Jalen Brunson #11 speaks with referee Scott Foster during an interaction with a fan in the fourth quarter of Game 1.
SAN ANTONIO — It’s unusual for Jalen Brunson to be so visibly upset.
There was a reason for it. And the league has gotten involved.
The NBA is investigating two fans who allegedly made profane comments toward Brunson, The Post confirmed, at the end of the Knicks’ 105-95 Game 1 win over the Spurs Wednesday night at Frost Bank Arena.
Jalen Brunson speaks with referee Scott Foster during an interaction with a fan in the fourth quarter of Game 1 on June 3, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
As OG Anunoby shot free throws with just 20.6 seconds left in the game, Brunson could be seen talking with fans near the sideline. After the game, Brunson spoke with referee Scott Foster near the sideline and motioned toward the crowd.
He exchanged a few more words with the fans before Jose Alvarado and other Knicks teammates pulled him away.
A day later, he had no interest in revisiting it.
“I’m all good about talking about that,” Brunson said on Thursday when asked if something was said that crossed the line. “All good.”
Video that went viral on social media speculated that a woman sitting courtside was the culprit who Brunson had the exchange with. But that is not who the league believes was involved and is investigating, according to The Post’s Stefan Bondy. They are instead investigating a man and one other person.
“I didn’t even see what happened,” Josh Hart said on Thursday. “I heard something about it. I didn’t really see it. I don’t know. He’s always pretty calm, pretty composed. I’m sure the fans probably said something crazy to kind of get him going. I wish I could answer that a little bit better, but I didn’t see the interaction.”
Not only is President Donald Trump going to the NBA Finals once the games hit New York's Madison Square Garden, he also has opinions on the series — including about Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Speaking Thursday, June 4 to reporters from the Oval Office, the 47th president of the United States was asked about the series between the Knicks and Spurs, after New York escaped Game 1 with a 10-point victory Wednesday, June 3.
“I saw the beginning of the game, and it was not looking good,” Trump said. “I missed the middle because I talk to generals all night long now, but I watched the end of that game and they were dominant, really amazing."
“Wemby is a great player,” Trump continued. “I say: ‘How do you guard this guy?' — 7-foot-5 and he’s got a great shot, right? They find a way to do it. They’re a great team, and I’m happy for Jim (Dolan) because Jim has been fighting really hard to produce such a team.”
Trump confirmed that Knicks owner James Dolan invited him to attend Knicks home games, though he did not provide firm specifics; New York will host the Spurs for Game 3 Monday, June 8 and Game 4 Wednesday, June 10.
“The answer is: yes, he has invited me and I’m going,” Trump said. “Could be Monday — maybe I’ll do both.”
The Knicks will be playing their first home NBA Finals games since 1999, and New York is seeking its first title in 53 years. The games at Madison Square Garden are quickly becoming some of the most expensive tickets in sports history, and the crowd — both inside and outside the arena — is expected to be frenetic.
Trump on going to the NBA Finals: Wemby's a great player. He's going to be a great player and he is already a great player. I’m going. Could be Monday. Maybe I’ll do both. pic.twitter.com/SBeDujD3vt
With Trump also in attendance, security will be bolstered in kind, which could create longer-than-normal waiting times to get into the venue.
“Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said. “He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing.”
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - JUNE 03: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks during the second quarter in Game One of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 03, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Since February 1st, Wemby has only finished a game with a negative plus/minus three times. Once was in game five of the West Finals against OKC, and the other two times were both against the Knicks, including Wednesday night.
It’s undeniable that New York has a matchup advantage against the Spurs, and it all starts with KAT. Big Purr was undoubtedly the best player in game 1, but San Antonio also made some head-scratching mistakes when guarding him, which should be easily correctable moving forward.
Give the KAT some space!
KAT’s one of the best big man shooters ever, but he still shouldn’t be guarded like Steph Curry.
There were a handful of possessions in game 1 where Wemby or Kornet were glued to his hip, which made it easy for him to drive or pass to cutters.
The Spurs should not sag off KAT, but rather stay close enough to contest shots without giving him the ability to easily blow by on drives. This would also give San Antonio’s bigs an easier time navigating screens, as they would have more room to operate.
Lastly, it’s crucial that the Spurs keep their bigs on KAT, for now. Sure, they can always have them sag off of Hart, but KAT proved in game 1 that his size is too much for any other player to handle, which resulted in a number of offensive rebounds and lobs for New York.
Even in this play, Wemby overplayed the pass from Hart when he should’ve been in a deep drop. This is a very easy mistake to fix, and once Wemby understands his assignments better, the Spurs should bounce back nicely moving forward.
