Knicks guard Jalen Brunson sealed New York's Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Cavaliers with a kiss.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson sealed New York’s Eastern Conference finals sweep of the Cavaliers with a kiss.
After being named the series MVP by a unanimous vote, Brunson and his wife, Ali, embraced in an emotional moment on the court at Rocket Arena, as seen in photos of the pair Monday night.
“I can’t wait to tell Jordyn her dad is going to the NBA Finals,” Ali wrote in an Instagram Story post, including a snapshot of the couple’s 1-year-old daughter, who was sporting a Brunson tee.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks kisses his wife Dr. Ali Marks Brunson in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
Ali, who is a pilates instructor and a licensed doctor of physical therapy, reposted a Knicks flyer announcing Brunson — who scored 15 points in the Knicks’ 130-93 Game 4 clincher — as the 2026 Eastern Conference finals MVP.
She added a crying emoji and heart emojis.
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks kisses his wife Dr. Ali Marks Brunson in Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
Brunson averaged 25.5 points and 7.8 assists per game against Cleveland, while shooting 48.7 percent overall in that series.
Knicks legends, Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Patrick Ewing presented Brunson with the Larry Bird MVP trophy.
Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing present Jalen Brunson with the “Larry Bird” Eastern Conference MVP trophy after defeating the Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 of the conference finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
The Knicks have won 11 straight games en route to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
“It’s an honor to be here in this city and this organization,” Brunson said in his postgame press conference. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
While there appears to be no rush, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to search for a new head coach since Craig Berube was fired earlier in the month.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman provided a soft update on where the Maple Leafs stand with coaching candidates, specifically David Carle and Bruce Cassidy.
Some have drawn lines between Carle and the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche are on the brink of being swept by the Golden Knights, and there have been suggestions that Carle could be eyeing an eventual coaching change in Colorado.
Friedman was even asked about that on Donnie & Dhali. But keeping focus on the Maple Leafs, Friedman reported that he thinks Toronto is interested in him.
"I think everybody's trying to gauge what the possibility is really," he said. "I do think Toronto wants to make Carle at least think about them, and see if they can do that."
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Knicks fans were partying like it was 1999 on Monday night.
After making the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years by winning 11 straight playoff games, the players are still in awe of their faithful — and perhaps unique — fans.
“Knicks fans are a specific species of human that should be studied,” Knicks bench player Landry Shamet said on “Inside the NBA” after the 130-93 Game 4 win. “It’s special, man. They’re crazy. They’re crazy. They fly out to Cleveland on Monday. They’re everywhere. They take over arenas. Everywhere you walk in the city, that’s what you hear. The buzz is unbelievable. You could try and explain what’s going on in New York right now for Knicks fans but good luck. It’s different. Knicks fans are different.”
Knicks fans go wild on the streets of New York City on Monday night. NY Post
Fans even climbed onto anything they could find as MSG looked more like a zoo than a sports arena after the New York Liberty vs. Portland Fire game Monday night.
Knicks fans were even getting arrested as they climbed onto street signs with chaos unfolding at every turn on the city streets.
It wasn’t just on the streets, either, as opposing teams were imploring their ticket holders not to sell their seats to Knicks fans for playoff home games.
To no avail, though, as Knicks chants echoed in the road buildings throughout the playoffs, but especially in Philadelphia and Cleveland.
Knicks fans were being arrested on the streets at one point.
Shamet’s name was even being chanted on the streets at one point, as the role-playing wing could do no wrong for the Knicks down the stretch of Game 1 and throughout the Eastern Conference finals.
The reserve wing who couldn’t get off the bench for much of the playoffs last year when Tom Thibodeau was the coach was on an incredible heater versus the Cavaliers, going 11-for-12 from 3-point range (91.6 percent).
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The Knicks will look to stay hot as the Spurs and Thunder beat each other up in the Western Conference finals, with the teams tied at 2-2 entering Tuesday’s Game 5.
The NBA Finals don’t begin until June 3, giving the Knicks nine days’ rest between series.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Cameron Boozer shoots the ball during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
One of the great things about the NBA Draft process is the gamesmanship and skullduggery. If somebody wanted, say, BYU star AJ Dybantsa, that team might plant doubts about his workouts or attitude, hoping to push him down the draft order.
Unless you get a crack at Shaquille O’Neal or Hakeem Olajuwon, where there’s no doubt who will go first, it always happens. It doesn’t always work, but somebody always does it. Sun Tzu would have loved the NBA Draft.
We’re not at all sure what’s happening with Cameron Boozer, but something is bubbling away. People are suggesting all sorts of things. There are subtle suggestions that the Washington Wizards might opt for him with #1. There are accounts that Utah may take him with the #2 pick.
This much is indisputable: Dybantsa’s family has moved to Utah and apparently quite likes living there. Dybantsa has said a couple of things that indicate he would like to stay in Utah. That would probably happen if Washington takes Boozer with the #1 pick.
And it’s worth remembering that Oklahoma City has a ton of draft picks that will devalue if they don’t make a trade to move up in the draft or at least move them further into the future.
OKC is a real wild card. If they decided that they wanted, let’s say, Boozer, they could work a trade with either Memphis or Chicago and send them a huge collection of future picks.
Barring that, the current wisdom is that Boozer will go either #3 to Memphis or at #4 to Chicago, but it doesn’t appear to be written in stone just yet.
As the old saying goes, it’s usually the team that loses four games by a combined 77 points that actually is the one that should have emerged triumphant.
