Spurs star center Victor Wembanyama felt some type of way going into his Western Conference finals debut after losing out on NBA MVP honors to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After putting up playoff career highs in points (41) and rebounds (24), Wembanyama said it was personal for him when asked about Gilgeous-Alexander after San Antonio’s 122-115 double-overtime road victory Monday night in Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
“Was that in your mind at all knowing that Shai had gotten that award and you were in the top three for it — and did any part of tonight feel personal, some of your facial expressions kind of looked like you were really going for it,” Wembanyama was asked in his post-game press conference.
“Yeah, for sure, everything you just said,” Wembanyama said.
The French phenom did not elaborate further.
Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP for the second straight year Sunday, beating out Wembanyama and Denver’s three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Wembanyama used it as motivation for his historic Game 1 showing — highlighted by monster dunks and the occasional muscle flex.
His deep game-tying 3-pointer with 28 seconds left in the first overtime forced a second extra stanza.
Wembanyama’s 41 points and 24 rebounds put him in elite company, joining Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to tally 40-plus points and 20-plus rebounds in their Conference finals debut.
Victor Wembanyama celebrates after a Game 1 win over the Thunder in the Western Conference finals on May 18, 2026 at Paycom Center. NBAE via Getty Images
He also recorded three blocks.
Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper had 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and seven steals, and also made playoff history.
Harper, a Franklin Lakes, N.J. native, became the first rookie to notch 15-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus steals in a playoff game since Magic Johnson in 1980.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) lifts the MVP award before Game 1. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, had an off night and vowed he will be better after scoring 24 points on an inefficient 7-of-23 shooting performance, including 2-of-7 from 3.
The Kings and the Warriors officially have set their sights on the 2026 NBA Draft to bolster their rosters following their disappointing seasons.
Sacramento and Golden State didn’t have much luck during the draft lottery, with the Kings dropping to the No. 7 pick and the Warriors standing pat with their No. 11 selection.
Following the NBA combine, ESPN dropped its latest 2026 mock draft projecting who Sacramento and Golden State will select with their respective picks.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 183 pounds, Flemings makes a lot of sense for a Kings team that’s looking to find a true starting point guard.
“The Kings drew a short straw on lottery night but will have an opportunity to address their need for a point guard at this spot, with Acuff frequently tied to them, and Flemings and Mikel Brown Jr. also potentially still on the board,” ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote.
“In what order Sacramento prioritizes those players — and whether they value Acuff enough to consider moving up to get him — remains to be seen, but it was a point of speculation from other teams at the combine.”
Sacramento has not had a consistent, young starting point guard since trading away star De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite his small size, Flemings can be a viable option at point guard thanks to his explosiveness, athleticism, and defensive ability. In 37 appearances with the Houston Cougars last season, the San Antonio native averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
With Kings coach Doug Christie’s defensive-minded approach, Flemings seems to be a solid fit for a team looking to bring playoff basketball back to Sacramento.
11. Golden State Warriors: Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
With major injuries to wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, the Warriors will have a glaring hole entering the 2026-27 NBA season. At 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, Burries could slide in as an impactful combo guard in Golden State.
“Burries is drawing looks inside the top 10, but could also end up being the guard who falls,” Woo wrote. “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.”
In 39 games for the Arizona Wildcats last season, the Southern California native averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game and shot 49.1 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point range.
With Steve Kerr officially returning as Warriors coach alongside stars Steph Curry and Draymond Green, Burries could become one of the pieces Golden State needs to rejuvenate its roster and get younger as a team.
May 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (40) celebrates with designated hitter Mickey Gasper (30) after hitting a two run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Throughout their history, the Boston Red Sox have notoriously done damage at the plate.
It’s pretty difficult to find an era in which they didn’t have mashers — or at least long, sustained periods where they ranked among the best in baseball at putting runs on the board.
Ted Williams and Bobby Doerr were the standard bearers in the 1940s and 1950s. Carl Yastrzemski then showed up in 1961, ushering in an era that included the likes of Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, and Carlton Fisk. Dwight Evans and Wade Boggs knocked the cover off the ball throughout the 1980s. (I don’t want to talk about the early 1990s, because that doesn’t fit my agenda.) Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers are just a few of the names who have led the charge for top-five offenses since the turn of the century.
