Is the tanking man a sucker? We’ll know in about a week. The NBA lottery is just a few days away, and we’re nervous as ever in Brooklyn. At the same time, a few ex-Nets are making noise in the NBA playoffs while the Liberty are gearing up for a title run of their own. Lucas Kaplan rejoins the show to talk us through it all!
In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we touch on:
How a handful of ex-Nets are looking in the playoffs
The importance of landing a top pick (duh, right?)
What to expect from the New York Liberty this year
The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to embark on their climb over Mount Wembanyama. Before things tip off, let’s take a look at the 56 voters and their predictions on the series in…
(Note: Canis Pulsus Vol. 49 data was collected through 5/4)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of World Team and Anthony Edwards #5 of the USA Stars Team go up for the opening tip off during the 75th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. 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 Atiba Jefferson/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What will be the result of round two vs San Antonio Spurs matchup?
Wolves in 6 (28.6%)
About 20% of voters went with Wolves in seven so I think it’s safe to say that you all know ball. No one picked Wolves in a sweep against the Spurs, but over 63% of you were Raised by Wolves. Anthony Edwards’ return will have a huge impact on how this series goes, but it’ll be intriguing either way.
Full voting results:
The key for the Timberwolves to defeat the Spurs is…
Physical defense and Julius Randle
The main two themes from the various answers to this question were playing hardnosed, physical defense, as the play of Julius Randle. If there’s one word to describe Randle as a basketball player, it’s physical. Now is Julius going to be the head of the snake on the defensive end? Certainly not. But many Wolves talking heads have zeroed in on his opportunity on both ends of the court.
Other answers here include perimeter shooting, Ant’s return to form, and “stopping guard penetration.” (SMUT)
My hot take from the Wolves-Spurs series is…
Julius is going to steal Wemby’s underpants
You might have missed it, but “someone” allegedly jacked the ol’ undergarments of Nikola Jokić after their dramatic game four loss. It must’ve worked because the Wolves won the series. Can they pull off the same miracle for a very different size and shaped underwear?
There were certainly some fun ones in the answer pool here too:
Sorry, I don’t really know ball
Beringer will get meaningful minutes in 1 game
Alien crashes
Conley, TJ, Julius and Jaden will each win the Wolves a game
This is the last time we see Julius in a Wolves uniform
Wolves will avoid meltdowns
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 30: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 and Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves are interviewed after defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Timberwolves season will be a success if…
It’s already a success (40%)
Almost half of our voters felt that this season was already a success, and it’s hard to disagree with that considering the barrel they were staring down in the first round. Underdogs, homecourt disadvantage, injuries out the ying yang, the list goes on. The best part of this mindset is that no matter what the Wolves do now, they can only go up! Right?
Full voting results:
With the regular season over, my feelings on the direction of the Timberwolves are…
I was surprised to see optimism wan just a little bit after Minnesota eliminated Denver. That said, overly 80% of voters were optimistic which is much higher than the nice 69% of voters heading into the post season. To the moon!
Full voting results:
We’ll see if Wolves fans overestimated their playoff opponent against this round. Regardless, the receipts are in and the check will come due soon enough. I think I’m doing that analogy wrong, but whatever. Wolves in 4.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 2: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game on April 2, 2023 at Paycom Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2023 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s the first round of the NBA Playoffs without the Phoenix Suns, yet one of the most important players in the franchise’s history helped transform some of the best teams in the association into what they are today, including the team that defeated the Suns in the first round, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In his three years in Phoenix, Chris Paul helped the Suns reach new heights, leading them to the Finals for the first time in 28 years, getting them to at least the Western Conference Semifinals in three straight seasons, along with running the show for the most successful regular season team in franchise history. Paul was a main reason the team became an attractive spot for Kevin Durant when he requested a trade from the Nets. Before his arrival, the Suns missed the playoffs 11 straight seasons.
His perfect shooting playoff game, 32-point Finals game, 41-point closeout game to get the team back to the Finals, and many other performances in his three years as a Sun will not be forgotten.
However, Paul didn’t just leave his mark in Phoenix in his final seasons of his career.
Before joining the Suns, the Point God helped in developing reigning Finals MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander into the lead wrecker he is today. Playing a season with Gilgeous-Alexander back in the 2019-2020 campaign, the scoring champion developed playing next to Paul, something he remains grateful for, even years later.
After he retired in February, Gilgeous-Alexander said that Paul was “special” for his career, setting the standard for how point guards should play. Alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder All-Defensive Forward Lu Dort gives heavy praise to Paul for how he’s learned to guard NBA Superstars like James Harden.
