Category: Sports News

The game had just ended and Austin Reaves made a straight beeline for referee John Goble.

A crowd formed around him, including his Lakers teammates, staffers and another referee, while Reaves gave Goble a piece of his mind after being “disrespected” during Los Angeles’ 125-107 Game 2 loss to the Thunder to fall in a 2-0 series hole in the Western Conference semifinals.

It made for an unusual scene since referees usually do not receive talking-downs after games and marked the second time Reaves sternly addressed Goble.

Austin Reaves spends some time after the final whistle talking to the officials.pic.twitter.com/bEkQD4skAd

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) May 8, 2026

“At the end of day, we’re grown men and I didn’t feel like he needed to yell in my face like that. I told him that, I wasn’t disrespectful,” Reaves said. “I told him if I did that to him first I would have gotten a tech, I felt like the only reason I didn’t get a tech was because he knew he was in the wrong. I felt disrespected.”

Not that long after Reaves’ postgame outburst, Lakers coach JJ Redick took it even further by calling out the stripes while stating LeBron James has the “worst whistle” of any star player.

He did clarify that he did not feel the referees cost his team the game.

“I sarcastically said the other day, they’re the most disruptive team without fouling,” Redick said. “I mean, they have a few guys that foul on every possession. All the good defenses do. … They’re hard enough to play, you’ve got to be able to just call if if they foul, and they do foul.”

Plenty of teams have made it known that they believe the referees are one-sided when it comes to Thunder games and frustrations boiled over for the Lakers on Thursday now that they’ve lost both games in these series by 18 points and stand two losses away from elimination.

Reaves said Goble particularly upset him late in the game when the guard alleged the referee “yelled in my face” while he positioned himself during a jump ball.

I want to call this the game within the game, but these teams versus this crew has been explosive for the entire game. Lakers were furious about the way that jump ball was officiated. Thunder snagged it, went down the floor and got a Cason Wallace 3 and Redick timeout. pic.twitter.com/ZJaZWbkofX

— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) May 8, 2026

The Thunder gained possession and hit a 3 to take a 107-94 lead with 5:54 remaining.

“I thought it was disrespectful,” Reaves said. “The whole time that was going on over there, I don’t think he said much to them.”

The Lakers called timeout right after that score and Reaves tore into Goble, with lip readers speculating he said: “That’s some bulls–t for you to talk to me like that.”

It appeared he called the referee a crass term for a female body part after Goble turned his back to him and walked over to the scorer’s table.

Reaves later said he felt he was respectful to the referees all night and has said there’s “a million” times where he’s said “way worse stuff.”

Redick said he had no problem with his team’s emotions, while not mentioning Reaves specifically, and the series shifts to Los Angeles on Saturday with the Lakers essentially in a must-win spot.

“Our guys were so good tonight just staying together, poised,” Redick said. “The emotion is part of basketball. I think some of the reason (the Thunder are) officiated the way they are is because they don’t show emotion, and that’s a credit to them. They’ve really been taking the emotion out of the game. They’re super tight-knit. They don’t complain to the officials and maybe they’re the beneficiaries of that, I don’t know.”

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: 29
• 2026-27 Contract Status: $3.8 million, UFA in 2027-28
• SunsRank (Preseason): NR
• SunsRank (Postseason): 13

*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.

Season in One Sentence

Highwood Highsmith was a pleasant surprise that was brought in with the big picture in mind.

By the Numbers

The Expectation

The expectations for Highsmith should not have been high, given the circumstances. He signed with the Suns after choosing between multiple playoff contenders.

Highsmith’s midseason addition was a pleasant surprise, brought on with the big picture in mind, considering he was fresh off a meniscus-tear recovery this season. He was always going to be rusty. The injury was in August during camp, so the fact that he got back on the court this year at all was a win for him mentally. Next season, we should see more growth as he starts to trust his legs again.

The goal was to get him in the system. Learn. Adapt. Progress. It was a bit of a rollercoaster with him missing an additional 12 games after he made his debut and played in 6 of 7 games to begin his Suns career.