It’s tradition — though that seems to have been lost this season…
The Red Sox seem to have forgotten what they’re supposed to be, as they ranked 29th in OPS (.666) and HR (33), 27th in total bases (546), and 22nd in batting average (.235) entering this week’s series against the Kansas City Royals.
EW!
I don’t need to get into all of the things that got them to this point, but a mix of stupid personnel decisions (Durbin, Caleb), regressing veterans (Duran, Jarren; Story, Trevor), injured youngsters (Anthony, Roman) and an entirely new coaching staff full of dweebs who have never played the sport in their lives are probably a good place to start the conversation — but where does it end?
I’d be extremely surprised if we see any meaningful moves made to get this group back on track before it’s too late, nor do I expect many of the names listed above to just turn things around. I just think they’re going to start playing a brand of baseball that works for them.
If that means playing like the Tampa Bay Rays, they’re going to play like the Tampa Bay Rays!
Boston’s pitching staff could be one of the three or four best in baseball, with the starting rotation giving you a quality start in seven of the last nine games. The Red Sox haven’t been able to consistently turn those performances into wins however, so there has been an emphasis on getting guys into the lineup who can actually put the ball in play and attempt to manufacture runs.
Mickey Gasper has started seven of the last nine games. Nick Sogard was called up and immediately inserted into an every day role. Andruw Monasterio is getting regular at-bats with the injury to Story. Connor Wong is playing a bit more.
It’s not sexy, but at least they aren’t swinging through everything and routinely posting uncompetitive innings.
Wong, Sogard, and Duran combined for an instance of small ball in Monday’s victory at Kauffman Stadium, with the former lacing a double down the line, moving over to third base on a bunt single, and scoring on a sacrifice fly — scoring an insurance run that gave them some breathing room in a 3-1 win over Kansas City.
It’s insane that those things get me excited, but that’s where we’re at!
Boston needs to continue playing that brand of baseball, which means more Sogard, Monasterio, Gasper, and whoever else is willing to actually give a shit.
Junior Caminero would be helpful, too, but they can’t actually be those guys…
In the process, Wembanyama became the youngest player in NBA history (22 years, 134 days) to score at least 40 points and grab at least 20 rebounds in a playoff game.
Victor Wembanyama stats in Game 1
In the double-overtime win over the top-seeded Thunder, Victor Wembanyama was on the court for the most minutes he's ever played in an NBA game. And his stat line might not even do him justice.
May 18, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a run during the twelfth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | Brad Mills-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets won an absolute insane baseball game, becoming the first team since 1983 to score double digit runs in extra innings as they prevailed 16-7 over the Nationals in twelve innings. It was the club’s third straight victory and their sixth win in their last seven games.
The Mets brought up Daniel Duarte and optioned Joey Gerber to Triple-A. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Mets transferred A.J. Minter to the 60-day IL.
Will Sammon shared the story of Joe Raccuia, the scout who discovered A.J. Ewing. Raccuia is recovering from a stroke and the loss of his son, but has found solace in watching Ewing’s rise to the majors.
Bo Bichette discussed his slow start and how he’s trying to get back to being the player the Mets signed.
Jorge Polanco has begun the strengthening phase of his road back to the majors, with the hope being that he could begin a rehab assignment in a week or so.
Kodai Senga tossed 46 pitches during a Sunday bullpen session as he tries to work his way back from injury.
Jared Young will move his rehab to Triple-A as aims to return from his injury.
Dave Kerpen, CEO of Kerpen Ventures, talked about how being a Mets fan, moreso than exiting companies or getting an MBA, was the best training to becoming a founder.
Around the National League East
The Braves activated Ronald Acuña Jr. from the injured list and played Kyle Farmer on the 10-day IL.
The Phillies scored two in the eighth to top the Reds 5-4.
The Marlins cooled off the red-hot Braves, shutting them out 12-0.
Around Major League Baseball
Gerrit Cole could make his next start in the majors after touching close to 100 mph in his latest rehab start.
Tarik Skubal was encouraged by his latest symptom-free rehab start.
Roman Anthony of the Red Sox has hit a snag in his rehab and has hit pause as he tries to work his way back.
Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed regret at his ‘choice of words’ with a White Sox fan in a recent exchange.
An Astros fan who did not interfere with Brandon Nimmo stealing back a home run was rewarded with a signed ball and a nice message from the ex-Mets outfielder.
The Padres blanked the Dodgers 1-0. Mason Miller showed his human side but still recovered to shut down L.A.
The Diamondbacks toppled the Giants 12-3.
The Mariners easily handled the White Sox 6-1. In the win, Colt Emerson hit his first major league home run, and after missing his debut, his family did not miss this feat.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Seth Ashby looked at what might be wrong with Bo Bichette.
Chris McShane previewed the team’s series against the Nationals.
May 17, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar (53) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Let’s dial back to Sunday. With the caveat that I’m surprised Sean Manaea is still on an MLB roster, Aaron Boone hit all the right buttons. Pinch-hitter Paul Goldschmidt gets dotted to load the bases with one out, Max Schuemann comes into run for him. Anthony Volpe has his big two-run single, and Boone goes to his bench one more time, eschewing J.C. Escarra in favor of Amed Rosario. Rosario gets a ball in the air, Schuemann scampers home, and the Yankees have their third run of the frame. Not a bad bit of managing from Aaron Boone, and more importantly, highlights this reported sense of “urgency” the team seems to be running with.
From in-game snap decisions to broader choices like optioning Volpe to Triple-A, cutting Randal Grichuk, sending down Luis Gil, this does feel like a Yankee team that’s less interested in waiting out the first half of the season than most years. Of course the great irony is that while Boone made all those good moves in the top of the sixth, the Yankees actually lost that game because the bullpen collectively allowed six runs across five remaining innings.
And that’s the circle that we’re here to square today. The Yankees have some very obvious holes. It starts with the bullpen, where the team hovers around the median of baseball and can creep into the top ten depending on what metric you want to use. However, when we pair the relative weakness of the bullpen with the inconsistency of the offense — holes at catcher, third base, and a newly-discovered lack of depth in the outfield — and you start to get a picture of a team that can’t hit its way out of trouble.
I know people don’t like to hear this, but it is still early. I don’t think anyone should be doing serious roster analysis until a team has played 50 games, but I’m writing this a couple of hours before Game 48 with the Blue Jays kicks off. It’s early, but it’s starting to get not early. The trade market hasn’t quite kicked off yet, but one wonders just how far the Yankees are going to take this supposed sense of urgency. The club seems to perennially trade for relief pitchers that on paper improve the club, even if the 2025 version of that plan leaves some things to be desired.
Neither Escarra nor Austin Wells seems particularly interested in hitting a baseball, or are perhaps even aware there is a baseball to hit, and a change in the backup catcher slot seems inevitable. Ryan Jeffers’ 166 wRC+ will not hold up over a full season, but in a contract year for a pretty tough Twins team, he might be the type of target these oh-so-ruthless Yankees need to slightly overpay for.
Improving the outfield depends on how confident you can be in Jasson Domínguez’s return, and how he’ll hit upon returning. Spencer Jones, in at least his first taste of MLB action, doesn’t seem to have it, and while I’m going to be a little skeptical Domínguez has it long term, at least he’s shown more flashes than Jones has. That the Martian avoided a concussion while colliding with the wall should make us all optimistic, but outfield support could still be needed.
I know there are a lot of people who will probably stop reading the moment I type this, but this is a good baseball team. More than that, the club is combining yet another, improbable, year of Aaron Judge’s prime with performances by Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice that we may never see again. You can’t bank on a 1.35 ERA in perpetuity, even if Cam continues to soar across 2026 every reasonable bettor in the world would hedge on him being worse next year. The Yankees have wasted potential seasons of destiny before — the nice thing this year is you know exactly where the holes are. Want to prove you’re feeling the urgency? Fill them.
Would he play another season? And would it be with the Los Angeles Lakers?
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania was asked on “The Pat McAfee Show” what the future holds for James.
“Every contender” is inquiring about LeBron James, according to ESPN. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I do know a lot of teams are calling him and his camp,” Charania said. “I spoke with Rich Paul the other day at the Chicago Draft Combine last week and he told me like every contender in the NBA is essentially since the season ended, placed a call.”