The 3-guard lineup and other rotation changes
Even though Harper played too few minutes and Fox was bad, the answer is not to replace the veteran with the rook, but rather to play them together. This accomplishes several things at once: it decreases the erratic minutes from Bryant and Barnesy, limits Brunson’s opportunities to hunt Champagnie, and gives the Spurs more chances to run actions with another ballhandler on the floor. Most importantly, it allows the Spurs to play arguably their second-best player more, who should be fresh given that he’s a 20-year-old who has averaged under 26 minutes during the postseason.
Even in game 1, Harper played just 27:31, while Barnes and Bryant combined for 16:34 of straight cardio. Harper can absorb more than half of those minutes alone, and at this point, the Spurs should only be playing him, Kornet, and Big Body consistent bench minutes. Defensively, the rookie arguably had the best game guarding Brunson, and starting a lineup that includes all three guards would give Captain Knick fewer chances to hunt Champagnie, who was his favorite target in game 1. Matching Harper with Brunson also frees Castle up to guard a bigger player like Anunoby, who can play bully ball against the Spurs’ wings.
To be clear, Harper should take minutes away from Bryant and Barnes, not Champagnie. The latter should still play his usual amount, but more with bench units. Mitch Johnson also needs to match Kornet and the bench with the Knicks’ secondary unit. Brunson got going in game 1 by attacking Bryant and Kornet in the non-Wemby minutes, and the Spurs need to prevent that from happening again by matching the stars’ rotations.
These are all trickle-down effects of playing all three guards together, and we haven’t even gotten to the most exciting part yet: the offense.
Hunt New York’s small guards
Landry Shamet played over 33 minutes in game 1, which was more than both Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart. Even Alvarado and Clarkson got some run, combining for 16:36 in the opening match.
The Spurs did a decent job of hunting New York’s small guards when they had favorable matchups, like what Castle did on this possession.
However, they didn’t manage to make the Knicks pay enough, resulting in Shamet going 3-6 from deep when the rest of New York shot 8-33. If the Spurs do play more three-guard lineups, they need to hunt the Knicks’ backcourt ruthlessly, forcing Mike Brown to try other lineups.
Specifically, San Antonio needs to put both Knick guards in the action whenever possible. One of the main reasons why New York’s point of attack defense has held up surprisingly well during the playoffs is because they’ve perfected protecting Brunson and other small guards through hedging and recovering. However, if you put two poor defenders in the same action, they won’t have anywhere to hide, and that’s what happened in the play below, where New York successfully recovers Brunson from being hunted, but Shamet is forced to be the one scrambling back onto Fox.
That play worked with Champagnie as the screener. Now, can you imagine how much more lethal it would be if all three guards took turns hunting, with one of them screening? That would open up so many more options offensively and there would be nowhere for New York’s guards to hide. In turn, the Knicks would be forced to play Shamet and co. fewer minutes, thus decreasing their spacing on the other end, too.
Replace the Wemby isos with screening actions, please!!
Speaking of screens, the Spurs need to replace Wemby isos with them as well. KAT is big and mobile enough to prevent the Alien from getting to the rim, and the Knicks can replace him with an equally tough matchup in Anunoby too.
Wemby can continue shooting when he’s open, but on halfcourt plays, the Spurs operate better when he’s doing big man things. This means using his size to set hard screens (which he failed to do in game 1) and rolling when he can. Such opportunities are hard to come by, but the one play that I’ve yet to see fail is a double screening action that results in Wemby going downhill, which either opens up a lob or a kickout to a corner shooter, who should be wide open since his man will be too preoccupied with Wemby.
However, if Wemby is forced to be on the perimeter, the Spurs should use him more as a playmaking hub rather than a scorer. Similar to KAT, Wemby’s shooting pulls opposing bigs out, and this leaves the rim open for San Antonio’s slashing guards to attack.
New York’s length on the wings makes drives much harder than OKC’s smaller guards did, but Point Wemby is still a look that the Spurs should consider using. Still, even that shouldn’t be a priority, as San Antonio can run much more creative things using their guards that yield better looks.
Cutting down on Wemby’s iso saves the Spurs from running an inefficient play, while also preserving the Alien’s energy. I have no doubt that he’ll end up with a huge positive plus/minus by the end of the series, and the Spurs will need to play him as many minutes as possible to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 13: Blake Wesley #14 and Malaki Branham #22 of the San Antonio Spurs talk with Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 13, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Spurs 117-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers traded away Darius Garland at the deadline this past season, but apparently, this move was in the works as far back as 2024. That season, Garland broke his jaw and had a tough time finding a rhythm next to Donovan Mitchell. That year ended in an anticlimactic five-game series loss to the eventual champion Boston Celtics.