The Reality

Highsmith only appeared in 7 regular-season games, but made the most of his time when he played. He only played 12+ minutes in four games this season, averaging 7.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 1.0 SPG on 50% shooting in those four contests.

There were some serious defensive flashes from Highsmith throughout his opening Suns tenure. He also displayed (occasionally) that he can score when needed, even if that isn’t in his job description.

What It Means

Zooming out, it’s easy to see the real reason why Phoenix brought him in. He was a useful role player and difference-maker for the Miami Heat for several years. He provides the length and defensive chops that fit right in with Jordan Goodwin, Dillon Brooks, and others.

Highsmith said, “Defense wins championships. If you can guard a lot of different positions, your versatility can help a lot. You can switch a lot of different pick-and-rolls and [play] different schemes, stuff like that. I feel like that’s very valuable for any team around the league, having someone like me that can guard one through four, sometimes the five … I’m going to keep proving that I’m one of the best and most versatile defenders in the NBA, in my opinion.”

Finding a “cheap” role player who coaches can trust, especially when they are in the mold of a high-IQ, 3&D wing, is a win. Despite the limited gameplay this season, his addition was never about the immediate future.

Defining Moment

In a season where he only appeared in 7 games in limited minutes, it’s difficult to find a ton of “defining moments”, but this play and game were by far his best as a Sun.

He finished with 16 points on 4 of 5 shooting from deep in 18 minutes of action. Haywood also had 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in the ballgame. This late-game steal right after he knocked down a big shot was the single best HH moment we had, and hopefully a precursor of what’s to come.

He did some brief cardio in a couple of small stints against the Thunder in the 1st Round of the Playoffs. He compiled 3 rebounds in 11 minutes and did not record a point on 0-2 shooting. He was mostly brought in as a “change of pace” attempt by Ott for defensive purposes.

Grade: B-

I believe he can do more than he showed us this year, because he has been a strong wing in the past. He wasn’t overly impressive or anything, but that was expected with him working back from an injury.

Get him to camp healthy, and he should be a consistent ~15-20 minutes per game impact player off the bench. He fits the identity this team is looking for. It will be especially interesting to track the likes of Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen, as one (or both) of their departures could set him up for an even more significant role. I’m here for more Rasheer Fleming, Jordan Goodwin, and Haywood Highsmith minutes next season.

A.J. Dybantsa feels like a sure thing as he enters the 2026 NBA Draft. The 6’9 wing has loads of scoring upside with a rare combination of length, explosion, and flexibility that allows him to put constant pressure on the rim as a driver, or flow into mid-range pull-ups that are difficult to contest for any defender. While Dybantsa isn’t the No. 1 prospect on our board, he still feels like the most likely player to be chosen with the first pick after the lottery determines the draft order on Sunday.

Dybantsa feels like the best shot-creator in this draft class. He’s so hard to contain off the dribble with a quick first-step, the bend to turn the corner, and the ability to stop on a dime to rise into a shot. His playmaking was better than originally advertised during his freshman season at BYU with a 22.1 assist percentage. While he’s not really a defensive playmaker, it will be hard for teams to attack Dybantsa on the ball given his big frame and long arms.

Dybantsa would be a good fit for any team in the lottery, but four spots stand out over the rest.

