May 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Tyron Guerrero (41) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images
There’s no such thing as too much pitching. Pitchers inevitably get hurt. Relievers go on cold stretches. Starters tire down the stretch. The baseball season is a war of attrition, and pitchers are the main casualties. There’s a reason why teams hand out minor league deals to every pitcher with a pulse during Spring Training. For the Red Sox, one of those pitchers was Tyron Guerrero.
Coming into the season, Guerrero had last appeared in the Majors in 2019 when he posted an ERA over six with the Miami Marlins. Since then, he’s spent time in Japan, Mexico, and the minors. His numbers didn’t jump off the page in any of those stops, but if you watch him pitch for about three pitches, you’ll know why he was given a chance back in the States — he’s huge, and he throws really, really hard.
Guerrero’s sinker averages 99.9 miles per hour. Among pitchers with at least 150 pitches thrown (an arbitrary threshold to include Guerrero), that ranks 5th in all of baseball, behind names such as Jacob Misiorowski and Mason Miller. When you figure in his 7.1 feet of extension, the perceived velocity is 101.3 mph, 3rd among 507 qualifiers. That isn’t enough to make someone stick in a major league bullpen, but it’s enough to give them a chance.
Guerrero has taken that opportunity and run with it. He allowed 4 earned runs over his first 3 appearances, ballooning his ERA to 9.82. Since then, he’s been lights out, allowing just 1 earned run over his last 9 appearances (7.2 innings). He’s struck out almost 40% of the hitters he’s faced this season and walked just one (2.1%). Last time he was in the majors, he walked over 16% of hitters while striking out 19.9%. In Japan in 2025, he walked 8.5% and struck out 21%. We’re dealing with a small sample this season, but the improvement is clear. The question is: is it for real, or is it small sample luck?
With so few appearances under his belt, it’s hard to say if Guerrero is for real, although there are some encouraging signs. The biggest of which is that he’s in the zone. His sinker’s zone rate is over 60%, the highest mark of his career. I don’t have his rates from overseas, but I’d be willing to bet the current mark is above those marks as well. His slider – his most used secondary pitch – is also above 50%. Those two pitches have posted well above average strike rates, helping him limit the walks.
Each pitch also provides whiffs. The sinker’s swinging strike rate is over 15%, while the slider’s is almost 20%. At 100 mph with movement, that mark feels sustainable. The slider, as long as it’s near the zone, should also continue to return whiffs as hitters gear up for the fastball. Seriously, how do you hit this?
That’s really all there is to the arsenal. Throw one million miles per hour and dare people to hit it. Every now and then, pull the string and drop in a slider. It’s a formula that’s worked for a long time and will continue to work as long as Guerrero is in or around the zone.
That’s all fairly uninteresting, but the Red Sox do have an interesting choice to make with Guerrero. Given his age (35) and contract, he’ll likely never hit free agency (barring a significant chance to the CBA). According to Spotrac, the righty is still pre-arbitration, meaning he has several years of team control before he hits free agency.
As I mentioned in the open, contenders always need bullpen help. Adding strikeouts to a bullpen is always an attractive proposition. Guerrero, with his premium velocity, might become a name that teams are circling ahead of this year’s deadline. But, should the Red Sox trade him? Dan Secatore described the tightrope the Red Sox need to walk at this year’s deadline yesterday. The pitching is excellent, the offense is not, but they’re not that far off from competing in a top-heavy American League. Despite a disastrous season, they’re poised to turn things around in 2027 and compete again with a few shrewd moves to bolster the lineup. Adding prospects, either to flip for other pieces or to develop into major leaguers, is never a bad idea.
At the same time, the Red Sox have not developed relief pitchers over the past several years. Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock have been staples at the back of the bullpen for a few seasons now, but Chapman is all but certain to be traded. Justin Slaten has excellent stuff, but he’s struggled with injuries and hasn’t been dominant for a long stretch. Outside of those finds, the Red Sox haven’t had any late-inning arms to rely on. With that in mind, do you hold onto Guerrero and trust him to continue his dominance, slotting into the seventh or eighth inning for 2026, or trade him now while there is some value to be had? I lean towards the former, but could see the argument either way.
Don’t look now, but the Detroit Tigers have gotten hot again, having won four in a row after beating the New York Yankees at Comerica Park on Monday night, 5-3. Framber Valdez held the visitors to just one run over six innings while Riley Greene and Kevin McGonigle led the offense to victory.
The Motor City Kitties have a chance to clinch their fourth series win against a division-leading team on Tuesday night with right-hander Casey Mize on the mound. The 29-year-old is coming off a quality start against the Houston Astros, which saw him surrender three runs on six hits (one home run) and a walk while striking out three to earn his fourth loss of the 2026 campaign.
Opposite him is left-hander Carlos Rodón, whose season was stunted by offseason elbow surgery and then tightness in his right hamstring during spring training that delayed his debut. Since finally making his first start on May 10, the 33-year-old has produced mixed results — his first two starts were rough, but he followed that up with three games of sub-1 ERA before regressing a bit over his last two outings.
Take a look below at how the two match up on Tuesday.
Detroit Tigers (34-44) vs. New York Yankees (46-31)
Time (ET): 6:40 p.m. Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan SB Nation Site:Pinstripe Alley Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 79: RHP Casey Mize (2-4, 2.58 ERA) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (3-2, 3.50 ERA)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 22: Taylor Ward #3 of the Baltimore Orioles is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 22, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Scott Strazzante/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Birdland,
These Orioles are gonna make me believe in them again, aren’t they? Their 6-1 win on Monday night in Anaheim made it three in a row, and they did it in impressive fashion. Kyle Bradish tossed eight scoreless innings, Taylor Ward and Coby Mayo hit home runs, Gunnar Henderson had three hits, and it never really felt like the Angels had a shot. That final wild card spot in the AL remains just two games out of reach.
There was some bad news yesterday. Blaze Alexander had to leave the game with right knee discomfort. That sounds ominous. Jackson Holliday missed the game entirely with a groin issue. That forced Leody Taveras into action as the team’s third baseman for much of the game. He did alright, even making the very first play of the third inning after he was subbed in!