After that series, The Athletic reported that Garland’s agent, Rich Paul, “would have conversations with Cavs officials on potentially finding a new home for the one-time All-Star.”
Garland ended up staying with the team and vehemently denied any reports that he was possibly unhappy in Cleveland by the time the next season rolled around.
He went on to say that he was happy that the Cavs committed to Mitchell that summer and that they have a great relationship off the court.
Earlier this week, Paul said on the Game Over podcast that Garland “wanted to get out” of Cleveland back in 2024 and the San Antonio Spurs were an option before they traded for De’Aaron Fox.
“[Garland] was flustered, he was frustrated and he wanted to get out,” Paul said. “We were having a conversation, and I said to him at the time, you got to get somewhere…I don’t want you to take a dip. And the Spurs, before they got the second pick, they needed a point guard. And I thought next to Wemby, with shooting and all that. And then things changed and he was fine.”
As a point of clarification, the Spurs had the second pick in the most recent draft, not the one before. Based on when the Fox trade happened in Feb. 2025, presumably Paul is talking about the 2024 draft when San Antonio took Stephon Castle number four overall. This also lines up with when Garland was disgruntled.
The Cavs were able to work things out in the 2024-25 season as Paul alluded to. Garland played the best basketball of his career, and the Cavs looked like a threat to win the Finals. Then, that all went away after Garland injured his toe that spring.
Last February, it seemed like the Garland trade for James Harden came out of nowhere. Looking back, it’s clear that this has been brewing for a while. It was just a matter of when, and not if.
Luguentz Dort warming up before Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder finally have some hard decisions to make during the 2026 offseason.
With a very young roster, several of their talented players are due for paydays soon, and that time is coming for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, whose max contract extensions kick in next year.
The Thunder have only two major contract questions this offseason: Isaiah Hartenstein and Luguentz Dort, both of whom have team options.
While it is possible Oklahoma City could restructure Hartenstein’s deal, given that he was an integral part of its Western Conference Finals run, that could leave Dort as the potential odd man out.
Luguentz Dort warming up before Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
Dort is the longest tenured Thunder player, tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Dort is known for his elite perimeter defense and high motor. His team option for next year is $ 17.7 million.
While the price is not too steep for the modern NBA, Dort’s issue is with the roster construction. Right now, the Thunder have three outstanding defensive-minded wings — Dort, Cason Wallace and Alex Curoso make up the trio.
Caruso is already locked in long-term with a contract and Wallace is still on his rookie deal, making him a cheaper option for the Thunder.
With all that in mind, it seems that the Thunder might be forced to move on from Dort. The two options the team has are to either trade or release Dort.
Luguentz Dort on the court in Game 7 NBAE via Getty Images
But one player on the team is backing Dort to stay.
Superstar Gilgeous-Alexander wants Dort, who is the NBA MVP’s teammate on Team Canada, to remain in OKC.
Tim MacMahon of the “NBA Today Show” reported that Gilgeous-Alexander has spoken with General Manager Sam Presti about keeping Dort on the roster.
“He will at least remind Sam Presti and the Thunder management just how much he values having Lu Dort as his teammate,” MacMahon said earlier this week.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a free throw during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 30, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NBAE via Getty Images
AI is trying to figure out what's what just like the humans that feed its information capabilities, based on the latest mock draft curated by USA TODAY Sports using Microsoft Copilot's artificial intelligence chatbot. Though its top-four stayed the same, the rest of the first round is almost completely different from its analysis last month after the conclusion of the NBA draft scouting combine. It's a reflection of the changing perception of draft experts as workouts continue and new intel emerges.
Here's a breakdown of Microsoft Copilot AI's latest 2026 NBA mock draft, including the chatbot's reasoning for making each first-round pick:
2026 NBA mock draft: AI picks first round after scouting combine
USA TODAY Sports asked Microsoft Copilot AI to generate a mock draft for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft featuring only players eligible this year now that the NBA draft withdrawl deadline passed for college players. The chatbot was asked to base its selections on current mock drafts from reputable websites, as well as the latest intel on team needs, prospect analysis and potential draft withdrawals.
Note:AI models still have issues with accuracy as seen in the mock draft below. Of particular note, Microsoft Copilot needed additional prompts after several picks were inaccurately assigned to teams.The average mock draft pick referenced for each player was compiled by USA TODAY Sports using 12 of the latest mock drafts from national websites around the country, including USA TODAY.
1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa
Average mock draft pick: 1
AI analysis: "A franchise devoid of elite wing creation takes the class’s best scoring forward archetype to anchor its rebuild."
2. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Average mock draft pick: 2
AI analysis: "Utah secures a jumbo lead guard who can scale alongside or beyond its current young backcourt."
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, Duke
Average mock draft pick: 3
AI analysis: "Memphis bets on elite production and feel to stabilize its frontcourt with a high-floor offensive hub."
AI analysis: "Dallas pairs Cooper Flagg with a versatile scoring guard who can handle, create, and space the floor, giving its new franchise centerpiece a dynamic perimeter partner to grow alongside."
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Nate Ament, Tennessee
Average mock draft pick: 11
AI analysis: "Milwaukee injects youth and athleticism into its wing rotation with a high-upside developmental forward."
11. Golden State Warriors: Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Average mock draft pick: 12
AI analysis: "Golden State opts for a polished, high-IQ forward who can contribute immediately in a win-now ecosystem."
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Aday Mara, Michigan
Average mock draft pick: 10
AI analysis: "OKC swings on size and skill, adding a 7-footer with defensive and playmaking upside to its long-term core."
13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon, Alabama
Average mock draft pick: 14
AI analysis: "Miami selects a tough, downhill guard whose physicality and mindset align with its developmental model."
14. Charlotte Hornets: Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (NBL)
Average mock draft pick: 16
AI analysis: "Charlotte gambles on international upside with a versatile wing who fits LaMelo Ball’s pace-and-space style."
15. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Evans, Duke
Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Chicago doubles down on perimeter scoring with a shooter who can stretch defenses and create off movement."
AI analysis: "Memphis reinforces its defense with a disruptive, switchable big who thrives in modern schemes."
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chris Cenac, Jr., Houston
Average mock draft pick: 22
AI analysis: "Oklahoma City continues stockpiling length and athleticism with a rim-running, defensive-minded big."
18. Charlotte Hornets: Koa Peat, Arizona
Average mock draft pick: 25 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Charlotte adds physicality and toughness with a power forward capable of balancing its finesse-heavy lineup."
19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz, Iowa
Average mock draft pick: 21
AI analysis: "Toronto secures a steady, efficient lead guard to bring structure to its evolving offensive identity."
20. San Antonio Spurs: Hannes Steinbach, Washington
Average mock draft pick: 17
AI analysis: "San Antonio adds another mobile, high-feel big to complement Victor Wembanyama, leaning into jumbo, position-less frontcourt versatility."
21. Detroit Pistons: Cameron Carr, Baylor
Average mock draft pick: 15
AI analysis: "Detroit adds a versatile wing defender who fits its identity shift toward length and two-way play."
22. Philadelphia 76ers: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
Average mock draft pick: 27 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Philadelphia grabs instant offense off the bench in a high-volume shooter to support its star guards."
23. Atlanta Hawks: Allen Graves, Santa Clara
Average mock draft pick: 23
AI analysis: "Atlanta targets a high-feel forward who can connect lineups and contribute without needing heavy usage."
24. New York Knicks: Dailyn Swain, Texas
Average mock draft pick: 20
AI analysis: "New York adds a switchable two-way wing with size and defensive versatility, aligning with a roster built around length, physicality, and lineup flexibility."
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Henri Veesaar, North Carolina
Average mock draft pick: 26 (appeared in 11/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Los Angeles prioritizes frontcourt versatility with a big who can stretch the floor and fit modern spacing needs."
26. Denver Nuggets: Sergio de Larrea, Valencia (Spain)
Average mock draft pick: 34 (appeared in 6/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Denver adds another high-IQ playmaker to sustain its ball-movement-heavy offensive ecosystem."
27. Boston Celtics: Alex Karaban, UConn
Average mock draft pick: 32 (only appeared in 4/12 mock drafts)
AI analysis: "Boston selects a proven connector whose shooting and decision-making fit seamlessly into its contender core."
“I don’t wanna take shots at anybody, but I will say this. There are a lot of front office guys who can go out and get the stars,” he began. “There’s very few of them that can then build a team into a championship team. That’s what you have to do.”
He continued: “You can go out and get these names. But can you make the other moves? You look at Danny Ainge, he’s done it a ton. Brad Stevens has done it, Sam Presti, it took him a while… and he finally kind of figured it out.”
Doc Rivers and the Bucks parted ways at the end of this season. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
— Subscribe to the You Know Ball Patreon (@TrillBroDude) June 4, 2026
Notably, Rivers — who spent parts of the last three seasons with the Bucks — did not mention Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst or his previous bosses: ex-Sixers president Daryl Morey and Clippers exec Lawrence Frank.