In Paul’s last full season in the league, he joined the San Antonio Spurs to pair up with Victor Wembanyama. Amid a tumultuous and unfortunate year for the team, where NBA Legend Greg Popovich was able to coach just a handful of games before his coaching career was cut short due to a stroke, and Wembanyama’s season was ended early because of a blood clot, Paul was a stable force for the organization, playing in all 82 games for the team and leading them on and off the court.
During his time in San Antonio, Paul mentored Wembanyama, setting him up for lobs and open threes and paving the way for young guard Stephon Castle to become a two-way player for the Spurs. A year later, San Antonio is back in the playoffs, winning 60 games for the first time in nearly a decade, and is a heavy favorite to make the Western Conference Finals.
It’s very likely that either the Spurs or Thunder are hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy when the 2025-2026 season comes to a close. According to FanDuel, they’re the two favorites, and if the Thunder become the first back-to-back champs since the 2017-2018 Warriors, or the Spurs win their first ring in 12 years, a Suns legend will have helped them get there along the way.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Marcus Smart #36 and Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on February 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Wally Skalij/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves seemed like they’d end the Lakers’ season prematurely.
Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard had other ideas.
While LeBron James has temporarily returned as the head of the Lakers snake, he needed a few members of his supporting cast to step up in a big way. Smart and Kennard have answered the bell.
In the Lakers’ first-round series against the Houston Rockets, Smart averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals while shooting 46.4% overall and 44.8% from deep. Kennard got off to a hot start in the series with 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting in Game 1 and 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting in Game 2, although he came crashing back to earth after that.
The emergence of Smart and Kennard is great news for a short-handed Lakers team that capped off an impressive series with a Game 6 win. Although Reaves returned ahead of Game 5, Dončić still remains without a timetable to return. Smart, in particular, should continue to play a critical role for the Lakers.
The timing couldn’t be better for Kennard or Smart, both of whom could become free agents this offseason. Kennard is finishing up a one-year, $11 million contract, while Smart has a $5.4 million player option for the 2026-27 season that he may be increasingly likely to decline with each passing game.
The question is whether the Lakers can retain either or both.
The path to re-signing Smart and Kennard
The Lakers are still in line to be one of only a few teams with significant salary-cap space this offseason, so they could just use some of that money to re-sign Kennard and Smart, provided the latter opts out. On Thursday, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that “it is increasingly anticipated leaguewide” that the Lakers will want to re-sign Kennard.
Kennard will be a non-Bird free agent, but there are multiple pathways that the Lakers could explore to keep him in the fold in a nod to the role he has earned in purple and gold under fellow Duke alumnus JJ Redick.
Fischer didn’t expound upon what those multiple pathways might be. Allow us to hazard a guess.
The most straightforward way would be to just use some of their roughly $50 million of cap space to re-sign Kennard. The Lakers could offer him anything up to a max deal, although he isn’t likely to sniff anything close to that. Something around the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception seems like a reasonable starting point in negotiations.
The Lakers could also sign Kennard with their MLE, although if/when they go the cap-space route this offseason, they’re only going to have the $9.4 million room mid-level exception at their disposal. If Kennard were willing to take that, they could renounce their rights to him to wipe his $13.2 million cap hold off their books, then re-sign him after they spent the rest of their cap room.
The Lakers are likely to do some cap-hold chicanery with Austin Reaves this summer, but that’s not in play for Kennard or Smart since they’d both be non-Bird free agents. If the Lakers want to re-sign either of them via non-Bird rights, they can offer no more than 120 percent of what they were previously earning as the starting salary of their new contract. Their cap hold is also 120 percent of their previous salary.
If the Lakers want to re-sign Kennard or Smart via non-Bird rights, they’ll have to keep their cap holds on their books heading into the offseason. (It’s $13.2 million for Kennard and roughly $6.2 million for Smart.) They can’t offer a starting salary higher than those cap holds without dipping into their cap space or MLE, though.
So, while the Lakers could have more than $50 million in cap space this offseason, Kennard and Smart already may have some of that money set aside for them. That could hurt the Lakers’ chances of landing another marquee free agent unless they’re able to salary-dump the two years and $25.7 million left on Jarred Vanderbilt’s contract.
The good news is that the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls are the only other two teams guaranteed to have cap space this summer. They might not face much competition for Kennard or Smart, particularly north of $15 million per year.
The bad news is that the NBA’s new anti-tanking proposal reduces the incentive for rebuilding teams to throw away a season before it even begins. Even though the Bulls are heading directly into a rebuild and the Nets are firmly in one, both still figure to pursue veterans in free agency who can help keep them out of the bottom three of the standings.