I blame myself for Alexander’s injury. You can’t just praise a player like that and expect the baseball gods to let him stay healthy for a full 24 hours after it’s posted. Never again.
The fact that Holliday was unable to play in that situation is a bit worrisome. Perhaps it happened too early in the game, and Craig Albernaz just wanted to give him a bit more time on the bench. Whether he plays today will be a big tell, especially with a righty (Ryan Johnson) on the mound for the Angels. Alexander may need an IL stint. We don’t know much about his injury right now.
A roster move that already happened was that the team selected Chadwick Tromp and added him to the active roster. Michael Siani was DFA’d to make room. Tromp gives the Orioles three catchers on the roster, alongside Samuel Basallo and Sam Huff. Adley Rutschman will be on the concussion IL for at least a few more days. Hopefully the addition of Tromp is not an indication that Rutschman could still be a ways away.
What’s evolved with four Orioles | Roch Kubatko The Orioles that take the field right now look quite different from the team we expected back in February. Injuries have been to blame to some degree. Underperformance is another factor. And in some cases, it’s because guys have actually made the case for more playing time. Few expected Alexander and Brandon Young to make such an impact in 2026.
Orioles Select Chadwick Tromp | MLB Trade Rumors In case you missed it, Tromp is back with Baltimore. How much will he play? Hopefully not much, but clearly the Orioles felt like they wanted more flexibility in the catcher’s role for the next few days while Rutschman recovers.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Jorge Mateo turns 31 today. The speedster was a waiver claim that turned into an extremely useful utility player for the Orioles from 2021 through ’25. His best season was 2022 when he became the Orioles everyday shortstop, led the league in stolen bases, and played terrific defense.
Mark Hendrickson is 52 years old. The 6-foot-9 lefty spent parts of nine seasons with the Orioles from 2009 through 2011 to wrapped up his decade in MLB.
The late Lorencito Fernández (b. 1939, d. 2020) was born on this day. His only MLB experience came in a 24-game stint with the Orioles in 1968.
This day in O’s history
1954 – The Orioles and Red Sox set a new AL record by playing a game that takes four hours and 58 minutes to complete. They also tie a major league record by combining to use 42 players in that game. The Orioles win the 17-inning affair 8-7.
1964 – O’s catcher Charley Lau ties a major league record by having two pinch hits in the same inning as the Orioles score seven runs in the eighth inning to beat the Yankees 9-8.
1973 – Orioles pitcher Jesse Jefferson throws 10 innings and allows one run in his major league debut, beating the Red Sox 2-1.
A week before Christmas, St. Louis and Dustin May agreed on a 1 year bounce back opportunity for the once highly touted right-hander. After a myriad of injuries that plagued his early 20’s and a freak esophageal tear that nearly cost May his life, he appears to be unlocking his big talent in the gateway to the west. The Cardinals entered 2026 hoping for health and consistency from May in the middle of their rotation, and after his first 2 starts, it looked like a potential flop.
Since April 10th, Dustin May has a 2.54 ERA and a 2.68 FIP across 74.1 IP. Striking out 23.5% of batters, limiting hitters to a .206 BAA, and a 0.98 WHIP. Over that time, May ranks 9th in ERA, 7th in FIP, 26th in K%, 14th in BAA, and 9th in WHIP. Really, really impressive stuff over that time.
The swing and miss in May’s profile is still improving, and some of the quality of contact numbers are still a little inflated from his truly disastrous first couple of starts of the season. The other element to note for Dustin May is that he has raised his arm angle 12 degrees from last year!
So, with this success, the Cardinals now find themselves in one of those good problems. What do they do? They can make the obvious decision to trade him and recoup assets that will help continue the rebuild, they can try to agree to an extension before the deadline and keep the good times rolling as he nears 30 years old, or they can ride it out through the season, and when he inevitably declines the mutual option, the Cardinals can provide a qualifying offer likely in the 23-24 million dollar range.
Consider this, since the April 10th marker, these are some of the other names expected to be available at this year’s trade deadline (minus Skubal, who will obviously be the top trade chip). I find FIP to be a more enlightening stat to help guide these types of conversations because you can say, “This is what player X does in a neutral environment.” Dustin May might be the 2nd most valuable rental arm available at the deadline, and when contenders are desperate for pitching reinforcements at the deadline, that will greatly improve the Cardinals’ chances at a really good return.
The next option could be to extend the big right-hander. The Cardinals might be tempted to offer a Sonny Gray-type deal for Dustin May at 3 yrs 75 million. That would minimize the long-term risk for the Cardinals and allow May to stay somewhere he’s healthy, happy, and contributing. I would be skeptical that May would settle for such a deal if his representation convinces him he could get over 100 million on the open market, assuming he maintains health and production through the conclusion of the season. The other element to consider here, is that if May IS traded midseason then he is not eligible for a qualifying offer and to be a high octane starting pitcher under the age of 30 with no draft pick compensation attached to him, he might be one of the top 2nd tier pitchers on the market this offseason outside of Skubal and that would land him a really nice payday and some fierce leage wide competetion for his services. He may look at all of those elements as a business decision and whats best for his family, and you can’t argue against that, and testing the open market.
Speaking of the qualifying offer, if the Cardinals can maintain their foothold in the WC standings come August 3rd, it wouldnt be out of the question for St. Louis to hold May and try to make a run with him at the top of the rotation, leading the way. Now, before you scoff at the notion of simply offering him a QO at season’s end. Consider these names to have been drafted using the comp pick over the last 8 years.