4. Utah Jazz

Dybantsa grew up in suburban Boston, but he’s spent the last two years in Utah after playing for Utah Prep as a high school senior and then starring at BYU this past season. Jazz governor Ryan Smith was reportedly footing part of his NIL bill for the Cougars, and the Jazz would like nothing more than for its rebuild to be capped off by adding Dybantsa to its young core. The basketball fit here would be really good. The Jazz already have Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey in place, and Dybantsa should end up as the best shot-creator of the bunch. Head coach Will Hardy has done an excellent job developing Markkanen as a fellow big wing, and he would likely create an environment for the BYU freshman to thrive. Why is Utah only No. 4? Well, the Jazz tanked shamelessly this year, and they don’t really deserve the lottery luck. I’d also like to see Dybantsa at a place where he doesn’t have to immediately share the ball with multiple other potential All-Stars. Utah is a good landing spot for A.J., but not the best.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies blew up their core by trading Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane in the last 12 months, and a Ja Morant deal is probably next. At least Memphis sold high on its best pieces, stocking one of the league’s sharpest front offices in the draft with a surplus of future first-round picks. The Grizzlies already have a strong foundation in place for their next generation with Zach Edey and Cedric Coward, and landing a shot-creator as skilled as Dybantsa would take their rebuild to the next level. I like that Dybantsa could immediately step into a starring role in Memphis, and the team would still be flushed with future assets to continue building a great team around him. Memphis owns swap rights with the Magic in 2029, Orlando’s first-round pick outright in 2030, and swap rights with Washington or Phoenix in 2030. I think Coward is a perfect wing to pair Dybantsa with right off the bat, and it would also give the Grizzlies a lot of flexibility in the backcourt as they decide on how to build the team after Morant is traded. I trust the Grizzlies’ front office more than most when it comes to the draft, and that’s when they don’t get any good luck. If they move up in the draft again, look out.

2. Washington Wizards

I put the Sacramento Kings at No. 1 on my list of teams that deserve lottery luck, and I didn’t even consider placing the Wizards in the top-4 after some of their tanking shenanigans this year. With that said, it’s hard to think Sacramento is a good landing spot for any player from their perspective given all the dysfunction around the franchise, plus the league needs more stars in the East. Dybantsa to Washington would immediately make the Wizards a pretty interesting team next year. Suddenly Anthony Davis could be sticking around for the next couple years, Trae Young wouldn’t have to handle the entirety of the creation burden himself, and Alex Sarr could grow into more of an opportunistic scorer while focusing most of his energy on defense. The Wizards haven’t had a true franchise player since John Wall, and they haven’t had a 50-win season since 1978-79. This fanbase has been through a lot, and it would be fun to see a potential future superstar in D.C. to add some more excitement in the East. I can’t condone the Wizards’ tanking, but Dybantsa in Washington would be good for everyone involved.

1. Brooklyn Nets

Jordi Fernandez is the best in the game when it comes to getting the most out of talented wings. The Brooklyn Nets head coach coaxed a career-year out of Cameron Johnson, then did the same thing the next year with Michael Porter Jr. after acquiring him from Denver. Fernandez feels like the ideal head coach for Dybantsa in the NBA, and going to Brooklyn would also give him a long leash to learn how to lead a franchise while they build the team around him. The Nets might have the worst roster in the NBA going into next season (it’s either them, Sacramento, or Chicago). They have tons of cap space this summer, and owe a first-round swap to Houston in the 2027 draft, so there’s no incentive to be bad even before we get to the new lottery reform changes. I also like the idea of Brooklyn adding Dybantsa because it would put more talent in the East after Cooper Flagg and Victor Wembanyama both landed in the West following 25 years of Western Conference superiority. Dybantsa in Brooklyn would be something of a slow burn, but that’s okay. It’s a perfect spot for him to grow.

Had Luka Doncic not been traded two days prior to the Dallas Mavericks acquiring Caleb Martin during the 2024-2025 season, it’s reasonable to think the latter transaction would have been one of the more puzzling in recent memory. In fact, despite the seismic Doncic-for-Anthony-Davis swap, the Martin trade drew its fair share of attention anyway.

Quentin Grimes was shipped out along with a second round draft pick to net Martin, despite his being injured at the time. In his first 15 games with the Philadelphia 76ers, Grimes had games in which he scored 30, 44, 30, 25 and 39 points. In roughly the same timeframe, Martin sat on the bench riding out his injury.

This was the shadow under which Marting entered the 2025-2026 season.

Season review

Martin’s season got off to an inconsistent start as head coach Jason Kidd experimented with lineups. The first 10 games resulted in more “Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision” (two) for Martin, than double-figure scoring nights (zero).