If the Lakers are somehow able to lure Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler in restricted free agency, they might not be able to squeeze either of them in while keeping Kennard’s cap hold on their books. Otherwise, they have clear paths to re-sign both Kennard and Smart whether via cap space, non-Bird rights or their MLE.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during the game on January 24, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
They say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Well, the Philadelphia 76ers have checked “beat the best” off the list after winning a first-round series in seven games over the Boston Celtics, who were the odds-on favorite to reach the NBA Finals out of the Eastern Conference. So are they now the best the East has to offer?
The New York Knicks will certainly have something to say about that idea, as the two teams get set to square off in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series tonight. Per FanDuel, the Knicks have the best odds to reach the Finals out of the East at plus-145, followed by the Pistons (plus-240), Cavaliers (plus-310), and then the Sixers (plus-600).
Objectively, it makes sense to pick the Knicks to advance over Philadelphia. They won eight more games during the regular season and have home-court advantage in the series. Plus, as usual, Joel Embiid’s health looms as a factor. He’s currently listed as probable for Game 1 with a right hip contusion, but is also known due to be dealing with a knee issue, an oblique strain and had his appendix removed just a few weeks ago. I love Joel for continuing to battle and do everything to show up for his team, but the reality is every game played is like removing another block from the jenga tower that is his body and hoping it all doesn’t come crashing down.
Yet, all of those points could have been made for the Boston series to an even higher degree, and it was still the Sixers who emerged victorious. They certainly have to be considered the vibes favorite with everything clicking into place for the roster at the right time. During the last couple Boston games, Embiid looked as poised as he ever has in the postseason. Tyrese Maxey became the lights-out closer the franchise has always needed and never had with the exception of a few months of Jimmy Butler. Paul George and VJ Edgecombe both hit big shots and defended like madmen, incredibly impressive for one guy who just turned 36 years old and another who is a 20-year-old rookie seeing his first playoff action. Every talking head segment from this season of, “The Sixers could be the potential dark horse no one wants to face” finally became a reality.
Looking at the Knicks series specifically, you can see the blueprint for a Sixers victory. VJ Edgecombe defended Jalen Brunson incredibly well during the regular season, and Philadelphia has a handful of other viable options to throw at him in Kelly Oubre Jr., Paul George and Quentin Grimes. They’ve also been able to exploit Brunson as a defensive liability in the past, something that doesn’t really exist on the other side of the court, credit to Maxey for improving so much as a defender. Embiid has had success against Karl-Anthony Towns in past matchups. The biggest potential advantage for New York will be on the offensive glass; it’s only too easy conjure visions of Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart grabbing every possible second-chance opportunity. However, the Sixers did look to figure some things out in that department as the Boston series progressed. These two teams played a highly competitive playoff series two years ago, and that was a better Knicks squad, and the Sixers now have George and Edgecombe and Embiid not playing on one leg (hopefully). It’s not hard to project a Philadelphia win.
And if that should happen, who is scared of Detroit or Cleveland? Both teams also just had to win Game 7s to be here. Respect to Cade Cunningham, but the Pistons would be home if Orlando hadn’t missed 23 straight shots in the second half of Game 6. I mean, they’re treating Tobias Harris like some sort of folk hero there. He scored zero points (!) in his last playoff game as a Sixer. Cleveland would present its own set of challenges, but would anyone go into that series thinking, “Philadelphia couldn’t possibly overcome James Harden in the postseason?” I don’t think so.
This isn’t to say things will be easy for the Sixers. We can’t let the last two-and-a-half games completely erase all the general Sixers-ness we’ve witnessed over the years, as recently as Games 1 and 4 against Boston. But they have a real shot. Philadelphia hasn’t had this sort of opportunity since Ben Simmons declined to shoot an open layup against Atlanta. The path is there. Now the Sixers just have to march down it with all the competitive fire we witnessed last week and seize this moment.
Team president Jeff Weltman said in a statement that the Magic is seeking "a new voice and fresh perspective," and the job remains an intriguing one despite Orlando's collapse against the Eastern Conference's top seed. The Magic still have 2022 No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and former lottery picks Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter, Jr. under contract, and could potentially make the jump many anticipated this season a year later with the right hire.
Here's a breakdown of six potential candidates to replace Mosley as the Orlando Magic's next coach:
Donovan notoriously accepted the Magic job and even held an introductory news conference in Orlando in 2007 before deciding to return to Gainesville as Florida's coach. He recently stepped down as the Bulls coach after six years and has already been linked to the job in several reports. Donovan has a 469-413 overall record in 11 seasons as an NBA coach, with a trip to the Western Conference Finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2016.
Mike Budenholzer
Budenholzer was unceremoniously fired after one season with the Phoenix Suns last year, but he still has a reputation for producing high-performing offenses from his days with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks previously and an NBA championship on his resume in the past five years. His scheme is also known for operating well even without a traditional point guard, which could free up the Magic's pre-existing personnel.
