Following the emphatic series loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Cleveland Cavaliers profile as one of the most interesting teams this offseason. The Cavs are thoroughly in “win-now” mode, and they have linked to a player that fits that timeline in Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the Cavs have had interest for several months now, Antetokounmpo may not be reciprocating those feelings.

According to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes, Cleveland is not seen as a preferred destination for Antetokounmpo. “I haven’t heard of Cleveland as a potential team that he’d be interested in,” Haynes said via NBA on Prime. “It has to be the right team that he wants to go to, and the right fit. I just haven’t heard Cleveland.”

Part of what makes a trade for Antetokounmpo tricky, other than what would need to be given up to acquire him, is the fact that he does not have to sign an extension with his new team. His representation could say, similar to Kawhi Leonard in 2018-19, that he will accept a trade to a team but forgo an extension in favor of signing with someone else in free agency.

“One thing about Giannis, he has 1 more year left remaining on his contract for next season,” Haynes continued. “He can tell teams ‘listen, if you trade for me, you only get me for a year cause I’m opting out and going somewhere else.’ That’s going to deter teams from pursuing him.”

For a team like the Cavs, who are desperately trying to keep their faint championship window open, a swing for someone like Antetokounmpo may be too enticing to pass up, even if it means he leaves next summer. The Toronto Raptors certainly do not feel any buyer’s remorse after acquiring Leonard, who led the team to the championship in his lone season in Canada. If the threat of him leaving lessens the price (as unlikely as that may be), the Cavs will understandably be open to talking about a potential trade.

Following the 2026 NBA Draft early entry deadline, we now know exactly which prospects are turning pro and which players decided to return to college.

A total of 75 players participated during the NBA draft combine in Chicago and others in the G League Combine. Following the events, a dozen players (including Amari Allen, Tyler Tanner, Tounde Yessoufou, Milan Momcilovic and Malachi Moreno) opted to return to college.

Based on the intel following the combine and pre-draft workouts – and key decisions on players opting to return to the NCAA – here is an updated look at the first round projections.

Expect second-round picks to consist of automatically eligible seniors (including Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Ryan Conwell, Braden Smith, Baba Miller, Richie Saunders, Jaden Bradley, Trevon Brazile), who we will project on upcoming mock draft updates.

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.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

• TEAM: BYU
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Massachusetts
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and benefited 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. While the battle for No. 1 is far from over, the former five-star recruit 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, who could help him play alongside veteran talent early in his career.

2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 18

CBS Sports recently reported that folks at the combine spoke with the "same level of confidence" about Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson going No. 2 overall as they did about Dybantsa hearing his name first. However, this is far from a foregone conclusion. Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors. The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, though he performed well during athletic testing at the combine in Chicago. He offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set and can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16. It is important to note that his father, former Jazz player Carlos Boozer, currently works as a scout for Utah. Even if this is an awkward positional fit, the Jazz are building a much stronger core after trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. and drafting Ace Bailey.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Caleb Wilson

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

One general manager also told Jake Fischer that “every team” is going to have North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson over any one of Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. 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. The Memphis Grizzlies are unafraid to draft away from consensus and tend to like analytically-friendly prospects, so they're potentially one of those teams. Wilson did more than enough to earn this placement before his 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.

4. Chicago Bulls: Darryn Peterson

• TEAM: Kansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

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 players is still available. 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 and was "quiet but serious" during the pre-draft interview process of the combine. Overall, 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. Los Angeles Clippers: Kingston Flemings

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-4 (+1)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac, but Jake Fischer reported that he is "hearing considerable curiosity" about whether or not the Clippers will actually use this pick or potentially trade it for a win-now player. Whether it's their front office or another on the clock at No. 5 overall, look for them to potentially call on 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. Flemings measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across all his agility testing.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Keaton Wagler

• TEAM: Illinois
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Kansas
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+1)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like 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.” The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals after scoring 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, hitting 39.7% from beyond the arc as a freshman and connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year has some athletic limitations but is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-2
• WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor, folks around the league "widely believe" they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. right now.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. The speedy guard 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 is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It's also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Brayden Burries

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

With the pick the Hawks received from New Orleans, one potential target is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries. He 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.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Yaxel Lendeborg

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: New Jersey
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-3 (+7)
• 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. He also had a strong "stocks" (steals plus blocks) rate and a plus wingspan, two things Ujiri often loves.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Mikel Brown Jr. 

• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State on Feb. 9 in which he hit 10 3-pointers, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. “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 ranked among the freshman leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. 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
• 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. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical.

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

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• WINGSPAN: 7-6 (+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. While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. Oklahoma City tends to like low-usage big men with high assist percentages as well as high block and steal percentages. 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 could potentially hear his name called even higher than this, too, as teams look for large defenders like Mara (who measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach) to guard Victor Wembanyama.

13. Miami Heat: Labaron Philon 

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Alabama
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Heat 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.

14. Charlotte Hornets: Cameron Carr

• DRAFT AGE: 21
• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Minnesota
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+8)

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 like the Hornets. The All-Big 12 wing brings sincere 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. 

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

• TEAM: Washington
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Germany
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+4)
• 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 shone 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 St.
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Nevada
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Grizzlies will have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade and may have their eyes on Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization. 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 All-Big 12 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 Grizzlies are not afraid to draft away from consensus and have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past. Perhaps they trade back to get him, but he fits their profile.

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

• TEAM: Tennessee
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+2)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While the Thunder are not expected to 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 this forward with a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1 near the lottery.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): 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, 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 was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

• TEAM: Iowa
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz, who reportedly has a workout scheduled with the franchise, 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): Ebuka Okorie

• TEAM: Stanford
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: New Hampshire
• HEIGHT: 6-1
• WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+7)
• 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 and should intrigue the Spurs, who often fall in love with players who boast a high assist-to-turnover ratio like he did (2.3) last season.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Koa Peat 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Arizona
• HEIGHT: 6-7
• WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Detroit Pistons have drafted several prospects capable of contributing to an elite defense, which could make Arizona forward Koa Peat an appealing option. He is naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size, a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position. 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.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): 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.

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

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+7)
• 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, but he 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. He followed that up in the Round of 32 by showcasing more scoring touch, finishing cuts to the basket for 17 points against Texas A&M. Cenac was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still pulled down 10 rebounds. He also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves 

• TEAM: Santa Clara
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. 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. The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players like Josh Hart, capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers. 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.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Jayden Quaintance

• TEAM: Kentucky
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+8)
• 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 Lakers. 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. 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.

26. Denver Nuggets: Christian Anderson 

• DRAFT AGE: 20
• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-1
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+5)

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. Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson is a potentially perfect fit. 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.

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. 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.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Meleek Thomas 

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Pennsylvania
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

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 best questions in college basketball when he decided to turn pro rather than return to college.

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 feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered “at least $6 million” in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.

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

• TEAM: Connecticut
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

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. 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.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 30 first round picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder will attempt to close out the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals. One more victory and the defending NBA champion Thunder will advance to the NBA Finals to face the New York Knicks. The Spurs need to win Game 6 to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Saturday in Oklahoma City.

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs

• Date: Thursday, May 28

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

• Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas

• TV Channels: NBC, Peacock

• Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: San Antonio Spurs -3.5

• Moneyline: San Antonio Spurs -159 (59.0%) / Oklahoma City Thunder +134 (41.0%)

• Over/Under: 219.5

Series schedule, results

Game 1:Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT)
Game 2:Thunder 122, Spurs 113
Game 3:Thunder 123, Spurs 108
Game 4: Spurs 103, Thunder 82
Game 5: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Tuesday May 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 6: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Thursday May 28, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*
Game 7: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Saturday May 30, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*

* if necessary

As a former lawyer, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is a professional at speaking without saying much.

However, during an interview in March, Silver spoke decisively, stating that the league would look into lottery reform and make changes to address tanking.

Well, it appears the league has just done that with the NBA Board of Governors voting in favor of draft lottery reform at 29-1, with the Grizzlies being the only franchise against the change.

Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report on the seismic change to the NBA Draft Lottery system.

Now, the NBA Draft Lottery will expand from 12 to 16 teams. This new 3-2-1 system means that the bottom three teams will have significantly worse odds of getting the No. 1 pick. The odds in the old system of the worst team selecting first were at 14%, and now that’ll be dwarfed to just 5.4%, with a 71% chance of selecting outside of the top five.

This reform now goes in stark contrast to every other major sport in North America.

Typically, the draft is about helping the worst team to get better. Now, the NBA franchises that have won the fewest games actually don’t have the best odds of getting to pick first.

It’s important to note that an anomaly will still happen. Even in the old system, there were instances where teams in the play-in won the top pick. This is what happened with the Mavericks in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery.

Clearly, given that everyone minus Memphis voted for this, the NBA felt it had to do something to incentivize winning and discourage tanking. And the likely reason the Grizzlies were against it is that it would impact a draft pick the Jazz owes them. Since the new rule indicates that a team can’t draft in the Top-5 for three consecutive seasons, it means that their draft pick from Utah now can only be sixth or worse.

Prior to this reform, Silver tried to create change without these restrictions.

He spoke out strongly against tanking in the past, and the NBA even fined teams like the Jazz and the Pacers this season for sitting players, but these efforts haven’t proven effective.

From the Lakers’ perspective, they hopefully aren’t involved in the NBA Draft directly for years to come. So the biggest impact will be in trading draft picks. Now teams can’t protect picks top-12 through top-15 via trades, making those assets even more valuable.

This is a lot to adjust to, and there will be benefits and unintended consequences. But the NBA Draft Lottery has now changed forever, and the Lakers and all other teams will have to learn how to navigate through this reform.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

The NBA Board of Governors has instituted new anti-tanking measures. 

The body voted in favor of enacting the new 3-2-1 rule, which will completely change the NBA draft lottery, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

The biggest draw of the new system is that the three worst teams in the NBA will now enter the “Relegation Zone.” This zone has lower odds of obtaining the No. 1 overall pick. The change will also expand the lottery to 16 teams and flatten odds.

This new system will take place starting with the 2027 lottery.

There could also be punishments for teams that are deemed to still be intentionally tanking. Punishments could range from reduced lottery odds to even draft-position moves.

Before voting commenced on Thursday, it was believed that these rules would pass, as a majority of teams supported the proposed changes.

The new system gives all 16 teams a chance to win the first overall pick. Each team will be assigned lottery balls. The three worst teams will receive two balls, but there is no way they will fall past the 12th pick.

The next seven teams that missed the playoffs will receive three lottery balls. The four teams that received the Nos. 9 and 10 seeds in the play-in games will receive two lottery balls.

Lastly, the two teams that lose in the No. 7-8 play-in games will get one lottery ball. 

The 3-2-1 rule would be used until 2029. When that year rolls around, the board of governors will assess if the new rules have worked and decide either to continue with the system or make changes. 

Commissioner Adam Silver has wanted changes to the way the lottery works since at least March, as he discussed them with the board at a meeting. 

During a press conference that month, Silver acknowledged the issue of tanking in the sport. 

“We are going to fix it,” Silver said. “Full stop.”

The issue of tanking was the reason the lottery was created in the first place, back in 1985. But recently, teams have begun to try to game the system.

The NBA fined the Jazz $500,000 for pulling their starters in the fourth quarter during two regular season road games.

In 2023, the Mavericks were fined $750,000 for “conduct detrimental to the league” after sitting key players in an attempt to protect their first-round draft pick.

The NBA voted to approve a new draft lottery system designed to eliminate incentives for teams to tank during the regular season, the league announced on Thursday, May 28.

The “3-2-1 Lottery” approved by the NBA expands the lottery from 14 to 16 teams and flattens odds for teams that don't make the NBA playoffs or play-in tournament.  The new system takes effect beginning with the 2027 NBA Draft.

The NBA said in its announcement that the league office has met with key stakeholders to discuss current competitive incentives and solicit ideas aimed at discouraging tanking since October. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said combating tanking was a priority for the league at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in February.