2025
Patrick Forbes (AZ) 50 FV
Caden Bodine (BAL) 50 FV
Wehiwa Aloy (BAL) 55 FV
Brady Ebel (MIL) 50 FV
2024
Kyle DeBarge (MIN) 50 FV
2023
none
2022
Sterlin Thompson (COL) 40 FV
Sal Stewart (CIN) 50 FV
2021
Jay Allen II (CIN) 50 FV
2020
none
2019
Brennan Malone (AZ) 55 FV
Drey Jameson (AZ) 50 FV
2018
Shane McClanahan (TB) 55 FV
Nick Schnell (TB) 50 FV
Jackson Kowar (KC) 55 FV
Daniel Lynch IV (KC) 50 FV
Ethan Hankins (CLE) 50 FV
The Cardinals would have the ability to draft a really high upside player still in the range of the recouped comp pick. It’s easy to blow off the idea of a comp pick when it’s framed as “a random draft pick.” It might change a few tunes when you start seeing the names McClanahan and Stewart. Those being the best case scenerios, sure. But, simply having the opportunity to bring in another 1st round quality prospect in whats expected to be a really strong draft in 2027 isn’t insignificant. If the Cardinals were to trade May, acquiring teams would have to at minimum surpass the value of a comp pick player. The Cardinals would also give themselves at least a fighting chance for a playoff spot when most of us assumed this was a 75-win team at best coming into the season, and still recoup assets as they try to capitalize on a surprise playoff bid.
Ultimately, Chaim Bloom is going to have a very difficult decision on his hands as to what he should do with a valuable asset like May by August 3rd, and the decision between now and then might fluctuate 7 or 8 different times as the ebbs and flows of a season remain a continuously fluid day-to-day evaluation.
(stats and graphs courtesy of Baseball Savant and Fangraphs, and FV values from MLB Pipeline)
May 6, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Former San Antonio Spurs player Manu Ginobili looks on during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Since the NBA Finals, the sports world has been buzzing around the World Cup. The matches are taking place around the United States and all the world is watching. Recently, Manu Ginobili was recognized and projected on the big screen during the Argentina vs. Austria game in Dallas.
Manu Ginóbili fue ver el Argentina-Austria en Dallas y fue OVACIONADO de pie por el estadio.
Additionally, Victor Wembanyama was recognized (and impossible to miss) as he arrived at a music festival in France.
La Fete de La Musique is the annual French celebration of the summer solstice. The festival features free outdoor concerts with a national spotlight on jazz at the Palais-Royal in Paris.
Wemby received a hero’s welcome including chants of MVP.
As the 2026 NBA Draft looms, the players are enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation. For Manu, some time with his family enjoying his country’s participation in a competition that is bringing together many cultures. For Wemby, a music festival.
Check back for updates as other Spurs summer sightings are discovered.
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BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Detailed view of the NBA New Era draft hats during the 2025 NBA Draft - Round Two on June 26, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With the NBA Draft tipping off on Tuesday and rumors percolating regarding what Trajan Langdon’s next move will be for the Detroit Pistons, I’m here to offer 21 thoughts — draft- and overall offseason-focused — leading us up to the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
21. Are the Pistons even picking in this spot?
It looks like, sounds like, feels like the Pistons have their eyes on some guys in this range (Maleek Thomas, Ebuka Okorie, Allen Graves) and some guys rated higher (Cameron Carr, Yaxel Lendeborg), which has kept me from fully buying that they’ll pick at No. 21
20. I like Yax and Graves most, I think.
The idea of acquiring a cheap stretch four in the draft rather than paying the premium for a good in the league now seems like a possible angle for Detroit. If they’re bringing back Tobias Harris (I think they eventually do), having an heir-apparent for the soon-to-be 34-year-old makes a lot of sense. Yax is my favorite. Please, Trajan, get Yax. Please.
19. Cameron Carr is veryyyyy interesting.
I really love watching Carr play. He’s got a very smooth offensive game, and his jumper looks like it’ll translate nicely to the NBA. I don’t love that he’s a late bloomer, but, oddly, my two favorite prospects for the Pistons (Carr + Yax) both fit the bill in that regard.
18. Okorie is cool, but he’s also an odd fit.
It’s always tough to gauge a high-usage player on a bad college team. Okorie did a lot this season for Stanford and really went from off the NBA radar to firmly a first-rounder in his lone season with the Cardinal. I dunno how well he fits with Cade and Daniss Jenkins, but he checks all the boxes as a bucket-getter who can create offense.
17. Graves is my mystery box.
For the football folks, Graves feels like maligned Texas Tech QB Brennan Sorsby. Both had a chance to go from middling situations to big-time programs via the transfer portal and (likely) would have thrived in those bigger roles that would have boosted their draft stock.
Graves is probably picked between 15 and 25 on Tuesday. If he went to LSU or Kentucky and kicked ass, I wonder if this could be like getting a 2027 lottery talent a year early?
16. I don’t hate the Tyler Herro rumors.
By the time this goes live, the Giannis soap opera may be done. Tyler Herro may be in Detroit with the Pistons. Or not. Either way, I think if the price is right, Herro goes a long way toward curing the secondary shooting/scoring concerns. It does, in my mind, increase the importance of a stretch four who can defend… and those guys do not grow on trees.
15. Can they just get more shooting on the margins in free agency?
Two of the greatest 3-point seasons in team history have been trades/signings Langdon has made on the margins — Malik Beasley two years ago and Duncan Robinson last year. I have no idea if he can make the big-time moves yet, but he has shown us he can identify the under-the-radar shooters from a pro personnel standpoint.
14. One sleeper-ish guy I like Wednesday: Richie Saunders.
OR they could do this. Saunders is the other guy for BYU with Dybantsa and would be a nice bench add. I know they just drafted Chaz Lanier, but I’d take another stab at finding your AJ Green/Sam Merrill with Saunders, who is older at 24 and coming off a knee injury, but shoots an effortless 3-ball and battles on the boards.
13. I don’t think Isaiah Stewart is here next season.
Love the guy. I’ve stan’d Stew since COVID. He’s the most superfluous piece they have from a roster/salary perspective, and you need to trade good players to get good players. It would hurt to deal him away, but it might be a necessary evil to push this team forward.
12. How high would Ron Holland rank in this draft?
Holland was a raw piece of clay with big upside, coming off a very meh season with G League Ignite when he was drafted in 2024. If you did a re-draft today, I think he’s probably the 11th or 12th best player from that draft. He’s probably around the 20th best prospect in this draft. Both he and the 21st pick have been floated in these trade rumors, and that feels like his value with the flaws he’s shown + two years left on his rookie deal.