Tom Thibodeau
Thibodeau has been on the shelf since the New York Knicks fired him after last year's loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, but he's a proven coaching commodity with everything but an NBA Finals appearance on his resume. Thibodeau's defensive identity would build on the Magic's strengths, but might not be the best fit for a team whose stagnant offense caused it issues all season long.
James Borrego
The former Charlotte Hornets coach and Magic assistant/interim head coach could make a return to Orlando after an admirable 24-46 run as the Pelicans interim head coach this season. Despite his ties to San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Poppovich, Borrego's lack of playoff credentials will be hard to overcome in the coaching search if the Magic front office intends to act as aspiring contenders this offseason.
Sam Cassell
Might the Magic be the team that finally gives the longtime NBA point guard and assistant coach his first chance to lead an NBA team? He's been mentioned as a candidate for various openings over the years, and he's been a lead assistant coach under Joe Mazzulla during his successful run with the Boston Celtics.
Terry Stotts
The longtime Portland Trail Blazers coach spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for Steve Kerr and the Golden State Warriors. His eight-straight playoff appearances with the Trail Blazers, combined with time spent in Kerr's offensive system, could be appealing to Orlando if it can't reel in its top candidates.
The San Antonio Spurs see their first action in a week when they open their Round 2 series with the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight.
While San Antonio is well rested and ready, Minnesota is licking multiple wounds — none deeper than missing superstar Anthony Edwards heading into Game 1 tonight.
My Timberwolves vs. Spurs props try to read the tea leaves for this Western Conference clash. Here are my best NBA picks and prop predictions for T-Wolves vs. Spurs on May 4.
Best Timberwolves vs Spurs props for Game 1
Player
Pick
Rudy Gobert
Over 8.5 points
+102
Jaden McDaniels
Over 2.5 assists
-105
Devin Vassell
Over 12.5 points
-112
Game 1 Prop #1: Rudy Gobert Over 8.5 points
+102 at bet365
It’s May 4th. You didn’t think you could get out of here without reading at least one “Star Wars” reference, did you?
Veteran Rudy Gobert goes up against his padawan and fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, giving us “Obi-Wan vs. Anakin” vibes. And while I don’t think Gobert is going to leave Wemby sliced, diced and smoldering on the edge of a lava river, the Minnesota Timberwolves center can strike in the scoring column.
Gobert scored in double figures in three of the six matchups with Denver in Round 1, with his points prop bouncing between 9.5 and 10.5 O/U in that series.
His Game 1 total is 8.5 O/U with the Over priced at plus-money, anchored in his regular season results versus the San Antonio Spurs. Gobert played the Spurs only twice, putting up two and eight points — the latter coming without Wembanyama in San Antonio’s lineup.
The T-Wolves are without Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, and potentially Ayo Dosunmu for the series opener, leaving touches up for grabs and a need for the frontcourt to pick up the scoring slack.
Projections are positive for Gobert, ranging from 10.7 to as high as 11.7. That's more than enough to get past this modest ask for Minnesota’s big man.
Game 1 Prop #2: Jaden McDaniels Over 2.5 assists
-105 at bet365
T-Wolves forward Jaden McDaniels picked up the scoring slack with Edwards out versus Denver but won’t find the same success in the paint against Wembanyama and the Spurs.
Daniels becomes more of an inside-out passer versus San Antonio, drawing in the defense and finding open hands on the perimeter. Minnesota was able to attack the rim with the Nuggets missing Aaron Gordon, sending Daniels’ touches through the roof, but now he becomes more of a drive-and-kick facilitator.
He posted assist totals of five, three, and one in three regular season matchups with the Spurs and finished with three assists in all but one of the six games versus Denver in Round 1. He'll dominate the ball, considering the missing pieces for Minnesota, but will be forced to give it up more in Game 1.
His assists forecasts for tonight aren’t bullshit on Daniels' distributing, ranging from 1.7 to a couple projections at 2.9. However, with the adjustments the T-Wolves must make on offense and an empty backcourt, I’m on the high side of Daniels’ dimes tonight.
Game 1 Prop #3: Devin Vassell Over 12.5 points
-112 at bet365
The Spurs roll out a smaller lineup and with the injuries to the Minnesota backcourt, San Antonio will try to push pace and put the lumbering Timberwolves on their heels.
That means fastbreaks and transition off turnovers and long rebounds. Devin Vassell thrives in the open floor and is one of the Spurs’ best fastbreak attackers.
He started Round 1 strong, scoring 15 and 16 points in the opening two games on a collective 11-for-29 shooting as well as picking up points at the foul line. His usage slimmed in the final three outings versus Portland, closing out the series with outputs of 11, 11, and 10 points.