When he was playing, he would bounce between four minutes of garbage time and 18 minutes of meaningful game time. This trend continued until mid-January, when Martin suddenly found his shooting stroke. Beginning on January 14^th, Martin strung together 20-minutes or more in 10 out of 12 games. Unsurprisingly, Martin started nine of those 12 games. He looked healthy, showed some defensive chops and nearly a year after arriving in Dallas, fans finally got a glimpse of what a healthy Martin could bring when given a consistent role. Ironically, Martin’s first start of the season kicked off a four-game winning streak, which proved to be the longest winning streak of the season for the Mavs.

His minutes began to wane in early-March and a March 15^th win over the Cleveland Cavaliers was the last time he suited up, missing the final 14 games of the 2025-2026 season to injury.

Best game

Martin’s best game came during the aforementioned win streak. In a 144-122 win over the Utah Jazz on January 15^th, Martin scored 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the floor, including 2-for-2 from. He also dished six assists, grabbed five rebounds and had three steals.

Contract status

Entering the 2026-2027 season, Martin remains under contract at a salary of ten million dollars. The following year, in what will be his age-32 season, Martin holds a player option at just over nine million dollars.

There is a scenario where Martin’s contract is viewed as a bargain. A 3-and-D wing is highly coveted around the league, but the reality is that he more often than not lacks the “3” in “3-and-D” and has not been able to establish consistent footing with the Mavericks thus far. As a result, the contract is more of a burden than not, and it’s difficult to imagine Martin opting out of his player option after next season, should he remain with the team until that time.

Looking towards the future

Martin really has no logical role on the Mavericks going forward, and frankly, may not have had one from the word “go.” That’s not meant as a slight to Martin, but he just simply doesn’t fit the Cooper Flagg timeline at age 31, nor does he fit a team with Flagg, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, Max Christie and Klay Thompson taking up wing minutes. Granted some of those players may not be with the team long term, but regardless, both Martin and the Mavericks would likely be best served going different ways. Martin should be helping a contender while the Mavs could apply ten millions dollars to other assets.

Grade: C

Martin suffers from much of what Anthony Davis suffered from. He is associated, for better or worse, with an odd time in Mavericks’ history and a former GM that is generally loathed by the fanbase. He shouldn’t be vilified for that, nor should he be vilified for being injured so often. All things considered, Martin did his job as best he could and likely played tough through injury more often than he should have. That said, he performed as well as you would expect a player to perform when getting inconsistent opportunities as a role player. I hope the Mavs can move Martin to a team he can more positively impact this offseason and that Dallas can use that salary flexibility to improve in their own way.

I invite you to follow me @_80MPH on X, and check back often at Mavs Moneyball for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Over the course of NBA history, there have been impressive coaching performances. 

Rick Carlisle inserting J.J. Barea into the Mavericks’ starting lineup in the middle of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Heat’s “Big 3” is one. 

Trailing 2-1 to the Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals before Steve Kerr inserted Andre Iguodala into the Warriors’ starting lineup is another.

But for Lakers coach JJ Redick, defeating the reigning champion Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals without Luka Doncic might top them all. 

Redick has shown promise in his first two years as a head coach at any level. He’s guided the Lakers to back-to-back 50-win seasons. He led the wounded Lakers to a first-round upset over the Rockets without his leading scorers. That’s not accidental. That’s real coaching. 

But beating the reigning champion Thunder? This assignment is different.

For Redick to do the impossible, he must prove that he can outthink a machine. 

A cold, precise and relentless machine. 

But don’t take our word for it. Take Redick’s. He said it out loud. 

“The Thunder are one of the greatest teams ever in NBA history. That’s just the reality, they’re that good,” a brutally honest Redick said. “They are a well-oiled machine.”

Part of what makes that machine move is that the Thunder don’t just beat you — they suffocate you to death. They force turnovers, they clog passing lanes, they switch on the perimeter, and when you try to drive to the basket, they’ll block your shot back to last week. 

And as Redick pointed out, they do all of that without committing fouls. 

“They’re top five in every disruptive category … and they don’t foul,” Redick said.

Read between the lines, and that’s not analysis, that’s a warning flare to the officials. 

