban averaged 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 37.4% from three and 85.1% from the line last season. Karaban brings NBA-ready shooting, off-ball movement, smart team defense, quick decisions, and extensive big-game experience after starting 150 of 151 career games in college. The concerns are his limited self-creation, average athleticism, defensive ceiling, and old age. For the Knicks, he profiles as a low-maintenance bench forward who could replace some second-unit production and reliability if New York needs a cost-controlled rotation piece on the wing.
A 6’10” Tennessee center with a 7’2” wingspan and a clear defensive profile. Okpara protects the rim, sets hard screens, rolls with purpose, finishes lobs, and gives teams a traditional backup center to slot into their rotation immediately. His offense is limited, and his passing is kinda basic. He still bites on too many fakes, but the tools are real and just need to keep getting live reps and battling NBA bigs in order to hone his game. For the Knicks, he makes sense as a No. 55 or two-way target if they want cheap frontcourt insurance behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, assuming the latter doesn’t bolt out.
A physical wing from blue-blood Kentucky who averaged 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while developing into one of the SEC’s better two-way players. Oweh brings point-of-attack defense, transition scoring, rim pressure, and enough catch-and-shoot growth to intrigue teams late in the draft. His concerns—and they aren’t small—are his poor shooting and jumper mechanics, finishing touch, handle, and decision-making, all of them offensive issues. For the Knicks, he profiles as a tough defensive wing who could compete for very-deep-bench minutes and spend more time developing in Westchester than taking over any rotational role.
A rugged St. John’s big man who averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals while sweeping Big East Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. Ejiofor brings toughness, rebounding, defensive activity, short-roll passing, and a relentless motor that fits the Knicks’ bench identity. The questions are his tweener size, unproven jumper, and whether his interior game translates against NBA length. A St. John’s-to-Knicks path would make for a strong Madison Square Garden homecoming story.
A 6’7” St. John’s forward and elite athlete who averaged 8.3 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while giving Rick Pitino a high-motor cutter, rebounder, defender, and transition finisher. Mitchell’s explosiveness, defensive versatility, passing growth, and vertical play-finishing give him an NBA pathway… but the truth is Mitchell is only a late second-round option, if not a two-way candidate outright. That’s because his shooting is awful, he can’t nor wants to stretch the floor, and doesn’t have a quite reliable jumper or free-throw to save his life, narrowing his role among pros from the get-go.
One of the most unique prospects in this draft class, combining power forward size and strength with playmaking instincts. His high basketball intelligence, rebounding, passing, and defensive activity make him an intriguing connective piece who could thrive in a bench role, but concerns about his athleticism, shooting confidence, and age limit his upside.
An explosive scoring guard who led the ACC in scoring as a freshman, combining elite shot creation with remarkably low turnover rates. His biggest questions are his 6-foot-2 frame and whether his on-ball scoring will translate against NBA size and defenses. For the Knicks, he projects as a high-upside developmental guard who could spend time in Westchester while refining his game. If he falls to No. 31, he’s an excellent value.
One of the safest center prospects in the draft. The 6’10”, 263-pound UConn big averaged 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 blocks per game while shooting 61% from the field. Thriving as a physical interior presence, elite rebounder, and surprisingly effective passer, Reed’s strengths include bruising screen-setting, short-roll playmaking, paint protection, and relentless work on the glass. We loved the toughness and defensive discipline. His limitations are equally clear: nil floor spacing, trouble with perimeter switches, meager vertical explosiveness, and almost 23 years old. Still, Reed could provide immediate backup-center depth and serve as a low-cost insurance policy behind Mitchell Robinson.
A 7-foot center who revitalized his draft stock after transferring to North Carolina, where he averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 43% from three. His combination of floor spacing, passing, touch around the basket, and offensive versatility makes him one of the most intriguing stretch bigs in the draft. Concerns center on his lack of strength, inconsistent defense, and questions about whether he can hold up physically against NBA centers or anchor a defense. For the Knicks, Veesaar would offer a completely different look than Mitchell Robinson as a floor-spacing backup center.
This 6-foot-6 Spanish guard is one of the more intriguing international prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft after playing meaningful minutes for Valencia Basket in Spain’s ACB and EuroLeague. The 20-year-old combines strong size, advanced playmaking, reliable shooting indicators (37% from three, 81% from the stripe), and professional experience against veteran competition. Compensates for lack of athleticism, scoring, and defense with a good feel for the game, decision-making, and positional versatility. The Knicks have reportedly shown interest in de Larrea, who could give cost-controlled guard depth behind Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, and Tyler Kolek.
Isaiah Evans Evans, a 6’6” sophomore, emerged as one of college basketball’s top shooters last season, averaging 15 points per game while shooting 38% from three-point range and nearly 19 points per game during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run. His deep-range shooting, off-ball movement, and positional size makes him an intriguing fit for a championship roster that could benefit from offense off the bench.
Chris Cenac, Jr. Houston freshman Cenac is an intriguing big man who could be available at the 24th or 31st spots. Standing nearly 6’11” with a 7’5” wingspan, he combines elite physical tools, strong rebounding instincts, and emerging perimeter skills. He averaged 9.5 PPG and 7.9 RPG while leading Houston in rebounding as a freshman, showing the ability to finish at the rim, stretch the floor, and defend multiple actions. His offensive skills are raw and his playmaking and rim protection need development, but he profiles as a long-term frontcourt project behind Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
A 19-year-old combo guard from the University of Arkansas who projects as a mid-to-late first-round pick and could be available when the Knicks select at No. 24. Thomas averaged 15.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 42% from three-point range and 84% from the free-throw line, showcasing one of the best shooting profiles among guards in this draft class. Beyond his perimeter shooting, he offers secondary shot creation, strong defensive instincts, and a competitive edge on both ends of the floor. What’s not to like?
A physical, 6’9″ forward/center with a 7’3.5″ wingspan who brings elite rim-finishing, relentless rebounding, and defensive versatility from a championship run at Michigan. While he lacks individual shot creation and needs to improve his passing vision, his soaring free-throw efficiency hints at burgeoning floor-spacing potential. For the Knicks, Johnson Jr. represents ideal, cost-controlled frontcourt insurance e at pick No. 24 or 31.