Minnesota’s defensive scheme will see it send top perimeter defender Jaden McDaniels after De’Aaron Fox, which leaves Vassell guarded by Terrence Shannon Jr. or Mike Conley (or a hobbled Dosunmu) — neither are great defenders.
Player models for Vassell all sit north of his scoring total of 12.5 O/U, ranging from 13.0 to a ceiling of 15.0 points. My number boils down to 14.3 points tonight.
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Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont wanted to take a big swing in hiring a new head of basketball operations in Dallas, something made clear by the names leaked that he had interest in.
Dumont may have hit a home run. The Mavericks have hired former Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri as the team's new Team President and Alternate Governor, a story confirmed by the team soon after it broke.
"I'm honored to join the Dallas Mavericks and step into this role at such an important time for the organization," Ujiri said in a statement announcing his hiring. "This is a franchise with a proud history, passionate fans, and a commitment to winning. I look forward to working with our players, coaches, and leadership team to build something that reflects that standard and competes at the highest level. We will win in Dallas."
He is being given the keys to the franchise. "Ujiri will oversee all aspects of the Mavericks' basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel, and scouting, while working with team leadership to shape the organization's basketball philosophy and long-term direction," the team said in announcing the hiring.
"Masai Ujiri is one of the great basketball leaders of this generation and his addition to our franchise is a critical step in meeting our goals," Dumont said in a statement announcing the hiring. "We are honored to have him join the Mavs family. We welcome his energy and determination along with his leadership, experience and many accomplishments as a basketball executive. We are very excited about the future of our team."
Ujiri is one of the more respected front-office minds in the league and turned things around in Toronto. When he was first hired, the Raptors had missed the playoffs in nine of the previous 11 years. He stockpiled talent (through smart draft picks and trades), built one of the best player development programs, and turned the Raptors into a consistent top team in the East for years behind franchise legends such as Kyle Lowry. In that stretch, after a bold move to bring in Kawhi Leonard for a year, Toronto won its lone title in 2019.
Ujiri now takes over a franchise with a cornerstone player in Cooper Flagg and a highly respected coach in Jason Kidd. He also inherits two first-round draft picks, one in the lottery. In addition, Dallas has Kyrie Irving under contract for next season, plus some solid role players under contract, such as P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. This is a well-positioned roster now, and it doesn't need an overhaul.
Ujiri was let go by the Raptors after the draft a year ago, largely because of a personality conflict with the new CEO of the Raptors' parent organization (which did not replace him, but gave his responsibilities and a new title to people already in the organization).
Ujiri's hiring in Dallas was not a quick process. Dumont and Ujiri reportedly first sat down and talked last December during a long lunch in Las Vegas, according to ESPN.
This is not Dumont's first bold move to bolster the organization. He lured former Golden State Warriors president Rick Welts out of retirement to serve as the franchise's CEO in 2024. Welts reportedly met with Ujiri as part of this process as well.
Patrick Dumont swung for the fences and hit a home run.
The Dallas Mavericks governor announced the hiring of Masai Ujiri as the franchise’s new team president and alternate governor. It ends a six-month search with a splash, as Ujiri is one of the most accomplished front office executives in NBA history.
Ujiri spent 13 seasons in Toronto building the Raptors from afterthought to champion. The centerpiece of his tenure was obviously the 2019 NBA title, which was engineered by his bold moves. He traded franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2018. Everyone thought he was crazy, but Toronto won the championship the following June.
Before the Raptors, Ujiri ran the Denver Nuggets' front office from 2010-2013 and was named the NBA’s Executive of the Year after assembling a 57-win roster. He is the only non-American ever to win the award.
Ujiri parted ways with Toronto in June 2025 after the Raptors missed the playoffs in four of five seasons. He joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo in March and made no secret he had unfinished business in the NBA.
"One of my main goals is to win another championship," Ujiri told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne earlier this year. "I want to win again so I can actually enjoy it."
The Mavericks finished the season with Cooper Flagg, the No.1 pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, already looking like a cornerstone to build on after a rookie of the year campaign. Dallas enters Sunday's NBA draft lottery with the eighth-best odds at another top pick in what projects to be a loaded class.