It gives off vintage Phil Jackson vibes. Say something to the media loud enough that it echoes into the officiating crew’s subconscious. Redick knows he’ll need every little edge he can get to beat OKC, and in the playoffs, edges don’t exist unless you manufacture them.

Because on paper, there isn’t a single area in which OKC is vulnerable. 

“They don’t have a weakness,” Redick admitted.

He’s right. The Thunder are young, fast and deep. They defend without fouling. They can kill you in the half court or in transition. They protect the rim. They shoot 3s at a high clip. They guard the perimeter. And they have the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who can glide to the paint like a whisper and shoot free throws like clockwork. Around the league, they call him “the foul merchant.”

Redick sees it. Opposing coaches see it. But the question is: Can you stop it?

Redick was asked how the Lakers can win this series. His answer was plain and simple. 

“Belief, attention to detail and poise.” 

Simple words that hide an impossible assignment. For the Lakers to win this series, they need to shoot greater than 40% from 3. They have to defend at an elite level against the best offense in basketball. They need to limit their live-ball turnovers, and they need to stop the Thunder’s runs before they blink and are down double digits.

They failed at all three in Game 1.

“They’re really good at runs … limiting their runs is going to be really important,” Redick said.

Easier said than done. Like threading a needle in the middle of a hurricane.

Similar to his players on the court, there’s no margin for error for Redick when coaching. Everything he does must be perfect to beat OKC. The timing of his timeouts. His rotation gambles. Trusting the right player to stay on the court for one extra minute. Subbing out the wrong one a possession too late. To win the series, it won’t be about schemes or X’s and O’s. It’s about the little decisions he makes in short five-second windows that will come with consequences that will reverberate for quarters. 

Unfortunately for Redick, he could coach brilliantly and the Lakers will still lose in five. 

That’s not a failure, either. That’s reality. 

The Lakers were swept by the Thunder in the regular season by an average of nearly 30 points per game. It’s the largest margin of victory by any teams in a playoff series in NBA history. That didn’t magically disappear in Game 1 when they lost by 18.

So for Redick, what defines success at the end of this series?

Steal a game and you’ve disrupted the narrative for a day.

Win two and you’ve earned respect. 

Push it to seven and we might need to change the Coach of the Year Award winner this season. 

Win the series and we can enshrine him into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame tomorrow. 

Because if Redick upsets this version of the Thunder without Doncic, then it isn’t just an upset, it’s the best coaching performance of all time. It would be studied and analyzed forever.

Until then, Redick is staring straight into the eye of a storm, clipboard in hand, trying to outthink a well-oiled machine that crushes everything in its path. 

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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Friday’s pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks, with his status expected to be a game-time decision. The Knicks currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 and have the momentum heading to Philadelphia.

Embiid was ruled out of the Game 2 loss against the Knicks due to right hip soreness and a right ankle sprain, after he was unable to participate in Philadelphia’s shootaround on Wednesday.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Embiid experienced a significant increase in pain and soreness in his hip and ankle, forcing the 76ers to sit their franchise center. The team’s medical staff continues to monitor his condition closely, and Embiid’s availability for Game 3 will likely depend on how he responds to treatment and pregame warmups.

Since returning from an emergency appendectomy at the end of the regular season, Embiid has played in five games in the NBA playoffs. Despite battling multiple injuries, he has remained a key contributor for Philadelphia, averaging 25.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in the postseason.

More: Only one team can stop the Knicks in NBA's Eastern Conference playoffs

Austin Reaves has officially entered the Lakers’ postseason chat. It might still be too little, too late.

The Lakers guard responded to his worst playoff performance with his best, recording a playoff career-high 31 points Thursday in the Lakers’ 125-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

But against the powerful Thunder, Reaves didn't get a chance to punctuate his comeback night with any emphatic celebration. He instead ended the game in a heated conversation with officials, surrounded by almost all of his teammates as the Lakers felt they were battling the referees and the Thunder in equal measure.

Reaves’ game-high scoring effort wasn’t enough to fend off the relentless defending champions that had six players score in double figures, including three with 20 or more points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each had 22 points for the Thunder, who take a 2-0 lead as the best-of-seven series turns to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday.