James Harden reacted defiantly Monday night to a question about “how much better” the Knicks are than the Cavaliers after they completed their four-game sweep.
“I can’t even answer that question, honestly. Yeah, I don’t think we had a chance as far as our best shot from a standpoint of the circumstances,” Harden said after the 130-93 home loss. “Obviously, they dominated us 4-0, but I don’t know if I can necessarily answer that question because, genuinely, I do feel we are the better team. But series-wise didn’t show it, so tough question to answer.”
James Harden and the Cavaliers got swept. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
It’s one thing to hear this kind of refrain from a player after a close series with games that went down to the wire, but the Cavaliers lost each contest by at least 11 points. They couldn’t even stay within striking distance at home and lost by 37 on their home court in an elimination game.
This series simply did not come down to one shot or one play.
And even if Harden wants to point to Sam Merrill’s potential game-winning shot going halfway down and then rimming out, the Cavaliers were still below a 22-point lead in that game, and then got outscored by 11 points in overtime in one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA playoff history.
Much in the same way that coach Kenny Atkinson’s comment about the Cavaliers being ahead in the series advanced on analytics, Harden’s comments seem tone deaf considering the series outcome.
Harden may actually have been the one who gave the Cavaliers the best chance to show they were the better team in Game 1 when he was isolated against eventual Finals MVP Brunson with Cleveland nursing a big lead, but Brunson kept targeting him and scoring at will.
The 36-year-old, who famously has never reached the NBA Finals, averaged 16 points per game in the series and went out with a whimper, scoring 12 points on 2-for-8 shooting and 0-for-6 in Game 4.
He pointed to shot-making as the difference in the series, while adding that he felt he did “pretty good” in his first postseason with Cleveland after being acquired in a midseason trade.
James Harden and the Cavaliers were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. NBAE via Getty Images
Harden has a contract option and said he wants to remain in Cleveland.
“They made shots, some open and some just tough shots,” Harden said.
The New York Knicks completed their sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers to advance to their first NBA Finals since the 1998-99 season, when they lost in five games to the San Antonio Spurs.
To put things in perspective, the New York Islanders were five years into their 23-season playoff series win drought at the time, coming off a 24-48-9-1 season, tied for the second-worst record in the NHL.
This was also Mike Milbury's final season as the team's head coach.
Following an 11-game winless streak, he stepped away from the bench to focus solely on his role as general manager, handing the coaching reins to Bill Stewart, who took over on January 21, 1999.
The Islanders’ leading point scorer was Robert Reichel, who had 56 points in 70 games before being dealt to the Phoenix Coyotes on March 20, 1999, for then-21-year-old Brad Isbister and a 1999 third-round pick.
Other notable Islanders from that season included Žigmund Pálffy, who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings during the 1999 offseason, and Zdeno Chara, who was in the second of four seasons during his initial stint with the Islanders.
At the time, Roberto Luongo and Mike Rupp were also prospects in the Islanders’ system, though both would be with new franchises by the 2000 offseason.
The Knicks will now face either the reigning NBA Finals champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in a 1999 rematch.
After the New York Knicks advanced to the 2026 NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani seized the moment to take a playful jab at the Cleveland Cavaliers on social media, reflecting the city's excitement in the team’s historic run in 27 years.
Just minutes after the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 130-93 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals, completing a decisive 4-0 series sweep, Mamdani tweeted a clever message: “I’d like to report a sweep,” tagging New York’s Department of Sanitation.
The department quickly joined in the fun, replying, “Clean up in Cleveland!!” The playful exchange captured the city’s jubilant mood as fans celebrated the Knicks’ dominant performance and their long-awaited return to the NBA’s biggest stage.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 26, 2026
Mamdani, a well-known Knicks supporter, was spotted at Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden, cheering on the team alongside fellow fans.
It's been a big week for Mamdani's favorite sports teams with Arsenal clinching its first English Premier League title since 2004, also set to play on May 30 in the UEFA Champions League final.
Before the Toronto Maple Leafs decided on hiring John Chayka and Mats Sundin as the GM and senior executive advisor of hockey operations, respectively, MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley conducted his search to find new leadership in the franchise's front office.
Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger was one of the candidates who was interviewed for a role in the organization's hockey operations department.
As a guest on TSN's OverDrive, Pronger explained the process of meeting with the Maple Leafs and what his conversation with Pelley was like, as well as with Neil Glasberg, who led the firm that supplied candidates for MLSE.
"Just had a good, frank conversation about the team, about the direction, my thoughts on what they needed, in the front office and on the ice, with respect to the players," Pronger said on OverDrive
Pronger does have some experience as an executive in the NHL. Beginning in 2017-18, he was a senior advisor for the Florida Panthers for three seasons, which is similar to the role Sundin has with the Leafs now. Pronger was also named senior VP of hockey operations in 2019-20, and hasn't had a role since, according to eliteprospects.com.
After a conversation with Pelley and Glasberg that lasted about a couple of hours, Toronto obviously didn't go through with hiring Pronger.
"I got good feedback on my conversation with them, but they were going in a different direction," Pronger said.
The former Stanley Cup champion with the Anaheim Ducks was asked about the Maple Leafs' defense in comparison to the teams remaining in the playoffs, including the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens.
"When you have no-move clauses, and limited no-trade clauses and all the rest of that, you have to find the perfect fit," he said. "It's one thing to move off a player, but what is coming back? You still got to fill holes."