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
If you’ve spent any time watching the NBA Playoffs, especially the very dramatic L.A. Lakers vs. Houston Rockets playoff series that sadly ended with a Lakers win in game six on Friday night, you may have seen some speculation going around about Texans star Will Anderson Jr. and his uncanny resemblance to current Lakers’ guard and LeBron James’ son, Bronny James:
Over the last several days, more and more Texans fans have noticed the visual similarities between Anderson and Bronny James, to the point that discussion surrounding the two stars nearly eclipsed Rockets fans’ frustration with their favorite team. This playful speculation entered the mainstream in a big way that Friday night, as the “brothers” were in the same building. After having a dunk attempt blocked by Rockets’ forward Jabari Smith Jr., LeBron James went spiraling down courtside, crashing into the feet of none other than his “fourth son,” Will Anderson:
James was overjoyed to see Anderson – who is not only his son but also a fellow Klutch Sports client – there to lift him up, almost as if he was brought home by seeing the smile on Anderson’s face. Although, all joking aside, James was deferential to Anderson and his real parents. Speaking to Houston Chronicle reporter Jonathan M. Alexander after the game six win, James had this to say:
“…the moment was pretty cool…it was good to see him, y’know, that’s my fourth child, um…yeah, him and Bronny are twins and don’t nobody know it…me and [wife] Savannah have been trying to keep it under wraps for a long time. But nah, no disrespect to his parents, his real parents, let me not get that started. Unbelievable football player, deserving of everything that he’s got and…it was definitely dope to see him.” – LeBron James to Jonathan M. Alexander
I asked LeBron James what that moment was like between he and Will Anderson Jr. when the #Texans’ star helped him up in the third quarter.
Stop the presses! Hold everything! To quote the KING himself, “…me and Savannah have been trying to keep it under wraps for a long time?” I’m sorry, is there a “LeSecret” that has just been uncovered by this unlikely courtside linkup? A LeCoverup revealed? A LeRevelation? While public sources may tell you that Will Anderson was born in Hampton, Georgia in 2001 and Bronny James was born in Akron, Ohio in 2004, our insider – or, our LeSource – will beg to differ! And when you take a look at the highlight reels for both of these “LeTwins,” well, let’s just say the tape speaks for itself!
Houston…we may have a twin! LeBron/Bronny to the Houston Rockets CONFIRMED!
Okay, while there is certainly no secretive “connection” between Will Anderson and the James’ family, it certainly did provide a moment of light-hearted fun to a playoff series that has otherwise been a difficult watch for Rockets fans. Although, the jokes come as a double-edged sword for many. Watching Lebron James cheese it up with Will Anderson on the sideline while he simultaneously rips out the hearts of Rockets fans everywhere – at age 41, no less – is an awkward pill to swallow on a Friday night. But, hey, the Rockets’ playoff trips may be temporary, but likeness to LeBron James is forever.
It wasn’t just Anderson there repping the Texans, either. He was joined by Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation Hannah McNair and 2026 second-round pick Kayden McDonald, with this meetup in Houston providing a warm welcome to the rookie after his arrival from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. McDonald is still in that press-conference headspace, though, as evidenced by this response to a question from reporter Chancellor Johnson:
Hannah McNair, Will Anderson and Kayden McDonald are here at Game 6.
Me to Kayden: “How are you enjoying Houston?”
Kayden: “I’m just here to plug up the middle, man.”
“I’m just here to plug up the middle.” My kind of guy! Aren’t we all here to plug up the middle, Kayden? If only the Houston Rockets were able to plug up the hole left in the middle of their lineup when Kevin Durant went down. Sorry, I just couldn’t help it! McDonald even answered questions about potential business opportunities in Houston while at the NFL Draft, and even though “plugging up the middle” may not bring to mind the sort of barbeque or horse-related collaborations he was envisioning a week ago, it certainly does bring to mind the profitable avenue of plumbing solutions!
Alright, while I won’t be expecting a star NFL defensive lineman to be sponsoring drainage plugs or rubber stoppers, I was still happy to see Kayden McDonald, Will Anderson, and Hannah McNair all spending time together and enjoying the fruits of what Houston has to offer to them. Will Anderson has certainly earned the respite as well as the opportunity to re-connect with his long lost father, and it’ll only be a matter of time till everyone will know just how well Kayden McDonald can “…plug up the middle.” For all other musings about plugs and Bronny James lookalikes, be sure to keep it tuned to Battle Red Blog!
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 2: President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri speaks during media day on October 2, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Six months after the tumultuous tenure of Nico Harrison ended with a rare mid-season firing of an executive, it appears the Dallas Mavericks have found their replacement.
ESPN reported Monday that the Mavericks have hired former Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets executive Masai Ujiri to be Dallas’ new team president and alternate governor. The Dallas Morning News’ Mike Curtis confirmed that included as the team’s president of basketball operations as well. ESPN also reported that former majority governor Mark Cuban was not involved in the process of hiring Ujiri.
Ujiri was the mastermind behind the Raptors’ 2019 championship run and won NBA Executive of the Year in 2012-2013. A press conference with Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and Ujiri is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas.