With Luka Doncic sidelined because of a hamstring injury that is expected to keep him out for three more weeks, the Lakers are still outmanned in the Western Conference semifinals despite Reaves’ recent return. He rushed back from a Grade 2 left oblique strain in time to play in the Lakers’ first-round series but has struggled to find his rhythm after a month-long absence.

He shot a dreadful three for 16 from the field in Game 1 against the Thunder, finished with only eight points and missed all five of his three-point shots. Including his two first-round games, Reaves had missed 14 consecutive three-pointers entering Game 2.

Read more:Lakers whine about officials after dropping Game 2 to Thunder

Criticism of Reaves dominated social media after Game 1. The 27-year-old guard is due for a new contract this summer that would solidify his status as one of the sport’s star players. A slow start to these playoffs and last year’s postseason struggles made Reaves an online punching bag for fan frustrations.

But the low-key Reaves is “one of the least chronically online NBA players there is,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said before the game. The extent of Reaves’ social media usage is his longtime friend Trent Swaim posting golfing videos on the duo’s “Hillbilly Bogey” accounts and Reaves asking his representatives to post sponsored content for his endorsement deals.

He doesn’t need to troll internet comments to fuel his game. Reaves can do that on his own.

“He’s got a great sense of self-accountability to where he’s his own worst critic,” Redick said before the game, “and he’s going to hold himself to a standard of how he wants to play.”

Reaves drove aggressively into the paint early Thursday, tying the score 16-16 in the first quarter on a three-point play after the Lakers erased an early seven-point deficit. He had 13 points in the first half as the Lakers took a one-point lead into the locker room. He scored or assisted on the Lakers’ first 11 points of the third quarter as the team built a five-point lead with 8:35 to go in the third.

"That's what we need Austin to be,” guard Luke Kennard said. “Even though he missed some shots last game, he was aggressive and he just got back into it. … I know a lot of people can think it's easy to just come back and play a basketball game but at this level, what he's done last series and now, it's impressive. We need him to continue to be aggressive. He's such a good teammate, easy to play with. It's good to see him have a really good game and, hopefully gives him confidence going into the next one."

The Lakers need to play near-perfect basketball to have a chance to knock off the defending champions. The Thunder took a 2-0 series lead against the Lakers despite relatively quiet performances from Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning most valuable player had 18 points in Game 1 and was limited to less than 28 minutes Thursday because of foul trouble.

When Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his fourth foul with 10:34 remaining in the third quarter Thursday, the Thunder trailed 66-61. They didn’t need their star to rip off a 32-14 run to finish the quarter and take a commanding 13-point lead into the fourth.

The Lakers had seven turnovers during the decisive stretch. Reaves had five of the Lakers’ 21 total giveaways and the miscues turned into 26 points for the Thunder, who led the league in points off turnovers during the regular season.

“It starts with the turnovers,” Reaves said. “I think you’re not going to be perfect; you’re going to have turnovers. Just trying to eliminate the live-ball turnovers where they get easy fast-break layups or threes or dunks.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

As basketball fans approach the 2026 NBA draft lottery in Chicago, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about the prospects in this class.

Only 71 players, the fewest in more than 20 years, submitted their official applications as early entry candidates to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft by the April 24 deadline.

Many of those players, as well as top seniors automatically eligible, will participate during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine beginning May 10 in Chicago. Some of the players not included and who could go back to school after the combine include Amari Allen, Meleek Thomas, Milan Momcilovic, Rueben Chinyelu, Flory Bidunga, Billy Richmond III and Malachi Moreno.

The deadline for early entry candidates to withdraw from the pre-draft process while maintaining collegiate eligibility is May 27.

Others who are on the fringe who will also earn first-round consideration include Isaiah Evans, Tounde Yessoufou, Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Sergio De Larrea, Ryan Conwell and Braden Smith.

Note that picks 15-60 are currently set, but fans won't know the official order of the 2026 NBA Draft until the lottery on May 10. The first 14 picks are based on lottery odds, including a tiebreaker process.