Pronger further expressed that the makeup of the Maple Leafs' D-core is inadequate, and he believes Toronto's blueline needs an overhaul to some degree.
They got to get faster on the back end, they got to get more puck-movers," Pronger explained. "If you want to play an up-tempo, offensive game, you've got to have defensemen that can transition the puck and get it up the ice quick, get retrievals quicker… there's a lot that kind of goes into the nuances of the transition game."
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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: AJ Dybantsa looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Thanks to some lottery luck, the Washington Wizards own the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft for the first time in 16 years.
John Wall, the team’s top selection in 2010, was considered by many as the consensus No. 1 pick. So it came as no surprise when Washington made Wall the franchise’s centerpiece.
Sixteen years later, Washington is faced with a more complex situation surrounding their choice at No. 1.
Will it be AJ Dybantsa, the high-flying BYU product who led college basketball in scoring with 25.5 points per game and is currently -390 to be the No. 1 pick, according to FanDuel Sportsbook?
Does Washington instead opt for the draft class’s top guard prospect in Darryn Peterson, Kansas’s talented scorer who averaged 20.2 points per game on 38.2% 3PT as a freshman? Or will the Wizards surprise everyone by selecting Cameron Boozer, the 2026 Naismith Men’s College Basketball Player of the Year who some have labeled the top prospect in the 2026 draft class?
Below is an overview of which prospect several NBA Draft experts believe the Wizards will select at No. 1.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Morez Johnson Jr. #21 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the first half against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Reports have emerged that the Suns would like to trade into the first round. John Doehass at Bright Side of the Sun also proposed five potential trades for the 17th, 26th, 29th, 30th, and 31st picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. I have written several articles in the past looking at who the Suns might acquire with the 47th pick in the second round. Some of the players I identified previously have risen in mock drafts to become potential first round draft picks, including Henri Veesaar, Ebuka Okorie, Joshua Jefferson, and Zuby Ejiofor.
However, my previous analyses didn’t look at players I thought had no chance of falling to 47, particularly players showing up routinely in the late teens. Therefore, I’m putting together three articles over the next few days that will look at three classes of players that I haven’t already covered: guys whom the Suns should look at if they have the 17th pick, ones who will be available at 26 (but probably not by 29), and late first/early second (29-31) prospects.
I looked at and statistically analyzed 16 of the top mock drafts to identify who the Suns should focus on at each of these three draft areas. The players listed here all meet a team need: I did not include players who play positions or roles the Suns already have filled (shooting guard, small forward, centers who can’t shoot the three).
Prospects at 17
The players in this section are ones who realistically might be there at 17, which would happen if the Suns traded with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who currently possess the 12th and 17th picks. There’s almost no chance they’d still be around at 26. This includes four players: Hannes Steinbach, Morez Johnson, Jr., Bennett Stirtz, and Chris Cenac Jr. If the Suns are set on acquiring an athletic power forward, and Morez, Jr. is off the board, Chris Cenac would still be a good consolation prize at 17, given there’s only modest odds (17%) he’ll still be available at 26.
Morez Johnson, Jr. (Michigan, Sophomore, PF)
Morez Johnson Jr. is a physically imposing, high-motor big man and key anchor for the Michigan Wolverines. Standing 6’9” barefoot with an elite 7’3″ wingspan and weighing 250 pounds, he possesses excellent lateral mobility and defensive switchability.
Defensive Versatility: Possesses the rare ability to switch 1-through-5. His nimble footwork and core strength allow him to contain smaller, quicker guards on the perimeter.
Rebounding: An elite, high-effort rebounder who controls the glass through determined positioning, length, and strength.
Interior Offense: Highly efficient finisher around the rim, operating as an excellent lob threat and playing well above the rim. He also projects as a high-quality screener who rolls effectively in pick-and-roll.
High Motor: Known as the “heart and soul” of his team, bringing consistent energy, toughness, and defensive instincts to every possession.
Weaknesses
Offensive Hub Limitations: He does not possess a true perimeter scoring package yet. He rarely attempts jump shots and relies primarily on put-backs, lobs, and interior dump-offs rather than self-creation.
Raw Passing & Playmaking: His playmaking upside remains limited, often forcing turnovers or lacking playmaking vision when forced to distribute from the high post.
Undersized Center Profile: While his wingspan allows him to play bigger, he still lacks the pure height of a traditional back-to-the-basket NBA center, meaning he will need to rely heavily on his leaping and positioning to protect the rim.
Draft Range
Between 12 and 25, with an average of 17.4 and a median of 17. 55% chance he will still be available at 17.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
I’m not going to lie: of all the players I’ve looked at in the draft so far, Morez Jr. is the one I’d most like to see land on the Suns. He ticks all the boxes: absolutely killed it on the measurements, vertical athleticism, and agility at the combine. He’s done well against the top competition in the nation. Shoots the three well, and his high free-throw percentage suggests that he will get even better.
Young enough that substantial improvement is possible. He’s “got that dawg in him” metaphorically, and is “aligned” with the hustle and heart that underlie the team concept of the Suns. The only tepid criticisms I can offer are that he’s still raw enough that he won’t immediately come in and lead the Suns to the second round, but he’s also instantly the team’s starting power forward.