The hire users in a new era of Dallas basketball that fans and players have badly needed since the Luka Dončić trade over a year ago. Ujiri will come in with significantly more power than other GM hires in the league, being given the team president and alternate governor role. We’ll know more about exactly how vast his role will be following Tuesday’s press conference.
Ujiri was a name that also popped up in 2021 for the Mavericks following the dismissal of former GM, Donnie Nelson, but Dallas never considered him, opting for Harrison instead. Now, five years later, they get Ujiri and hand him the proverbial keys to the kingdom.
Ujiri will take over a team with no control of their first-round picks for the next four seasons, but does have their pick this season with the draft lottery on Sunday. He’ll have financial flexibility to bring in guys he likes after Dallas traded Anthony Davis and other undesirable contracts at the deadline this season.
It’s not immediately clear what this means for co-interim general managers Matt Ricardi and Michael Finley, but one thing is clear: Ujiri is Dallas’ main priority moving forward.
One of the fiercest rivalries in the NBA begins anew tonight when the New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The big man headlines this 76ers vs. Knicks same-game parlay that is also bullish on Philly keeping it close in a high-scoring clash on Monday, May 4.
Our best 76ers vs Knicks SGP for Game 1
SGP leg #1: Joel Embiid Over 40.5 points + rebounds + assists
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will be a focal point of this series, and he will need to be at his absolute best against the New York Knicks to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Embiid has averaged a healthy 44 PRA since returning in the playoffs, hitting the Over on this combo line in three of four games. In 11 career games at Madison Square Garden, Embiid has gone for 41+ PRA eight times.
SGP leg #2: 76ers +7.5
Simply put, the 76ers are better when Embiid is healthy and playing. With the big man available, Philly's offensive rating soared to 118.5 from 112.9 without him.
And while the Knicks may have the advantage of rest, the Sixers are in a groove and have played New York well over the last two seasons. Philly is 4-1 against the spread across its last five games at Madison Square Garden.
SGP leg #3: Over 212
The Sixers have hit the Over in two of their last four games, while the Knicks have done so in three of four. With Embiid playing, Philly's attack is a Top-5 offense, and New York averaged 133 points per game in the last two games against the Hawks.
Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his 76ers vs Knicks predictions for Game 1.
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With Steve Kerr’s Warriors future uncertain, executives at ESPN are “aggressively” trying to convince Kerr to leave the Warriors and Stephen Curry to return to the broadcast booth, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.
Kerr worked as a broadcaster for TNT from 2003-07 before becoming the Phoenix Suns GM, and he returned to TNT in 2010. He then flirted with the Knicks head-coaching gigin 2014 before taking the Warriors job later that summer.
Steve Kerr was a broadcaster for TNT before becoming the Warriors head coach. Getty Images
The 60-year-old has won four championships with the Warriors, who became a dynasty with Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, and, briefly, Kevin Durant.
“I hope he’s our coach next year,” Green said. “If you want my opinion, I think not.”
Stern’s report adds that the Warriors are operating as if Kerr will return, more likely than not, and that they expect common ground can be found to keep Kerr with the team.
Things in Golden State ended a bit unceremoniously this year as the No. 10 seed won their first play-in tournament game but lost to the Suns to miss the playoffs.
Meanwhile, ESPN has had plenty of shifts in its lead broadcast booth, which had previously been a trio of Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and a revolving door for the third person, including Richard Jefferson, Doc Rivers, and J.J. Redick.
ESPN has had trouble nailing their top broadcast team in the NBA. NBAE via Getty Images
With Rivers having been fired by the Bucks and Kerr potentially available as well, ESPN is in a spot to land a big fish in the broadcast booth, though the Warriors will surely not want to lose Kerr and will likely offer a contract extension to keep him around.
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76ers Game 1 computer picks
VJ Edgecombe Over 12.5 points (+100)
Projection: 15.2 points
This prop clocks in at a whopping +25.29% EV edge, making it a five-star play.
VJ Edgecombe has hit the Over in six of his last 10, and our computer has identified this as an extremely positive matchup.
"When the New York Knicks have the home court advantage, they have given up the most points per game in the NBA to the other team's starting SGs this year (21.5)."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Edgecombe Now at bet365!/span
He cashed this prop in six of seven games vs. the Celtics.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet George Now at bet365!/span
Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 9.5 points (-125)
Projection: 11.6 points
Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to beat this line by over two full points.
Oubre Jr. has reached double-figures in seven of his last 10 overall, and once in two meetings with the New York Knicks this season.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Oubre Jr. Now at bet365!/span
Knicks Game 1 computer picks
Mikal Bridges Over 2.5 assists (+130)
Projection: 3.2 assists
Mikal Bridges has gone for 3+ assists in only three of his last 10 overall, but our system is valuing the plus-money being offered on the Over tonight.