The NBA Draft begins on June 23 at Barclays Center in New York.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

• TEAM: BYU
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Massachusetts
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and would benefit tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances. He would be a fascinating fit next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

2. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Boozer

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.

3. Brooklyn Nets: Caleb Wilson

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

One general manager also told Jake Fischer that “every team” is going to have North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson over either one of Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. His injury, which caused him to miss the NCAA Tournament with a broken thumb, did not hurt his draft stock at all. Wilson, who also suffered a hand fracture earlier in the season, did more than enough to earn this placement. According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.

4. Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson

• TEAM: Kansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Yahoo’s Kevin O’Connor reported that some front office executives view Wilson with “similarly high upside” as Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson with “dramatically lower downsides” than the guard. While he is certainly no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received “largely positive” feedback. The Jazz are building a much stronger core after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. and drafting Ace Bailey, and this would only add to it. 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. 

5. Sacramento Kings: Kingston Flemings

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need the best player available regardless of fit and if they are on the clock at No. 5 overall, that pick is probably Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night. His true height measurements are one of the bigger questions lingering over the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.   

6. Memphis Grizzlies: Keaton Wagler

• TEAM: Illinois
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Kansas
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• DRAFT AGE: 19

During this rebuilding chapter, the Grizzlies would love to add a player like Illinois standout Keaton Wagler. The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini earn a spot in the Final Four, where he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals. The freshman also dropped 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 39.7 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman, while connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season. 

7. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Hawks need a guard like Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. after trading away Trae Young, using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. En route to the Sweet 16, 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 (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. He led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well. He has significant defensive deficiencies but playing alongside Dyson Daniels would help cover that problem.

8. Dallas Mavericks: Yaxel Lendeborg

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: New Jersey
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 23

The Mavericks had the worst offensive rating in the Western Conference and after hiring Masai Ujiri, they could benefit from a player as productive as Yaxel Lendeborg. He showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Big Ten Player of the Year offers a bit of everything on both sides of the ball and has silenced skeptics who were unsure how his game would scale after transferring from mid-major UAB to high-major Michigan. While he is older than other players projected in the first round, his impact in college basketball was undeniable.

9. Chicago Bulls: Brayden Burries 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Arizona freshman Brayden Burries was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble. Burries would make a great pick for Bryson Graham as he takes over the front office for the Bulls.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. 

• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Milwaukee Bucks, potentially heading toward an ugly Giannis Antetokounmpo divorce, must simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, some scouts feel Brown has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range.

11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López

• TEAM: International (Australia)
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Mexico
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Karim López had a low usage rate and played few minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Aday Mara

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• DRAFT AGE: 21

After winning the 2025 NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder could add even more lottery-caliber talent, like Michigan center Aday Mara, in the 2026 NBA Draft. While leading his team to win 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 only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near the lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim.

13. Miami Heat: Koa Peat 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Arizona
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Miami Heat have drafted several prospects known for their athleticism, which means a player like Arizona forward Koa Peat will probably have some appeal to the organization. Peat is an ideal match for this franchise given his versatility as a playmaking forward. Arizona played at a significantly faster pace (3.9 extra possessions) when Peat was on the floor relative to when he was not, per CBB Analytics, which would fit very well with Miami’s fastest-paced offense in the NBA. The All-Big 12 forward just needs a jumper to carve out regular minutes as a high-impact pro.  

14. Charlotte Hornets: Labaron Philon 

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Alabama
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. 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.

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Hannes Steinbach

• TEAM: Washington
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Germany
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament. This is about the range of German big man Hannes Steinbach, who 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 post is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, the center is one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He shined during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Joshua Jefferson 

• TEAM: Iowa State
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Nevada
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. A few years ago, research indicated that the Grizzlies tend 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 Iowa State forward 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. The All-Big 12 forward got injured during the first round of the tournament, but Iowa State still earned a spot in the Sweet 16. The Grizzlies are not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Nate Ament

• TEAM: Tennessee
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While the Thunder may not actually use this pick because they have such an abundance of talent on its roster already, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament. The forward reportedly considered returning to college to aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His decision to declare for this class, instead, suggests he is likely comfortable with the feedback he has received so far. The freshman 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. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking near the lottery.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Jayden Quaintance

• TEAM: Kentucky
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators. 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.