With interest in the four-time MVP simmering, James still has to determine whether or not a move will happen.
If he decides to return for his 23rd season, he will be 41 years old. Father time is slowly chasing him down, but James is still competing at a high level. He finished last season averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
With Luka Doncic missing the entire postseason and Austin Reaves the start of the postseason, James still guided the Lakers past the Rockets in the first round before running into the juggernaut defending champs.
Shams says EVERY contender team has called to ask about LeBron
But still showing he can play at a productive level this late into his career, Charania said that James needs more time with his family and inner circle to discuss his future.
“I don’t think anyone would hold it against him. But I think the expectation has been that probably you’re gonna get one more and we’ll see if he’s gonna be with the Lakers or somewhere else,” Charania said.
While teams are reaching out, Charania noted that the Lakers would still like to keep James in the building as they are chasing down their 18th championship in franchise history.
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France’s Diane Parry wins 6-4, 7-6 (4) in first round
Raducanu competes for first time since Indian Wells
Emma Raducanu’s return to competition for the first time in more than two months ended in a frustrating defeat as she fought hard but failed to convert a string of early opportunities, eventually falling 6-4, 7-6 (4) to France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the Strasbourg Open.
This was an unsurprising result for Raducanu, who now faces the challenge of regaining her rhythm, form and confidence after not competing since her straight-sets loss by Amanda Anisimova at Indian Wells in early March. She was outplayed here by a talented and accomplished clay-courter in Parry, the world No 94, who dominated with her forehand while effectively using her variation to keep Raducanu uncomfortable.
The Mets are designating outfielder Austin Slater for assignment, with his replacement on the active roster being outfield prospect Nick Morabito.
In addition moves, the Mets selected left-handed pitcher Anderson Severino to the major league roster before optioning him to Triple-A Syracuse, and transferred Clay Holmes to the 60-day IL.
Morabito, 23, is hitting .253/.364/.390 with four homers, six doubles, one triple, and 14 stolen bases in 41 games for Syracuse this season in what is his first taste at the level.
He spoke to reporters before Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals, a team he grew up rooting for, and said he got the call "pretty late" on Monday night that he was getting called up and said the last 12 hours have been "kind of hectic."
"Just do my best out there and be the [best] player I can be," Morabito said of the Mets' expectations of him. "Go out there and have fun and just try and help this team win."
Morabito has been a weapon against left-handed pitchers this year, posting a .936 OPS (his OPS against righties is .702).
In five minor league seasons in New York's system, Morabito has a .769 OPS.
Morabito has played primarily center field this season, but has also gotten starts in right field and left field. He'll make his MLB debut on Tuesday in left field while batting seventh in the lineup.
"It’s very special," he said of his debut. "I grew up coming to this park so it’s a pretty surreal moment for me, just to be here and it’s very special."
The youngster added that he'll have a good amount of family and friends at the ballpark.
Meanwhile, Slater, 33, struggled in limited opportunities with New York this season. Often getting chances against left-handed pitching, the right-handed hitter slashed .250/.286/.300 with one double in 21 plate appearances across nine games.
He had been signed by the Mets earlier this season after being DFA'd by the Marlins.
May 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Masataka Yoshida (7) at bat against the Kansas City Royals during the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Last night in the Red Sox 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals, Masataka Yoshida hit a triple and threw out a runner at the plate. When I think about Masataka Yoshida, hitting triples and throwing runners out at the plate aren’t things that come to mind. In fact, it was his first of each statistic since 2023.
What are some other uncharacteristic games that come to mind? Did Mo Vaughn ever steal two bags in a game or something? I’m young(ish), educate me! Talk about what you want and be good to one another. Go Sox.
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting Blake Snell (7) warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
A potential example of the shorter timeline is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who had surgery on May 6. Skubal’s surgery was also performed by Dr. ElAttrache, who used a smaller NanoNeedle during the procedure. Cody Stavenhagen wrote about the procedure at The Athletic:
In the room with Skubal, ElAttrache explained how the smaller scope could change the procedure. There would be a smaller incision, almost like a poke for an IV. Where a larger arthroscope has to push through layers of tissue, sometimes causing more bleeding, scarring and inflammation, the NanoNeedle could more easily glide to the location. The surgery would require pumping an estimated 65 percent less fluid to insufflate the joint.