The 2008 champion, who earned his lone ring as a coach with the Celtics, praised the Knicks for filling out their roster with “role players” such as Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
He claimed not to know who the role players are on the Spurs’ youthful roster.
While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 48 points on Monday, the Knicks got plenty of contributions elsewhere.
OG Anunoby hit some extremely timely shots in the fourth quarter and scored 17 points. Bridges was a plus-11 with nine points, and Hart grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out six assists.
Rivers praised the Knicks for having effective “role players” like Josh Hart on the team Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
06326 – New York Knicks Vs. San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center for game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals: New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson gives a reacts...
There’s only one event Jalen Brunson would go off the wall for.
Fresh off leading the Knicks to a Game 1 win over the Spurs in the NBA Finals, Brunson was asked by a reporter during a Thursday press conference if there’s a show he’d spend Finals at Madison Square Garden-level money on.
As of Thursday afternoon, the get-in price for Monday’s Game 3 in New York was $7,520, per TickPick.
“That’s a good question,” Brunson replied before taking about 15 seconds to consider his answer.
“A live Michael Jackson performance,” he said.
Jalen Brunson met with reporters on Thursday afternoon. NBAE via Getty Images
While a posthumous performance would be an expensive thriller, the “King of Pop” did not charge nearly such an exorbitant amount for his concerts.
One
The Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years has generated significant buzz, and ticket prices have matched the rising excitement.
Jalen Brunson said that “a live Michael Jackson performance” would be the only show he’d spend $7,500 on. AP
After the Knicks clinched a Finals berth with a sweep of the Cavaliers, a pair of courtside tickets sold for nearly $280,000.
Despite an injury scare and arguments with referee Scott Foster and some fans, Brunson finished with a game-high 30 points on Thursday. Jason Szenes for The New York Post
With a 1-0 series lead after Thursday’s gritty comeback against the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs, those prices have nearly doubled.
After trailing at halftime, the Knicks rallied from down 14 to seal a 105-95 win in San Antonio — New York’s 12th consecutive postseason win.
“Y’all better win [Friday] night or we ain’t coming back,” Smith told Spurs fans who gathered outside the set of ESPN’s “First Take” in San Antonio.
NBA analyst for ESPN,Stephen A. Smith before game one of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
“I’m telling you, you better win tomorrow night,” he added.
Smith, a lifelong Knicks fan, is implying that the series won’t return to San Antonio if the Knicks take the second game at Frost Bank Center. Games 3 and 4 will be at Madison Square Garden, meaning the Knicks could win their first championship since 1973 on their home floor if they go up 2-0 Friday night.
Should the Knicks arrive back home with a 2-0 series lead, the Garden will be even more alive than anticipated.
“I know that what I’m going to experience on Monday at Madison Square Garden is unlike anything I have ever seen in my lifetime. I’ve been covering sports for 30 years, I will never experience what I know I’m going to experience Monday in New York City,” Smith said.
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 drives down court as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama #1 gives chase during the second quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“And I’m telling you right now…If you [the Spurs] lose Game 2, you have let the New York Knicks know, ‘Wait a minute. We can go to the Garden and we don’t have to come back to the Alamo?’”
In Game 1, the Knicks pulled off a 105-95 victory after coming back from a 14-point third-quarter deficit.
Jalen Brunson put up 30 points, and his Knicks are now considered the favorites to win the title, flipping the odds prior to the series start.
Game 2 of the NBA Finals will tip off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
In the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Milan Momcilovic finished off Mark Pope’s second season as Kentucky’s men’s basketball coach, scoring 20 points in Iowa State’s 82-63 rout of a once-ballyhooed Wildcats team.
Two months later, he may have just saved Pope’s job.
One of the final moves of the 2026 transfer portal cycle was arguably the most seismic, with Momcilovic, the No. 1 player in USA TODAY Sports’ portal rankings, committing to Kentucky five days after he pulled out of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Last season, on his way to earning second-team All-Big 12 honors for a 29-win Iowa State team that made the Sweet 16, the 6-foot-8 forward was perhaps the best shooter in the country. He led the country in made 3-pointers (136) and averaged 7.5 attempts from beyond the arc per game. Despite that high volume, he was still incredibly efficient, making 48.7% of his 3s. As Kyle Tucker of 247Sports pointed out, Momcilovic is the only Division I player since the 3-point line was introduced in 1986 to make at least 130 3s in a season while shooting at a 48% clip or better.
Given what Pope had endured in the preceding weeks and months, the addition of Momcilovic meant that much more.