11. I’m expecting Isaac Bonga to be the new high-energy wing off the bench.
The 2018 second-rounder has been quietly mentioned in connection with the Pistons in recent years. His buyout with Partizan in the Adriatic League probably prevented him from coming, but he’s free to sign in the NBA now. I’d imagine he’ll be better now than he was 8 years ago after winning Best Defensive Player of EuroBasket 2025 and EuroBasket Finals MVP, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds last season. He has consistently shot ~40% from three in Europe. Woo replacement, maybe? ̄\_(ツ)_/ ̄
10. Cam Boozer is my favorite prospect.
I think AJ Dybantsa might be the next Paul George, but all Boozer needs to be a do-everything star is to improve his shot off the dribble. I’ve learned not to put too much weight into size or athleticism when the skills are elite.
He’s got the best tools in this draft.
9. I’m still dreaming on Trey Murphy.
It sounds like the ex-Pistons Execs in New Orleans are driving a hard bargain for the big shooter, but I still love that fit here so much. I get the concern with paying an exorbitant, Mikal Bridges-esque price for a guy who has never made an All-Star team, but I think Murphy could take a big leap with Cade Cunningham setting the table and Jalen Duren occupying the paint. It would be perfect, which is why it will clearly never happen.
8. The Pistons wouldn’t have beaten the Knicks if they made the ECF.
This is old news, but I still see people talk about it. Stop. Get some help. They weren’t stopping the Team of Destiny from finishing off a dominant championship run.
7. Manifesting Jalen Duren getting $30 million per year.
He’s getting paid, just not what he could have made. I hope it falls closer to $30 million than $40 million. I would be lying if I hadn’t thought deeply about the idea that Duren may not be the right guy at center — not because he isn’t good; he is very good — but because we haven’t seen a team win a title without a center-adjacent guy who hits 3s consistently in over a decade.
6. He’s no All-Star, but if Memphis drafts Cam Boozer, I’d call about Santi Aldama.
Speaking of bigs who can shoot. If they don’t go this route tonight, this could be the optimal stretch five option. Aldama is more of a power forward, but at 7-feet he offers legit shooting and is a nice table setter, topping seven assists three times this season. I think you can play him with Duren or in lineups without him, it’d be a great add.
5. I think Giannis ends up in Boston.
I know the Miami option is the best for the Pistons, but I can’t see the Bucks taking the mystery platter from Miami over Jaylen Brown. I also think teams are going to try to be middling to good over horrible because of the lottery reform. If Brown works, the Bucks will be good. If not, they won’t be terrible and, in turn, will have decent lottery odds.
4. I don’t know if Jaylen Brown, The Guy, is going to work so well outside Boston.
I think Brown was awesome this year, and he carried the Celtics to a surprising season. I also am not sure, outside the confines of the Celtics eco-system, if he would have the same success as your No. 1 guy. That team was built so perfectly for the system, and Brown worked so well within it. I’ll be curious to see how that plays out if he does get dealt.
3. I probably wouldn’t trade any picks past 2029, either.
Langdon said in his press conference last week that he didn’t think teams, including his, would deal picks after 2029. That’s because it marks the first year of maybe another new lottery reform, as the current 3-2-1 model is only being tested for the next three years.
It begs the question: how much will teams get for players in deals, and will we see more players traded since teams can’t mortgage five years of picks + swaps when the future is a complete unknown?
2. Maybe moving up and acquiring a cheap, rookie piece is the fallback?
If the Giannis trade goes down with just Milwaukee and one of Miami or Boston, I think the Pistons’ focus shifts to moving up into the top 10 of the draft. It makes sense as they prep to extend Ausar Thompson and re-sign Duren. If you can package pieces to move up in the draft for, surprise, someone like Yax, you could solve some issues without adding a big salary, thus, leaving room for other moves via trades or free agency.
1. Free agency will be secondary for Detroit this summer.
The Pistons will make some tangible moves this summer, but I don’t see any of them coming in free agency outside of re-signing Jalen Duren. I’ve seen them mentioned with Austin Reaves… I don’t see that happening. Fans have clamored for CJ McCollum; he’s headed back to Atlanta. Rui Hachimura? Sure, I guess?
There will be marginal moves to accentuate the remaining holes — maybe a cheap stretch four if they go guard in draft, or vice versa if they go big — but I’m pretty confident trades and the draft are where they’ll be focused.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Cooper Flagg (R) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted first overall by the Dallas Mavericks during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Today’s going to be a fun, weird day. We’ll have plenty of content, but I wanted to give you all a place to have all the draft day conversations. So here we are.
There’s bound to be a ton of rumors and chatter, so please, comment and share away. Use The Feed for anything huge please.
My guess, as of this writing on Monday night, is that the Mavericks will keep their pick at nine and select whoever falls to them. The 30th pick is a different deal entirely, and I hope the front office finds a means to get creative to trade up. Someone good will be there at 30, but there are a lot of guys I expect to go 20-25 and I’ll be a smidge grumpy if they get picked.
While we’re here, I wanted to tell you about a new game from Splash Sports you can play prior to the draft. It’s a NBA Draft Predictor and has cash prizes. If you sign up and use the code MAVS you’ll get $20 in QuickPicks vouchers plus a 100% boost on Splash’s DFS game. This site has a ton going on, including an NFL survival pool that’s going to be big, $21 million! Back to our scheduled programming…
For now, I’m hoping one of the guards falls to us. I need it. We need it. If Mikel Brown falls, I promise I won’t ask anything of the basketball gods for at least a year. Man I love the Draft. If you want to revisit any of our old takes or posts, here’s the link. I am partial to all the Draft profiles of individual players. That’s some of the work where I learn the most as an editor.
Everyone, have fun and find me on Twitter or email if you need anything.
With just a few hours left until the 2026 NBA Draft, fans will soon know exactly where each prospect will begin their professional careers.
Following the NBA draft combine and weeks of pre-draft workouts, front offices will finalize their decisions this evening. After extensive conversations with folks around the league, we have more intel on when each prospect might hear their name called during draft nights at Barclays Center for the first round on June 23 and and the second on June 24.