Isaiah Stewart, Aaron Gordon, and Patrick Patterson
Hannes Steinbach (Washington, Freshman, PF)
Hannes Steinbach is a highly coveted 2026 NBA Draft prospect and elite rebounding big man. Following a stellar freshman season at Washington, the 6’10.25″ (barefoot) 248-pound forward averaged 18.5 points and a nation-leading 11.8 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as a probable lottery or first-round selection.
Elite Rebounding: His rebounding is widely considered the best in the 2026 draft class. Averaging 11.8 boards (including an elite 4.2 offensive), he pairs an aggressive motor with a massive wingspan and remarkably large hands to secure the ball at its apex.
Soft Touch & Catch Radius: Steinbach catches almost everything thrown his way and is an exceptionally efficient finisher inside. He converts at a high rate on hook shots, push runners, and leaners.
Fluid Movement: He runs the floor effortlessly for a big man. He handles the ball well in transition, allowing him to snake around defenders and face up in space.
Weaknesses
Rim Protection: He relies more on positioning and energy than explosive vertical leaping. His low block rate raises slight concerns about his ability to function as a traditional, heavy-minute rim-protecting center.
Defensive Versatility: Translating his interior presence to the next level requires proving he can either anchor the paint or effectively slide over to defend the power forward position in modern, switch-heavy lineups.
Draft Range
Between 11 and 29, with an average of 16.3 and a median of 15. There is a 44% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
The Suns really don’t have a reliable PF/C who can both rebound, defend, and space the floor. It’s not hard to imagine slotting Steinbach in alongside Fleming, Williams, Oso, or Maluach. He’s a much better positional defender than Sabonis, and there’s a strong chance his three-point percentage will continue to improve.
His athleticism and measurements are excellent, but not elite like Cenac, Johnson, Jr., and Brazile. The biggest red flag is that aside from rebounding, none of his stats show him to have any elite skills. He’s above average in many, below average in only one (defensive rating, which is a red flag), but the best players need more than one elite skill.
All in all, Steinbach looks to have the tools, size, and athleticism to carve out a long NBA career.
NBA Comparisons
Domatis Sabonis with a three-point shot. Nikola Vučević, Drew Gooden. Worst case: Frank Kaminsky
Bennett Stirtz (Iowa, Senior, PG/SG)
Bennett Stirtz is a crafty, highly efficient 6’4” 184-pound guard known for his elite basketball IQ, outstanding shooting, and steady playmaking. Originally a standout at the Division II level who transferred to Drake before finishing his college career in Iowa, Stirtz profiles as a high-floor, plug-and-play rotational guard.
Elite Shooting: A deadeye marksman who is especially dangerous in catch-and-shoot scenarios. He creates separation comfortably using a lethal step-back jumper and shows deep range.
High-Level Decision Making: Possesses a phenomenal assist-to-turnover ratio. He is a calculated pick-and-roll orchestrator who plays at his own pace and rarely forces bad shots.
Crafty Finisher: Though he relies more on touch and angles than raw vertical athleticism, he is incredibly efficient scoring in the paint. He utilizes a high-arcing floater and scores well with either hand.
Off-Ball Intelligence: Excels at relocating for open looks and reading defender habits, making him a dangerous cutter.
Weaknesses
Physical Profile: Firmly average by NBA standards in terms of vertical and horizontal athleticism. He does not blow past defenders and is mostly a below-the-rim player.
Defensive Questions: Stirtz’s lack of elite length or lateral quickness can lead to struggles when isolated against quicker NBA guards.
Shot Creation Against Elite Size: Against top-tier, long-armed defenders, he can occasionally struggle to get his shot off or finish inside the arc without drawing fouls.
Draft Range
Between 17 and 28, with an average of 21.1 and a median of 19. There is an 88% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
There is strong consensus that Stirtz is a mid-to-late first round pick, and 10 out of 16 mocks have him going in the late teens. He’s a great shooter, a slightly above-average athlete according to combine results, and has a great basketball IQ. The downsides are his defense, rebounding, and fit with the current roster. He also seems to lack a skill or quality you can point to that is elite rather than just “very good” (like his shooting, particularly from the corner).
The biggest question I have with Stirtz is his fit next to Booker. The general opinion is he’s a tweener guard who can play either position, but he’s not a true point guard, and may be better suited to a secondary initiator role. How close is this to Gillespie? Jalen Green? It’s hard to say, but the Suns should be wary of adding what amounts to a 5th shooting guard to the roster behind Booker, Green, Goodwin, and Allen.
NBA Comparisons
Payton Pritchard, Landry Shamet, and Jeff Hornacek
Chris Cenac (Houston, Freshman, PF/C)
Chris Cenac Jr. is an elite, modern frontcourt prospect. Standing 6’11” with an impressive 7’5″ wingspan, the former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected as a first-round selection.
Physical Profile & Mobility: Cenac possesses rare athletic fluidity for a 6’11” big man. He runs the floor with long strides in transition, boasts a 37-inch vertical leap, and possesses excellent second-jump capabilities.
At-Rim & Roll Finishing: He is highly efficient as a play-finisher, placing in the 97th percentile in at-rim efficiency. He serves as an elite lob threat and frequently capitalizes on weakside putbacks, logging an impressive 9.8% offensive rebounding percentage.
Stretch Potential: Unlike traditional rim-bound bigs, Cenac displays a clean, smooth, and repeatable shooting motion. Shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc on notable volume provides an intriguing foundation as a pick-and-pop floor spacer.