After a laudable debut season in 2024-25, Pope’s second Kentucky team fell drastically short of immense expectations. An ill-conceived roster reportedly worth more than $20 million finished ninth in the SEC, lost 14 games, needed a miracle, last-second heave to avoid a first-round NCAA tournament loss to Santa Clara and was punked in the second round by an Iowa State team down its best player, with one Cyclones player saying after the game that they knew the Wildcats would quit if they got down by enough at any point.
An offseason that initially carried the promise of a fresh start quickly turned into a recurring nightmare.
Kentucky brought several of the biggest names available in the portal to campus and was well-positioned to land them only to ultimately be rebuffed. There was Rob Wright III, who announced he was going back to BYU the day after wrapping up a visit to Lexington. Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman had long been viewed as a virtual lock for Pope until he reversed course and committed to St. John’s and Rick Pitino. The portal whiffs hardly ended there, with players like Jeremiah Wilkinson, Dink Pate, Dedan Thomas Jr. and Cruz Davis either visiting the Wildcats or being in close contact with them only to end up elsewhere. On the high-school front, Tyran Stokes, a Kentucky native who is the No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, received a full-court press from the Wildcats before going before millions of viewers on “Inside the NBA” to announce he was headed to Kansas.
A coach who had been greeted back at his alma mater two years earlier by thousands of fans who packed into Rupp Arena for something as banal as an introductory news conference was suddenly staring at the very real possibility that if an underwhelming roster didn’t overachieve in 2026-27, he could soon be out of a job.
Then, much like the Otega Oweh 32-foot 3 that tied Santa Clara at the buzzer back in March, a prayer was answered. And with it, the outlook for Pope and his team next season changes considerably.
From a transactional sense, the slew of recruiting misses earlier in the cycle put Kentucky in an excellent position to land Momcilovic, with one of the most well-resourced programs in the sport having that more money to shell out for a player several other marquee brands were also pursuing. The fact that one of those other suitors was archrival Louisville, which had won a handful of recruiting battles against Pope this offseason and would have become a bona fide national title threat with Momcilovic in the fold, only makes it sweeter for the Wildcats.
With Momcilovic on board, what looked like an impotent Kentucky roster a week ago is suddenly much more intriguing. Center Malachi Moreno, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, is poised for a breakout sophomore season after forestalling the NBA himself. As only a freshman, Alex Wilkins was one of the best mid-major guards in the country last season and should only continue to blossom. Zoom Diallo’s an ostensibly odd fit for Pope’s 3-point-centric offense, but he’s a dynamic lead guard who should be able to make plays. Forward Justin McBride and guard Jerone Morton are nice depth pieces.
What that group was desperately missing was a star, a reliable bucket-getter who the rest of the roster could be built around. In Momcilovic, it got just that.
Despite the hefty price tag he came with — he reportedly earned a deal worth more than $6 million — Momcilovic doesn’t instantly transform Kentucky from an also-ran into a national title contender, at least on paper. The Wisconsin native, who didn’t make the 10-player All-Big 12 first team in 2026, likely takes his new team from outside of various preseason top 25s to somewhere near the bottom end of the top 20.
If nothing else, though, he gives his new coach some sorely needed breathing room with a rabid fan base with justifiably lofty expectations for their beloved program. The team Pope had constructed before the NBA draft decision deadline had a relatively low ceiling, both in its conference and in the broader national landscape. With him, the Wildcats have a chance, whether it’s to compete with the best teams in the SEC, advance to the second weekend of the tournament or maybe even dream of a run to Detroit for the Final Four come next April.
For their coach, who had just suffered through the most tumultuous stretch of his brief tenure, that’s more than enough for now.
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 28: Donnell Harvey #4 of the Phoenix Suns runs up court during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at America West Arena on December 28, 2003 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns won 100-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When you find yourself in a relationship, you quickly learn there’s a lot of give and take. Plenty of moments where both people have to meet in the middle. Balance is what makes a relationship work, and one of the places that balance gets tested most often is the television remote.
Sometimes you win, and you get to spend a Tuesday night watching a random baseball game. Sometimes you lose, and suddenly you find yourself far more emotionally invested in The Valley or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills than you ever thought possible.
I’m fortunate because when Phoenix Suns basketball is on, I usually win the battle for the remote. I can always claim I’m watching for work. In reality, I’m usually “banished” to my office, where I can watch the game in peace, focus on what’s happening, and take notes without distractions.
That being said, I’ve had my fair share of watching shows I would never voluntarily choose. That’s part of the deal. You pick your battles, and sometimes those battles lead you to watch some concoction called Love Island. Love Island Season 8 premiered on June 2, and thankfully I’ve avoided it entirely so far. With my wife and daughter at home, they can spend their time watching that while I’m in my office watching the NBA Finals.