Our mock draft includes data from CBB Analytics. We also spoke with P3, a sports science and athletic training company that uses biomechanical data and movement profiling to evaluate players and project NBA outcomes, to better understand how certain prospects translate physically to the next level.
While news of two big trades broke late night on Monday, June 22 – one involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the other involving Julius Randle – neither can be executed until July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET, which is the start of the new league year. So, those 2026 picks remain with their current teams in our mock draft, although those teams will be selecting players on behalf of their trade partners.
Following our own conversations as well as other trusted reporting, here are our latest predictions.
Note: All heights and wingspans (as well as the distance between the two) are listed to the nearest inch and players were measured without shoes.
The Wizards have narrowed their choices down to two players: AJ Dybansta and Darryn Peterson, both of whom have already reportedly conducted workouts for Washington.
"I'm super confident in myself being the No. 1 pick. But you never know. There's been crazy stuff that happens on draft night," Dybantsa told USA TODAY Sports.
While he is prepared for various scenarios, especially after Washington re-signed Trae Young to a long-term contract extension, the Wizards remain far and away the most likely outcome. He would be a fascinating fit next to Young and Anthony Davis, who could help him play alongside veteran talent early in his career.
While we had Duke forward Cameron Boozer mocked to the Utah Jazz in every mock draft we published for more than a month, all of the intel suggests the Jazz plan to select Darryn Peterson to join Keyonte George in their young backcourt.
According to The Athletic's Tony Jones, the Jazz were "genuinely torn" about who to select once on the clock, and Boozer remained "firmly in the mix" at No. 2 overall. However, though he was no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Peterson is the most talented player in this class.
It is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season. Even though he did not have an official workout with the Jazz, he confirmed that he did meet with the organization over the weekend before the draft.
Any front office that values versatility and advanced metrics could very likely have Duke freshman Cameron Boozer at No. 1 overall on their big board considering he had one of the most statistically impressive freshman campaigns we have ever seen.
Those are two defining traits the Grizzlies have valued while drafting, and their franchise will enter a new chapter of their organization with this pick.
As the national collegiate player of the year, he wasn’t a human highlight reel. But he performed better than expected during athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. He offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set, and he can bring a culture of winning back to the Grizzlies after multiple championships in high school and playing on an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16.
Bryson Graham, who was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls, has a simple task: Select whichever of the four top players is still available.
North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is not just a consolation prize. He is a perfect fit for what Graham wants to build in Chicago, as he values size, length, athleticism, and physicality. Wilson did more than enough to earn this placement before his thumb injury.
According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded and was one of the best vertical athletes who tested at the combine in Chicago. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.
“I feel like I’m a game changer," Wilson told USA TODAY Sports. "Whatever needs to be done to win, that’s what you’re going to get from me.”
He added that he doesn't just see himself as a traditional post player, showing pride in his ability to make reads in the open court and create for others as well.
The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac, and while there is wide speculation they could trade this pick, they are closely linked with several guards in this range. As such, whether it's their front office or another on the clock at No. 5 overall, look for any team on the clock to potentially call on Illinois standout Keaton Wagler.
“I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Wagler told USA TODAY Sports. “Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”
Wagler reportedly "emerged as the more impressive prospect" during a recent head-to-head workout for the Clippers against another lottery-caliber guard, per Jake Fischer. He explained why he canceled his workout with the Brooklyn Nets, on the clock next at No. 6 overall, following the visit.
The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, and he is a cerebral basketball player who is a good rebounder and playmaker as well.
6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.
DRAFT AGE: 20
TEAM: Louisville
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Florida
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+4)
During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like talented Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., even though they drafted three point guards last season.
He said he met with the Nets three times during the pre-draft process and completed a second workout for Brooklyn, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were unauthorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Brown's draft stock has improved during the pre-draft process as he has shown teams a clean bill of health. “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”
The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State, before his injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.
The Kings need a potential star, and it is widely speculated that their front office is targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.
En route to the Sweet 16, despite significant defensive deficiencies, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists as well.
P3’s evaluators highlighted his “really impressive start-stop tools” and ability to generate separation in multiple directions, key traits for a high-usage guard translating to the NBA.
It is also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college, and one would expect there are few scenarios where he falls below this pick. If his name is called earlier, though, Kingston Flemings could also make sense here.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Kingston Flemings
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Texas
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-4 (+1)
DRAFT AGE: 19
With the pick the Hawks received from New Orleans, Atlanta is expected to pick a big or a guard, and one potential target is Houston freshman Kingston Flemings.
"He can pretty much do it all. He can defend, he can shoot, and his playmaking is really underrated. And he’s a high-IQ, high-character guy," Chris Cenac Jr., his teammate at Houston, told USA TODAY Sports. "Any organization that gets him is going to get a great player and a great person."
Flemings' smaller wingspan did him no favors at the combine but he measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across all his agility testing, projecting as one of the fastest guard prospects since De'Aaron Fox. He helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it is difficult to imagine he will be available past the Hawks on draft night.
9. Dallas Mavericks: Brayden Burries
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Guard
BORN: California
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
DRAFT AGE: 20
After hiring Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations and Mike Schmitz as general manager, the Dallas Mavericks can add a lottery talent to grow alongside Cooper Flagg. One name to consider is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries, who is consistently linked to the organization.
Burries had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. He was then an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four, where he played against new Mavericks head coach Dusty May.
Overall, the All-Big 12 guard displayed his tantalizing talent, and he has proven productivity. Burries is able to defend, relocate, move the ball, and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Our intel suggests he is in consideration as high as No. 5 overall as he impressed several decision makers, including Clippers head coach Ty Lue, during the pre-draft process.
While it is unclear which (and how many) picks the Milwaukee Bucks will actually have in the 2026 NBA Draft due to ongoing trade rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament.
The All-SEC forward averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. It will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking this forward, with a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1, in the lottery.