With a projection of 3.2 assists, this wager checks in as a five-star play with a +23.53% EV edge.
It should be noted that Bridges beat this line in all four regular-season meetings with Philly.
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Karl-Anthony Towns Under 3.5 assists (+125)
Projection: 3.2 assists
Although Karl-Anthony Towns has hit the Over in nine of his last 10 overall, our computer believes now is the time to sell, especially at plus-odds.
Helping out Under bettors is an expected sluggish tempo.
"The New York Knicks have played at the most lethargic tempo in the NBA over the last 25 games.. The New York Knicks are expected to see a decline in possessions in this game from squaring off against the 4th-slowest pace-of-play offense in the NBA over the last 5 games (the Philadelphia 76ers)."
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Towns Now at bet365!/span
Jalen Brunson Over 6.5 assists (+100)
Projection: 7.4 assists
Jalen Brunson has 7+ assists in seven of his last 10 games. Our system believes he's good for 7.4 assists tonight, yielding a +16.27% EV edge.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Brunson Now at bet365!/span
How to watch 76ers vs Knicks Game 1
Location
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Date
Monday, May 4, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
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Philadelphia, PA - April 30: Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey makes a 3-pointer in the first quarter. The Boston Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Is everyone still flying high from Saturday night’s Game 7 victory over the Celtics? You absolutely should be. I certainly am. With the Sixers moving on to the second round of the playoffs, let’s build off that energy ahead of a matchup with the Knicks. Let’s get after it with a new “5 Sixers thoughts” column.
Cinderella already has her glass slipper
My thought process going into the Sixers’ series against Boston was that it would be a Sisyphean task. The odds were stacked against them when facing a rival that has perpetually owned them. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit was a cathartic release for Sixers fans who’ve truly been in the cut with this franchise through the lows and even lower lows for so long. I am still in disbelief waking up two days later.
Don’t ever forget what the victory over the Celtics means for us all, but I am ready to turn the page on the defense mechanism this fan base, myself included, uses of just expecting the worst to happen. Frankly, screw it. Bring on this Knicks team. I’m rolling with the tandem of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey over Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. If the Sixers’ supporting pieces fall into place, this series is for the taking with the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter of a century staring them in the face.
Tyrese Maxey can get his Big Apple revenge
Walt Frazier, a Hall of Famer and a two-time NBA champion with the Knicks who currently serves as one of the team’s broadcasters, took a shot at Maxey and the Sixers overall when the teams met for a preseason game this past October.
Maxey had previously remarked that last season was the first time he had ever been on a losing team, as the Sixers finished 24-58 and missed the playoffs. While announcing that game, Frazier laughed and said, “He better get used to it.”
Walt Frazier on Tyrese Maxey saying last year was the first time he’s ever been on a losing team:
Maxey was elite in the Sixers’ six-game playoff loss to the Knicks two springs ago, averaging 30-5-7 with fantastic shooting efficiency. If Maxey can play like that once more with an improved cast around him this series, the Sixers will be marching to the Eastern Conference Finals and Maxey will make Frazier eat his words.
Kelly Oubre needs to make his open threes
Kelly Oubre was a key defensive cog as the Sixers slayed the Celtics and his work as a backdoor cutter can provide an offensive boost, but he was dreadful from long range, shooting 16.0 percent on his threes on 25 attempts with a sizable chunk of them being wide open. I would’ve sweated out that Boston series a tad less if he made them at the solid 36.0 percent clip he hit from beyond the arc in the regular season.
The deeper the Sixers go in the playoffs, the smaller the margins for error become. He’s the fifth option, at best, on offense. During the moments the team is counting on him, Oubre must rise to the occasion.
Do not get crushed on the boards again
Early in the Sixers’ series with Boston, they struggled mightily when trying to rebound the ball, leading to so many extra chances for the Celtics. That’s very much not a new problem for the team. During their first-round loss to the Knicks in 2024, New York crushed them on the glass with Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson seemingly nabbing every possible offensive rebound.
That cannot repeat itself this year.
Maybe Nick Nurse gets a little weird and throws Dominick Barlow out there for help on the boards at the four? He played just 40 minutes in the first round. Nurse exceeded all my expectations for him as a coach in that series upset over Boston. Let’s see how creative he’ll get against the Knicks.
A path of redemption?
The Sixers obviously need to take care of business with the Knicks first, but this could be their road to the NBA Finals…
First round: A Celtics team that had beaten them a bajillion times in the playoffs.
Semifinals: A Knicks team that eliminated them two years ago.
Conference Finals: Either Tobias Harris’ Pistons or James Harden’s Cavaliers.
Rudy Gobert
Devin Vassell
76ers
Knicks