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

• TEAM: Iowa
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz on their priority list. 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 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): Dailyn Swain 

• TEAM: Texas
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• DRAFT AGE: 20

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain became one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders. He is quick, bouncy, a solid rebounder and his 81.5 percent free-throw percentage indicates he has good shooting form. While he has three years of college experience, at 20 years old, he is the same age as a few NCAA freshmen.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Christian Anderson 

• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• DRAFT AGE: 20

While they are one of the best teams in the league this season, the Pistons are still struggling from the perimeter and will want more talented 3-point shooters on their roster. A simple fix would be drafting Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson, who had the most unassisted 3-pointers (61) among high-major players, per CBB Analytics. 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. 

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Ebuka Okorie

• TEAM: Stanford
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: New Hampshire
• HEIGHT: 6-2
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. 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 but could withdraw as an early entry candidate, per Jonathan Givony, though he would only return to Stanford.  

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Chris Cenac Jr. 

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• DRAFT AGE: 19

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American Chris Cenac Jr. at Houston. He did, however, get hot at the perfect time. During his first game in the Big Dance, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds, while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. Then in the Round of 32, he showed off more scoring with some impressive cuts to the basket, dropping 17 points against Texas A&M. He was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still managed 10 rebounds. Cenac told reporters he is “fully committed” to the NBA Draft.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves 

• TEAM: Santa Clara
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• DRAFT AGE: 20

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in all of college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who was nearly a March Madness hero. It was hard not to notice the WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year after he scored 30 points with 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 years old who held a higher box plus-minus, via Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. He declared early entry for the 2026 NBA Draft but also entered his name in the transfer portal and could return to school.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Morez Johnson Jr.

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Illinois
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• 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, leading his team to win the NCAA championship game, and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. 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 trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson is also a candidate to return to college and withdraw as an early entry candidate but is reportedly “very likely” to stay in. 

26. Denver Nuggets: Cameron Carr

• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Minnesota
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• DRAFT AGE: 21

One of the players who improved his draft stock the most this season was Baylor junior Cameron Carr. The All-Big 12 wing brings athleticism and shooting 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. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA. 

27. Boston Celtics: Henri Veesaar

• TEAM: North Carolina 
• POSITION: Forward 
• BORN: Estonia 
• HEIGHT: 7-0 
• 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 on an expedited timeline, like the Celtics, will have him high on their priority list. He presumably feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Tyler Tanner 

• TEAM: Vanderbilt
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Tennessee
• HEIGHT: 6-0
• DRAFT AGE: 20

It is unusual to find a 6-foot sophomore projected in the first round of a mock draft, but if there were ever a player who has earned that kind of praise should he decide to turn pro after this season, it's Tyler Tanner. Despite his size, the All-SEC guard found meaningful ways to contribute on both sides of the floor. He can score efficiently, dunk, block shots, steal the ball, and he is more than serviceable as a floor general capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the Timberwolves. Tanner could also return to school but will receive first-round buzz if he stays in the draft. 

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Luigi Suigo

• TEAM: International (Serbia)
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Italy
• HEIGHT: 7-4
• DRAFT AGE: 19

One of the most notable prospects currently playing overseas is Italian big man Luigi Suigo. While playing a smaller role for KK Mega Basket in Serbia, he averaged 16.9 points with 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes. He would also occasionally shoot from beyond the arc, which is valuable for someone his size. As a starter on Feb. 21, he had 23 points (10-of-10 FG, 3-of-3 3PM) with 8 rebounds. If he does not get feedback that he is projected as a first-round pick, expect him to consider several big schools in the NCAA as well.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr. 

• TEAM: Connecticut
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• DRAFT AGE: 23

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. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft ahead of lottery: First round picks, projections