It is worth noting that Bucks executive Jon Horst and head coach Taylor Jenkins reportedly recently traveled to meet with Ament during the pre-draft process, per Jake Fischer. Jimmy Haslam, a co-governor for the Bucks, recently took a larger role with Milwaukee's ownership group and also made the largest donation to the University of Tennessee in school history.
11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López
TEAM: New Zealand (International)
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Mexico
HEIGHT: 6-8
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 19
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. According to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, his "range" starts at this pick to Golden State.
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 earlier this year. According to someone with knowledge of the situation who did not have authority to speak publicly on the matter, Warriors executive Mike Dunleavy attended that game.
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 with a 38-inch max vertical. Our intel suggests he is also a serious consideration for the Bulls at No. 15 overall and is unlikely to fall past the San Antonio Spurs at No. 20 overall.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Spain
HEIGHT: 7-3
WINGSPAN: 7-6 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 21
Oklahoma City tends to like low-usage big men, like Aday Mara, with high assist percentages as well as high block and steal percentages.
While leading his team to the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents rarely attempted field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics.
He could potentially hear his name called even higher than this, too, as teams look for large players like Mara (who measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach) as front offices value bigger bodies to throw at Victor Wembanyama. The Thunder are expected to consider Mara's teammate, Morez Johnson Jr., as well.
German big man Hannes Steinbach, who will get looks starting as early as around No. 10 overall, should get some serious interest from teams around this range, including the Bucks.
The center reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten center is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, Steinbach was one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.
14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr.
TEAM: Michigan
POSITION: Big
BORN: Illinois
HEIGHT: 6-9
WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
DRAFT AGE: 20
Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois; he can bring that same mentality to the Hornets, who are searching for a new big man.
He should have interest as high as No. 9 overall, where he could reunite with his former coach Duty May on the Mavericks.
Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a very trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.
15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr
DRAFT AGE: 21
TEAM: Baylor
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Minnesota
HEIGHT: 6-5
WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+8)
The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament, and the player who improved his draft stock the most during the combine was Baylor junior Cameron Carr.
He scored 30 points in a five-on-five scrimmage, recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical and had great physical measurements. This should grab the attention of teams that tend to like athletic prospects, which new Bulls executive Bryson Graham indicated.
According to P3’s internal models, Carr grades as a 95th-percentile athlete with a rare “hyper flexor” force-production profile, a combination evaluators described as “double unique” for pairing elite explosiveness with unusually fluid movement mechanics.
The All-Big 12 wing brings shooting touch in addition to his athleticism and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season.
Despite his age and the ankle injury, he will intrigue teams like the Grizzlies, who have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. The Grizzlies have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.
A few years ago, research indicated that the Memphis front office tends to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Big Ten Player of the Year was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr.
DRAFT AGE: 19
TEAM: Houston
POSITION: Big
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+7)
Regardless of whether or not the Thunder trade this pick, one name to consider is Chris Cenac Jr., whose range begins around No. 14 overall.
Cenac played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal.
“I got to earn my minutes. I got to do the little things … defending, rebounding, spacing the floor,” Cenac told USA TODAY Sports. "Whatever team takes me… they’re getting a winning player that loves winning and is going to buy into whatever to help that team win."
Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.
P3 places Cenac within its “bigs plus” model, a rare archetype combining traditional size with wing-like mobility. Evaluators pointed to his “unique tools” and described him as a potential “matchup nightmare” due to his movement profile and physical traits, which suggest his significant untapped upside.
18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Christian Anderson
DRAFT AGE: 20
TEAM: Texas Tech
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Georgia
HEIGHT: 6-1
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+5)
The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who is a potentially perfect fit and received a green room invitation to attend the 2026 NBA Draft.
After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. Anderson managed to do that while also scoring well on spot-up possessions and handoffs. Even though he is a bit undersized, there are few better offensive creators in this class than Anderson.
After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned him a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Tarris Reed Jr.
DRAFT AGE: 22
TEAM: Connecticut
POSITION: Big
BORN: Missouri
HEIGHT: 6-10
WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke.
There is plenty of interest in Reed from teams starting at No. 16 overall, based on our intel, and he is unlikely still available by No. 29 overall. After receiving consistently positive feedback during the pre-draft process, the Spurs could make a lot of sense for the big man.
During the combine, he did the dirty work, recording 5 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block in his first game and then scored 17 points (7-of-9 FG) with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the second. Reed also tested with elite agility for his position. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.
21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Dailyn Swain
TEAM: Texas
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Ohio
HEIGHT: 6-7
WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20
After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball.
The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he’s still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen.
P3 categorizes Swain as a “kinematic mover,” a fluid, efficiency-driven archetype that allows players to “get wherever they want on the court” and has produced the highest density of NBA All-Stars in its data.
Expect the Pistons to have serious interest in Swain, based on multiple people who spoke to USA TODAY Sports, though Detroit will also strongly consider shooters like Christian Anderson and Isaiah Evans if they are available.
22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Labaron Philon Jr.
TEAM: Alabama
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Alabama
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Labaron Philon Jr. from Alabama.
Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Ebuka Okorie
TEAM: Stanford
POSITION: Guard
BORN: New Hampshire
HEIGHT: 6-1
WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+7)
DRAFT AGE: 19
When the Hawks are on the clock, expect them to consider a player like Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.
The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz and should intrigue teams in this range, who may like the high assist-to-turnover ratio he recorded (2.3) last season.
24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves
TEAM: Santa Clara
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Louisiana
HEIGHT: 6-8
WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 20
The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers like Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves. That's an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.
The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State.
The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. All teams that prioritize analytical modeling in the pre-draft process will have this prospect ranked highly, which is why he is often linked even higher than this to teams like the Spurs.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat
TEAM: Arizona
POSITION: Wing
BORN: Arizona
HEIGHT: 6-7
WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 19
Arizona forward Koa Peat is potentially an appealing option for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is naturally bouncy and athletic with a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position and the Lakers likely have serious interest in him due to his size and physicality.
The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level. But he’s still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.