Rebounding Production: He has a natural knack for tracking the ball off the rim. He led Houston in rebounding as a freshman—becoming the first freshman to do so for the program since 2012—and recorded standout double-doubles, including a 17-point, 17-rebound showing against Kansas.
Weaknesses
Physicality & Post Strength: Despite a 240-pound frame, Cenac can play tentatively when absorbing contact in the paint. Stronger, more physical low-post centers occasionally out-muscled and pushed him out of position during his collegiate tenure.
Interior Defense Discipline: While his perimeter switchability and footwork allow him to contest wings effectively on the outside, his interior paint protection is an ongoing work in progress. He has a tendency to bite on pump fakes and pick up premature fouls.
Offensive Creation: He is primarily a complementary, off-the-ball scorer. When forced to create his own shot in isolation, he can become overly reliant on settling for difficult mid-range jumpers rather than attacking the rim.
Draft Range
Between 16 and 32, with an average of 21.9 and a median of 22. There is an 17% chance he will still be available at 17 if the Suns pick there.
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
Cenac projects as an athletic PF/C with a reach and wingspan nearly identical to Rasheer Fleming, but better hops and agility. He’s only a freshman, and projects well as a rebounder and defender. He shot 33.3% from three in college and did well in the three-point star drill at the NBA draft combine. However, his corner three numbers there left a lot to be desired (near the bottom at 9 of 25).
However, he’s still very raw, and the nuances of the game are still coming to him. He doesn’t really move the ball well (his assist numbers are abysmal, and his low turnover rate is because he doesn’t pass much either), and he doesn’t move well with the ball. Even more than Fleming, he’s a long-term investment for whatever franchise picks him. If he by some chance falls to 26, he’s fallen and likely won’t fall much further. The Suns seem to be taking a more patient approach now, and Chris Cenac would be a great insurance policy on the development of Fleming and provide some depth and versatility at PF/C.
However, between Cenac, Steinbach, and Morez, I would pick Morez over Steinbach, which is why Chris Cenac fell to this tier.
NBA Comparisons
Jaren Jackson Jr., Naz Reid, and Kel’el Ware
Coming tomorrow, players available if the Suns were to trade up into the 26th pick with the Denver Nuggets.
Dec 30, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) reacts in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and the playoffs always have a way of revealing what’s actually most important in high leverage games. Our instant mock draft immediately following the lottery tried to take a stab at how the picks will actually come off the board when the first-round begins on June 23.
Now, here’s a mock draft based on what I would do with every pick.
Boozer is the top player on my draft board, and in my estimation he’s the obvious No. 1 pick. I’ve been chronicling Boozer’s brilliance since he was in high school, and all he did as a freshman was win national player of the year in a nearly unanimous vote (59 out of 61). The Wizards should not be making team-building decisions with Anthony Davis in mind. Boozer was only four years old when AD was drafted. Washington needs shot-creation, shooting, and rebounding, and Boozer provides all of that at a high level. Alex Sarr should be a nice defensive complement to him in the frontcourt. This really shouldn’t be that hard.
2. Utah Jazz – Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas
I had Peterson over Dybantsa on my preseason board and my midseason board, and while I thought about moving off that take at times during Peterson’s bizarre freshman year, I’m sticking with it now. Peterson is just a better fit for what the Jazz need, and I do think Utah is potentially good enough for next season to be thinking about fit. Keyonte George needs a defensive-minded off-guard with volume three-point shooting next to him, and that can be Peterson. Of course, Peterson can also be so much more than that if he fully recovers from the strange soft tissue and cramping injuries that plagued his time at Kansas. Dybantsa would have some overlap with Ace Bailey if he’s the pick here. I like a lineup of George-Peterson-Bailey-Lauri Markkanen-Jaren Jackson Jr. with Walker Kessler off the bench. That feels like a playoff team with some real upside to me.
3. Memphis Grizzlies – AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU
Dybantsa probably won’t still be on the board at No. 3 on draft night, but if he is it would set up a fascinating decision between him and Caleb Wilson for Memphis. I give Dybantsa the edge simply because of his shot-creation ability. There just aren’t many players in the world this size — 6’8.5 barefoot, 217 pounds, with a 7-foot wingspan — who can create shots for themselves and others like Dybantsa. I’d love to see him take a little more pride in his defense and up his three-point volume, but he’d be a wonderful addition to Memphis’ rebuild.
4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina
Wilson is the obvious ‘best player available’ choice for the Bulls here. This draft has been defined by a ‘big three’ since these players were in high school, but Wilson was so good at North Carolina that it can now credibly be called a ‘big four.’ Wilson is a bit of an odd fit on the Bulls’ current roster with some overlap with Matas Buzelis, Noa Essengue, and Leonard Miller — the team’s three most appealing young players. Ultimately, that doesn’t matter. There’s a strong chance that Wilson is better than any of them, and Buzelis has developed as a shooter enough to play the three. Take Wilson and figure out the rest later.
5. Los Angeles Clippers – Aday Mara, C, Michigan
This is the first big decision of the draft. I’m torn between Mikel Brown Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, and Mara, but ultimately it’s harder to find a 7’3 center with a 7’7 wingspan than point guards or forwards. Mara was the single biggest riser of March Madness, but I’ve been on him as a potential top-10 pick since he was entering UCLA out of Spain. His size is a game-changer in the middle, and he also has ridiculous passing feel for someone so big. I know the Clippers drafted Yanic Konan Niederhäuser at the end of the first-round last year, but I was never too high on him. After trading Ivica Zubac to the Pacers for this pick, the Clippers find their center of the future.