Skubal threw his first bullpen session for the Tigers on Monday, just 12 days after the surgery.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes spoke with reporters about Snell and other topics on Monday in San Diego, per Sonja Chen at MLB.com:
“Hopefully, it’s the shorter timeline,” Gomes said. “That’s the hope and expectation right now. Obviously we don’t know 100% until they’re in there, but that’s what we’re expecting.”
Gomes also talked about newcomer Eric Lauer, who was acquired on Sunday and will be activated during this series in San Diego. Lauer will likely pitch in relief this week before slotting into the six-man rotation next week at some point, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
Justin Turner through the weekend was hitting .314/.424/.543 in 21 games for the Tijuana Toros in the Mexican League, where he’s managed by Roberto Kelly, another former Dodger. The 41-year-old Turner talked with Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:
“I love playing,” he said. “I love competing. As long as I feel I’m serviceable and not just here for entertainment purposes, I’m going to keep doing it.”
The thing about rivals is that they are necessary. They are the result of multiple teams from the same division going after the exact same piece of glory and hardware. You’re probably not going to get to where you want to go without a rival pushing you to find your absolute peak. That’s what shows you where the ceiling is. That’s how you get to where you want to be.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MAY 14: Kris Bubic #50 of the Kansas City Royals delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on May 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jayden Mack/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“It’s frustrating,” Bubic said. “I want to be available. A big goal of mine, I don’t set many numericals, but in terms of just being available, I wanted to make a full season of starts this year. And the goal is to keep this at a couple weeks, which we should. But yeah, it’s frustrating. I’m not gonna lie.”
This is the fourth straight season Bubic has been placed on the IL. He missed part of the 2023 and ‘24 seasons after having Tommy John surgery. A year ago, a strained left rotator cuff ended his season early.
If Bubic’s recovery goes the way he and the Royals expect it to, though, it will be a short stint on the IL before he slots back into the rotation.
“Very mild in nature,” Bubic said. “It’s not something I want to push, given my history and given the timing of the year. So for me, this is good news in a sense. I’ll talk to [Dr. Vincent Key] when he’s here later, but I expect this to be pretty minimal IL, just a few weeks, and we should be back. That’s the expectation in my head.”
Kevin O’Brien at Royals Keep takes a look at Vinnie Pasquantino’s struggles.
There’s a lot to be said about Pasquantino, who launched 32 home runs, collected 113 RBI, hit .264, posted a 116 wRC+, and accumulated a 1.5 fWAR in 682 plate appearances last year, a career-high. The Royals agreed to a modest extension with him for the 2026-2027 seasons ($11.1 million), and it seemed like Pasquantino was going to continue to be a force in the Royals lineup this year.
Unfortunately, that’s been far from the case for Pasquantino.
In 189 plate appearances, Vinnie is hitting .201 with a .627 OPS. He also has five home runs, 18 runs scored, 22 RBI, and a wOBA of .278. When it comes to his Statcast percentiles, they haven’t been impressive, though he has been walking more (10.8%) than he did a season ago.
Jac Caglianone talks about recent lineup choices and how he’s sometimes not in them (video interview).
The Sports Business Journal named Kansas City as a top-10 sports city.
Caleb Moody at Kings of Kauffman takes a look at ESPN’s recent mock draft.
Kari Anderson at Yahoo Sports gives a little more detail on Blake Snell’s surgery. Max linked to a story yesterday on this topic; this story just expands it a bit.
Kyle Teel will remain out with a sprained LCL for a bit longer after suffering a setback in rehab.
The Mariners are promoting top prospect Colt Emerson to MLB.
DraftKings is closing its in-person sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: A detailed view of the cap and Rawling baseball glove belonging to Willy Adames #2 of the San Francisco Giants sitting in the dugout in the bottom of the second inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on April 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning, baseball fans!
The San Francisco Giants continue their local road trip later today when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the meantime, I thought we’d take a moment to watch a video that the team’s social media crew put out last week on their YouTube channel.