26. Denver Nuggets: Meleek Thomas
TEAM: Arkansas
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Pennsylvania
HEIGHT: 6-3
WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+4)
DRAFT AGE: 19
The Denver Nuggets tend to look for players with a strong assist-to-usage ratio because they rely on high-efficiency passing and off-ball movement. Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent on 3-pointers during his 21 games as a starter last season.
He was efficient using off-ball screens and handoffs and occasionally showed some on-ball flashes as a pick-and-roll ball handler as well. He led the SEC in corner 3-pointers made (32) last season, per CBB Analytics, and his plus-four wingspan gives him solid length as a young guard who is still improving on both sides of the court. Thomas answered one of the biggest questions in college basketball when he decided to turn pro rather than return to the NCAA.
27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans
TEAM: Duke
POSITION: Wing
BORN: North Carolina
HEIGHT: 6-6
WINGSPAN: 6-9 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 20
Boston tends to favor players with a high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage and low usage rate. They also like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and on corner 3-pointers.
Duke sophomore Isaiah Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made. Expect the Celtics to potentially have Evans higher on their big board than other teams might. UConn's Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, also fits the bill.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Jack Kayil
TEAM: International (Alba)
POSITION: Guard
BORN: Germany
HEIGHT: 6-4
WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
DRAFT AGE: 20
Much like with the Heat at No. 13, the Timberwolves will be making this selection on behalf of the the Brooklyn Nets, who acquired the pick and Julius Randle from the Minnesota. The Nets, in turn, are sending the No. 33 pick (third pick of the second round) to the Timberwolves.
One player the Nets may have their eyes on is Jack Kayil, who surprisingly decided to stay in the draft as an international candidate after initially committing to play for Gonzaga next season. He was likely confident in the feedback that he received during the pre-draft process if he chose to not play collegiate basketball.
Kayil was named the Basketball Champions League Best Young Player in Europe after averaging 20.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per 36 minutes across 65 appearances this season.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar
TEAM: North Carolina
POSITION: Forward
BORN: Estonia
HEIGHT: 6-11
WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+3)
DRAFT AGE: 22
We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes will have him high on their priority list. He presumably felt comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered "at least $6 million" in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.
Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Evaluators are "consistently expressing concern around his medicals" about the big man, per ESPN's Jeremy Woo.
The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, though, and he showed elite flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class is still a worthy gamble. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter.
While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.
SECOND ROUND
31. New York Knicks (via WAS): Zuby Ejiofor (St. John's)
32. Memphis Grizzlies (via IND): Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
33. Brooklyn Nets: Sergio De Larrea (Valencia — International))
34. Sacramento Kings: Trevon Brazile (Arkansas)
35. San Antonio Spurs (via UTA): Alex Karaban (UConn)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the move, but not to the Boston Celtics. After what was essentially a full month of rumors and endless speculation about Antetokounmpo’s future, culminating with Boston being framed as a frontrunner, it’s the Miami Heat that emerge in the final tug of war for the two-time MVP’s services.
ESPN reported that the Bucks settled on Miami’s package headlined by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jacquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and three first-round picks, while sending out Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. The network also reported that Boston’s final offer was Jaylen Brown and two first-round picks.
The big question in the aftermath of what became a very public pursuit of Antetokounmpo is what it all means for Brown’s future in Boston. While trade rumors involving Brown have swirled repeatedly in past seasons, especially when superstars like Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard became available, it never felt like they advanced to a place where the relationship might have been in jeopardy.
Can the Celtics mend fences again this time around? Did their pursuit of Antetokounmpo suggest an unwillingness to pay Brown the big-money extension he could soon be seeking? And what does Brown desire for his own future?
Boston’s presence in the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes certainly forced Miami to mortgage its own future, with the Heat sending out just about every future asset it had in order to pair the former MVP with Bam Adebayo. But now the Celtics must determine if it’s still possible to move forward with its own superstar tandem of Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Will this be another storyline in the wild journey of the Jays?
Brad Stevens, who had pledged to be aggressive in pursuit of roster upgrades this offseason in the aftermath of Boston’s disappointing first-round exit against the Philadelphia 76ers, did stress in that moment how good the Celtics have been when they’ve had a healthy Tatum and Brown.
“I don’t take for granted how good we’ve been when we’ve been full,” Stevens said at his end-of-the-season press conference. “When we’ve been full, and all on the court and playing together, we’ve been a good basketball team.”
Brown put up an MVP-caliber season while Tatum rehabbed from Achilles surgery. Is Brown willing to slide back into a 1A/1B type relationship with a healthier Tatum. The duo has been to two NBA finals and captured the elusive Banner 18 in 2024.
Even if the Celtics can smooth things over with Brown and move forward with the Jays, it’s hard to see an obvious pathway to overhauling the core around that duo. The Celtics have access to some roster-building assets this offseason in the midlevel exception and a bulky traded player exception from the Anfernee Simons trade, but must also navigate a potential desire to stay below the luxury tax again this season.
Doing such would reset pesky repeater penalties and allow the Celtics to spend more freely next summer.
Could the Celtics explore other moves involving Brown? It’s unclear if two max-salary players are sustainable under the new collective bargaining agreement. Brown could lobby for a big-money extension starting this summer and Boston would be in line to pay him upwards of $70 million per season by the end of that deal.
Boston could also explore what’s feasible this summer if they were willing to move Derrick White, Sam Hauser, or Payton Pritchard — the only other three players making north of minimum money.
The Celtics have picks Nos. 27 and 40 entering Tuesday night’s draft.
One other intriguing subplot from the Antetokounmpo pursuit: Reports suggested that Milwaukee was interested in Hugo Gonzalez, but the reported final offer did not include the 20-year-old, who just finished his rookie season.
It might be a sign that the front office is bullish on his future and his ability to be an impact player for the team moving forward.
Sean Marks is pictured during an April press conference. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
With Keaton Wagler likely off the board one spot earlier, that could be Brown.
A back injury and tough shot diet led to inconsistency as a freshman.
But only three players since 2008 have had an assist percentage over 30, shot 84 percent from the foul line, had a free-throw rate over 35 and taken at least 14 3s per 100 possessions — Stephen Curry, Trae Young and Brown.