What is it, exactly? From what I can gather, a bunch of single contestants live together on an island. The guys make breakfast every morning. There’s a lot of kissing, a few cold sores, and apparently a lot of drama.
I did get summoned into the living room last night, however, because Love Island Season 8 has a Phoenix Suns connection. One of the contestants, Aniya Harvey, is the daughter of a former Phoenix Suns player.
Once upon a time, he spent half a season in Phoenix, appearing in 36 games and making seven starts during the 2003-04 campaign alongside Stephon Marbury. The 22nd overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft played five seasons in the NBA and arrived in Phoenix via a trade that sent out a 2004 second-round pick.
Truthfully, I don’t remember much about Harvey. The highlights are pretty nice, though.
So, of course, I thought I’d do a little digging on Donnell, trying to find a little trivia nugget for you. He played 147 games alongside Juwan Howard, the most of any teammate. He is one of 27 players to wear jersey number 4, the most used number in franchise history, doing so between Alton Ford and Jackson Vroman. He averaged 3.9 points per game as a Sun, tying him with 3 other players in franchise history to do so: Greg Howard, Jerrod Mustaf, and Bo Outlaw.
So if you find yourself sitting around with your wife, or maybe a teenage daughter, you can casually mention that one of the contestants on Love Island has a connection to the Phoenix Suns. Now you know. I’ve done my due diligence. I’ve helped bring a little balance to your relationship and given you a conversation starter for the next family viewing session.
You’re welcome. And welcome to offseason storytelling.
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: The sneakers worn by Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 30, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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Lakers head coach JJ Redick said something very simple, but profound during his exit interview.
“Luke [Kennard] is a great example. He’s a guy that can dribble, pass, and shoot,” Redick said. “I think because of injuries, there were times that we didn’t have enough of that. We’ve got to be better being able to dribble, pass and shoot.”
Now that the offseason is here, the Lakers can address these detriments with an injection of new talent. One position in particular that needs players who can dribble, pass and shoot at the highest level is the wings.
Since every team in the NBA desires this as well, wings are in high demand and hard to find, even when roster spots and money are available. Still, the Lakers have a bit of both open, so they need to find some new wings to become a true Western Conference contender.
Here’s a look at five wings the Lakers could target this summer, either in free agency or via trade.
Now, the Lakers currently have three first round picks they can offer, and perhaps the market has changed, making Jones a tradeable player.
His value is clear. Jones is a great defender, and while his scoring dipped to just 8.9 points per game this season, he has been a double-digit scorer over the last two years.
Considering all the open space he’ll have to operate under with Luka Dončić on the ball, he’d likely have an offensive uptick playing with the Lakers. Still just 27 years old, Jones still has room to grow, and LA would be a great place for that to happen.
Trey Murphy III
While the Pelicans didn’t win many games, they have another quality player that teams like the Lakers want in Murphy. LA has had ties to Murphy since before he was an NBA player, having him come in for a pre-draft workout back in 2021 when he stated he wanted to be an All-Star.
He hasn’t quite reached that level, but this year he averaged a career-high 21.5 points per game. Murphy is also a career 38.2% 3-point shooter, making him an ideal wing for the Lakers. Similar to Jones, Murphy is under contract through the 2028-29 season, making $27 million-plus each year, and the team has a club option for the following season. So, a trade is the only way the Lakers can acquire him, but that’s a great option to go with if the Pelicans are serious about making a deal.
Peyton Watson
Watson is a restricted free agent, but considering that the Nuggets flamed out of the playoffs and could be in the second apron with a hefty luxury tax bill if they don’t shed salary, so it’s very possible Denver will have to move on from him.
This past season, Watson scored 14.1 points per game and shot 41.1% from beyond the arc. That level of shooting is hard to find, and if the Lakers are smart, they’ll aggressively pursue him.
Luguentz Dort
Okay, some Lakers fans will detest the idea of Dort, mainly because he is a tough defender with a reputation for being dirty.
However, he is exactly the kind of player you hate to play, but love to have. He is a defensive irritant and while his offensive numbers are modest, averaging just 8.3 points per game this season, Dort has had seasons where he’s been a sniper from deep.
If he can get back to being a 40% shooter from 3-point range like he was back in 2024-25 when the Thunder won it all, then he can have a bounce-back year with the Lakers, similar to what Marcus Smart had with LA this season.
OKC has a team option for Dort, but their cap situation is looking pretty tough. So, perhaps they’ll have to let him go to avoid some restrictions, making this their loss and LA’s gain.
Khris Middleton
Middleton isn’t the most alluring option, but he’s a good option for the Lakers. He is an unrestricted free agent, and with the Mavericks rebuilding around Cooper Flagg, his staying in Dallas doesn’t make much sense.