6. Brooklyn Nets – Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
Yeah, the Nets took four pseudo point guards in the first-round last year, but that can’t stop one of the league’s worst rosters from drafting the best available player. Brown fits that description to me as the highest-upside prospect still on the board. The Louisville guard brings super-high volume three-point shooting, creative passing, and some downhill attacking ability to an offense desperately in need of juice. Brown’s frame is very thin and he doesn’t even have hair on his face yet, but the Nets need to be thinking long-term, and Brown is oozing with potential over time.
The Kings falling to No. 7 in the lottery is a huge bummer, but the upside is that the team really wanted a point guard, and there will be multiple great ones to choose from here. There’s already rumors that Sacramento has a preference for Darius Acuff, and that would be fine, but I like Flemings more. The Houston guard is a lot more disruptive defensively off the ball, and I give him a slight edge as a live-dribble playmaker. KINGSton Flemings to the Kings would be a very good fit for both the player and team.
8. Atlanta Hawks – Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
The key to modern basketball is the intersection of positional size, shooting touch, and IQ. Wagler checks all three boxes while also having worst in class explosion and length for a point guard. How does a 6’6, one-and-done lottery pick finish the season with zero dunks? This will be the first time it’s ever happened, at least for as far back as the statistics go. The Hawks have had some trouble with smaller guards, so Wagler is at least tall while having the ability to play on or off the ball. His pull-up shooting would be really good next to Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Jalen Johnson, and the first two guys there could help insulate him defensively. He’ll probably go higher than this, but I like the fit in Atlanta.
I will have Lendeborg higher than No. 9 on my personal board, and I seriously considered him at No. 5 for the Clippers. I didn’t love his fit in Brooklyn, Sacramento, or Atlanta, but I do think he makes plenty of sense for the Mavs. Dallas should be ready to accelerate this thing around Cooper Flagg pretty quickly, in part because they don’t control their first-round pick from 2027-2030. Lendeborg will be a 24-year-old rookie, but he has unique strengths as a massive wing who can play on the perimeter or bang down low for some small ball five minutes. Critics of this pick will say Dallas already has PJ Washington, but he can be traded. Yaxel is four years younger, would be on a cost controlled deal, and in my opinion should be better pretty quickly. I like the idea of pairing Flagg with a defensive-minded forward who can stretch the floor and give the Mavs positional versatility.
I thought Quaintance would be a top-5 pick coming into the season. Instead, he rushed back from a torn ACL, and shut it down after only four underwhelming games at Kentucky. Quaintance explained his decision to end his season early to me at the combine. If he’s healthy, he has a case as the best defensive player in the class. While he’s a tad short for an NBA five at 6’9 barefoot, JQ measured well with a hulking 253-pound frame and 7’5+ wingspan. His offense is a huge question mark, but his defense should be bankable if he can stay healthy. Assuming the Bucks finally trade Giannis this summer, they will need a new identity long-term, and Quaintance can help that start on the defensive end.
11. Golden State Warriors – Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
The Warriors could really go in any direction here, and I remain intrigued by the Mara fit from my instant mock if he’s still on the board. Given the way this draft goes, Steinbach feels like he would be a good choice to add some physicality and rebounding to the frontcourt. Steinbach’s offensive rebounding is potentially the single best skill in this draft class (behind Cameron Boozer’s brain), and he could feast off misses from Steph Curry and Brandin Podziemski to generate extra possessions.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Morez Johnson Jr., F/C, Michigan
Johnson is the best kind of tweener with the ability to be additive on both ends at either the four or the five. The 6’9 big man has a hulking 250-pound frame with 7’3.5 wingspan and boundless athleticism. He’s one of the best defenders in the class with the strength to wall up inside, the quickness to switch some screens, and outstanding ability to patrol the backline as a low man. I think he’s going to be shoot long-term, and if you agree, he has to be a lottery pick.
13. Miami Heat – Darius Acuff, G, Arkansas
I have questions about Acuff’s scoring process and worry that he might be the worst defensive player in the NBA, but at a certain point he’s too productive to continue passing on. This pick would absolutely be in play in a potential Giannis trade.
14. Charlotte Hornets – Dailyn Swain, F, Texas
The Hornets really need some beef inside, but this class just isn’t very deep in big men after Motiejus Krvias and Patrick Ngongba pulled out. I’ve liked Swain for a while as a bouncy wing stopper who made big offensive strides as a slasher and shooter during his junior season at Texas, but he wasn’t too impressive with his measurements or play at the combine. Still, this feels like a plug-and-play rotation piece for what should be an excellent team in the East next season.
15. Chicago Bulls – Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
I’d prefer Morez Johnson or possibly Jayden Quaintance here, but both are off the board in this mock. Burries will likely be long gone by the time Chicago comes on the clock at No. 15, but he would add two-way physicality to the backcourt with good shooting projection. I don’t think Burries has the shot-creation or the playmaking to be in an on-ball role that would give him star upside, but he checks a lot of boxes as a role player. He’s a player who feels like he’s pretty good everywhere but without a signature skill to fall back on.
16. Memphis Grizzlies – Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
Stirtz is a high-volume creator who doesn’t turn the ball over and also offers floor spacing potential with a quick and accurate trigger from three-point range. He’s not the biggest lead guard and he’s likely to have some issues defending at the point of attack, but he’s such an additive player offensively that he can work in a variety of roles. I’m curious what Stirtz would look like in a faster system and more scaled down role after creating every advantage and playing nearly every minute for Iowa during his senior season.
17. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nate Ament, F, Tennessee
Ament couldn’t live up to the top-5 hype in the preseason he as struggled with physicality and failed to score efficiently from any part of the floor. Still, there’s a reason he was so highly touted entering the year, and it’s easy to see the outline of an athletic, two-way four man who can still impact the game in a more scaled down offensive role. Ament’s 29 percent usage rate was tops on Tennessee, and giving him that much offensive responsibility on a team without great spacing was always too much to ask. I’d like to see what he looks like as a more of a fourth option on offense who can space the floor and attack closeouts while using his 6’10 frame to alter shots defensively.
18. Charlotte Hornets – Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
The Hornets have to come away with a big, and Cenac is the best available at this slot. While he’s likely a couple years away from making an impact, Cenac has elite physical tools at 6’10+, 240 pounds with a 7’5 wingspan. He has a confident shooting stroke from deep, and could be a valuable stretch five (or a four in bigger lineups) who also crushes the defensive glass down the line. He’s a bit raw right now and can struggle with his feel for the game, but the idealized version of Cenac would be a great piece for Charlotte as it continues to build a contender in the East.
19. Toronto Raptors – Labaron Philon, G, Alabama
Philon could inject some much needed juice into the Raptors’ halfcourt offense, which ranked No. 13 in efficiency during the regular season but struggled badly in the playoffs. The Alabama guard is super shifty off the bounce and will thrive in an NBA drive-and-kick game, and he offers scoring ability inside the arc with his floater. His three-point shot made a big leap this season (from 31.5 percent to 40 percent from deep while nearly doubling his volume), but there are some questions about how sustainable that is with a lower release point. Philon is very skinny and will probably never be a good defender, but this would be a very good value at this slot for a potential high-octane creator.
20. San Antonio Spurs – Cameron Carr, G, Baylor
For a 6’5 wing, Carr is extremely long (7’1 wingspan), highly explosive (44 dunks), and a really good spot-up shooter who hit 37.6 percent behind the arc on 205 attempts. There’s a case for him to go much higher than this, but his limited creation ability, shaky passing vision, and thin frame gives me some pause.
21. Detroit Pistons – Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
No one expected Okorie to be a one-and-done entering the year as a recruit ranked outside the top-100, but his creation flashes made it undeniable while playing for a middling Stanford team. Okorie has the best first-step in the class and the acceleration to separate once he gains the initial advantage. He’s more of a scorer than a playmaker right now, which isn’t ideal for a 6’2 guard. Still, his ability to create his own offense while limiting turnovers and showing a solid three-point stroke gives him real upside in this part of the draft. I’d like to see what Cade Cunningham looks like in a more off-ball role at times, and Okorie can get him there.
22. Philadelphia 76ers – Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
Graves would fill a position of need for the Sixers at power forward while also offering two-way upside if he can cut down on fouling. The redshirt freshman from Santa Clara forced turnovers at an incredible rate this season while also shooting 40 percent from three, but his aggressive play led to a lot of hacking that kept him in a sixth man role. Graves isn’t the best athlete, but this area of the draft feels right for an analytics darling who measured well at the combine (7-foot wingspan and 225-pound frame) and has some real skill flashes.
23. Atlanta Hawks – Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez is a big forward who can play with the ball in his hands, but there are questions about his shooting and off-ball defense. He can look good attacking in a straight line as a driver, but he’s a bit stiff athletically when he’s in need of counters. His frame and downhill ability are worth betting on at this point, and he could offer quite a bit of upside if he figures out his spot-up three-pointer.
24. New York Knicks – Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State
Jefferson’s ability to play with physicality on both ends while also bringing connective offensive traits makes him one of the best seniors in this year’s draft. I had Jefferson as the third best player in college basketball this year. While I doubt he’ll have quite as much creation equity at the next level, his reps in a high usage, more on-ball role at ISU will serve him well in the NBA when the ball swings to him. It feels like he fits the Knicks’ ethos well,.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Henri Veesar, C, North Carolina
Veesar is one of the only stretch five options in this class, but he does a lot more offensively than just shoot. The 7-footer thrived in a high-low game with Caleb Wilson by showing good passing touch and efficient scoring inside the arc. He won’t be a plus defensively at center, but giving Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves a pick-and-pop big man with good feel offensively would be a nice choice after this range of the draft was thinned out by NIL.
26. Denver Nuggets – Christian Anderson, G, Texas Tech
It’s hard to find a place for all the small guards in this draft given the way the league is trending, and that means someone like Anderson could be a major steal. The Texas Tech point guard is one of the very best shooters in this draft class, and also a solid playmaker who won’t rack up turnovers. While he measured pretty small at the combine, he does have a 6’6+ wingspan that at least gives him a chance defensively.
27. Boston Celtics – Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
Tanner might be destined to return to college after being one of the most divisive players in this year’s class. He was one of the very best players in college basketball as a sophomore, but he’s just so small at a tick under 5’11 barefoot and 167 pounds with a 6’4.25 wingspan. He definitely plays bigger than his size on both ends with a sixth sense for forcing turnovers and a rare ability to dunk on your head for such a tiny guard. I have questions about his three-point shooting and creation ability at the next level. He’d be a great flier in this range.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves – Koa Peat, F, Arizona
The NBA seems to think Peat should return for his sophomore year, and it’s hard to blame them. He looks more like a run-stopping defensive end than an NBA power forward, but there’s still some potential here for a defensive wing stopper with short-roll playmaking and some play-finishing ability. His outside shot is broken and he lacks lateral quickness or agility, but he would be a fine flier in this range.