August company, that.
No. 28: Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
The Nets end up drafting an Arkansas teen guard, but it’s not Darius Acuff Jr. It’s Thomas, who averaged 15 points and shot 41.6 percent from deep.
From that crunch classic in Paris to the Red Roses’ trailblazing and Rhys Carré’s try, our pick of the moments that made the 2026-27 season
Best games attended 1) 14 March, France 48-46 England. Thirteen tries – including four for Louis Bielle-Biarrey – and a last-gasp winning penalty from Thomas Ramos. Truly magnifique.
They have two picks in the second round, so they could either use those for cheaper players or combine them with the first-rounder to move up higher if they identify a favorite prospect.
And, finally, the Knicks are championship ready, so trading for future assets — which can be flipped down the line for a vet — is more valuable than a rookie.
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 12: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 12, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
KJ, you need a bedroom?
As a Milwaukee-area resident, I’m very excited about the prospect of Kasparas Jakucionis joining the Bucks.
Also as a Milwaukee-area resident, I’m pretty bummed the Giannis era is officially coming to an end. But the writing had been on the wall, so here we are.
ESPN reported late Monday. night that KJ is part of the package the Heat are sending to the Bucks in return for Giannis and former Bull Bobby Portis.
It’s also being reported that the second-year guard out of Illinois was a possible hang-up in a deal happening all day. The Bucks seem pretty high on KJ, and the Heat were, too.
Kasparas Jakucionis was Miami's version of Boston's Hugo Gonzalez hang-up. Had been hearing all day the Heat did not want to part with the Illinois product on top of their Herro-Ware-Jacquez-No. 13 structure. That's an All-Star guard, three recent first-round picks still on…
Good sign about his value moving forward. I think this is a really good opportunity for him to get a lot of time to grow. He’s still so young, so the future is bright.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat late Monday night for a massive package of players and draft picks.
The Boston Celtics were reportedly the favorite to land the two-time NBA MVP, but the Bucks ultimately went with the Heat’s offer instead.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday night that Boston’s offer consisted of All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown and two unprotected first-round picks.
It wasn’t enough to move the needle for the Bucks. They wanted a lot more than that.
“The Bucks wanted more assets,” Sharania said on SportsCenter. “They wanted a couple of young players —Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, potentially others —and they wanted more first-round picks, more swaps. Was there a middle ground to be had? My understanding is the Celtics were not willing to part with enough young players and assets to get a deal done.”
Reporting live on @SportsCenter — on Giannis Antetokounmpo landing in Miami, the Bucks deciding between the Heat and Celtics, and the Boston-Jaylen Brown dynamics after he was offered in talks: pic.twitter.com/LXQwKb38oI
Celtics fans waking up to the news of Antetokounmpo going to Miami instead of Boston might cause some frustration, but the Celtics were wise to draw the line where they did. Brown is a much, much better player than anyone the Heat gave up in their package. Hugo Gonzalez is a better talent than any of the young players Miami offered.
Giving up Brown, Gonzalez, Scheierman and a bunch of unprotected first-round picks and swaps would have been way too much for Boston to surrender. That kind of deal also would have depleted the Celtics’ assets and made it pretty tough to build enough depth around Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.
Now the question is what will the Celtics do with Brown. Do they look for a different deal involving Brown, or do they bring him back and try to win another championship with him and Tatum leading the way?
It should be a busy and exciting Tuesday with the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Mar 5, 2025; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jake Bloss (39) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Today’s subject is in kind of an unusual spot as regards his prospect status. Bloss actually debuted two years ago, and as he turns 25 today (Happy Birthday, Jake) he’s on the fringes of what’s typically considered prospect eligibility. He’s also coming back from Tommy John surgery, which has eaten up the last 14 months for him when he would normally have been breaking into the MLB rotation. All that means the excitement about him is a little muted for a former top 100 prospect on the cusp of the majors. We ranked him as the system’s #6 prospect coming into the season, and he’s undoubtedly a key part of the organization’s medium term hopes, but right at this minute the buzz is lacking. He’s back at AAA as of last week, though, and given the state of the back of the Jays’ rotation he might become a factor of the big league club soon if he looks up to the challenge.
His rehab outing Statcast data offers some immediate intrigue. Last time we saw Bloss for a full season, in 2024, his four seamer sat 92-95 and touched 96. It’s a small sample size, with only 95 heaters tracked (we only have public StatCast data for his three appearances with A Dunedin and one with AAA Buffalo), but since coming back he’s sitting 95.8mph and regularly cresting 97. His hardest single pitch in 2024 was equivalent to his average in 2026, and he hasn’t thrown a pitch classified as a four seamer this season as slow as his average from the earlier year. There were hints before he went down with the elbow injury last year that he was taking a step forward with his velocity, but what we’re seeing right now is a big leap. The pitch was already considered to be above average in spite of middling velocity because Bloss gets great extension and generates a lot of backspin and vertical carry. That’s all preserved, so if he maintains most of the velocity gain as he gets fully stretched out his fastball has improved from solid to an easy plus pitch.
His sinker appears to have made the same gains, going from 93.3mph to 95.0. He’s spinning both fastballs harder by about 80rpm, which has preserved their total movement in spite of the velocity bump (slower pitches break more because they have more time to accelerate in whatever direction their spin is taking them before reaching the plate).
He also seems to have made changes to his secondaries. His changeup has gotten harder, but by only 1.3mph (87.2 up to 88.5mph), and he’s actually gotten better at killing the spin on the pitch, reducing the rotation by 100rpm. The result is that it has more drop and a bigger velocity gap off the fastball. The slider, like the fastballs, has picked up about 2mph and about 100rpm, breaking harder to cover the same distance in less time. His curveball, interestingly, hasn’t seen the same gains in spin rate but is now almost 2.5mph harder, leading to less glove side break and a slightly more up and down shape.
There have been the hiccoughs with command that you’d expect from a guy coming back from surgery, and he’s still only partially stretched out. Bloss probably won’t be ready for the majors for a few weeks yet. The leap his stuff has taken during his rehab creates reason to be excited for him when he arrives, though.