In the video, Giants players answer some of the most frequently asked baseball questions. I’ll admit, I didn’t have the highest hopes upon beginning the video and seeing Harrison Bader reading his own name off the queue cards. But his first answer was an absolute lock, so I’ll let it pass.
Anyway, it’s not a long video but it’s pretty fun to see everyone’s answers. So grab a coffee, settle in, and enjoy!
What time do the Giants play today?
The Giants begin their three-game road series against the Diamondbacks tonight at 6:40 p.m. PT.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 07: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.
Player Snapshot
Position: SF/PF
Age: 30
2026-27 Contract Status: $20.0 million
SunsRank (Preseason): 3
SunsRank (Postseason): 2
*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.
Season in One Sentence
Dillon Brooks provided the exact edge and high-intensity defensive resistance that Phoenix desperately needed, even if his occasional boundary-testing on offense left the coaching staff pulling their hair out.
The ask was simple, at least on paper. Give Devin Booker a break from the toughest nightly assignments. Bring physicality to a wing rotation that had been getting pushed around for two years. Hit enough corner threes to stay on the floor in crunch time. Phoenix did not need Brooks to reinvent himself. They needed him to show up and be exactly who he already was.
We knew what came with all of that. The technicals. The mind games. The staredowns. The relentless trolling. Sometimes it could cost you points in critical moments, but you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Dillon Brooks. You don’t get the Villain without it.
Dillon Brooks' stare-down tradition is something else 😭
Dillon Brooks had a breakout season for the Phoenix Suns. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game on 43.5% shooting from the floor. It wasn’t just his scoring that set the tone of the Suns; it was what he did on the other end of the court.
Brooks was the one guy on this roster who genuinely looked forward to guarding the other team’s best player. He did not rotate off, did not take plays off, and did not flinch when the assignment got ugly. He’d mix it up and get in the head of the opponent’s top option.
His catch-and-shoot numbers held at a respectable 36.8% from deep, which kept defenses from sagging off him entirely and gave the offense legitimate spacing to work with. He shot 34.4% from deep overall, and 49.2 on two-point field goals.
Here is where it gets complicated. Brooks has never been a guy who stays in his lane for 48 minutes, and this season was no different. There were several times he decided to create off the dribble, and possessions died. Ball movement stopped. Jordan Ott’s offensive structure evaporated. The team went from executing to watching one guy hunt a mid-range look with 14 seconds left on the shot clock. And look, some of those possessions were warranted or “heat checks” but we all know the harmful overdribbling Dillon Brooks experience was a thing last year.
What It Means
For two years, this franchise has talked about needing a tough, physical wing who takes pride in the dirty work. Brooks is that guy. He does not need to be reminded. He does not need to be motivated. He shows up ready to compete every single night, and that quality is genuinely rare in a league full of players who pick their spots.
Dillon Brooks is as tough as they come. The thought yesterday was that he was not going to play today with that sore Achilles, and he was very close to not playing. But he got treatment all day and battled to get in that lineup. Dillon Brooks has changed EVERYTHING about the…
There are plenty of Suns fans who would love to see an extension for Brooks this summer, but the math has to make sense. There are so many different priorities both short and long-term for this team to figure out. But make no mistake… Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin are the dogs that led this team’s culture change. All three need to be here for a while.
Defining Moment
It’s tough to pick any one defining moment from Brooks, as he was a constant meme generator and hit so many big shots over the course of the season.
The career-high 40-point outburst in a win vs. the Pistons in late January has to be my overall pick. He took over this game and carried the Suns to a win with Devin Booker sidelined. It was an efficient 40-piece on just 22 shot attempts. He mixed it up quite a bit with the Pistons throughout as he led the Suns to the convincing win against the number one seed in the East.
Grade: A-
Brooks did his job and then some. To me, he earns a very solid “A minus” because he is largely responsible for this season’s success and overacheiving.
He defended, he competed, and he gave this team an identity on the perimeter that it genuinely lacked before he arrived. The iso tendencies docked him a little bit, but agian, you take the good with the bad with Dillon Brooks. The talent and the toughness were never in question.
The bottom line is there are 29 other teams that would kill to have their own version of Dillon Brooks. He is a tough player to find, and the Suns should not take what he brings to the table for granted. Even if he gives Jordan Ott the ocassional anxiety attack.