29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Zuby Ejiofor, C, St. John’s
Ejiofor is a rugged big man who can help wall off the paint defensively while adding some impressive connective passing traits in the frontcourt. He’s a disruptive defender who plays with a high motor and does all the little things good role players need to do. He’s a tad small for a five at 6’7.5 barefoot with a 7’2 wingspan and 245 pound frame, but he’ll find a way to make it work with an impressive combo of physicality and feel.
30. Dallas Mavericks – Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas
Thomas can fill it up from outside as a microwave scorer while also not making stupid decisions with the ball. He should be able to defend a little bit better than most players in his archetype. The Mavs could stand to add some off-ball offensive firepower off the bench in this slot.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 25: Tyrese Proctor #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tyrese Proctor’s rookie season came to an end Monday night as the New York Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 130-93, sweeping the series, 4-0.
Proctor, who rarely got off the bench in the playoffs, got 9 minutes here. He didn’t score, but he got 1 rebound and 2 assists.
The Knicks move on and will play either the San Antonio Spurs, with Mason Plumlee, or the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Jared McCain, in the finals.
The Philadelphia Flyers have made clear their willingness to make an upgrade on defense this offseason, and while a power play quarterback is the top priority, they could go in other directions, too.
Despite the Flyers' best defense prospects all being right-shot defenders, the most popular names linked to the Flyers ahead of free agency are, of course, all right-shot defenders.
Veterans like John Carlson, Rasmus Andersson, and Darren Raddysh all come with varying degrees of short- and long-term appeal, but two of the three would block a prospect like Oliver Bonk, Spencer Gill, or Carter Amico from an NHL roster spot for several years.
But, because the Flyers are fortunate enough to be working from a position of strength on the right, they can continue utilizing their effective strategy of drafting for value and signing for need.
And because they have very little coming up on the left side of the defense, they can sign for need without worry.
This offseason's top dog at the position, who I have long believed to be a fit for the Flyers even before he became set to hit the open market, is none other than San Jose Sharks defenseman Mario Ferraro.
Ferraro, 27, is actually one of the youngest unrestricted free agents on the market this year, and he comes with a lot of upside relative to his role and what the Flyers need.
Over the course of their rebuild, following the departures of Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson, the Sharks have typecast Ferraro as a No. 1 defenseman, a role he is not suited for but took on head-first nonetheless.
The former second-round pick has a career-high of 23 points, set this past season, and has recorded no fewer than 125 blocked shots and 124 hits in each of his last four seasons.
So, while he is 5-foot-11, Ferraro does play the rugged game required of a player with his skillset, and that is actually something the Flyers will need more of going forward.
And with the Flyers, he wouldn't need to continue playing the absolute most difficult minutes his coaching staff has to offer to him.
Third-pair defenseman Nick Seeler, who will turn 33 next week, is starting to slow down, and he already offers little in the way of skating, passing, and transition play.
Those are some of Ferraro's strengths, even if the point totals don't fully reflect that.
Should the Flyers end up moving on from Rasmus Ristolainen and/or incorporating David Jiricek into the lineup full-time, they'll need an experienced veteran with some juice in his legs, especially to cover Jiricek's warts as he continues to develop as an NHLer.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman via his "32 Thoughts" podcast, Ferraro is "likely" to hit the open market, and that is a situation that has been trending this way for quite some time now.
By extension, that means the Flyers will have other teams competing with them to secure Ferraro's services should they be interested, even though they'll have the requisite cap space to manage such a situation.
The only part where things get tricky is that Ferraro is coming off a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV) with no trade protection, and his next deal could be even longer and doubly expensive.
For the Flyers, that might effectively look like resetting the clock on Seeler, who will be 35 when his current contract expires.
Ferraro, with a six-year deal, will be 33 when it expires, and it's important to keep in mind Seeler's age and regression with the similar physical, shot-blocking playstyles, even if Ferraro is a better puck transporter with his legs and stick.
With that in mind, though, the Flyers have little else to spend their boatloads of cap space on, and Ferraro is a worth successor and upgrade on Seeler who can play up and down the lineup if and when called upon.
The longtime Sharks defenseman has the skills and athleticism to complement someone like Jiricek, or even Jamie Drysdale, and that should be an attractive sell to a Flyers team looking to take another step forward in 2026-27.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 26: Bryan Rust #17 of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrates after scoring a goal against Andrei Vasilevskiy #88 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on May 26, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ten years ago today, it was a coming out party of sorts for Bryan Rust with two big goals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Penguins had rallied back from a 3-2 deficit in the series to send things back to Pittsburgh for a seventh game and the energy at PPG Paints Arena was tight, to say the least.
A scoreless opening period had things feeling even tighter as the game went to the second period tied 0-0.
Just under two minutes into the second period, Bryan Rust scored one of the prettiest goals you can imagine, picking the corner of the net to beat Andrei Vasilevskiy and making it 1-0 Pittsburgh.
Jonathan Drouin scored his fifth goal of the playoffs just before the midway mark of the period, tying things up at 1-1, but Bryan Rust wasn’t done yet.
Rust scored just 30 seconds after Drouin’s equalizer to put the Penguins back on top.