Middleton has been on a steady decline and barely cracked 10 points per game this season. Still, he’s a great vet and an elite 3-point shooter who made 39% of his shots from beyond the arc.
He won’t be the top priority, but Middleton in LA would certainly give the franchise some additional wing depth.
Teams are welcoming draft prospects to their facilities for individual and group workouts as they scout for a player to add to their roster. For the Golden State Warriors in particular, they could use a player who can come into the league ready to fit in to whatever role is handed to them.
Best player available is the best method to go for Golden State, but they need a versatile swingman, someone who can play multiple positions from forward, and even guard. Ultimately, the player needs to be able to defend at a high level, but also compliment veteran stars such as Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler on the offensive end as well.
They also need more bigs, specifically a center.
Questions loom around which players will be back next year and who will be packaged in a major deal. One of those players are Kristaps Porzingis, who they acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Jonathan Kuminga. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent. And so is Al Horford (player option), who is also 40-years-old.
With that, it's obvious the Warriors will be buyers during the free agency period. Their draftee will be someone who understands they will bring value by doing the little things that make a lasting impact on the game. It's likely someone who's not a big name right now, but could be one day.
In USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft 15.0, Bryan Kalbrosky has the Warriors selecting Karim López, a 19-year-old from Mexico, to fill that role. López would be the ideal fit for the Warriors given his 6-foot-8 frame. He has the prototypical size to be a Swiss Army knife for Golden State.
"Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical," Kalbrosky wrote.
Here's who sports experts predict the Golden State Warriors will draft with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft:
"Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical." – Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY
"The Warriors need a true center. There is no better option in this range than Mara, who stepped on UCLA's campus as a lottery-projected center from Spain. Then he fell off draft boards during two forgettable seasons there before transferring to Michigan and becoming one of the best true 5s in the country on his way to winning the national championship. He reads the floor like a guard, finishes with both hands, and swats shots with elite timing. The complication is he doesn't shoot from outside, makes below 60% of his free throws, and opponents are going to attack him on the perimeter." – Kevin O'Connor, Yahoo Sports
"Steve Kerr's decision to return to the Warriors is a fair indicator that Golden State doesn't plan to rebuild in the near future, but this pick gives it a chance to get younger and deeper. Long-term injuries to Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody mean the Warriors will be extremely light on the perimeter to open next season, which could be a consideration here. GM Mike Dunleavy also told reporters this week that Golden State would consider moving around in the draft.
"Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10 but could also end up being the guard who falls. He would be a solid fit for the Warriors in this scenario. His dimensions will play up better on the ball than at the two, but his sturdy build should also help him defend wings. The fact he's a year older than some of the other freshmen and somewhat caught between positions based on tools makes him more of a back-half lottery option." – Jeremy Woo, ESPN
"While it might be tempting for Golden State to maximize its fading competitive window with Stephen Curry by taking an older player like Yaxel Lendeborg, that would be short-sighted. Burries is a top-10 caliber talent whose effective field goal percentage of 57.2% surpassed that of every other guard ahead of him in this mock." – David Cobb, CBS Sports
A fan holds his phone in front of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama after running onto the court during Game One of the NBA Finals on Wednesday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. (Ronald Cortes / Getty Images)
Two fans have been banned for life from NBA arenas after one of them ran onto the court in an apparent attempt to film himself with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
As the Spurs were taking the ball downcourt midway through the fourth quarter, a fan dashed onto the floor to where Wembanyama and New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson were playing away from the ball near the three-point line.
The fan held his phone out as he stood in front of Wembanyama and was almost immediately placed in a bear hug by a member of Frost Bank Arena security, then dragged away by that guard and one other.
“The juvenile committed the offense of Disrupting Meeting or Procession (Texas Penal Code §42.05) by intentionally disrupting a lawful gathering, namely, the Spurs basketball game, through physical interference,” the Bexar sheriff’s office said in a statement emailed to The Times.
“Additionally, the juvenile committed the offense of Criminal Trespass (Texas Penal Code §30.05) by entering property, specifically the basketball court, without the effective consent of the owner, despite having notice that entry onto the court was prohibited. ...
“The juvenile was subsequently arrested for the above-listed charges.”
The NBA said in a statement that the second fan was banned “for his role in the incident” but did not provide details.
A video that appears to have been taken on the first fan’s phone as the incident unfolded has been uploaded to social media. In it, the fan appears to film himself running onto the court and trying to stop in front of Wembanyama to get him in the shot.
The 7-foot-4 superstar is cut off at the neck in the footage.