DALLAS, TEXAS - DECEMBER 18: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball while defended by Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in the second half of a game at American Airlines Center on December 18, 2025 in Dallas, 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 Gunnar Word/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s almost impossible to predict which players will one day turn into a possible NBA MVP. As the league takes steps to address its purported tanking crisis, the last No. 1 overall pick to win the MVP is still Derrick Rose, who taken in 2008. After Rose, you have to go back to LeBron James (2003) and Tim Duncan (1997) for the last No. 1 overall picks to win MVP. Victor Wembanyama will almost certainly break this drought in the next year or two, but the looming ascent of Wemby opens up another question: When is the next time an American-born player will win MVP?
The last American-born MVP was James Harden in 2018. Since then, Giannis Antetokounmpo won twice, Nikola Jokic won three times, Joel Embiid won once, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won twice. Embiid was the only one of those players who was drafted in the top-10. It feels like Wembanyama could win the next seven MVP awards even if it’s unlikely because of the 65-game rule of award eligibility. It could be a long, long time before the next American MVP.
When thinking about the next American MVP, a long-term horizon needs to be considered. Given the gap between SGA, Wembanyama, Luka Doncic, and everyone else, it’s totally possible that the next NBA MVP born in America isn’t even in the league yet. Let’s go through some options.
Missed their window already, and never really got close
Donovan Mitchell: Mitchell is in the discussion for the best American-born player in the NBA right now. He’s also never finished top-5 in MVP voting, and he turns 30 in September. It’s not happening.
Jalen Brunson: It’s more likely that Brunson wins NBA Finals MVP than NBA MVP, even if that’s also a long-shot. Brunson is obviously terrific as a scorer and shot-creator, but he only has one fifth-place MVP finish to his name, and he’s not getting any better on the brink of his 30th birthday.
Jaylen Brown: He deserves a mention after the year he just turned in, but he’s not even the best player on his own team, let alone the best in the league.
Young veterans with a chance
Anthony Edwards: Edwards is one of the front-runners for this honor. He’s already a top-10 player in the league at 24 years old, and he’s also likely going to have a big marketing push behind him as the face of American basketball if he can continue to ascend as a player. Is there a world where the Timberwolves trade Rudy Gobert, Edwards suddenly has more space to drive and create, and he takes a big leap? What if he eventually changes teams? The fact that Edwards has improved so much since being drafted as a hyper-athletic ball of clay — just look at his three-point shooting from college to now — gives him a real shot to keep getting better and eventually win an MVP one day.
Jayson Tatum: Tatum is 28 years old and already has two fourth place MVP finishes on his resume. He looked fantastic returning from a torn Achilles this season, so it’s totally possible he can regain his level of play prior to the injury. Tatum was probably a long-shot MVP candidate even before the injury, since younger players have already passed him. It will be even harder with a reconstructed Achilles. Given that the Celtics consistently churn out great teams and Tatum remains their franchise player, there’s still a chance it happens one day if the other contenders miss the games played cut-off.
Cade Cunningham: Cunningham led his team to 60 wins in his age-24 season to fulfill the promise he showed as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He’s already a borderline top-10 player, and there’s so much low-hanging fruit to clean up in his game. Cunningham can go up another level if he cuts down the turnovers and improves his scoring efficiency, and it’s possible that playing in better spacing one day will get him there. It feels like Detroit might be better served to put another ball handler next to Cade and let him work as more of a wing than a point guard, but who knows if they will actually go in that direction. He’s one of the top candidates on this list …. but he’s nowhere near Wemby, while being 2.5 years older.
Evan Mobley: I would have ranked Mobley higher on my list of the next American MVP candidates a couple years ago, but he really hasn’t gotten much better lately. Does he have another big leap in him? He’s obviously a special defensive player and a good offensive player, but he’s a world away from MVP level.
LaMelo Ball: My toxic trait is that I never stop believing in LaMelo Ball. I had Ball ranked No. 1 in the 2020 NBA Draft, and he finally put it all together this season to both have a big impact on winning and grade out as a top-20 player in some metrics. The Hornets had the best net-rating in the NBA after Jan. 1. If Charlotte keeps that up and finishes at the top of the East next year (a big if, I know), Ball could sneak into MVP conversations.
Chet Holmgren: Holmgren is the closest thing we have to an American Wemby. He already feels like a top-10 player in the world to me, and just celebrated his 24th birthday. I really do think Holmgren can get up another level offensively, but not that’s not the role he’s been asked to play yet on the Thunder, and it’s hard to see a scenario where he’s the best player on his own team if he stays in OKC.
Tyrese Haliburton: Haliburton looked like an MVP-caliber player last time we saw him healthy in the 2025 NBA Finals. Can he get back to that level after a torn Achilles? It will be difficult, but not impossible. The Pacers point guard could be a Steve Nash-like candidate where he gets most of the credit of his team’s success if Indiana emerges as a contender again next season.
The 2006-2007 Generation
Cooper Flagg: Flagg was the youngest player in the NBA as a rookie, and he put together a terrific season despite being asked to play de facto point guard for the first time in his life. If an NBA player’s prime is ages 24-28, Flagg won’t hit that rank until the 2030-31 season. There have been eight players in league history to win MVP before they turned 24, and Flagg will be on an all-time trajectory if he can do that. I would like to see the Mavs star get back to his roots and reassert himself as a dominant defensive player after being …. fine on that end of the floor as a rookie while shouldering a huge offensive creation burden. Flagg has the talent to win MVP. No one else born in this country has his defensive ceiling while also being carrying this big of a usage load. It just feels like it will be hard for the Mavs to build a good enough team around him in the West in the near future.
Cameron Boozer: Boozer is the best player in the 2026 NBA Draft for my money. I’ve been touting him a future NBA superstar since he was in high school, and all he did at Duke was win national player of the year with a near-unanimous vote despite being basically the youngest player in the country. Concerns about his athleticism are overblown, but to get to MVP level Boozer would probably have to turn into an excellent pull-up three-point shooter or flirt with averaging a triple-double.
Darryn Peterson: It was only 18 months ago when Peterson was dropping 58 points on A.J Dybantsa in a 40 minute high school game. He never looked healthy at Kansas, but still showed that he can be a deadly three-point shooter. If his bizarre injury issues are over now and he’s really this good of a shooter, there’s a pathway for DP to be one of the most complete scoring guard prospects to hit the draft in recent memory.
A.J. Dybantsa: Dybantsa is an extremely gifted shot-creator for such a gigantic wing. I don’t think he’s really a complete player, but put a team full of dirty work guys around him and it’s possible he could emerge as a superstar engine of an elite team. He would need to take a big leap as a three-point shooter, defender, or both to get to MVP level, but there’s a world where that could happen.
Tyran Stokes: Stokes is the front-runner to go No. 1 overall in the 2027 NBA Draft right now as a jumbo shot-creator who stockpiles steals and blocks. There are some questions around his mentality. I asked an NBA scout at the combine if they thought Stokes had enough going on upstairs to eventually be a great player, and they responded by saying he’s currently a one-floor apartment. It’s more likely that he never makes an All-Star team than wins MVP, but he’s still a super talented player with plenty of time to learn winning habits.
Let’s get crazy
Rhys Robinson: Robinson is a 16-year-old who won’t be eligible for the NBA Draft until 2029. He’s a tall, high-feel point guard who has played up three years in international competitions and still performed well. He’s in the international pipeline right now but was born in California. I can’t believe I’m putting someone born in 2010 on this list, but the specter of Wemby’s long run of dominance will do crazy things to a man.
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje: Enrolling at Duke as a 17-year-old this year, JBB won’t be eligible for the draft until 2028. The Florida native is reportedly close to 7-feet tall with the skill to play on the perimeter. He’s more of a forward than a center, and can get hot as a three-point shooter. He could be really good 10 years from now in 2036, if the world still exists at that point.
Predicting the next American-born NBA MVP
Who will be the next American-born NBA MVP? Here’s how I’d rank the candidates.
7. Darryn Peterson
6. LaMelo Ball
5. Chet Holmgren
4. Anthony Edwards
3. Cade Cunningham
2. Cooper Flagg
1. Cameron Boozer
Let us know who you think will be the next American-born NBA MVP below in the comments.
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Shams says EVERY contender team has called to ask about LeBron 
